LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 929.2 M47h I.H.S. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign http://www.archive.org/details/historyofmeharryOOmeha oAll, all are gone, the old familiar faces "One generation passeth away, and another cometh ; but the earth abideth forever." Reel. 1:4. 'It is indeed a desirable thing" to be well descended, but the glory belongs to our ancestors/' Plutarch. Think of your ancestors and your posterity." Tacitus. 'People will not look forward to posterity who never look back- ward to their ancestors." Burke. Home of Alexander Meharry III and Jane (Francis) Meharry, situated on Louse Run, a tributary of Eagle Creek, in Adams County, Ohio. £L o o r D Flooe. Plah~ fjR.5T Floor. Plait w w T ■ ■ ki w " r r Floor Plans of Alexander Meharry's Home. HISTORY OF THE MEHARRY FAMILY IN AMERICA Descendants of ALEXANDER MEHARRY I WHO FLED DURING THE REIGN OF MARY STUART, QuEEN OF SCOTS, ON ACCOUNT OF RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION, FROM NEAR AYR, SCOTLAND, TO Ballyjamesduff, Cavan County, Ireland and whose descendant ALEXANDER MEHARRY III EMIGRATED TO AMERICA IN I794 1925 LAFAYETTE PRINTING COMPANY LAFAYETTE, INDIANA fW1 PREFACE "We have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times." The history of the Meharry family in America, and pre- vious to their coming to this country, has been preserved hith- erto only by personal recollections handed down from genera- tion to generation, and by data contained in family Bibles, diaries and public records. We have drawn much authentic in- formation from the Jesse Meharry diary, which he kept during his lifetime. The intimacy of his daily jottings gives us a clear picture of the character, home life, and customs of the relatives of his generation, and of the general events of the Shawnee Mound community for over forty years. A need has long been recognized to preserve the history of the Me- harry family in a permanent form for posterity to give those interested a knowledge of their ancestors that otherwise they might never obtain. The public in general can take but little interest in the following pages. They are intended for the use of the family. It is more than twelve years since, at the suggestion of Ella M. Crawford, granddaughter of James and Margaret Meharry, we undertook to prepare this book. Cir- cumstances interposed to delay the work. It has not been a simple task, albeit a congenial one, this putting into the hard metal of type the story of our prede- cessors. When all is said, those who write books run a very great hazard, since nothing can be more impossible than to compose one that may receive the approbation of every reader. We are right, perhaps, in treasuring up and in re- counting such few memorials of our ancestors as the vicissi- tudes of American pioneer life have allowed us to retain, for they throw a light upon bygone days, and possibly also upon inherited tastes, ambitions, and characteristics of our own. There is no mention of a thief among our kindred, although such a record would hardly be treasured, but on the other hand no one of them ever painted a great picture, carved a great statue, or wrote a great book, or, if he did, no trace of his achievements has been preserved. There are no great mysteries, sensations, or financial occurrences, but only the placid, steady stream of useful lives. The best life falls far below the standard of true per- fection. Our ancestors were not exceptions. Faults had they, but they were small. Their good qualities far outweighed their faults. We have not written save of that which we love. Forgetfulness and silence are the penalties we have inflicted upon all that we have found ugly or commonplace in their lives. Their virtues remain and shine with increasing luster. As complete a history as possible has been compiled with the material that was available. We are aware ttiat the record is still very imperfect, and doubtless many errors may be found, but such as it is we dedicate it to the Kith and Kin. The publishing committee's personal thanks are due to those who have prepared the history of their own branches of the family and thus have had a big share in making pos- sible this volume. The full list of our kind helpers to whom we are indebted for much assistance is too large for individual mention, so to each contributor who has given us facts, sug- gestions, and anecdotes, or aided the committee in any way, we wish to express our gratitude. We desire especially to tender our most cordial thanks to the Rev. J. R. Reasoner and John T. Moore for their courteous assistance in our work. Their memories were storehouses upon which we drew for authentic information and interesting reminiscences. Wherever portraits of man and wife appear together, the individual on the reader's left (whether man or woman) is the person of Meharry descent. The one on the reader's right is the "in-law." The small figures placed after names denote the gener- ation removed from Alexander II, our common ancestor: Thus, Hugh 1 , Alexander 2 (the immigrant), James 3 , Mary (Meharry) Crawford 4 , Jessie Crawford) Butler"', Mrs. Jessie (Crawford) Butler 5 , Mrs. George (Letty Mary Meharry) Hawthorne 4 , Mrs. Eva (Meharry) Glenn 5 , Miss Florence Meharry 5 , Mrs. Fred Stewart (Mae Meharry) Haven 5 , Jesse Martin 5 (deceased), Charles Leo Meharry 5 (appointed to fill the unexpired term of Jesse Martin, deceased), Committee. CONTENTS Page The Meharrys in Scotland and Ireland 9 Alexander Meharry III, "The Immigrant" 12 "God can not be everywhere, so he provided mothers" 23 Jane (Francis) Meharry 24 First Branch Jane Meharry Stivers 36 Robert Stivers 36 Lydia Stivers 36 Andrew Jackson Stivers 36 Katherine (Maddox) Stivers 36 Lyman Ballard Stivers 36 Sarah (Stivers) Bird 36 J. G. Bird 36 James Stivers 36 Neora Jane Stivers 36 John Alexander Stivers 36 Emily (Stivers) Meharry 36 James A. Meharry 36 Second Branch John W. Meharry 37 Sarah (Wood) Meharry 37 Amanda Lee Meharry 37 Sallie Gillespie Meharry 37 Rebecca Clay Meharry 37 John Asbury Meharry 37 Martha (Hemphill) Meharry 37 Allen Trimble Meharry 37 James Alexander Meharry 37 Emily (Stivers) Meharry 37 Third Branch Hugh Meharry 40 Susanna (Ambrose) Meharry 40 Margaret (Davidson) Meharry 42 Emily (Meharry) Blackstock 43 Robert Blackstock 43 Francis Meharry 45 Margaret (Blackstock) Meharry 45 Charles Wesley Meharry 48 Sarah Ellen (Taylor) Meharry 48 Susan Ambrose (Meharry) Kumler 49 Rev. John A. Kumler 49 Maria (Meharry) Adams 51 William Henry Adams 51 Mary Ann (Meharry) Evans 54 William Evans 54 Alexander W. Meharry 55 Jennie (Evans) Meharry 55 Elizabeth (Ambrose) Meharry 55 Fourth Branch Page Thomas Meharry 59 Eunity (Patton) Meharry 77 Jane Patton (Meharry) Dick 85 Eli Hinkle Dick 89 William Meharry 93 Margaret Hannah (McCorkle) Meharry 113 Ellen Patton (Meharry) Martin 117 John Sayers Martin 126 Jesse Meharry 141 Addie A. (Francis) Meharry 154 Polly Ann (Meharry) McCorkle 163 Andrew Calvin McCorkle 167 Julia Ann (Martin) McCorkle 167 Abraham Patton Meharry 171 Martha Jane (McMillin) Meharry 187 Isaac Newton Meharry 193 Mary Elizabeth (Moore) Meharry 205 Fifth 'ifth Branch James Meharry 211 Margaret Ingram (Francis) Meharry 211 Nancy (Wood) Meharry 215 Mary Agatha (Meharry) Crawford 217 Rev. David Crawford 225 Greenlief Norton Meharry 263 Letitia (Meharry) Meharry 264 Cornelia Bennett (Meharry) Hickman 272 James Sylvester Hickman 276 James Alexander Meharry 288 Allen Wiley Meharry 288 Sixth Branch Mary (Meharry) Beach 290 Nathan Beach 290 • Stephen Alexander Rufus Beach 291 Margaret Ellen (Carter) Beach 291 Hannah Eliza (Espey) Beach 293 Rachel (Holton) Beach _-___ 294 Sarah Jane Francis (Beach) Sheets 297 John R. Sheets 297 Josiah Nathan Beach 299 Ella Tracy (House) Beach 299 Mary E. (Crouch) Beach _" 299 Elva (Allen) Beach 299 Seventh Branch Jesse Meharry __ 303 Jane Love (Francis) Meharry 304 Eighth Branch David Meharry 313 Jane Wilson (Francis) Meharry 313 Edward Meharry 313 Infant Daughter 313 Albert E. Meharry 315 Elinor Ann Meharry 315 George Erwin Meharry 316 Carolyn (Broadwell) Meharry 316 John Francis Meharry 315 Elma Clementine (Meharry) Whitehead 318 Rev. Nelson Whitehead 318 Lee Wilson Meharry 318 Ethan Samuel Meharry 319 Laura (Knowies) Meharry 319 Lettie Mary (Meharry) Hawthorne 319 George Boyd Hawthorne 320 Margaret Eliza Jane Meharry 315 Hairiet Louise Meharry 315 Hillkiah Franklin Meharry 324 Martha (Hottsclau) Meharry 324 Ninth Branch Samuel Meharry 327 Mary (Sansbury) Meharry 327 Rebecca (Bower) (Wilson) Meharry 327 Tenth Branch Rev. Alexander Meharry 331 Ann iRansome) ( Boswell) Meharry 337 Eliza A. (Ogden) Meharry 337 oAppendix Military Services 342 Original Land Deeds to Alexander Meharry III Farm__ 353 Shawnee Mound Methodist Episcopal Church 357 "The Little White Church" 358 Heshbon Bethel Church and School 359 Grandmother Jane i Francis) Meharry's Prescribed Remedies 357 Meharry Reunions 363 The Tinder Box 367 Meharry Medical College 369 Francis Genealogy ^ .._ 373 The Meharrys in Scotland and Ireland The Meharry predecessors came from the lowlands of Scotland, the "land of brown heather and shaggy wood." English was the language of the lowlands. The Celtic Church was the ancient Scottish church, but it gave place to the Ro- man Catholic Church, the church of the Middle Ages. Then came the Reformation, when the Presbyterian Church was the established Free Church of Scotland. In the pre- Reforma- tion days, before the change was effected, there was bitter strife and cruel bloodshed. Papal despotism touched first the shores of one country and then those of another. The Meharrys, who were "well-to-do" people, lived in and around the quiet little town of Ayr, Scotland. "Auld Ayr, whom ne'er a town surpasses, For honest men and bonnie lasses." 1 )uring this period of religious persecution, the reign of Mary Stuart, they fled from their native heath and sought refuge in the green fields of Ireland. They came across the north channel, a narrow strip of water, from the Scottish coast to Cavan County, in the Province of Ulster, Ireland. Ulster was given over to colonists from the lowlands until half of her population was foreign. Possession there was based upon "The plan That he shall take who has the power And he shall keep who can." The religious feeling between the Scotch Protestant colo- nists and the Irish Catholics of Ulster was bitter. Among both the feeling against intermarriage was so strong that when such a marriage occurred it was considered a misfortune as well as a disgrace. This feeling kept both races pure and unmodified. The Scotch colonists retained their lowland speech. The first story in our catalogue of family traditions dates back to the sixteenth century, when a Meharry forebear (Alex- ander 1 ) found Scotland an excellent place to leave. This par- ticular stalwart grandsire was to be killed for refusing to drink to the Pope. He was struck with the cup and knocked down several times. As he ran past his home, he cried to his wife. "I make for Ireland, do the best you can." I lis family followed him to Cavan County, where they settled and became the an- cestors of the Irish Meharrys, who remained in Ireland until 1794. some 200 years. io History of the Meharry Family The two hundred or more years in Ireland did not rub the burr from their tongues. Alexander III, the first of the Meharrys to set foot upon American soil, spoke with the forceful intonation of the Scotch, and it is notable that the Scotch accent never forsook his sons ; father and sons had strikingly Scotch cast of countenances, hig'h cheek bones, keen blue eyes, set deep below wide foreheads, long jaws that clamped firm lips together. We may be sure this refrain never left their hearts : "And may dishonor blot our name And quench our household fires, If me or mine forget thy name, Thou dear land of my sires." There comes to us another story out of the long ago that a Scotch grandsire bravely persisted in reading the Bible and in holding private worship in his home. He concealed the "Forbidden Book" in a false bottomed chair. When he wanted to read a portion of the Scriptures he would send a member of the family outside to stand guard while the household engaged in their devotions. If they had been discovered they would have lost their lives for engaging in other worship than that ordered by the church of Rome. Both he and his family firmly and conscientiously adhered to the true but secret faith and were spared. There is a persistent tradition that this same grandsire was finally driven to flee for his life in 1641. He is believed to have remained hidden for three days in a potato patch be- fore making' his final escape across the north channel. Sixteen hundred forty-one marks the date of extreme persecution of the Protestants in Ireland, while at the same time the Presby- terians of Scotland had gained a decided but well nigh blood- less victory over Charles I, whom they called a Papist. Was this flight not in all probability from Ireland to Scot- land just the reverse of the original one in the reign of Alary, Queen of Scots? If this was the case, as seems probable in the light of history, it must have been only temporary, for Alexander Meharry III, the first of the clan in America, un- doubtedly came from Ireland. As Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, began her reign about the middle of the sixteenth century, and as the persecution of Protestants under her leadership reached its height about the third quarter of this century, this story evidently cannot refer to the Scotch Meharry who fled from Scotland during the reign of Queen Mary ; but both stories reveal the terrible re- ligious friction of that period. A letter from Esther Mitchel in Ireland to her brother, Edward Francis, in Ohio, tells of the killing of some of the Meharry family by Catholics. This letter History of the Meharry Family ti was dated 1831, years after her sister, Jane Meharry, and brother, Edward Francis, had come to America. No wonder Alexander and Jane (Francis) Meharry longed for a land of true religious freedom, and made their way to America. Information gleaned from Dr. P. W. Joyce's book, "Irish Names and Places," and various other books from the Gen- ealogy Department of the Newberry Library in Chicago shows that in very few instances were family names assumed before the eleventh, and indeed by far the larger proportion, since the thirteenth century. They have originated in various ways. They were derived from localities, trades, professions, bear- ings, nativity, peculiarities of body and mind and various other sources. Before hereditary surnames were fully established it was not unusual to corrupt or shorten names for convenience or according to the taste and fancy of the speller. For instance, MacLaughlin was shortened to Macklin. They used many prefixes. When sons established their homes they often adopt- ed the prefix "Mac" to their father's surname or clan desig- nation, as "Mac Harry," meaning son of Harry. The female line used the prefix "Nei." "O," literally "Oye," signified a grandson. We append the following interesting information, which shows the development and the changes of our family name. In early days the name Meharry was spelled in many different ways, but etymologically it is the same. The oldest form that could be traced is MacGrory. W r ith the passing years it went through various changes, from MacGrory to BacHarry. From this came MacHarry, McHarry, MaHarra and Meharey. In America our patronymic began to be spelled Meharey (see Alexander Meharry III). Today we write it Meharry. We do not know the origin of the name, but the MacGrorys were the ancestors of the Meharry clan. In the words of Will Carleton's humorous lines, Ave can say : "Re-une, oh ye Meharrys, Enjoy it and tell it. A MacHarry's a Meharry No odds how you spell it." We are also reminded of one of John G. Saxe's poems, which contains the following stanza: "Depend upon it, my snobbish friend, Your family thread you can't ascend, Without great reason to apprehend You may find it waxed at the other end By some plebeian vocation." Both strands of our "family thread" were undeniably treated in this manner. 12 History of the Meharry Family Alexander Meharry II is the earliest ancestor of whom we have authentic record. His pedigree, with interesting rami- fications, dates back to the middle of the sixteenth century. He was born in County Cavan, Ireland. He married, at the age of thirty, Elizabeth McWherter, from Scotland, in County Down, near Banbridge, Ireland. They made their home in County Cavan. They begat four children : Jane — married Mr. Johnson. Margaret — married Mr. Gillespie. John — married Mary Brine. Hugh I — married Jane Ray and begat five children, namely : Hugh II — married Mary Hanson, half sister of Nancy Jackson. Robert — married Nancy Jackson, half sister of Mary Han- son. Margaret — married Robert McCullough. Alexander III — married Jane Gillespie and Jane Francis. Letitia — married Robert Morrow. oAlexander Meharry III, c The Immigrant >> Alexander III, the progenitor of the family in America, was dubbed by his descendants as "The Immigrant," which nickname did not imply disrespect, but simply designated him as the earliest of the name to come to America. He came at the period when many were driven from the north of Ireland by the stupidity of George III. He came from the stress and turmoil of a kingdom's upheaval and found peace and free- dom, which was the only luxury he craved. Alexander Meharry was born in Ballyjamesduff, in the County of Cavan, Ireland, August 5, 1763, and died June 2, 1813, in Adams County, Ohio. The place of his birth, Bally- jamesduff, means "Black James' Town.'' Bally signifies town, or building land, to distinguish solid ground from the sur- rounding bog. Duff means black. Ballyjamesduff is a market town in the County of Cavan, Province of Ulster, in northern Ireland. The area of Ballyjamesduff in 1901 was twenty-eight acres and the population six hundred and fifty. There are in the village Catholic, Presbyterian and Methodist chapels, two national schools, one convent school, and a constabulary bar- racks. Fairs are held January 12 and February 4. The pig fairs are held on the day before the general fairs. Alexander Meharry was twice married. His first wife was Jane Gillespie. There were two children from this union, born in Tyrone County : History of the Meharry Family 13 Jane — born February 3, 1790; married Robert Stivers, of Ripley, Ohio. John — born February 19, 1792; married Sarah Wood; died May 9, 1860. Alexander Meharry's second marriage, May 7, 1794, was to Jane Francis, daughter of John and Margaret (Cranston) Francis, of French and English descent. The Francis family lay claim to ancient lineage. The Franks were a people who anciently inhabited part of Germany and, having conquered Ballyjamesduff, Ireland Gaul, changed the name of the country to France. The name has been spelled in many ways ; LeFraunceys, the terminal eys as ish in Kentish; LeFraunses (1379); LeFranceys ; Le- Franceis ; Francess ; Frances, and Francais, as it is now spelled in France. In the United States the name is written Francis. The Francis' might well write their history after the fashion of a certain Scotch family : ''The Francis family is a vera, vera auld family. The line rins back into antiquity. We dinna ken hoo far it rins, but it's a lang, lang way back, and the history o' the Francis family is recorded in five vol- umes, an aboot the middle o' the third volume in a marginal note we read : 'Aboot this time the world was created!' " The John Francis family lived in Ireland at a place called Muff, a noted place, where a great stock fair is held yearly. Jane Francis was born September 28, 1771. In the same month of their marriage (May, 1794) Alexander and his bride, with Jane and John, children of his first marriage, emigrated 14 History of the Meharry Family to the United States of America, landing in New York in the month of August after a voyage of thirteen weeks. They ar- rived in New York strangers in a strange land, unknowing and unknown. In those days the ship gave only passage ; the emigrants had to provide their bedding* and food. From New York they went to Philadelphia, and from there to New Lon- don, Chester County, Pennsylvania, where they lived with the Schellenbargers until the following spring. Then they moved to Connellsville, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, in 1795. While they lived there they loaned money to a merchant, who failed in business and compelled them to take goods from his store at an exorbitant price as payment. They lost practically all their savings through him. From there they went by house boat to Maysville, Kentucky, w'here they expected to locate permanently. But antipathy to slavery soon prompted their removal beyond the Ohio River into a free state. So again they set forth in a family flat boat on the Ohio River and landed at Manchester, Adams County, Ohio, April 28, 1798. Alexander and Jane Meharry made their Avay from Manchester to Eagle Creek, a distance of about fifteen miles, through the dense woods and, according to the customs then prevailing, "tomahawked" or blazed the trail to insure a safe passage, if it should prove necessary for them to return to Manchester. They had to be constantly on the alert for snakes, wild beasts, and Indians. Since landing in New York in 1794, the family had been rather migratory, but on April 30, 1805, Alexander Meharry purchased two hundred and seventy-five acres of land from John Beasley for $550 with the view of establishing their per- manent home. Their long-hoped-for farm was at last a reality. "God gave all men all earth to love, But since men's hearts are small, Ordained for each one spot should prove Beloved over all." This land was situated in Adams County, fifteen miles northwest of Manchester, at the east fork of Eagle Creek. Probably they chose this site because of the good quality of the land and the proximity of water. The following year (1806) Alexander bought the adjoining thirty-one and a half acres from John McCally for $100. He was now owner of three hundred and six acres. Here our good man and good wife built their cabin and settled in a dense forest of heavy timber. It was not unlike thousands of other cabins flung across this country of ours. The main portion of their cabin was two stories high and its dimensions were about twenty by thirty, feet. A low, all- stone kitchen was connected with the main building by a History of the Meharry Family 15 Manchester Landing Thirty families from Kentucky landed on these islands in the winter of 1790. This place was chosen because neither Indian nor wild beast could attack them without their approach being- seen. Colonel Massie at once prepared his station for defense. The three islands were cleared and planted to corn. The soil was rich and productive and raised heavy crops. The wood supplied a variety of game : deer, buffalo, bears, and turkeys were abundant, and the river furnished excellent fish. The bottom of the Ohio River opposite the lower island was selected as the most eligible spot for a settlement. The cabins were raised by the middle of March, 1791, and the town inclosed with strong pickets firmly fixed in the ground, with block- houses at each angle for defense. This was the first settlement within the Virginia military tract and the fourth settlement in the bounds of the state of Ohio. At the time the settlement was made their nearest neighbors were a settlement below the mouth of the Little Miami, five miles above Cincinnati. The original landing was at the spot where the boat is moored as shown in the above picture. Here our ancestors landed April 28, 1798. On the hill above the landing there yet remains at this present time (1925) a building that was occupied by the first settlers who lived at that point. All the other buildings of that pioneer settlement were taken down long ago. Manchester of today is about a fourth of a mile west of the old town. 1 6 History of the Meharry Family passageway. Both parts of the cabin were built of hand-hewn logs and chinked with clay in true backwoods fashion. The first floor of the main cabin contained three large rooms, two of which had huge fireplaces. These fireplaces must have been the center of life in the cabin. In the kitchen there was a wonderful fireplace that extended across the north end of the room. It was OYer a yard deep, and would hold a large por- tion of a cord of wood. The chimney was built on the outside of the cabin and was laid in courses of stone. The woodshed stood only a stone's cast from the back door. Uncle Samuel has told that they would carefully cover the fire at night, raking the ashes over the coals on the hearth. If occa- sionally the fire died out, the younger children were hurriedly sent to the neighbors, where they begged or borrowed a shov- elful of live coals. Grandmother Jane did all of her cooking in the open fireplace. She did not have any stove and it was be- fore the day of matches. "A little hermit of a house, it sits among the trees, A wild brook slipping by its feet, wake robin 'round its knees. A kindly bluff leans over it to warn the storms away, And only gentle winds seek out its roof of mossy gray. Its old stone flags are overgrown with star-eyed meadow grass, Awhile the swooning bee abides — the wood folk pause and pass, Untenanted its silent rooms, unswept its dusty sill, But breezes wed the roses 'neath its open casement still. And in the dusk of weary eves through fancy's lifted bars I see my hermit of a house a-welcoming the stars. Dear phantoms of the loved return to light its hearth with me, Renewing fires of faith that burn unto Eternity!" For nearly one hundred and twenty-six years it stood on the bank among the trees, rearing a proud head above the countryside, good looking, comfortable and commodious. We wish that every Meharry might have visited it and have seen it with his own eyes and have secured something of the atmosphere of the place. It is rich in memories. One can not wonder, after having seen it, that it exerted such an influence over the Meharry brothers. In the spring of 1924, Mr. Mosier, the present owner, who is a young and progressive farmer, razed the old log house and sawed most of the logs into fire wood. "Passing away, is written on the world, and all the world contains." The two hundred and seventy-five acres purchased by Alexander Meharry were covered with heavy timber. Until the farm could be rendered productive, he rented a small tract of land two miles from his home and planted it to corn. The first year Alexander was in Ohio he did not get his seed in until the season was far advanced because of his late arrival History of the Mkharry Family 17 Top, left: East branch of Eagle Creek near confluence of Louse Run. Right: Louse Run, tributary of Eagle Creek. The bed of Louse Run was the only road to the Alexander Meharry cabin. Rear view of Alexander Meharry cabin (1923). This cabin was razed in 1924 by Mr. Mosier, present owner of the land. Tobacco barn near site of old cabin; buiH by Mr. Mosier. Below : Typical old stone fence on Alexander Meharry farm at the foot of Ash Ridge. 18 History of the Meharry Family in April, the necessity of purchasing land, and the building of the cabin. On the night of September 30, 1798, when the corn was in roasting ears, it was entirely ruined by frost. The destruc- tion was so complete that not an ear was spared. On this frost-bitten crop, the family were compelled to subsist until another crop could be planted and harvested. Their sufferings were increased, as in all unsettled countries, by malaria. They were forced to suffer alone because of the strong prejudice which existed against their nationality. The father was a communicant of the Methodist Church and the mother of Presbyterian faith. For many years her ancestors in Ireland were principally ministers and elders of the Presbyterian Church. Later both Alexander and Jane united with the Methodist Church in America. Alexander Me- harry and John R. Connell, both from Connellsville, Penn- sylvania, were the first, or among the first Methodists in Adams County, Ohio. Rev. O'Dell and Robert Dobbins opened a "preaching place" in the Meharry cabin. From the Brown County Atlas we learn that the Brush Creek Circuit was organized early in 1811. It was the first Methodist circuit in Adams County, Adams and Brown counties being the same up to 1818. The fourth quarterly meeting was held at Alexander Meharry 's home on Eagle Creek, September 12, 1812. Solo- mon Langdon, presiding elder, and Isaac Parey, were the preachers in charge. "Circuit riders" were the Methodist ministers of that day. They went from home to home with their Bible and hymn book in their saddlebags. They went forth to preach the Gospel, literally carrying "no gold, nor silver, nor brass" in their purses, for the "workman is worthy of his meat." They were men of strong emotions and rugged eloquence, who knew how to reach the hearts of the people. Frequent camp meetings and stirring revivals were the essence of early Meth- odism. The last quarter of the year was generally given over to camp meetings, every circuit holding at least one such meeting during the months of July, August, or September. These meetings made a profound impression upon the people. When they caught the "Methodist fire" and were "girded with gladness," they engaged in shouting. Today (1924) circuit riders, camp meetings and class meetings, or "love feasts," are things of the past. Alexander Meharry was the prime mover in the erection of Wesley Chapel, which was the first Methodist Church in Adams County and among the very first in the state of Ohio. "It was a large log meeting house, with rough benches and a primitive pulpit; however, the Lord did not disdain this History of the Meharry Family 19 humble sanctuary, but honored it with wondrous displays of His converting and sanctifying power." During the Civil War (1861-1865) this church was changed to a nondenomina- tional church and at this time (1925) is known as the Union Church. It is located across the drive from the entrance gate of Briar Ridge Cemetery. The first M. E. Church in the state was established in 1797 by Francis McCormick. It is said that Governor Thomas Kirker was the first settler in Ohio. James January came as early as 1796. In 1798 came Needham Perry, Alexander Meharry, Richard Askerson, John Mehaffey, Rev. Thomas O'Dell and others. Those were most- ly Revolutionary soldiers from Virginia, and to perpetuate among their descendants the memory of the cause for which they had struggled, the name of Liberty was given to the township when it was formed. Governor St. Clair, in speaking of these Virginia patriots, had expressed the opinion that they were a "multitude of in- digent and ignorant people, but ill qualified to form a govern- ment and constitution for themselves." Governor St. Clair was an aristocrat of the school of Hamilton and Adams, as opposed to the JefTersonian principles of government by the people. St. Clair's purpose was to divide the territory so as to prevent the formation of a state upon democratic principles. Thomas Kirker, Alexander Meharry, Joseph Darlinton, John R. Connell, Nathaniel Massie and others, assisted by General William H. Harrison, went before JerTerson as soon as he was installed President. St. Clair was removed as territorial gov- ernor and Ohio was admitted with a constitution that provided for a republican form of government. Alexander Meharry had seen and felt the results of religious and political des- potism, and as "oppression maketh a wise man mad," he was of the temper and disposition to assist in laying the corner- stone of a free commonwealth. Here in their cabin home in Adams County, Alexander and Jane Meharry shared together for fifteen years the priva- tions and hardships incident to a new country. When they emigrated to America, they did not escape the hardships of life. Conditions were different, but the battle for existence still continued. They practiced religious liberty here which was denied them in their native land. Here they laid the foundations of life by industry, economy, frugality, thrift, patriotism, hospitality, and religious integrity. And here were born seven of their children, the oldest child, Hugh, having been born in Connellsville, Franklin County, Pennsvlvania, February 12, 1797. Thomas — born April 27, 1799 — "the 22d day of the moon." James — born September 18, 1801. 20 History of the Meharry Family Mary — born November 25, 1803. Jesse — born August 13, 1806. David— born October 16, 1808. Samuel — born December 7, 1810. Alexander — born October 17, 1813 — "under the sign of Leo, 25. day of the moon." Here they met their first real sorrow. In the midst of life's responsibilities, death came to the father with tragic sud- denness, June 21, 1813. Alexander Meharry attended the Brush Creek camp meeting near New Market, Ohio, and at this meeting he had a remarkable premonition that his end was near. On Monday morning of the fatal day the meeting closed with the Lord's Supper. It is said the good man arose from the sacrament table saying, "I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, till I drink it anew in my Father's kingdom." He was very happy as he was returning and shouted along the way. Two miles south of New Market he was struck by a falling limb of a white oak tree and was instantly killed. We are told that it was "a clear, calm day." Ebenezer David was riding with him ; his horse jumped, but Alexander's "squatted." Mary Meharry Beach was riding some distance back of her father when the accident occurred. The funeral of Alexander Meharry was largely attended' and called forth many expressions of sympathy. The widow was left with a large family and the land still unpaid for. The neighbors said, "Too bad, too bad, Mrs. Meharry can never pay out." But Mrs. Meharry did pay out. She toiled, full of hope and a strong ambition, which brought success. Alexander Meharry was forty-nine years of age at the time of his death. His coffin was made from a split log hewed with an ax and pinned together. He was buried in the grave- yard at New Market, Adams County, June 23, 1813. But after burial the family found that they could not obtain a satisfactory title to their lot in the cemetery at New Market and they knew that a new cemetery was to be laid out near their home where they could get a good title deed to the burial lot, so in the year 1834 the remains were removed from the New Market graveyard by John, of the first marriage, and David and Samuel, sons of the second marriage, in the original coffin and placed in a new and larger coffin and taken to the Meharry homestead in Adams County, Ohio, where his widow and children still resided. The casket was placed in the attic of their home and kept there until November 3, 1838. For some reason the new graveyard was not surveyed as soon as they had expected. It was located within a mile of their home and was called Brier Ridgfe Cemetery. History of the Meharry Family 21 *M*&c* & pX^ti y. e«VwS~'" Urn **■ <■>-*■ ■' ' 6 ~/gt$- /$06 ■4 '4L rft/yt^ .1 $ U'tf} QtfL J it'll *£ $* *& &&+%■ | 2- JT ^ ^ /VY* 7 C /2 titter/ - / * > .j . , , ^, ? x J u. '/.< ; 4l^ ./- U v. ^ #/•■> .-, > /< c y & l , : /-'-' 'J-ct ^S"~i< . ■-"■■'■'a t; / • /Utr V i i ii *■••;-, .;■-','-■ ' ± 9 32 History of the Meharry Family |I FAMILY RECORD. |j| ^,1 DEATHS. ni$T$£$. Al / ---W /•- ^ <;^ c ^ '/'/■/«< h'yj/r '/.■'/*'•< "/'-"' * 7 • -^ ** f'-A'Tfi'VlS"" ± I // hi) n\ '7'ji) ( / W ft A^"7 x. c? v-^-r/ •/.* it /& *£ f 2 / i - ^ It,.: Mutt i* /f ^ t/.t •*" Heme of Francis Meharry, near Paxton, Illinois History of the Meharry Family 47 tized by Dr. William Butler, the world renowned missionary of India and Mexico. She was married to William MofTett, a prominent attorney of Paxton, Illinois, on October 13, 1886, Three were born to this union : Frank AY. MofTet, born August 20, 1888, at Paxton, 111.; Louis Samuel MofTet, born October 8, 1891 ; William MofTet, born Jan. 12, 19C0. Clara Eliza Meharry was born August 10, 1865 ; she was baptized by her great-uncle, Rev. Alexander Meharry, of Cin- cinnati, Ohio. She was married to Charles M. Thomas, of Paxton, Illinois, May 18, 1892, by her uncle, Rev. John Kumler. They have one daughter, Elizabeth, born March 17, 1895. She was married to Arnett S. Chapin, on November 27, 1921. He is a son of Dr. and Mrs. C. E. Chapin, of Bloomington, Illinois. To them was born one son, Charles Thomas Chapin, August 30, 1923. Alice Pell Meharry was born August 13, 1867, and was baptized by Rev. Moses Blackstock, of Lafayette, Indiana, her grandfather of precious memory. She was married to Harry B. Ramey, of Ripley, Ohio, in 1888. They have five noble sons : George E. was born at Paxton, Illinois, December 1, 1889. He graduated from the University of Illinois, in Architecture. He has an office in Champaign, Illinois. He married Nelle Holland, of Freeport, Illinois. Robert Henry Ramey was born February 22, 1891, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He attended the University of Illinois. He was married to Gladys Hagner — one son, Robert Henry, Jr., was born April 1, 1925. Frank W. Ramey was born in September, 1893, in Indi- anapolis, Indiana. He married Jean Roberts, of Champaign, Illinois. Thev have one daughter, Janet, born January 12, 1921. Harry Ramey was born May 6, 1903, in Champaign, 111., and died February 13, 1904. Richard Ramey was born May 1, 1905, in Champaign, Illinois. The three eldest sons had responsible positions in the World's War of 1914 to 1918. Fannie Meharry, the youngest daughter of Francis and Margaret Meharry, was born July 9, 1872, and was baptized by Dr. W. D. Best, of Paxton, Illinois. She died August 17. 1873. Eva Jane (Meharry) Glenn. 48 History of the Meharry Family Charles Wesley Meharry Sarah Ellen (Taylor) Meharry CHARLES WESLEY MEHARRY Charles Wesley Meharry was born in Montgomery County, Indiana, April 10. 1833; he was married to Sarah Ellen Taylor, at Battle Ground, Indiana, by Rev. Hargraves, April 10, 1860. She was born at Summerville, Ohio, August 26, 1836, a daughter of Rev. Luther and Julia Taylor. After al- most sixty-one years of useful, happy life together, she died at her home in Paxton, Illinois, February 19, 1921. He has been trustee in the Methodist Church at Paxton since 1868, a kindly, Christian man, loved by all who knew him, the last of Hugh Meharry's family, just lingering on the borderland of Heaven. The following are their children, born in Montgomery County, Indiana : Wilbur Hugh Meharry, born February 12, 1861, married Georgianna Merritt on January 19, 1888, at Paxton, Illinois. Both are now efficient workers in the Methodist Church at Yakima, Washington, where they live on a fruit farm. To them were born two children. Lauron Merritt Meharry was born March 4, 1891. He married Jeannie Fulton at Seattle, Washington, where they now reside, having one son, John Fulton Meharry, sole heir to the name "Meharry" in the Hugh Meharry branch. Geraldine Fern Meharry married Lee Craig at Yakima, Washington ; they have a daughter, Georgiana Fern. Ida May Meharry, born August 11, 1862, died at Paxton, Illinois, June 19, 1887. She was a beautiful Christian char- acter, whose life, though short, is a pleasant memory. History of the Meharry Family 49 Emma Florence Meharry, born November 21, 1863, is librarian of the Paxton Carnegie Library and has been since its organization in 1904. Frank Taylor Meharry, born December 1, 1865, was mar- ried to Bessie England on October 9, 1888, at Indianapolis, Indiana, by his uncle, Rev. John A. Kumler. Two daughters have blessed their home. Elizabeth England, born at Indian- apolis, Indiana, June 16, 1890, married Harry Heyer at Des Moines, Iowa, in June, 1910. One son was born to them, John Heyer. Josephine Florence, born April 18, 1898, graduated from Minneapolis, Minnesota, high school, and attended De- Pauw University last year. Charles I iert Meharry, born March 7, 1868, married Alice Ballentine, at Lafayette, Indiana, on April 10, 1899. They now live in Chicago. Grace Meharry, born in Ford County, Illinois, September 8, 1874, died on August 11, 1875. Eva Jane (Meharry) Glenn. Rev. John Kumler Susan Ambrose (Meharry) Kumler SUSAN AMBROSE (MEHARRY) KUMLER Susan, daughter of Hugh and Susanna Meharry, was born December 2, 1834. She attended the Fort Wayne College at Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was married in the old homestead of her father to Rev. John A. Kumler, son of Michael and Nancy (Beam) Kumler, of Iiutler County, Ohio, April 20, 1864, by the Rev. Janice Davidson, of Michigan. 50 History of the Meharry Family Rev. John A. Kumler was born April 20, 1838. He gradu- ated in law at Ann Arbor, Michigan, in the year 1863 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws — B. L. The following year he received the degree of Master of Arts from Otterbein Uni- versity, and was a successful lawyer in Danville, Illinois, for a number of years. He was admitted to the Illinois Annual Conference in 1869. Rev. Kumler received the degree of Doc- tor of Divinity from the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Illinois, in 1897. He was in the ministry for forty-five years. He organized the Domestic and Church Aid Society and had the same incorporated for the purpose of supplying neglected fields, establishing Sunday Schools, build- ing churches in new localities, and paying the pastors on their small salaries. In 1890 he closed his six years on the Jack- sonville District as presiding elder, and was appointed pastor of Second Methodist Church of Springfield, Illinois. During the five years as pastor of this church, Rev. Kumler, with the co-operation of the members, succeeded in paying the debt of $22,000. The board of trustees, with the advice of the bishop, as a memorial to Rev. Kumler, named the church ''Kumler Methodist Church." He was elected a member of General Conference twice, in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1896, and in Chicago in 1900. He was Chancellor of Illinois Wesleyan University for three years. In 1904 he was elected president of Walden University of Nashville, Tennessee. This position he held for nine years. He was later a member of the board of trustees of this university and was a charter member of the board of trustees of the Meharry Medical College, the largest professional school in the world for colored physicians, den- tists, pharmacists, and nurses. To Susan and John Kumler were born four children. Ethan Kumler died at birth, July 22, 1866. Glenwood Kumler was born in March, 1868, and died in August, 1868. Both are buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Danville, Illinois. Meharry A. Kumler was born October 9, 1869, in Danville, Illinois. He was married to Grace Hamilton, of Bloomington, Illinois, by his father, Rev. Kumler. To this marriage four children were born. Helen M. Kumler died when eight years of age, in Springfield, Illinois. John M. Kumler was born April 21, 1897. He was in the Naval Reserve in the United States service in 1919. Harry A. Kumler was born in April, 1898, in Spring- field, Illinois. He served on the engineering staff on the C. & A. railroad in 1919. Margaret Susan was born December 28, 1900 1 . She graduated from the Bloomington High School in June, 1919. Mary A. Kumler, only daughter of Rev. John and Susan (Meharry) Kumler, was born at Fairmount, Illi- nois, January 22, 1872. She graduated from Illinois Woman's History of the Meharry Family 51 College, Jacksonville, Illinois, in June, 1889. She was married to George E. Anderson by the Rev. Peter Wood; on October 31, 1895. George E. Anderson was the American consul-gen- eral at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for five years and in the same rank at Hongkong", China, for eleven years. He is now the American consul-general at Rotterdam. The}' have had three children. Harriet was born in August, 1896, in Peoria, dying the following day. George Kumler was born October 20, 1901, in Springfield, Illinois. He graduated from Harvard University. He is a member of the Haydn-Handel Symphony Society, the oldest musical organization in the United States. Alary Kum- ler Anderson was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 3, 1905. She is attending Radcliffe College, Cambridge, Massa- chusetts. Mrs. Anderson and family make Cambridge, Massa- chusetts, their home while the father is in Rotterdam, Nether- lands. Susan Meharry Kumler died in 1900 at Springfield, Illi- nois, after thirty-seven years of happy married life. She was a woman of culture and refinement, and gracefully filled her position as a Methodist minister's wife. Her husband, Rev. John A. Kumler, passed away at his home in Hamilton, Ohio, in 1923. Eva Jane (Meharry) Glenn. Maria (Meharry) Adams William Henry Adams MARIA (MEHARRY) ADAMS Maria, daughter of Hugh and Margaret (Davidson) Ale- harry, was born March 5, 1837, at Shawnee Mound, Montgom- ery County, Indiana. On January 1, 1861, she married William Henry Adams, who from early childhood had been a member of the family of Jesse Meharry, Shawnee Mound, Indiana. 52 History of the Meharry Family They went to Illinois, settling on a large farm near Forrest, where they were both active in the upbuilding' of the church and social life of that community for many years. To them were born five children: Margaret Jane Isabella, Ella May, Annette Floy, Jessie E., and Lillian. In 1877 they moved to their farm in McLean County, near Bellflower, Illinois. Here they built a country home, lending their influence and giving of their means always to the good of church and society. On September 1, 1887, their eldest daughter, Jennie, was married to Rev. James C. Kirkpatrick, of Bloomington, Illi- nois. Two sons were born to them : James William and Paul Meharry. Jennie died in November, 1892, and was buried at Bloomington, Illinois. Her eldest son, William, died in 1915 and is buried beside his mother. In December, 1889, Ella May Adams married Arthur E. Vasey, of Bellflower, Illinois. They have four children : James Richard, Clarence, Dorothy May, and Irma Jean. In Septem- ber, 1908, they moved to Mott, North Dakota, where they still reside. Their older son, James Richard, married and has two children : Ruth and James Richard, Jr. Annette Floy Adams married Hilary Ingle, of Saybrook, Illinois. They had two children : Marie and Robert. After the death of her first husband, Annette Floy married Mr. Camp- bell, of Bellflower, Illinois, where she lived until her death in 1911. In October, 1894, Air. and Mrs. Adams, with their two daughters, Jessie and Lillian, moved to Lafayette, Indiana, where the daughters entered Purdue University. In April, 1902, Lillian married Lange B. Travis, of Chi- cago, Illinois, where they have since resided, and where they have become identified with the church and club life of the city. In 1906, on account of the failing health of both Mr. and Mrs. Adams, they, with their daughter, Jessie E., moved to Chicago, making their home with Airs. Travis. Jessie still re- sides with her sister in that city and is a member of several prominent musical organizations. In November, 1908, William Henry Adams died, and was buried at Bloomington, Illinois. After the death of her hus- band, Maria Meharry Adams lived in very poor health until her death, April 9, 1915. She was laid to rest by the side of her husband at Bloomington, Illinois. During their residence in Chicago they lived near and were consistent members of the McCabe Memorial Methodist Church at 54th Street and Blackstone Avenue. The funeral services were held at the residence on Sunday afternoon by the pastor, Rev. M. J. History of the Meharry Family 53 Mayer, assisted by Rev. Anderson, of Sheridan Road M. E. Church. Interment took place on Monday at Bloomington, Illinois. Mrs. Adams was a woman of culture and refinement, whose ideals in life were beautiful and high. Her personal faith in the wisdom of her Heavenly Father sustained her through a long and well-spent life. Mrs. Adams' spirit in life is well defined by the words of a prayer written by her, and found by members of her family during her last illness: "Ciive me, O Lord, that quietness of heart which makes the most of labor and rest. Save me from passionate excite- ment, petulant fretfulness and idle fear, keeping me ever in the restful presence of Thy love. Teach me to be alert and wise in all responsibilities without hurry and without neglect. Tame Thou and rule my tongue, that I may not transgress Thy law of love. When others censure may I seek Thine Image in each fellow man, judging with charity as one who shall be judged. Banish envy from my thoughts and hatred from my lips. Help me to be content amid the strife of tongues with my unspoken thought. When anxious cares threaten my peace, help me to run to Thee, that I may find my rest and be made strong for calm endurance and for valiant service. For the sake of Jesus Christ, my Savior and my Redeemer. Amen. Eva Jane (Meharry) Glenn. MARY ANN (MEHARRY) EVANS Mary Ann, youngest daughter of Hugh and Margaret (Davidson) Meharry, was born August 17, 1840, at the old homestead near Wingate, Indiana. She was married to William Evans in 1873 ; they then moved to their farm near Ambia, Indiana. They were both devoted workers in Sunday school and the various church activities of the Methodist Church of Ambia. She was an invalid two years prior to her death, whch occurred on November 4, 1880. She was buried in the Glenn Cemetery at Paxton, Illinois. Mrs. Evans was a devoted mother and was held in high esteem by all who knew her. In 1888 her husband, William Evans, died of pneumonia and was buried in Locust Grove Cemetery, near Ambia, Indi- ana. At the time of his death, he was superintendent of the Sunday school of the Ambia Methodist Church. He was a devoted worker with the children, whom he loved dearly. He was always present and gave every child a Sunday school card for attendance. 54 History of the Meharry Family m Mary Ann (Meharry) Evans and William Evans One child, a son, was born to them : Arthur Hanson Evans. He was born September 27, 1874, in his paternal grandfather's home, "Hawgrove.'' He attended school in Pax- ton, Illinois, for two years, living with his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Airs. Robert Blackstock. Then he went to his father's home near Ambia, Indiana. After his father's death, he went to live with his mother's brother, Alexander Meharry. In 1891, he moved with his uncle to Lafayette, Indiana. After graduating from high school, he entered Purdue Uni- versity. Later he married Alta DeVore, daughter of J. W. De- Vore, of South Dakota. He and his wife are living in his grandfather (Hugh Meharry's) old homestead, where he is engaged in extensive farming. Eva Jane (Meharry) Glenn. ALEXANDER W. MEHARRY Alexander W. Meharry was born June 20, 1844, at "Edge- wood Farm," near Shawnee Mound, Indiana, which had been the family homestead for generations. He was the youngest son of Hugh Meharry, one of the pioneers of Indiana, a man whose name is still revered for his multitude of good works. His mother, Margaret (Davidson) Meharry, was his ideal of womanhood as long as he lived. His boyhood was spent in the Shawnee Mound com- munity, where he attended school. Later he entered DePauw History of the Meharry Family 55 Alexander W. Meharry Elizabeth (Ambrose) Meharry University, and after several years of study, he went to Chi- cago to take a commercial course. When this had been com- pleted, he returned to Shawnee Mound and devoted his time to the management of his farming interests. In December, 1868, he was married to Jennie Evans, of Romney, Indiana. She died March 24, 1879, leaving one daughter, Jennie Pearl. In June, 1880, he married Elizabeth Ambrose, of Hills- boro, Ohio, who was a faithful companion for thirty-two years. During his long years of residence in the old homestead, he was interested in every phase of local public welfare. For a quarter of a century he was a faithful official of the Shaw- nee Mound Methodist Episcopal Church, which held for many years a unique and notable place in the history of Indi- ana Methodism. In the summer of 1891, Mr. Meharry removed with his wife and daughter to Lafayette, Indiana. He retained his farm interests and directed them, personally, until the end of his life. Immediately after coming to Lafayette, he identified him- self with the active life of the city. He united with Trinity M. E. Church, and was at once made one of the official mem- bers, a position which he held during the remaining years of his life, with marked fidelity to every duty intrusted to him. He was a member of the Lincoln club, and was vice-president at the time of his death. He was also a charter member of Lafayette Lodge No. 51, Knights of Pythias, and belonged to the uniform rank of that order. He participated in many of the competitive drills that were made by that company when it was under the command of the late (ieneral Tames R. Car- 56 History of the Meharry Family nahan, and was the most famous drill corps in the United States. He was always loyal to the order, and was one of its most highly esteemed members. Mr. Meharry died December 11, 1912, at his home in Lafayette, after a brief illness. He was survived by his wife, Elizabeth (Ambrose) Meharry, his daughter, Pearl (Meharry) Sickler, and his grandchildren, Lucy Alexandra and John Meharry Sickler. He died as he had lived, rich in friends. No kindlier heart ever beat in a human breast; his gentle nature was shown in every act of his life. His personal purity in thought, word, and deed, endeared him to all who knew him. His quiet but genuine interest in men and affairs made him a staunch and loyal citizen whose in- fluence was always on the side of right. His final resting place is in the Meharry Cemetery, near his boyhood home. A bank of flowers on a lonely hill — A bird's song overhead; A drooping birch, a willow tree — And sunset, rosy red. Beneath the fern and the fragrant rose A kindly heart lies still; The friendly eyes are closed in peace, Obeying their Maker's will. In the evening sky, the shadows grow Like curtains of gray in the west. The bird flies home; the trees bend low. And the soul of a man is at rest. Jennie Evans, wife of Alexander Meharry, and daughter of Oliver P. C. and Eliza J. Evans, was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1843. When a child of nine, she came with her par- ents to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, and lived in the Oliver Evans homestead near Romney, until her marriage to Alexan- der Meharry in 1868. To this union two children were born : Alice, who died in infancy, and Jennie Pearl, born in 1879. Jennie (Evans) Meharry died at the family home near Shawnee Mound, March 24, 1879, and was laid to rest in Me- harry Cemetery. She was rich in friends who have never for- gotten her gentle sincerity, her gracious dignity, and her un- failing loyalty to the highest ideals of Christian womanhood. Elizabeth (Ambrose) Meharry, second wife of Alexander Meharry, was born in Hillsboro, Ohio, in 1846, the daughter of George and Margaret (Rizer) Ambrose, who were natives of Morgan County, Virginia, and who came to Ohio on their History of the Meharry Family 57 wedding" journey in 1824, becoming" pioneer residents of the Hillsboro community. Jn June, 1880, Elizabeth Ambrose and Alexander Meharry were married and took up their residence in the Hugh Me- harry homestead near Shawnee Mound. Her home there was for many years a center of hospitality, and she was closely identified with the social life of the community and the in- terests of the Shawnee Mound Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1891, she and her husband and their family moved to Lafayette, Indiana. After her husband's death in 1912, she continued to make her home in the family residence on South Ninth street with her daughter, Pearl (Meharry) Sickler, and grandchildren, Lucy and John, until her death, July 14, 1923. For over thirty years she was a devoted member of Trin- ity M. E. Church, and took an active part in the missionary societies and women's work of the church. She was presi- dent of the Trinity W. F. M. S. for seventeen years, and when her health failed in 1921, she was president of the Monday club of Lafayette, of which she had been a member for many years. She left a legion of friends to mourn the loss of her kindly interest and co-operation in all that makes life worth while. Her unswerving loyalty and warm-hearted sympathy were her outstanding characteristics. She was laid to rest in Meharry Cemetery, July 17, 1923, by the side of her devoted husband, within sight of the old home, where, she always maintained, the happiest hours of her life had been spent. Pearl (Meharry) Sickler, of Lafayette, Indiana, daughter of Alexander and Jennie E. Meharry, was born January 1, 1879, in the Hugh Meharry homestead near Shawnee Mound. She attended Purdue University and was married on June 12, 1901, to Dr. John R. Sickler, of Indianapolis, Indiana. To them were born two children, Lucy Alexandra and John Meharry. Lucy Alexandra Sickler, daughter of John R. and Pearl Meharry Sickler was born in Indianapolis, January 16, 1903. She attended Indiana University, is a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, and was married October 6, 1923, to Paul Walter Christensen, of Cincinnati, Ohio. They have one son, Paul Walter Christensen, Jr., born January 31, 1925. John Meharry Sickler, son of John R. and Pearl Meharry Sickler, was born at Frankfort, Indiana, October 28, 1904. He is a member of the class of 1926 of Purdue University. Pearl Meharrv Sickler. 58 History of the Meharry Family Thomas Meharry Eunity (Patton) Meharry Js#&> fe- ■J 7f £ ; y 4^ l./ \ *^S^B <* -«=5*3» B^J' ~-— -~—~ — JL hTT^F Wt iW' JUte ">"i ,: ■»»«-»»-«. 1111 l\111]H mfmUmf ini Tk::m 111 lllll > Home of Thomas Meharry near Wing-ate, Indiana. Isaac and Mary (Moore) Meharry and two of their children in foreground. History of the Meharry Family 59 Fourth branch THOMAS MEHARRY Thomas, second son of Alexander and Jane (Francis) Ale- harry, was born Saturday, April 27, 1799, in a log cabin on a farm lying along Eagle Creek, in Liberty Township, Adams County, Ohio. The date of his birth was "the twenty-second day of the moon," according to the record in his father's fam- ily Bible. His birthplace is about two miles southeast of the village of Decatur, Ohio, which is across the line in Brown County. He was descended from the Scotch-Irish, who, as a class, were pious, earnest, brave of demeanor, courageous, and energetic. As one studies the life of Thomas Meharry, his character readily analyzes itself into one of simplicity, sin- cerity, generosity and hospitality. He was pre-eminently a member of that great class of our countrymen whom Lincoln characterized as the "plain people." About 1789 his father bought 306 acres of land in south- ern Ohio from John Beasley. This land was on the frontier of civilization, wdiere the ax was needed for the forest and the rifle for the Indian. There in the dense woods his father opened a clearing, built a cabin and established his home. In this secluded home the little lad Thomas spent the early years of childhood and youth. When he reached six years of age, he trudged up Louse Run to the old schoolhouse and sat upon the rough benches, which were without backs and sometimes so high that the pupils' feet could not touch the floor. Thomas' education was limited to a short training in "readin', 'ritin' and cipherin' to the rule of three." Sessions of school Avere not long and were irregularly attended. The boys were needed on the farm, for in those days the services of boys of even six or seven years were considered too valu- able for farm work to be sacrificed for school purposes. In 1813 death came to the humble household when Thomas Meharry's father was killed by the falling of a tree. A posthumous child, Alexander Meharry IV, was born four months after the father's death. This left the widow, Jane (Francis) Meharry, with a family of eight children to face the problems of life. She made a vow to keep their home and complete the clearing of the land. She managed the farm and the household. She and the boys hoed, cooked, scrubbed, and prayed. The more they gave and the more they prayed, the more they were prospered. Thomas did all he could to help her in the struggle to keep the family together and to clear their land. We hear of him in those days as an active boy, full of fun and frolic, and also regarded as rather remark- 60 History of the Meharry Family able for bluntness and decision of character. He was also fearless and self-reliant. Many stories are told illustrative of the courage and hardships of our pioneer ancestors, which in these prosperous times we are prone to forget. One incident of the boyhood of this lad, for he was little more than a boy then, which showed that there was good stuff in him for the making of a man, is worth the telling. Every year at the close of the season Thomas would take a load of the produce of their garden and farm, which he and his brothers had raised dur- ing the summer, in a flat boat to New Orleans, where it met with ready sales and good prices. He was consequently in good spirits for the return trip across country to his home in Ohio. He invariably walked back, although the distance was approximately nine hundred miles. In those days they did not have travelers' checks, or even paper currency. Gold was the only form of money used. Thomas would carry the gold, "yellow boys," as he called the coins that he received from his sales, in a belt strapped around his waist and concealed beneath his clothing. It was not a heavy weight to carry, for $1,000 in gold weighed not more than four or five pounds, and it is not likely that Thomas' produce was sold for that amount. A number of the boys from his home in Ohio made these annual trips with him. They traveled together for pro- tection against robbers, for there were many lurking bandits waiting for their gold. The boys carried heavy clubs and used much precaution to guard themselves. Thomas encountered many dangers, but matched himself against fatigue, perils and privations, and came through safely. In boyhood, Thomas was not physically strong and the experience he was com- pelled to undergo upon these annual trips weakened his con- stitution and left him frail for the remainder of his life. During this period the pioneer spirit was strong in Thomas' blood. One spring day in late April of 1827, Thomas, with his brothers, Hugh and James, left their home to visit Indiana for the purpose of locating and entering land. They made the trip on horseback and camped at night. They laid their blankets on the ground and slept hard in every sense. They prepared coffee and toasted bacon, their "common do- ings." They carried their spades with them, and when they came to land that interested them, they would dig down to test the soil. After an extended tour of investigation, and with faith in their judgment of the future, a faith that was amply justified by results, they entered a half section each at $1.25 per acre and found themselves $300 in debt. They made their decision and nourished no regrets. Thomas then returned to Ohio to prepare for removal to History of the Meharry Family 61 his new land, and to marry Eunity Patton, daughter of Robert and Eleanor ( Evans) Patton, whose home was in Brown Coun- ty, Ohio, which was k4 as the crow flies" about ten miles from the Meharry cabin in Adams County. When Thomas Meharry made his first call upon Eunity, her mother saw him coming and exclaimed in a surprised voice, "There comes Meharry !" Thomas began to go to Eunity 's to "talk" and he soon became a frequent Yisitor in the home. The old, old story developed along its ancient trodden paths. One day when Thomas came "a-sparking" he brought with him a sack of apples for them to eat while they visited. Thomas' object in bringing the apples was to watch how Eunity ate them, thus to ascertain if she was saving. Would she pare the apples with a thick peeling? Would she waste a lot in quartering and coring the apples ? Eunity, uncon- scious that a crucial test was being applied to her, ate seeds, core, rind and all, wasting nothing. Great was Thomas' satis- faction. Now he had convincing proof that she was most economical, and surely she would make a thrifty helpmeet. Thomas immediately asked Eunity Patton "to name the day." They were married Tuesday, December 4, 1827, when Thomas was twenty-eight and Eunity twenty-five years of age. The bride's mother did not favor this union because of the dread of the separation that must necessarily follow when they mi- grated to the unknown west. Thomas Meharry, at one time, was engaged to Lydia Perry, but this engagement was broken off on account of a disagreement between Lydia's father and the Meharry broth- ers over the carding of some wool they were doing for Mr. Perry. Afterward Miss Perry married John Cooper and she became the mother of Needham Perry Cooper, who moved from Ohio to Illinois and married Margaret Francis, daughter of Abraham Francis and a grand niece of Jane (Francis) Me- harry. Thomas and Eunity Meharry began their married life at the Meharry homestead in Ohio and resided with Thomas' widowed mother until May, 1828, when they left Ohio to go to the wilds of Indiana. On a memorable day, which is repre- sented to be one of surpassing beauty, Thomas and Eunity loaded their goods and chattels on a flat boat, or "ark," at Manchester, Ohio, and smiled adieu to their old friends gath- ered at the wharf to wish them "God-speed" on their journey to the west. 62 History of the Meharry Family "Lo, our waiting ark is freighted; In its depths of oak and pine, All our household treasures gathered — Thine, my humble friend, and mine. "Ax and team, and plow and sickle, In the hold are gathered all; And, methinks, I hear the woodland, Mid their thundering echoes fall. "Draw the footboard, loose the cables, Free the wharf and man the oars; Give the broad keel to the river, Bid adieu to the crowded shores." — Thomas B. Read. The route planned was to float down the Ohio River and up the Wabash to Attica, Indiana. The journey was started in May, 1828. Progress on the Ohio was slow, for the current was ordinarily only three miles an hour. Some days they advanced but three or four miles. Many hours were passed in a skiff in which they rode to the shore, Avhere they searched for game. They would float all day and tie up to a tree at night. Sabbaths they spent in rest and quiet, never traveling on the Lord's day. After many days of travel they reached the appointed spot and landed at Attica, Indiana, at the sunset hour. On the next morning Mr. and Mrs. Meharry went straightway to their land in Richland Township, Fountain County, and settled in the woods eleven miles east of Attica on what is now known (1925) as the James Riffle farm on the old state road. There were no roads, only paths and bridgeless streams then. The settlers lived far apart and wild animals were numerous. Here Thomas and Eunity erected their tent and began housekeeping. It was home, "ever so humble," it is true, but home, nevertheless. It is said that they slept between feather beds to protect them from the in- tense cold in winter. After fourteen months Mr. Meharry bought a tract of land in Montgomery County and at once began preparations for the building of a cabin. Thomas worked early and late in felling timber for the new home. One evening after a hard day's work he was so exhausted that he could not go back to their tent in Fountain County, so he slept on the ground near where he had been working. Eunity and baby Jane were left alone for the night. Some time after dark Eunity heard the howling of wolves, which came nearer and nearer until the pack of wolves surrounded their clearing. With only a cover- lid for a door, which in such an emergency was no protection, she was compelled to build huge bonfires and keep them burn- ing brightly until dawn to keep the wolves from molesting History of the Meharry Family 63 64 History of the Meharry Family them, as the dreaded beasts would not venture within the circle of the fire. Eunity was very angry with Thomas for thus leav- ing his wife and child alone and unprotected at night in a wild and unsettled country, but when he came home and told her how tired and worn he was, she did not scold. In relating the above experience to her children, she said, "I just couldn't say a word." Mr. Meharry broke and fenced ninety acres the first year while living in Fountain County. He had bountiful crops, which he sold to immigrants for feed and seed, bringing good returns. Late in the fall of 1829 Thomas moved his family to their new home in Montgomery County. Here they passed the winter in a log cabin. The cabin was twelve feet square and made of logs. The chimney was built of stones and clay. There was an immense fireplace that would hold huge logs of wood, and great fires glorified the room in which the family gathered. The little cabin was rude, but comfortable. It was situated at the edge of a native forest. There was no lack of food, for the garden and the field, the fowls and the herd, the wild fruits and the game furnished abundance. The spindle and the loom were soon busy. Before long the sweet voices of children broke the silences of the woods and added new joys and new cares for the parental hearts. The following spring the demands of the growing family necessitated another addition to the house, and something in the way of a modern dwelling was attached to the cabin. This was a roomy structure for those primitive days. It was a four-room, frame building, a story and a half high. Here they dwelt in safety, never molested by Indians nor wild ani- mals, but they could often hear the mournful midnight howl of the prairie wolves, which more than once coaxed their house dogs away. To this period of Thomas and Eunity Meharry 's life be- longs a story that shows their characteristic resourcefulness. Late one afternoon in early fall while Thomas was plowing an acquaintance rode up to the fence and stopped for a friendly chat about the crops and weather, as Thomas supposed. But the man was there to ascertain if Mr. Meharry had entered the adjoining eighty acres which lay next to the land he was then working. Thomas told him he had not, but would as soon as he had the money to pay for it. The disgruntled neighbor then boasted that he had the ready money and soon would be the owner of the land, for he liked it better than any he could locate elsewhere. Our good man was sorely troubled and stood lost in thought for a while, then left his horses standing in the field and started for home to advise with mother. He never liked History of the Meharry Family 65 to decide a perplexing question without submitting it to his wife, for he placed great reliance on her judgment. Her assist- ance in the management of the family finances had been of great value in the past and he had abundant faith that she would devise some scheme for raising the needed sum to pay for the land. His faith was not misplaced, for Eunity, quick to see and grasp an opportunity, soon convinced her husband that they could buy the land and could pay for it. In the dim gray light of the next morning's dawn, Mr. Meharry rode to the home of his friend, Laban Wheeler, who had ready money and who gladly loaned him one hundred dollars in gold at fifty per cent interest. ( It was a three months' loan, but was repaid in six weeks.) Thomas imme- diately rode across the country to the land office at Craw- fordsville, Indiana, and obtained the land by purchase from the government at $1.25 per acre. Upon the return trip he met friend neighbor on his way to enter the coveted land. "For your sake, I regret to tell you that the eighty is mine," was Thomas' greeting. When Thomas reached home from Crawfordsville his wife asked him to go to their twenty-acre corn field north of the house where they had a large crop of pumpkins and to bring in a wagon load of the fruit. When he returned with the pumpkins, Eunity made them into sauce, or pumpkin butter, which Mr. Meharry took to Crawfordsville on the following day and sold from door to door. While grandfather was selling the sauce, grandmother was working another load of the yellow fruit into more sauce. For four suc- cessive days the}' worked early and late until four wagon loads of pumpkins had been converted into delicious golden sauce and sold at good prices. "We have pumpkins at morning and pumpkins at noon, If it were not for pumpkins we should be undone." Thus grandmother's dauntless pluck and resourcefulness triumphed, for the pumpkin sauce paid for the eighty acres of land. Thomas and Eunity were fully alive to the truth em- bodied in Shakespeare's famous lines : "There is a tide in the affairs of men, Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries; And we must take the current when it serves, Or lose our ventures." There is little to record of those incidents that give zest to biographies, but a record of every duty well done. There were difficulties to meet and troubles to share and joys to divide. So the days passed and the months went by and the years counted themselves with the eternity that lies behind. 66 History of the Meharry Family Under the thrifty farmer's management, the farm was brought from its primitive condition to a more improved state. No sooner had the rank prairie grass been turned under by the plow than Grandfather Thomas planted a ten-acre apple orchard, which was the pride of his heart. There were the early apples, the autumn apples and the winter apples of many different varieties. Some of the "windfalls" were cut and dried, some made into apple butter and others into cider. Cider time was when the small boys, with convenient rye straws, sucked "nectar" to their hearts' content. This was the first bearing orchard in the country and it was an impor- tant source of revenue. A train of wagons came, often from a distance of fifty to seventy-five miles, and remained several days gathering apples. Selling honey was another profitable line. Eunity Patton Meharry enjoyed working with bees and was very successful with them, earning considerable money by the sale of honey. It is said that on one trip to market with a load of produce that consisted principally of honey in the comb, the horses became frightened in "Irish Town," a suburb of Lafayette, and ran, scattering honey along the street for several blocks. The accident caused the loss of many hours of labor for Mrs. Meharry. Mr. Meharry kept from ten to twenty cows and made cheese and butter for the market. Then, too, they would cut and haul cord wood. Their nearest markets were : Attica, fourteen miles ; Crawfordsville, eighteen miles, and Lafayette, twenty miles. The Indiana soil was rich and productive. It produced great crops of corn, wheat, oats and grass, the sale of which added to the family income. Grandfather brought the first reaper to this part of Indiana in 1845. It was a crude affair, but a wonder to the farmers, who had never seen anything like it. Cyrus McCormick sold and delivered this reaper to Thomas Meharry for $100. He hauled it in a wagon from Chicago to the Meharry farm in Montgomery County, Indiana. The machine was in sections, which Mr. McCormick put together. He then drove it into the field and cut grain. After trying the reaper awhile himself, grandfather suggested that there should be a seat on it, and Mr. McCormick agreed with him, so they drove to Attica, had a seat made and Mr. McCormick attached it to the reaper. He then spent three days at the Meharry home, testing the machine to be certain that it was satisfactory. Thomas possessed the most valuable quality of not being satisfied so long as he felt there was further development yet to come. "This one thing I do," seemed to be his motto through all his career. He labored diligently, lived prudently and ac- cumulated honestly, surrounding himself with the necessities History oi< the Meharry Family 67 and even the comforts of life. His wants were very modest compared with those which we of today convert into imag- inary necessities. By industry and economy he added other acres to his homestead, new buildings, livestock and general improvements. Thomas taught his children to keep their land at an}' sacrifice. Frequently he said, "Never part from your land, boys ; keep your land and your land will keep you," and again. "Live like a farmer and you'll live like a prince." He never engaged in land speculation. The pleasures and recreations of those pioneer days were the hearty old time frolics of husking bees, apple parings, and quilting bees. House raisings, barn raisings, and corn husk- ings were enjoyed also by young and old. At these gatherings, the good housewives served "little dinners," as they so mod- estly called them. The men were responsible for arranging the long tables beneath the trees in the yard. The tables were made by putting planks on saw horses and covering them with red table cloths, and, on real extra occasions, with a white cloth. And such spreads ! The hearty and substantial things that came forth from the baskets were something like the following: Fresh beef, head cheese, sausages, wild turkey, fish, fried chicken, boiled ham, all kinds of vegetables, creamy Dutch cheese, sweet and spicy preserves of many sorts, corn bread, white bread, sour-dough biscuits, pies galore, sorghum, or maple sirup and honey, and always doughnuts, pound cake, butter milk, steaming coffee and tea and sweet cider were present. The pioneers' appetites were keen and satisfaction for them abundant. They were better friends for sitting around these boards in company. Reading matter was as much too scarce then as in some particulars it is too plentiful today. Their few books com- prised the Bible, the lives of one or two noted preachers, such as John Wesley ; possibly a copy of Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," and Dr. Gunn's "Medical Book," but "always" a patent medicine almanac, which they carefully consulted on every occasion. Stray newspapers were treasured and passed from one to another, while magazines were not thought of. In the year 1845, the Coal Creek region, bordering the southern part of Tippecanoe, the western part of Montgomery, and the eastern part of Fountain counties, in the state of Indi- ana, became so infested with thieves, especially horse thieves, that the protection of property became a serious question. The}' had no telegraph or telephones at that time, so it was hard to locate the marauders. In this year, probably in June, four or five men met in Thomas Meharry's locust grove in council to talk over the situation. They decided to form themselves into a company Upper Left — Shoe lasts, coffee mill, steelyards. Can any one name the other article? Upper Right — Dough box, ox yoke, wooden rake and wooden hay forks. Thomas Meharry's home in background. Center — An old hickory splint basket and a demijohn. (It took three of these to store the alcoholic medicines in Thomas Meharry's household.) Chain brought from Ohio by Thomas Meharry and his old hand wrought anvil dated 1838. Old harness horse, candle stick and candle moulds. David Meharry's old hammer dated 1825 and old planes found in Thomas Meharry's attic. Did these planes belong to Mathew Patton, the cabinet maker, and brother of Eunity (Patton) Meharry? All ttttse relics were recently found in the Thomas Meharry attic, excepting the old hammer (1825) which was made by David Meharry and is the property of his daughter, Mrs. George Hawthorne. History of the Meharry Family 69 to protect themselves from thieves of all kinds. They or- ganized a company of men of the neighborhood, who were known as the Council Grove Minute Men, or "horse company." They held meetings and arranged it so in case of a horse being stolen, all members would be notified and at a moment's notice the}' would be ready to assist in catching the thief. At one time, when a valuable horse was missing, the members of the company hurriedly got together and started out to catch the thief. It was not long until the horse was found in the road with a bridle on, but the thief kept to the corn fields, reached the Wabash River and swam across without being caught, though the pursuers shot at him several times. The Minute Men were often called out in the night to ride down some thief. The clatter of the horses' feet in the still- ness of the night could be plainly heard as members of this company on horseback galloped over the road in search of thieves. After the organization had been in existence fifty years, at the June meeting's in 1895, Mr. G. N. Meharry, one of the oldest members of the company, presented President S. M. Mick with a gavel as an insignia of the office of president of the Council Grove Minute Men. The gavel was made by Ira ( i. Meharry, the grandson of James Meharry, from a locust stum]) of one of the trees in the grove where the first meet- ing was held. As the family grew and prospered, there came at last the Spacious and beautiful brick residence, which was built in 1842. near Shawnee Mound in Montgomery County, Indiana. For awhile, Eunity opposed the building of their new home in that year because her twin sons, Abraham and Isaac, were born in February of the same year. She said, "How can I care for my babies and look after all the extra work that building will bring to me." But, after careful consideration, Thomas and Eunity decided not to defer their building plans. The beams of this house were large, hand-hewn timbers. Tin- shingles were hand cut and secured by hand-wrought nails. The bricks were home made and the lime was burned a few feet east of where the home stands today. There was one room in their new home that deseiwes spe- cial mention, that was called the "Sabbath parlor," where the door was always closed to the children and they were never allowed to enter without special permission. It was in the stiff propriety of this room that the parson and other visitors of quality were entertained when they appeared. There have been many changes, some additions and some improvements in the old home during the passing of the years, but practically it stands as it was built in 1842. It was here 70 History of the Mi: harry Family in this home on the farm which they together carved out of the virgin forest that Thomas and Eunity spent the closing years of their life. "It was a pleasant mansion, an abode new, Yet hidden from the great high road." Thomas Meharry was a close student of the Bible and he was a man with a positive faith which was as simple as that of a little child. Every morning and evening family wor- ship was observed in his home. Before each meal grace was said and afterward thanks were returned. He ever followed his children into their walks of life with daily prayer and wise counsel. In the Meharry home Sunday was devoted en- tirely to public and private worship, reading of scriptures or catechising and nothing else was permitted. Soon after estab- lishing their home, both Thomas and his wife joined the Meth- odist Episcopal Church of their community, as charter mem- bers, at the residence of Peter Schultz, which was the regu- lar preaching place. Most of the religious people of that time, if they were Protestants, were affiliated with the Methodists — a denomination that always did and always will hold meetings somewhere. In the early days, the services were held in the homes, later the schoolhouses were utilized. Then came the barnlike structures which were called "meeting houses." Thomas Meharry was always in attendance at church services, except when unavoidably detained. In those days the men and women occupied different sides of the church, the men having the right and the women having the left. Families never sat together. At the right and left of the pulpit and parallel with it were several rows of short pews, the ''amen seats," as the ungodly had profanely named them. Here the more faithful members sat, those who were used to "speakin' out in meetinV When the preacher made a point that pleased them, they would say, "Amen, amen," in no un- certain tones. During the long sermons, Thomas, who was an "Amener," often became tired and drowsy. At such times it was his peculiar habit to arise and stand with folded arms. After ten or fifteen minutes, he quietly resumed his seat. He did this so frequently that no attention was paid to it by the congregation. Thomas Meharry, like many others of his day and gener- ation, was bitterly opposed to Free Masonry. The neighbor- hood was trying to raise the sum of $1,500 to erect the first church building in the community, which was to be built at Pleasant Hill, now called Wingate. Likewise the Masons were striving hard to construct a Masonic Temple. Neither had the required funds. A committee approached Thomas Meharry and suggested that they help each other. The plan was for the church to occupy the first floor and the hall to be History of the Meharry Family 71 above the church. I lis indignant reply was, "I will not build God's house and let the devil build his on top." His answer surprised his friends, for in those early days for him to refuse a favor was almost unknown. He was very pronounced in his likes and dislikes, also frank and outspoken, but it was through the instrumentality of the Meharry brothers that the church was built. The Meharry brothers helped to establish Methodism in semi-pioneer Indiana, as their father did in the wilds of Ohio. In accordance with the custom of the times there were frequent stirring revivals and religious meetings. These were the very essence of Methodism. No home of worship was large enough to hold the crowds, so camp meetings became a physical necessity. These camp meetings were important factors in the lives of the Meharry brothers and their families. The first camp meeting in the neighborhood after the Meharry family moved to Indiana was held in the grove of James Meharry, but a few years later the camp was moved to the grove of Hugh Meharry, where it remained for about forty years, and was then taken back to the James Meharry grove, which had in the meantime been inherited by Allan Meharry. The last meeting was about the year 1918. Both of these cam]) grounds were beautiful spots and appropriate for religious worship. Each tract was covered with a large growth of trees and was void of underbrush. The camp meetings were always held in summer. The first day of the meetings was given over to the pitching of tents, gathering the supply of wood, arranging the lights, and settling the families. By night all was in order and a special service was held, the first sermon preached and the evening concluded with a brief class meeting. The meetings held about five days and adjourned while the spirit of the meetings was yet in its strength. There was a rigid program, which was strictly followed. The influence of these open air meetings under the trees was the dominant element in the lives of the early settlers of that community. "In the darkling wood. Amid the cool and silence, he knelt down And offered to the Mightiest solemn thanks And supplication. For his simple heart Might not resist the sacred influence." — William Cullen Bryant. People flocked to these assemblies in great numbers to renew their pledges to the Lord. Many families camped on the grounds, removed from the "bus}' haunts of men." One could look out over a "sea of tents." The nearbv families. 72 History of the Meharry Family who did not camp, came early and stayed late, the good housewives bringing well-filled baskets with them. Old, white- haired men and women, rich in experience, down to barefoot, tow-headed boys and girls, who had eyes and ears for all that was to be seen and heard, made up the gatherings on the camp grounds. Grandfather Thomas' one by-word was "Abominable on it." He did not tolerate profanity and was not addicted to the use of intoxicating liquors, nor tobacco in any form. In these matters he was inclined to grant no privileges to others that he did not allow to himself. His sons used to relate some stories that illustrate the character of the training he gave them. One day, when William and Jesse were in their teens, they had been given some cigars by a man who worked for their father. The boys hid them away, waiting for a favorable time to enjoy their first smoke, but to their dismay their father accidentally found the cigars before they had an opportunity to smoke them. He was shocked and displeased by this act of his sons, and made them return the cigars to the giver. Upon another occasion it is related that he came upon his twin sons, Abraham and Isaac, secretly smoking their first cigars. His disgruntled remark was, "Fire at one end and a fool at the other." In both cases the punishment that ensued fitted the ofTense and his sons grew up as total abstainers from all forms of tobacco and liquor. "Stop-stop-stop — ," was an odd expression of Thomas Meharry, which he invariably used when excited. One occa- sion upon which he used it we would like to record. He was visiting his sons in Tolono and went with them to the dedi- cation of a new Catholic church in that village. As they approached the church, a priest was standing near the door scattering holy water upon the just and the un- just alike as they entered the building. Grandfather did not notice what the priest was doing until he himself was being sprinkled. Then he excitedly exclaimed, "Stop stop stop, you'll spoil my new suit, stop-stop-stop." His amused sons had hard work to quiet the old gentleman. He ever after held it up against the priest, who was a friend of the Meharrys. Thomas Meharry had very little sympathy for people who wasted their time playing games, especially on Sunday. It is related that once his sons improvised a checker board by draw- ing squares upon the oilcloth table and using coat buttons for checker men. Returning unexpectedly from church one Sun- day, Mr. Meharry found a checker game in full progress. Without wasting any words he gathered up oilcloth and but- tons, walked over to the stove and threw them into the fire. History of the Meharry Family 7S On previous occasions the boys had played checkers, but had heard their father's approach in time to hide their game. When Thomas Meharry reached his majority he identified himself with the Whig party, but when the Republican party was formed he became an ardent supporter of the principles of that organization for the rest of his life. It is interesting to note that among the numerous descendants of Thomas Me- harry there has not been to exceed two, and possibly one, Democrat among their number. Favorite maxims with Thomas Meharry were : "Chop your own wood and it will warm you twice." "Take care of the dimes and the dollars will take care of themselves." "Spare the rod and spoil the child." "Sue a beggar and catch a louse." "Rolling stones gather no moss." "Don't swap a horse while crossing a stream." A friend tells us an interesting story which shows the real Thomas. Grandfather had just returned from a trip overland to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he had gone to buy pro- visions. He brought home a barrel of Orleans sugar, which was an unheard-of thing in those days. The sugar was placed in a closet in the bed chamber for safekeeping. One day Thomas and Eunity went to the closet to take out some sugar. Their sons, Abraham and Isaac, and John T. Moore, a cousin of the boys, followed them and childlike they asked for some of the sugar. The mother sternly refused them, but the father smiled, edged to the barrel and when mother's at- tention was attracted elsewhere, selected three large lumps of sugar and held the smuggled sweets in his hands behind him for the boys to take, which they hurriedly did. He then gravely shooed them from the room. This little happening left a pleasant memory with John T. Moore, the narrator of the incident, who was one of the three lads mentioned above, and is now an elderly man. The vicissitudes of life have sil- vered his hair and changed the round merry face ; he has lived the dream nearly through, but he has not forgotten Thomas Meharry's sugar barrel. Thomas remembered that his father had immigrated from Ireland to America and thus had bettered his condition. He remembered his own experience in advancing westward into Indiana, for he, too, had bettered his condition. The land he had purchased in his adopted state at a low price had now become very valuable. As his children grew to maturity the grandparental wanderlust descended to them in full measure. They became filled with a desire to "go west," to seek homes among the prairies of Illinois. The range of the rich prairies of Illinois were invitingly tempting to both father and sons. Si i. after mature reflection, Thomas made a trip through Illi- 74 History of the Meharry Family nois, driving his favorite team, "Jerry and Tyler." He made this journey with a view of selecting a location for his sons. When he started on this trip his wife's parting advice to him regarding the entering of land was, "While you are gettin', get a-plenty." He studied the country and was so favorably im- pressed with the central section of the state that he concluded to go no further. He thought that the land would become more valuable, as his Indiana acres had done. In 1852, Thomas Meharry selected 4,000 acres in Champaign, McLean and Shelby counties and purchased this land from the govern- ment at the government office in Danville for $2.50 an acre, paying in full for it with gold. If Mr. Meharry had used "wildcat money," which was then in circulation, there would have been an added per cent, making- the land cost $2.75 an acre. A considerable portion of the money to pay for said land was earned by making cheese at the family home in Indi- ana. This real estate today (1925) is valued at from $200 to $300 per acre. Mr. Meharry attended to the survey of this land. He himself measured all of it by means of a "click," a mechanical contrivance on the order of the speedometer of today. The "click" was attached to the wagon wheel and it would click off the miles as he drove around the land. Thomas Meharry gave his children who settled in Illinois a full section of land. Those who remained in Indiana received less in acreage be- cause the land was considered more valuable. The youngest son, who remained in the old homestead, received the smallest amount of land of any of the children because of the valuable improvements on that farm. The children of Thomas and Eunity (Patton) Meharry all grew to maturity and were heads of families. Jane Patton was born in Fountain County, Indiana, Februarv 10, 1829. W 7 illiam was born in Montgomerv County, Indiana, October 27, 1830. Ellen Patton was born in Montgomerv County, Indiana, March 24, 1833. Jesse was born in Montgomerv County, Indiana, October 9, 1835. Polly Ann was born in Montgomery County, Indiana, July 3, 1838. Abraham and Isaac were born in Montgomery County, Indi- ana, February 16, 1842. Jane's birth occurred in a log cabin in Fountain County, William, Jesse, Ellen, Polly and the twins, Abraham and Isaac, were born in the frame building in which the family lived before the large brick house was erected near Shawnee History of the Meharry Family 75 Thomas Meharry with his four sons and three daughters. Pictures were taken during middle life. Center — Thomas Meharry. Top Row — Jane, William, Ellen. Middle — Jesse, Polly. Below — The twins, Abraham and Isaac. 76 History of the Meharry Family Mound, Indiana. There was also another member of this family, Mary Moore, a daughter of a close relative, whom Mr. and Mrs. Meharry took into their home and reared. They looked upon her as their own daughter and she remembered them as father and mother. From under the rough-hewn rafters of the old brick house, near Shawnee Mound, have gone out the sons and daughters of two generations of the same blood — descendants of Thomas and Eunity Patton Meharry. For over forty years Thomas and Eunity lived together happily. Their family circle remained unbroken until January 29, 1874, when the husband and father passed away. When dying, his brother Jesse, who watched by his bedside, asked, "Thomas, do you know us? Do you know that you are dying? Do you con- tinue to trust in Christ for salvation?" To each question he gave prompt affirmative answers. Thomas Meharry could truthfully have said, as Lyman Abbott did in his last hours : "I have fought a good fight — though I had defeats. I have finished my course — though I sometimes faltered and turned aside. And I have kept the faith — in spite of doubts and perplexities, which everyone must have." He died full of years and honor. He rests in the old burying ground that was in the midst of his own land at Shawnee Mound, Indiana. In this peaceful spot, father, mother, daughters and twin sons slumber until the last great day. "A true and sincere man with open mind And heart all crystal clear he faced the light; For though it pained him, still with steadfast gaze As on the sun, he dared look on the right, Stern was he in the battle for the right, With foot that faltered not though hard the path, The fire of love for man that warmed his soul Against all wrong, could flame with virtuous wrath, He loved his home, as needle to the pole Turns ever true, on whatso'er seas men roam, So to his friends turned his constant heart, No spot to him so blessed as his home." — Minot Savage. Mae (Meharry) Haven. History of the Meharry Family 77 EUNITY (PATTON) MEHARRY Eunity Patton was born in Virginia, Saturday, August 7, 1802. She was the daughter of Robert and Eleanor (Evans) Patton, who were natives of Delaware, and of English and Welsh ancestry. She was the second of six children, namely: Priscilla (Hessle), Eunity, Sally (Parker), Mathew, William, and Edward. When she was about fourteen years of age, her parents came from Virginia to Brown County, Ohio, where they continued to live until their family was grown, after which they moved to and settled on a farm west of Lafayette, Indiana. After the mother's death, the father lived with his daughter, Eunity, and she cared for him during the remainder of his life. Robert Patton was the first one buried in the Me- harry Cemetery at Shawnee Mound, Indiana. Robert Patton was drafted in the war of 1812. He was just recovering from a severe sickness, being hardly able to walk at that time. When he left home his wife Eleanor — "Nelly" went with him on the way to camp as far as her strength would permit. She never expected to see her husband again, but her fears were groundless, for he returned un- harmed. Eleanor Patton was buried in Shambaugh Cemetery, near Montmorenci, in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. Eunity, as a girl and woman, had the blessing of all bless- ings. She was remarkable for indomitable strength of pur- pose, a great capacity for work and an unusual executive ability. She knew the profession of housekeeping in all its old-fashioned complexity and was "very tidy," "flaxing around," doing all the manifold work of the mother of a large family. Nothing was wasted in her hands. When her care- fully turned and made-over gowns were partly worn out they were cut down and made dainty with fresh kerchiefs for the girls. When one could no longer wear them, the larger pieces were used for patchwork quilts and the rest were cut, sewed together and wound into balls. Then her loom wove them into serviceable rag carpets and rugs. She was proficient in such mysteries as spinning, weaving, dyeing, soap making, candle dipping, and cider making — feminine employments longf since extinct. 78 History of ttie Meharrv Family m jg& -"^gg * '■ ^ v ; > .*-• -* ■ , 3 « 13p, t-ffe S *>-a - Jbh *^r f ' - Jit; ^ -*1#| 1* 111 "" *vlf ' ^•^o^^H jJ^Z^jr- J^mt *fut It if ** h SSI 1 m V"\\ * i #^_ Home of Jesse Newton Dick in Philo, Illinois Elma Jane, the younger daughter of Jesse Newton and Harriet Dick, attended the school in Philo, the Illinois Wom- an's College at Jacksonville, Illinois, and the University of Illinois. In 1913 she married Wilbur Henry Hickman, an attorney of Paris, Illinois. 88 History of the Meharry Family Jesse Newton Dick was called from this life on the 10th of August, 1917. He lies buried in the Meharry Cemetery, Shawnee Mound, Indiana. In April, 1878, Eli and Jane (Meharry) Dick placed their oldest daughter Ellen, and her husband, Richard N. Cording, in charge of the home farm and they with their son Newton moved to Champaign County, Illinois, where they had pur- chased a farm the year previous. They made the trip in a wagon. There they continued to add to their possessions land in Crittenden, Philo, and Urbana townships. In 1880 Eli and Jane Dick moved to Philo. Eli Dick continued to super- intend his farms and was actively engaged in business up to the time of his death, which occurred January 31, 1897, in the seventy-fifth year of his life. He was interred in the Meharry Cemetery at Wingate, Indiana. After the death of Eli Dick, Jane Dick, his widow, con- tinued living in the old home in Philo. She always kept a zealous interest in the Methodist Church at Shawnee Mound, Indiana, to which she deeded forty acres of land. Having been a charter member of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of that church, she made her three grandchildren life members of that society. Beside her local work, she supported a girl in India. She lived a devout Christian life, and even when enfeebled by the weight of years, she took an interest in all activities of the church. At least once a year she read her Bible through. September 15, 1915, she died. The end came beautifully, just a peaceful sleeping away after having lived more than the psalmist's allotted three score and ten. She has gone — "Home to her Father's mansion, Safe in the land of the blest! After a weary journey Called to her well-earned rest." Pearl (Dick) Maddux. History of the Mi: harry Family 89 ELI HINKLE DICK Eli H inkle Dick was born in Baltimore, Maryland, August 15, 1822. He was the son of Adam and Temperance (Wad- low) Dick. His grandfather, Jacob Dick, fought in the Revolu- tionary War. His first home was a large stone house built on a hillside. It was constructed on the same plan as our bank barns of today. Eli's mother did her weaving in the basement. When Eli was fourteen years old he and his sister, Eliza- beth, came with their parents in a covered wagon to Hamilton, Ohio. There were twenty families who came with them in this cross-country drive. The party came over the Allegheny Mountains when the first railroad was being laid. In 1840, after three years' sojourn in Hamilton, Ohio, Eli's parents de- termined to move farther west and they selected Montgomery County, Indiana, as the place for their future home. Here thcw settled permanently. It was here Eli's father and mother spent their last days. Eli Dick received his first instruction in the little log schoolhouse of his native town in Maryland. Long ago little log schools have drifted off into obscurity. Like the hickory stick of the three R's days, it has become but a ghost of the dim past. During his boyhood days he attended the district schools in Ohio. It is said "Eli was an apt student and excelled in figures." Eli was early inured to work, for his youth was passed in the hard labor of farm life. It was here on the farm the careful habits that distinguished Eli Dick in after life began to show themselves. He remained with his father until he was twenty-six years of age. At the time he left the parental home he was "truly and literally poor," as most young men usually were in those days. His property consisted of a good span of horses and one hun- dred dollars in gold. In later years, wdien telling of leaving his father's home and starting out in life for himself, he would conclude the story by saying, he had to "open another barrel of money," before he could become established. The above odd expression was one which he used frequently and one which his friends enjoyed and still remember. Upon one occasion, when his niece solicited him for missionary money, he said, as his hand was reaching for his purse, "I expect I'll have to open another barrel before I can give you any." This little niece took his remark literally and was curious to see him "open a barrel of money," but he found, as he always did, sufficient silver in his purse for the present demand, and she never saw him "open a barrel of money." April 5, 1878, he came to Champaign County, Illinois, and located on a farm in Section 20, Philo Township. Mr. Dick was a successful farmer and for a number of years he devoted 90 History of the Me harry Family all his time to the improvement and cultivation of his land. He steadily prospered and from time to time added to his farm property until he was the owner of many acres, compris- ing some of the best land in Champaign County. By his foresight and self denial in early life he had a competence for his declining years. In 1880 he purchased a home in the village of Philo, Illinois, and moved there to enjoy a well-earned rest, surrounded by the comforts of life. Mr. Dick was of a very energetic nature and soon realized that he was not content to remain idle, so he superintended his farms and was thus active up to the time of his death. Physically, Mr. Dick, although short of stature, was well proportioned and strongly knit together, being blest with a sound constitution. He had blue eyes and a broad forehead. His head was bald and fringed by heavy hair, originally cop- per red, but in later years, white and silvery. His complexion was fair, with a ruddy face and pleasant countenance. Mr. Dick was quite lame, due to an accident in early life. A fractious horse he was riding threw him and he suffered a broken leg. He was crippled the remainder of his life, but he accomplished almost as much work as if he had not been thus handicapped. He of whom we write was optimistic and sunny, with a contagiously hearty laugh, but it was never loud. He was a natural lover of children, and they were gen- uinely fond of him. There were usually from one to three nieces or nephews, beside his grandchildren, in his home. He was kind to his wife, indulgent to his children, and devoted to them all. Mr. Dick was kind to animals, both wild and domestic. He had a peculiar sympathy for them and desired to avoid giving them pain. He never went trapping, hunting, or fishing. He especially appreciated and thoroughly understood horses. He took great pride in driving a spirited team. He judged men by their treatment of and the quality of the horses they kept. He used to say, "You can size up a man by looking at the horses he drives." In political affiliations Mr. Dick was a staunch Democrat, but he never accepted office, believing others better suited for that work. From early youth Mr. Dick was strictly temper- ate, a non-smoker, and never made use of an oath. During the years when liquor was served the help in the harvest fields, Mr. Dick in place of indulging them with whiskey added a small sum to their wages. Eli Dick was cradled in Methodism and early in life united with the Methodist Church, of which he remained through life a faithful member and a liberal contributor to its maintenance. His long and useful life came to a close at his home in History of the Meharry Family 91 Philo, Illinois, on January 31, 1897, after several months of failing health. He met the summons with a calm and tran- quil mind, which looking backward could have found little of a serious nature to repent, and looking forward found noth- ing to fear. Funeral services were held in the Methodist Church of Philo and he was laid to rest in the Meharry Cemetery near Wingate, Indiana. "Life's work well done; Life's race well run; Life's battle won, Now conies — rest." Mae (Meharrv) Haven. 92 History of the Meharry Family William Meharry Margaret Hannah (McCorkle) Meharry Home of William Meharry in Tolono, Illinois History of tiik Mkharrv Family 93 WILLIAM MEHARRY William Meharry, oldest son and second child of Thomas and Eunity ( Patton ) Meharry, was born in Montgomery Coun- ty, Indiana, on a bleak autumn day, Wednesday, October 27, 1830. His mother gave him the name of William in honor of her favorite brother. His birth occurred in a story and a half frame house, of two rooms below and two above, which was a roomy structure for those days. His daughter often thinks of the upper room in the frame house where the sturdy coun- try boy that grew up to be her father, slept and shivered. On winter mornings he would wake covered with snow that had sifted in between the ill-matched siding and under the eaves. He was equipped only with the meager schooling of the pioneer days of Montgomery county. Four or five months of schooling each year was all the larger boys could expect. For them school did not begin until after the fall plowing was finished and the corn cut and shocked. Some times there were unavoidable delays, but usually Thanksgiving found the winter's wood chopped and corded ; the corn in the crib ; the apples and potatoes carefully stored in the cellar. William had no opportunity of pursuing his studies else- where, as his services were needed at home. Owing to the ill health of Thomas Meharry, the management of the farm fell mainly upon the mother, a woman of unusually good business qualities, and William, the oldest son, whom the family called "Big brother" — (which was only another name for sacrifice). The little lad took up life as a serious problem, working and assuming the "hard knocks" which was the usual thing for the elder children of pioneer families to do. There were long weary days of work required of a youth on the farm. It was customary to be in the fields as early as one could see. "Sun-up to sun-down" were the hours they Avere expected to keep. "Be the day weary, he the day long. At length it ringeth to even song." As William grew in years and strength he engaged in the many different kinds of work to be done, such as plowing, sowing and harvesting. At the early age of ten years, we have glimpses of William driving to market, twenty miles distant. The wagon loaded with grain from their farm, was drawn by four horses and would rumble slowly over the prairie. He would leave home bright and early, and return after dark. He also learned to drive oxen, four yoke of which were hitched to the breaking plow. The oxen were sometimes driven on the long trips to market. William would trudge along the side 94 History of the Meharry Family of the animals swinging his goad stick and encouraging them when necessary, with many a monotonous "Gee-who-haw !" Get along there, ye Jim and Jerry !" A boy of fifteen or sixteen was expected to do practically a man's work. William was well knit, hardy, and capable, and this rugged farm life made him the self reliant man he afterwards became. But there were relaxations from the monotonous routine of the farm life, although their amusements and holidays were few compared with the pleasures that children have now. William drove horses and rode them, especially delighting in "breaking" a colt or training a horse to pace. He could hold his own in running, lifting, wrestling, and swimming with his boyish companions. Then, too, there were the "between times" to go "snak- ing,'' nutting, or hunting in the woods and fields. The deer and wild turkeys had long since disappeared, but other game such as quails, prairie chickens, squirrels, and rabbits were plentiful. The fishing trips of the barefoot boys along Coal Creek were always "red letter" days in their calendars. There were deep shady places and an "Old Swimmin' Hole'' almost equal to that celebrated by Riley. They had plenty of whole- some fun in their childhood. William remained in the parental home, working for his father, until he was twenty-seven years of age. Then he began to "skirmish" for himself. In 1857 he located on 320' acres of partly improved land which his father had purchased for him for eight dollars per acre. This land was near Attica, Indiana, on Shawnee Creek. At this writing ( 1925 ) it is owned by Ed- ward Hughes. For several years William operated this farm, raising both grain and stock. But not being entirely satisfied, and desirous of improving his prospects, he sold it for forty dollars an acre and went to Illinois, where he owned a section of land, which was part of the 4,000 acres of Illinois land his father had previously selected and purchased from the Gov- ernment in 1852. The land was located in section nine, Crit- tenden Township. William Meharry located near Tolono, Champaign Coun- ty, Illinois. Tolono in those days was little more than a trad- ing point marooned in the mire of Illinois prairie mud. The roads were no better than trails, leading across the prairies, following crooked streams, by the very easiest ways. People did not object to detours in those days. When William Meharry first came to Illinois to live, about 1864, there wasn't a fence between Rantoul and Areola. The country was one broad prairie. He could travel for forty or fifty miles without seeing a fence. All around were prairie grass and sloughs, and the country abounded with prairie History of the Meharry Family 95 chickens and squirrels. In the summers the stock suffered grievously from the large greenheaded flies which were a great pest. The flies would attack the horses while they were being driven, and in their suffering's they would lie down and roll to get rid of the pests. The writer has a vivid recollection of several such happenings, one of which almost proved fatal to her father. About 1865, Air. Meharry contracted to purchase section thirty-two in Philo Township, Champaign County, Illinois, of the Illinois Central Railroad Company for thirteen dollars and twelve cents per acre. It was raw prairie land and he immediately entered upon the task of redeeming it from a state of nature. He sowed all the six hundred and forty acres to wheat. The season was favorable ; it was what the settlers called a "forward year,'' and there was a good crop, which he sold for two dollars a bushel. Thus, one season's yield paid for the land and left a neat sum to deposit. Time has served to bring about remarkable changes in land values in Champaign County. Mr. Meharry paid thirteen dollars and twelve cents per acre for the above described section of land about 1865, and this same section, during the boom period in 1919, probably could have been sold for three hundred dollars per acre. William Meharry's Farm Heme near Tolono, Illinois By years of toil well directed and by shrewd management of his affairs, William Meharry placed himself in good cir- cumstances. He came out of a state that was well on its way to comfort and wealth, but he showed his faith in the future of Illinois land long ago by acquiring many acres, and time has demonstrated that he wisely foresaw the future of central Illinois. When he died he left a valuable landed and personal estate, and it was free from debt. What he had was his and no man could question his right to it, for he did not accum- ulate his property by taking advantage of the misfortune of others. He based his life on honesty and square dealing. He never put profit before principle. 96 History of the Meharry Family William Meharry first met Margaret McCorkle, March 25, 1863, at Carpentersville, Indiana, at the wedding of her sister, Mary Francis McCorkle and Robert Hessle. They did not meet again until a little over one year, on June 3, 1864, when Margaret McCorkle accompanied her brother, Calvin, from their home in Carpentersville to Wingate, Indiana, where he went to wed Polly Ann Meharry. After the marital fes- tivites were over, William Meharry, who had come from his home at Tolono, Illinois, drove Margaret McCorkle to her home, a distance of forty miles. This was the beginning of their courtship which was continued by correspondence and frequent visits until their wedding, March 11, 1869. Pehaps it would be of interest to the reader to describe the old phaeton, drawn by a span of long tailed, matched blacks, that Avas used to make these courting trips to the home of Margaret McCorkle. The floor of the vehicle was about three and a half feet or four feet from the ground, built thus to avoid being spattered by the mud, or the dust, as the case might be. It was, indeed, an effort to climb into the convey- ance, but once in, one was very comfortable, since the phae- ton was large and roomy. This picture will not be complete without telling about our subject's beaver hat, which he wore unon these occasions. It was the old type of black "stove pipe" beaver hat. The crown, flaring at the top, was seven and a half inches high, with a ribbon band one inch wide at the bottom. This band was neatly wmiam Meharry , s finished with a small buckle. The trade mark Courting Hat inside of the hat shows that it was imported from Paris. Today this hat is in the possession of his eldest daughter. Owing to a severe snow storm and blizzard, the nuptials of William and Margaret were postponed for a day. The original plan was to have the wedding on March 10, 1 8^9. But the groom, with Jesse and Abraham Meharry, Calvin Mc- Corkle and John Martin, were delayed by the storm and did not reach Carpentersville until late in the night after the hour set for the ceremony. On the next morning Jesse Meharry and Calvin McCorkle went to Greencastle to procure the mar- riage license and returned to the McCorkle homestead in the afternoon. The marriage of William and Margaret took place late in the evening of March 11, 1869. The wedding was pretty, simple and impressive. The bride's wedding and "go- away-gown" was combined in one, a brown silk, made short waist and full skirt. The sleeves were tight fitting with large puffs at shoulders, elbows and wrists. The bridal couple were History of the Meharry Family 97 attended by Martha Scott and Abraham Meharry. The mar- riage was solemnized by the Rev. John Mitchell, pastor of the Carpenters ville Presbyterian Church, in the presence of fifty relatives and friends. On the next day the wedding party, with father and mother McCorkle, went to the home of father Meharry, where they were given an infare. William was thirty-nine years of age and his wife was twenty-six at the time of their marriage. There was a difference of thirteen years in their ages. William and Margaret Meharry/ soon after their mar- riage, set out on the journey to their Illinois home in Philo Township, Champaign County. Their leisurely journey oc- cupied two days. They spent the night at a tavern or the "half way house" as they termed it. It was located about three miles from the state line. Supper, breakfast and lodging for the two, with feed and stabling for their team, was held to be worth one dollar. Though the years that followed were filled with toil, they were happy ones. Gradually they saw pros- perity crowning their efforts. They left their farm home and moved into the village of Tolono in the fall of 1882, where they resided during the remainder of Mr. Meharry's life. William and Margaret Meharry were the parents of three children, two daughters and one son, Anna Mae, Lelia Alice, and Charles Howard. Anna Mae (Meharry) Haven Fred Stewart Haven 1. Anna Mae, the oldest child, was born Thursday; May 25, 1871. Her parents thought of christening her Eunity, Krhe or Ida, and it was only after considerable indecision on the part of the parents that she was named for "two, who were among the best of women," the father's sister, Polly Ann Mc- Corkle, and the mother's sister, Marv Frances Hessle. She was 98 History of the Meiiarry Family united in marriage on Thursday, April 28, 1904, with Fred Stewart Haven, oldest son of Alvan and Lydia (Francis) Haven. Mr. and Mrs. Haven have two daughters. Alice Genevieve was born at Joliet, Illinois, Saturday, May 13, 1905. Margaret Winifred was born Saturday, April 30, 1910, in the same city. Margaret Winifred Haven Alice Genevieve Haven Lelia Alice (Meharry) Bower 2. Lelia Alice, their second child, was born Tuesday, July 27, 1875. She was given the name of one of Mrs. Meharry \s girlhood friends. On Wednesday, October 6, 1897, she became the wife of Samuel Meharry Bower, son of Robert and Mary Geary Bower. 3. Charles Howard was born May 3, 1879. He was named History of the M knarry Family 99 by his older sister. This only son. on whom the parents built bright hopes, died Friday, February 4, 1881, aged one year and nine months, lie was buried in Alt. I lope Cemetery, LJrbana, Illinois. In personal appearance Mr. Meharry was erect in stature, wiry and strong, lie was slightly under medium height, five foot six inches, and of slender build with no superfluous Mesh. Mis usual weight was 136-140 lbs. Mis forehead was high. Me had a strong, mobile face with keen, dee]) set, dark gray eyes, that looked straight at you and could both sparkle and snap. They were shaded by unusually long bushy eye-brows. In youth his hair was jet black, "which just faded silvery white as the years passed by." The firm lines of the mouth and chin declared that the owner possessed will and energy in plenty. Me had the characteristic "Meharry hand," small, dry and hard, which has been transmitted to descendants, generation after generation. Today very few wear the name Meharry that have not hands in which these peculiarities are still discern- ible. Mis feet were unusually small — as small in proportion as his pride in their ownership was great. Mr. Meharry was, even in middle life, as in his later days, thought to resemble his father in features as well as form. Mr. Meharry was a very quiet man, but companionable and sociable, and fond of having his family and friends about him. Whatever the hour, or whatever the occasion, no one tailed of welcome from him. "Come in the evening, come in the morning, Come when expected or come without warning, Welcome you find here before you." Me never failed to ask his callers "to stay and eat dinner with us. ,J Mis cordial invitations were often accepted, some- times to the writer's consternation, especially when she had only a plain meal to offer the guests. Memory brings back one of Mr. Meharry's friends who often ate with him. This gentleman was a poor conversationalist and Mr. Meharry was a man of few words. "No breath our father wasted." — Whittier. Neither was talkative, but the meals would progress in "silent good fellowship." Mr. Meharry's unconscious "trick of silence" often showed when he was driving in his carriage. Me would drive for man}- miles in silence, enjoying the ride and scenery, "just thinking," as he put it. 100 History of the Meharry Family He was a good listener; he would sit for a long period in the midst of his family, saying very little. Often his grave quietness was broken with unexpected questions, always to the point. He was quiet and unobtrusive in his ways, and he never changed his shy, reserved boyhood habits. Our subject was always interested in the advancement of the best interests of the community, and always gave a cordial support to the enterprises calculated to aid its progress so- cially, morally and financially. He was a generous contributor to the support of the Church and to charity in general. Yet, he made a careful distinction between "God's poor and the Devil's poor." All his giving was done so modestly, that only in rare instances did any but the beneficiaries know of his beneficence. "Who shuts his hand, hath lost its gold; Who opens it, hath it twice told." When William Meharry located on his Philo Township land there was no school in the neighborhood, so he gave two acres for the purpose of building a substantial, one room brick, school house of the usual sort. Mr. Meharry served as school director for many years. He was never a seeker after public offices, but he also served as highway commissioner for a number of years without any solicitation on his part. William Meharry befriended and made his house the home of an orphan boy, John Smith, until he grew to maturity. John afterward married Maggie Wiggins, who was reared in the home of A. C. McCorkle. A few years after his marriage, John Smith lost his life in a Dakota prairie fire. No quality of William Meharry was more marked than his love for children. Of mornings in his own home while mother was busy in the kitchen, he would dress "the little people." First there was a race up and down the long living room until he succeeded in catching a child, then he would put the clothes upon it while he sang in a sympathetic, if not a tuneful, voice, "Three Blind Mice." This was repeated until all three were dressed. He was fond of other children beside those of his own household. He knew how to please them, to cater to their pleasures, which he was very fond of doing. They were always his friends, and he theirs. He allowed them to climb over his shoulders and pull his whiskers and listen to the tick of his watch, and great was their astonishment because he could remove his teeth and replace them. Then too, if they searched his pockets, they were allowed to keep the pennies they found. He was known to the street urchins as "Uncle Billy." They watched for him knowing that a nickel or a dime was theirs for the asking. History of the Meharry Family 101 As a little child, just learning to talk, Charles Meharry, a nephew, would stand at the window of his home and watch for his uncle, who often rode out there on horseback. "William has come." Charles would announce in a happy voice. His greeting would he "Ride, William, ride," and a ride on "old Cap" would follow immediately, enjoyed by both nephew and uncle. Charles heard his parents call their brother "William," and he addressed him in the same way, but he soon learned to say "Uncle William." In later years, while living in the village, it was an annual custom for William to give a calf to his nephew, Paul Meharry, who raised and sold them. He took much interest in Paul's boyish enterprises. lie never refused his daughters an}- reasonable request. When tluw asked him for money, either in small or large amounts, his customary answer was, "If I give it to you, you'll spend it." At the same time he would be reaching for his pocketbook and he usually gave them more than they asked for. When his children would seek indulgences of various sorts, his answer would be, "What does your mother say about it?" Little insignificant things, but how they stick in one's memory. Kindly as William was, he could dispense stern punish- ment when justice required it, although the writer cannot re- call any physical punishments administered by her father. His only means of correction was snapping the ear lobes with his ringers. But not so with his wife, who had a strong Cal- vinistic tinge in her character and believed in the "laying on of hands," and her children learned at an earl}' age that the fiercer the rebel yell the sooner the battle would be over. The writer often reminds her mother that it .s due to so many whippings that she never grew larger. William's thoughtful consideration of the mother of his wife, who spent the last years of her life under her son-in- law's roof, showed his interest and kindly regard for the aged. Often when William would return from town he would bring grandmother calico for a new dress. The writer can still hear her say, "William, T shall have to live beyond my allotted time to wear out all the dresses you bring me." She solved the problem by converting much of the dress material into patch work. There was an especial corner where the window admitted good light; there grandmother sat in her cane bot- tomed rocker, which now stands with an inviting air in the writer's home, sewing and quilting and singing. Grandmother required the granddaughters to do their daily "stint" in sew- ing and knitting. Under her supervision the writer pieced an eight block calico quilt before she was ten years old. 102 History of the Meharry Family If health, wealth, and wisdom were the unfailing rewards for punctual habits in rising and retiring, William could have read his title clear to the threefold blessings. He was a firm believer in the saying, "Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise." In his home the hour for breakfast was early. Promptly at six o'clock in the winter, and five in the summer, his brisk knock sounded on the door of his daughter's room. Usually the separation of a girl from a warm, snug bed at five or six o'clock in the morning is a painful process, attended by frequent relapses. "Tis the voice of the sluggard; I heard him complain You have wak'd me too soon, I must slumber again." But he understood how an anticipated holiday can con- vert a bed into something absolutely distasteful. His daugh- ters always enjoyed a drive to Champaign and a day in the city with their father, and he, well knowing this fact, took ad- vantage of it. He would often follow his knock with the re- minder, "If you want to go to Champaign, you'd better get up." And the girls, never knowing whether there was a trip really in prospect, would usually arise, rather than miss the anticipated jaunt. Thus the ruse worked. Regularly at nine o'clock in the evening he would carefully fold "The Chicago Daily Inter Ocean," which he had been reading, and wind his watch. These were the signals for the family to retire. Mr. Meharry 's mother used to teach her children to "Eat heartily and decently and clean up your plates as the Shakers do." If any food was left, it was carefully saved until the next meal. Thus William's daily, conscientious practice was to "Shaker his plate." In matters of eating he always preferred simple substantial food. He had a steady but moderate appe- tite. He was especially fond of bread and it was his invariable custom to eat a slice before he partook of other food. He also loved a good cup of coffee, but he was an extremely moderate drinker. He especially disliked milk, eggs, chicken, and all wild game. Mr. Meharry seldom made objections to any food that graced his table. He would never allow any one, under any circumstances, to put themselves out for him. He was ever forgetful of self. He was never known to acknowledge that he was sick. When indisposed, or really ill, as the case might be, his invariable answer was to inquiries, "Just a little lazy." At such times when asked what nourishment he would like prepared, he would reply, "A little corn mush would taste good." With him, mush was a "cure all" for his attacks of "laziness." One of Mr. Meharry's leading characteristics was his love for flowers and trees ; they were his friends and his com- panions. His love for gardening was hereditary. His mother History of the Meharry Family 103 drew the strain from her mother. With him the weeks were full of heavy work in the fields, but yet never were the duties too numerous to prevent him from going into his flower gar- den "to rest a bit." Mis flowers were his recreation. "He was happier in the posies. And the hollyhocks and sich, Than the hummin' bird 'at noses In the roses of the rich." —Riley. ''Don't throw away those catalogues," would often be his warning, when the writer would be trying 1 to bring order out of chaos in a pile of letters and circulars in his desk. His recreation through the winter months, as he sat by the fire side, was selecting new friends from the flower catalogues, checking and re-checking his careful lists. The last summer of his life he took great pleasure in making a rose garden. He put out fifty choice varieties. He was accustomed to gather wild (lowers from the fields and by the dusty road sides and bring them home, gathered into clumsy bouquets for "mother." "The flowers his boyhood knew, Smiled at his door, the same in form and hue, And on his vines the Rheimish clusters grew." — Whittier. Mr. Meharry had said that one of the earliest recollections of his childhood was about some curious, beautiful plants that were known as "love apples," which grew in his mother's flower beds. Owing to their supposed poisonous qualities, the children were forbidden even to smell or touch them. But his mother often carefully brought in the fruit of these plants and placed them on the mantle for the family to admire. It was rumored that some one had proved the absurdity of the poison theory. So Mother .Meharry daringly decided to test it herself. "Surely anything so beautiful should be good to eat." She ate several of the "love apples" and suffered no bad results. William Meharry also did some experiment- ing on his own account and he had a vivid remembrance of eating his first "love apples." Me said, "They were so good that I ate five at one time, and expected as a result that 1 would surely die." But he survived and was especially fond of to- matoes from then on. Mother Meharry transplanted the "love apples" into her vegetable garden, where they were henceforth known as "tomatoes," a word of Latin origin, signifying eat- able. Tomatoes came into general use after 1840 and were more prized as a food than they had been for their beaut v. 104 History of the Meharry Family The collecting of shells and stones was also a favorite pursuit, and to show his treasures was indeed a treat for him. His cabinet contained many valuable specimens. Among his collections were numerous Indian arrow heads, which he had picked up about the farm in the early days. When his daughter started on a trip to Alaska, his parting instruction to her was to secure as many specimens of stones and ore as she could. "If you can't carry them, express them home." It is needless to say that the specimens from the far west afforded him many happy hours. He purchased a strong- magnifying glass with which to examine them. Mr. Meharry was very accurate in forecasting the weath- er. Early in life he made a study of weather conditions and became unusually proficient in that subject. He also became familiar with the queer country side weather legends and came to depend upon them. They may not be scientific, but most of them are amazingly true. Such jingles as the following were familiar to him. "Rain before seven, Sun before eleven. An evening red and a morning gray Are the signs of a clear day. "When the wind is in the south, 'Tis in the rain's mouth. When the wind is in the east, 'Tis neither good for man or beast." Air. Meharry purchased an aneroid barometer, which he enjoyed studying and comparing with his way of forecasting weather. "Air. Meharry was an oracle to be consulted about the weather," affirmed one, who know him well. "When we wondered what kind of weather we could expect we would say, let's ask Uncle Billy." Perhaps of all the gifts that life can bestow upon a man, absence of fear is one of the greatest. As it has been said of W. W. Story, that he was afraid of nothing- God Almighty ever put upon earth, so it could, with perfect truth, have been said of William Meharry. The following narratives show this outstanding trait of his. He and his sister Ellen were sent to drive up the cows from the back pasture. It was a warm evening and the children were tired, so when they came to the pasture fence, they hesitated and took a short cut, leading to the second pasture, where the cows were. They well knew a cross cow with her calf would likely have to be encountered. They were hurrying along when suddenly they glanced to the right and there came "old Red," head down, and nearly upon History of the Meharry Family 105 them. The children "lit out" at top speed for the fence. They prided themselves upon being swift runners, but one glance over his shoulder was enough to show William that the}' had no chance with "old Red." But on they ran, listening' to the pounding of the cow's hoofs close behind. Suddenly Ellen's foot caught in the grass and she fell. William called to her to lie still, saying "I'll give old Red something to think of be- side chasing you !" Then he turned and waved his arms and shouted to draw "old Red's" attention from Ellen. There was an old apple tree near and he saw it was his chance for safety. With him to think was to act, so he dashed to the tree and quickly climbed up. At the same instant the cow lunged against the tree. He held the cow's attention until Ellen ran to safety. Again decision and action went together. Gathering green apples he pelted the calf, which was a short distance behind, until the cow turned and ran back, then he made a dash to the fence and "soared oxer it without touching a rail." This adventure caused a great deal of laughter and they had to endure some good natured chaffing'. But the presence of mind displayed, doubtless saved them from physi- cal injuries. Upon another occasion, it became his duty to kill a mad dog that was doing great damage to stock and threaten- ing' human life. In this instance William was young, still in his teens. Taking his gun he started on the hunt, but could not locate the dog and was about to give up the chase, when stooping to look under a barn, he was startled to see the wild eyes of the dog looking him in the face, only a few feet away. He fired just as the dog sprang for him. His steady, true aim was all that saved him. He was a good shot with the old rlint-lock guns used in those days. Another story of earlier origin takes its place with the above experience. When William and Ellen were small chil- dren they were in peril, but did not realize their danger. They were chasing a mad dog which was foaming at the mouth and snapping at everything. The dog ran under the barn, where there were a number of chickens. The children crawled un- der and drove both chickens and dog out. The dog was killed later by the father. Mr. Meharry was a man of determination and perse- verance. Xo matter what he undertook he never gave up un- til he accomplished his object. He was also essentially with- out fear, and always calm at critical moments. The following experience well illustrates these marked traits of our subject. Mr. Meharry was badly shaken up and narrowly escaped serious injury in a railroad wreck that oc- curred four miles north of Tolono, Illinois, on the Illinois 106 History of the Meharry Family Central railroad. He, in company with three other persons, was en route to Chicago. The train was derailed by a broken switch and the coach in which Air. Meharry was riding turned over and came to a rest on an embankment. The car was lighted with kerosene lamps and the oil streamed from them. There was grave danger of the oil igniting'. Mr. Meharry and party were seated near the front of the coach and had to walk its length stepping between the win- dows, as the car lay on its side, until they reached the door in the rear. The glass in the upper part of the door had been broken by rescuers and the passengers were lifted and passed through this small opening. After the excitement was over Mr. Meharry 's friends were surprised to find that he had quietly and carefully collected all their wraps, rubbers, and umbrellas which had in the crash been scattered through the car. In such alarming surroundings Mr. Meharry calmly and fearlessly persevered until he had secured all that he sought. To his mind the peril was not sufficient to deter him from saving their belongings Inheriting the Scotch love of liberty and the Irish delight in a scrap he was ready at any and all times to fight if he thought himself or his friends were being imposed upon. Such was an occasion one day while William and his cousin, Nor- ton Meharry, were attending" the district school in Indiana. A big over-gTown Irish lad "picked on" some of the younger boys. William, quick in their defense, was soon dealing the bully heavy blows. There were no preliminaries — there were no delays. In an instant they were in a rough and tumble fight, but Norton realized there was grave danger of his chum being "trounced," so he came to his support, and in the whirl- ing melee, Norton received a blow in his side which quite dis- abled him, and from which he suffered throughout his life time. It is believed this had a great deal to do with his last illness. William Meharry's cousins, Norton Meharry and Frank Meharry, were his close companions. They were about the same age, and of similar temperaments ; also they were near neighbors in boyhood. Hence the warm friendship of the boys ripened into the strong friendship of the men and were never broken. <; William,- with his brothers, Jesse and Abraham, used to herd cattle over many miles of prairie from Rossville to Ar- eola, in Illinois, during the sixties. In those early days rattle- snakes were more than common. It was the custom to wear heavy, high leather boots as a protection from the reptiles that infested the country. William always carried a bottle of whiskey as first aid, in case anyone was bitten by these History of the Meharry Family 107 dreaded snakes. The bite of the prairie rattler is dangerous, but not necessarily fatal, lie would ride along on horse back, snapping off the rattler's heads with his long cattle whip, often killing as many as twenty-five a day. It was the custom to weave a strip of tin into the tip end of the cattle whip. William's inseparable companion while herding was a very wise yellow dog, "old She])," who would kill almost as many rattlers a day as his master did. The dog had an instinctive hatred for these reptiles and instinct seemed to teach him how to handle them. If he found a snake he would bark at it fiercely, then in a moment the snake would be seen flopping on each side of his head till shaken to bits. Shep was never bitten by a rattlesnake. Later on She]) got into bad company, with the result that he became a sheep killer as well as a snake killer. He could not be broken of this new accomplishment, so he was sent to join his departed brothers. William, while herding would quench his thirst by drink- ing water through a straw from the numerous holes made by the cattle's feet. That way of drinking' was a common custom in earl}- days, and it is said to explain the reason why the in- habitants of Illinois are called "Suckers.'' William Meharry was a quiet man, but loved a good joke, and even enjoyed one on himself. One comes to the writer's mind. The old proverb "He laughs best who laughs last" brings to the writer's mind this story: Occasionally a friend or neighbor would go on a short trip. On their re- turn, with long faces and empty pockets, they would relate their experiences with nimble fingered pickpockets. William would invariably comment as he smiled, "I would like to see the man who could steal my purse!" But his turn came one day. lie was left many miles from home without funds and was compelled to ask for the loan of some money from a friend with which to return. His friend gladly granted the request, and more gladly related this occurrence to the home folks. Then it was their turn to have a hearty laugh at William's expense, though he stoutly maintained — with a chuckle and a broad grin — "I would like to see the man who could steal my purse !" Another noticeable trait in William Meharry's character was his unpretentiousness. He was never embarrassed to be seen in lis working clothes, while engaged in honest toil. An amusing incident illustrating this point took place one day when he was doing some work on one of his farms. A pros- perous, well-dressed man who proved to be an insurance agent drove up and asked William if that was one of the Me- harry farms. On being told that it was, the stranger then inquired which one of the Meharry brothers owned it. William 108 History of the Meharry Family gave him the desired information, telling" where the owner lived and how to reach his residence, without disclosing his own identity. This man was trying to gain information as to Mr. Me- harry's financial standing from one whom he supposed to he a hired man. His manner was officious and disagreeable, but Mr. Meharry gravely and courteously answered his inquiries. During" the conversation, one of the farm hands came up and addressed William as Mr. Meharry and the "cat was out of the bag." Great was the surprise and consternation of the insurance agent, who departed so abruptly that he failed to thank the "hired man" for his information. It may be added that the agent never solicited Mr. Meharry for the business he had in mind. The above story is one that Mr. Meharry often told with a chuckle of merriment, and a humorous twinkle in his eyes, and he always ended with the question, "Who was the joke upon, the insurance agent or the farmer?" William Meharry came from a long line of forebears who were total abstainers from all forms of tobacco and liquor. A dislike of fermented drink was almost looked upon as an affliction in William Meharry's youth. His disregard for the prevailing custom of serving liquor at social gathering's, such as barn raisings and huskings, was a source of worry to him, but he stood fast to his principles, although his neighbors sometimes said that it was "stinginess" that prompted his refusal. Mr. Meharry enjoyed saying, "I take after my father and my father's father. I am a teetotaler." William neither used liquor, tobacco, nor profane language. His one by- word was "plague-on." A further family trait common to William, and equally true of the rest of his section of the Meharry clan, was a little unexpected streak of hardness that showed itself in his likes and dislikes of people. "He loved and hated, not at all, or all in all." Once through with a man he was completely through with him. There was never any doubt where William Me- harry stood in regard to people. His friends or his enemies alike knew just where to find him. He was very loyal to all friends and equally loyal to all who had any claim of kin- ship. "Blood is thicker than water," he used to say. Kindred to the remotest degree, even those whom he had never seen, all were sure of the warmest welcome. The writer has in her possession an old hand-made boot- jack, that her father used every day. It appeals to her because of its associations, but it would not mean much to others. It History of the Meharry Family 109 brings back vivid memories of him and of his regular and orderly habits, lie wore high leather boots and it was neces- sary in order to pull off his foot gear to use a boot jack, which William Meharry's Bootjack caught the heel effectively. Every night his hoots were placed with precision in a corner of the living room, for he had a nice sense of order and wanted them placed straight, toe to toe and heel to heel. William's first business venture was so unusual for the average twelve year old boy that it is worth record- ing. He had earned a little money at "odd spells," hoeing corn, pulling weeds, peddling nuts and doing other jobs. Us- ing these savings, he bargained with his uncles, William and Mathew Patton, who were cabinet makers by trade, to build him a settle and chest. He was to pay them a stated amount in cash, and was also to help fell the trees and dress the lum- ber. The trees were walnuts from his father's timber land. The furniture was plainly and substantially made, but was attractive and is still in use at this writing (1925). Wil- liam gave the settle to his sister Ellen. Today it is modernized as a day-bed and is in the possession of Ellen's granddaughter, Mrs. Gladys Cobb, of Attica, Indiana. The chest is owned by William's daughter, Eelia Alice Bower, who prizes it as a relic from her father's boyhood. One of the ways that marked William's individuality was his youthful bashfulness, which was a source of much amuse- ment to his companions. This sensitiveness or reserve he at- tributed to the Irish side of his house. A cousin relates that he was noted for his shyness with the girls. In the school which he attended, the spelling was competitive, that is, those who missed a word were turned down, and those who spelled it worked their way to the head of the class. The pupils entered into a conspiracy. They one by one missed a word until they had the blushing William between two girls who would nudge him with their elbows. There was great fun in this situation for all but William. He was. the quickest of this little group at spelling for which he had a "knack" or special aptitude, and would soon spell down the fair tormentor, and then the fun was over for a day. lie at one time received a prize for his proficiency in spelling; he was quite proud that he was thus honored. The prize was a quaint little book, bearing the title of "Jack the 110 History of the Meiiarry Family Sailor Boy," by Mrs. Sherwood. Gold lines decorated its brown cloth cover. On the fly leaf was inscribed : "Presented to Mr. William Meharry, by his teacher, as a mark of esteem. Prize No. 1. Spelling. "P. P. Evans." "He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness." "The school boy spot we ne'er forget, Though there we are forgot." Another strong" point in the character of William Ale- harry was his excellent judgment of human nature. One little illustration will suffice to show that he was a keen ob- server and had an intuitive knowledge of character. One clay when Mr. Meharry was going to see a man who had been recommended to him and whom he wished to employ as a farm hand, he met a young lad, who was a stranger in the community. The boy was ragged and unkempt and little better than a tramp. In fact he had been tramping and begging for months, as was afterward learned. Mr. Meharry looked at him keenly, studied him for a little while and then asked a few pointed questions, with the result that he returned to his home taking the ragged boy with him as the new hired man. Mrs. Meharry strenuously objected, but Mr. Meharry expressed himself as satisfied that he had found good help. After a bath, a hair cut and clean clothing, which Mr. Meharry provided, the ragged lad was transformed into Leonard, an attractive, well mannered boy, whom all learned to like. Leonard purchased school books and spent his evenings in study. After eighteen months, the boy's father succeeded in tracing his son, who had left home on account of differences with a step-mother. He persuaded Leonard to return home, promising him a college education. If Mr. Meharry had failed in his judgment of the lad and had passed him by, what would ha\*e been the result? "Oh, the little more, and how much it is! And the little less and what worlds away!" Mr. Meharry had a carefully planted orchard of eighteen acres of choice fruit trees, of which he was justly proud. There were rows of apples, peaches, pears, quinces, plums, cherries and berries of all kinds grown in profusion. Such an abun- dance of fruit kept the house wife busy, thriftily canning and preserving during many a hot summer's day. Apples and peaches were dried for the winter pies. Cider was made by the barrel. There were countless rows of jelly "(lone up'' and "put away" 011 the swinging shelf in the fruit History of the Meharry Family 111 room. Mrs. Meharry would often suggest that "sufficient fruit'' was canned, but Mr. Meharry's answer was sure to be "better take care of the rest, maybe we won't have fruit next year." Consequent!}', jars and jars of canned fruit were stored in the fruit closet, where they stood, two and three years, until they were removed to make room for the fresh fruit. Mr. Meharry's fruitless seasons never materialized. It is interesting to note that William Meharry's first vote for President of the United States was cast in 1852 for General Scott, who was the last presidential candidate of the Whig party. I le saw the birth of the Republican organization in 1854. Adopting its principles at that time, he voted for their first candidates, Fremont and Dayton. They were de- feated by Buchanan, who was elected President of the United States by the Democratic party on March 4, 1857. Buchanan continued in office four years and was succeeded by Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Meharry voted for Lincoln and remained a loyal adherent to the "Grand Old Party" for the remainder of his life. William Meharry was converted under the preaching of W". F. BischofT, an evangelist. He was led to a simple spiritual faith, a faith which he did not hesitate to declare. He united with the Presbyterian Church, March 2, 1894, at the age of sixty-four years, and was faithful to the vows taken in the name of Jesus, and the obligations laid upon him as an officer in God's Church. He served as trustee for a number of years, lie was a member of the building committee when a new Presbyterian Church was erected in his home town. He not only gave his time and attention to this enterprise, but con- tributed liberally of his means, thus, together with two other members of the Church, making it possible for the edifice to be erected and dedicated free of debt. Mr. Meharry's last illness was short, but from the first seemed fatal. While picking apples from a tree in the yard of his home in Tolono, he fell from a ladder and fractured the bones of his hi]). In a few days pneumonia developed. His family had tried to persuade him from this work, but without avail. Death seemed to have had an appointment with him and he must keep his engagement. It led him up the fatal ladder from which he fell to his end. lie seemed to realize the seriousness of his accident, for he remarked to those who came to his assistance, "I guess I'm done for this time." lie lay for one week, conscious most of the time, patient and uncomplaining. Then at twilight, just after the sun, in all its grandeur had sunk behind the western horizon, he re- ceived the final summons and answered it. I low appropriate 112 History of the Meharry Family the hour. At the evening of life, his work fully done — and well done — he sank to sleep at 6:30 p. m., October 28, 1903, aged seventy-three years and one day. The funeral of William Meharry was held at his late residence in Tolono, Illinois, Friday, October 30, 1903. The services were in charge of the Rev. R. L. McWherter, who was assisted by the Rev. H. G. Gleiser, of Monticello, Illinois, a former pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Tolono. The interment was at Mount Hope Cemetery, Urbana, Illinois. It has been said, "The glory of life is its achievements ; the joy of life is in its fellowships; the great and ultimate end of life must always be character ; the crown of life is immor- tality ; but the real beauty of life is its simplicity." These last few sentences carry much of the purport of the real life of William Meharry ; the characteristics his friends like to re- member. He was devoted to the private and personal and human sides of life — the simple and wholesome sides so well befitting the farmer of his period. "So I have said, and I say it ever, As the years go by and the world goes over, 'Twere better to be content and clever In the tending of cattle and tossing of clover, In the grazing of cattle and the growing of grain, Than a strong man striving for fame and gain." Mae (Meharry) Haven. History of t Meharry Family 113 MARGARET HANNAH (McCORKLE) MEHARRY Margaret Hannah McCorkle, daughter of Andrew and Mary (Gooding) McCorkle, and wife of William Meharry, was horn near Crawfordsville, Putnam County, Indiana, Wednes- day, January 4, 1843. She was the youngest hut one of a family of thirteen children. All have gone on before her. "They have all gone into a world of light, I. alone, am lingering here. Their very memory is fair and bright. And my sad thoughts are clear." Mrs. Meharry traces her ancestry through generations of forbears distinguished in both the military and religious life of Scotland, Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana. They came from L'lster County, Caithness, in the highlands of Scotland and were known as the "Clan X^an Guinneath," or "Clan Gun." ( minneath signifies keen and fierce and is descriptive of their known and imputed dispositions. It is inter- esting to trace the positive and commanding instinct of the McCorkles of today, hack to their "plaided Clan," where they were fierce warriors. The McCorkle family have their coat-of-arms. Thorgisl, in the Thor- gisl Saga, about 7C0 A. D., is the oldest form of the name. The name changes to Thorkell, Thorkill, Thorquil, Torquil, Torquil-dale, MacThorquil-dale, MacKorkill-dale, Mc- Corkil-dale, McCorkell, McCorkel and Mc- Corkle. The first of the McCorkle ances- tors who came to this country was William McCorkle who arrived in America in 1730. He landed in Philadelphia and moved down the Valley of Virginia. He was engaged in the Indian wars in what is now western Virginia. "These are my people, stern and ancient, 'Bonnie Fetchers' with their war-like ways; This their leader came from Scotland In the old, unhappy, far-off days." rs. Meharry's maternal ancestors were the Gooding , who came from Huntsworthy Parish, of North Peth- Somershire, England, to this country about 1633 and in Dighton, Massachusetts. The Gooding family have -of-arms which was presented by William the Con- rs. Meharry's parents were Presbyterian Calvinists of ictest type, and she was reared under pronounced re- M family, aston, settled a coat queror M the sti 114 History of the Meharry Family ligious training". Her parents knew their Bible, loved it, and lived according to its teachings. Daily that home performed its vows. Night and morning a psalm was sung; the Scrip- tures were read and prayers were offered. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." This com- mandment was obeyed literally in Mrs, Meharry's childhood home. Her parents lived on a farm and all work was stopped at noon on Saturdays. The boys would shave, shine their boots, and see that the "carryall" and horses were in readi- Andrew McCorkle, Mary (Gooding:) McCorkle ness. Mother and the g'irls were busy baking and roasting, for there would be no cooking, not even the preparation of hot coffee, on the Sabbath day. Church sessions filled nearly the entire day. The morning sermon would last while the sands in the hour glass had twice run their course, and was followed by Sunday school. During the noontide intermis- sion, there was a basket lunch and then another lengthy ser- mon. Margaret made profession of her faith at the age of sev- enteen, in the year 1860. She was converted under the pas- torate of Rev. J. B. Crow, of Crawfordsville, Indiana. It was with the Presbyterian Church she united, and of which she is still a faithful member. For sixty-two years she has been a follower of her Master, doing His will without ostentation, yet never shirking her part of the burden of Church work. She was the first to pray in the home, winning her husband to Christ and the Church. Pier work was especially successful History of the Meharry Family 115 with the children and the young people, for her interest in them almost made them forget that she belonged to an older generation. In the Sunday school, she took a class of girls from the primary department and taught them until they were grown. She still retains her interest in this class of girls to a marked degree, although they are now middle aged women with homes and children of their own. The arrival of the hour for Sunday school would find her ready, with a smile and handshake for old and young. The members of her father's family were all gifted with excellent voices and they would rather "sing than eat." The brothers and sisters would spend an hour each day in song, before separating and going to their various duties. Margaret was possessed of an unusually good alto voice of depth and compass, especially adapted to the rendering of sacred music. This made her a most acceptable member of her Church choir, which she served for years. She never lacked requests for her services. Her earl}- life was made memorable by the tragic events of the Civil War, of the early sixties. During this period it became the duty of Margaret to till the fields. She worked side by side with her aged father, doing all kinds of farm work. Her four brothers were serving at the front, and farm help could not be had. War not only puts its mark upon the men who fight on the battle line, but also upon the fathers, moth- er-, wives and sweethearts, who work and weep at home. One brother, Abraham, sleeps in the National Cemetery at Chatta- nooga, Tennessee; her youngest, Nathan, lost his health and died soon after returning home ; her brother, Calvin, was left frail in health for the remainder of his life. During this period she became very proficient in the use of firearms. The girls of the neighborhood practised daily at target shooting. This was necessary for their protection, for only men who were too old to be permitted to shoulder a musket and fight in the ranks were left in the community. The pro-slavery people called her father "the old abolitionist," a name which was then considered the embodiment of everything despicable. Margaret Meharry's married life has been one of devotion to home and family, and she has filled her place in the rela- tions of wife and mother with noble unselfishness, laboring for those she loved. Idle success that her husband achieved in life was due, in a marked degree, to her practical wisdom and encouragement. Her family spirit and devotion may be trace- able in part to her Scottish ancestry. Certain it is that no Highland mother was ever more leal and true to her clan. She has reared her children wisely. Her unflinching discipline slowly but surely moulded their character and fitted them 116 History of the Mkharry Family to make their lives measurably successful. During all these years her home has stood for all the best things in the com- munity life; a home of hospitality, neighborly kindness, and Christian service. "A merry heart doeth good like medicine." This plain philosophy she applied to her daily needs. She had a happy, cheerful disposition and she goes through life with a song on her lips. She knew how to laugh as well as how to work. For a number of years she has been an invalid, occasion- ally a great sufferer, but she has borne all this affliction with patient fortitude. It is gratifying to her family and many friends, that she still retains in some measure her cheerful disposition and her interest in life. She is not a woman who is widely known ; her career is neither unusual nor remarkable in outward appearance. In- deed, most of her life has been passed in a rural community. The circle of her influence consists, not so much in circum- ference, as in completeness. After a long career of usefulness, with all duties bravely met, she can well afford to lay all cares aside and spend the sunset of her life in ease and quiet. As Browning says, "Grow old along with me, The best is yet to be, The last of life, for which the first was made: Our times are in His hand Who saith, 'A whole I planned, Youth shows but half; trust God; see all, nor be afraid'." Mae (Meharry) Haven. [iSTORY OF THE MEHARRY FAMILY 117 ELLEN PATTON MARTIN The birth of Ellen Patton Meharry, daughter of Thomas and Eunity (Patton) Meharry, occurred March 24, 1833, in the pioneer log cabin of her parents in Coal Creek township, Montgomery Count}', Indiana. Her education was obtained in the common schools of Coal Creek township. Early in life, at the age of nineteen, she was married to John Sayers Martin. The wedding took place October 28. 1852. Immediately after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Martin estab- lished their home on a 240 acre farm given them by the bride's father. It was located in Richland Township, Fountain Coun- ty, Indiana. Their home was a Christian one from the begin- ning, for they consecrated it by establishing a family altar of prayer. In this home their children were born and reared. And here on the old farm, Mr. and Mrs. Martin toiled for fifty years, enjoying life's blessings with marked prosperity. In 1902 they purchased a home in Attica, Indiana, and late in the autumn of that year they moved there, hoping to spend their remaining years in the enjoyment of a w r ell earned rest. In this peaceful and pleasant home both husband and wife lived but two months when their wedded life was ter- minated by the death of Mr. Martin, January 29, 1903, leaving Mrs. Martin to travel the last fifteen years of her life journey without him. Mrs. Martin and Ann Etta remained in the home until September 4, 1904, when Etta passed to the great beyond, and the wife and mother was left alone. She kept her home, with a trusty housekeeper. She never lacked for any attention or comfort that loving sons and daughters could give. In the natural loneliness of widowhood, she was always cheerful and continued her interest in life. The deaths of her husband and daughter, both of which occurred within a period of consid- erable less than two years, were the greatest sorrows of her life. But her grief only deepened and strengthened her love and sympathy for others in affliction. There were born to this marriage six children, one of them, a son, dying in infancy. All the rest grew to manhood and womanhood. 1. Rhoda Ellen, horn September 23, 1853. Died June 23. 1920. Married to A. Campbell Schermerhorn, September 1 5, 1875. Two children : Lura Dell, born September 3, 1876. Married to Stephen Titus Randolph, June 11, 1902. One child, Allen, born September 22, 1906. 118 History of the Meharry Family Ellen Patton (Meharry) Martin John Sayers Martin Home of Ellen Patton (Meharry) Martin near Newtown, Indiana History of tiik Meharry Family 119 Charles E., born June 23, 1886. Married Ethel Van Geb- hard, December 28, 1909. Two children : Infant son died at birth, April 3, 1918. Van Martin, born April 20, 1919. 2. William, infant son, died 1855. 3. Thomas Ephraim, born October 29, 1856, married Eliza- beth Fisher, August 28, 1878. Four children : Alva Lee, born December 2?, 1879, and died April 15, 1886. William Carl, born March 5, 1882, and died April 15, 1886. Luella, born December 21, 1884. Married Charles Frank- lin Bacon, October 4, 1905. Two children : Ruth, September 8, 1910. Robert Glenn, born July 26, 1912. Ben Campbell, born March 29, 1891, married E\ r a Marie Dodge, September 4, 1912. Two children : Edith, born February 12, 1919. John Edwin, born August 23, 1921. 4. Ida May, born January 20, 1861. Married Edwin James Kirkpatrick, February 3, 1881. Seven children: 1. Frank Martin, born March 19, 1882, married Nora May Stokes, December 14, 1904. Four children : James Nolan, born May 24, 1907. Dema Estelle, August 12, 1909. Edward Carroll, born June 9, 1922. Edwin Harold, born June 9, 1922; died August 31, 1922. 2. John Myron, born December 5, 1883 ; died January 26, 1925. Married to Blanche Schultz, February 23, 1916. Two children : Myron Paul, born December 14, 1917. Lawrence Lester, born July 15, 1923. 3. James Arthur, born December 14, 1885. Died April 3, 1923. Married Helen Collins. Two children : Helen Jane, born December 17, 1917. Elinor Jeanette, born September 6, 1920. 4. George Marshall, born April 2, 1888. Married Ada Counts. Two children : Cleo Mildred, born September 12, 1921. Imogene, born August 15, 1923. 5. Paul Edwin, born May 11, 1890. Died December 15, 1893. 120 History of the Meharry Family 6. Charles Robert, born July 2, 1892. Died, October 24, 1918. Married Fronie Romine. One child : Charles Robert, born July 4, 1919. 7. Ruth Ellen, born September 21, 1896. 5. Jesse, born September 25, 1867. Died July 5, 1922. Mar- ried Lydia Emily Thompson, October 2, 1890. Two chil- dren : 1. Gladys Etta, born June 21, 1891. Married Albert Rus- sell Cobb, December 9, 1916. Two children: Jesse Martin, born August 12, 1917. Albert Russell, Jr., born February 6, 1921. 2. Mary Ellen, born December 15, 1898. 6. Ann Etta, born September 12, 1872. Died September 4, 1904. Married David M. Gardiner, June 24, 1903. One child : Davida, born August 21, 1904. Married Marcus Kerr, June 17, 1923. One child: Lemma Kerr, born September 12, 1924. Sixteen grandchildren knew her love and mourned her los ss. The life of Ellen Martin deserves more than passing no- tice, but her wish undoubtedly would be to have the record in unassuming phrases. In her character she was staunch, true, modest and unassuming. The dominant note of her character was loyalty, loyalty to her family, loyalty to her friends, and loyalty to her God. "Of soul sincere, In action thoughtful, in honor clear. Who broke no promise, served no private end, Who gained no title, and who lost no friend." Ellen in youth and early womanhood was a comely and fascinating girl. She is said to have been not only the beauty of the family, but also the belle of the neighborhood. She was greatly admired and had many beaux. The old stoop on her father's house could tell many a tale if it would. Ellen was not tall and her figure was always slight. She was fair skinned with a kindly countenance, and large black eyes that saw everything'. She had a profusion of long, glossy dark brown hair, which she wore evenly parted, combed smoothly over the temples and coiled low at the back, thus showing the fine contour of her head. Her hair retained its color until late, showing only a sprinkling of gray toward the end of her life. She of whom we write was of a happy disposition, but of a sensitive and modest nature. She drew from her mother her History of the Meharry Family 121 thriftiness, and her strength of character without the severity, from her father the Scotch-Irish passion for "getting ahead." An admirable quality of Mrs. Martin's sterling character was her kindly opinion of others. She never judged with harshness or severity, yet she could he very angry when she was aroused by hearing of injustice, or of any attack on those she loved. It may he truly said that she, in the fullest sense, never spoke evil of any one. She literally went through life, accepting every one as her friend. Mrs. Martin was a home maker as well as a housekeeper. Her chief thought and attention were centered on her family, whom she tended, educated and chastised. Her family loy- alty embraced every one who served in her home. She gave much attention to the training and welfare of her domestics, and was a great influence in their lives. The chief work of her life was performed in her home. Hers was a dear, clean, and hospitable home. She worked incessantly, constantly going from one task to another. But she in some way found time to take a short nap, a habit that was fixed in her early housekeeping days and never relin- quished. She made her own soap for washing dishes and clothes. She often made a barrel of soap in the spring, which was enough to last all through the year. She baked her own bread, making her own yeast, and the bread was of the best quality. She kneaded the bread for an hour, and if she occasionally browned it too much, it was a source of worry to her. She browned her own coffee. She was noted for her old fashioned hospitality and the generous bounty that always covered her table. The sturdy third generation always loved the free good times they had in grandmother's home. They knew where all the good things were in the pantry, especially the cooky jar. It was a grand and never to be forgotten experience to help knead the bread, so says a granddaughter, whom her grandmother taught to make bread. Mrs. Martin's needlework was a work of art, such dainty, fine stitches. Even as a little girl needle work possessed for her a fascination not easily explained. She did her daily "stint" of sew- ing under her mother's directions, for in those early days no young woman's education was complete without this accomplishment. Her darning and quilting were also expert work. Mrs. Martin did all the sewing for her arge family This old chair belonged t o Eunity (Pat- ton) Meharry, who gave it to her daughter, Ellen (Mehar- ry) Martin. It is now the property of Ellen Martin's grand daugh- ter, Gladys (Martin) Cobb. 122 History of the Meiiarry Family A Yery admirable custom that was deep rooted in Ellen's nature was to set good examples for her children to imitate. AVhen her daughters became mothers she impressed it upon them that mother's actions before her children are imitated by the children behind their parent's back. She aptly ex- pressed the thought as "Children are little looking glasses," and "Little pitchers have long ears," phrases older than the oldest memory and singularly attractive to little folk. Truly Ellen was a model for her children, for — "By her life alone, Gracious and sweet, the better way was shown." — Whittier. Ellen Martin found companionship in her flowers. They were her favorite diversion. She always had potted plants in the windows, and a wire flower stand filled and overflowing. We can see her yet, "pottering" around among her plants, which grew like wild weeds and flowered profusely. When asked what she did to make them thrive, her brief modulated answer was "Nothing." She did not realize the amount of care and attention she gaYe them. She just loved them and that is one of the best of fertilizers for plants. She said, "I like best the good old fashioned flowers that grew in mother's garden." "Out in the garden where the phlox and the lilies bloom, And sweet-williams and pinks in clusters grow, The air was filled with their sweet perfume From the old-fashioned flowers of long ago. Rosemary bordered the path in this garden so gay, With marigolds yellow and holly-hocks tall, While around and between more modest than they Grew the violet and poppy which spread over all. "And there were the zinnas and carnations sweet, The dainty blue-bell and morning-glory vine That bloomed in profusion and fell at your feet In this garden that was fashioned in olden times." She gave freely to her friends "bunches of posies" out of her own garden and arranged by her own hand. If it were not flowers, then a slip, or a cutting, or a root, from some favorite plant. This love for flowers was more pronounced in Ellen and William than any of the other brothers or sis- ters. They both would have flower gardens under the most adverse circumstances. The following story gives us a glimpse of the spirit of the ten and twelve year old children of pioneer days. Bill History of the Meharry Family 123 McClelland, a hired man of Thomas Meharry's, had in some way gained the ill will of Ellen and William. So to "get even,'' the children went out to the clover field, where bumble bees were to be found in large numbers, and caught a lot of them. By pinching the bees' heads they could stun the in- sects without killing them. Ellen and her brother took the bees home and carefully placed them between the sheets of Bill's bed. Their mother severely reprimanded them but did not punish in any other way, for she secretly sympathized with the children and was proud of their "spunk." When Ellen was five and her brother, Jesse, three years old, Thomas Meharry drove through to the old home in Ohio. He took these two children with him to see Grandmother Meharry. He was compelled to stop in Cincinnati to have some repairs made on his wagon. While he was intently talking with the wagon maker and the children were playing near him, a colored man came up and made friends with the children. He coaxed Jesse to go away with him. Ellen ran to her father for help. Thomas Meharry was peculiar in that he never allowed the children to interrupt him while he was talking. So his short and curt answer to Ellen was, "Bring him back." Thomas thought no more of the matter until Ellen again disturbed him by saying, "Jesse has run away with a darkey." Then Thomas was thoroughly alarmed. He searched every- where and finally went to the mayor of the city, who gave him all the assistance possible. But they could not trace the child. Darkness found the father still frantically hunting. Late that night another negro brought the child into the po- lice station, saying "My friend who stole the boy is scared and afraid to keep him." Thomas was so thankful for the safe return of his child, that he did not have the negro prosecuted. Shortly before Ellen's marriage, her uncle, Alexander Meharry, came in unexpectedly when she was trying on her wedding gown. Her mother said to the uncle, "Do you know who this is?" He looked her over critically from head to feet and said, "She's neither a Meharry nor a Methodist." This scathing criticism from a favorite uncle cut Ellen to the quick and made a deep impression upon her. The remark was prob- ably made because her uncle felt that she was violating a rule of the Methodist church in that day by wearing costly ap- parel. Ellen's wedding dress was a beautiful blue satin made in the prevailing style of that period. Being a modest, retiring girl, the above censure, and her sense of thrift, kept her ever afterward from wearing fancy clothing. Unobtrusive neutral grays and browns were her favorite colors in dress. She al- 124 History of the Meiiarry Family ways bought the best of fabrics, and considered it poor econ- omy to wear cheap material. Ellen had many different companions in her girlhood, but the friend that was most congenial was a cousin, Sarah Jane Francis Beach, a daughter of Alary (Meharry) Beach. These girls were nearby neighbors, living across Coal Creek from each other, and were almost inseparable. As they grew to womanhood, a close tie of friendship, as well as of kinship, existed between them. No one was warmer hearted, or more closely attached to her own flesh and blood than Ellen Martin. But in periods of sorrow she was undemonstrative. At the time of Abra- ham Meharry's burial his body was taken into Ellen's home to afford her a farewell look at her brother. When the casket Avas opened, she stood quietly by its side looking intently upon him. Although she was torn with grief she was able to con- trol the inmost emotions that swayed her breast. "Poor old fellow" was all she said, turned and walked away. The same ability for doctoring that was so emphasized in her mother was possessed in full measure by Ellen. She knew the name and nature of all medicinal herbs of the fields and of the roots and bark of trees. When any one was ill she used these remedies very effectively. She looked carefully to the health of her family and also to the medical needs of all those who happened to be under her roof. When a guest was staying over night in her home and retiring time came, she offered the usual little courtesies and invariably inquired "Hadn't you better take a pill ?" The writer recalls several occasions when her aunt used first aid remedies for her benefit. Such times as knocking down hornets' nests, and the hornets would almost knock you down, falling from the high limbs of trees, being thrown over the pony's head, and one specific case of carbuncles, when her help and medicines were most welcome. An amusing incident comes to mind. At one time, her brothers were visiting in her home, she was insisting upon dosing them, and they were rebelling against her treatment. One brother said, "Ellen, if I were sick, I know you would re- store me to health. But here I am in the best of physical con- dition and you want to give me medicine to keep me well." Her reply was "It's easy to doctor sick folks, but to doctor well ones, is troublesome." But to please their sister these big brothers meekly swallowed the medicine she portioned out to them. In appre- ciation of Aunt Ellen's noteworthy aptitude in the use of medi- cine it should be said that her help in times of sickness was a never failing source of comfort and it was always her en- deavor, History of the Meharry Family 125 "To render less The sum of human wretchedness." Ellen Pattern Martin was born and bred in a religious atmosphere. She took her religion simply and unquestionably, and early in life united with the church of her fathers, the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she remained a con- sistent member until called to the church triumphant. Ellen Martin was a regular student of the New Testament, es- pecially so in the later years of her life. She very seldom read the Old Testament. The interests of her church were ever paramount with her, and received her liberal support. Her practical and consistent Christian life has been a bene- diction to her children and grandchildren and man}' others who were associated with her. During- the latter years of her life, she loved to turn to "the days that are no more." She had no difficulty in recalling the past, and she often visioned the old days for the writer's benefit. The writer has drawn much from Aunt Ellen's remi- niscences that has been of help to her in compiling these papers for the Meharry history. The writer wishes to express here her indebtedness to Aunt Ellen for her valuable data. Ellen Patton Martin was called to the home above on July 16, 1918, in the eighty-sixth year of her age. Her death was due to the infirmities of advanced age. She was the last of a family of seven to be summoned. After gradually failing for several months death fell upon her, "Like a shadow thrown softly and lightly from a passing cloud." When her still form lay in state, her casket was buried under great masses of flowers, which were sent by friends, because she "loved the flowers so." The funeral seiwices were conducted at the home of the deceased by her pastor. Dr. J. G. Campbell, assisted by Rev. \Y. B. McMillin. Sincere tributes were paid to the departed. Beautiful old hymns were sting. The remains were conveyed to the Meharry Cemetery, and were consigned to their last resting place in the family lot by the side of her husband. It may be written of her: "Many sacred memories forever find A place for thoughts of her whose kindness Reflected love and sought to hind Your life to One who knows blindness, Endearing Him to all. by walking in Perpetual faith she gave Him glory. 126 History of the Meharry Family 'Forever she will praise the story Found in the book the heavenly angels love, Expressing perfect trust in Jesus, Resplendently she'll dwell in realms above." Mae (Meharry) Haven, Ellen (Meharry) Martin (lower left) and Three Sisters-in-Law Above, left to right — Martha (McMillin) Meharry and Mary (Moore) Meharry. Lower right — Margaret (McCorkle) Meharry. JOHN SAYERS MARTIN John Savers Martin, son of Ephraim and Rhoda (Savers) Martin, was born in Miami County, Ohio, June 6, 1829. When he was a lad three years old, his parents moved to Richland Township, Fountain County, Indiana, and settled on a farm near Newtown. This land had been purchased from the gov- ernment in early days by James Meharry, who sold it to Ephraim Martin" father of John S. Martin, for $400.00 in cash. Today (1925) the land is still owned by the Martin family, and a grandson resides upon it. John remained on the paternal farm for twenty years, and then, after his marriage, and while he was in the prime of early manhood, he went to farming for himself and made it his life work. He was educated in the schools of his day and he was a well informed man in the business matters of life. He loved his home, looked carefully after his own business and made far more than an ordinary success of all his undertak- ings. Mr. Martin adhered always to staunch Republican prin- ciples. But he never sought office nor public notoriety. In stature Mr. Martin was a large man. He stood five feet, eleven inches, and weighed something" over two hundred pounds, with a heart in proportion. He had a brunette com- plexion, black hair and a heavy long beard. His black eyes History of the Meharry Family 127 with their straight look reflected firm kindliness, and could both twinkle and snap. In disposition he was jolly, with a real love of fun and a keen sense of the ludicrous, lie was optimistic and cheerful to an unusual degree, kind under all circumstances, clean of mind, and pure of heart. One of the strongest traits in John Martin's character was his honesty, which deserves special comment for, as Pope says, "An honest man's the noblest work of God." John Martin was once called upon to testify in behalf of his brother-in-law, Eli Dick, in a law suit where an attempt was being" made to collect money from Mr. Dick upon a note that was forged. When Mr. Martin was cross examined the opposing lawyer tried to create the impression that John had told an untruth. Mr. Martin when excited had a high as- cending voice, and his emphatic denial while under this cross- examination gradually grew higher and higher in tone as he declared, "Tell a lie, tell a lie? Why, I wouldn't tell a lie for the best man living!" Mr. Martin made profession of his faith in 1866, under the ministry of Rev. John B. DeMott, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Newtown. He served on the official board of that church for many years. He was a man of sincere religious principles, as was shown by his every day life. The altar of prayer was always observed in his home. One instance of his benevolence in the latter years of his life will show his love for the cause of God. The church in which he held his membership was erecting a new church building, also a parsonage. The completion of these structures was due to Mr. Martin's zeal, energy, and determination in pushing the work to a successful finish. John Martin gave far more than any who helped in this good work. This church stands as a monument to his memory. As Mr. Martin grew old, the weight of years weakened his physical strength, but his mental powers remained unimpaired and he took an active interest in the public questions of the day. At two o'clock p. m., Tuesday, January 29, 1903, he departed this life at the age of seventy-three years. Mr. Martin passed away after a linger- ing illness with heart trouble complicated with asthma. His sickness was attended by great suffering, which he bore with cheerful courage and patient self-erlacement. Prayer was said in the home of the deceased on Friday morning, January 31 at nine o'clock. Then the body was taken to the Methodist Church in Newtown, where funeral services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. Claypool. The interment was in Meharry Cemetery near Wingate, Indiana. "God giveth quietness at last." Mae (Meharry) Haven. 128 History of the Meharry Family Rhoda Eunity (Martin) Schermerhorn Allen Campbell Schermerhorn RHODA EUNITY (MARTIN) SCHERMERHORN Rhoda Eunity Martin, eldest daughter of John S. and Ellen P. (Meharry) Martin was born near Newtown, Fountain County, Indiana, September 25, 1853. She attended the pub- lic school near her parents' home and did her full share in as- sisting her mother with the household duties until her mar- riage, September 15, 1875, to Allen Campbell Schermerhorn. To this union were born Lura Dell and Charles Ephraim. Lura Dell married Stephen T. Randolph, to whom two sons have been born, one dying in infancy, and Allen F. surviving. Charles E. married Ethel Van Gebhart, to whom two children have been born, a daughter dying in infancy and Van Martin surviving. "Euny" as she was familiarly called, lived her entire life in the vicinity of Newtown. Her religious affiliation was with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which she was a faithful member as long as her health permitted. And she was a mem- ber of the Eastern Star, Chapter No. 22, of Newtown. She departed this life June 23, 1920, and in her passing away the community suffered a distinct loss, for she was a woman who had, because of her high personal qualities, en- deared herself to a wide circle of friends. On the third anni- versary of her death, her beloved companion, Allen Campbell Schermerhorn, went to join her in the better world. "The long clay's task is done, and we must sleep." Lura D. (Schermerhorn) Randolph. Charles E. Schermerhorn. [STORY ()!•' II I Meharry Family 129 JESSE MARTIN Jesse Martin, the fifth child of John Savers and Ellen Ale- harry Martin, was born on the farm near Newtown, in Rich- land Township, Fountain County, Indiana, September 25, 1867. He grew to young manhood on the home farm under the affectionate guidance of Christian parents who carefully taught their children the ethical principles of their religion. Un- der their tutorage many valuable traits of character which were his by right of in- heritance were encouraged and developed. Among these were steadfast painstaking honesty, truth, thrift, modesty, and the highest regard for matters of trust, and civic and social responsibility. After attending the country grade school, Jesse Martin spent two years in the Academy of DePauw University, and then two years in the regular university work at the same institution. He was a popular student and was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. At the end of his second college year he went to the Chicago Business College to prepare for the technical business career he had chosen. After two terms there, he returned home to engage in banking. Mr. Martin won for his bride Lydia Emily Thompson, to whom he was married October 2, 1890, at her home near Attica, Indiana. It was a fortunate and peculiarly happy mar- riage, for his wife's cheerful temperament and tender care un- doubtedly postponed for years an inevitable nervous break- Jesse Martin 130 History of the Meharry Family down due to the unusually conscientious and anxious way in which he bore every detail of the many responsibilities which his extraordinary ability and trustworthiness brought to him. So strong was Jesse Martin's sense of responsibility for mat- ters of public and private trust that he could only with great reluctance relinquish or delegate the details of matters in his care, and he carried the cares of the many who sought his ad- vice as heavily as he did his own. Had he not found com- plete happiness and relaxation in the companionship of his wife and family, even his vigorous health and fine physique could not have withstood so long the great burden of responsi- bility which he carried so heavily. After their marriage, Jesse Martin and his wife came to Attica where he found employment in the Citizens National Bank. The following spring, however, they moved to Win- gate where he formed a partnership with Mr. Frank Phillips in the hardware and implement business. In the summer of 1891 Mr. Martin, having seen the need of a bank in his com- munity, organized the Farmers Bank of Wingate, of which he was made cashier. He piloted this new institution success- fully through the storm of hard times which followed and helped to renew its charter ten years later. In the fall of 1901 he grasped another opportunity when, with friends and relatives, he acquired controlling interest in the Citizens National Bank of Attica, in which he had started his business career eleven years before. He was elected a di- rector of the institution by the stockholders of the bank and its board of directors chose him as their president, January 14, 1902, and he has served the organization continuously in that capacity since. It was characteristic of Mr. Martin that, though he might have assumed unassisted leadership in this new business institution, he preferred to consider his associate officers as practically his equals in authority and no momen- tous decision was reached without their counsel and advice, but the decision once made he was always willing to accept the major burden of the responsibility for it. Mr. Martin al- ways guarded with equally jealous care the interests of the patrons and stockholders of the Central National Bank. Politically, Mr. Martin was a lifelong Republican, but was never ambitious to hold office. He served one term upon the Attica city council from 1910 to 1914, and with extreme reluc- tance allowed his name to go on his party's ticket as candidate for mayor in the fall of 1917. He was elected with the heaviest plurality of any candidate on either ticket, which is indicative of his popularity among the people of his city, regardless of party or position. That popularity was the natural result of many unadvertised kindnesses great and small. His was a History of the Meharry Family 131 keen, shrewd, business mind, which many friends and ac- quaintances consulted freely, little realizing what conscien- tious and sympathetic care and thought was theirs for the asking, or how completely Mr. Martin shouldered their bur- dens. Perhaps without analyzing their reasons the people voted their appreciation and confidence when they elected him mayor. During most of his term, and indeed before he entered office, his health had been failing, unrealized by his friends and unacknowledged even by himself. Just before his term expired, however, he was obliged to give up active leadership and in November go to the Methodist Hospital at Indianapolis for treatment. After about a month, he returned home hoping that his difficulties were over, but it was soon found imperative that he return. He was given the best of care and his case was the special study of some of the most skillful physicians and surgeons of Indianapolis, but even after a resort to surgery in a heroic effort to locate and remove the cause of his ailment, it remains an unanswered riddle just what was the exact cause of his disordered nervous and physical condition. During" all this time, his faithful companion was with or near him, absent at times only upon orders from the physicians. In the spring they returned home and the entire family united their efforts to save Air. Martin when they went to the home of the daughter, Mrs. Albert Cobb, near Fowler to spend the summer. It seemed at first that relief was slowly coming, but Mr. Martin realized more keenly than the rest how futile was the fight, which we all acknowledge now to have been hopeless. Air. Martin affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church early in life while at home near Newtown. As he moved from place to place he never failed to take active leadership in the church. He took an active part in the building of the new Attica AT. E. Church and at the time of his death was one of its trustees. In the spring of 1901, just before leaving Wingate, Jesse Martin was raised a Alaster Alason in ATercer Lodge No. 633; he was made a Royal Arch Alason in Attica Chapter No. 105 in 1905, and joined Covington Council No. 47 about 1920, and received the Superexcellent ATaster's degree in Lafayette Council No. 68 a few days later. He was made a Knight Templar in Lafayette Commandery No. 3 the same year, and was initiated as a noble of Murat Temple of the Mystic Shrine soon afterward. Like many another who has traveled Masonic paths, Jesse Martin received great moral and religious inspiration and en- 132 History of the Meharry Family couragement from its solemnly dramatic lessons and teach- ings. Jesse Martin was a most devoted husband and father. He was never happier than when at home with his family which he so dearly loved. He was a natural lover of children and divided true parental devotion between his two daughters and his niece, Davida Gardner, to whom he has been a father since infancy. Family ties were all very strong ones, and he took great interest in the annual family reunions, and in the family cemetery which is his resting place. He was a member of the Meharry family history committee, appointed to publish this book, and served as its original treasurer. Jesse Martin departed this life Wednesday, July 5, 1922. Besides his immediate family, consisting of his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Albert Cobb and Miss Mary Ellen Martin, and his niece Miss Davida Gardner, daughter of his beloved sister Etta, a brother, Ephraim Thomas, and a sister, Mrs. Ida Kirkpatrick, of Newtown, mourn his going. Two sisters, Mrs. A. C. Schermerhorn, the oldest of his family, and Airs. David Gardner, the youngest, and one brother, William, have gone before. Charles L. Meharry. History of the Meharry Family 133 ANN ETTA (MARTIN) GARDINER Ann Etta, the youngest child of Ellen Meharry and John Sayres Martin, was born September 12, 1872, at the family home near Newtown, Indiana. She was the youngest, the "baby" of the family. But in that busy household there was no pampering and Etta never had the opportunity to be the spoiled child simply because she was the baby. Even when a child she was self-reliant and very early learned the duties expected of her in the home ; she pieced doll quilts, she swept, she dusted and soon was stirring cake and mixing bread. Etta attended the near-by country school and here again she conscientiously applied herself and progressed rapidly. Very often the school teacher lived in the Martin home, and no doubt the little Etta took great pride in accompanying her to and from school. Her brother Jesse, the next in age, took great interest in his smaller sister and very early an unusual comradeship, that lasted throughout their lives, sprang ud. As a boy he was a great tease, but Etta soon was aide to "hold him good and level" as the saying goes. After completing the common grades, Etta attended pre- paratory school at Greencastle. She later entered DePauw University, but was unable to complete her course there be- cause of ill health, due to the after effects of scarlet fever. While in DePauw she specialized in music under the splendid direction of Miss Alice Druly. She was especially gifted in music and that fact, along with her characteristic dilgence, made her no ordinary artist on the piano. For many years she carefully "kept up" her daily practice ; throughout, she re- mained deeply interested in all things musical and was an in- spiration to the later generation to accomplish things in the world of music. 134 History of the Meharry Family Etta returned from school to a household teeming" with thrift and hospitality. She felt that her place was here beside her mother, administering to the comfort of father, brothers, sisters, and countless friends and relatives. Later she "moth- ered" nieces and nephews who always found a hearty welcome at "grandma's" and "grandpa's" house ; it was hers to devote hours in supervision and gentle teaching ; such constructive, kindly, unselfish training can never be forgotten ; it cannot help but be an inspiration and a guide. As a result of such confining work, Etta reached out for a change. She became an assistant accountant in the bank at Wingate, Indiana, where her brother Jesse was already cashier. Here again she applied herself in the characteristic careful, quiet way that brought success to all her undertak- ings. More years at home, interspersed with happy visits to college friends and relatives. Etta was desirous of seeing something of the world and fully realized the educative quali- ties of travel. To this end, she, with her cousins, Mae Me- harry Haven and Charles Meharry (then a lad of fourteen years) and a friend, Mrs. Bower, took an extended trip of two months through the northwest and into Alaska. There were many and interesting experiences on this trip. Etta returned with many curios and souvenirs that were a source of great interest and education to her "home folks." Etta's was a modest, retiring disposition and never recalled the experiences of this trip boastfully, but when urged, she did it to instruct and entertain. She, with her cousin, Mae Meharry Haven, also planned a trip abroad. This she had to forego because her parents objected to what to them seemed to be a long and hazardous journey. Etta was a beautiful woman ; whether it was her splendid coloring, her regular features, her luxuriant "nut-brown" hair that especially crowned her, I cannot say ; but to me the most paramount feature was the charm of her gentle, quiet manner. She was always well groomed and well dressed. Everything about her was neat and orderly. She had a horror of sloven- ness. Many suitors came to her door. Etta was a good friend, but entertained no thoughts of marriage. However, after moving to Attica, Indiana, with her parents, she became en- gaged to David M. Gardiner, of Wingate, Indiana. They were married in Attica at high noon on the 24th of June, 1903. They resided in Attica in the home of Ellen (Meharry) Martin, Etta's mother ; she thus still continued to be a com- fort and stay to her mother after the loss of her father. The coming of a child into this household was welcomed and care- History of the Meharry Family 135 fully and joyously planned for. On August 21, 1904, a little daughter, Davida, was born. She enjoyed her little daughter for only a brief period, however, for, all unforeseen, an infec- tion set in and the young and beautiful mother passed away. She died September 4, 1904, when her babe was only two weeks old. She who had so wondrously and unselfishly de- voted herself for the children of others was denied the joy of her own. It was in some way a part of the Divine plan. Gladys (Martin) Cobb. DAVIDA (GARDINER) KERR Davida Gardiner, only child of David and Etta Martin Gardiner, was born August 21, 1904, in Attica, Indiana, at the home of her grandmother, Ellen ( Meharry) Martin, with whom her father and mother lived at that time. Davida Gardiner attended the Attica grade and high schools, graduating from the latter with the class of 1921. She attended DePauw University 1922 and 1923, taking the course in Liberal Arts. She was married June 15, 1923, to Markus Kerr, of Cadiz, Ohio. A daughter, Lemma Kerr, was born September 12, 1924. Davida and Marcus Kerr are living (1925) on the John Martin homestead near Newtown, Indiana. Charles Leo Meharrv. 136 History of the Meharry Family Ida May (Martin), and Edwin James Kirkpatrick and their family Standing — James Arthur and George Marshall. Seated — Charles Robert, Martin, John Myron and Ruth Ellen. Frank EDWIN JAMES KIRKPATRICK Edwin James Kirkpatrick was born in Tippecanoe Coun- ty, August 11, 1852. Later he and his parents, Franklin and Helen Smith Kirkpatrick, moved to Montgomery County, where he grew to manhood on the home farm. In 1880 he married Ida May Martin, and they took up their residence on a farm in Richland township, where he grew to be a success- ful farmer and stock raiser. Mr. Kirkpatrick was one of the leading men in the com- munity in which he lived. Perhaps no man in the neighbor- hood surpassed him in liberality and public spirit. It was a real pleasure to approach him for an offering to any worthy cause. Not only was there a check of good sized proportions forthcoming, but there was always a spirit of cheerfulness manifested in the giving that warmed the heart of the solicitor. He could always be counted on the right side of every moral issue, and of every enterprise that marked a progressive step. He was a man of thorough honesty and strict integrity and was firm in his convictions. For many years he was super- History of the Mi: harry Family 137 intendent of the Sunday school of which he was a member. I lis hearty hand shake, his genial smile, and kindly interest will he cherished by all who knew him. lie is an example of a successful man. His home, his excellent family of daughter and sons, the high esteem of his neighbors, all speak elo- quently of his achievements. The manner in which Mr. Kirkpatrick met his death is characteristic of the man. Several members in the families of his relatives had been ill with influenza. He possessed ex- ceptional qualities as a nurse and assisted in the care of these patients. As a result, he contracted the dreaded influenza him- self. Pneumonia soon developed and Mr. Kirkpatrick's con- dition became serious. A specialist from Crawfordsville was summoned, who made an effort to relieve him by inserting a silver tube in his windpipe. But the patient grew steadily worse and died February 20, 1920, at his home east of New- town, Indana. The funeral took place from the Methodist church at Newtown, on Sunday afternoon, February 24, 1923. The Rev. Smith officiated. Interment was made at Meharry Cemetery near Wingate, Indiana. Mr. Kirkpatrick leaves a blessed memory ; as Ruskin said of his father, he was "Very dear and helpful." Mae (Meharrv) Haven. JOHN MYRON KIRKPATRICK John Myron Kirkpatrick was born December 5, 1883, on a farm near Newtown, Indiana. There he grew to manhood attending the country school until he had completed the grades. With his brother, Arthur, John then attended the Attica high school for two years. He then went to (ireen- castle, where he completed his preparatory course in the academy of DePauw University. He did some collegiate work in that institution but finally transferred his credits to Purdue University, where he graduated from the college of agriculture in 1909. After graduation Mr. Kirkpatrick returned home and helped his father and brothers in the management of the home farm and in the feeding of live stock. It was soon after his re- turn home that he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church and he remained a loyal and consistent attendant ever since, being very careful to see that his children had the oppor- tunity of attending Sunday school. About 1912 he joined the Masonic fraternity at Wingate and was a member in good standing of the Wingate lodge at the time of his death. 138 History of the Meharry Family Mr. Kirkpatrick was married February 23, 1916, to Blanch Shultz, of near Newtown. To them Avere born two children, Myron Paul, now seven years old, and Lawrence Lester, eighteen months of age. In the spring of 1917 Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick moved to the farm near New Richmond where they were engaged in farming. John Kirkpatrick met death suddenly a little after noon Monday, January 26, 1925, in pursuance of his duties in con- nection with an electric service line which serves this farm- ing community. For his relatives and friends the manner of his going has been cruel in the extreme, yet it is consoling to know that he was spared long suffering and painful sickness. Mr. Kirkpatrick was gifted with an unusually lovable temperament, a temperament which he gradually cultivated and developed until he counted practically every acquaintance a friend. Probably John secretly recognized the faults and disagreeable characteristics of his companions, but he never discussed or criticized them. So pronounced was this trait that it was noticed by many. Another related peculiarity was that he seldom allowed himself to be drawn into an argument. When John could not agree with a friend or companion he was usually silent and when he found it impossible to say anything complimentary of people he said nothing. It is not to be inferred from what has just been said that Mr. Kirkpatrick did not possess well formulated opinions, for he was quite positive in his views, but he seldom sought to convert others to them. John Kirkpatrick was a jovial, fun loving man, but his sport was clean and gentle and never gave offense. This helped him make friends, particularly among children, of whom he was especially fond. At public gath- erings and notably at family reunions, he was to be found as often among the little folks as with adults and his influence with children was always wholesome. The home which Mr. Kirkpatrick built here is a silent tribute to his love of his wife and boys and no doubt the many conveniences and comforts were achieved at some sacrifice of convenience without. As a friend and neighbor John was highly considerate,, thoughtful and self-sacrificing. The sin- cere grief expressed upon the faces of this assemblage is proof of the sense of personal loss that we all feel. May we all emu- late this worthy example of service and kindness and thereby make our communities better and happier, for after all a man's greatest success is measured by the service and kindness he shows his fellowmen. Charles L. Meharry. History of the Meharry Family 139 JAMES ARTHUR KIRKPATRICK "An appreciation." James Arthur Kirkpatrick, born December 14, 1885, near Wingate, Indiana, a member in good standing of Central Methodist Episcopal Church, Detroit, Michigan, and a steward of its official board, died April 3, 1923. Through the years of his association Mr. Kirkpatrick had been active in many phases of church life. He had been a Sunday school teacher and officer, the president of the Parker Bible Class for men, and a worker and chairman of many im- portant church committees. In the business and professional world he had attained a position of responsibility, and gained the merited respect and confidence of his fellow men. In his home life there was revealed in its beautiful simplicity and sincerity the deep, pure, affectionate quality of his character. In the death of Mr. Kirkpatrick, the church, the com- munity, and his family have lost a faithful worker, an up- right citizen, a loving son and brother, and a devoted husband and father. Therefore, be it resolved that the Official Board of Cen- tral Methodist Episcopal Church, Detroit, cause to be spread upon its records this expression of appreciation of James Arthur Kirkpatrick, and that a copy hereof be presented to Mrs. Kirkpatrick, his widow, a copy sent to his mother, and that the same be printed in the Church Calendar. B. D. Edwards, W. F. Kinsey, Ralph H. Lacey, Committee. CHARLES ROBERT KIRKPATRICK Chales Robert Kirkpatrick, son of Air. and Mrs. E. J. Kirkpatrick, was born in Richland Township, Fountain Coun- ty, Indiana, on July 2, 1892. On February 2, 1917, he was united in marriage to Fronie May Romine. This date marked the beginning of a devoted and happy companionship, which was prematurely broken by the will of the Divine Master, who called the deceased to his heavenly home. Mr. and Airs. Kirk- patrick were the parents of one son, Charles Robert, born July 4, 1919. Charles Robert was received into membership in the Methodist Church at Newtown, August 1, 1909, and remained a consistent member until his death. Charles was retiring in disposition, but ambitious in purpose and generous in his re- 140 History of the Meharry Family gard for the welfare of others. He was a courteous, kindly, lovable character. Charles was well informed on the public questions of the day. His views were intelligent, reasonable and sound. His dealings with his fellow men were honest and fair, and he had the confidence of all who knew him. Mr. Kirkpatrick died from lockjaw. A short time previous to his death he ran a nail into his foot. Apparently the injury was healing satisfactorily, but infection set in and lockjaw- resulted. Mr. Kirkpatrick passed away at his home in Rich- land township at 9:45 p. m., Thursday, October 24, 1918. An assembly of those who loved and honored him gath- ered for the funeral services which were conducted in the home of the deceased by his pastor, Rev. C. B. Smith. Inter- ment was made in the Meharry Cemetery, near Wingate, Indiana. History of the Meharry Family 141 JESSE MEHARRY Jesse Meharry was horn near Wingate, Coal Creek Town- ship, Montgomery Count}', Indiana, on Friday, October 9, 1835. It is an interesting coincidence that he was born on a Friday and died on a Friday. He was a son of Thomas and Eunity ( Patton ) Meharry, who represented two of the well- known pioneer families of Indiana. Mr. Meharry was fourth in order of birth in a family of seven children, four boys and three girls. He was brought up on his father's farm and was reared to agricultural pursuits. During his boyhood days he attended the local district school, which was primitively and crudely equipped. He wrote his copies with a goose quill pen. Later Mr. Meharry took a two years' English course in Asbury, now DePauw University, at Greencastle, Indiana. After leaving the uni- versity, he taught the district schools for two years at a salary of twelve dollars per month, most of which was taken for board. His sister, Polly, and his twin brothers, Abraham and Isaac, were enrolled as pupils in one of the schools he taught. Mr. Meharry possessed a studious, thoughtful mind, and his early training on the farm, with the advantages obtained in the classroom, gave him a solid foundation for the practical knowledge that he acquired later in life. In 1856, Mr. Meharry, after attaining his majority, cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, the "woolly hoss," as he was called by his opponents, because he wore a heavy beard, which was a new thing at that date. Mr. Me- harry was a student in Asbury University during the campaign of 1860, and cast his second presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. He always remained loyal to the principles of the Republican party. In the winter of 1861-1862, Mr. Meharry made his first trip to Illinois. The journey from Indiana to Champaign County was made with a home-made sleigh and one horse. This sleigh was still in his possession at the time of his death. Jesse Meharry made the start of his fortune in buying and selling livestock. In company with his brother William, and later his brother Abraham, he herded cattle on horseback on the open prairie between Tuscola and Rantoul. This open range afforded an excellent opportunity for grazing. He fat- tened the animals with corn bought from the settlers and shipped his stock to Buffalo or Philadelphia and later to Chi- cago. Usually there were seven or nine carloads in a consign- ment. The money that he received was paid in gold, which he expressed home in small nail kegs. At that time bank checks were not used and paper currency was at a discount. 142 History of the Meiiarry Family Jesse Meharry Addie A. (Francis) Meharry Home of Jesse Meharry in Tolono, Illinois History of the Meharry Family 143 Mr. Meharry continued in the raising- and shipping of live- stock for a number of years and became an expert judge of cattle. During the period from 1862 to 1865, he frequently returned to his parental home in Indiana. In the spring of 1865 he came to Illinois, making the trip with a team of horses and a wagon in a journey of two days, and took up his permanent residence on a tract of 480 acres in Section 20 in Philo Township, Champaign County. He traded a section of land near Pesotum, Illinois, which was a part of 4,000 acres of Illinois land his father had entered in 1862, for the land in Philo Township, because it had better water facilities for livestock, as it was on the Embarrass River. The land was raw prairie and without improvements. He broke the virgin soil with ox teams, sometimes driving four yoke of oxen to a breaking plow. This land also had no drain- age, and Mr. Meharry used his time and means in draining and developing it. He planted fruit and shade trees, and built a house. It is a family tradition that this was the first farm- house between Rantoul and Tuscola. He also erected a barn and other buildings to satisfy his needs. He was a careful farmer, the tilled lands giving every evidence of his ability. "In the early sixties all kinds of wild game abounded. There were so many ducks and geese in the country that men were hired to shoot them in order to keep the fowls from eating the crops." It is said that in those days one could go from the Meharry farm to Rantoul without seeing a single tree, while one might make a journey from Tolono to Chicago and not encounter a fence. Jesse Meharry lived to see a great and magnificent country develop before his eyes, and he took a most creditable share in the making. The passing years have brought about remarkable changes in land values in Illinois. The first land that Mr. Meharry 's father bought in the early sixties cost $2.50 per acre, and at this writing, in 1925, it is worth two or three hundred dollars per acre. Jesse Meharry increased his holdings from time to time until he became the owner of many acres of land, which to- day is divided into productive farms and owned by his sons. His faith in the locality has been more than realized. He came to Illinois in the days of ox teams and lived to ride over his farms with his sons in an automobile. In the year 1872, Addie A. Francis, with relatives, Rev. and Airs. Samuel Meharry, w r as visiting the family of John T. Moore, of Tolono, Illinois. Miss Francis was taken ill with measles in their home and while bedfast received a call from Jesse Meharry. One year later, on February 27, 1873, Jesse Meharry and 144 History of the Meharry Family Addie A. Francis were united in marriage at the bride's home near New Lenox, Illinois. The bride was the daughter of Abraham and Mary A. J. (Davidson) Francis. Fifty or sixty persons were present at the wedding, among whom were Jesse Meharry, of Wingate, Indiana, and Abraham Meharry, of Tolono, Illinois. The officiating clergyman was Rev. Mr. Welling, presiding elder of the Joliet district of the Rock River Conference. Their wedding day was a typical, snowy, blustery February day, and an interesting story is told of a chimney fire, which occurred during the marriage services. A part of the family were striving to save the home, while the wedding party were unaware of any unusual happening. On Tuesday, March 4, the bride and groom, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. A. Allen Francis, of New Lenox, Illinois, and their uncle, Jesse Meharry, who was a guest at the wedding, went to Shawnee Mound, Indiana, for a visit of one week among the groom's relatives. On Wednesday, March 5th, a dinner was served in honor of the bride and groom at the home of Thomas Meharry, father of the groom. All of Thomas Me- harry 's brothers and their wives, and his sons and daughters, with their companions, were present at this dinner ; also many of the cousins. The guests from a distance were Mrs. Thomp- son, of Forest, Illinois, and Mr. and Mrs. A. Allen Francis, of New Lenox, Illinois. "Quite a large crowd, fine dinner and a pleasant time," wrote Jesse Meharry, uncle of the groom, in his diary concerning the afTair. Several more dinner parties were given at the homes of other relatives, and on March 11 Mr. and Mrs. Meharry returned to Illinois. Mr. Meharry brought his bride directly to the farm- house that he had prepared for her in Philo Township. To this union have been born four children : Jesse Erie — born December 31, 1876. George Francis — born June 12, 1880. Edwin Thomas — born November 30, 1881, died Octo- ber 22, 1918. Paul Francis— born March 23, 1888. Mr. Meharry married at the age of thirty-seven, and his wife was sixteen years younger than he. His children came to him late in life, but he lived to see them all grow to matu- rity. At this writing (192.S) there a i 'e six grandchildren, five grandsons and one granddaughter, to cherish his memory. "The home, of all places, is where a man most truly re- veals himself," and here Jesse Meharry was at his best. He delighted in his home and had he chosen only his own comfort and pleasure he would have spent his last days at rest there. He entered into all the plans and was interested in everything that demanded the attention of the members of his family. History of the Meharry Family 145 A child's pleasure afforded him keen enjoyment. His especial delight was a romp with his boys when they were children. When the}' were together a frolic was sure to ensue. The children would chase their father round and round the house and pelt him with their halls until he was glad to surrender. When the hoys would he playing marhles in the shade of the corn cribs, the father would slip up on the opposite side and toss a stone over the building among them. Then he would hide, while they hunted for their tormentor. When they returned to their play, over would come another stone. This would he repeated again and again until the father would allow himself to be caught, and as a punishment he would have to grant them some especial pleasure. These are trivial incidents, yet they reveal Jesse Meharry 's attitude toward his bows. As the boys grew older their ex- periences in school and then in college enlisted his hearty sympathy. He encouraged them to complete a university course, for he realized that "opened university doors would bring a wealth of learning back to mother earth," and that his boys would be better prepared for practical success as tillers of the soil. His method of correction with his children was simple but effective. He very seldom punished by whipping, but, when necessary, he "dressed down" his boys in the good, old- fashioned method of the time, good, hard and plenty. His sons assert that when he assigned a task to them, they early learned that their father believed "whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well." They knew they would be required to do thoroughly the work allotted to them. If the result was not up to his standard, he criticized it in a few, sharp, caustic words and required the task to be done over until it met with his approval. And again, he never praised a task well done, for he said, "A good thing well done needs no approval." Mr. Meharry appreciated excellence and was proud when his children deserved commendation, but he truly believed, as Emerson said, "The silence that accepts merit as the most natural thing in the world is the highest applause." He left his sons memories of a job}' playmate, a close companion and a true friend ; a strict and stern disciplinarian, but, withal, a kindly, generous, devoted and indulgent father. In personal appearance, Jesse Meharry was of medium height, slender, but well proportioned. He had a brunette complexion, expressive dark brown eyes with a friendly twinkle. He had a profusion of dark hair and his chin was covered with a comely brown beard. His high forehead, with the lines of the brow and his energetic month, which suggested authority, all went to make up a strong, intellectual, but a 146 History of the Meharry Family kindly face. His manner was self-respecting and reserved, and his hands and feet small, as was characteristic of all his race. The trait of Jesse Meharry that the writer thinks of when she recalls him to mind was his sense of humor and his love of fun. It was spontaneous and persistent, and usually his laughter was silent. One could hear him chuckle and see him shaking with suppressed mirth. The writer likes to remember the sparkle of his mischiev- ous eyes, when he was after some victim. The memory of his roguery at weddings still lingers in the memory of his friends. This sense of humor helped to modify the pains, sorrows and tribulations of Jesse Meharry 's life and kept him young until the end of his days. Mr. Meharry was not what we call a great talker, but in the give and take of friendly conversation he was interest- ing and amusing. His voice was always low and pleasant. It was Jesse's disposition to be reticent and reserved about his personal business. If he chose, as he often did choose, he could be very uncommunicative. Books were a form of recreation for Jesse Meharry. He was a great reader and always had on hand a goodly supply of the literature that interested him, among which were the daily newspapers, a number of weeklies and many of the im- portant reviews and magazines. But of them all, the North American Review was his favorite periodical. From it he gained a sound interpretation of current thought and so could view the world with a considerable degree of understanding and accurate judgment. His sons would in a joking way refer to the North American Review as their father's Bible. A peculiar habit of our subject was wakefulness. He did not possess the greatest of all blessings, the ability to fall asleep at will. He was at all times a light sleeper and he could go without sleep for a long period without inconven- ience. When wakeful in the silent hours of the night he formed the habit of getting up and reading. Thus the picture of him sitting back in his big chair with book or magazine in hand, reading until he became drowsy, will long be remem- bered by his children. "He rubbed his eyes and dozed, Then roused and read again." Jesse Meharry did not like to carry a gun or fishing rod, as most farm boys did in those days. As a boy or man he never joined in any of the sports that involved killing. His recreation was roaming in the woods and fields and swimming in the pools. He could often be found perched in the top of a tree reading. History of the Meharry Family 147 From early youth Jesse Meharry was a lover of trees and a tireless planter of them. He is given the credit of planting the evergreens in his father's door yard while he was a mem- ber i)\ the parental home. Mary Moore held the trees while he planted them. lie nurtured these cedars and their rapid growth and beauty gave him genuine satisfaction. Today they stand as monuments to him. "Cedars, and pine, and fir. and branching palm A sylvan scene, and as the ranks ascend Shade above shade, a woody theatre ( )f stateliest view." — Milton. Early he learned the art of grafting and budding while working in his father's orchard. After he had gone to Illinois he set out an orchard of mixed fruits on his farm, which cov- ered a space of thirty acres. In it could be found all the best varieties of apples, pears, peaches, quinces, cherries and other fruits. "But orchards, like ourselves, have a life, growing and passing away. One sees them passing through the various stages and at last, step by step, approaching death, which makes them more like ourselves." Thus Jesse Meharry's orchard became old and diseased. The cost of caring for it properly was high and cash receipts from the fruit were small, so it was decided to destroy the orchard. The trees were "pulled," and the land where the great orchard once stood was planted to corn. "Their history is a tale that is told." Jesse Meharry was very proud of the beautiful trees at his home in the north part of Tolono. Although he did not plant these trees, he prized and cared for them. If he found anyone attempting to injure a tree, his wrath would descend quickly upon the culprit and his reproof was never a cause for laughter. With all his gentleness of demeanor, Mr. Me- harry was a believer in authority. It is said that when he became a member of the Maple Grove School Hoard many of the now hue maple trees were set out in the school yard at his suggestion. "Who plants a tree He plants love. Tents of coolness, spreading out above Wayfarers he may not live to see: (iitts that grow are best, Hands that bless, are best. Plant ! Life does the rest." 148 History of the Meharry Family Jesse Meharry was thorough in all his building. He con- structed his buildings and fences in a plain, substantial man- ner of the best material to be procured and with a direct view to the uses for which they were intended. His thoroughness in building was a family characteristic that Jesse inherited from his father, w r ho practiced it in his lifetime and taught it to his sons. Jesse and his brothers all possessed this quality in a marked degree. An implement dealer, who knew the family long and inti- mately, in speaking of this trait, cited the following : "The Meharry brothers were thorough to an exceptional degree. They never did things by halves. Upon one occasion I sent my men to put up a wire fence that I had sold Jesse Meharry. I instructed the workmen to set the posts deeply and solidly, for Mr. Meharry exacted good work. Mr. Meharry, while watching the men dig the first post hole, gave a peculiar whistle, which was all his own, and said, 'Just a little deeper, boys, just a little deeper'." One of his favorite pursuits, aside from farming, was sur- veying, a business that was very lucrative in those early days. Having learned this art while in college at Greencastle, Indi- ana, he put it to good use after his university days Avere over. Upon his superintendence many of the surveys for tile ditches in the neighborhood of his home were made. He was much trusted because of his exactness and because it was known that he could not be bribed. In those days the bounds of farms were often vague or contested. In case of dispute over prop- erty lines, the owners would often agree to leave it to Jesse Meharry and his survey would settle their differences. The Illinois climate has undergone a transformation since the early sixties. In those days the ground was usually cov- ered with snow to the depth of one or two feet or more early in the winter and the face of mother earth was not seen again until the following March or even later. Often there would be blizzards, which the settlers termed "northers" or ' nor'- easters," when the roads would be drifted in some places on a level with the hedge fences and impassable. It would be many days before ordinary traffic could be resumed. On one of these "northers" hangs an interesting experience of Jesse Meharry. At one time Mr. Meharry and his brother Abraham re- turned home from Chicag'o in the midst of one of those severe storms. They arrived in Tolono on the midnight train, when the storm was at its worst. The wind was blowing forty miles an hour and the thermometer registered zero as they started to drive home, a distance of three miles, which they thought they could reach without serious difficulty. They History of the Meharry Family 149 had a strong farm team and a farm carriage. The wind howled and tossed the finely powdered snow hither and thither, blind- ing our travelers until they could scarcely see ten feet in any direction. They wended their way slowly, often uncertain as to the road. The horses were hard to guide, sometime- re- fusing to go as desired, so they would drift with the wind or across it. They could not find the lane, which was the en- trance to the farm. Several times the horses attempted to turn, hut the driver urged them on. Worst of all, the unwel- come suspicion was beginning to force itself upon them that they had lost their way. for they realized they had more than covered the distance between the village and the farm. To make the story short, they drove around Section 20 of Philo Township, in which the farm was situated, three times, and then came to a standstill. At last they had to confess that they were utterly lost. The only thing' to do was to give the horses their heads and depend entirely on their instinct as to the quarter in which home and safety lay. The brothers were soon inside their gate. Again horse instinct proved to have been trustworthy. Men and horses weathered the storm without serious results. The brothers deemed it almost incredible that they could have been lost within a few rods of shelter. Whittier describes these "northers'' in his "Snow Bound :" "And when the second morning shone, We looked upon a world unknown, On nothing we could call our own. Around the glistening- wonder bent The blue wall of the firmament. No cloud above, no earth below. A universe of sky and snow." There lingers in the writer's memory the recollection of a serious accident that befell Jesse Meharry, which would have cost him his life, if his wife had not possessed great self- control and resourcefulness. Mr. Meharry kept many bees and one day he was attempting to hive a swarm that had set- tled in a cottonwood tree perhaps thirty feet from the ground. The vicious little insects were on the warpath, and in some unaccountable manner they alighted upon Mr. Meharry in overwhelming numbers. He tried to fight them off, but to no avail. The more he fought the more they tortured him. Mr. Meharry found that he could not make any headway in the unequal contest, so he descended from the tree, calling for help, and fell prostrate on the ground almost unconscious. His wife rolled him over and over, then led him through tall shrubbery to brush the bees off. In a short time Mr. Me- 150 History of the Meharry Family harry 's face and body swelled up with a burning inflammation and he was exceedingly ill ; he could not speak and almost died from inability to draw his breath. He was drugged with whiskey and bathed with alcohol and other home remedies were used until a physician could reach him, which was perhaps one and a half hours. His life was despaired of for a time, for the stings had caused formic- acid poisoning. Mr. Meharry had two hundred and twenty stings, and was in poor health for many months following. "Familiarity breeds contempt," and in this case it held true, for after his experience he lost interest in "the singing masons, building roofs of gold," as Shakespeare described them. An important social function in the life of Jesse Meharry was the celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of his mar- riage. This event occurred at the new home of Mr. and Mrs. Meharry in Tolono, Illinois, Saturday, February 28, 1898. About one hundred and fifty guests came from several differ- ent states, from various sections of Illinois and from all parts of Champaign County. Those from Will County came In- special car over the Illinois Central Railroad. Many of the out-of-town guests had attended Mr. and Mrs. Meharry 's wedding twenty-five years before. The hostess was attired in the gown that she wore as a bride. It had been carefully preserved and made over in the latest style for this occasion. It was Irish poplin, ashes of roses, trimmed with duchess satin and old guipure lace. The dress was cut en train and the wearer thus attired appeared almost as young as when she first wore it. Mr. Meharry was clad in the same Prince Albert coat, white vest and cravat that he had worn on his wedding day. The party was enlivened by wit and wisdom, good fellow- ship, good wishes and good will, and was an occasion that has long been remembered by those who attended it. In August, 1886, Jesse Meharry attended a camp meeting at New Lenox, Illinois, his wife's girlhood home. While there he gave the services his serious attention and was under con- viction, but did not make any profession of religion. On the way home, however, on the train he thoughtfully and prayer- fully considered the matter and consecrated his life to the Master at that time. On June 4, 1887, Mr. Meharry united with the Tolono Methodist Episcopal Church in the fifty-second year of his life. "It is well said, in every sense, that a man's religion is the chief fact with regard to him." His forefathers had been de- vout Methodists and he was interested in religion and the work of his church from early boyhood. Our subject was a History of the Meharry Family 151 constant attendant and supporter of the church, but lie never became a member because he had not met with the change of heart which was deemed essential to an admission to its folds. But if right living constitutes righteousness, there was no more righteous man in the church than he was out of it. He was a trustee of this church for twenty years prior to his con- version. He served more than forty years on the official board and thirteen years as Sunday School superintendent. The fol- lowing prayer was found among his papers after his death. It is one that he used on one occasion while serving as super- intendent. "( )ur Father, we thank thee that we are again permitted to meet in this, thy house, to learn of thee out of thy word. We thank thee for the preservation of our lives during the past week, and for all thy mercies. Grant, Lord, that a special blessing may rest on our Sunday school, the officers, the teach- ers and the scholars. As we shall study thee in thy works and words, fill our minds with thy truth and our hearts with thy love. Teach the children thy grace in the gospel of thy Son, that they may consecrate to thee the dew of their youth. Let thy special blessing rest on thy whole church and upon our pastor. Hear us in these, our requests, for Christ's sake. Amen." After his conversion he was always active in church work and was the principal financial supporter of his local church. Jesse Meharry was influential in the building of the new Meth- odist Church in Tolono. He and his brother, Abraham, were liberal contributers, shouldering over one-half the cost of the construction of the church. Mr. Meharry "s contributions to the aid of religion, edu- cation and private charities were frequent and generous. Id is systematic giving was commensurate with his financial suc- cess. He was a liberal supporter of the Meharry Medical Col- lege for the colored people at Nashville, Tennessee. This school was founded by Hugh, David, Jesse, Samuel and Alex- ander Meharry, uncles of the subject of this sketch. Mr. Meharry gave freely to the building and support of the Trinity Methodist Church of the University of Illinois. He also gave liberally to the Illinois Wesleyan University, of Bloomington, Illinois, being a member of the board of trustees of that institution for several years. For eleven years, Mr. Meharry acted as supervisor of Philo Township. He also held the office of highway commis- sioner. He acted on a committee that superintended extensive repairs of the count}- Court Mouse at Urbana, Illinois. He was a member of the Champaign County Central Committee of the Republican party for twenty-five consecutive years prior 152 History of the Meharry Family to his death, which was a longer period than any other mem- ber of that committee had served at that time. A writer for the Tolono Herald in describing" Mr. Me- harry as a citizen and neighbor stated, "The old proverb, 'A prophet is not without honor save in his own country,' can not be said of Jesse Meharry, for no person could be more sincerely loved and honored by his townsmen than he." His sympathy went out to the poor, and helping his neighbor was a dominant characteristic of his personality. Mr. Meharry was very generous, yet if he thought one was trying to get the best of him he could look after the shekels as well as any one. An acquaintance of Mr. Meharry's has paid him this tribute, "I shall always remember Jesse Meharry with grati- tude. When I was hard pressed for money I could go to him and he would lend me all that I needed to meet the emergency. He required no securities. Such kind, benevolent friends are unusual and seldom met with." And, again, during the finan- cial depression of 1893, a man who was owing Mr. Meharry a large sum of money, which was then due, said, "Mr. Me- harry, I can not pay my note, you will have to foreclose." Mr. Meharry's reply was, "That's all right, Mr. , take your time. I'll not press you." These were some of Mr. Meharry's thoughtful deeds of which the world knew little or nothing. He did not build his success on the failures of others. It is said that he once presented a man of the community with an artificial limb. Some years before Mr. — - suffered the amputation of his leg due to a railroad accident and had since been on crutches. His helpless condition aroused Mr. Meharry's sympathies and the result was another brother made happy. We may sketch him in the words of Goldsmith: "More bent to raise the wretched than to rise, Tims, to relieve the wretched was his pride." The following illustrates Mr. and Mrs. Meharry's readi- ness to avail themselves of opportunities for service. A col- ored waif drifted into the village of Tolono and into the Methodist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Meharry were present and the boy's lonely condition aroused their interest and sympathy and they took Jerry to their home. They clothed him and cared for him. Mrs. Meharry taught him to read and write and compelled him to attend Sunday school and church. He was bright and capable and tried to show his gratitude to his benefactors by being helpful to all the household. He re- mained in their home, the only home he had ever known, for years, then black Jerry wandered on. An unseen power had led Jerrv to Mr. and Mrs. Meharrv. History of the Meharry Family 153 A little incident that took place in the childhood days oi the writer comes to her mind when she thinks of her uncle. She was soliciting money for the missions and, meeting' her uncle, stopped to exchange greetings. She told him what she was doing and he inquired, "Would you like me to help you win the banner?" He smiled and drew from his pocket the money ; hut it was not the expected nickel or dime. It was a silver half dollar. "How will this do?" he asked. The sur- prised child was delighted with Ids generosity. This is one of those incidents in life which seem to adhere to one, leaving an indelible impression, and which, though many years have passed, still remain undimmed. This kindness and consider- ation to a child was only one thread in the man)- colored fabric of his character. Mr. Meharry went to Long Beach, California, in company with his wife and son Edwin in search of health. Here Mr. Meharry met the great sorrow of his life when his wife was claimed by death. Like Saul and Jonathan of old, "The}' were lovely and pleasant in their lives and in their death they were not divided." Here in Long Beach they both lay down the burden of life. Mr. Meharry was suffering from diabetes. Two previous strokes of paralysis were nature's warning that the best days of his strength were over. The first stroke came after his oldest brother William's death in 1903, and the second fol- lowed his brother Abraham's death in 1908. His brother Isaac's death in 1904 was also a great shock and he bent per- ceptibly under the blow. He was poorly for several months following. Jesse Meharry felt the loss of his brothers deeply. They differed in many points, yet the close tie of brotherhood existed. Mr. Meharry rallied from these strokes during the few years that remained to him of life with unusual power. His reserve of vitality from the years simply and sanely spent was very great. Jesse Meharry was summoned with a third stroke and within a few days he responded, passing away in the early morning hours — 2:50 — on Friday, January 31, 1913. While he lingered he was conscious of pain and of the loving min- istrations of his son Edwin, but could not speak. In answer to Edwin's questions he would move the first finger of the right hand. One movement for yes, two movements for no. He sank steadily and gently. The book of life was closed. His remains arrived in Tolono Wednesday, February 5, 1913, accompanied by his son Edwin. It was a bitter cold day, the temperature registering- ten degrees below zero. Two 154 History of the Meharry Family days later funeral services were held from his late residence. The house was filled with friends and relatives of the de- ceased. To those who knew the spirit and the heart of Jesse Meharry it was not a surprise that such a host should gather in the final service to pay honor to their friend. "I wonder what day of the week, I wonder what month of the year; Will it be mid-night or morning? And who will bend over my bier?" The friends he loved most "bent over his bier." The serv- ices were impressive and appropriate and in all respects as he would have wished them to be. His pastor, Rev. C. A. Ward, officiated, assisted by Rev. J. J. Judy and by two former pas- tors, Rev. A. M. Schuett, who pronounced a most impressive eulogy, and Rev. J. R. Reasoner, who made a touching and eloquent address drawn from his own intercourse with his departed friend. His body was accompanied by a memorable host of friends to the family plot and consigned to his last resting place be- side his wife, who had been buried only eleven days previously. With that carefulness in such matters, which was one of the special marks of an earlier day, he had planned and provided for a burial lot in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Urbana, Illinois. There stands his monument marking the spot. Concerning this place it would not be difficult to imagine him repeating the words of Stevenson's epitaph : "Here I lie where I longed to lie." Mae (Meharry) Haven. ADDIE A. (FRANCIS) MEHARRY Addie A. Meharry, wife of Jesse Meharry, was the daugh- ter of Abraham and Mary A. J. (Davidson) Francis. Her father was a native of Ireland and her mother was born in Brown County, Ohio. Her parents were married in Brown County, October 4, 1831, and moved to Will County, Illinois, in November of the same year, where Mr. Francis built the first log cabin in that section. Mrs. Francis was one of the first white women to settle in Will County, and her daughter, Margaret, was among the first of the white children born in that county. An Indian medicine man attended Mrs. Francis at the birth of this child. When Margaret grew up she mar- ried Needham P. Cooper. History of the Meharry Family 155 Acidic was the ninth child in the parental household and was horn at the homestead in New Lenox Township, Septem- ber 12, 1851. She obtained her first instruction in the com- mon schools of the neighborhood. Later she attended the Joliet schools. On February 27, 1873, she was married to Jesse Meharry, and went to live with her husband in Philo Township, Champaign County, Illinois. One who knew Mrs. Meharry well has said, "Her life was an open hook written in the broad sunshine of everyday life, in the open before you all. You always knew where Mrs. Meharry stood. Her life illustrated the poet's line, 'There is no finer flower on this earth than courage.' Mrs. Meharry had courage of intellect and heart, and physical courage as well. She was intense in all she did, as all strong characters are, but in nothing more so than in her devotion to her family and daily duty." "The many make the household, But only one the home." She raised a family of four sons and two foster daughters. If she loved one child more than another, no one ever found it out. In the home circle, her children received the dual im- pulse of precept and example, and are an honor to their pres- ent home, church and community life. Through her children, Mrs. Meharry still lives and labors. She lived not to be ministered unto, but to minister. Time after time she was with the sick, not as a trained nurse, except as duty and devotion trained her; not as a paid nurse, except as the Lord was her paymaster. Many of God's poor could have said of her, "I was naked and ye clothed me; I was sick and ye visited me." She was most approachable. Her sympathetic manner always dispossessed people of embarrassment and led them to open their hearts and tell the story of their troubles to her as to a mother. Many love to remember the words of encouragement spoken to them by her during seasons of de- pression when they most needed the counsel of a disinterested friend, and the unfortunate were sure of her interest and sub- stantial assistance. Another excellent trait of Mrs. Meharry, which one can not help but admire, was her kindness to those who served in her home. Her domestics were in an exceptional sense her daughters. She treated them with the same thoughtful con- sideration that she showed her family and they in return were loyal and remained in her employ many years at a time. Irish Nora deserves special tribute, for her service was 156 History of the Meharry Family so unusual, both in quality and length of time. "Faith and I loYe ye all," she would say, and we all loved Nora. Airs. Meharry was a woman of strong religious convic- tions and in addition to her exacting home duties she found time for a vast amount of work in all departments of the church. She was an earnest teacher in the Sunday school and served as president of the Woman's Foreign Missionary So- ciety and the Ladies' Aid Society. At New Lenox, Illinois, where Mrs. Meharry was born, the Centenary Camp Meeting Association owns a large and beautiful grove in which a ten- day period of religious services have been held every summer for more than half a century. Mrs. Meharry was greatly in- terested in these meetings and purchased a cottage upon the camp grounds so that she could attend the annual sessions and take an active part in them. She derived much spiritual re- freshment from them. There was one specific line of missionary work to which Mrs. Meharry was devoted that should be recorded here. She was especially interested in Philippine students who attended the University of Illinois, and she made an extra effort to meet these boys. It was her desire to entertain them in her home, thus to have them under her influence where she could make a study of each individual. They were welcomed in her house and made to feel that Mrs. Meharry was a friend to whom they could turn for comfort and encouragement when they were lonely in a strange land. "Blessed she was; God made her so, And deeds of week-day holiness Fell from her as noiseless as the snow." When Mr. and Mrs. Meharry decided to leave their farm in Philo Township, where the early years of their married life were spent, they considered the purchase of a home in Urbana, Illinois, near the state university, so that their sons could have all the advantages that the great institution offered. They selected a desirable house, well situated, and had all but closed a deal for it when Mrs. Meharry splendidly changed her mind. She was strong enough and independent enough to decide this question in loyalty to her helpmate. "My hus- band should be nearer the farms. The long drives through all kinds of weather will be hard for him ; he is growing old. My boys must look out for themselves," she said. Hence, they built their new home in the village of Tolono. Doubtless this change was made at a personal sacrifice by Mrs. Meharry, but she was constantly making sacrifices and found joy in them. She has been heard to say, "I think we made a wise decision ; then, too, I feel that we were needed here." History of the Meharry Family 157 The writer, with her young- daughter, Alice, frequently visited in Mrs. Meharry's "home. A little incident comes to mind which may be of interest. Mrs. Meharry was fond of the child and devoted much time to her entertainment. She would take the little girl upon her knee and tell her stories and teach her Mother Goose rhymes. Sprinkled in between was good, wholesome advice for the mother. One thing in particular the writer likes to remember is this statement: "If I had my life to live over I would punish less and praise more. Never whip, but love and reason." Mrs. Meharry was gifted with a soprano voice of range and sweetness. Frequently she was called upon to sing at village entertainments and at funerals with her sister-in-law, Mrs. William Meharry, who possessed an excellent contralto voice. Many Sunday afternoons, when their families met to- gether, the two would add to the enjoyment of the occasion by singing together. Two fine old hymns were favorites with them, "The Lily of the Valley" and "At the Cross." "When You and I W r ere Young, Maggie," and "Silver Threads Among the Gold," were also often included in the afternoon's singing. In 1912 Mrs. Meharry's health began to fail and, with in- creasing invalidism, a change of climate was sought for her, so she and her husband, in company with their son, Edwin, went to Long Beach, California, in search of health. One month after leaving their home, Mrs. Meharry's disease, splenomedullary leukemia, with which she had been afflicted for many months, assumed an alarming form and on Saturday, January 18, 1913, she became critically ill. After lingering for two days she passed to the great beyond on Monday, Jan- uary 20, 1913. The remains of Mrs. Meharry arrived in Tolono from Long Beach, California, Saturday, January 25. The funeral was held from her late residence, January 27, 1913. The services were in charge of Rev. C. A. Ward, of Tolono, assisted by Rev. R. H. Schuett, of Champaign; Rev. J. M. Judy, of Pesotum, and Rev. J. R. Reasoner, of Urbana. She desired that no "pomp and display" would attend her funeral. She had especially requested that her casket be covered with the folds of the American flag, and that her loved and much-used Bible be placed on top of the flag. Her requests were fulfilled. Many fitting tributes were paid to the virtues and Christian character of the departed. It was a sorrowful company of her nearest and dearest relatives and friends who gathered around the grave in which her wornout body was laid to rest in the family lot in Mt. Hope Cemetery at Urbana, Illinois. 158 History of the Meharry Family "Her work is compassed and done; All things are seemly and ready, And her summer has just begun. "But we cannot think of her as idle; She must be a home-maker still; God giveth the work to the angels Who fittest the task fulfill. "Somewhere, yet on the hilltops Of the country that hath no pain, She will watch in her beautiful door-way, To bid us a welcome again." Mae (Meharry) Haven. JESSE ERLE MEHARRY Jesse Erie Meharry was born December 31, 1876, on his father's farm three miles east of Tolono, Illinois. His father was Jesse Meharry and his mother Adclie (Francis) Meharry. Until he was seventeen years old he resided with his parents three miles east of Tolono, Illinois, when he moved with his parents to a farm on the north edge of the village of Tolono, where he has lived since. He graduated from the Tolono High School in 1895, after which he attended the University of Illinois. In college he attained distinction as an athlete in the bicycle squad, which was one of the most popular track events in those days. He received a medal for marksmanship on the rifle team. He was active in class politics, being sec- retary of his class for several years. He graduated with the class of 1899. Soon after leaving school he took up the breed- ing of Poland China swine, at which he has been markedly successful. He holds the reputation of being the greatest showman the breed ever saw. His progress in breeding has been steady and consistent. In September, 1916, he married Kathryn Hay, of Carmi, Illinois. Of this marriage Avere born two children — Charlotte Adeline, born September 18, 1917, and Jesse Erie, Jr., born October 21, 1918. Erie Meharry is a director of the Ameri- can Poland China Record Association and was a member of the State Livestock Commission appointed by Governor Low- den for conservation purposes during the war. He has been president of the State Swine Breeders' Association. His posi- tion as a breeder is recognized all over the United States. George Erancis Meharry History of the Meharry Family 159 GEORGE FRANCIS MEHARRY George Francis Meharry was horn June 12, 1880, on his father's farm on the west bank of the Embarrass River, three miles east of Tolono. He is the second son of Jesse and Addie (Francis) Meharry. During his boyhood he attended the dis- trict school near his home until November 24, 1893, when he moved with his parents to their farm on the north edge of To- lono. He was graduated from Tolono High School in 1899, im- mediately following which he went to the University of Illi- nois, from which he was graduated in 1905. Mr. Meharry took up farming on leaving college. Febru- ary 27, 1912, he married Sophie Voss, daughter of John and Matilda Voss, of Champaign, Illinois. Miss Voss was gradu- ated from the University of Illinois with the same class as her husband and afterwards was graduated from the Stearin Conservatory of Music in Berlin as a student of Martin, the pianist. To this union two sons were born — John Frederick, on September 25, 1914, and George Francis, jr., on January 13, 1921. He helped organize the Champaign County Farm Bu- reau, of which he is a member. For five years he acted on the executive committee of that organization. From 1915 to 1918 he was highway commissioner of his township and during the war he served on the neighborhood and finance committees of the State Council of Defense. He was elected president of the Citizens Bank of Tolono in 1921. Mr. Meharry and his wife are members of the Methodist Church at Tolono, wdiere he is superintendent of the Sunday school. He now lives on his farm four and one half miles east of Tolono and two and one-half miles west of Philo, Illinois. George Francis Meharry. EDWIN THOMAS MEHARRY Edwin Thomas Meharry was born on his father's farm three miles east of Tolono, Illinois. He was the third son of Jesse and Addie A. (Francis) Meharry, and November 30, 1881, was the date of his birth. He moved to Tolono with his parents in 1893 and lived on their farm at the north edge of the village. He was graduated from the Tolono High School in 1900. He afterwards attended the University of Illinois, from which he was graduated with the class of 1906. He was a member of the Alpha Zeta fraternity of the College of Agri- culture, a society founded on scholarship. Upon leaving col- lege he engaged in farming, which he followed the remainder of his life. 160 History of the Mkharry Family Edwin Thomas Meharry Counted by years Edwin Meharry's life was not long, but he crowded more into his short span of life than most people do. Being a red-blooded American youth, he not only had- the happy faculty of making the most of small things that fell to his lot, but he shared actively in all games and sports and outdoor events such as ball games, hunting and fishing. Edwin Meharry chose his friends deliberately and care- fully, and was exceedingly loyal to those he loved. "Choose your friend wisely, Test your friend well; True friends, like rarest gems Prove hard to tell. Winter him, summer him, Know your friend well." Like his father, Edwin had the gift of silence. He was not a great talker, but he was a thinker. His thoughts and methods were peculiarly his own ; they were original, and he never imitated. He read much and was quite familiar with a large number of books, but he thought more. He had a broad and comprehensive mind, critical, exacting and accurate. At his father's death in 1913 he was appointed trustee of his father's estate, which he handled with great ability and credit to himself till the time of his premature death. He was a member of the School Board of Tolono and was an active member of the Board of Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a man of sterling character and uncompro- mising integrity, beloved by all who knew him. He gave great promise of a successful business career, but just in the flower of manhood he was taken from us by One who knows better than we do what is best. History of the Meharry Family 161 On October 22, 1918, at 9:55 o'clock p. m., after eight days of sickness with the deadly influenza that swept over the country at that time, Edwin passed away in the 37th year of his age. Funeral services were held from his late home in Tolono, Illinois, on Thursday, October 24. Mr. Meharry 's remains were taken to Mt. Hope Ceme- tery, Urbana, Illinois, and placed in a receiving- vault. This was done because there were so many deaths at that time on account of the influenza epidemic that the sexton was unable to have the grave ready. Later the body was interred in the family lot beside his father and mother. "His magic was not far to seek — He was so human! Whether strong or weak. Far from his kind he neither sank nor soared. But sate an equal guest at every board." George Francis Meharry. PAUL FRANCIS MEHARRY Paul Francis Meharry, son of Jesse Meharry and Addie Francis Meharry, was born March 23, 1888, on his father's farm on the west bank of the Fmibarrass River. In 1893 he moved with his parents to Tolono, where he attended the pub- lic schools. He took the two-year course offered by the Tolono High School and finished his high school work at the Uni- versity of Illinois Academy, following which he spent three years in the university proper. On leaving school he took up the occupation of farming, which he has followed since. On February 3, 1914, he married Stella Blanche Dougherty, of Fairmount, Illinois. To them were born, on February 22, 1917, a son and a daughter, Jesse Dougherty and Lillie Dough- erty. Lillie died February 24, 1917. Paul Dougherty Me- har'ry, Jr., was born May 27, 1919. In the fall of 1917, Paul Meharry moved to the village of Tolono, but still remained active in farming. He is a member of the School Board and of the Village Board of Aldermen. He is a great lover of fine horses and is one of the largest dealers in horses in his com- munity. — George Francis Meharry. 162 History of the Meharry Family Folly Ann (Meharry) McCorkle Andrew Calvin McCorkle Julia (Martin) McCorkle Heme of Folly Ann (Meharry) McCorkle near Shawnee Mound, Indiana History of the Meharry Family 163 POLLY ANN McCORKLE Polly Ann McCorkle, the fifth child of Thomas and Eunity Patton Meharry, was born July 3, 1838, in Montgomery Coun- ty, Indiana. She was the favorite of the family with her broth- ers and sisters, and the best beloved by her mother, perhaps because she was the youngest daughter. She was marked from all the rest of the family by delicate health, so delicate that for a long time she was not asked to do any of the heavy work that her sisters engaged in. Her childhood and young girlhood were spent in the old home on the farm with her parents and sisters and brothers. Polly Ann attended the common schools of Coal Creek Town- ship and completed her education in the Presbyterian Semi- nar)-, of Terre Haute, Indiana. With the advantages of education and social life and an especially happy disposition she grew into young womanhood. eager, vivacious, attractive and bubbling over with good im- pulses, while never quite strong enough to do all she would. She had the inestimable blessing of beginning life in a Christian home, where family worship was observed morning and evening and always the blessing at the table. Her own confession was a natural thing. At the age of twenty she as- sumed the vows of the covenant and united with the Metho- dist Episcopal Church. She was a faithful attendant and ac- tive in all church work. She was a charter member of the Woman's Missionary Society. She served at various times as a teacher in the Sunday School. As long as her health would permit, she engaged in such w r ork as was possible. As her health failed, her church interests were increasingly dear to her. On June 30, 1864, Polly Ann Meharry was united in mar- riage to Andrew Calvin McCorkle, son of Andrew and Mary (Gooding) McCorkle. Immediately following their marriage Calvin McCorkle took his bride to his father's home, where they were given an infare and a big charivari. Robert and Mary Hessle, Isaac and Mary Meharry and William Meharry ( who drove Margaret McCorkle home, as related in the Wil- liam Meharry history) accompanied the bridal couple on their honeymoon trip. After a visit of two weeks with the groom's parents, Mr. and Mrs. McCorkle returned to Shawnee Mound, Indiana, and made their home with the bride's parents for a year and a half, until after the birth of their first child. They then began their domestic life in their new and comfortable home, which they had by this time completed on their farm in Tippecanoe County, Indiana. For a score and three years, all of the remainder of Mrs. McCorkle's wedded life, they dwelt there happily, cultivating and beautifying the place 164 History of the Meharry Family until they had transformed it into a well-improved and valu- able farm. Polly McCorkle found her chief joy in this quiet home, over which she presided with gentle dignity and dis- pensed a warm and cordial hospitality. She loved her home and family and stayed very close to them. This marriage resulted in the birth of two sons, Charles Allan, a farmer of the Shawnee Mound neighborhood, and John William, a banker, of Wingate, Indiana. As the little ones were added to the household, mother's patience met all their requirements. Whether guiding with wise discretion their education, or teaching them the precepts of religion, she proved herself a true mother, a counselor and friend. Mrs. McCorkle seldom chastised ; she governed by other methods. The narrative that follows will show her title to this distinction. She accidentally found a deck of cards that her sons had recently purchased. She took the cards and burned them without asking any questions as to why and how they came into the house. She did not chastise the boys, but inquired the purchase price and gave them the amount they had paid for the cards. Her treatment was effective. "Oft in the stilly night, 'Ere slumber's chain has bought me. Fond memory brings the light Of other days around me; The smiles, the tears, Of boyhood's years, The words of love then spoken; The eyes that shone. Now dimmed and gone, The cheerful hearts now broken." When Polly Ann was a small child she often went riding with her parents (in a farm wagon) and they occasionally saw deer running and jumping over the rail fences. In later years she loved to tell of the deer and other wild game. She seldom saw wolves, but at night the woods resounded with their incessant howling. In the timber were many squirrels and wild turkeys. Rabbits and quail could be found in abun- dance. One of the worthy things that Mrs. McCorkle did was to rear to womanhood two orphan children — Mary Gardner and Maggie Wiggins. They came to her at the ages of seven and fifteen years and formed part of the family. She cared for them as she did for her boys. They remained with her until they were married and went to homes of their own. Her in- fluence will continue in both of these lives. Such deeds serve well to illustrate Mrs. McCorkle's kindness and generosity. There lingers in the writer's memory a shadow picture History of the Meharry Family 165 of Mrs. McCorkle. She was slightly under medium height slender and graceful of figure. She had an expressive faee and a high forehead, which was shaded by abundant dark brown hair. Her merry, laughing eyes matched her hair to a shade. Perhaps the most noticeable feature about Mrs. McCorkle was her wealth of dark hair, fine and soft of texture, long and luxuriant. When it was uncoiled it fell far below her waist. She wore her hair brushed smoothly down over the temples in the fashion of that da}'. In speech, as in manner, she was uniformly kind, tolerant and gracious. She could be very decided when it was neces- sary and when she had taken a stand there was no receding from it. She was provoked sometimes, of course, but did not bring forth harsh words, nor scold. When about her work she talked a great deal and continually made humorous re- marks. She saw the funny side of things which helped her to bear her burdens. Her life, though short, was lengthened in enjoyment and peace by the loving care of her family. Her husband, who was strong and vigorous in frame, decided and independent in action, yielded to her a chivalrous devotion beautiful to see. Polly Ann McCorkle had several namesakes. Her name, Ann, was bestowed upon three nieces, viz. : Anna Mary Me- harry, Ann Etta Martin and Anna Mae Meharry. There are also several children of cousins and friends, and at this writing (1925), two granddaughters who wear the name. In recog- nition it was Mrs. McCorkle's intention to give a gold ring to each child who was christened with her name. To the writer she gave her wedding ring, a wide gold band ring. In presenting it she said, "I have no daughter and I may never have any granddaughters. As you are a double niece, I want you to have my wedding ring. Wear it in mem- ory of Aunt Polly." She tied the ring on the writer's hand with a narrow red ribbon. This occurred only a few weeks before her death. The frailty of her girlhood increased through maturity and she never knew what it was to be quite well while hav- ing recurring periods of ill health and intermittent times of comparative relief. Her indomitable will seemed to defy the loss of physical vigor. As the final end approached she was confined to her bed for eight weeks. She was given every care and attention, and throughout that time her patient sweetness and hopefulness never wavered. During the last week of Mrs. McCorkle's life her mother died. At Mrs. McCorkle's express request the funeral cortege stopped at her home and her mother's casket was carried into her room and to her bedside so that she could view her mother for the last time. She knew that death would soon release her. 166 History of the Meiiarry Family that her spirit might find rest and peace with the mother and other loved ones who had gone before. To the last her smile was ever ready to greet those who came into her room. Trained nurses were not common in those days, and dur- ing these weeks of illness she was cared for by her son, Charles, who devoted all his time to minister unto her. He watched by her bedside, sometimes for many hours without sleep. Mr. McCorkle said to his son, "You stay with your mother, for you are handier than I in caring for her. John and I will see to the work." On Friday, August 19, 1887, the end came peacefully. Her only regret was in leaving the dear ones here, as she said "only for a time." "She has gone Home to her Father's mansion, Safe in the land of the blest! After a weary journey, Called to her well earned rest." Mrs. McCorkle did not attain a great age. She just bare ly rounded out her forty-ninth year. Yet we would not erect for her a broken shaft to signify a life cut off before its time. "God measures life by depth, as well as by breadth." "We live in deeds, not years; in thoughts, not breaths; In feeling, not in figures on a dial. We would count time by heart throbs. She most lives Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best." The funeral services were conducted in the Methodist Church at Shawnee Mound by her pastor, Dr. G. W. Switzer, assisted by Rev. J. W. Mann, pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Newtown, Indiana. Six of Mrs. McCorkle's nieces acted as pallbearers, viz. : Effie, Anna and Jennie Meharry, Ann Etta Martin, Emma Hessle and Anna Mae Meharry. The honorary pallbearers were Mrs. McCorkle's four brothers, William, Jesse, Abraham and Isaac. Amid the fragrance of flowers and the sweet melodies of some of the fine old hymns she loved, with a simple message of affection and admonition, she was laid to rest among her kindred in God's acre in the Meharry Cemetery, near Win- gate, Indiana. By a strange coincidence, Mrs. McCorkle's body rests on the spot where she attended school as a child. Many years before her death the school was removed to another location and the site that the school occupied was used as a cemetery. In digging Mrs. McCorkle's grave the workmen uncovered the old foundation wall of the school building, and it is beside this wall that she is interred, beneath the shade of her girl- hood home. Mae (Meharry) Haven. History of the Meharry Family 167 CHARLES ALLAN McCORKLE Charles Allan, eldest son of Polly ( Meharry) and Andrew Calvin McCorkle, was horn Sunday, July 2, 1865. He was married to Frances Bittle, October 22, 1891. They were the parents of four children, three boys and one girl : John Russell— horn August 24, 1892. Charles Leland — horn September 7, 1894. Bernice Ann — horn May 17, 18 ( )7. Francis Andrew — horn April 2', '9C3. John Russell was married June 1, 1918, to Justine Wilson, daughter of Justin A. and Emily Borum Wilson. Their chil- dren are : Patricia Ann — horn November 8, 1920. Charles Andrew— horn May 3, 1922. Donald Wilson— horn July 17, 1924. Mr. McCorkle enlisted August 27, 1917, as a soldier in the World War. His record in the war is as follows: Commissioned second lieutenant, November 27, 1917, from second officers' training- camp, Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana. On duty at Camp Zachary Taylor, Kentucky, from December 15, 19*17, to July 8, 1918. Commanding Co. A, U. S. A. Training Detachment, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, from July 10, 1918. to September 16," 1918. Commanding officer, S. A. T. C, Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio, from September 24, 1918, to January 18, 1919. He was discharged January 18, 1919. JOHN WILLIAM McCORKLE John William, second son of Polly (Meharry) and Andrew Cabin McCorkle, was born May 15, 1868. He was married to Carrie M. DeVore, October 25, 1894. They are the parents of three children, a son and two daughters, viz.: Charles Howard— born April 27, 1897. Alice Ann— born April 10, 1899. Mildred Caroline— born April 8, 1904. ANDREW CALVIN McCORKLE The Hon. Andrew Calvin McCorkle, husband of Polly Ann Meharry, and son of Andrew and Mary (Gooding) Mc- Corkle, was born October 12, 1837, in Putnam County, Indi- ana, and was one of a family of twelve children. In the early period of his life came the war of the '60s, into which he, with patriotic self-sacrifice, entered and served. From September, 1862, until the muster out of his company the following Octo- 168 History of the Meharry Family ber, he was incapacitated from duty due to illness resulting' from guard duty. While sick he was given the care of a son in the home of Rev. George Moore. He ever cherished a ten- der memory for Rev. and Mrs. Moore. Three of Mr. Mc- Corkle's brothers also served in the war, and one of the four lies in the National Cemetery at Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mr. McCorkle was a man with great force of character, and he had much influence in his community. Possessed of a strong personality and of intense convictions, he also had the cour- age to stand for what he believed. As a citizen he had combined in him qualities that were wholesome and uplifting for the entire community. He was always to be found on the side which stood for the right. In politics, Mr. McCorkle was a Republican, serving as a trustee of Jackson Township, Tippecanoe County, Indiana, for four years, and he represented his district in the state legislature at one time. He was also a member of the board of trustees of the State Soldiers' Home. Calvin McCorkle was a most entertaining conversation- alist ; his reservoir of funny stories seemed bottomless, at least the writer never knew it to run dry. His faculty for friend- ship was unusual. Not only did he hold fast to the old friends, but because of his deep personal interest in all that went on about him he was constantly adding new ones. Four years after the death of his first wife, he was married again on Thursday, June 18, 1891. His second union was with Julia Ann Martin, daughter of Isaac V. and Zerelda Martin, of Crawfordsville, Indiana. Mrs. McCorkle is a woman of edu- cation, character and refinement. In Air. McCorkle's declin- ing years he was a great sufferer, and she proved herself to be a most devoted and patient wife, attending to his every need and sustaining him in the trying ordeals through which he was required to pass. During the last ten years of his life his eyesight began to fail and finally culminated in total blindness, in which he was shrouded for the rest of his life. He was patient under this trial, glad to be read to for hours, but contented to be left alone, only saying sometimes, "Now come and talk to me a little." His one great regret was that he could not see his grandchildren. He was stricken with his last sickness, con- gestion of the kidneys, while attending union service in the Presbyterian Church, of which during his later years he had been a regular attendant. His well-earned rest came at 8:05 p. m., January 23, 1918. A child of the covenant by birth and training, he was faithful as a husband, a devoted father and grandfather. Grandchildren knew his love and mourned his loss. "He has fought the good fight," and his place is vacant. History of tiik Meharry Family 169 A short ceremony was conducted by Dr. G. W. Switzer, a former pastor and close friend of the family, at the home of the deceased, 516 North Seventh street, Lafayette, Indiana, followed by an impressive flag service held by the ladies of the G. A. R. At the close of the service a bugler, standing- near the bier, raised the instrument to his lips and broke the solemn silence with the last farewell "taps" for a brave sol- dier's rest. Mr. McCorkle's remains were then taken to Win- gate, Indiana, where the funeral services were held in the Shawnee Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was a former member. The services were in charge of Dr. George W. Switzer, who was assisted by Rev. C. E. Beebe, pastor of the church. Many of his relatives and neighbors followed his remains to the Meharry Cemetery, where the interment was made. "Crossing the bar, Sunset and evening star And one clear call for me — " was recited by Dr. Switzer as the body was lowered into the grave. Many were moved to tears. Mr. McCorkle's views may perhaps be expressed in the following short poem by one who was blind for many years. "How much we learn in Sightless Land, Of things we did not understand; But which are now so very plain, That we to others can explain. "We learn that many things are worse Than blindness, which is not a curse; And that the trials God doth send Are all designed for some good end. "And if our waiting time seems long, We shorten it by cheerful song, And thus is flashed upon our sight What the Bible means by "songs in night." And on imagination's screen, W T e then lie down in pastures green; And thus the weary days go by, Till our deliverance draweth nigh. "We learn to pray for all mankind, And cultivate the Master's mind, To all lands send the blessed Word, And daily glorify the Lord. There are so many things to do, Each morning brings us something new. Thus no two days are quite the same, And every night we praise His name." — Howard W. Pope. Mae (Meharrv) Haven. 170 History of the Meharry Family Abraham Patton Meharry Martha Jane (McMillin) Meharry Three Views of Abraham Meharry's Home near Tolono, Illinois History of the Meharry Family 171 ABRAHAM PATTON MEHARRY Abraham Patton Meharry, son of Thomas and Eunity (Patton) Meharry, was born Wednesday, February 16, 1842, on his parents' farm near Wing-ate (then called Pleasant Hill), Montgomery County, Indiana. This farm is situated on the Newtown-New Richmond road, which runs through the place, and also on the Wingate-Odell road, which passes it on the west. On this old home farm, and at the crossing of these two roads, is located the beautiful Meharry Family Cemetery, in which Abraham Meharry took a keen and affectionate in- terest in life and where at death his family brought him to rest with his parents, brothers, sisters and boyhood associates. Through the farm runs picturesque Coal Creek. Many stories of Abraham's childhood which he loved to relate to his son are connected with this little stream. One of his very earliest recollections was of a Sunday escapade along the creek. In those pioneer days it was customary for the clan to gather on Sunday after church at the home of some member of the family. On this particular Sunday the gathering place was the Thomas Meharry home on Coal Creek. At that time the stream did not have the well defined, deep channel it now occupies, but meandered through a peaty swamp, covered with tussocks of swamp grass. Its margins were dotted with wil- lows, at whose roots were occasional deep holes filled with catfish, mud turtles, and other denizens dear to boyish hearts. The banks were grown high with cat tails and water-loving plants, among which hundreds of muskrats built their villages, and the known presence of rattlesnakes and water moccasins in this swampy wilderness only encouraged adventurous boy- hood to explore its depths. On this particular Sunday Coal Creek was just receding after an early spring flood, which had covered the entire bottom land for days. The cow tracks and depressions were still full of water, but the swamp tussocks made convenient stepping places. So what was more natural than for Abraham's older brothers and cousins to plan for an excursion to the creek after dinner? Abraham and his twin, Isaac, being the youngest of the family and still quite small, were considered entirely too young to be included in the party and were driven back by the older boys when the start was made. Undaunted, however, the twins followed at a safe distance, unobserved at first by the older boys. How- ever, a little later, when the boys discovered that the cow tracks and puddles were full of catfish, the little boys became very welcome comrades, for their big straw hats with tall, cone-shaped crowns were exactly what was needed to carry home the fish and the)- returned quite the heroes of the occa- 172 History of the Meharry Family sion. But the escapade had to be kept quiet and the fish con- cealed until Monday, for it would have been hazardous indeed to have revealed to their elders that the Sabbath had been so desecrated ! This incident of early childhood made a lasting impression on the boy. So did the little evening fishing trips with his older sister Jane, who seems to have dearly loved the sport, and in whose care the twins were left much of the time by the busy mother. Fishing became his favorite sport and pastime. Later, in early boyhood, while herding cattle on the Illinois prairie, near Rossville, he whiled away the hours at midday while the cattle were at rest by snaring suckers from a pool at the foot of a big sycamore on the bank of a little prairie creek, with a snare made from the long hair of his horse's tail. He caught and recaught the same half dozen suckers day after day, carefully returning them to the water uninjured, so that the supply of fish might not become de- pleted. Another story was of a day in early manhood when he slipped quietly away from his farm hands, conscious of the fact that he needed to be plowing, but with a sportsman's in- stinct that conditions were peculiarly ripe for fishing. Taking- two lines he went to the creek not far from the house. He had only time to bait his hooks and drop them in the water before he heard one of the hands calling. He hastily left his lines and went to help the man out of his difficulty. An hour later, when he returned, he found that in his absence two large catfish had been hooked. He always said that he had great sport and the best of luck on that stolen fishing excursion. One of the earliest recollections of his son is of his father taking him ofT on a fishing trip one evening to this same creek that runs through the farm in Illinois which had then become Abraham's home. The son does not know, but he strongly suspects that his father was that day consciously preparing for many a happy hour with his son later in life by inspiring him at this impressionable age with a love of a sport which he enjoyed. Certainly later, when the boy was at an age when he needed his father's counsel, he received it quite uncon- sciously in the most natural spirit of comradeship while on fishing excursions, where two were excellent company and three would have been a crowd. Thus Abraham Meharry preserved through manhood a spirit of jovial youth, which was not only a source of real pleasure to himself, but afforded many an opportunity for exerting a wholesome influence on the lives of his son and the latter's young friends. He must have been a strong be- liever in the assertion of Robert Burns that "the rigid right- eous is a foo' ; the rigid wise, anither !" for he never undertook History of the Meharry Family 173 to give his young friends the impression of unusual piety or wisdom. He rather gained their confidence by stories of his own youth, which always emphasized the very human and prankish side of his nature, but the stories nearly always taught lessons to the thoughtful listener without taking on the nature of sermons. Frequently these stories were chosen with a view of impressing the listener with the consequences of some weakness which he saw in the latter's temperament, while relieving his embarrassment by revealing the fact that the narrator had had the same frailty to overcome. Practi- cally the whole gamut of youthful pranks and tempta- tions was frequently and forcefully covered by these stories of his own experiences. They were not always a support to his own dignity, yet ever emphasized his keen insight into human character and seldom failed to gain the confidence and esteem of his listener. As a youth, Abraham Meharry Avas a frail, short-waisted, long-legged, rather awkward boy, whom his brother-in-law, Calvin McCorkle, characterized in perhaps an inelegant but very expressive way as being "split clear to the shirt collar." His twin, Isaac, however, was as vigorous and shapely a speci- men of athletic boyhood as could be found in the countryside. It was Isaac, therefore, who always led in their play, pranks and boyish mischief, and Abraham, willingly or unwillingly, as the case might be, did his brother's bidding, sometimes only after vigorous chastisement at the hands of the youthful Isaac. The noise which frequently accompanied this form of com- pulsion very often brought interference from the mother of the boys, who always settled the difficulty by requiring the brothers to kiss and shake hands. This Isaac was always in a humor to do, having had all the better of the fraternal argument, but Abe, as the w r eaker brother was familiarly known, nearly always required physical persuasion at the hands of his mother to put him in a conciliatory mood. One of the traits of his mother's character, which very deeply and favorably impressed Abraham Meharry, was her faculty of never displaying temper when she chastened. This she always sought to impress on her children by whistling merrily as she punished. She never shrank from her parental duties, but meted out discipline whenever needed with her characteristic energy and promptness. Neither did she ever forget her promise of punishment when a culprit escaped, but the guilty one was sure of being aw r akened at dawn next morning by the mother, cheerfully whistling, but applying energetic punishment where the covering was thinnest. It was always brief and stinging, but never unnecessarily or cruelh' severe, and usually accompanied by such a remark as 174 History of the Meharry Family "I told you I'd not forget, didn't I, son?" This attitude gained Abraham's everlasting respect and esteem for his mother, which in this particular was not fully shared by the father, who sometimes lost his self control while dealing with his offspring. The father left matters of discipline to the mother, except when greatly exasperated, and then was inclined to be unreasonably severe. The twins were the best of companions and playmates, except on occasions when slight differences of opinion arose, but the consequent unpleasantness was usually quickly ended by the interference of the mother or by the decisive deter- mination of the brother Isaac. In later life Abraham never seemed to resent at all his brother's early disposition to arbi- trarily terminate their disputes. Isaac rather gained his broth- er's stronger respect and esteem by his physical superiority, frequently manifested. Possibly due to early athletic trials of endurance, Isaac in young manhood lost to a degree this extraordinary physical vigor which had blessed his childhood, while Abraham gradually gained physical strength and endur- ance until in middle age he became quite a striking specimen of masculine vigor and strength. This very reversal of the early physical comparison between the brothers seemed to deepen their affection for one another, and the brotherly love and esteem which was mutual between them became a strik- ing object lesson to their sons. Possibly this may account in some degree for the strong and affectionate friendship and understanding between the sons of these twins, particularly Abraham's only son and the youngest son of Isaac, between whom there was very little difference in age. When about twelve or thirteen years old Abraham accom- panied his oldest brother, William, to Illinois, near Rossville, where they grazed a large herd of cattle on the wild grasses of the unoroken and almost unsettled prairie. Late in the summer the older brother was called home and the boy Abra- ham was left alone with the responsibility for the cattle. It must have been a lonely life for the youngster, but the ex- perience undoubtedly served to fix at an early date those qualities of perseverance and quiet determination which later became outstanding and noticeable traits of his character. Pioneer life was primitive in those days. Abraham used to tell his son of his varied experiences in the home of some early settler and his family who shared their cabin with the Hoosier boy. There was a convenient arrangement of the door, which was swung high from the sill, or perhaps had a hole cut in it, to allow the entrance of the children's pet rab- bits. The big buck rabbit had an exasperating habit of com- ing into young Abe's bedroom in the dead of night and loudly History of the Meharry Family 175 stamping- on the uncovered rough plank floor. It was almost a nightly occurrence for the boy to have to get up and drive this noisy bunny from his room so that he might sleep. The children of this settler's family must have been gentler with their rabbits than they were with a fawn, which young Abe captured, for they killed it by persistent attempts to ride it while its owner was away with the cattle. The story of one of his adventures during this summer spent as a cowboy well illustrates how these early experiences served to develop early in life many of the sterner qualities of manhood, among which are courage, self-reliance and de- termination. Abe's brother William had returned after sev- eral weeks' absence and relieved him so that he might return home for a few days at the end of a week. He mounted his horse Saturday afternoon for the ride of more than fifty miles home. His lunch and entire outfit of clothes rolled into a bun- dle were tied behind his saddle and his long cattle whip coiled about its horn. He rode along at an easy canter, glad to be starting home and happy to be carefree. Before he had gone many miles he was overtaken by two boys, larger than himself and older, who rode up beside him, one on either side. While one engaged and interested him in conversation, the other was busy cutting the rawhide thongs that held his bundle of clothes and lunch. Then, at a signal, they both dashed away with his belongings. Discovering immediately what had happened, the lad Abraham gave chase, loudly pro- testing and demanding that the thieves give up their plunder. Taunts and gibes were all he received, however, which only served to stir his anger to fever heat. The two boys, who rode only common farm horses, had reckoned neither with his determination and pluck, nor with the fleetness of his hardened cow pony. They were overtaken very soon, for their steeds were quickly exhausted. Then Abraham's demands that they drop his bundle were empha- sized with keen cracks from the cattle whip, in the use of which the boy herdsman had had abundant training. Finding that they must appease their victim's wrath in some way, the culprits sought to divert his attention by casting the articles of clothing ofT piece by piece, but Abe was not satisfied until the last belonging had been abandoned. Then he had to retrace his course for more than a mile, picking up his garments one by one, where they had been cast away by the thieves. A man, who overtook him and helped in this task, offering kind words of sympathy and en- couragement to the lad, who, boylike, was crying with wrath and indignation, was never forgotten. After so much lost time, the journey was a hard one for 176 History of the Meharry Family both boy and pony, for they completed it without rest or food, arriving home some time after nightfall. These days together on the prairie seemed to knit the older brother, William, and the boy, Abe, together with a bond of affection which was never broken. Later, after the two brothers moved to Illinois, and after William and his family moved from the farm into the village of Tolono, it was seldom that the brother William did not make it a point to pass the Methodist Church on his way home from service at the Pres- byterian Church, and invite the younger man and his family to dine with him. This attention was deeply appreciated by Abraham and his family, and they seldom declined the hos- pitality unless they had already accepted an invitation from the other brother, Jesse, or other friends. Abraham Meharry attended the primitive district schools of his community at the period when "lickin' and larnin' ' were popularly supposed to be inseparable. One of his stories of his late adolescence was of an experience with a big bully, who taught in their district. He had a reputation for being cruel in the extreme with any exasperating child not absolute- ly too large for him to master. At the time there was a young, rather undersized Irish lad of about young Abe's age attend- ing the school who worked mornings and evenings in the Thomas Meharry home for his board and lodging. This lad had all the fun-loving traits of his nationality and one day started some practical joke during school hours and was caught in the act by the hard-fisted master, who proceeded to brutally shake and cuff the boy about, growing rougher and rougher as his anger rose, until at last he threw the boy violently to the floor and raised his heavy heel above the lad's chest, exclaiming: "Now lie there or I'll stamp yuh." Young Abe's sense of justice and humanity could be restrained no longer and rising from his seat and pointing a steady finger at the master he demanded that he "go back behind his desk where he properly belonged." Furiously turning on the young Meharry, the master demanded to know who was running that school. Abe sternly replied : "Nobody, but I intend to take charge at once if you do not do as I say." Sizing up the young chap's militant attitude and observing a gleam of ap- proval in the eyes of the three other brothers, the master con- cluded that he could best maintain his dignity by refusing to argue the case, and announced that Abe Meharry might "take his books and go home." He did so, and in this way the af- fair was brought to the attention of his parents and other patrons of the school. They concluded that such insubordina- tion must be squelched immediately. Knowing that young Meharry was an ambitious student, they presumed that he History of the Meharry Family 177 would consent to almost any humiliation in order to be rein- stated. They called him in and, after severely lecturing him upon his unruly ways, they announced that he must return and publicly apologize to the master. To their surprise, the boy quietly refused to apologize at all, and said that if he were to return it was to be on the condition that such acts of cruelty never be repeated. After a deal of argument the affair was quietly dropped and young Abe allowed to return to school as if nothing had happened. Nothing like that did happen again that term and at the conclusion of the school year the master found more congenial employment elsewhere. A year or so later Abraham entered Wesley Academy on what is locally known as Bristle Ridge, between Waynetown and Crawfordsville. This was a boarding school of some merit for the period. Abe was a bright and energetic student and made splendid progress in his studies, but was so full of life and fun that he made almost unlimited trouble for the keeper of the boarding house. He and his Irish crony, "Ike" Kelsey, had some deviltry on foot most of the time, judging from the many stories of their pranks that he used to tell his son. A characteristic one was of the time that their particular clique went on a marauding expedition on a Sunday evening and returned with a chicken cleverly concealed beneath the full skirt of one of the girls of the party. After time for "lights out" the party very quietly assembled in the Meharry-Kelsey room and proceeded to roast the chicken over the coals in their stove. Customary precautions had been taken to hang a blanket over the transom window and chink all cracks and the keyhole, but, nevertheless, the savory odor of the roast- ing chicken reached the nostrils of one of the dignified women teachers. She arose and dressed, and at the door of the trans- gressors, sternly demanded admittance ; no answer ; again the demand and still no reply. Then she quietly remarked, "Oh, you're all very quiet, but I know something's going on because I smell it. You may as well let me in." The door was quietly opened and she entered and proceeded to lecture them on the error of their ways and tell them of what the consequences were likely to be when she reported the affair on the morrow to the superintendent. Now, both students and faculty were barely getting a maintenance ration at this boarding house, particularly on Sunday, when there was never an evening meal. The food was atrocious and this poor wom- an was hungry. Kelsey and Meharry had listened respectfully to what was said, but never took the chicken from over the coals, and the odor filled the room, for the chicken was done to a turn. When the good lady had finished her lecture, Meharry 178 History of the Meharry Family and Kelsey asked to be heard. They plead that the food was insufficient and bad in quality, that they were hungry, the chicken was done, and that it would be shameful to waste it. During this parley they were energetically carving chicken. As proof that they were very kindly disposed toward her, the teacher was temptingly requested to taste the cooking. She hesitated, but fell before the temptation. Then they calmly announced that she must become their guest and see the party through, since, having already partaken of the stolen chicken herself, she was as guilty as the students themselves. Seeing she was caught the teacher stayed and made merry with the culprits and nothing ever was said (publicly) about it. Another Sunday evening the students returned from a long walk and a few of the hungry girls appealed to the land- lady for a piece from the cupboard. She replied abruptly that she did not serve meals Sunday evenings. The girls reported the remark, a council of war was held with Meharry and Kelsey as presiding officers, and it was decided that that par- ticular Sunday evening there zvould be a square meal served to everybody or they would move out in a body that night to a neighboring boarding school. Meharry and Kelsey were se- lected as spokesmen to interview the landlady, and demanded the feed. She indignantly refused. They threatened to leave. She calmly dared them to invoke parental wrath by such rashness, believing the whole matter to be a bluff and that the students would not have the courage to carry through the program. But the students were very much in earnest and were under daring leadership, and they proceeded to pack their belongings and moved their trunks down to the door. A run- ner had been sent to a neighboring farm to hire a team and wagon to haul the outfit away. Finally convinced that she was really inviting calamity, the lady plead tearfully for mercy and consented near mid- night to prepare the meal. Following such stories of schoolday pranks, Abraham was likely to correct any impression his listener might have that he did not get his lessons, with this story : The end of the month or term had come and the students were assembled to receive their report cards. When Abraham received his, he glanced over it hastily, then arose and went forthwith to the superintendent's desk with the question, "Is there not some mistake here?" indicating an unbroken column of 100 per cent marks on his report card. The superintendent asked whether he thought he did not deserve the grades. Young Abe replied that he really questioned the justice of only one — deportment. "I can't help it," the superintendent replied, "your meanness was all confined to the boarding house." History of the Meharry Family 179 Abraham's Wesley Academy days were during the CiYil War. One night a messenger arrived with the report that Morgan, with his raiders, had fought his way through Ken- tucky and was reported to be rapidly approaching Crawfords- ville, practically unresisted. The messenger hurriedly explained that every available man and boy would be needed at the county seat before daybreak to defend the little city against the rebel invaders. The boys promised to arouse the farmers of the vicinity and bring as large a force as they could as- semble to Crawfordsville at once. Meharry and Kelsey were given the job of bringing in a certain young man of the com- munity whose father had the reputation of being none too loyal. They stopped at the old man's gate and loudly "hello'd." The farmer finally raised a window and asked what the noise was about. He was told briefly and pointedly that his son was needed to defend his country, and that he must make haste to join the two boys at the gate. The father replied that the son could not go, but the young fellows unceremoni- ously and arbitrarily set a time limit, after the expiration of which they proposed to come in and take the young man by force. Seeing their determination, the old man tearfully an- nounced that if his boy must go, he meant to go along, and they presently made their appearance. All the boys of Wesley and practically the entire masculine population of Crawfords- ville and the surrounding country spent the remainder of the night mobilizing, drilling with sticks and throwing up some poorly improvised trenches about the town. The next day the good tidings arrived that Morgan and his cavalry had been defeated and turned back, and the students returned to their books and the farmers to their fields. Probably because his presence at home was sorely needed, Abe did not return to Wesley the succeeding year, but re- mained at home, and actively engaged in farming and feeding livestock. Realizing his need for further education, he went back to school the next fall, but he used to say, "It was use- less — I could not study — my mind was constantly turning to business and I could not concentrate my attention on the books as I had before." About 1870 Abraham Meharry joined his brother Jesse and made his home with the older brother and his wife on 180 History of the Meiiarry Family their farm in Philo Township, Champaign County, Illinois. The partnership thus formed lasted until Abraham's marriage in 1879. Many cattle were fattened dur- ing these years, and shipped mostly to Buffalo, which then had the most impor- tant livestock market in the country. It was probably after one of these trips to Buffalo with cattle that young a. p. Meharry Meharry extended his trip on into Can- Age 23 Years ac j a to v [ s j t some f the Canadian Me- harrys. It was there that young Abe took his first and last drink of an intoxicating beverage. The parish minister called upon the family with whom he was visiting, and, taking a lik- ing to the young stranger, asked Abraham to spend the after- noon with him calling on his parishoners. Abe accepted the invitation. At the first stop the hostess brought out refresh- ments — cake and wine. Young Abe, who had been taught to abhor liquor, declined the wine, but, to his surprise, the preach- er not only accepted it, but seemed to enjoy it very much, and both the hostess and the minister seemed quite surprised, and the lady a little offended, that this newcomer had refused her hospitality. At the next stop the same thing happened, except that the second hostess seemed to resent Abe's abstinence more than the first. The preacher again took his portion of wine with no apparent bad results, and young Abraham concluded that the wine must surely be very mild if the preacher could repeat the dose so soon without ill effects, and thought that, rather than give offense to another of these women, he would for once forsake his temperate principles and accept the wine. At the third call he had hurriedly to make his decision, for the wine was promptly brought out. He used to say that he risked drinking less than half the tiny wine glass full of the sparkling fluid, but that, had the preacher decided to leave dur- ing the next few minutes, he would have had to help his com- panion to the buggy. He always concluded the story by say- ing, "That was my first and last drink." Our subject must have been peculiarly sensitive to anything even slightly stimu- lating, for he could never drink coffee at all, and a second cup of tea would cause his eyes to appear bloodshot and his large nose to get as red as though he were an habitual drunkard. One of Abraham Meharry 's boyhood friends was Alec Sayers. Abe attended the wedding of Alec's sister Sarah to Mark Cade, August 2, 1866. Alec's father, Robert Sayers', first wife was a McMillin. One of the guests at the wedding was Miss Martha Jane McMillin, a niece of Robert Sayers History of tiik Meharry Family 181 by his former marriage. She was a pretty girl of twenty, but very shy and bashful. Alee Savers arranged that she should accompany his friend Abraham to the reception at the Cade home at, or near, Covington. It is her own story that she cried for hours in anticipation of having this strange young man for company on the long ride, but there seemed to be no alternative. Probably very little was said on the way to the reception, but they became a little better acquainted on the way home. Although this first meeting seems to have been rather an ordeal for both parties, and although they did not meet again for a long while, it was really the beginning of a courtship which ended in marriage. Possibly their second meeting was some time in the late summer of 1877. Abraham had been visiting his twin, Isaac, and had asked permission by mail to call on Mattie McMillin, as she was familiarly called by her friends. She had nervously granted the privilege and the fateful afternoon arrived. All the other children were married and she was the only one left with her aged and feeble parents. The mother decided to have corn mush and milk for supper, and the program could not be changed. A cake was hastily baked to somewhat relieve the humiliation of the frugal meal. To the relief of the girl and to her father's delight, the mush and milk seemed to be a great treat to the young man, who ate a surprising quantity of it, though he rather neglected the cake baked for his especial benefit. From this time the courtship seems to have progressed more rapidly until the young woman finally consented to leave her aged parents for a home on the Illinois prairie in Critten- den Township, Champaign County, Illinois. On the morning of June 3, 1879, after a wedding breakfast, shared by only a few r of the closest relatives and friends on account of the age and feebleness of her parents, Martha Jane McMillin and Abraham Meharry were married at the John K. McMillin home at the corner of Eleventh and Tippecanoe streets near the St. Paul's M. E. Church, Lafayette. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Mikels, and immedi- ately afterward they left for their new home on a farm near Tolono, Illinois, which Abraham received as a gift from his father in 1868. Miss Martha Noakes, who had for years made her home with the McMillins, went with them. Ambition, energy and perseverance during the following years brought its compensation in the way of success, and with accumulating income the farm in Illinois was added to and other land was bought adjoining* that in Tippecanoe County, Indiana (near Sugar Grove), given to Martha (Mc- Millin") Meharry by her father in 1874.' ( )n the Illinois farm much of the income for many vears 182 History of the Meharry Family was spent in tile drainage and buildings. In the summer of 1887 the foundation of a new house was laid. This house was completed in the spring of 1888, and one of the earliest recol- lections of the son Charles is of moving across the Embarrass Creek to the new house. It was indicative of the progressive spirit of Abraham and Martha Meharry that this new home Avas provided with hot water heat, bathrooms on both floors, and gas lights — conveniences but rarely found on farms in those days. Two sons were born to Abraham and Martha Meharry while they lived in the first home on the east side of the Em- barrass. The first, born April 28, 1880, died unnamed at birth. The second, Charles Leo, was born Wednesday, March 11, 1885, only a few days after the death of Martha Meharry's mother, which occurred at the Meharry home the latter part of February. Years later the father, John K. McMillin, died in the new home west of the Embarrass. The son Charles grew to young manhood in the new home on the farm. He suffered an attack of diphtheria at the age of three, from which he came near not recovering, and which left him rather a frail child. For this reason he was not started to the country school a mile and a half distant until the age of eight, and during the first three years his entire attendance record equaled about one term. Realizing the handicap his son was under, Abraham Meharry took a keen interest in the district school and was elected a director. This office was the only elective civil office that he ever held, but he served in it continuously until long after the son went to college. Thanks largely to his interest, the school was never without the best of teachers, and the son Charles completed his grade education in the spring of 1900. A high school course had been introduced into the district school and Charles attended this one year. In the fall of 1901, on the advice of Grace Moore, a relative and friend, Charles entered the academy of the University of Illinois. With the entrance of the son into college commenced a new era in the life of the father as well as of the son. Abraham Meharry keenly realized the temptations and trials which would form part of the experiences of a green, country lad of sixteen thrown among thousands of older and more ex- perienced youths. He took a most kind and sympathetic in- terest in all university activities that interested the son. Since the family home was located on 1 y twelve miles from the uni- versity, it was easily possible for the son to spend the week ends at home and for the family to visit him at Champaign. Beginning with the day Abraham Meharry and his son loaded the boy's trunk in the farm wagon and together made History of the Meharry Family 183 the slow, tedious trip into Champaign, until the day the son received his diploma, six years later, the father's interest never wavered. We have characterized the first trip to college as slow and tedious. Slow it was, but really not tedious, for the time was fully occupied with conversation, mostly stories re- lated by the father of his own school days. Without fully realizing it, the son unconsciously received a great stimulus to his scholarly ambitions, and had thoroughly fixed in his consciousness the serious purpose of his college career, while at the same time he was impressed with the old adage that "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," and also that there were many things to be learned outside the lecture and class rooms. Abraham Meharry was always a ready and amused listen- er to tales of college pranks, some of them not very creditable. He usually managed to give his son and his friends some ad- vice of caution and occasionally a veiled reprimand by telling some story of his own school days to match their own, point- ing out carefully the consequence that followed, or that might or should have followed the act. Seldom did he say "don't" or "you ought not to have done that," but without apparent opposition he managed to convey the idea of disapproval with- out expressing it, at the same time manifesting close under- standing of and sympathy with boy nature. Thus, he always held the confidence of his son, and gradually the relationship became more and more intimate until the tie was one of comradeship as well as that of father and son. Abraham took a keen interest in college athletics and more often than not accompanied his son when he followed the various teams to other universities. Before the son's college career was completed Abraham Meharry 's health failed and the disease was diagnosed as di- abetes. Realizing that he had but a short time to live, he seemed to devote a large share of his failing energy to the training of his son for the duties and responsibilities which he knew the son must soon assume. He quietly arranged for his son to accompany him on nearly every business trip, intro- ducing him to his friends, acquaintances and business associ- ates, never failing later to tell the boy stories recalled by these people, which gave the son insight into the character and tem- perament of those involved. All this was quietly done with- out reminding his son of the impelling motive behind it all, namely, the training of the boy in business methods and prac- tices and acquainting him with those with whom he must shortly associate in the business world. Shortly before his death, the father sent his son alone on an important business 184 History of the Meharry Family trip with full authority to act for him, probably as a tryout of the boy's worth or capacity. Upon the son's return from this trip he told his father of his engagement and the father took this opportunity to dis- cuss with Charles plans for the future. He asked his son what he wished to do. Charles replied that he wished to get experience in the practice of farming, having completed his course in the Agricultural College of the University of Illinois the June before (1907). With his usual prompt foresight, the father replied that this scheme was impracticable, as his own health would no longer permit him to actively manage his af- fairs. It would be necessary, therefore, for the son Charles to assume the responsibility for them. He frankly said that he did not believe the boy could assume charge of the farms in both Illinois and Indiana and engage actively in farming himself without neglecting one duty or the other. It has been a matter of deep regret to Charles Meharry that his father was not permitted to live to see him married, June 24, 1908, to Clara Esther Burghardt, at the home of her mother, Margaret Burghardt, of Romney, Indiana ; nor to see his granddaughter, Rachel Elizabeth Meharry, born August 7, 1917. Abraham Meharry took a lively interest in public affairs and always approved any new scheme or arrangement which might in any way make life in his community more pleasant or worth while. His attitude toward modern comforts and conveniences in the country home and his interest in the public school have already been mentioned. He took no less active interest in the village Methodist Episcopal Church than in the district school. Much of the work, as well as the funds for the maintenance and advancement of the church, were contributed by him and other members of the family. A large share of the credit for a new church building erected in Tolono should be given the two brothers, Abraham and Jesse. Many days of hard work and argument were devoted by our subject in enlisting the support of the community before he secured for it the first rural mail route out of the village of Tolono. Some of the opposition he encountered would seem almost unbelievable to the present generation. Without his moral support and financial aid the telephone could not have entered his community for years, perhaps. His voice and influence were enlisted in the cause of better roads, when to mention road improvement to the average farmer was to invite trouble. Abraham Meharry was a friend and sympathetic counselor to every truthful, ambitious man, woman or child who mani- fested symptoms of thrift and energy, but he had little patience History of the Mkiiarrv Family 185 with those whose trustworthiness or loyalty he had reason to suspect, or whom he considered lazy or shiftless. The imme- diate cause of his last illness was a cold contracted while on a trip to Urbana in January, 1908, to befriend an employe. He was an ardent lover of nature, though he was perhaps unconscious of this trait of character which was manifest in many ways. His yard and premises were planned by a capable landscape artist and painstakingly executed by himself. His son scarcely remembers him in so exasperated a mood as when he found the hawthorne tree at the front entrance despoiled by some thoughtless young marauder. He took great pride in the thrifty, healthy appearance of each and every tree and plant and delighted to work in his garden, orchard and berry patches, which were always large enough to supply the whole neighborhood as well as many more distant friends. He fre- quently supplied his tenants with plants of the small fruits and perennial vegetables, such as rhubarb and asparagus and was always surprised and disappointed when (as frequently happened) the plants died for lack of attention. He loved animals no less than plants, and at one time owned a purebred herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle. It was characteristic of his temperament that though he loved the cattle he gave them up after a few years because he could not make the enterprise pay without following the show cir- cuit, which took him away from his home and family. Only a year or so before his death he took a trip through Yellowstone Park. He was as delighted as a child with its beauty and grandeur and brought home an almost incredible number of photographs of what he had seen. Hardly a day went by that he did not get these out and share with some friend or member of his family the pleasure of reviewing his trip. As a farmer and business man Abraham Meharry was persevering, thorough and painstaking with an executive ca- pacity for quickly perceiving the most important piece of work and getting it done first, willing when need be to sacrifice pride of appearance for the sake of promptness in the big things. His decisions were quickly made. It was one of his peculiarities that when a new or sudden thought occurred to him, he stopped in his tracks and concentrated all his mental energy on it until a decision regarding it was reached. It was an almost daily sight to see him stop suddenly in his work or on his way from place to place, gaze fixedly at the ground for a few seconds and then go on about his business, or, perhaps, if the new thought demanded immediate action, all plans would be hurriedly changed. At any rate, the new idea was speedily developed and disposed of and was given complete 186 History of the Meharry Family right of way in the process. Any interruption from any source was always ignored at these moments of intense concentra- tion, or, if persisted in, was usually sternly rebuked. It was not often that he criticized others, but when he felt that he or those dependent upon him had been unjustly or meanly treated he never complained or whimpered meekly. The offender was sure to hear from him directly and in person. The interview was always short and pointed and there was never any discussion. Abraham Meharry opened the conver- sation at once without apology or prologue and in a few short and painfully frank sentences summarized his opinion of both the offense and offender in a manner that left no doubt in the latter's mind that he had incurred extreme displeasure. Then he would leave as abruptly as he had come and so far as he was concerned the incident was forever closed. Except in a very few extreme cases in which he had completely lost his respect for the individual in question he met the party the next time as if nothing unusual had ever transpired between them. Abraham Meharry was a thorough farmer, believing thor- oughly in drainage, legumes and livestock feeding, the three well-established progressive agricultural practices of his day, and at the time of his death, or at least until his health began to fail, his farms were kept well above the average in pro- duction. In late January of 1908 Abraham Meharry went to Ur- bana to attend a hearing at the court house to determine the sanity of the wife of an employe. He took cold and but for the help of his son would have been unable to reach home that night. The latter insisted that he remain at Tolono rather than make the trip home from there in a buggy. Possibly realizing that the end was probably not far off, he insisted on going home, saying that if he were to be seriously sick he pre- ferred to be at home. He really had developed a cerebral hemorrhage, which gradually became worse, and after two or three days he lost consciousness. The efforts of home physi- cians and a Chicago doctor were futile, and he died Januarv 30, 1908. It was decided to bury him in the beautiful family ceme- tery on the farm where he was born near Wingate, Indiana. After a short ceremony in his Illinois home he was taken back to the home of his birth, then the home of Mrs. Mary Meharry, the widow of Abraham's twin, Isaac. There the funeral service was held Sunday, February 1, 1908, and the interment made at about noon near the graves of his parents. On account of the health of his widow, she and her son Charles decided to make their home in Attica, Indiana, and History of the Meharry Family 187 they moved there in October of 1908. They still reside there, Martha Meharry sharing her home with Martha Ann Noakes, a companion since before her marriage. Adjoining her home is that of her son Charles and his family. By Charles L. Meharry. MARTHA JANE (McMILLIN) MEHARRY Martha Jane McMillin, the fourth of eight children of John King and Sarah Ann (Stafford) McMillin, was born November 23, 1846, in the Sugar Grove community about six miles west of Romney, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. John McMillin was born in Tazewell County, Virginia, near King's Cove, September 27, 1807. This is a mountain county on the border between Virginia and West Virginia and only two or three counties from the Kentucky line. Seeking adventure and a more fertile soil, John McMillin accompanied Robert Savers and his family overland by wagon to Indiana in 1831, settling near Shawnee Mound, a fellow pioneer with the Meharrys. He had begun his career in Vir- ginia as a farm hand, earning 25c per day, but soon after ar- riving in Indiana had saved enough by economy and thrift to join his friend, Robert Savers, in buying one hundred and sixty acres of land west of Sugar Grove. Still later, and be- fore his marriage, this partnership was dissolved and John McMillin acquired land of his own north of Sugar Grove, where later his children were born. Sarah Ann Stafford, daughter of James Stafford, was born in Highland County, Ohio, near Hillsborough, in 1820, and was married to John King McMillin, January 16, 1838. Martha McMillin was a timid but fun-loving youngster and began her school training in the little Locust Grove school at the crossroads just north of her home. This was a typical country school, where "larnin' " was not acquired without "lickin'." Later a larger and better school was established near the Sugar Grove Methodist Episcopal Church, about one and a half miles south of her home. Martha McMillin rode a small pony, called Nance, to the Sugar Grove school. Nance had been trained by Martha's father, who was a stockman and trader, and she was accus- tomed to stopping frequently along the road to allow her mas- ter to talk and trade with neighbors and acquaintances, and Nance had acquired the habit of stopping abruptly every time she met anyone in the highway. This made matters very in- convenient and annoying to Martha, who often had difficulty maintaining her seat on Nance's back. Moreover, an explana- 188 History of the Meharry Family Martha Jane McMillin tion was necessary to all who did not know the horse and her habits, for Nance would not budge until the other party started on. Still later Martha went to boarding school at Stockwell, Indiana, and afterward took painting lessons of Mrs. Clark at Craw- fordsville. As a girl and young woman Martha had a trusting and credulous temperament. Her brothers, starting with only a faint clue or even a mere suspicion, had little trouble drawing from her the wdiole story of any- thing about which they wished to know, and the}' delighted to tease her. She acquired very early in life rather an exaggerated sense of responsibility for the welfare of others which was only a mani- festation of unselfishness and generosity, two of the strongest traits of her character. So strongly developed was this watchfulness over others, that it sometimes became a source of embarrassment and annoy- ance to the second party. Once her brother John (or "Johnny," as she always affectionately called him, in spite of his two hundred fifty pounds) had called upon his lady love. He made a rather prolonged visit, and in the early morning- hours, when Johnny finally determined to depart, he found that his sweetheart's mischievous brothers had untied his horse and sent it home alone. Johnny had a long walk home through a drizzling rain. Hoping that his sister "Matt" had become worn out in her accustomed vigil and had fallen asleep, the dripping Johnny carefully climbed the back porch and crept stealthily in through an open second-story window only to hear his sister's voice anxiously inquiring, "Johnny, is that you? Oh, I have been so worried about you! Are you hurt?" Employes of the Meharry household, wdiether men or women, were always made to feel that they need lose none of their self-respect nor the respect of their employers because of the nature of their employment. They partook of the same food from the same board as their employers. They shared the same roof, rode in the same carriage to church and occu- pied the same pew, and some of them even came to speak of Martha Meharry as "Mother Meharry" with all but filial de- votion. For many years Martha McMillin refused the attention of men, probably for two reasons : First, because of her nat- ural timidity, and, second, because she considered it her duty to stay at home and care for her aged parents. Finally, how- ever, her matchmaking friend, Robert Savers, arranged that History of the Meharry Family 189 she should accompany Abraham Meharry to a reception given for Mr. Sayers' sister and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Cade, at the home of Mr. Cade's parents at Covington, Indi- ana. This followed the Cade wedding on August 6, 1866. According to her own story, Martha so dreaded this trip with a young man whom she had never met, that she spent most of the preceding night in tears. It must have been a very quiet journey, and her son can not quite understand just how the acquaintance and courtship acquired headway under the circumstances, but Abraham Meharry never lost interest in his wooing. Mrs. Fred Haven (nee Mae Meharry) tells a story of how she and Jennie Meharry were once having great sport teasing Abraham and his sweetheart at an old settlers' meeting at Meharry 's Grove. The youngsters were making things decid- edly unpleasant for the young folks. When the time came for the noonday picnic luncheon Abe disarmed the girls by insisting that they lunch with him and his companion. He seated one on each side of him and from then on the laugh was his for the day. But Mae went home to relate the news of her uncle's en- gagement. When Abraham learned that his niece had "let the cat out of the bag" he took her for a long walk and lectured her on the "error of her ways" until she cried. Then he gave her a dollar to dry her tears. But the story was out and it spread and spread among Abe's friends and associates, who were legion, and included those of every creed. When he re- turned home a great number of these friends, led by the young Catholic priest of Tolono, visited him the first evening and gave Abe an old fashioned charivari, not even waiting for the wedding ceremony. Finally persuaded to alter her determination to stay with her parents, Martha was joined in wedlock to Abraham Me- harry early in the morning of June 3, 1879. Rev. Mikels performed the ceremony at the bride's home at the corner of Eleventh and Tippecanoe streets, near the St. Paul's M. E. Church, Lafayette, Indiana. Due to the advanced age and feeble health of the bride's parents, the wedding company was small. The only relative of the groom who was present was his uncle, Jesse Meharry, who happened to be in town that morning. After a wedding breakfast the bride and groom took train for Tolono, Champaign County, Illinois, near which place Abraham had prepared a home on the farm which he had received from his parents. The house was located on the east side of the Embarrass River (here only a creek), which flows through the farm, and only a few hun- dred yards from the home of William Meharrv. 190 History of the Meharry Family Martha and Abraham were accompanied on the trip to the new home by Martha Noakes, who for some years had made her home with the McMillins. These girlhood friends and companions have never separated and still (1925) share a common roof. Martha Meharry's first great disappointment came in the loss of an infant son, April 28, 1880. On November 6, 1884, Martha's father and mother joined her at her farm home. The mother had been stricken with ill health shortly before while visiting other children who lived on the Pacific coast. Her health continued to fail and she passed away at her daughter Martha's home on Sunday night, February 22, 1885. Funeral services for the mother were conducted by Rev. E. L. Carlisle, after which the remains were accompanied to Lafayette, Indiana, by her husband, John King McMillin; Addie McMillin, a daughter, and William Meharry and Mrs. Jesse Meharry. The funeral at Lafayette took place on Wednesday, February 25, from Trinity Church, and the interment made in Springvale Cemetery. Only a few weeks later Martha Meharry's second son, Charles Leo, was born, March 11, 1885. When the son Charles was but three years old the family moved to a new home on the west side of the Embarrass and almost directly across the road from William Meharry's home. It is a singular circumstance that Martha's mother died in her first home and her father in the second. Lie passed away after a long illness of nine weeks on November 10, 1896. After short home services, conducted by Rev. Kirkpatrick, of Tolono, the body was taken to Lafayette, Indiana, where fu- neral services were conducted in Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church by Dr. C. B. Wilcox, Rev. Kirkpatrick and Rev. G. W. Switzer, after which interment was made beside his wife in Springvale Cemetery. Martha Meharry was a home-loving woman and seldom traveled without her family's company. However, on the few occasions when she was away from home, her letters were rare treats, for she was a very interesting letter writer. Sel- dom did she display in spoken conversation the gentle humor and sparkling wit of which she was master in her letters. She was a good speller and performed as a walking dictionary for her husband and son, who were both notoriously lacking in this accomplishment. After the death of Abraham Meharry, January 30, 1908, it was decided that it would be best for his widow to return to Indiana, near her old home and only sister remaining in the central states. Therefore, in October, 1908, she moved to Attica, Indiana, and resides there still (1925) next-door neigh- History of thi«: Meharry Family 191 bor of her son Charles and sharing her home with Martha Xoakes, her companion of a lifetime. Another indication of Martha Meharry 's strong interest in others is that she took into her home, at the age of eleven, Helen Hall, a motherless little girl, and gave her a home until she reached maturity. Helen won a place in the hearts of the entire family. She completed her academic training in the Attica (Indiana) public schools and attended the Univer- sity of Illinois two successive seasons. In May of the second year she withdrew from the university to marry Edmund X. Stafford, an esteemed young farmer, of Attica, Indiana. They have two daughters — Margaret Jane, born October, 1919, and Mary Ellen, born May 15, 1922/ The declining years of Martha Meharry have been per- haps among the happiest ones of a long lifetime, brightened as they have been by the company and childish play and prat- tle of a little granddaughter, Rachel Elizabeth Meharry. By Charles Leo Meharrv. The wives of the twins, Abraham and Isaac, Martha Jane (McMillin) Meharry and Mary Elizabeth (Moore) Meharry 192 History of the Meharry Family saac Newton Meharry Mary Elizabeth (Moore) Meharry Si 1 » atl - , »-% mm mjL H liii Ill's i; .... - "■>■■:-«,:„■,:. ' •• Home of Isaac Newton Meharry near Shawnee Mound, Indiana History of the Meharry Family 193 ISAAC NEWTON MEHARRY Isaac Newton Meharry was the seventh and youngest child of Thomas and Eunity Meharry. Isaac and his twin brother, Abraham, were born February 16, 1842. At the birth of the first twin, who was Abraham, a ribbon was tied around his wrist that they might know he was the older. It has been said that the first baby in a family is a great event, the second an episode and the others merely incidents, but surely the birth of the twins must have occasioned much interest and happiness in the family circle. It was difficult to select names for these babies. Only Bible names were favored by the parents. There were three sets of names that were considered. The first set has escaped the memory of the writer. The others were Mesheck and Abednego, and Abraham and Isaac. The babies were bap- tised as Abraham Patton and Isaac Newton. The name New- ton was for the noted scientist, Isaac Newton. As the twins grew out of babyhood into boyhood, there was a decided physical difference between them. Isaac was a healthy, stocky, and well-built lad, while Abraham was frail and delicate. Isaac, by virtue of being the stronger, dictated to Abraham, who was philosopher enough to follow orders carefully. If he failed to do so, Isaac promptly gave him a thrashing. There must have been moments when Abraham wondered whether sickness was a blessing or a curse. When mother called them to task for some mischief, Isaac was diplo- matic enough to confess and take his punishment, but Abra- ham, who had already taken one whipping from his brother, was as a result sore and therefore slow to acknowledge his fault, so he was severely chastised again by the mother. Mother Meharry invariably required as a punishment for quarreling that the boys kiss and shake hands. At the age of 21 years the physical condition of the twins reversed. Isaac, who had overworked himself doing heavy labor on the farm, lost his health and became poorly for the remainder of his life, and, strange to say, Abraham's health gradually improved, and he became strong and vigorous. Abraham's early weakness was due to chronic malaria and possibly a light touch of consumption. Isaac obtained his elementary education in the country schools, after which he attended DePauw University for two years. He made the most of his early educational advantages, and his later education, which was broadly practical, was gained in a school of experience that extended over a wide field. A great event in the life of Isaac Meharry was his mar- 194 History of the Meharry Family riage to Mary Elizabeth Moore on September 16, 1863. The ceremony was performed in the home of the groom's parents. Mr. and Mrs. Meharry continued to reside in the parental home after their marriage. Mr. Meharry 's life was enriched by the love and devotion of his wife, and theirs was a happy and cherished companionship. Isaac and Mary Meharry were the parents of ten children, five of whom grew to maturity and four married and became heads of homes. Four grand- children were born, but only one grandchild survives today (1925) to wear the name. Erne Rebecca — born December 12, 1864. Married John Luther Meredith March 17, 1892. Infant daughter died at birth January 1, 1895. Etta Luella — born January 3, 1866, and died October 22, 1866. Anna Mary— born May 5," 1869. Minerva Jane — born November 15, 1870. Married Charles Mills Fraley December 26, 1890, and died January 7, 1908. Infant son died at birth May 23, 1903. Infant daughter died at birth January 4, 1908. John Abraham — born October 7, 1874. Married Jessie El- mine Carter, daughter of Robert A. and Alice Haws, of Newtown, Indiana, on January 10, 1900. Lee Carter born December 31, 1914. Infant son— born October 13, 1877, and died October 29, 1877. Twin daughters — born March 23, 1875. One still born, the other lived thirteen days. An old stake and rider rail fence. The rail fence and stone fence were the only fences or barriers possible in days of Alexander Meharry, and the rail fence was the type in most common use during the youth of his children, but is now (1925> almost a thing of the past. The boy on the fence is Lee Carter Meharry, a membei of the fourth generation removed from Alexander the emigrant. Lee Carter is at present the only male descendant in this generation of Isaac Newton Meharry. History of the Mi: marry Family 195 Carrie Moore— born April 7, 1882, and died March 5, 1886. Vinton Switzer — born October 5, 1885. Married Mable Mor- ris, daughter of John Newton and Louella (Graves) Morris, of New Richmond. One marked event in Isaac's life occurred when Thomas Meharry was dividing his land among his children. It was planned that Isaac was to go to Illinois with his older broth- ers, William and Jesse. Abraham was to remain in the home with his parents. After all arrangements had been completed Mrs. Meharry broke down, weeping like a child, and explained, "No, Mary can not leave us. We have cared for her and loved her as our own. We do not know whom Abraham will marry and bring into our home." Much to the disappointment of both sons their plans were reversed. Abraham, wishing- to remain at home, went to Il- linois, and Isaac and Mary, desiring to go to Illinois, stayed in Indiana. "The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft a-gley. And leave us nought but grief and pain, For promised joy." — Burns. Isaac and Mary received the parental homestead with its broad and beautiful acres as their inheritance. The possession of ancestral lands is bound up with sentiment, yet inheritance of virgin soil bestows an inspiration of its own. Today (1925) the place is especially interesting. It is still in the possession of representatives of the Thomas Me- harry family. It is owned and occupied by Vinton Meharry, -on of Isaac Meharry and grandson of Thomas Meharry. The house itself has that indefinable, restful atmosphere always to be found in dwellings which have been used by one family several generations. One might fancy that the spirits of all those who have passed their years within its walls are still exercising over it a tender protectorate. The generous rooms. with great fireplaces, dear old furniture of a bygone period, softly burning lamps, the winding ascent to the upper floors and the spacious chambers with wardrobes beloved of our grandmother; all are eloquent of a gracious, unhurried time. There are no pretensions about the farm buildings; they are plain but substantial. After a lapse of 89 years, a part of the original buildings, the house and the old barn are yet in excellent condition. Thomas Meharry, the builder, lies within sight of their walls, and his grave is the nucleus of the resting place of three generations of those that bore his name. Isaac Meharry was of fine personal appearance, of medium height, and rather heavy. He had a well-poised head, a high and rounded forehead and a strong chin. His mouth was ex- 196 History of the Meharry Family pressive of mingled good nature and firm decision. Mr. Me- harry 's eyes were deep blue, and they were eyes that would gaze fixedly at you, then suddenly become smaller in a mis- chieYous pucker. He had prominent, well-covered eyebrows, light brown hair and beard. His voice was mild, even gentle, but with good carrying qualities. Isaac also had a trait, com- mon to all the Thomas Meharry family, an inborn love of Thomas Meharry's Barn (Built in 1836) "Who are there of the Thomas Meharry's descendants who do not remember his old barn, with its spreading- rafters, mows of hay, and the swallows darting in and out of the great open doors. How big it seemed ! How wonderful its nooks and corners! Who of us has not had happy hours there. We ran and jumped and built houses in the hay. How well we remember the pattering rain on the shingled roof when the hay mow was our only playground. "The rafters still remain, the swallows come in spring and go in the fall. If you return to watch the swallows flying in and out, it brings a touch of childhood and gives a pang of reverence. "Bless the days of the old barn and give thanks for the days of youth." — Ambrose Elwell. teasing, which he retained through life. He was quick to see the humorous side of things, and he would get fun out of his every-day tasks. He thoroughly enjoyed a joke even at his own expense. An amusing incident occurred one time when he was try- ing to secure a hired girl for housework. He went to the home of a young woman whom he thought he could hire. Her mother met him at the door and in answer to his inquiry said, "I am the mother of seven girls. They are all married except the youngest, and she can't marry any one. No, you can't have her." It took Isaac quite a little while to impress upon the mother that he only wanted to hire the girl for housework and that he himself was a married man and not looking for a wife. The drollery of the situation appealed to Isaac and he enjoyed the fun as much as his family did when he humor- ously related the happening to them. History of titk Meharry Family 197 Mr. Meharry was a man of firm character and unimpeach- able integrity, yet sensitive and modest to an unusual degree. He had the confidence of acquaintances as well as friends, a confidence, be it said, mingled with affection. He was honor- able and exact in all business relations. A very noticeable trait in his character was patience. He seldom allowed any- thing to ruffle his even temper. "Patience, my lord! Why, 'tis the soul of peace! Of all virtues 'tis the nearest kin to heaven; It makes men look like gods." Isaac was the only one of Thomas Meharry 's sons who smoked. Until middle life he was a non-smoker and did not begin to use tobacco until about 1875 upon the advice of a physician, who prescribed it for asthma. He smoked for about twenty-five years. He was then confined to his bed for several weeks with a serious illness, and u^on recovery did not resume the use of tobacco. He was a lifelong abstainer from intoxicating liquors and did not use profanity. Isaac Meharry \s home was one of the most hospitable in the community. He took especial pleasure in extending a warm and cordial greeting to his guests. In fact, he kept open house, and all were welcome. It has been truly said that Mr. Meharrv's family very seldom if ever sat down to a meal with- "You must conic home with me and be my guest; You will give joy to me, and I will do All that is in my power to honor you." —Shelley. Preachers came ; guests of all degrees and even the school- master, who "boarded around," found a welcome. Mr. Me- harrv's home was a happy gathering place for the young peo- ple of the community. Mr. Meharry always asked a blessing at meals, and ob- served the fine old time-honored custom of prayers before re- tiring at night. The spirit of his home was characterized by Sabbath observance upon worship and conduct befitting the day. Mr. Meharry was converted during a series of revival meetings in January, 1869, and united with the Shawnee Mound Methodist Church under the pastorate of Rev. S. P. Colvin. He was active in church work and lived a useful and exemplary Christian life. The Shawnee Mound Church showed its appreciation of his ability and integrity by electing him to the official board and keeping him there as trustee and steward for twenty years continuously until death terminated this service. He rendered valuable service in these positions 198 History of the Meharry Family and gave liberally of his means to carry on the church work. Mr. Meharry was honored by being chosen president of the Farmers Bank of Wingate, Indiana. He was interested quite largely in this bank, being one of its principal stock- holders. He held this office of president at the time of his death. Mr. Meharry was public spirited and interested in every- thing that was for the common good of the people. The fol- lowing are some of the projects that he helped to promote and in which he took great pride : Isaac Meharry, John Win- gate, A. C. McCorkle and Alexander Meharry were the four men who were instrumental in getting the Clover Leaf Rail- road to pass through Wingate, Indiana. If it had not been for their influence, it would have run miles north of its present location. Mr. Meharry was one of the leaders in having the old toll road between Wingate and Lafayette graveled. He helped much in the work and built one mile of graveled road past his home and connecting with the main road at his own expense. About 1874, long before the days of rural free delivery of mail, Isaac Meharry helped his uncle, David Meharry, in mak- ing possible the star mail route from West Point to Wingate. On this route the mail was carried between West Point on the Wabash Railroad and Wingate on the Clover Leaf Railroad. The mail was delivered twice daily. The carrier was paid by the box owners along the route. Mr. Meharry was a Republican in politics. His party re- ceived his active support from the time of his majority. He was sent many times as a delegate to the Republican county conventions, and repeatedly served on the election board. He did much to advance the party's interest. Out of the many now forgotten pranks of his early days, some are still remembered. One story dates back to his sister Ellen's wedding when elaborate preparations were being made for the wedding feast. One cake had been slightly browned in the baking and Isaac and his twin brother Abra- ham asked for some of this cake, but their request was refused. This displeased the boys and they determined to have for once in their lives all the cake they could eat. They waited until the opportunity came, then they selected the best looking cake, which was the bride's cake, and disappeared. They hid among the currant bushes and ate all of the cake. As a result they became quite ill. Isaac from that time on disliked cake. Isaac was of an inventive nature. He had inherited me- chanical ingenuity and was handy with tools. One day while his father was away from home Isaac set out to make a small wagon, which he had been wanting. He selected a wide pop- History of the Meharry Family 199 lar hoard, marked out the different parts, and sawed them out. Some of the parts were not satisfactory and he repeated the work until he had completed the wagon to his liking. Then, much to his surprise and consternation, he realized he had used several of his father's choice boards which he had saved for an especial purpose. When his father questioned him about it, he told the truth and took his punishment. All of Isaac's brothers were pretty well able to take care of themselves in a boxing bout, or a roueh and tumble fight, but Isaac excelled the rest of them in this respect. He was strong and wiry and took especial delight in boyish tests of strength. When he was excited he was said to be "a regular mad dog, hornet's nest and buzz saw combined." But let it lie said to his credit that he never sought a fight nor never re- fused to fight when dared. One spring day three of his cous- in- agreed to "do him up right," so they intercepted him on the way home from school and "pitched into him." But Isaac whipped all three of them. They were chastised rather se- verely and beat a hast)- retreat. Isaac came off with a few bruises and scratches and established his prowess as a fighter among the boys of the neighborhood. When a boy. Isaac went barefooted in the summer — all children did in the pioneer daws. He was very nimble and could climb trees like a squirrel, working his way far out on the limbs and jumping up and down to shake off the nuts, apples or persimmons as the case might be. It is said he could scale up a twenty-five foot extension ladder held by two men. Me was a good climber and did not easily become dizzy. Isaac went barefooted until quite late in the fall, so one pair of boots would last him through the winter. In the latter part of ( )ctober, when the nights were frosty, his feet and ankles used to become blue with cold. Idle boots he wore were heavy cow hide. He never thought of such a thing as using shoe blacking upon them. When Isaac bought a new pair, he gave them a thorough greasing, generally with goose tallow. The boots became very stiff after being a worn awhile and were often greased to keep them pliable. Isaac never cared for hunting as his brothers did. When a mere lad he received a severe fright that checked all longing to emulate them. The gun owned by the family at the time was a flintlock rifle, the barrel of which was four feet long and was made to hold a large bullet. This rifle was used fre- quently by the boys on their hunting trips. Never less than two boys went out with it at once — usually there were three. The woods were filled with game, and squirrels of all kinds were especially abundant. The boys and their friends would often go out and make large kills. The loaded rifle had stood 200 History of the Meharry Family until it was somewhat rusty, and by a mistake someone had placed a second charge in it. The "didn't-know-it-was-loaded" gun is the most dangerous gun in the world. While the gun was in this condition Isaac took it to shoot a squirrel high up in a tree. He aimed almost straight up. When he fired the gun exploded, separating the barrel and leaving the stock in his hands. The barrel went up in the air and came down with such force that it was half buried in the ground. Isaac was only slightly hurt, but terribly frightened, and did not care to handle firearms after this experience. There is one thing that Isaac never did. He never tortured any animals, not even snakes. He used to kill them, but did not torture in the killing. He never permitted other boys to be cruel to dumb animals in his presence. If they attempted it, they had him to fight. ^ When Isaac Meharry was a lad the country ran wild with deer and prairie chickens, and squirrels were abundant. He lived to see this country of boundless distances transformed into a solid, home-loving com- munity. In his vouth, Isaac often hauled shelled corn to market at Granville, a little village on the old canal, thirteen miles from the Meharry homestead. At one time it was considered as the possible county seat and was called Ouiatenon. The loaded wagons frequently were lined up in long rows while the drivers awaited their turn to unload. The grain was all taken out of the wagons by hand, the men using a large barrel with a bail on it which was raised with a rope and pulley. The process of dumping the grain, as it is done now in the elevators, was to be thought of later. The corn was shelled by a cannon sheller oper- ated by horse power. The grain and cobs would come out of the machine together and would have to be separated by hand rakes. The cobs were used as fuel. Isaac started early in the morning with a load, about fifty bushels, returning home in the evening. Then another load of corn was shelled to be ready for the next day. A great many times Isaac took a load of wheat to Chicago to exchange for provisions such as sugar, salt, coffee, tea, etc. He drove oxen on these long and tedious journeys. Isaac never herded cattle on the Illinois prairies, as his brothers did, but it was his duty to assist in driving the herds to and from their pastures. They grazed the cattle during the History of the Meharry Family 201 spring and summer in Illinois. Then late in the fall drove them back to Indiana to winter. This was no light task, for there were from 300 to 400 head in the herd. They would drive them near to Danville the first day and corral them there. They would ferry across the river at Attica. Many and varied were their experiences. Sometimes the eattle would break the corral and it would require days to round them up. Again, they would become frightened and jump off of the ferry and Covered Bridge Over Coal Creek Isaac Meharry was influential in getting the appropriation for the covered bridge over Coal Creek, near the Meharry Cemetery, and was appointed by the County Commissioners to superintend its construction. It was necessary for him to insist upon excavation for the abutments being as deep as the specifications called for, and he required the first stone, which had already been placed, to be removed and the excavation deepened. This bridge is of wooden truss construction and was built in 1886. It is still in excellent condition (1925). float down the river for miles. Then it became necessary to follow the cattle down the river and bring them back. The following interesting- story illustrates not only real life among- the earl}- settlers, but also shows the character of the Meharry family. In the days of which we write a neigh- borhood usually included a space of eight or ten miles. In a neighborhood adjoining the Meharrys lived a man named James Brown, who had been in the habit of serving liquor on those special occasions when he had to ask his neighbors for help in the work upon the farm. After conversion Mr. Brown's religious convictions would not allow him to con- tinue this practice. Mr. Brown had cleared off twenty acres of timber land and he wished to roll the logs into log heaps that they might be burned. For assistance in this work he called upon his neighbors, but thev declared, "No whisky, no work." So Mr. 202 History of the Meharry Family Brown was in a serious predicament. In his perplexity he went to the home of Jesse Meharry and consulted with him. Mr. Meharry advised Brown to set a day for the work, to invite his neighbors and to explain to them that the logs would be rolled, but that no whisky would be served. "Go back home, Mr. Brown, and I will see that your logs are rolled." In relating this story, Mr. Brown said, "Jesse Me- harry was so positive I couldn't doubt, but I couldn't see how he could do it." When the appointed day came all the Meharry brothers responded to the call with their sons, their hired men and their ox teams. Even the wives and daughters went to assist in serving dinner. A number of the neighbors, who were in hearty sympathy with them, joined the party. Among them were the Kerr brothers and John K. McMillin. When the Meharrys reached Mr. Brown's wood lot they found his neigh- bors already there prepared to watch proceedings. The Me- harry delegation set to work and, later, when the onlookers became convinced that the log rolling would be a success, they joined in and helped. The twenty-acre lot was cleared of logs and no whisky was served, but an ample dinner was pro- vided by the housewives. Commenting upon this experience, Mr. Brown said, "Such a day's work needs no praise from me, but I want especially to stress the good effect it had upon our neighborhood. I re- member with pleasure, Isaac Meharry, who was one of the leaders at that time. He was blest with youth, health and a love for work and he did a big day's work." The name Meharry Camp Ground, after the lapse of years, was shortened to Meharry's Grove, and the place became the social center of the community, where picnics, Fourth of July celebrations, political rallies, and other public out-of-door gath- erings were held. Many prominent men of the state of Indiana have delivered addresses in Meharry Grove. In August, 1898, ex-Governor Matthews, while soeaking at an old settlers' re- union in that grove, was striken with paralysis and taken to the home of Isaac Meharry. The citizens of the neighborhood had made arrangements to hold a public reception for the ex-governor at Isaac Me- harry's following his address of the afternoon. Though hold- ing different political views, Isaac Meharry was broad minded enough to open his home for such an occasion. The ex-gover- nor's family were summoned to his bedside from their home at Clinton, Indiana, and were with him until the end. On Sun- day after his death, while the body lay in state, it was esti- mated that five hundred people called at the Meharry home to pay honor to the distinguished dead. This was before au- History of the Meharry Family 203 tomobiles came into general use and this was considered a large crowd for a country community. About the year 1879 the Meharry Cemetery was enlarged by the gift of an additional acre and a half of land by Isaac Meharry, and desirable improvements were made. 1 homas Meharry's body was removed from the grave where it had lain since January, 1874, and was reinterred in a better loca- tion in the cemetery. The metallic casket was opened to per- mit the grandchildren to see the grandfather, whom many of them did not remember. When the outer glass of the casket was removed they all bent reverently forward to view the body. It seemed as if they might have spoken to their grandfather and awakened him. Those who had seen him at his burial said he looked just as he did then. There was scarcely a change. His shirt was white and shiny, his black bow tie perfect. His hair and beard seemed to have grown, for they were quite long. There were no signs of decomposition that could be observed, but when the inner glass was removed and the air struck the corpse it turned a dark color. By this experience, Thomas Meharry's features were en- graved upon the memory of all his descendants who thus had the privilege of viewing him years after he w r as buried. The casket was closed and sealed, never again to be exposed to the view of his family. The silver plate on the lid of the cas- ket, engraved "Father," w r as removed, and is now in the pos- session of Vinton S. Meharry. For many years Isaac Meharry's health had been poor, which interfered to some extent with his plans and desires, yet he attended to his business affairs until a few years pre- vious to his death. During the summer and autumn of 1904 he was very feeble, but clear in mind and at peace. He ac- cepted his approaching end with perfect Christian resignation. With Robert Louis Stevenson he could have said : "Glad did I live — and I laid me down with a will." One day during his final illness, when he was thought to be dying, Isaac was given a view of the heavenly home seldom granted to a mortal. He saw green grass and a stream that he must cross. He beheld his father and mother, and con- versed with them. He heard his little children, who had gone on before, calling him, "papa." Those to whom Isaac described this remarkable scene say that he felt it was not a vision, but that he had a clear, actual glimpse of heaven. Mr. Meharry rallied after this ex- perience and lingered for several months. His voice was affected and he was unable to walk, but he recovered suf- ficiently to be wheeled in a chair. 204 History of the Meharry Family The final summons came to Isaac Meharry December 10, 1904. He departed this life at the age of sixty-two years. The funeral was held Monday, December 11, at his late residence. The services were conducted by his pastor, Rev. W. R. Mikels, who preached the sermon and delivered the closing prayer. Rev. G. W. Switzer, superintendent of Lafayette district, as- sisted the pastor. The place of Isaac Meharry's birth, his home during life, and the place of his death, were all situated within the in- closure of his late dooryard, and not more than twenty-five feet apart. His remains were interred in the Meharry Ceme- tery, which is within sight of the place where he was born, lived, and died. His relatives and neighbors followed him to the grave, mourning the departure of a neighbor, a sympathetic friend and a brother. No one had an unkind word or thought of him as he was laid away. Shakespeare's words come to mind as a fitting finale : "His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to all the world, this was a man." Mae (Meharry) Haven. History of the Meharry Family 205 MARY ELIZABETH (MOORE) MEHARRY Alary Elizabeth Moore was born June 3, 1845, on a one hundred and ninety-nine acre farm near Russellville, Brown Count}-, Ohio. She was the daughter of Henry Wilson and Maria (Davidson) Moore, and granddaughter of Moses and Elizabeth (Clendenen) Moore, and the great granddaughter of Robert and Sarah Moore, who came to this country from Ire- land in 1796 and settled in the Pilsen Mill neighborhood, be- tween Russellville and Decatur, in Brown County, Ohio. The Moores are of Scotch-Irish descent. Mary's father was a man of worth, who was prominent in business, social, and pub- lic affairs. His family consisted of four children, two sons and two daughters, viz. : John Thomas, Mary Elizabeth (the sub- ject of this memoir), Margaret Moore Armstrong, and Frank, who died at the age of twenty-one years. All of the above children have passed away except John Thomas, who still (1925) survives and resides in Champaign, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Moore died within six months of each other and are buried in the Meharry Cemetery at Shawnee Mound, Indiana. The children were raised by near relatives at Shaw- nee Mound. Mary, at seven years of age, came into the home of Thomas and Eunity Meharry, who received her as one of their own. Eunity Meharry is quoted as saying, "She is not my own child, though I love her as Avell as if I had suffered the pangs of birth for her." Soon after coming to Mr. and Mrs. Meharry, Mary's aunt, Mrs. Abraham Francis, rode on horseback from her home at New Lenox, Illinois, to Shawnee Mound, Indiana, a distance of approximately 180 miles, to take the child home with her. Mrs. Francis and Mrs. Meharry had a prolonged and earnest argument over the possession of the girl, but Mrs. Meharry would not permit Mrs. Francis to take the little one away from her. Mary grew to maturity under the sole guidance and training of her foster parents, whose excellent common sense and clear discernment in every way fitted their ward for life's duties. When in the bloom of young womanhood, at the age of seventeen years, Alary Moore was united in marriage with Isaac Newton Meharry on September 16, 1863. At the head of her household she exemplified the thrift, refinement, and hos- pitality that were hers by birth. Hers was a happy wedded life of forty-one years that was terminated at the death of her husband in 1904. Mrs. Meharry had a lovely and gentle disposition, and a remarkable personal charm. Her acquaint- ances were drawn to her by her sweet and pleasant ways and kindliness of heart. Her wide circle of friends recognized 205 History of the Meharry Family her as a leader in all things that had to do with the better- ment of the community. She went everywhere, did everything, and was part of everything. She was always full of life and spirit. She was a cordial entertainer and an excellent cook. She served so liberally that her table fairly "groaned beneath the load" of food. Long before the modern invention, her dining table was an extension table, and her guest rooms were never empty. If a tramp came along she would feed him, thus obey- ing the Bible injunction, "Thou shalt deal thy bread to the hungry." At one time Mr. Meharry had a man named Spray work- ing for him who was in the habit of becoming intoxicated. When in this condition he seemed to realize that he should not appear among the family and he would hide away until sober. One bitterly cold night Spray was missing and Mrs. Meharry sent the boys out to search for him. They could not locate him. Again she persuaded them to look and they found him lying head down in the cob house into which he had stumbled while in a drunken stupor. The boys straightened him out, covered him with heavy robes and left him. On learning of his condition Mary's sympathy was quickly aroused and freely expressed. She insisted that he be brought into the house. This was a hard task for the boys, for Spray was a large man, weighing over two hundred pounds. Mrs. Meharry nursed the unfortunate man while he suffered an attack of delirium tremens, although she was bitterly opposed to the use of in- toxicating liquors. Mary's kindness to this drunken man was only another manifestation of her sympathetic and charitable nature. At one time Jackson Stivers, of Ripley, Ohio, was visiting relatives at Shawnee Mound, and his half brother, Jesse Me- harry, drove Mr. Stivers to the home of a resident of the neighborhood, who had invited them to dine with him. By mistake they had come upon the wrong day and found the host and hostess unprepared for guests. The host had the reputation of saying what he wanted to, and, true to that rep- utation, he stated plainly that he could not entertain company on that day. Mr. Stivers was considered "sacred company," and all of the relatives were desirous of giving him their best. Jesse Meharry in his dilemma drove to Isaac Meharry's, where he knew they would receive a cordial welcome. After explaining the situation to Mrs. Meharry, whom they found bending over the wash tub busily engaged with the week's washing, she promptly welcomed them, saying, "I'll gladly give you the best I have. I'm sorry I can't do History of the Meharry Family 207 better." This she did, so kindly and so graciously that it was long remembered by the uncles. We want to mention one incident of Mary's school days that has survived. The story runs thus: The teacher of the district school that she attended was a young man of limited education. lie was especially weak in mathematics. In fact, he had to depend entirely upon a "key" to teach arithmetic. His scholars soon realized the situation and decided that they must get possession of the key. Mary, having the confidence of the teacher, was the one selected to "borrow the book," which she did successfully. It is said that she was the only one whom the teacher did not accuse of the deed. The schol- ars had a vacation in arithmetic until another key could be procured. Quaint walnut cradle in which all of Thomas Meharry's children, except prob- ably Jane, were rocked. It has done duty for many of the succeeding generations of the family as well as for friends and neighbors. It was made by Eunity Meharry's brothers, Mathew and William Patton, while visiting their sister. The old family cradle, which rocked all of Thomas Me- harry's sons and daughters besides many of his grandchildren, was standing idle in the attic after years of service. So, when Mary's neighbors occasionally needed a cradle and had no money with which to purchase one, she loaned it to them. It always came home in good condition, but some of the family objected to putting a prized old relic to such usage. The ob- jectors thoughtfully provided money with which to buy a good modern cradle for Mary to loan when it was needed. Thus the cradle was preserved and today it is in the possession of Vinton S. Meharry, grand nephew of Matthew Patton, who made it, probably in 1830. Matthew Patton was a brother of Eunity (Patton) Meharry. Mrs. Meharry had no especial adventures, no hair-breadth escapes to record. Her life ran evenly along. She was ab- sorbed in the duties and pleasures of her family. Throughout her life she was a lover of children, counting them — "Better than all the ballads that ever were sung or said." 2o8 History of the Meharry Family Mary (Moore) Meharry was the mother of ten children, three boys and seYen girls. In consequence, their home was the center of youthful activity. There was a baby in the fam- ily until 1885. She Avas never unmindful of the feelings of her children. The memory of her own childhood, with its brief season of unbroken home life with her own parents, caused her to put all the more zeal into the making of a pleasant en- vironment for her own children. She mothered her boys and girls with a firm but gentle hand. Her habit was to appeal to their understanding and to show by logic that good behavior was desirable. She showed no favoritism among her children. Each one had household duties to do and did them. As the young people grew toward manhood and woman- hood, Mrs. Meharry identified herself more closely with their interests. She realized the value of education and she encour- aged them to treasure knowledge. Mary was converted in the same series of revival meetings as her husband. She united with the Methodist Church in January, 1869, and held continuous membership therein until her death. She was a consistent, devoted Christian, and was an interested participant in all the general church work. She was a charter member of the Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society of the Shawnee Mound Church. In Mary Meharry's lifetime there was a custom in that church that other churches would do well to emulate. At the close of the service there was a social hour in which those present enjoyed a handshake and a short visit with each other. At these times Mrs. Meharry was careful to seek out the stranger and the lonely ones. She would greet the mothers and inquire particularly after each child. Mrs. Meharry was a beautiful, mother- ly woman, who never grew old, or even eld- erly. She had wonderful brown eyes and a pleasing smile. Refinement showed in every line of her face. Hers was an inde- scribable charm. All her youthful loveli- ness crowned her mature age. Her white- haired distinction, her gentleness and fine- Mary (Moore) Meharry ness will long be cherished. Mrs. Meharry knew the passing of five children, from 1866 until 1886. She had her full share of sorrow. Then, when her husband died in 1904, it was indeed a sore trial. Mary and Isaac had been together from the time she was seven years of age until death separated them. "As those we love decay, we die in part; String after string is severed from the heart." History of the Me harry Family 209 But quietly and without bitterness, and with a deep feel- ing of trust in the goodness of God, Mrs. Meharry bore these afflictions and without remaining idle to brood over her sor- row, she resumed her everyday duties and found comfort in them. The widow and one unmarried son took up the burden of the responsibility of the family business. To the credit of both each enjoyed the full confidence of the other and impor- tant decisions were never reached without careful consultation nor until a mutually satisfactory understanding had been reached. Although relying implicitly upon her son's business ability she never lost her interest and acquaintance with the business. Mrs. Meharry's last illness was of many months' duration, but as she gradually grew frailer her indomitable will seemed to defy her loss of physical vigor. "When on my day of life the night is falling, And, in the winds from unsunned spaces blown, I hear far voices out of darkness calling My feet to paths unknown." — Whittier. She was reconciled to await patiently the Master's call. The end came quietly and silently at 12:30 p. m., Friday, Feb- ruary 23, 1922. Her loved ones were about her as she was taken back to the Father of all — He who gave. Thus ended seventy-seven beautiful years replete with interest and rich in all womanly Christian graces. Such beauty of character dies not with the body, but rather lives on and on in the mem- ory of her friends. The funeral services were held at the home of the deceased at 2 o'clock on the afternoon of Tuesday, February 27, 1922. The services were conducted by Dr. G. W. Switzer, of Cleve- land, Ohio, assisted by the local pastor, Rev. Harlow. Her body was interred in Meharry Cemetery, overlooking the old home which she loved and where she had lived for seventy years. "Hiding away her own self, Like the English violet sweet, The perfumed oil of service, She poured on the Master's feet. Faithful to church and neighbors. With joy labor was given; 210 History of the Meharry Family Nor has it ceased, nor ever, She still serves Him in heaven. Even though body weary, Heart by sorrows torn, She ministered unto others, The sick, the saclj the forlorn. For her this memorial; None better would she ask; May we in our daily living, Finish her loving task." Mae (Meharry) Haven, History of the Meharry Family 211 Fifth branch JAMES MEHARRY James, third son of Alexander and Jane (Francis) Me- harry, was born near Eagle Creek, Adams County, Ohio, September 18, 1801. At the age of twelve years he was left fatherless; being the third child of a family of eight children, much depended upon him, for they lived on a farm of 350 acres. Jn the spring of 1826, he and his brother, Jesse, started on a western trip, Texas being their destination. They traveled by boat down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans, which was then a small village. The houses were built upon piles. They remained there over Sunday and they attempted to attend services in a Catholic church. James passed in and was about to be seated when he looked around and could not see his brother. Returning to the door he found that the doorkeeper would not allow Jesse to enter, because he was wearing a blouse jacket in place of a coat. They took passage from New Orleans for Galveston and were shipwrecked in Galveston Bay, losing their trunk and clothing. They saved their money (gold). They walked three hundred miles to the Red River, and not being discour- aged, they decided to walk to New Orleans. The country was so marshy that they were often compelled to wade waist deep in the water. From this exposure James lost five toe nails. Finally they succeeded in buying an Arabian pony, and took turns in riding. Cpon reaching New Orleans they met the captain of the shipwrecked boat, who had recovered their lost trunk. After an absence of six weeks they reached their home in Ohio, during the night. The house was built in two divisions, a passage way between. The boys entered the house through this passage way and walked into the liv- ing room and lay down on the floor in front of the big log fire to sleep. Their mother was a nervous woman and a light sleeper, and the boys had awakened her. While walking around to investigate the noise, which had aroused her, she looked into the room, and seeing the two men asleep before the fire, she called, "Jamie, is that you?" James remained at home until the fall of 1827, when he started west to Indiana, with a view of making a home. He located land in Fountain County (now owned by T. E. Mar- tin). Returning to Ohio, he was married to Margaret In- gram Francis, daughter of lames and Esther (Ingram) Fran- cis, on December 20, 1827. bv Rev. Mick. 212 History of the Meiiarry Family James Meharry Margaret (Francis) Meharry Heme of James Meharry near Shawnee Mound, Indiana History of the Meharry Family 213 To this marriage five children were born: Alary Agatha ( Craw lord ), horn March 10, 1829; Greenlief Norton, horn July 16, 1831 ; Cornelia Bennet Hickman, horn March 1. 1833; lames .Alexander, horn December 20, 1835, died in infancy, and Allen Wiley, born December 2, 1837. In the spring of 1828, he and his wife, in company with Jim Rankin and wife, with their teams and stock started oxer- land for their future home in Indiana. On the journey they made it a rule to rest on the Sabbath. Others who pushed on, Rear View of James Meharry's Home not observing the day of rest, were overtaken and passed on the road. James' wife rode horseback all the way, but their wagons were drawn by oxen. At one time an ox was taken sick from eating too many buckeyes, but James doctored him and the}- were soon read}- to continue their journey. When the}' reached their farm in Indiana, the}' lived three months in a board shanty. Being of a disposition to branch out, they entered more land in Coal Creek Township, Mont- gomery Count}' (now known as Meharry Grove Farm), and in the fall of 1831, moved to this farm of 280 acres, where they made their future home. They entered other land near Colfax, McLean County, Illinois, also in Philo and Tolono Townships in Champaign County, Illinois. 214 History of the Meharry Family In about 1838 James Meharry built a new brick house, which is still standing and well preserved. James burned all the brick for this new home on his farm. The woodwork is of walnut. The house was built on an angle, not being square with the points of the compass. It was constructed in this way to prevent the sides of the building from receiving the full force of the wind during storms. The windows were higher above the ground than is customary today, so the Indians could not easily look through them at the family on the inside of the house. There was a brick oven in the basement where the family not only baked bread, but did all their cook- ing for a long period. There were two secret cupboards built into the walls, one in which to hide money, and the other for the family knitting and yarn which were considered almost as valuable as money in pioneer days. This was the first of the Meharry brothers' brick residences to be built. The others followed in quick succession. James liked the taste of whiskey, and knowing his appetite he resolved not to countenance whiskey in any way. In those days nothing was done without whiskey, but James deter- mined he could get along without it, and to Solomon Mc- Kinney, who once inquired if he would let a job of wheat cutting (with a cradle) and furnish whiskey, James' positive answer was : "I have strength to save enough for bread and seed, and I will stand by and see the balance fall to the ground and waste, before I w r ill furnish whiskey." About this time there came into the neighborhood several temperance boys, among whom were John K. McMillin, Robert Sayers, and John Montgomery, who helped him cut his wheat . Thanks to the Lord and a firm resolution, James was con- verted at a quarterly meeting love-feast at Kirkpatrick's meet- ing house, about the year 1830. He filled the office of steward and class leader until his death. James was ingenious and handy with tools. He invented the first revolving hay rake in his neighborhood. He had learned the wagon maker's trade in his youth. He styled himself the Doctor's Counselor, for in the earlier days of the settlement, he was very successful in relieving his friends and neighbors in time of sickness. The companion of his youth proceeded him to the home beyond. She passed away as calm as a summer eve, on April 15, 1853. Her death was caused by flux. Margaret Ingram Meharry was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. "A woman of great energy of character. Ardent in her devotion to her friends. Her end was very peaceful." She was interred in the Meharry Cemetery, near Wingate, Indiana. History of the Meharry Family 215 James Meharry was married the second time to Airs. Nancy Wood, of Rockville, Indiana, May 5, 1855, by Rev. H. Smith. To this marriage there were no births. The last of March before he died he was taken down with ulceration of the bowels ; at times the pain was almost unsufFerable, but not a murmur escaped his lips. Thus he suffered for forty-four days before the messenger, on April 21, 1864, came to carry his spirit home, and to leave his body at rest. Thus died one of the pioneers of Mehodism in In- diana, at the age of 62 years, 7 months and 6 days. The funeral services were conducted at his late home, and the interment was made in the family lot (No. 3) in Meharry cemetery. The above is a copy of the history collected and written by Greenlief Norton Meharry. A Tribute Written By Rev. Alexander Meharry Meharry — James Meharry, father-in-law r of Rev. David Crawford, the North Western Indiana Conference, brother of Rev. Alexander Meharry, of the Cincinnati Conference, was born in Adams County, Ohio, September 18, 1801. Died in Montgomery County, Indiana, April 21, 1864, aged 62 years and 7 months. He was married to his first wife, Margaret Francis, on December 20, 1827, and moved to Montgomery County, Indiana, the same year. She lived till 1853, and dying left four children ; one passed to the spirit land. He was married to his now bereaved widow, Nancy Ward Meharry, May 9, 1855. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1829 and was made class leader in 1831, and remained one until his death. He was reared by pious parents and, he early imbibed the great principles of righteousness and temperance. The country was new when he came to Indiana and both Sabbath breaking and intemperance were common sins, and he set his face against them. When harvest came one asked where he would get liquor to cut his harvest, he answered ' nowhere." "Then you will not get your harvest cut." "Well, I'll cut what I can and let the balance rot before I'll give whiskey." When his barn was to be raised, the same ques- tion was asked and the same answer given, on both sides. But God provided, and the harvest was well saved, and the barn was raised. He suffered no temporal loss for his tem- perance principles. His religious life may be summed up in a few words: Meek, quiet, holy, earnest, ever at his post of duty — as class leader, never absent. His purse and presence were ever con- secrated to the cause of God, and his house open to entertain His servants. 216 History of the Meharry Family His sickness was protracted six weeks and he suffered intensely (disease of the bowels), yet such was his patience that his doctors exclaimed, "we never saw such calmness." Setting his house in order temporally, and bidding his family good-bye, he committed his body to the raging billows of Jordan, and for twenty hours nature struggled in the stream. During this terrible conflict, he was often asked, "Is all well?" He answered, "All is well, thank God, all is clear, Jesus is precious — all is light — no darkness !" His son asked him when he was almost gone, 'Have you any fear?" He said, "No ; glory, glory to God," and landed gently on the other shore. He lived joyfully and died shouting. Thus passed away a noble man, leaving a wife, four children, all of whom are following in his footsteps to the better land. Alexander Meharry. History of the Mkharry Family 217 MARY AGATHA (MEHARRY) CRAWFORD Mary Agatha Meharry, the eldest child of James and Mar- garet Frances Meharry, was born March 10, 1829, in Fountain County, Indiana, near Pleasant Hill, now called AVingate. Her first home was an humble one, a log cabin, having a fire place which furnished heat for warmth and for cooking purposes. It was fitted with a crane, andirons and a baking pan. Cooking utensils were few and simple in those days. One of their favorite evening meals, when the children were small, was mush and milk. All would sit around the fire place, each having a bowl, and grandmother would fill each bowl from the pot of mush hanging on the crane, and pour milk over the mush, and this would be their simple supper. Alary, being the first baby, her father fashioned her baby cradle out of a walnut log, and this cradle is still doing duty, rocking Meharry babies. Mary related to her children, in after years, that her father's mother, Jane Frances Meharry, who lived with them part of her time, had taught her to make bread when she was so small she had to stand on a chair to reach the table. Grandmother was able to get around with the aid of one crutch. Mary said her grandmother was a good disciplinarian and she often used her crutch, tapping them on the head to enforce her commands. Her mother carded the wool and wove all the cloth for the family's wearing apparel, also the household linen, making the sheets and pillow cases out of pure linen, a few of the latter having been preserved by her grandchildren. While her moth- er was busy with weaving, little Mary and grandmother tried to do much of the cooking for the household. The first event she remembered, was when she Avas only three years old. She was attending, with her parents, a camp- meeting, and saw Indians and Negroes. These Indians must have been some of the descendants of the Shawnees who came into Fountain County from the north. In the summer of 1846 her parents built a house of brick, the brick being made and burned on the place. The seven-room house is standing, well preserved and occupied by a Meharry grandson and his family. Mary was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church at the tender age of ten years. She was given the best education obtainable in those days, being the first young woman of the community to be sent away to school. She was sent to Crawfordsville for one year. She was a classmate, while there, of Gen. Lew Wallace. He was afterward prosecuting attorney for the county, and he made a notable record in the Civil War, and served with credit, later on, as minister to Mexico and Turkey. He will be 218 History of the Meiiarry Famil Mary Agatha (Meharry) Crawford Rev. David Crawford Farm Home of Mary Agatha (Meharry) Crawford near Tolono, Illinois History of the Meharry Family 219 remembered longest, throughout the world, as the author of "Ben llur." Mary was sent the next year to Asbury College, now DePauw University, at Greencastle, Indiana. From there she went to the Ft. Wayne Female College, in 1849, which was one of the best schools in the West. In order to reach Ft. Wayne, Indiana, where the school was situated, she had to travel on the Erie Canal. The history of the financing and constructing* of this canal is very interesting indeed. I am indebted to J. W^esley Whick- er, of Attica, Indiana. In his book, "Sketches of the Wabash Valley," he relates the following. As early as 1822, an exten- sive system of State improvements were prepared. At the close of the year 1841 the total length of canals, railroads, and turnpikes included in the above system, in 1836, was 1,289 miles, of which only 281 miles had been completed. One million seven hundred and twenty-seven thousand dollars had been spent in constructing the Erie Canal. In January, 1849, while Gov. Whitcomb was in office, pro- vision was made to adjust the debt due the holders of the Indiana State bonds, and to complete the canal to Evansville, Indiana. Surveys were made and contracts let for the entire length of the canal, from Ft. Wayne to Lafayette, from La- fayette to Attica. The building was let in sections of five and ten miles. The contractors employed thousands of men to excavate the channel for the great water-way. Most of the men were from Ireland. The work was pushed rapidly from Lafayette to Attica and was completed in 1848. During that spring the Asiatic cholera appeared among the laborers in the different camps, and they "died like Hies in a trap" ; for in- stance, there were about six hundred men and women and children in one camp and about four hundred of these died and were buried in a long trench dug in a marl bed in the old grave yard of Attica. In spite of the cholera and other difficulties the canal was completed and the boats began to move in 1848. The packet or passenger boats were built two stories and gaudily decorated. They had a captain to collect the fares, look after the comfort of the travelers and welfare of the boat. The second story had the steering gear, at the back of the boat, operated by the pilot. The boats were drawn by horses, by means of long ropes attached to the boat and the ani- mals walked along the banks or "the tow path." The freight boats were drawn by heavy horses or mules. Soon this water- way was lined with hundreds of boats carrying passengers, freight and merchandise of all kinds. Warehouses, mills, pack- ing houses and other buildings of commerce were erected along its banks. Some of these are still standing (1925), the James Stafford elevators, for instance. It was a great water- 220 History of the Meharry Family way and served a great purpose. When it was frozen over in winter, the ice was as smooth as glass. Skating' parties were numerous. At one time there was an elopement at Maysville, — a young couple glided away from a skating party to Terre Haute and were married before the bride's irate fath- er could overtake them. After the building of the Wabash and Western railway from Toledo to Attica — the road was completed in 1857 — the travel being so much faster, the passenger traffic left the canal, and many a packet boat stood tied along its banks, and going down into decay. Freight boats continued to run as late as 1875 and later. Indeed the writer remembers seeing freight boats on the canal at Ft. Wayne, in 1883. During that winter there was a very heavy continued rain, the city west of the St. Mary's river being flooded. The old viaduct of the canal over the river was heavy with ice and as the heavy rains added weight the whole structure crashed into the river. The stu- dents of the college rushed over to inspect the great destruc- tion and the eventual drainage of the canal at that city. It was by one of these packet boats on this canal that Mary traveled to the Ft. Wayne Female College, in the fall of 1849. She pursued a literary and musical course. While her friends were spending their time in pleasure, she improved hers in taking painting and embroidery lessons. Her parents gave her a melodion, one of the first musical instruments that came into the community of Shawnee Mound, Indiana. Two weeks before the college commencement when she would have graduated, she was called home by the serious illness of her mother, who passed away before she reached home, owing" to the slow mode of travel by canal boat. She never received her diploma until June, 1883, when she returned to her Alma Mater to attend the graduation of her eldest daughter Jessie. President Yocum then gave Mary her diploma, for which she had waited thirty-three years. The young people of her neighborhood, mostly her cous- ins, had many social times together. They would go to the various places on horse back, and they became expert riders. It was not at all unusual for two to ride one horse ; and many a merry race they would have. There was considerable rivalry among the cousins, and of course they played many jokes upon one another. While Mary was away at school she received a package by mail from one of her cousins, Charles Wesley Meharry. It created much merriment, for it was a valentine. It was a long strip of paper folded and in each fold was "Match, Match Mary Meharry," again and again and in the last fold was a wooden match. There were no postage stamps in those days, and the receiver of a letter had to pay the car- History of the Meharry Family 221 riage, and this wonderful valentine cost her twenty-five cents, which was quite a sum, in those days, for postage. There were no postage stamps or stamped post marks those days. The town or postmark had to be written on the letter with a quill pen. There were no envelopes. The writer would use a large sheet of paper, writing the message on one side only, and folding it, blank side out in a peculiar way that kept its contents secret and sealed with an adhesive wafer, or sealing wax, which had to be melted first. This was lending itself nicely to the use of the die for a seal. The postage stamp was not introduced until 1847, and then only in fixe and ten cents denominations. The five cent stamp bore the picture of Benjamin Franklin and the ten cent stamp that of George Washington. They knew nothing about post cards or the pic- ture post-cards either, which were not made until 1873. This economical invention of L ncle Sam was happily received by the people, as proved by the fact that in 1921 one million of them were purchased and used. After the death of her mother, Mary kept house for her father, sister and two brothers for about four years. She taught the home school for two terms. Her father's home was always open to entertain all the ministers of the church, and in this way she met and became acquainted with Rev. David Crawford, a member of the Northwest Indiana Methodist Episcopal Conference. They were married August 23, 1854, in her father's home. Their first appointment was at Crown Point, Indiana. They went to the "vil 1 age" of Chicago to purchase their household furnishings. They drove an ox team over the corduroy roads. One folding cherry table, purchased with the first outfit, still remains in the family. During the eighteen or twenty years that Mary was the minister's wife and companion, she experienced all the joys, pleasures, trials and difficulties of the itinerant's life. The moving times w r ere certainly trying". The severing of some of the sweetest of friendship ties, and going as strangers to a strange place and among strange people, must have tried the very soul and faith of these servants of God. Many times the good brethren of the church would volun- teer to help them move to the new appointment, which had to be in wagons, or as we would say nowadays, "overland." Some- times they could not load all their belongings into the wagons and perhaps the very thing they needed for their comfort would be left behind. Then the material conditions of the parsonages were often anything but comfortable. At one parsonage the roof was so full of holes, that father had to hold an umbrella over the cook stove while mother prepared the 222 History of the Meharry Family breakfast. Then father would have to call some of the mem- bers together to make the needed repairs, oftentimes doing' the work himself. In May, 1865, Mary and her husband moved to her fath- er's old homestead to care for her brother, Allen Willev Me- harry, who was a mute and unmarried. Her father had passed away April 21, 1864, and on his deathbed he kept saying, "Poor Allen, poor Allen." And he called Mary and repeated it to her. She felt he was commit- ting Allen to her care. She was conscientious, and felt it was her duty to look after her brother's welfare. As her hus- band was appointed to preach in nearby charges, they moved to the old home. She surely did her full duty in caring for her brother. They repaired the buildings, rebuilt fences and gradually put the farm into good running order, at their own personal expense. Mary many times had to care for Allen's live stock in times of heavy rain and snow storms, while her husband was away on the circuit. She was often thus exposed to the elements, which impaired her health so that she was afflicted with catarrh during the rest of her life. Life con- tinued here for seven years, when they began to realize that their children needed better opportunities for education, and more than this, they longed for a home of their own. Their oldest son, Clark, especially, kept pleading for a home of their own. In the fall of 1871 Mr. Crawford requested a superannuated relationship from his conference and obtained it. After conference, he went to Tolono, Illinois, to Mary's farm, given her by her father, who had entered it from the government. They purchased a tract from William Meharry to increase their acreage. He purchased a four horse team and began to "break" or plow the virgin prairie, sowing it to wheat. He then built a house and prepared for the com- ing of his family. There was not a tree or a fence post on the place — just raw prairie. March 15, 1872, after having loaded a railroad car with the household goods and sent it ahead, the family took the train and arrived at Tolono, Illinois, over the Wabash, To- ledo and Western railroad. The unmade, ungraded and undrained roads were deep with mud. The furniture was finally moved from the car to the new house, located one and a half miles out of Tolono, and the home established. Her son, Clark, and brother, Allen, drove overland with the cows and poultry, arriving the next week. Mother cooked the first few meals on the warming stove until she and father could go to Champaign, and purchase a cook stove (the "Iron King"), which did duty for about twenty years. Many a tale this stove could have told, of trials, discouragements, History of tilk Meharry Family 223 and homesickness and stories of the joys of possession, and pleasures of achievement, the frolics and fun of growing chil- dren, that it had witnessed in its years of service in this pioneer family. As time went on, orchard trees and shrubbery were set out, flower beds were made and seeds sown for a garden. Mary loved beauty and was never so tired or so bus}' that she could not plant and care for flowers or blooming shrubs. It was a long hard pull, many ups and downs, a real pioneer life. But at last both parents lived to see their chil- dren educated and prepared for life. Father often told his children, he would rather give them the best education he could afford, than to leave them land and money. They could lose the land and money, but no one could take away from them an education. We would ask him how much he valued each of us. He replied, "he loved us so much, that he would not take fort}' thousand dollars apiece." We had considerable mental exercise trying to compute his wealth. During all these years we were kept supplied with good books, magazines and religious papers. Our evenings were largely spent in the family circle, with mother reading aloud some late book. 1 recall one, "The End of the World," by Eggieston, and others of his writings. She read "Uncle Tom's Cabin" also, and explained the cause of the Civil War. She was a ready, pleasing reader. Sometimes she was re- lieved by brother Clark. Father was not as fluent a reader, but was a fine listener, and a good commentator or explainer. Thus, we gained knowledge of good literature and a dee]) love for reading, which has continued all through our lives. The family were always regular attendants at Sunday school, preaching, and other church services. We were given musical opportunities, such as was to be obtained in our community. We had an organ and later a piano in our home. We often spent Sunday evenings singing hymns. One year, father took us every evening, through the winter, to Tolono, to attend a singing class. This required some effort, driving over the Illinois mud roads during winter weather. During these years on the farm, father and mother not only educated their children, but by foresight, thrift and in- dustry, doubled their land holdings. In November, 1893, the year of the World's Fair in Chicago, Mary's husband, Rev. David Crawford, heard the sweet, long anticipated summons, "It is enough, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.'' After a long life of love and diligent service to his family, the church and community, he passed to be with his Savior eternally. 224 History of the Meharry Family The next two years mother continued to live on the farm. In the fall of 1895, she rented the farm and she and her two younger daughters, Anna and Emma, moved to Champaign, Illinois, to make their home. Her youngest son, John, went to Nebraska, to enter his brother's bank. Mary (Meharry) Crawford's Home on Race Street, Urbana, Illinois In the spring of 1897, she purchased property and moved to Urbana, Illinois, where she rounded out a beautiful life of faithfulness and loyalty and identification with the church and all good movements for the advance of Christ's Kingdom, and the uplift of humanity. She was a member of the Woman's Foreign and Home Missionary Societies and of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. She gave liberally of her means to their support and advancement. She left a bequest of five hundred dollars to the Cunningham Orphanage, of Urbana. She was a great Bible reader, and al- ways prepared her Sunday school lesson, even when she was unable to attend. She read the current literature, keeping in touch with all events of the day, and was interested in the advancement of all good movements, especially so during the last eleven months of a long illness from creeping- paralysis. History of the Meharry Family 225 As the time went on, she looked forward to her Heavenly home and said, one day, to her physician, "I can almost see my loved ones waiting for me, just around the corner. Es- pecially Jesus, my Savior, who is read}' to receive me." The physician was so impressed by her faith, that he told us after- wards that he had related the conversation which he had with her to a Christian Endeavor society, as an illustration of faith. June 26, 1909, she passed out of this life to where— "There is no death, the stars go down To rise upon some fairer shore, But bright in Heaven's Jeweled Crown They shine for ever more." The funeral services were conducted by Dr. H. C. Gibbs, assisted by an old friend of the family, Rev. J. R. Reasoner, at the family home, Urbana, Illinois. Interment was made in the family lot in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Crbana, Illinois. Jessie (Crawford) Butler, Ella Margaret Crawford, Emma Gardiner Crawford. REV. DAVID CRAWFORD David Crawford, the husband of Alary A. (Meharry) Crawford, was born December 23, 1811, in Salem, New York. He was one of five sons and two daughters of James and Mary (Graham) Crawford, of Scottish ancestry. Of the five broth- ers, four of them became ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He attended the Academy of Casinovia, New York. Educational advantages were very limited in those days. Jul)- 4, 1849, he was licensed to preach and was. appointed by Bishop Roberts to Knightstown Circuit, Terre Haute, Indiana. He was ordained deacon by Bishop Charles Morris, November 21, 1842. Later, at his own request, he was transferred to the Arkansas Conference and was ordained elder in Little Rock Conference. Again he was transferred to the Iowa Conference. He was married to Elizabeth Tonner, and a son was born to them. This son died in infancy. His wife died in 1850, and in this same year he asked to be transferred back to Indiana, Northwestern Conference. He was married to Mary Agatha Meharry. August 23, 1854. His first appointment was at Crown Point, Indiana. For twenty years he preached at different places, strengthening and adding to the various churches' membership, repairing parsonages, and building and repairing churches. He was loyal and very conscientious, never miss- ing an appointment if it was at all possible to be present. He 226 History of the Meiiarry Family generally rode a horse, to his country charges, carrying his Bible and hymn book in a "saddle bag." His last one remained many years in the family, a silent tribute to his activities and many journeyings. A Methodist minister, in those days, never received much of a salary, as compared to the present day. His family was growing and needing" better educational advantages, so he de- cided to ask for a superannuated relationship from his con- ference. This was granted him in the fall of 1871. In March, of the spring of 1872, he moved with his family to a farm near Tolono, Illinois. And by close application, earnest industry, and good management, he not only added to his property hold- ings, but accomplished, at least, one great desire of his life, that of giving all his children a good education. In personal appearance, he was tall, well proportioned, high forehead, of the blonde type, with blue eyes, light auburn hair, rosy Scottish complexion. He was dignified in bear- ing, a cheerful, kindly man with a pleasant word and smile for everyone. He loved a joke as well as most people. He was considered the handsomest man in his conference. He taught his children to lead in the family daily devotions and was him- self particularly gifted in prayer, touching many hearts and encouraging many souls. On the tenth of November, 1893, after long years of faith- ful services, "He was not, for God took Him." He was buried in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Urbana, Illinois. "I cannot say, and will not say That he is dead. He is just away: With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand, He lias wandered into an unknown land. "The touches of his hands have strayed As reverently as his lips have prayed: Think of him still as the same, I say: He is not dead, he is just away!" Jessie (Crawford) Butler, Ella Margaret Crawford, Emma Gardiner Crawford. History of the Meharry Family 227 Clark Meharry Crawford Almira J. (Bundy) Crawford CLARK MEHARRY CRAWFORD Clark Meharry Crawford, who was the eldest son of Rev. David and Mary A. (Meharry) Crawford, was born in Crown Point, Indiana, July 2S, 1855, in the Methodist parsonage of that place. Being an unusually bright child, and the preach- er's son, he was made much of by his father's church members. His aunt, Mary Jameson, his father's widowed sister, used to delight in his bright sayings. She often told how he liked to run through the weeds, that had burrs and needles, during the fall of the year and would run to her and plead, "Auntie, please pick me; Auntie, please pick me." His education began in the town schools wherever his lather was stationed. When a lad of ten years, his parents moved to his mother's childhood home, on a farm three miles from the town now called Wingate, Indiana. After complet- ing the common schools, he attended one year in YVingate, the following year going to Sugar Grove school, riding to and from on horse back. Later he entered the Shawnee Mound .Academy. At this school there was a night singing school, and each scholar was required to bring his own light. When- ever there was an entertainment at night, he would ride a horse and carry his lam]) with him. He was very fond of his home, and looked forward to the time when his father and mother would have a home of their own. In after years, when he married, he took great interest and pride in making his home comfortable, convenient and beautiful. He devoted much time in cultivating flowers and shrubs on his lawn. March, \H72, he moved with his parents to their new home on the Illinois prairies, near Tolono. He was a youth of sixteen at 228 History of the Meharry Family this time, and drove overland, with his uncle, Allen W. Me- harry, with a spring wagon and the pet driving team, taking the poultry and driving the cows. It was a great and thrilling journey for him, over the rolling" prairies. In September, 1872, he entered DePauw University, at Greencastle, Indiana. He was a good student, standing third in a class of forty. While in school he became a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Wishing to pursue a different line of study, he entered the college at Wilberham, Massachusetts, a preparatory school for Harvard University, taking a classic course. Owing to the poor health of his father, he gave up his school work and returned to help on the farm, taking upon his shoulders the management of the heavier part of the farm work. He kept up his studies for several years. He was always a great reader and kept well posted on the events of the day. He completed the four years' course of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle and gradu- ated in 1889, at Chautauqua, New York. January, 1888, Clark went into business for himself, in partnership with Ben Bacon, in Lakin, Kansas. Here they established a bank, and were very successful. This part of Kansas was new at this time. Many cattle men had large herds of cattle on the prairies and would need to borrow large sums of money to tide them over until they could sell their stock, and as they were willing and ready to pay a good rate of interest to be accommodated, the new bank made money as well as the cattlemen. The subject of our sketch was married to Almira J. Bun- dy, daughter of Sylvester and Sarah Jane (Gilland) Bundy, in her father's home in Linesville, Pennsylvania, at noon, Jan- uary 12, 1892, by the Rev. J. G. Prentis. They established their home in Lincoln, Nebraska, where Clark had become identified, as cashier, in the Merchants Bank, of that city. He severed his connection with this bank in the spring of 1900, and moved with his family to Shawnee, Oklahoma, a new hustling town of five thousand inhabitants and he saw it grow into a town of twenty thousand within five years. Three daughters were born to them. In the beginning, he erected a family altar in his home, teaching his children to read the Bible and to pray, so that they gave themselves to Jesus in tender childhood and joined the Methodist Church while young. He was always interested in the work and progress of the church. He was an officer, a trustee, and a regular attendant upon Sunday school, usually teaching a class. He was one of the principal ushers and loved to greet all strangers, to make them welcome and feel at home, and at the same time, to find them a good seat. History of the Meharry Family 229 August 7, 1910, after several months of illness, his wife passed to her Heavenly home and was buried, at her request, in Mount Hope Cemetery, Urbana, Illinois. In the sjummer of 1913, Clark, with his three daughters, moved from Oklahoma to Urbana, Illinois, so that his daugh- ters could attend the University of Illinois. His absorbing desire and ambition was that his daughters might have the best education attainable. His health became undermined and he passed from this life to Life Eternal, December 17, 1914. He was buried by the side of his wife in Mount Hope Cemetery, Urbana, Illinois. Fraternally he was a Modern Woodman, a Knight Templar, and a Shriner. Politically, he was a staunch Republican. His mother had taught him in early childhood that little prayer, "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to keep," and he had said he never failed to repeat the little prayer, at the close of each day, all his life long. "Who has learned, along the way — Primrose path or stony steep — More of wisdom than to say, 'Now I lay me down to sleep.' "What have you more wise to tell When the shadows round me creep? All is over, all is well, — Now I lay me down to sleep." — B. F. T. Jessie (Crawford) Butler, Ella Margaret Crawford, Emma Gardiner Crawford. ALMIRA J. (BUNDY) CRAWFORD Almira J. (Buncly) Crawford, was born August 8, 1863, in Linesville, Pennsylvania. She lived her childhood days in this place with her four sisters and two brothers. Even as a girl, she was very ambitious and anxious to accomplish something in life. But since her mother was an invalid, and her father, who was a scholarly man, did not think education so necessary for women, she was forced to remain at home, after graduating from high school. But two years later, hav- ing been released from home duties and having saved some money she had earned herself, she went to Cleveland, Ohio, to study art. She made excellent progress and did some very good work in pastels and oils. 230 History of the Me harry Family On a trip to Chautauqua, New York, she met, under ro- mantic circumstances, and later married Clark Meharry Craw- ford on her father's birthday anniversary,. January 12, 1891. She enjoyed the society and clubs of the capital city of Nebraska, where they established their first home. Later, in 1900, when they moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma, with their two daughters, she helped to organize and promote cultural or- ganizations, one of which was the Shakespearian club, which is still thriving as a Federated Woman's Club, of that city. She gave of her time and influence towards securing a Car- negie library for Shawnee. She was a member and a worker in the Methodist Church. She was a wonderful wife and moth- er, working with her husband to make a real home, and to in- still such principles in their daughters, as would guide and help them throughout their lives. She was always ready to help the unfortunate, those who were ill or those in sorrow. She was called home, before she was able to carry out her desire to move with her husband and daughters to Ur- bana, Illinois, for the daughters' higher education. After a very short but full life of forty-seven years, she passed to her heavenly reward. Jessie (Crawford) Butler, Ella Margaret Crawford, Emma Gardiner Crawford. Helen Lucile Crawford HELEN LUCILE CRAWFORD Helen Lucile, the eldest daughter of Clark Meharry and Almira J. (Bundy) Crawford, was born December 1, 1892, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Her education began in the kin- dergarten of the city. When she was seven years of age, her History of the Meharry Family 231 parents moved to Shawnee. Oklahoma. She graduated from the grades in June, 1907; entered the high school and gradu- ated, June. 1911. Her lather sent her to her grandmother's home to attend the University of Illinois, at Urbana. Always a great reader and a good student, she took up her college duties with much enthusiasm. As she had seen but little snow or ice in her southern home, when there came a big ice and sleet storm in Urbana, she was delighted indeed, but as she started, in a hurry to catch the street car for the university that morning, she slipped on the ice and fell, which was a bumping surprise to her. Later that same winter, there was a very heavy snowfall ; all the street cars were out of commis- sion, and the only way she could get back and forth to school was with her grandmother's horse and buggy; she did enjoy it all. She said, "Oh, I love the cold and the beautiful snow." She graduated from the school of science of the university, in June, 1915. She began teaching and taught in several Illinois high schools: Melvin, Chebanse, Paxton (two years), Mt. Vernon, and Kenton, and in 1921 she attended the summer term at Chi- cago University. That fall she entered Columbia University, Xew York City, and studied a year for a master's degree, win- ning it in June, 1922. While in New York City, she enjoyed many lectures, concerts and operas by noted people. Helen had heard Galli Curci, when she made her debut in Chicago, 1917, and became famous as a great singer. Also she heard Je- ritza, the present prima donna of Metropolitan Opera, of New York. In New York, at Madison Square Garden, in 1921, she listened to the first radio broadcasting to distant places. It was heard at New York City, Chicago and, she thought, at San Francisco. It was the occasion of burial services of the "Unknown Soldier" at Arlington Cemetery, near Washington, which were participated in by all foreign representatives, in their native tongue. President Harding delivered the principal ad- dress, and she plainly heard it all. She witnessed the great demonstration and welcome to our shores of the splendid General Foch, head of the French arm}' in the World War. Our General Pershing was re- turning from Europe on the S. S. Geo. Washington, and raced the French S. S. Paris, carrying General Foch, arriving one hour sooner and was able to greet the distinguished guest. Later she saw the Doctor's degree conferred on Gen. Foch by Columbia University. In her own commencement, June, 1922, when she received her Master's decree, she witnessed an honorary degree con- 232 History of the Meharry Family ferred by Columbia University upon the great, perhaps great- est pianist of all time, Paderewski, and heard him play his wonderful compositions. At her Easter vacation, 1922, she visited Washington City. She Avas introduced to President Harding at the White House. She saw ex-President Taft preside over the Supreme Court. The question before the court concerned the violation of the prohibition laws. She also saw Vice-President Cool- idge presiding over the Senate. That fall, she accepted a position in the Junior College, in Virginia, Minnesota. This city is located in the iron and ore region, and timber country. The largest, most modern and complete white pine lumber plant in the world is located there; daily capacity of two mills, one million feet; annual capacity three hundred million feet. There was plenty of money and the people used it freely for school buildings and equipment, putting up a million and a half dollar school build- ing. She was asked to select the equipment of the chemical laboratory and did so, to the amount of seven thousand dol- lars. She won much praise for her year's work, and received an increased salary without asking for it. At the close of the second year, she decided to resign, amid the many protes- tations from the board. She joined a small party from Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, conducted by Prof. Patty, of that college, and sailed for Europe, June 25, 1924. Before departing on her European tour she, in company with her sister Mary, enjoyed a ten days' trip upon the Great Lakes, viewing Niagara Falls, and up the St. Lawrence river to Quebec. Returning to Montreal, she took passage on the S. S. Mennesdosa. After a safe passage, she landed at Southampton, England. Then she toured France, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy and back to Scotland to bid her friends goodbye, as they started for the L nited States. Then she went back to Paris where she located for the winter. She continued the study of French language, living with a French family where she heard nothing else spoken. She studied her favorite sciences in Alliance Francaise, then in the University of Sorbonne and at last in Institute Pasteur, founded by Louis Pasteur (the discoverer of germs), at present in charge of Prof. Calumet. On February 17, 1925, she sailed from Cherbourg on the "wonder ship," Aquitania, which is 600 feet long, 49,000 gross tons. After visiting relatives for a month, she entered Chicago University, in the medical department, preparing for special research work. Jessie (Crawford) Butler, Ella Margaret Crawford, Emma Gardiner Crawford. History of tin-: Meharry Family 233 Kilburn C. Freeman Ruth Margaret (Crawford) Freeman and Dorothy Crawford Freeman RUTH MARGARETTE (CRAWFORD) FREEMAN Ruth Margarette Crawford, the second daughter of Clark Meharry and Almira J. ( IWindy ) Crawford, opened her eyes upon the world October 29, 1894, in Lincoln, Nebraska. She had the advantage of beginning her education in the city kin- dergarten. AYhen five years old she moved with her parents to Shawnee, ( )klahoma. She pursued the course of the grades and graduated in June, 1909; then into the high school, from which she graduated in 1913. Her father was determined his girls should have all the advantages he could give them. He broke up his home, disposed of his business and moved to Urbana, Illinois, and Ruth entered the University of Illinois, where her sister Helen was a junior. She studied and finished the household science course in 1917. She became a member of the Phi Omega Pi Sorority, also a member of the Eastern Star. She was a member of the Y. W. C. A. Cabinet, doing" effective work in that association. She took up tlie profession of teaching household science, first at Sibley, Illinois, and the next year teaching at Carbon- dale at an advance in salary. She became acquainted and later engaged, while in the university, to Kilburn B. Freeman, only child of Mark and 234 History of the Meiiarry Family Emma (Hill) Freeman, of Champaign, Illinois. When he was called to the Camp Dodge training camp during the World War and was ordered to be there April 27, 1918, they were married April 24, 1918, and spent their short honeymoon in Chicago. She completed her school at Sibley and spent part of the summer vacation in Des Moines, near the training camp. She took the position in Carbondale High School and did such fine work and gave such satisfaction that it was said, 4< W f hat a pity such an efficient teacher should be lost to the profession by marriage." After the Armistice was signed, her husband was transferred to Rock Island, where he was as- signed to work in the Arsenal, Quartermasters Department, for months. Later he was honorably discharged, February 28, 1919, and returned to Champaign, Illinois, and took the posi- tion of chief accountant in the Illinois Traction System. Ruth resigned her school and came back and they established their home in Champaign, Illinois. In the fall of 1920 her husband accepted a position with Swift & Company as chief account- ant and was sent to Keokuk, Iowa, where he remained for six months and was then sent to Iowa Falls, Iowa, as chief clerk in the office of Swift & Company's new $500,000 plant. In February of 1925, wishing to get into business for himself, they purchased a half interest in a tire and accessory store in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Later they bought the entire interest. They have bought a home and feel established. Ruth and husband have a little daughter, Dorothy Craw- ford Freeman, born May 30, 1923. She is enrolled in the Sun- day school cradle roll of the St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which is the second largest in the world. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman are members of this church (which has a membership of seven thousand) and they also belong to the young married people's Sunday school class, composed of fifty couples. Ruth belongs to a college club of graduates of accredited colleges. She is interested in othei social orders in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. MARY CLARE (CRAWFORD) BROWN Mary Clare Crawford, youngest daughter of Clark Me- harry and Almira J. (Bundy) Crawford, entered this life Octo- ber 7, 1907, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Her father had hoped she would be a boy, to perpetuate his branch and the family name of Crawford. She had great affection for him and al- most took the place of a son. Only her father could put her to bed or nurse her when ill. When she reached the age that it was hard to stop playing to take her afternoon nap, it was only "Papa" who could get her to sleep. She entered school History of the Meharry Family 235 Mary Clare (Crawford) Brown Gilbert W. Brown and always wanted "Papa" to see if she had her lessons. She was conscientious and industrious. She was troubled with colds that affected her throat and had to stay out of school many times, but with her diligence and her father's assistance she advanced with her classes. She joined the Methodist Episcopal Church when seven years old. Her mother having gone to her heavenly home August 9, 1910. her father and sisters, Helen and Ruth, moved to Ur- bana, Illinois, Avhere Mary entered and finished the public schools. She passed into the high school, from which she graduated in 1919. In that same year she entered the Jack- sonville WOman's College, under the presidency of Professor Joseph Marker, one of the finest educators in the state. The next year, 1920, she entered the University of Illinois, from which she graduated June 11, 1923. She majored in Home Economics of the Liberal Arts and Sciences course. After graduation, she taught two years, 1023 and 1924, in Chrisman, Illinois, township high school. She taught home economics, chemistry and music. Mary had man)- advantages above the average girl. Be- sides having a university education, she has traveled exten- sively, with her parents. She spent the summers of 1900 and 1911 in Manitou, Colorado; visited Glacier National Park twice, in 1917 and 1919; traveled through Yellowstone Park and Estes and National Mountain Parks the same year. The summer of 1024 she visited her sister, Helen, at Virginia, Minnesota, and they together took a trip on the Great Lakes and down the St. Lawrence River to Quebec, stopping at Niagara Falls and her mother's old home in Linesville, Pennsylvania, on the return trip. 236 History of the Meharry Family The marriage of Mary Clare Crawford and Gilbert W. Brown was solemnized at the AYesley Foundation, Urbana, Illinois, at four o'clock, August 1, 1925. The Rev. George V. Metzel officiated. Mr. and Mrs. Brown will make their home at Geneseo, Illinois, where Mr. Brown is engaged in farming. Jessie (Crawford) Butler, Ella Margaret Crawford, Emma Gardiner Crawford. Charles Graham Crawford Almenia Luella Crawford Clark Meharry Crawford CHARLES GRAHAM CRAWFORD Charles Graham Crawford, son of Rev. and Mary (Me- harry) Crawford, was born November 6, 1857, in Covington, Indiana. He was a bright, loving child, showing unusual promise ; he was taken with diphtheria and died July /", 1862. ALMENIA MARY LUELLA CRAWFORD Almenia, the first daughter of Rev. David and Mary (Me- harry) Crawford, was born in Yountsville, Indiana, April 9, 1859. She was a beautiful and attractive child. She died July 16, 1862, one week after her brother, Charles, of the same dreaded disease. Both children are buried in the Meharry Cemeterv, of Shawnee Mound, Indiana. I I STORY OF THE MEHARRY FAMILY 237 JESSIE CORNELIA ELLSWORTH (CRAWFORD) BUTLER Jessie Cornelia Ellsworth (Craw- ford) Butler John Lee Butler Jessie, the second daughter of Rev. David and Alary A. (Meharry) Crawford, was born April 22, 1861, in the Metho- dist parsonage in Clinton, Indiana. The name Jessie was for her great uncle, Jesse Meharry. In his will he had given twenty-five dollars to each of his namesakes, about twenty- five of them. Jessie, with her father's help, invested hers in a gold watch. Cornelia was the name of her mother's only sis- ter. As a namesake gift, she gave Jessie her first gold ring, which she still has. Ellsworth was a very much admired and beloved minister of her father's acquaintance. The child was started with a huge task, to try to emulate the good qualities of these excellent persons. In May, 1865, Jessie's parents moved to her mother's brother's home, Allen \Y. Meharry. Her earliest memory was the driving into this lovely country home. Her education began in the district school, March 15, 1872, when her parents, with their family, moved to their own farm, near Tolono, Illinois, to establish a home, and make it possible to furnish better educational facilities for their chil- dren. She attended high school in Tolono, and one year in Champaign. In September, 1882, she entered the Methodist College, in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, which was the same school her mother had attended years before. This college was later changed in name and moved to Upland, Indiana, becoming the present Upland University, from which institution many young people are prepared for the ministry and the mission- aiw fields. 238 History qf the Meharry Family While in this college Jessie became acquainted with, and was a classmate of John Lee Butler, both graduating at the same time, June, 1883. He was the only child of John and Sarah (Lee) Butler, was born December 12, 1861, on the farm near Ft. Wayne, Indiana. When he was about eighteen months old,- his father, who was born February 16, 1830, in Ohio and was a devout Christian and a patriot, volunteered in the Civil War, August 9, 1862, and died July 15, 1863. at Louisville, Kentucky. He was buried in Cave Hill Cemetery, with three thousand nine hundred and four other known and unknown soldiers. He belonged to the Indiana 88th Regiment, Company C. After John Lee Butler's father's death, his mother, Sarah Lee Butler (born July 29, 1837, and died September 18, 1908, near Soldier, Kansas), returned to her father's home in Ohio. Probably about 1869, she married Capt. William Glenn, who had won his captaincy during the Civil W T ar, enlisting from Ohio, and later they moved to Mrs. Glenn's farm near Ft. Wayne, Indiana. The son, John Lee Butler, was educated in the Ft. W T ayne schools and Methodist College. After gradua- tion he took up his profession as civil engineer, but his health becoming impaired, he returned to farming. Having no remembrance of seeing his father, John Lee thought it would be a great satisfaction if he might, in com- pany with his mother, some time visit his grave in Louisville. Before they were able to carry out this cherished plan John Lee, himself, "passed on" to meet him face to face in the home beyond the skies. Later, his mother, Sarah Butler Glenn, had the opportu- nity of going to Louisville, but was unable to endure the fa- tigue of the journey. But his wife, Jessie, on returning from the national W. C. T. U. convention at Nashville, Tennessee, in November, 1907, had the blessed privilege of stopping over at Louisville and actually and reverently stood by this sacred mound, where — "On Fame's eternal camping ground Their silent tents are spread, And glory guards with solemn round The bivouac of the dead." John Lee Butler and Jessie, the subject of our sketch, were married April 28, 1887, in her parents' home, near Tolono, Illi- nois. They lived on his farm, near Fort Wayne, for one year, when he bought an interest in a grocery store in that city. He later sold out and moved to their farm near Ambia, Indiana. This farm had been entered from the government, when James Buchanan was president, by Jessie's grandfather, James Me- harry. She still holds the original deed to this land. Mr. History of the Mi: harry Family 239 Butler helped to organize a church and Sunday school in the. school house on this farm, afterwards helped build the Metho- dist Church at Locust Grove, Indiana, which was added to the Ambia-Talbot circuit. lie was Sunday school superintendent and taught a large class of boys for several years. There was probably not a man in the community that he had not per- sonally urged to accept Jesus as his Savior. He passed to his heavenly home, October 24, 1898. Mis death was caused by typhoid pneumonia, and he was buried amid the manifold labors of his later life, at Locust Grove Cemetery. After the death of her husband, Jessie and little son re- moved to her mother's home in Urbana, Illinois, to recover from a siege of typhoid fever. She put her son in the city schools and continued to make their home with her mother and sisters there. While in college she heard Miss Frances Willard lec- ture, and after marriage, and living on the Ambia farm, her mother supplied her with the Union Signal, the paper of the National Woman's Christian Temperance Union. She would read this paper to the home helper, until the}' became so en- thused, they determined to organize a Union in that country place, and did so, with seventeen members. They held medal contests, orations on temperance and prohibition, through the count}-. Jessie was elected president of Warren County, In- diana. W. C. T. U.. and for two years held that office. After recovering from her illness, she identified herself with the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, of Urbana, serving as vice-president of the 13th Congressional District, in- cluding five counties. The district organization of the W. C. T. U. was discontinued in favor of county organization. She was elected count}' president of Champaign Count}' and served eight years. Under her leadership the membership was in- creased to five hundred and more, which entitled the count}' to elect their own delegate to the National W. C. T. U. con- vention, and it has maintained this high standard ever since. In 1899 she was elected state superintendent of temperance literature and served for ten years. Again, in 1914, she was elected state superintendent of Sabbath observance and is still serving in this department. She was made a life member, by her count}', of the Na- tional W. C. T. U., at Indianapolis, Indiana, 1916, as a reward for long and faithful service. Jessie took an active part through all the agitation and campaigning against the legalized liquor traffic by the route of the local option law. The twin cities of Urbana and Champaign put out the saloons under this law. The men were convinced their business had increased 240 History of the Meharry Family largely, there was less shelf worn goods, laborers were better workmen, lost less time, and the general welfare of the people was better than in "saloon days." The trouble was, local op- tion was too local and too optional, the fight had to be carried on each two years, but it became easier, and at last, after many strenuous years of intense, persistent education of the people, national prohibition was placed in the constitution of the United States, as the 18th amendment, January 16, 1920, and later ratified by all the states except two, Connecticut and Rhode Island. When the United States entered the World War, twenty-six states had voted "dry" and over eighty-five per cent of our area, inhabited by more than sixty million of people, was "dry" territory. "No other amendment was ever adopted so overwhelmingly" — (D. King). During all these efforts, women realized they needed one real weapon, the bal- lot. Illinois' legislature, after many years of urging and hesi- tancy, gave the ballot to her women. Jessie, as county president, went over the county, holding- schools of instruction, teaching the women how to vote. Many times the town hall was tendered to the workers, and the good men often volunteered to assist in giving the instructions. The women were convinced it was not so difficult, and went to the polls and voted. In a few years women, throughout the na- tion, were given the ballot, and the 19th amendment was placed in the constitution of the United States. Jessie was a delegate to many national conventions and to several of the world's conventions of the W. C. T. U. One of the most natable was to Glasgow, Scotland, in June, 1910; both of her sisters were also delegates to this convention. Her son and brother, John, were of the party. After the conven- tion, they toured the British Isles, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, attending the famous ''Passion Play," at Oberammergau, Bavaria ; sailing from Naples via the Azores, landing at Boston. While in Ireland, Jessie and her brother, John, took a trip in an Irish jaunting car from Olds- castle, to BallyjamesdurT, Cavan County, one of the three Protestant counties in Ireland, it is said. From here the Meharry family emigrated to America in 1794. They even tried, by interviewing some of the village officials, to find some trace of these ancestors. One officer said very deliberately, "I would have no records unless they were criminals." They hastened to inform him that their ancestors were no violators of the law, but were good Chris- tian people. Some good views of the village were secured, showing their buildings set flat on the ground and many with thatched roofs. History of the Meharry Family 241 Jessie was not only a temperance worker, but is active in Sunday school and in missionary work. She was made a delegate to the International Sunday School Convention held in Chicago in 1914, and visited the great missionary World Pageant in Chicago the same year. She visited the World's Fair in Chicago, Omaha, St. Louis, San Francisco and San Diego, California, and has been through several of the Na- tional parks. Since the summer of 1^20, she has been living on a farm near Cape Girardeau, Missouri, keeping house for her broth- ers, and in the meantime has helped organize a Community Club in the neighborhood, and is helping in a Mission Sunday School in a large cement plant community, and is mothering an active Curl Scouts' band. A favorite saying of hers: "Let me live in my house by the side of the road. And he a friend of man." Jessie (Crawford) Butler. ROLAND GLENN BUTLER The only child of John Lee and Jessie C. E. (Crawford I Butler. He was born February 9, 1888, near Fort Wayne, Indiana, in the frame house about twenty feet from the log cabin in which his father (John Lee) was born, December 12, 1861. The name Glenn was the surname of his step- grandfather, Captain William Glenn, 188th Regiment of Ohio. 1 1 is grandmother, Sarah (Lee) (Butler) Glenn, had been mar- ried the second time ; her first husband, John Butler, was Roland's own grandfather. He had volunteered in the In- diana 88th Regiment, Company C, August 9, 1862, in the Civil War. He was born February 16, 1830, and died July 17, 1863, in service and was buried in Cave Hill Cemetery, Louis- ville, Kentucky, number of i^rave 1113, Section B, second row. In 1918 when Roland was in training in Cam]) Zachary Tay- lor, he visited and stood beside his grandfather's grave. When Roland was two years old, he moved with his parents to their farm, five miles southeast of Ambia, Indiana, lie began his education in the district school on the corner of his parents' farm. At the a^e of five he went with Ids parents to tlie World's Fair in Chicago, Illinois, October, 1893, and had his first automobile ride in an electrically driven vehicle, and remembers many things that he saw in that great fair. Shortly after his father's death from typhoid pneumonia, 242 History of the Meharry Family • ■".,:•■■,:' ■ ^-"> ,:> <^ .1: '"' ' : ' ss " : ■■■>,;;; -, ■*H^^ ■II »[ *' JH 1 1 | 1 Roland Glenn Butler, Theda (Propst) Butler, Roland Glenn, Jr. October 24, 1897, he, with his mother, moved to Urbana, Illinois, to the home of his maternal grandmother, Mary A. (Meharry-) Crawford. Roland joined the First Methodist Epis- copal Church at Urbana, Illinois, when he was entering" his teens, and he was a faithful attendant of Sunday school, and he had at one time as a teacher Miss Mae Rolf, who was a University of Illinois graduate. She afterwards went to the World's War in the Hospital Staff for United States of Amer- ica, under special commission, signed by President Woodrow Wilson. In July, 1902, Roland went with relatives to the Interna- tional Convention of the Epworth League at San Francisco, California, and visited all the points of interest around there. He took a side trip with his mother and grandmother, Sarah (Butler) Glenn, to visit his great aunt, Mrs. Elizabeth (Lee) Harding (thirty miles up the Sacramento River from Sacra- mento City), whom his grandmother had not seen for forty years. After a time they both agreed they could recog- nize some familiar features about each other. He had the unique experience of fishing in this great slow moving river. After two weeks' visit, they were taken down the river to I lis TORY OF THE MEHARRY FAMILY 243 the city — a large barge of muskmelons was part of the cargo going to market. They took the train on Mt. Shasta Route for Portland and Tacoma, and arrived in Seattle, returning to Chicago by the Great Northern railroad. After finishing the grade school, Roland attended the city high school, and later entered the University of Illinois. In May, 1910, he went with his mother, two aunts and Uncle John on a trip to Europe to attend the World's W. C. T. U. Convention at Glasgow, Scotland. He toured Ireland, England, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, attending the famous "Passion Play," Oberammergau, Bavaria. Also he traveled through Italy, visiting Venice, Milan, Pisa, Florence, Rome and Naples, sailing; from this port to Boston. June 11, 1013, Roland graduated from the University of Illinois with the degree of P. S. in Mechanical Engineering. While at the University he was made a member of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, American Society of Mechanical Engi- neers, and became a Master Mason. Later he received Royal Arch and Knight Templar decrees and was made a Shriner, then took the 32nd Consistory degrees at East St. Louis. After finishing at the University Roland took a position with the Central Illinois Public Service Company at Mattoon, Illinois, later was transferred to Paris, Illinois, as chief engi- neer in their plants, power and waterworks. In the month of August, 1015, he spent his vacation with, relatives, visiting the two World's Fairs at San Francisco and San Diego, California. Later lie was again transferred to Lawrence, Illinois, district as superintendent of operation and construction, where he put up a large city water filtration and electric power station. Again he was promoted to the assistant master mechanic in engineering department of the same company. While in this capacity he enlisted through the University of Illinois on May 20,' 1918, A. S. 2894433. and entered the Officers' Training School at Camp Zachary Taylor, Louisville, Kentucky, for the World's War. Pie was commissioned October 16, 1018, as Second Lieutenant, Field Artillery, U. S. A., and assigned to special duty in the motor school. The armistice was signed November 11, 1018, and the war was declared at an end. Roland was discharged from duty December 21, 1018, from Battery C, 3rd Regiment, F. A. R. I)., Cam]) Zachary Taylor, Headquarters' Special Order 354, dated December 20" 1918. In February, 1910, he went to the farm with his uncle, John W. W. Crawford, near Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Sep- tember 24, 1921, he was joined in marriage to Theda Propst, who was born in Paris, Illinois, November 20, 1805, the sec- ond daughter of Charles Franklin and Nina (Peabodv) 244 History of the Meharry Family Propst, of Chicago, Illinois. Theda was a member of Sigma Kappa Phi and a Daughter of the American Revolution. She is a descendant of Priscilla Mullins, of the Mayflower (Pris- cilla, the heroine of the story of Miles Standish). Roland be- came acquainted with his wife while working at Paris, Illi- nos. Theda was really introduced by her maternal grand- mother, Mrs. Durant (Blissfield) Peabody. To this union one son was born, Roland Glenn Butler, Jr., August 3, 1922. September 29, 1922, Roland, Sr., changed occupation and became chief engineer of the Chicago, Attica and Southern Railroad and is located at Attica, Indiana ( 1925). Jessie ( Crawford ) Butler, Ella Margaret Francis Crawford ELLA MARGARET FRANCIS CRAWFORD Ella Margaret Francis was the third daughter of Rev. David and Mary A. (Meharry) Crawford. She opened her eyes to this world in a Methodist parsonage in Newport, In- diana, February 18, 1863. Margaret Francis was the name of her maternal grandmother. Her preparatory education began in the public schools. After completing the lower grades, she entered the high school at Tolono, Illinois, and later on, entered the Champaign high school. For more advanced work she attended the Methodist College at Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and after two years of study she graduated from this institution in June, 1884. Then she took the four year course of the Chautauqua Liter- ary Scientific Circle, finishing the prescribed study in 1889, and went to Chautauqua, New York, to receive her diploma. En route, she met other Chautauquans from Urbana, Illinois, IIiSTcKY OF THE MEHARRY FAMILY 245 who were on the same mission, and thus formed acquaint- ances that grew into years of close friendship, continuing to her death. While visiting her brother, Clark, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Ella became interested in oratory and took up the course of Oratory and Dramatic Action in the Lincoln School of Oratory, receiving her degree in 1895. Wishing for more ad- vanced stud}', she entered the New England Conservatory of Boston, Massachusetts, for one term. In the fall of 1896 she became the dean of the School of Oratory in Lincoln, Nebraska, remaining with this school for three years. Need- in"- a rest, she resigned and returned to her mother's home in Urbana, Illinois. . She gave her life to Jesus Christ in early youth, joining the Methodist Church, and was always deeply interested in the progress of "His Kingdom." She became interested in the church and Sunday school work in Urbana. She taught a class of young girls, until they advanced into the senior department. Ella was especially interested in the Epworth League and in the Missionary Society. She was elected presi- dent of the Home Missionary Society in 1910, and served in this office for ten consecutive years. During her presidency the society grew in membership, and took up new lines of work. They secured several scholarships for the Cunning- ham Orphanage and many plans were carried out for the bene- fit, comfort and pleasures of the children. Worthy ministers and their families, on our frontiers, were helped in a material way, by the society. Ella was fond of society, in the form of clubs, receptions and enjoyed visiting, but cared nothing for social card games or dancing, in fact, such amusements were against her prin- ciples. She was a member of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and had trained many young people for oratorical medal contests, and has always been willing and ready to help in the city, district and state conventions. When the Na- tional convention met in St. Louis in 1919, Ella assisted on the program with a reading. She was for man}- years a mem- ber of the Champaign and Urbana Woman's Club, held the chairmanship of the Music and Drama Department for two years, also was treasurer of the Domestic Science Depart- ment for the same length of time. She belonged to the Sister- hood of the P. E. O. of Urbana, transferring her membership from Lincoln, Nebraska. The P. E. O. is a secret sisterhood, in the interests of philanthropy. It was founded by the sorority sisters of the Iowa Wesleyan University in 1890. It is the largest secret organization of women in the United 246 History of the Meharry Family States. One of the excellent things they do is to provide funds for the education of worthy girls. An officer of the P. E. O. of Urbana has said, "If you knew Ella Crawford you know the class of women in the sisterhood. She was a good repre- sentative of the type of P. E. O. women." Ella also belonged to the Urbana Woman's Club, the Busy Fifteen, and to the Urbana Literary Society. She al- ways took an active part in the clubs and societies and was always ready to help in any good cause. She again took the readings of the Chautauqua Literary Scientific Circle and finished the prescribed course of four years' study in 1904. The class in this work met semi-an- nually for years, and always had a program which was pre- pared by the members. Some of these members have passed on to a "fairer life," others removed to distant states, until but few are left today (1925). These few remain loyal to each other. Ella was fond of traveling. She, her mother and sister, Emma, spent a part of one winter in Los Angeles, Pasadena and San Diego, California. Again in July, 1902, she in com- pany with her mother, two sisters, and a nephew, attended the International Epworth League Convention in San Fran- cisco, and visited the principal cities along the coast to Seattle. She attended the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893, St. Louis in 1904, and of San Francisco and San Diego, California, in 1915. She traveled through Canada and a portion of old Mexico. She was elected a delegate several different times to the National W r . C. T. U. Conventions, for instance, in Milwaukee, Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, District of Columbia. She was made a delegate from Illinois Union, representing one thousand members, to the World's Christian Temperance Union Convention held in Glasgow, Scotland, in June, 1910. In company with other delegates she toured the British Isles, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy and Germany, and at- tended the world famous "Passion Play" at Oberammergau, Bavaria, sailing via Azores, from Naples, Italy, and landing at Boston. It was a wonderful tour and she appreciated it all. Ella was an ideal traveler. If all went well, she smiled and was satisfied, but if things did not go to her liking, she con- tinued smiling and accommodated herself to the conditions, and enjoyed herself. In the spring of 1918 when her nephew, Roland G. But- ler, was sent to the Officers' Training Camp at Louisville, Kentucky, she bade him go, as all loyal Americans should. During July, Ella, with his mother and her sister, visited this training camp, thus getting a close view of the arduous train- History of the Meharry Family 247 ing "our boys" received to help win the World's War. This training ceased only when the Armistice was signed, Novem- ber 11, 1918. In June, 1920, she and her two sisters went to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to keep house temporarily for their two brothers and nephew, Roland, but they continued to keep the home until the summer of 1923. Ella went to Urbana to attend the graduation of Mary C. Crawford, her niece, from the University of Illinois on June 13, 1923. Alary was the last of three nieces to graduate from this university. While in Urbana Ella visited her friends and renewed many acquaintances, besides attending to important busi- ness. She returned to her home in Missouri the first part of July, weaiw and tired. About the first of August she w r as taken ill and grew steadily worse. In spite of all that love and medical skill could do, she passed out of this life to the "Sweet Beyond" August 30, 1923. She was so sweet, so patient and uncomplaining during her illness, and she would tell how Jesus was sustaining and comforting her. "The silver circle of her service sweet Is her memorial, shining and complete. For her no decline, no long delay — God knew the signal hour, the better way — And called her home while it was day." A short and impressive service was conducted by Revs. Spann and Morton at her late home in Cape Girardeau, Mis- souri. Her bereaved family bore her remains to her old home in Urbana, Illinois, where a second service was held in the First Methodist Episcopal Church, in charge of the minister, Rev. Sandmyer, in the presence of man}- sorrowing relatives and friends, who had gathered to honor her memory. The Moral offerings were many and beautiful. She lies buried in the family lot in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Urbana, Illinois. Jessie (Crawford) Butler. Emma Gardiner Crawford. Tributes to the Memory of Ella M. Crawford "Chapter A. R., Urbana, Illinois, deeply mourns the death of Miss Ella Crawford, whose 'Heavenly Homegoing' w r as August 30, 1923. Miss Crawford was a delightful and talented reader who was always gracious and generous in sharing her gifted ability with others. She was active in club and church circles and especially interested in missionary work to which she gave freely both time and money. Her sweet disposi- tion, read}- sympathy, hospitality and big-mindedness were remarked bv all who were so fortunate as to know her best. 248 History of the Meharry Family She was a devoted and loyal P. E. O. The knowledge of such a life is an impetus for us all to strive upward and on- ward to better and more worthwhile things." — An apprecia- tion by Sara R. Braley, Corresponding Secretary, P. E. O. Journal. "Miss Crawford came from a family of Christian workers, and emulated the traditions of the family." — Rev. J. R. Reasoner. "We know that such talent as hers cannot be lost," "She left you such a heritage of beautiful memories and asso- ciations, hers was a worthwhile life, a blessing to all who knew her." The Martha and Mary Sunday School Class (of which she was one of the hundred members), of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Urbana, one year after her going home, held a memorial service for her. The church was decorated with beautiful flowers and many loving tributes of apprecia- tion were paid to her memory. History of the Meharry Family 249 James Allen Crawford Ida Jane (Spray) Crawford JAMES ALLEN CRAWFORD James Allen, the third son of David and Mary (Meharry) Crawford, came into this life on April 7, 1865, at a rural par- sonage near Logansport, Indiana. At the time of his birth the ground was covered with snow twelve or fourteen feet deep. The following summer the family moved to Allen W. Me- harry's farm northeast of Wingate, Indiana. Allen's first schooling was in Coal Creek district, then in Philo Township, Illinois, and later in the Tolono High School. He graduated from the Grand Prairie Seminary Business College in June, 1885. The following year he took a literary course at the Grand Prairie Seminary. In 1887 he took over the management of the home farm and business until 1892. James Allen and Cora M. Dowel! were married at the home of the bride's mother in Blue Mound, Kansas, on March 3, 1892. They established their home on their farm near Ambia, Indiana, and lived there until Cora's death (pneumonia and its after affects), on Janu- ary 23, 1894. She was buried in the Onarga Cemetery. Cora May Dowell was born July 20, 18/4. She received her educa- tion in the Onarga, Illinois, public schools and in the semi- nary. She studied journalism and was interested for several years with her brother in publishing the town paper in Blue Mound, Kansas. In 1895 James Allen, with his cousin, Robert E. Meharry, formed a co-partnership and installed an electric light plant in Colfax, Illinois. They operated it successfully for several years. On August 30, 1897, James Allen and Ida Jane Spray were married at Minadocia, Illinois. Ida Jane was born February 13, 1803, in Iowa. She was educated near Onarga, Illinois, and in the Onarga High School. Miss Spray taught 250 History of the Meharry Family school near the old town of Pitch-in, Illinois. Mrs. Crawford was a member of the Christian Church and took especial in- terest in the Sunday school work. Her death came very sud- denly (heart trouble) on January 16, 1916, in Alabama City, Alabama, where she and her family had gone, hoping the mild climate would be of benefit to her and prolong her life. She was buried at Pontiac, Illinois, January 18, 1916. In 1898 James Allen sold his interest in the electric light plant in Colfax, Illinois, and moved to a ranch in western Kansas. Later he went to Vernon County, Missouri, and then to Wyoming, where he had the experience of taking up a homestead and proving up on the claim. James Allen is greatly interested in electricity, and he keeps up to date with the new appliances. He is also a natural mechanic, and has the faculty of mending articles that need repairing. He prides himself upon understanding the electrical work from the office dowm to the smallest repairs. Besides installing the electric light plant in Colfax, Illinois, he has installed others in Wheatland, Torrington, and Casper, Wyoming; Morrill, Mitchell and Minatare, Nebraska. He has helped to repair plants in many other places. From 1916 to 1918 he was chief electrician for the Kan- kakee and Urbana Traction Company. In 1918 he was trans- ferred to the Central Illinois Public Service Company at Bridgeport, Illinois, where he took charge of their business, and also the business at Sumner, Illinois. When he was leav- ing Bridgeport the business men gave him a hearty farewell hand shake, and begged him to stay, or to return as soon as possible. In February, 1920, he joined forces with his brother, John, on the farm near Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It became his duty to repair and run the machinery of the farm. He was assisted by his nephew, Roland G. Butler. On November 20, 1922, he met with a serious accident. While driving some calves, he was attacked by a neighbor's bull and was thrown from his horse, breaking his leg and dislocating his knee. It was only by the arrival of help that he was saved from being gored to death by the angry bull. Since this accident he has been unable to do active work. He employs much of his time in reading, and thus keeps himself well informed upon all questions of the day. He also likes to argue on popular subjects. He has installed a radio, and obtains much pleasure in listening to the lectures and concerts. Politically he is a Republican, fraternally a Blue Lodge and a 32nd degree Mason', in faith a Methodist and patriotically a hundred per cent American. On June 25, 1925, James Allen Crawford was united in marriage to Mrs. Emma Vancil, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois. At History of the Meharry Family 251 the present writing (1 ( J25) Mr. and Mrs. Crawford arc living in Portland, ( )regon. Two sons were horn to James Allen and Ida J. Crawford: larence DeWitt and Francis Virgil. lames Allen Crawford. Clarence DeWitt Crawford LARENCE DEWITT CRAWFORD Clarence DeWitt was horn near Mctz, Vernon County, Missouri, on August 27. 1K ( J<). He started to school in St. Joseph, Missouri, and finished the grades in Wheatland, Wy- oming, and in Urbana, Iliinois, and also the freshman year of high school. After his mother's death he joined the arm}- and served nine months on the Texas border. When the call came from Canada for help in the wheat fields, in the summer of 1917, Clarence responded, and spent the following year in the north- west, lie was in the S. A. T. C. for the World War. On February 14. 192'), he joined the Coast Artillery and served two and one-half years in that enlistment and was then trans- ferred to the 24th Pursuit Squadron, Air Service. Me com- pleted his enlistment on the east coast, at the north end of the Canal Zone, Panama. Was discharged as a sergeant at Fort Hamilton, New York, January 16, 1923. Clarence then visited his father, uncle and aunties at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, for several months, then went west and located in Los Angeles, California. He returned to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, January, 1925. (larence is a real hoy. full of energy. He is very observ- ing, and a great reader. He loves a battle of words, and de- lights to tell you long stories of his travels and adventures. lames Allen Crawford. 252 History of the Mkharry Family Francis Virgil Crawford Amelia Iris (Moyse) Crawford James Arthur Crawford History of the Meharry Family 253 FRANCIS VIRGIL The second son, Francis Virgil, was horn February 11, 1901, near Nevada, Vernon County, Missouri. He was edu- cated in the schools of St. Joseph, Missouri; Wheatland, Wyo- ming, and Urbana, Illinois. In I'M" he and his brother, Clar- ence, went to Canada to engage in farming. They roamed the northwest until 1920, when Virgil joined the Coast Artil- lery and was stationed on the West Coast of the Panama (anal Zone. lie was discharged October 10, 1921, on the reduction of the army, lie then visited his father, uncle and aunties at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and worked one year for his uncle on the farm. He then went west and in January, 1923, reached Los Angeles, California. Francis Virgil was married to an English girl, Amelia Iris Moyse, of Los Angeles, California, on December 8, 1923. She was born in South Hall, England, October, 1905. She, with her parents, moved to Canada and from there to Califor- nia. Mrs. Crawford's father, Arthur Moyse, was born in Marlborough, England. Her mother's maiden name was Sarah Edith Chambers, and was born in Maidenhead, Eng- land. In the summer of 1925, a son was born to this union, and was named, for his two grandfathers, James Arthur Crawford. lames Allen Crawford. Anna Letitia Crawford ANNA LETITIA CRAWFORD Anna Letitia, daughter of David and Mary A. (Meharry) Crawford, was born June 10, 1867, in the home of her grand- 254 History of the Meharry Family father, James Meharry, near Wingate, Indiana. Her early education began in the district school ; the building was located on her father's farm, near Tolono, Illinois. When she had finished in the common school, she entered the Grand Prairie Seminary at Onarga, Illinois, taking the Liberal Arts and Science course. During her leisure hours she studied draw- ing, charcoal and crayon. While in Onarga she was converted and joined the Methodist Church, she also became identified with the Young Women's Christian Association. In the fall of 1888, she entered the Methodist Episcopal College in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, because her sister and brother-in-law were living in Fort Wayne at that time. One of her great desires was to be a business woman, and in order to fit herself for a position, she entered a busi- ness college in Chicago, Illinois, in the fall of 1889. After finishing the required course, she secured a position as a cashier in a large wholesale house and worked her way up until she was paid the highest salary in the establishment. Owing to the continued illness of her father, she gave up her position and came home. After her father's death, she re- mained at home and took up the management of her mother's business. She devoted her leisure time in decorating china, and painting flowers, in which she showed much talent. Dur- ing the World's Fair, she returned to Chicago to visit that exposition and to visit the friends of her business days. She accompanied her mother and sister when they moved to Champaign, Illinois, in the fall of 1895. In May, the first day, 1897, they moved to Urbana, having bought property there. The winter before her death, she enjoyed a wonderful trip to New Orleans at the time of the Mardi Gras, visiting a friend, whose brother-in-law was on the staff of one of the city's daily newspapers and through his influence she was able to attend and participate in the festivities of the festival. She spent part of the summer in Toronto, Canada, returning via the Niagara Falls, to Lake Chautauqua, New York, where she remained a few weeks, enjoying the beauties and advan- tages of that noted place. When word came that her sister, Jessie Butler, was stricken with typhoid fever, she laid aside her home duties and desires, and hastened to her sister's bedside, to help the husband in caring for his wife. Her sister lay sick for six weeks, and it was impossible to get any outside help, as peo- ple were afraid of the disease. When Jessie grew better her husband became ill, with the same fever. After three weeks, pneumonia developed which caused his death. .Anna was History of the Meharry Family 2?? able to close the home and bring her sister and small nephew to her mother's home in Urbana. Then she, too, had to give n]) and be cared for. The [ever had such a hold upon her, after the long weeks of nursing, her tired l)od_\- could not throw off the disease. The doctor and the nurses exerted all their skill and knowledge, but to no avail. She passed out -if this life, with the passing of the winter day, December 10, 1S ( >7. Her fever-racked body was at rest and her spirit set free. "No one hears the door that opens, When they pass beyond recall; Soft as the loosened leaves ot roses. One, by one, our loved ones fall." The funeral services were held in the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and conducted by the pastor, Rev. \\ ohl- farth. and assisted by Rev. J. R. Reasoner, an old friend of the family. Burial was in the family lot in Mt. Hope Ceme- teiw, LJrbana, Illinois. Anna had a hue and pleasing personality. She resembled her father's family; was of medium height, with bine gray e\es and beautiful auburn hair. She was very conscientious, and staunch in her principles. She was strongly attached to her family. Jessie (Crawford) Butler, Ella Margaret Crawford, Emma Gardiner Crawford. EMMA GARDINER CRAWFORD Emma, daughter of David and Mary A. (Meharry) Craw- ford, was born December 20, 1869, in her grandfather's (James Meharry's) home, near Wingate, Indiana. She was young when her parents moved to Tolono, Illinois. Her earliest remembrance of this new prairie home was a visit to the school, a one-roomed house, which her father had built to give him shelter while their new home was being built. As there was no school in the district he had this building fitted up as a temporary school. It is still doing duty, on the farm, and being ttsed as a shop. It lias been re-roofed only once in all these years of service. By the time Emma was old enough to attend school a new structure, of brick, had been built on the northeast corner of the section in which her father's farm lay. It was a great moment when she could ,140 to school. Miss Carrie Slater, the 256 History of the Meharry Family Emma Gardiner Crawford teacher, boarded in her home and it was Emma's pleasure to accompany her to school each morning. When she was five years old she had, to her, a wonder- ful experience, when she accompanied her parents and brother to Minnesota to visit her father's eldest brother. The train ride was interesting and she remembers, while they waited in St. Paul, they could see into a room where young people were dancing and she was pleased with the beautiful, many colored dresses worn by the women. Her mother explained what they were doing. It was very cold and there was a deep snow, and Emma had her first sleigh ride. For years she thought of Minnesota as a place of perpetual snow. On reach- ing their destination she was surprised to find that her uncle looked just like her father. She and her brother had a great time playing in the uncle's wood shed, which was connected with the house, and was full of neat piles of wood, row upon row. During her last year in the country schools, they were in- troducing - township examinations in the rural districts. She went to Philo in the fall for the township examination, and in the folloAving spring she was one of sixty who took the first county examination ever held in Champaign Count)'. The examination was under Superintendent Shawhan, and was held in Urbana, Illinois. Emma attended the Tolono High School the following- year, the next year going to Ft. Wayne Methodist College. She studied two years in this school and graduated in June. 1890. Part of 1894-95 she spent in Lincoln, Nebraska, studying vocal and piano music and dramatic art at the Conservatory at the State University of Nebraska. History of the Meharry Family 2?7 The fall of 1895 she moved with her mother and sister to Champaign, Illinois. Here she entered the University oi Illinois, specializing in music and art, and studied three years along these lines. Emma is a great reader and has read widely along various lines, supplementing her college work. She took up the C. L. S. C, a four-} ear course, and graduated in the class of 1904. Following the traditions of her family, she traveled quite extensively in the United States, Canada and old Mexico. In the summer of l°dO, in company with her family she toured, for three months, through the British Isles and on the con- tinent. One of her hobbies is to visit the capital buildings in the United States and the cathedrals in the foreign countries. She has visited the cathedrals of Glasgow and St. Miles, of Edinburg, Scotland, the only two cathedrals that came un- scratched through the Reformation. She saw the ruins of the beautiful Melrose and Dryburgh Abbeys, made famous by Sir Walter Scott. She attended a Sunday morning service in St. Paul. London. She visited the noted cathedral, the Dom, in Cologne, Germany. Also saw the most famous ones of Paris, France. In Italy, she visited those of note, in Milan, Florence, Pisa, Venice, Naples and Rome. \t is only by visit- ing Italy's cathedrals that you can see its most famous sculptures, paintings and mosaic. During this trip, Emma saw the "Passion Play." at Ober- ammergau, Bavaria. This was one of the most impressive events of her trip. The play began at eight o'clock in the morn- ing, with a recess at noon, and continued until six o'clock in the afternoon. The mountain village and the simplicity of the people was a fitting background for that wonderful play. Traveling has not occupied all of her time. She is a mem- ber of the Woman's Club of Champaign and Urbana, and was corresponding secretary of the club for two years. She belongs to the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. A few times she has been made a delegate from Urbana's Union to national conventions. She is a member of the Foreign and Home Missionary Societies of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Urbana, Illinois. For several years prior to moving to Urbana, Emma was a member of the Tolono chapter of the Eastern Star. The past few years she has been living in Southeast Mis- souri, at Cape Girardeau, a quaint historic town that is beauti- fully situated on the banks of the Mississippi River. Emma has unusual and manifold talents. She has an artistic nature, she loves music and brings much harmony out of a piano and has done beautiful china painting as well as painting in oil 258 History of the Meharry Family and crayon. She is skillful in that finest and most essential of all arts, the preparation and serving of delicious foods to her family and friends. She has won many hearts by her cheerful, optimistic dis- position and surprises and delights her many friends with her wit and humor. Jessie (Crawford) Butler. Ella Margaret Crawford. Emma Gardiner CraAvford. John William Wesley Crawford JOHN WILLIAM WESLEY CRAWFORD Fourth son of Rev. David and Mary A. (Meharry) Craw- ford, born October 26, 1872, near Tolono, Illinois. His education began in the district school. He studied two years at Fort Wayne Methodist Episcopal College (now Upland University). While here he used one of the early makes of bicycles, (with a large front wheel and a small back wheel), which took skill in balancing to be able to ride it. He spent one year at Grant Prairie Seminary, Onarga, Illinois. He visited the World's Fair in Chicago twice, first in August and later in October of 1893. After his father's death on November 10, 1893, John took charge of the home farm until 1895. Then the farm was rented and his mother and two sisters, Anna and Emma, moved to Champaign, Illinois. John went to Lincoln, Nebraska, and took a position in the Merchants' Bank in which his brother, Clarke M., was cashier. While there he joined a Christian Endeavor party from the Presbyterian Church and made a trip to California. History of the Meharry Family 259 They rode up Pike's Teak, but he and some others walked down. John had the usual experience of hiking down a moun- tain, "lie thought his toes would go through his shoes," and for several days afterward he had difficulty in walking. Leaving San Francisco he took the coast trip in a steamer, and encountered a storm, lie suffered with sea sickness and on landing at Portland he was so dizzy that the land seemed to he tossing as the steamer did. After going through the financial depression of 1897, he gave up banking, and spent the following winter ranging cattle in southwest Kansas. One night he slept out in his rain coat and upon waking in the morning", he found himself lying' in a pool of water. It had rained during the night, which was very unexpected for that season of the year. It was here that they built fires with buffalo chips. John now took a special course of study in Chicago to become an assayer of minerals, and becoming qualified, he accepted a position as assayer in a gold mine near Baker City, Oregon, in the spring of 1902. The company of stock holders was largely business men of Danville, Champaign and Urbana, Illinois. The mountains in this locality were covered with evergreens overlooking fertile valleys, and the streams were grand and beautiful ; Alt. Hood, which was snow capped, was in plain view. The scenery was wonderful and the air invigorating. One day John, in company with a man, went to see another party in a neighboring camp. In order to reach the camp they had to go down a steep incline called "Soap Stone Slope." The driver, standing up in the wagon, lashed his mustang ponies into a run to keep the wagon from running onto them. John stood in the back and ready to jump, if an accident happened. After several months spent in the west he returned home and devoted his time to buying and developing farm lands, and to cattle and hog raising. A farm was purchased in Jackson County in the year 1903. The drained lake bottom was very fertile, almost like a flower garden. It was easy to plant, and it would raise good crops. The second season John put in a crop and it made a wonderful growth, was waist high and gave promise of a big yield. A farmer always has to depend on natural ele- ments and upon the weather. The latter part of June or early in July, severe rains in the valley swelled and flooded the Missouri and Kaw Rivers, which empty into the Mississippi, filling that beyond the danger stage. There is a long levee several miles in length above the farm, and a large drainage ditch below, with big flood gates. All the farmers and every- one who could handle a shovel or bag of sand worked day and night to kee;> the waters back and were succeeding. As 260 History of the Meharry Family hope began to rise the rlood gates gave way and the water came in. John, being on somewhat higher ground than his neighbors, hoped that he would not have to move. But alas, he had to swim his mules and stock to safety. One man put his hogs and chickens in the hay loft of his barn and they were saved. John's splendid prospects for a big crop were not only blasted but swept down the river. In May, 1910, John joined his sisters and nephew and sailed for Europe to attend the World's W. C. T. U. Conven- tion at Glasgow, Scotland. The party of sixty-five tourists all going to attend the above convention landed at Cork, Ireland, and visited the famous Blarney Castle in the Killarney Lake region which was amidst beautiful scenery. They saAV the peat beds from which Ireland obtains much of its fuel. In Dublin the waiters looked on the W. C. T. U. party with amazement and scorn, because they did not order liquor. John and his sister. Jessie, took a short side trip by rail and jaunting cart to Ballyjamesduff, in Cavan County, to see if any trace could be found of the early Meharry ancestors. It was from this place that they were said to have emigrated to America in 1794. No trace whatever was found. Cavan County is one of the farming counties. Crop culture and stock raising* are the leading" industries. A fellow traveler told John that it was true, in many instances, that the natives "raised their pigs in the parlor/' as the old Irish song runs. When one woman was asked what sized farm she owned, she said, with much pride, "I own forty acres and three rooms." John and Jessie went to Belfast and there took a boat part way for Glasgow. At 2:30 a. m. it was broad daylight, much to the travelers' surprise. Arriving at Glasgow, it was a task to find the way to the W. C. T. U. headquarters, and, strange to say, the officers of whom they inquired the way could hardly understand our English to give the proper direc- tions. After the convention at Glasgow, John and party toured the Trossack, the Lady of the Lake country, and from there to Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, "the Shakespeare of Scotland." The site for Abbotsford was chosen because it was on the River Tweed, and near Melrose Abbey. The mansion was afterwards known as a "romance in stone and lime." It contains the most remarkable museum in the world. Melrose Abbey was immortalized by his genius as the "most interesting and picturesque ruin in all Scotland." Dryburg Abbey, a few miles away, a charming and romantic ruin, is where Sir Walter Scott lies buried. Leaving Abotsford, they traveled through England, male- IlSTORY OF THE MkHARRY FAMILY 261 ing their next stop at Stratford on the Axon, Shakespeare's country. They saw his birthplace, the chapel and tomb, and also the theatre where the best of actors put on his wonder- ful plays. It was here in the Shakespeare Tun, an interesting coincident occurred. Fourteen years later, in 1924, when Helen L. Crawford was visiting Stratford on the Axon, she stopped at this same inn, and looking over the hotel records, she found John's, Roland's and Jessie's names and the num- bers of the rooms which the}- had occupied in 1910. Her aunts " r ? *>■■ ,y&, mT ! ' A < - m l^jfi* ili§if ? wl jAJPJtiift i'i t T { '• ' ijfMi ill 2l I ^^r^ < '•■ WafcV ". * ;• . 2; J»'. VB-/V9 gr i fjl • .,> •♦jBJM 1 M John W. Crawford clearing- Missouri land with the help of oxen and horses Ella and Emma had registered in another hotel. From here John and party visited the groups of colleges at Oxford, and then on to London, where four busy days were spent glimpsing historical and notable places of interest. The English channel was crossed at Folkestone and France entered. He toured Paris and Brussels in Belgium. Here he saw dogs and women hitched together to draw the milk carts, etc. In Switzerland he saw the wonderful moun- tains, waterfalls, streams, lakes and the homes of the great wood carvers; in Germany, Nuremberg, the city that makes children's toys for all the world. At Heidelberg, a famous college is situated for men only. He went to Venice, Milan, Pisa, Florence, Rome and Naples. John walked the exca- vated streets of Pompeii, that old city that had been buried by a tremendous eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A. I). 262 History of the Meharry Family He saw the turned-to-stone figures of men, women, chil- dren and even dogs. He could see the majesty of this volcano, the grandeur of the great bay. He sailed by the Azore Islands and landed at Boston. John was impressed with the fact that he had heard many great speeches, had seen wonderful sights and smelled awful smells (European cities have little or very poor sanitation), but he returned home firmly convinced that the United States was more to be desired than any other country on earth. After farming for six years in. Jackson County, he rented the farm and bought a tract of land near Kewanee, Missouri, which was covered with timber, mostly cypress. He cleared most of the land, selling the timber, and putting the ground into corn and small grain. During the time of the peak in high prices of land, he sold this farm. In the fall of 1918 he bought another tract of land, near Cape Girardeau, Missouri, "the country where everything grows." At the present time (1925) he is still living there supervising the farm. John is a Republican, fraternally a Master Mason, a 32nd degree man and a Shriner. In faith he is a Methodist. John is loyal to his friends, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. He never seems to forget a person whom he has once met, consequently he has a large acquaint- ance. One can tell John is of Irish descent by his apprecia- tion of both making and hearing a good joke. Jessie (Crawford) Butler, Ella Margaret Crawford, Emma Gardiner Crawford. INFANT SON Infant son of Rev. David and Mary (Meharry) Crawford, born February 8, 1875, at Tolono, Illinois, and died February 9, 1875, and was buried in the Tolono Cemeterv. History of the M knarry Family 263 Greenlief Norton Meharry Letitia (Meharry) Meharry GREENLIEF NORTON MEHARRY Greenlief Norton, second child of James and Margaret (Ingram Francis) Meharry, was born in Fountain County, Indiana, July 16, 1831, on what is now the Thomas E. Martin farm in Richland Township, east and north of Newtown. When but an infant his parents moved to their farm in Section 2, Coal Creek Township, Montgomery County, Indiana, where he was reared to manhood. In 1852 he entered Asbury Uni- versity (now DePauw) at Greencastle, Indiana, and attended three successive terms. October 22, 1856, he united in marriage with Letitia Me- harry, daughter of Robert and Letitia (Blackstock) Meharry, in Cavan Township, Durham County, Canada. With his young bride as a companion he began life on a 160-acre farm in Section 35, Jackson Township, Tippecanoe County, Indiana, later adding 80 acres as life faded away. Here they resided until their death. Greenlief Norton was converted to the Methodist faith at an early age and was a devoted member of the Shawnee Mound Methodist Episcopal Church. He served as class leader, steward and trustee. In politics he was a Republican, not serving in any public office, but preferring to remain free from that stress of life. During the Civil War he was a strong Union man. While not going out to the actual service at the front, he was instru- mental in repressing several camps of the Knights of the Golden Circle. Greenlief was progressive in his ambitions, using the first hay carrier, spring wagon, self rake, marsh harvester and 264 History of the Meiiarry Family such other conveniences to be used in his community, and later owning and operating a horsepower thresher. He al- ways kept in touch with all the improvements and advance- ments of the day suggestive of easy modes of farming. He was an active member of the Grange, and served as county and state delegate. At the time of his death he was an active member of the Council Grove Minute Men, the first detective organization in the United States. This organization still lives and meets quarterly on the old Meharry farm in the Hesh- bon Bethel school building. On August 3, 1895, following an illness of a week's dura- tion, after many years as a sufferer from dyspepsia, the grim reaper of death came to claim his own, and on August 6 the body, after a service in Shawnee Mound Church, was laid to rest in the family lot — No. 75 — in Meharry's Cemetery, Coal Creek Township, Montgomery County. Ira G. Meharrv. LETITIA (MEHARRY) MEHARRY Letitia, wife of Greenlief Norton Meharry, Avas born in Durham County, Canada, March 21, 1835, the daughter of Robert and Letitia (Blackstock) Meharry. She was educated at the home school the first nine years, later attending a ladies' school in Petersboro. She was the second child in a family of twelve children, and well knew what the many duties of farm life called forth. After her marriage she came with her hus- band to the United States and still followed the duties of farm life. She united in early life with the Methodist faith and continued in it until her death. She was a charter member of the Shawnee Mound Aux- iliary of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, serving as its first treasurer. She held every office and was at the time of her death corresponding secretary. She was a member of the Ladies' Aid Society, being its treasurer at the time of her death. She was an active worker in the community and helped to make it what it now is. December 15, 1911, following an attack of pneumonia, she was called to her eternal home, and on December 18, after a short service at her late home, she was laid at rest in the same lot as her husband. To this union were born nine children : (1) Lena Olivia— born March 11, 1858, died October 22, 1859. Her remains are at rest in the same cemetery lot as her parents. History of the Meharry Family 265 CHARLOTTE ELMA FLORENCE MEHARRY (2) Charlotte Elma Florence— born March 25, 1860, in Jackson Township, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. She was educated in the common schools and, although not a graduate, completed the work before such a system was in vogue. She attended no university, but is a great reader of books, maga- zines and newspapers and is considered one of the best read women in the community. She is a member of the Tuesday Reading Club, has been its president, and served on the liter- ary committee. She sang alto in the Meharry mixed quar- tette, which was widely known and probably rendered more service in their time than any other, especially for burial serv- ices. She united with the Methodist faith in early life and still holds her membership with the Shawnee Mound Church. She is the owner of 94 acres of land in McLean County, Illi- nois, and with her sister, Annie, maintains a home at her birth- place. EDDIE EVERETT MORROW MEHARRY (3) Eddie Everett Morrow — born June 11, 1862, in Jackson Township, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. He was edu- cated on the farm and in the home school, Shawnee Academy. He completed the eighth grade in 1882 as a member of the first class in the county receiving a diploma. He later attend- ed DePauw (then Asbury) and remained until his junior year. He was a classmate of Hon. James Watson. Returning to the farm, he taught school for three years. In the year 1888 he moved to a farm in McLean County, Illinois, going overland with his team and wagon. Tiring of farm life for a time he embarked in the drug store trade with Amel Stuckey as a partner in Fairbury, Illinois. Here he met and married Emma Lanfear, next to the youngest daughter of Solomon and Rebecca Lanfear, on November 17, 1897. He was married by Rev. E. S. Wilson, pastor of the M. E. Church of Fairbury. This union was childless. He is of the Methodist faith, was a Sunday school teacher of a young ladies' class for five years prior to going to Illinois. He united with the Shawnee Mound Church at the age of nine years at a revival conducted by Rev. S. P. Colvin. He served as collecting steward, treasurer; sang in the choir, and was active in the Epworth League. In 1905 he disposed of his drug business and with his wife moved to the farm of an uncle near Colfax, Illinois, where they resided until the spring of 1925, when they retired into private life in Fairburv, Illinois. 266 History of the Meharry Family He is a Republican in politics, but never held public office. He owns 147 acres of land in Coal Creek Township, Mont- gomery County, Indiana, and 200 acres in Jasper County, Indiana. ROBERT ELMER SLATER MEHARRY (4) Robert Elmer Slater was born August 30, 1864, in Jackson township at the old home. He began his schooling in the old Shawnee Academy, finishing in the Sugar Grove school under the teaching of Charles E. Lutz. He graduated in the same class with his brother Eddie. He then attended Asbury (now DePauw) with his brother, for two years being in the same class. After returning to the farm he taught the home school for two years. In the year 1888, with his elder brother, he traveled over- land in a wagon with four horses to McLean County, Illinois, to his farm of 85 acres, where, with his sister as housekeeper, they followed farming until the year 1891. On December 23 he was united in marriage, at Tolono, Illinois, to Sarah Belle Davison, eldest daughter of James A. and Margaret Davison, to which union was born one daughter, Ada Lucile. He was a working member in the church since early child- hood, being of the Methodist faith. Soon after his marriage he changed to the Presbyterian faith, serving as Sunday school superintendent in Colfax for fourteen years. He was presi- dent of the school board one year, treasurer of the village three years and has been a member of the official board of the M. E. Church of Colfax several years, having changed his membership again in 1911. He was a Republican in politics, but held no public office. As a member of the K. of P. order he served as chancellor commander, was given his past chan- cellor degree and attended grand lodge as a representative. Tiring of farm life for a time, he, with his cousin, J. A. Crawford, built and operated the first electric lighting plant in the village of Colfax, Illinois, later trading his interest for a planing mill plant in Bloomington, Illinois. He then traded for land in Missouri and again made another trade for a gents' furnishings store in Colfax, which for several years he oper- ated with a partner, A. L. Hutson. Ill fate met them, and in the spring of 1904 they were forced into bankruptcy. Not en- tirely discouraged he again returned to farming and took up the carpenter trade, doing many large contract jobs. During the winter months he operated an ice construction gang, sup- plying the village with their summer stock. History of the Meharry Family 267 In 1896 he began the study of a machine to husk standing corn. On February 12, 1918, he secured a patent for a two- row, tractor-drawn, cornhusking machine, but on account of the World War was unable to secure steel and iron for con- struction. In 1919 he formed a partnership with his brother |udd and the}- began the construction of the project, and for eleven weeks (although suffering with cancer of the face) he went every day to the workshop and gave directions for construction. His two-row cornhusker was completed in March, 1920, in the village of Colfax, Illinois. It had a weight of 4,200 pounds, was a self-propelling, one-man machine with auto guide and with a working capacity of ten to twelve acres per day. By the removal of twenty-eight bolts the husker attach- ment lifts away and the machine is converted into a tractor with power to pull a tandem disc or a two-bottom plow. Witli the construction of this invention his earthly work was completed as he was never able to see his machine dem- onstrated. Death ended his suffering at his home in Colfax, Illinois, March 16, 1920. Following a short service, March 18, his remains were brought by rail to the family burial lot in Meharry's Cemetery near Wingate, Indiana. Ada Lucile, his only child, was born on a farm three miles east of Colfax, Illinois,' in McLean County, July 5, 1894. At the age of one and a half years she moved with her parents to Colfax. She began her school work at the age of six years and graduated from the high school of Colfax in May, 1912. She attended the School of Music at DePauw University, Greencastle, Indiana, for two years. She was the first graduate in public school music from the Illinois Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Illinois, graduating in July, 1915. She has always been a church worker, doing her duty when called upon. At an early age she united with the Pres- byterian Church of Colfax, and changed from that to the M. E. Church, with her parents, in 1911. On December 7, 1916, she was united in marriage with Orin Meeker, only child of Edward and Addie (McCullough) Meeker, at the home of her parents. To this union have been born two children — Robert Edward, born March 22, 1918, at Eairbury, Illinois; Helen Louise, born December 27, 1920, at Bloominsfton. Illinois. ANNIE VANETTA MEHARRY (5) Annie Vanetta — was born December 17, 1867, in Jackson Township, at the old homestead. She was reared 268 History of the Meharry Family on the farm and given a common school education, graduating from the common branches in the class of 1887. She later at- tended the School of Music at DePauw for two terms and taught music several terms. She served as organist of the Shawnee Mound M. E. Church, of which she is a member, for more than twenty consecutive years. She is a charter member (being a small child at the time) of the Shawnee Mound branch of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society and was elected to the office of corresponding secretary at her mother's death, which office she held for several years. She was for five years superintendent of children's work in Crawfordsville District of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. She was superintendent of the King's Heralds, a charter member of the Tuesday Club Reading Circle, a member of the Indiana Corn Growers' Association and was appointed, through Pur- due University, as one of the domestic science committee of the township in which she resided. In politics she is a Republican, has served on the election board and was the first woman to register in her township. She is the owner of eighty acres of land in Jackson Town- ship, Tippecanoe County, Indiana, the place of her birth, where she resides with her sister. She was a member of the Me- harry Mixed Quartette, being the soprano and also the pianist. (6) Thomas Elgin — was born July 25, 1869; died July 3, 1870. (7) Lizzie— was born July 19, 1871 ; died October 8, 1872, of diphtheria. Both the above are buried in the family lot in the Meharry Cemetery. IRA GREENLIEF HUGH MEHARRY (8) Ira Greenlief Hugh — was born August 24, 1873. He was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools, graduating with the class of 1889. He attended Purdue Uni- versity in 1892-93-94, entering the then preparatory year of the class of '97, and choosing the mechanical engineering- course. He attended the Indianapolis Business College in 1896-97, completing the six months' course in banking. He later returned to the farm and resumed such duties as were required. He played in the New Richmond Band, in a contest, and won. He was a member of the K. of P. order, Henry Clay Lodge No. 288; filled all the stations, and received the past chancellor degree. He served as a representative to the grand lodge and was installing officer for more than ten consecutive years. In 1924 and 1925 he served as keeper of records and seal. History of the Meharry Family 2o9 He was a member of the Council Grove Minute Men, the first detective association organized in the United States, in 1848, and was also a member of the National Horse Thief De- tective Association, serving as its secretary from 1904 for twelve consecutive years. He was a member of the Indiana Corn Growers' Association and served as count}' leader in the Five Acre Corn Club for several years. He also assisted in the Purdue Agricultural Extension Department with the five- acre work for several years. In politics he was a Republican, serving on election boards and as central committeeman in his township several different times. He never held public office until in 1925, when he was appointed assessor of his township to fill the unexpired time of Mark M. Borum, deceased. He was a member of the Shawnee Mound M. E. Church, joining under the pastorate of Rev. George W. Switzer. He served as Sunday school chorister, trustee and secretary for several years and was a member of the Meharry Mixed Quar- tette. He owns eighty acres of land in Jackson Township, on which he lives. January 10, 1900, he was married, by Rev. A. C. Guyer, to Agnes Derinda Sayers at the home of her parents, Alex- ander T. and Carrie (Carter) Sayers, in Fountain County, Indiana. To this union were born four children: Carrie Letitia — born in Jackson Township, November 29, 1901. She received her education in the common and high schools in the township, graduating With the class of 1921 from the Jackson Township High School. She later attended the Onarga (Illinois) Seminary of Music for one term, ill health compelling her to quit. As a member of the Shawnee Mound M. E. Church she served as Sunday school secretary and on various committees. In 1925 she was living at home with her parents. She is a life member of the King's Heralds. Clare Alexander — was born in Jackson Township, Sep- tember 14, 1906. He was educated in the Jackson Township Schools, graduating from the grades in 1920 and from the high school in the class of 1924. With his sister, he was baptized by Rev. A. C. Guyer into the Methodist faith and, during the pastorate of Rev. W. C. Evers, joined the Shawnee Mound Church, and is serving as secretary of the Sunday school. He is a member of the Indiana Corn Growers' Association and the Tippecanoe Count}' Five Acre Corn Club. In 1925 he was living with his parents. Hugh Sayers — was born in Jackson Township, May 30, 1909. and was educated in the common and high schools in that township. He is a member of the Indiana Corn Growers' 270 History of the Meharry Family Association and a junior member of the Tippecanoe County Five Acre Corn Club. In 1921 he was awarded a county trophy for the best display of penmanship in the grades. Dur- ing the pastorate of Rev. Valentine Deich, in 1917, he was baptized in the Christian faith in the Shawnee Mound M. E. Church. He was a member of the Mother's Jewels. In 1924- he was a member of the Tippecanoe County Pig Feeders' Club and won second place on his pig at the finish. In 1925 he was living on the home farm with his parents. Lois Blackstock — was born in Jackson Township, August 20, 1912, and was educated in the township common and high schools. She was baptized at the same time with her brother and is a member of the Little Light Bearers. In 1925 she was living on the home farm with her parents. JUDD FERGUSON MEHARRY (9) Judd Ferguson — was born September 5, 1878, in Jackson Township, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. He was reared on the farm and given a common school education, graduating from the grades in 1895. He attended high school in Colfax, Illinois, one year. For two seasons, 1899-1900, he was a member of the Newtown independent football team and second swiftest player on the team. He was a member of the K. of P. order, Henry Clay Lodge No. 288, New Richmond, Indiana, and filled all the stations. He served as a representative to the grand lodge and received his past chancellor degree, and was recording secretary at the time of his death. He was a member of the Council Grove Minute Men, having filled most all the stations. He accom- panied his brother many times as assistant secretary in the N. H. T. D. A. He was also a member of Mercer Lodge, F. and A. M., of Wingate, Indiana, and of the K. K. K. order. He was a member of the Meharry Mixed Quartette. As a Republican in politics, he served on several election boards, was defeated for the office of county surveyor in 1912 and for the nomination for township trustee. In 1922 he took a prospecting trip into Texas, Oklahoma and along the Gulf of Mexico. He was owner of a half interest in the Meharry two-row cornhusker and owned eighty acres of land in Jackson Town- ship. He was a member of the Indiana State Corn Growers' Association and the Montgomery County Five Acre Corn Club, and grew the first 100 bushels of corn on an acre of land in the county, thereby winning a gold medal, with a yield of 107 bushels. He was the owner of a herd of registered History of the Meharry Family 271 Shorthorn cattle and a flock of registered Shropshire sheep, also a herd of registered Chester White hogs. In 1922 he operated the 280-acre farm formerly owned by his grandfather in Montgomery County. He was a member of the New Richmond M. E. Church, having moved his membership from the Sugar Grove M. E. Church, which he had joined in his youth. January 25, 1905, he was married to Ethel Hillis, daughter of John J. and Samantha V. (Carter) Hillis, at the home of her aunt, Mrs. R. F. Palmer, in Frankfort, Indiana. In the spring of 1924 he contracted lobular pneumonia and on March 17, about the hour of 9 o'clock a. m., after a few days of intense suffering, passed to that unknown beyond. On the afternoon of March 20, during a blizzard of snow, his re- mains were deposited in a cement vault in the family lot in the Meharry Cemetery near Wingate, Indiana. To Judd and Ethel (Hillis) Meharry were born four children : Josephine Francis — was born May 4, 1909, in Jackson Township, Tippecanoe County, and attended the public schools of Montgomery County. During her second year in the grades she contracted pneumonia, which developed later into brain fever, from which she died, April 10, 1914. She was buried in the family lot — No. 20 — in Meharry's Cemetery on April 12. Roy Hillis — was born in Montgomery County, January 19, 1909, and was educated in the common and high schools. He is a member of the Indiana Corn Growers' Association and of the Montgomery County Five Acre Corn Club. With his father, in 1921, he raised the first 100 1 bushels per acre in the county winning" a State gold medal, having produced 116 bushels per acre. In 1925 he won the boys' oratorical contest in his school. He is a member of the New Richmond M. E. Church Sunday school, also a member of the Boy Scouts. He was living with his mother on the farm in 1925. Lee Allen — was born in Montgomery County, February 18, 1911, and received his education in the common schools of the township. He is a member of the Boy Scouts, the M. E. Sunday school and the Little Light Bearers. He is also a member of the 1925 Montgomery County Calf Feeders' Club. In 1925 he was residing on the farm with his mother. Chitra Victoria — was born in Montgomery County, De- cember 16, 1916, and attended the common school in the town- ship, receiving special instruction in elocution, and winning quite a reputation for one of her age as a reader. She is a member of the Little Light Bearers and of the M. E. Sunday school of New Richmond, being a life member. In 1925 she was residing on the farm with her mother. 272 History of the Meharry Family Cornelia Bennett (Meharry) Hickman James Sylvester Hickman CORNELIA BENNETT (MEHARRY) HICKMAN In Montgomery County, Indiana, in the old home, which is still in the James Meharry family, on March 1, 1833, was born a little girl, christened Cornelia Bennett Meharry. She was the daughter of James and Margaret Francis Meharry. Her childhood was spent in that middle-western state, as yet wild and sparsely settled. Reminiscences of her early days show the interesting, colorful life of that time. In the early life of Cornelia matches were unknown and many a time when the fire went out in the fireplace she would be sent to her Uncle Thomas', who lived a quarter of a mile away, to bring back some coals for the rekindling. These were carried on two clapboards. On one occasion her father had been careless in cutting" wood, so that the supply was too low to cook the dinner. Her mother prepared everything, putting the biscuits on the table unbaked, the potatoes unboiled and the meat uncooked. When the men discovered the state of affairs, the axes were soon busy at work and Cornelia was sent after the coals to start the fire. That was a lesson taught in a quiet way that did not need repeating in many a day. In those early days everyone had their favorite riding horse. Crowds of twenty or more often rode together to at- tend some entertainment and frequently horse races enlivened the trip. They attended all rallies. Cornelia was one of a large crowd who rode horseback fifteen miles to attend a Re- publican rally at Shelby's Grove. They drilled for an hour and a half out on the prairie and were rewarded for their en- History of the Meharry Family 273 Two Views of Cornelia Bennett (Meharry) Hickman Home near Hoopeston, Illinois 274 History of the Meharry Family deavor by receiving the prize for the largest and best-drilled delegation. On another occasion, with nineteen other girls dressed in white and three boys, Cornelia drove in a wagon with a six-horse team to Crawfordsville. It rained all the way home from the rally. While two boys were driving, the third gal- lantly tried to hold the only umbrella over the girls. Cornelia attended singing school at the old Academy at Shawnee. She spent many evenings in serenading the neigh- bors. She and her sister Mary always sang at the celebration in the Meharry grove, frequently singing selections composed by their father. When Cornelia had finished her grade work at Heshbon Bethel, she and her sister Mary used the scholarship purchased by their father and attended the Fort Wayne Female College. In getting ready for the trip she packed her goods in the cedar chest made by her father and which is still in the posses- sion of the family. It was necessary to drive twenty miles to take the packet at Lafayette for Fort Wayne. The rules of the school did not permit the girls to go up town oftener than once a week and never then without being accompanied by one of the faculty members. One Saturday her sister's shoes needed repairing for Sunday and they could not gain permission to go up town. Cornelia defied Professor Brenton and went, expecting to be severely reprimanded upon her return. At supper the professor ended the matter very pleasantly by saying, "Miss Meharry, did you get the shoes?" Cornelia took the music, art and literary courses and was graduated at the close of four years, receiving a written di- ploma April 26, 1854. She, with her sister, returned in the fall of 1880, twenty-six years after, for a visit and was presented with a more modern diploma bearing the college seal. Her accomplishment in music acquired while she was in college afforded her great pleasure until a few years before her death. After being graduated, she kept house for her father for a number of years and later taught school for one term, "boarding around" with the patrons. During this ex- perience as a teacher she first met James S. Hickman and, after a courtship, married him January 21, 1857. Her wed- ding trip was taken on horseback to his father's home, a dis- tance of twenty miles. A few months later they drove to Illinois in a covered wagon and settled on a farm in Iroquois County near the pres- ent town of Hoopeston, where she lived the rest of her life. Their home was built in the year 1857 and was the first resi- dence erected in the township. Cornelia loved to gather the wild flowers of the prairie and the gum from the resin weeds, which grew in great abun- History of the Meharry Family 275 dance. Astronomy being one of her cherished studies at Fort Wayne, she spent man}- pleasant evenings viewing the stars, pointing out and naming the various constellations for her children. It was not infrequent in the early days of her home life to hear the howling of the wolves by night and to watch the deer bounding past the house by day. Her life became a part of the Grand Prairie, which the great plains were called. She took up the task of making a home-loving neighborhood. Her home was used as a house of worship. The minister always found an open door and a welcome to her home. Through her faith and prayers a church was built and Amity burying ground established, which is one of the principal cemeteries of the locality. She had a strong constitution to stand the strenuous life of an early settler. She was always called upon during- the sickness of neighbors, often going- several miles on horseback to take care of them. In the earlier years, though all the sew- ing was done by hand, with the knitting of socks and mittens, she still found time to embroider the children's clothes and do other fancy work. All the young people of the neighborhood enjoyed her company and hospitality. The girls of one family would live with her for weeks at a time in preference to their home. Her family consisted of nine children: 1. Mary Lllen — born January 16, 1858; died September 7. 1859. 2. Margaret A. — born September 30, 1859. 3. John Wesley— born October 2, 1861 ; died May 3, 1917. 4. Lillie Greenwood — born September 12, 1864. 5. Eva Florence — born January 7, 1867. 6. James Sylvester, [r. — born August 3, 1859; died August 19, 1871.' 7. Lucy May — born June 26, 1871. 8. Charles Wilbur— born July 7, 1874. 9. Harry Luman — born December 26, 1876. Her great thought in life was the welfare of her children and she counted no sacrifice too great for their education. Her faith in the providence of God never wavered. From early childhood she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. December 9, 1900, her sudden death, caused by apoplexy, was a shock to the community in which she had resided for two score years. She was laid to rest beside her two children in Amity Cemetery. Lucy May 1 lickman. Charles Wilbur Hickman. 276 Histor\ of the Meharry Family JAMES SYLVESTER HICKMAN James Sylvester Hickman, eldest son of Peter J. and Mary (Gullett) Hickman, was born at Dover, Delaware, November 6, 1831, and passed into eternal life at St. Augustine, Florida, June 19, 1917. He acquired his early education in the pioneer schools of Indiana. He later attended school at DePauw Uni- versity in 1848 and 1850. He was married to Cornelia Bennett Meharry, January 21, 1857, and that spring moved with his bride to the uncultivated prairies of Iroquois County, Illinois. He used his energies in improving the farm and in stock raising, often shipping stock to the eastern markets. Besides his agricultural pursuits he was interested in news writing. He made contributions to different papers not only while he lived in Illinois, but even during his later days in the South. He was a pioneer upholder of prohibition. He always insisted that prohibition would win, but did not live to see its national establishment. While living at the old home place he served Bethel Church as Sunday School superintendent for eleven years. His body was laid to rest in the Amity Cemetery near his old home in Iroquois County, Illinois, June 24, 1917. Lucy May Hickman. Charles Wilbur Hickman. MARGARET A. (HICKMAN) MITCHELL Margaret A., daughter of James S. and Cornelia B. (Me- harry) Hickman, was born September 30, 1859. Attended Grand Prairie Seminary. Married Ingram Mitchell, July 2, 1890, who was the son of John and Christinia Flock Mitchell, born in Ireland, September 3, 1853; died October 7, 1917. Born to them : 1. Edna Grace — born August 10, 1891. Attended Winona College. Married August 20, 1914, to Tilson Dallas, son of James and Agnes Dallas, of Trafalgar, Indiana. ' a. Harold Mitchell— born January 20, 1916. b. Agnes Louise — born August 24, 1918. 2. Ray Meharry — born September. 1, 1892. Attended Purdue University. Married October 26, 1915, to Nellie Kious, daughter of E. J. and Mary Kious, of Lafayette, Indiana. a. Marv Elizabeth — born November 20, 1917. b. Ray" Meharry, Jr.— born May 12, 1920. 3. Ira Dale — born September 13, 1894.' Attended the Uni- versity of Illinois. 4. Ruth Cornelia— born August 26, 1896. 5. Wilbur Clay— born July 9, 1901. Attended Purdue Uni- versity, Lafavette, Indiana. 6. Lois Letitia— born January 23, 1903; died April 6, 1904. History of the Meharry Family 277 JOHN WESLEY HICKMAN John Wesley Hickman, son of James S. and Cornelia ( Me- harry) Hickman, was horn October 2, 1861, on the old home place near Hickman, Iroquois Count}', Illinois. His earl}' education was obtained in the Amity school. In the early eighties he was graduated from the business de- partment of the Grand Prairie Seminary at Onarga, Illinois. March 25, 1886, he was married to Hope Burr, daughter of Nelson and Sarah Frances (Butcher) Burr, of Williamsport, Indiana. They lived on their farm near Claytonville, Illinois, where he was engaged in farming and stock raising. He appreciated the value of a higher education and sought to procure the advantages of the better schools for his children. In 1892 he moved to Hoopeston, Illinois, in order that they might attend there, and in August, 1911, he moved to Urbana on account of the superior educational institutions there. In the fall of 1911 his health became seriously affected. That winter he went to San Antonio, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, seeking a more beneficial climate. The follow- ing two years he spent in Asheville, North Carolina. Unbene- fited there, he went to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where the climate proved too rigorous. The following fall he went to Phoenix, Arizona, where his death occurred May 3, 1917. He was buried at Hoopeston, Illinois, May 7, 1917. Born to them : 1. Lucie Pearl — born February 2, 1887. Graduated from the University of Illinois in 1910. She taught English and Foreign Language in the high school at Ridgefarm, Illi- nois, for two years. In 1912 she went to Milford, Illinois, to teach in the township high school there. She held this position five years. In 1915 she was elected principal of the high school. While teaching in Milford she was secre- tary of the Iroquois County Teachers' Association. 2. Arnet Shirley— born March 26, 1889. Married September 29, 1912, to Iva Kolb, daughter of Henry and Mary Kolb. Born to them : a. Helen Louise — born February 24, 1916. b. Eulalia Imogene — born March 11, 1922. 3. James Burr — born August 10, 1892. Graduated from the University of Illinois, 1915. Second Lieutenant, U. S. Air Service, Fifth Pursuit Group, 41st Aero Squadron. Died at Trier, Germany, May 5, 1919. Buried in the American Aerodrome Cemetery, Coblenz, Germany. 4. Feryl Frances — born October 13, 1894. Graduated from the University of Illinois in 1920. Lucy Pearl Hickman. Fervl Frances Hickman. 278 History of the Meiiarry Family LIEUT. JAMES BURR HICKMAN, A. S. Within little more than a quarter of a century lies the his- tory of one of America's aviators in the great war who kept faith with the loyalty covenant even to the last supreme sac- rifice. Born in Illinois in 1892, died at Trier, Germany, 1919, in the United States Air Service — in that interval are interwoven brilliant promise, accomplishments and high courage of youth. This brave young officer, the son of John Wesley Hick- man and Hope Burr Hickman, was born August 10, 1892. The keynote of his whole life may be found in an incident that happened when he was three years old. In the course of a journey he and his parents came to a river that had to be crossed by ferry. In transit the ferryman always insisted that those who crossed should step out of the vehicle — the river was swift, and the horses as a rule became frightened. On this occasion no one could convince the little boy that he should get out and stand on the ferry. "Me no 'fraid, me no 'fraid," he would insist and remained in his seat. It was only an incident, it is true, but therein is an epitome of his whole life. Keen, self-reliant, conservative, he showed a deep interest as a boy in out-of-door sports and in school. He entered the University of Illinois in 1911 and began the study of journal- ism. Brilliant in repartee and gifted with a joyous altruistic disposition, he became one of the leaders in one of the oldest Greek letter fraternities on the campus — Phi Kappa Sigma. When the chapter began the contemplation of a new home, his zeal was unflagging. Today the chapter house stands a worthy result of his interest and of those who worked with him. In his junior year he was on the staff of the Daily Illini, the daily paper of the university. In June, 1915, he finished his university course and spent the summer in Asheville, North Carolina, at his home. That fall he went to Chicago, where he became a member of the Chicago Daily News staff in the advertising department. In April, 1917, when the United States declared war upon Germany, to the courageous youth of America the way was as clear as the star-studded sky on a summer night. Their country had sounded reveille, and this young journalist, who loved honor and country more than life itself, responded. He volunteered and enlisted in the United States Ambulance Corps at Northwestern University with the hope that he could go to France at once. Delayed, as many corps were, his corps passed days and Lieutenant James Burr Hickman — Our Only Oold Star Soldier History of the Mkhakry Family 279 months in various army camps in the United State's waiting for the expected overseas order that did not come. In November, chafing with delay, he and many in the corps petitioned the War Department for transfer to the aviation section of the army. Mis petition was granted. After he completed the ground work in the United States School of Military Aeronautics at the University of Illinois he was sent to the flying held at Dallas, Texas. There he won his commission as second lieutenant in flying in July, 1918. In August his squadron was transferred to the United States School of Aerial Gunnery at Dayton, Ohio. October, 1918, the young officer was ordered overseas to complete the last stage in acrobatic flying at the American flying held at Issoudon, France. There in January his devo- tion won for him the honor of finishing the flying course before any other member in a class of seventy-five. In February he was assigned to the Second Army of Oc- cupation, Fifth Pursuit Group, 41st Aero Squadron. In April the unit received orders to proceed to grand headquarters of the United States Fxpeditionary Forces stationed at Coblenz, Germany. On May 5th. while the young aerial officer was making a cross-country flight from Trier, Germany, to Coblenz, in line of duty, there happened the accident that resulted in his death. He had just taken off from the Trier aerodrome and at the second turn toward the Moselle River the plane was seen to fall in a tail spin. It was evident to those on the field that the pilot was wrestling with the controls, but something went wrong — a broken wire or jammed stick — one of the unsolved mysteries of the air. The plane crashed and the young pilot's death was instantaneous. He was buried with full military honors in the American Aerodrome Cemetery at Coblenz, Germany. The body of Lieutenant Hickman was returned to the United States July 21, 1920, and was laid to rest in Floral Hill Cemetery at Hoopeston, Illinois, July 26, 1920. Fxcerpts from some of the letters of his comrades reveal the place he held in their hearts : <.* * * From the 41st you have heard of the accident that resulted in his death and of his life with the group written by those who came in closer contact with him than I, but I wish you to know that the officers of the other squadrons ad- mired him for his many noble traits of character and appre- ciated his worth to the Fifth Pursuit Group." "* * * He was the most jovial and fun-loving officer in the squadron. He and I were closer than mere friends. I never knew him to have an unkind word for anvbodv and he 280 History of the Meharry Family was always preaching the doctrine that everybody should smile." "What star, Of all the myriad planets of our night, Is by his glowing presence made more bright Who chose the Dangerous way, Scorning, while brave men died, ignobly safe to stay? Into the unknown vast, Where few could follow him, he passed, — On to the gate — the shadowy gate — and behind, his memory Avill ever be revered in the hearts of his friends and comrades — and the record of his honorable service will be preserved in the archives of the American Ex- peditionary Forces. Lncy Pearl Hickman. LILLIE GREENWOOD (HICKMAN) RANDOLPH Lillie Greenwood Hickman was born September 12, 1864, in Lovejoy Township, Iroquois County, Illinois, daughter of James Sylvester Hickman and Cornelia Bennett Meharry. She attended Amity Public School and finished Grand Prairie Seminary in 1887 with the degree of Mistress of Eng- lish. While there she was a charter member of the Young Women's Christian Association and a member of the Athenian Literary Society. At Bethel Church began the courtship of Lillie Green- wood and Valentine Randolph which culminated in their happy marriage August 15, 1888. Their honeymoon was spent in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the Centennial Exposition. The first seven years of their married life were spent on a farm near Hoopeston, Illinois. To them were born their three daughters : Gertrude Opal— born October 31, 1889. Mary Cornelia — born July 4, 1891. Lillie Gladys — born January 3, 1894. In 1895 Lillie Hickman Randolph moved to a large farm in Martinton Township near Plato, Illinois, where Viola Blos- som was born November 18, 1895, and died November 22, 1895. On his father's birthday, October 18, 1896, the first son. John Willoughby, was born. In 1900 the family moved to their own farm one-half mile east of Pittwood, Illinois. Here was born, October 11, 1900, Charles Ethelbert. In 1909, to educate her children, she moved to Onarga, Illinois, where all five were graduated from Grand Prairie Seminary and then attended other institutions of higher learning. History of the Meharry Family 2X1 The year of 1922 was quite an eventful one in the life of Lillie Randolph, for on March 13th and March 18th were born her two granddaughters, Evangeline Opal Bushey and Vir- ginia Rose Lesch. Then on August 9th, 15th and 16th oc- curred the marriages of John, Opal and Charles. The follow- ing is quoted from the Onarga Leader and Review: "The honeymoon special passed through Onarga last week, taking as passengers three members of the Randolph family. The marriage of Miss Opal Randolph to Mr. August Arndt, August 15th, was chronicled last week. An account of the marriage of Mr. John Randolph to Miss Orlean Moore, August 9th, taken from an Alabama paper, will be found else- where in this issue. The third of the triple marriages was that of Charles Randolph, the younger son, to Miss Nettie Overturf, of Camargo, Illinois, which occurred at Watseka, August 16. The young couple was accompanied to Watseka by Mr. and Mrs. Randolph where they were met by the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Overturf. The ceremony was performed by Rev. William Brown, of the Friends Church. Mr. and Mrs. John Randolph motored here from Alabama on their honeymoon. Mr. and Mrs. Arndt made a motor trip to Chi- cago and about the lakes, and Charles Randolph and wife motored to Starxed Rock." Lillie Randolph is a member of the Home and Foreign Missionary Societies of the M. E. Church, the W. C. T. U., the Onarga Woman's Club and the Ruskin (Study) Club. VALENTINE WILLOUGHBY RANDOLPH Valentine W. Randolph was born in a log house in Logan Count}-, Illinois, October 18, 1862. He saw deer pass the house many times. He attended country school at Union School, and then moved with his father's family in a covered wagon to Iroquois Count}- in February, 1875. He attended district school in the winter and herded cat- tle on the prairie during the summer. When he attended Taylor Institute at Paxton, Illinois, for four terms, tuition was $6 a term and board $1.25 a week. He later attended Grand Prairie Seminar}- and then taught school for five years. August 15, 1888, he married Lillie G. Hickman and moved to a farm west of Hoopeston, where the}- lived until 1895, when the}- moved to a larger farm near Plato. When he bought a farm one-half mile east of Pittwood, the family moved there in 1900. where they lived until 1909, when they moved to Onarga for better educational advantages. V. W. Randolph has been a Sunday School superinten- dent for twelve years, higtiwav commissioner, ditch commis- 282 History of the Meharry Family sioner, supervisor from Onarga Township, alderman, trustee of Grand Prairie Seminary. He worked as an organizer of the United Grain Growers for one year and is now complet- ing his fifth year as a state representative for the Illinois Agricultural Association. GERTRUDE OPAL (RANDOLPH) ARNDT Gertrude Opal Randolph, daughter of Lillie (Hickman) Randolph and Valentine W. Randolph, was born October 31, 1889, on a farm near Hoopeston. Her parents moved to a farm near Plato in 1895, where she started her education in a country school, College Corner. In 1900 she moved with her parents to their new farm one- half mile east of Pittwood. There she finished her grade school work and taught her first year of school in the primary room. In 1910 she received diplomas from the departments of College Preparatory and of Oratory of Grand Prairie Semi- nary. In the summer of 1909, Opal was a delegate to the Young Women's Christian Association conference at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and served as president of the seminary Y. W. C. A. while a senior. Gertrude Opal entered Northwestern University in the fall of 1910 as an honor student from the seminary. For the two years she was there she took an active part in college dra- matics. She taught in the Honeywell building at Hoopeston from 1912 to 1916; at Thawville, 'Illinois, from 1916 to 1920 (serv- ing as principal of the high school the last two vears), and at Iroquois from 1920 to 1922. While teaching at Iroquois she met August H. L. Arndt, whom she married on her parents' thirty-fourth wedding an- niversary, August 15, 1922. His parents were also married thirty-four years the same month. Mr. and Mrs. Arndt are now living on the Pittwood home place. AUGUST H. L. ARNDT August H. L. Arndt, son of Anna Matilda (Dieke) Arndt and August Albert Arndt, was born and reared in Chicago, Illinois, where he received his education in the grade and high schools. He worked in the patent law office and was con- nected with the mechanical department of the C, M. & St. P. R. R. until he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the engineering department on board the U. S. S. Kansas throughout the World War, History of the Meharry Family 283 August H. L. Arndt and Opal Randolph were married August 15, 1922. They spent their first winter in Chicago, where he was in the employ of the C, M. & St. P. R. R. In the spring of 1923 they moved to Pittwood, Illinois, on the Ran- dolph home place. MARY CORNELIA (RANDOLPH) BUSHEY Maiw Randolph Bushey, the second daughter of Lillie Hickman Randolph and V. W. Randolph, was born on a farm seven miles west of Hoopeston, Illinois, on July 4, 1891. When four years of age the family moved to a farm west of Pittwood, where the next five years were spent. It was in the little country schoolhouse near here that Mary began her school work. The elementary grades were completed in 1906, and that fall she began her high school work at Grand Prairie Seminary in Onarga, Illinois, graduating from there in the academic course in June, 1910. The following year she received another diploma from the Art Department of the same school. The next few years were spent at home as mother's helper. However, a large portion of her time was used in working in the school, the Epworth League, Standard Bear- ers, the Public Library, as well as continuing with her art work. In the fall of 1916 she entered the Illinois State Normal School at Normal, graduating from the Art Department there two years later, or in June, 1918. That fall she began her work as a public school teacher in the eighth grade at Ashkum, Illinois, where she taught two years. June 16. 1920, she was married to Leslie L. Bushey at the home of Rev. Boyer in Urbana, Illinois. They began their wedded life in Peoria, Illinois, but soon moved to Algona, Iowa, where nearly a year was spent, when they w r ere trans- ferred to El Reno, 'Oklahoma. On March 13, 1922, a daughter was born to them in Oklahoma City. The majority of that year was spent in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Muskogee, Okla- homa, and in Wichita and Hutchinson, Kansas, where Mr. Bushey 's work called him. But by fall he was promoted to be branch manager of the Little Rock, Arkansas, office of the Crowell Publishing Co., where thev are now living. 284 History of the Meharry Family LESLIE L. BUSHEY Leslie L. Bushey, the second son of Elizabeth Scott Bushey and James Calvin Bushey, was born in Mason City, Iowa, on the 12th of March, 1896. Before he was a year old he moved with his parents to Iowa Falls, where his father was professor of music in the Ellsworth College. When he was five the family moved to Bushnell, where Leslie began his school life. After spending five years here they moved to Gilman, Illinois, where Leslie finished the four years of high school in 1914. Leslie Bushey first entered the business world as a clerk in Powell's store at Gilman. Later he had a moving picture show and also a music store in Onarga. From there he went to Fairbury, Illinois, as a salesman in the dry goods department of the Walton store. Soon he obtained the position of manager of the dry goods depart- ment in Block & Kuhl's basement store at Peoria, leaving there to accept the same type of position in the Springfield Dry Goods Co. He joined the J. C. Penney Co. in 1920 with which he worked nearly three years in Algona, Iowa, and in El Reno, Oklahoma. Shortly after joining the J. C. Penney Co. he married Mary Randolph. In December, 1921, he be- gan working for the Crowell Publishing Co., the publishers of the American Magazine, Woman's Home Companion, Col- liers' and the Mentor. He was rapidly promoted from sales- man through field manager to branch manager with his office at Little Rock, Arkansas. Evangelene Opal Bushey, daughter of Mary Randolph Bushey and L. L. Bushey, was born in the L^niversity State Hospital at Oklahoma City, March 13, 1922. When six weeks of age she began traveling and in the first year of her life lived in Oklahoma, Kansas, Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas. LILLIE GLADYS (RANDOLPH) LESCH Lillie Gladys Randolph, daughter of Lillie Hickman and Valentine W r . Randolph, was born near Hoopeston, Illinois, January 3, 1894. Attended the grade school at Pittwood, Il- linois, and high school at Onarga, Illinois, 1910-1911, and later transferred to Grand Prairie Seminary, Onarga, Illinois, from which she graduated in 1913. Taught first grade work in the Hoopeston school from January to June, 1914. Attended Normal School at Normal, Illinois, summer of 1914; taught the seventh and eighth grades at Thawville, Illinois, 1914- 1915. On December 3, 1916, married Roy E. Lesch at Onarga, Illinois. After a short honeymoon trip to Chicago, Illinois. thev settled down on a farm near Ridgeville, Indiana. History of the Meiiarry Family 28i ROY E. LESCH Roy E. Lesch, only son of Stephen and Rose Wordlidge Lesch, was born at Thawville, Illinois, November 27, 1896. Graduated from Thawville High School in 1912 and from the Johns National School of Auctioneering at Chicago, Illinois, in 1916. Virginia Rose Lesch, daughter of Roy E. and Gladys Ran- dolph Lesch, was born near Ridge ville, Indiana, March 18, 1922. JOHN WILLOUGHBY RANDOLPH John Willoughby Randolph, the first son of Lillie (Hick- man) Randolph and Valentine W. Randolph and the first Ran- dolph grandson, was born on his father's birthday, October 18, 1896, near Pittwood, Illinois. He finished Grand Prairie in 1916 and entered the agri- cultural department of the University of Illinois that fall. He served in the United States Navy during" the World War as an instructor in aviation motors. In 1920 he received the B. S. degree from the University of Illinois. After graduation he accepted the duties of assistant professor of agricultural engineering at the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, Auburn, Alabama. He is a member of Alpha Gamma Rho. At Montgomery, Alabama, on August 9, 1922, John Wil- loughby Randolph and Lula Orlean Moore were married. LULA ORLEAN (MOORE) RANDOLPH Lula Orlean Moore, daughter of William Hugh Moore and Olive Octavia (Jones) Moore, married John Willoughby Randolph August 9, 1922. She is a graduate of a southern university. CHARLES ETHELBURT RANDOLPH On October 11, 1900, Charles Ethelburt Randolph, son of Lillie and Valentine Randolph, was born. After three years in high school work he received his diploma in June, 1917. When he entered the University of Illinois in September he was too young to enlist in the regular S. A. T. C, so he joined what was called the "kid company." Until the war ended and the university was restored to its usual methods, he was under military discipline. While a senior at the uni- versity he spent most of his time in laboratory experimenta- tion for his thesis, entitled "The Histology and Histo Patho- 286 History of the Meharry Family logical Changes of the Lungs, Liver, Heart, Spleen and Kid- neys in Experimentally Induced Botulism." After receiving his degree of B. S. in June, 1922, he spent the summer in post graduate work on organic chemistry. On August 16, 1922, he was united in marriage with Nettie Overturf and then in September he began the pursuit (fol- lowed for a time by every member of his family) of science teacher and coach at the Sheldon Community High School. In the spring of 1923, the Honorable Senator Meents, of Ashkum, from twenty-five applicants, appointed Charles to a scholarship covering a five-year medical course in the Uni- versity of Illinois. At the printing of this history he will be in Chicago working on his medical course. NETTIE (OVERTURF) RANDOLPH Nettie Overturf, daughter of William and Rose Overturf, was born near Camargo, Illinois, January 8, 1902. After re- ceiving her diploma from the Tuscola High School, she en- tered the Music Department at Illinois Woman's College at Jacksonville, Illinois. Robert Greenwood Randolph, son of Charles E. and Net- tie M. (Oerturf ) Randolph, was born July 14, 1923. EVA FLORENCE (HICKMAN) ADSIT Eva Florence, daughter of James S. and Cornelia (Me- harry) Hickman, was born January 7, 1867. She attended Grand Prairie Seminary. March 22, 1893, she married Samuel Perry Adsit, son of Dewitt and Laura Adsit, born January 2, 1870. Eva Florence w r as elected president of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society at Wellington, Illinois, and held that office for four terms. Their early married life was spent on a farm near Wellington, Illinois, where their four children were born. 1. Sherman Cordes — born December 16, 1893. 2. Lois Cornelia — born September 27, 1896. 3. Wendell P.— born July 16, 1898. 4. Gay lord Dewitt — born February 1, 1901. Sherman Cordes Adsit, son of Samuel P. and Eva Florence (Hickman) Adsit, was married to Mayme Bramer, daughter of George and Ruth Bramer, April 20, 1918. Lois Cornelia (Adsit) Pruitt, daughter of Samuel P. and Eva Florence Adsit, was married to Harold Hurd Pruitt, son of Frank A. and Myrtle A. Pruitt, March 14, 1920. To this union was born : Franklin Adsit— born julv 8, 1922. History of the Meharry Family 287 LUCY MAY HICKMAN Lucy May Hickman, youngest daughter of James S. and Cornelia B. (Meharry) Hickman, was born June 26, 1871, on the old home place near Hickman. Illinois. Attended the Amity public school and at the early age oi fourteen united with the Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church. Graduated, [nne. 1892, from Grand Prairie Seminary, Onarga, Illinois, with the degree ol Mistress of English Literature. After her moth- er's death in 1900, she moved to Danville, Illinois, where for the past seventeen years she has held a prominent position in one of the department stores. Charter member of the Danville Young Woman's Chris- tian .Association. Member of the Danville Chapter No. 854, Order of the Eastern Star. CHARLES WILBUR HICKMAN Charles Wilbur Hickman, son of James S. and Cornelia Bennett (Meharry) Hickman, was born July 7, 1874. Gradu- ate of the commercial department of the Greer College, Hoopeston, Illinois, in 1895. Member of Psi Omega Dental Fraternity. Graduated from the dental department of North- western University, April, 1899. Located in Danville, Illi- nois, May, 1899. Married December 23, 1903, to Sophia C, daughter of William (). and Martha J. Cunningham, born December 21, 1880. Two children were born to this union : Martha Helen— born May 8, 1907. Entered Danville High School, 1921. Elizabeth Jane — born April 2, 1911. Attending sixth grade at Garfield School. Charles Wilbur Hickman is a member of the First Church of Christ. Member of the official board, holding the position of treasurer of same since 1915. Belongs to Danville Lodge No! 332, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. A thirty- second-degree Mason since 1919. Shriner of Ansar Temple of the Mystic Shrine, Springfield, Illinois, since 1920. Be- longs to the following fraternal societies: Woodmen of the World, Royal Arcanum, Mystic Workers, Ben Hnr, and Court of Honor. HARRY LUMAN HICKMAN Harry Lnman Hickman, son of James S. and Cornelia Bennett (Meharry) Hickman, was born December 26, 1876. 288 History of the Meharry Family Attended Amity public school and in 1895 attended Greer College at Hoopeston, Illinois. Entered Grand Prairie Semi- nary the following year. After two years took up farming on the old home place as his life work. September 4, 1902, was married to Ethel Jane, daughter of John W. and Mary Highfield, born November 16, 1881. A few years later moved on a farm near Laddonia, Missouri, where they still reside. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen. JAMES ALEXANDER MEHARRY James Alexander, the fourth child of James and Margaret (Francis) Meharry, was born in Montgomery County, Indi- ana, at the homestead, December 20, 1835. He died with whooping cough, March 30, 1836, and is buried in the Meharry Cemetery. Allen Wiley Meharry ALLEN WILEY MEHARRY Allen Wiley, the fifth and youngest child of James and Margaret (Francis) Meharry, was born at the old homestead in Montgomery County, Indiana, December 2, 1837. At the age of two and one-half years, unknown to his parents, he ate a quantity of corn, soaked in rat poison, which was intended to kill crows. When found by his mother he was unconscious. Restoratives and home remedies were used, medical aid summoned, and his life saved, but upon examina- tion it was found that the poison had destroyed the soft palate and affected the vocal cords, injuring the eustachian tube and thus depriving him from speech and hearing. The most em- History of the Meharry Family 289 cient physicians of the day in Indianapolis and Chicago were consulted, only to express the opinion that he must be a mute for life. At an early age he was placed in the Institute for Deaf and Dumb at Indianapolis, where he received training for nine years, the cooper trade being- his specialty. He resided on the farm with his parents until their death, afterwards being cared for by his brother and two sisters under the guardianship of his two oldest uncles. By will, his father left the residue of his estate to his unfortunate son. June 6, 1876, he met and married Mary E. Wilcox, a mute, at Clarks Hill, Indiana, Esquire Wall, of Eafayette, In- diana, performing the ceremony. This union was childless. The unhappy marriage caused a divorce in the spring of 1878. Upon the death of one of his uncles, his brother, Greenleaf N., was appointed his guardian and served until his death in 1895. In the year 1879 he took up his residence with his sister, Mrs. David Crawford, and family, on the farm near Tolono, Illinois. He continued to reside with them on the farm until the year 1895, when they moved to Champaign, later moving to Urbana, Illinois. Not enjoying city life, in the year 1901, he returned to Indiana and made his home with his sister-in- law, Mrs. G. N. Meharry, on her farm near Shawnee Mound, until her death in 1911, continuing his home with his niece, Miss Anna V. Meharry, on the same farm, in 1922. In early boyhood he was converted at a Methodist altar and continued to hold his membership in the same faith with the Shawnee Church. He was of a bright and happy disposition, making the best of his affliction. He enjoyed the companionship of his Bible and the daily newspapers. His pleasures were various, being riding, driving, fishing, hunting and visiting. He also knew the many and hard tasks of farm life. He was well provided with this world's gifts, the income from his 800 acres of land, under the guardianship of his neph- ew, Ira G. Meharry, being sufficient for his maintenance. On March 25, 1924, after about eighteen months of linger- ing in and battling with old age, and during a heavy electrical storm, his spirit took its flight, to mingle no more here upon this earth. He was the last of a family of four to pass away. On the afternoon of March 28th, funeral services were held in the home of the deceased's nieces, the Misses Meharry, of Shawnee Mound, Indiana. Rev. Willsey officiated. His re- mains were deposited in a cement vault beside those of his mother in the Meharry Cemetery. Ira ( i. Meharry. 290 History of the Meharry Family Sixth branch Mary (Meharry) Beach Nathan Beach MARY (MEHARRY) BEACH Mary — the only daughter among the seven sons of Alex- ander and Jane Meharrv — was born in Adams County, Ohio, November 25, 1803. She married Nathan Beach in 1832 at her mother's home in Adams County. In the spring of 1837 she moved with her family to Indi- ana, settling one mile north of Wingate, Indiana. She was one of those genuine, godly women, who move about quietly, making no stir, yet leaving the world better and brighter for having lived in it. Early in life she gave her- self to God's service and was a faithful member of the Metho- dist Church until her death. She was one of those who feed on God's word, her mind being a storehouse of precious things. Often in common conversation, or when asked some question, she would answer by quoting a passage of Scripture, thus throwing light on many perplexing questions. Her life was an inspiration to all who knew her. She recommended and lived the life she professed. Her gentle, loving ways, her earnest solicitude for others and her staunch, abiding faith in God's will will long be re- membered, and it has been said that to know her was to know God better. She died April 9, 1868, and her earthly remains lie buried beside those of her husband in the Meharry Burying Ground north of Wingate, Indiana. History of the Meharry Family 291 Mary Meharry's husband, Nathan Beach, was born Feb- ruary 6, 1798. He was the eldest of seven brothers and five sisters. His father's name was Stephen. His ancestors have been authentically traced back to the De La Bechi (Besha) family, of Wallingford, England, three of whom were crowned knights. One, Sir Thomas De La Bechi, having been aide-de- camp to the Black Prince of history. When they crossed the ocean they took the plain name of Beach ashore with them. Nathan Beach moved with his family by steamboat down the Ohio river and up the Wabash to Attica, Indiana. They settled in a cabin near Pleasant Hill, now Wingate. He soon after bought and settled on Section 2, Township 20, Range 6, one mile north of Wingate. On this homestead he lived and worked until his death on September 15, 1874. His remains were laid to rest beside those of his wife, who, six years be- fore, had preceded him to the Great Beyond. He was one of the sturdy, fearless men, a typical pioneer, who pushed ahead and blazed a trail for others who follow. Six children were born to Nathan and Mary, three of whom lived to establish homes of their own. Arthur A. Beach. STEPHEN ALEXANDER RUFUS BEACH Stephen Alexander Rufus Beach was the oldest son of Nathan and Alary Meharry Beach, and was born January 2. 1835, near W T est Union, Adams County, Ohio. At the age of two years he moved with his parents by steamboat down the Ohio River and up the Wabash to Attica, Indiana. His father bought and settled on Section 2, Township 20, His father bought and settled on Section 11, Township 20, Range 6, which land Stephen helped to clear of timber and to cultivate. Here he spent his boyhood and at the age of 19 attended Asbury University, now DePauw, at Greencastle, Indiana. After attending this institution for a time, ill health made it necessary for him to give up college life and he went back to the farm. Soon after this he went to Kansas, where he pre-empted 160 acres of land and bought 160 acres from the Indians, all of which he soon disposed of and returned to his old home at Wingate. In 1859 he was married to Margaret Ellen Carter, daugh- ter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Carter, of near Shawnee Mound, Indiana. Rev. Nebbecker performed the ceremony. Miss Carter was born March 27, 1837, and died December 1, 1868. She was of a kind and loving disposition, faithful in the least 292 History of the Meharry Family things of life. Their wedded life was a happy one, but of short duration. To this union five children were born: 1. Corwin Lucas — born February 8, 1861. Eldest son of Stephen and Margaret Carter Beach. He was married to Suretta Ogle, March 30, 1879, near Wingate, and is living near the old home of his fathers. Corwin L. and Suretta Beach's children are: 1. Eulala Gertrude — born April 4, 1880, near Wingate. Was married to William Warrick in September, 1900. Children — Arthur, Genevieve, Mary, Waneta. and Edith, who died in infancy. 2. Howard Harrison — second son of Corwin, was born August 6, 1882, near Wingate, Indiana. 3. Baby son — born November 14, 1885, lived eight weeks. 4. Jennie Edna Beach — second daughter of Corwin Beach, was born June 29, 1887, near Shawnee Mound, Indiana. She was married to Arch Foxworthy. Their children are Homer and George Corwin. 5. Grace Beach — the youngest child, was born December 21, 1895, at the old homestead near Wingate, Indiana. She has lived all her life in the vicinity of Wingate. For a few years she taught a Sunday School class in the pri- mary department of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Read- ing, music, and art were here favorite studies. In 1916 she helped to give a cantata at Battle Ground. She married Harry Small, of Shawnee, Indiana, February 15, 1917, at the parson- age of Rev. Craig, of Crawfordsville. They settled on a farm in the Shawnee community. She served as the corresponding secretary of the Woman's Home Missionary Society of the Shawnee Mound Methodist Episcopal Church. 2. Samuel Josiah — second son of Stephen and Margaret Beach, of Wingate, Indiana, was born at Danville, Illinois, May 31, 1883. He was married to Nettie May Jett, of Win- gate, Indiana, at Danville, Illinois, May 31, 1883. Their children were : 1. Belva Anna — born November 20, 1884; died August, 1885. 2. Leslie Jett — married Grace Withrow, December 25, 1908, at Newberg, Oregon. A daughter died in infancv. Nettie Esther, a second child, was born Oc- tober 4, 1911. 3. Arthur Jordan — born near Crawfordsville, Indiana. He was married to Marie Ethel Harris at Salt Lake City September 16, 1913. History of the Meharry Family 293 Xettie ( Jett ) Beach passed away February 25, 1897. Samuel Beach was married the second time to Anna Florella Brown, May 15, 1898, at Liberty, Indiana. Their present home is in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he is state manager of the Southern Surety Co. Their children are : Southern Surety Co. Their children are : 1. Floyd Samuel — born in Anderson, Indiana, February 11/1902. 2. Florence Aggleston — born in Indianapolis, January 15, 1905. 3. Anna Mary — the oldest daughter of Stephen and Mar- garet Beach. Was married to Alvin G. Cone, September 21, 1890, at the home of her father near Wingate, Indiana. Her children are : 1. Leah Inez Cone — born August 21, 1891, near Fort Wayne, Indiana. Was married to Virgil Clayton Riv- ers in February, 1912. She and her husband reside at present in Crawfordsville, Indiana. 2. Aurelia Charlotte — born March 31, 1897, near Win- gate, at which place she and her parents still reside. She is a student in high school. 4. Elizabeth Ellen — youngest daughter of Samuel and Mar- garet Beach. Married to David Patton Jolley September 30, 1888. To this union was born two children: 1. Viola Anna — born September 9, 1889. Was married to Claude Adams Gray, June 30, 1907, in Wingate, Indiana, and they are living on the old home place. Their children are : Mildred Andrew Grav, born April 26. 1909; died Februarv 28, 1910; and' Elsie Grav, born March 24. 1912. 2. Willard — a second child, was born to Elizabeth Beach Jolley March 16, 1891, at Romney, Indiana, and died November 3, 1905, near Wingate at the age of 15 years. 5. Arthur — youngest son of Samuel and Margaret Beach, died very young. Stephen Beach was again married on October 1, 1870, to Hannah Eliza Espey in Tolono, Illinois, by Rev. McNair. To this union were born five children : Alice Carey, Willard An- sell, Jessie Walter, George C. and Martha, (twins), all of whom, except George and Alice, have passed to the beyond. Hannah (Espey) -Beach died in January, 1889. She was the second wife of Stephen Beach and was born in Georgetown, Ohio, in 1838. She removed with her parents — James and Mary Espey, descendants from a good old branch of the Espey familv — to Illinois about the vear 1863. Following: their mar- 294 History of the Meharry Family riage she came with her husband to his home at Wingate, where she shared with him life on the farm. Hannah was a faithful, cheerful and industrious wife, a kind and devoted mother to the four motherless children left by Stephen's first wife, as well as a good mother to her own five children. Nine- teen years of wedded life were hers when she was called to leave all and go home. Two of her children are living at the present time (1914). She died in January, 1889. Alice Carey — eldest child of Stephen and Hannah, was born at Wingate, Indiana, October 17, 1871. At the age of 21 she moved with her father's family to Crawfordsville, Indiana, where she continued her musical education, in which line she was quite gifted. On October 19, 1898, she was united in marriage to Homer D. Bowers, a grad- uate of "old Wabash," who at that time was one of the professors in the high school. Two years after her mar- riage she and her husband determined to go to Kirksville, Missouri, to take up the study of osteopathy. They both graduated from the school in 1902 and both are successful doctors in this line at Newberg, Oregon. To them was born a beautiful daughter, who was the sunshine of their home for two or three years when the angel came and bore her away. In her place came a son, whom they named Myron, who is now the joy of the home. George C. — son of Stephen and Hannah Beach, is living in Joplin, Missouri. On April 3, 1890, Stephen Beach was married the third time to Rachel Victoria Holton at Frazee, Minnesota, by Rev. Rice. To this union were born two sons — Paul Irving and Merritt Stephen — both of whom have grown to manhood. Stephen Beach chose farming for his life work. At the age of 50 he had acquired a magnificent farm of about 600 acres near Wingate, Indiana, part of which was the old home- stead. Here he lived until 1893, when he moved with his family to Crawfordsville, Indiana, and took up his residence there, but still superintending the running of the farm. He took an active part in all progressive movements and was conspicuous in political, temperance, church, and social work. He was a ready writer and contributed largely to the newspapers. He was secretary of his Masonic Lodge for nearly twenty years, and was also secretary of the Meharry Burying Ground. He was one of the principal stockholders and leaders of the Meharry Grove Association. He was always wideawake and pushing, good-humored and never discouraged. He early in life connected himself with the Methodist Church, of which he was a faithful mem- History of the Meharry Family 295 her until the time of his death. He was a man highly hon- ored throughout the community. He was a man of splendid physique and good health until the summer of 1894, when he hecame afflicted with hoarseness resulting from a small wart or papilloma on one of his vocal cords. He had the best medical treatment, after the trouble was found serious, and was for weeks under the care of Dr. Woolen, the eminent specialist of Indianapolis, but all efforts to save his life proved unavailing. He passed to the great beyond on January 21, 1895, with full faith in his Redeemer. Among the last words to his loved ones at his bedside were these : "Christ has been with me through life and I know He will be with me in death. He is here with me now and will take me through the valley." His bod}' was brought from Indianapolis, where he died, to his home in Crawfordsville and then taken to Wingate and laid to rest in the Meharry Burying Ground. Rachel Victoria Holton, third wife of Stephen Beach, was born at Castle Rock, Wisconsin, April 29, 1860. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. N. Holton, the youngest of twelve children. At the age of eight years her mother died and at the age of twelve years her father took her to Min- nesota, to live with relatives. Here she attended country school and later attended school at Red Wing, Minnesota. Having determined to make teaching her life work and wishing to fit herself well she entered, in 1878, the First State Normal School at Winona, Minnesota, from which institution she was graduated in 1881. Nine years were spent in teaching, most of the time at Frazee and Detroit, Minnesota. April 3, 1890, she was united in imrriage to Stephen Beach at Frazee, Minnesota. She came with her husband to the old Beach homestead at \\ nigate, Indiana. Here they re- sided until 1893 when they moved to Crawfordsville. In 1895 Stephen died, leaving her with two young sons, Paul and Merritt Stephen. In 1896, at Crawfordsville, she was married to Orlando H. Baker, ex-U. S. Consul to Copenhagen, Den- mark, an old college friend of her first husband. Mr. Baker took her and her two sons to his home in Indi- anola. Iowa, where they lived until 1900, when Mr. Baker was appointed by President McKinley to the position of Consul at Sydney, Australia, at which place she spent five years. In the summer of 1905, Mr. Baker having obtained a three months' leave of absence, they returned to America. Mrs. Baker remained with her sons until the summer of 1912, when she again left the homeland to join her husband in San- dakan, British North Borneo, to which place Mr. Baker had been transferred as Consul. The following" vear Mr. and Mrs. 296 History of the Meharry Family Baker left Borneo to return home via the Philippines. At Manila they took the U. S. Transport Thomas for San Fran- cisco, via Japan and Honolulu. While the transport was ly- ing at anchor in the harbor of Nagasaki, Japan, because of a typhoon in the ocean and could not sail, Mr. Baker, after a short illness, passed away, leaving Mrs. Baker to finish the long journey alone, bringing the body home to be buried at Indianola, Iowa. In November, 1913, Mrs. Baker left Iowa to go to Los Angeles, California, where she resides at the present time ( 1914) with her youngest son, who is continuing his studies in one of the colleges of Los Angeles. Paul Irving, son of Stephen and Rachel Beach, was born on the old homestead at Wingate, Indiana, March 23, 1891. At the age of two years he moved with his parents to Craw- fordsville, Indiana. It was not long after this that his father died. In 1896 he moved to Iowa with his. mother and step- father, Orlando H. Baker, and his brother Merritt. Mr. Baker, being a linguist and a teacher by profession, took great pains to instruct, early in life, both Paul and Merritt in the lan- guages, especially in Greek and Latin. In 1900 he accompa- nied his family to Sydney, Australia, where Mr. Baker had been sent as U. S. Consul. Five years were spent in Australia, when he returned with the family to Indianola, Iowa, where he attended high school and entered Simpson College. Just after completing his eighteenth year he received an appoint- ment as consular clerk in the Consulate at Sandakan, Borneo, to which place Mr. Baker had been transferred as Consul. To this far-away country he made his way alone, going via San Francisco, Honolulu, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. Borneo being extremely hot, lying as it does di- rectly under the equator, the climate was such that his health here made it necessary for him to leave at the end of the year. He returned to Indianola and continued his studies in Simpson College and took an active part in the athletics of the school. At the age of 21 years he went to Los Angeles, California, where he entered into business life. Here, on June 26, 1913, he was married to Mary Agnes Connett, oldest daughter of John and Helen Connett, a native daughter of California, hav- ing been born in Los Angeles October 18, 1892. His home at the present is in Los Angeles and his chosen work lies in a business life. Merritt Stephen, youngest son of Stephen A. R. and Rachel Beach, was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana, August 16, 1894. At the age of five months his father died. In 1896 he moved with his mother and stepfather, Hon. Orlando H. Baker, and brother Paul to Indianola, Iowa, where he lived until 1900, when he accompanied his parents to Sydney, Aus- History of the Meharry Family 297 tralia, where Mr. Baker had been sent as L\ S. Consul by President McKinley. He celebrated his sixth birthday on the ocean trip to Australia in the vicinity of the Fiji Islands. While in Sydney he had the rare opportunity of studying under Mr. Baker both Greek and Latin with his brother Paul. He spent five years in Australia, returning with the family in 1905 to Indianola, Iowa, where he was graduated from the high school at the age of 18 years. In the fall of 1912 he entered Simpson College, continuing his studies, and, like his brother, took an active part in the athletics of the school. In 1913 he and his mother went to Los Angeles, Califor- nia, where he is continuing his college work at this date (1914). Rachel (Holton) (Beach) Baker. SARAH JANE FRANCES (BEACH) SHEETS 1. Sarah Jane Frances — oldest child of Nathan and Mary (Meharry) Beach, was born October 25, 1837 , and died March 2, 1868. She was married to John R. Sheets. To this union were born six children. 1. Mary Cecielia. Born April 1855. Died August 14, 1855. aged four months. 2. Orleva Lee. Born in 1861. Died June 8, 1863. aged two years and eight months. 3. Charles Nathan Luther Sheets was born September 19, 1856. He was married to Florence L. Coon (who was born January 2. 1859) October 10, 1878. He made his home with Mrs. Harriet Evans and Mr. Alexander Me- harry. He was a devoted Christian and a member of the Methodist Church. He went into business in Wingate by opening an ice cream parlor; later added a restaurant and later a grocer)- store. Charles Sheets spent almost his entire life in and around Wingate, entering business there about thirty years ago, hav- ing been in business in \\ nigate longer than any other man. During this long period of business he always showed himself keenly interested in the welfare of the community, always entering into any movement for town improvement with spirit and zeal. In early manhood he surrendered his life to Christ and united with the Methodist Church, and since that time took an active part in the church life. Charles Sheets was a true husband, a loving lather and a loyal friend and noble citizen. 298 History of the Meharry Family He became a charter member of the K. of P. fraternity and in this capacity proved a true and loyal brother. He died at his late home in Wingate May 15, 1914, and was buried in Greenlawn Cemetery at Wingate. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Sheets had seven children, five of whom are still living. 1. Arthur Garfield Sheets, oldest son, was born June 9, 1880. After he became 21 he followed the carpenter trade and is now running a billiard hall in Wingate. He and his mother live together. 2. Frank Leslie Sheets, the second son, was born September 16, 1882, and was educated in Wingate, Indiana. When he became of age he took up the barber business and later moved to Attica, where he was united in marriage with Lydia R. Fix June 24, 1906, in the home of Aunt Rebecca Meharry. Three children were born to this union : Florence Louise — born November 24, 1907. Margaret Wilmetta — born January 12, 1909. Charles Daniel— born March 30, 1913. 3. Vida Cecil Sheets, oldest daughter of Charles and Flor- ence (Coon) Sheets, was born March 15, 1884. She was edu- cated in Wingate, Indiana. She was married March 14, 1916, to William Haxton and they lived on a farm northwest of Newtown. Mrs. William Haxton died from influenza June 12, 1920. 4. John Robert Sheets, third son of Charles and Florence (Coon) Sheets, was born August 12, 1896, in Wing'ate, Indiana. He was in the restaurant business with his father until his father's death. Then he was employed and is yet in Harry H. Gardiner's grocery store. On October 4, 1911, he was married to Versa Ingersoll and is still living in Wingate, Indiana. William McClelland Sheets, youngest son, was born March 1, 1888, in Wingate, Indiana, and died January 15, 1889. 5. Maneuona Mae Sheets was born February 9, 1890, in Wingate, Indiana, where she received her education. She was married August 27, 1910, to Herbert Hibbs, of Wingate, In- diana. One son was born to this union, Arthur Elwood Hibbs, March 22, 1911. They live in Fort Wayne and he works for a printing company. 6. Eva Irene Sheets was born October 31, 1892, being the youngest daughter, and was educated in Wingate, Indiana. She was married to Fred Rodgers, February 15, 1915. He was born July 10, 1894. They live on a farm near Wingate, Indiana. 4. Laura Jane Sheets. Born 1858, died June 2, 1886, age 28 years, unmarried. 5. Sarah Irene. Born June 8, 1866. History of the Meharry Family 299 JOSIAH NATHAN BEACH Josiah Nathan Beach was born April 1, 1840. His father was Nathan Beach and his mother Mary (Meharry) Beach. There were five sons and one daughter in this family ; Stephen, A. R., Josiah Nathan, Josephus, and two other boys and a daughter, Sarah. Josephus and these two boys died very young in life. Sarah Beach married John R. Sheets, born October 25, 1835; died March 2, 1868. Josiah was born near Wing-ate, Indiana, and there his boyhood and young manhood were spent. His school days were limited, consisting of only one term, and he said many times that he had to run away to get that. He delayed in marrying and stayed at home to care for his mother until her death. She died in his arms on April 19, 1867, when he was 27 years old. Three years later, wdien he was 30, on February 21, 1870, he married Ella Tracy House, daughter of George C. House, of Romney, Indiana. At this time he was engaged in buying and shipping cattle with Mr. House. Later he bought for himself and for more than twenty years he was in the saddle and rode over most of the middle western states. On November 2, 1870, a daughter was born to them. They named her Mayme E. M. Beach. After three short years of happiness his wife, Ellen Tracy (House) Beach, died October 15, 1873, and left him this little girl of three summers to care for. Thirteen months later, on November 15, 1874, he took unto himself a second wife, Mar}' E. Crouch. To this union was born, on November 28, 1876, Eva Lula Beach. She died shortly afterward. May 20, 1879, a second child was born, christened Garfield Nathan Beach. November 22, 1880, after four short years of wedded life, the wife and mother passed to the great beyond. With two little tots on his hands, Josiah felt his task too great, consider- ing the roving nature of his business, and, therefore, one year later, on November 17, 1881, he was joined the third time in wedlock to Elva Allen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Allen, near Darlington, Indiana. Elva Allen was born Octo- ber 21, 1861, just a few months after the breaking out of the Civil War. It is rather a peculiar circumstance that Josiah Nathan's three wives were all born in the month of October. To this last union were born four children : Arthur Austin Beach, August 20, 1882; Emerson Asa Beach, February 27, 1884; Estella Lavoona Beach, June 14, 1887; Everett josiah Beach, August 23, 1889. About the time of his first marriage he built a house on 300 History of the Meharry Family his farm on the line between Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties, about three miles northwest of Linden, Indiana. He resided there until 1890, when he moved to Linden. From there, a couple of years later, he moved to Lafayette, Indiana. Again, after a lapse of three years, he returned to his home place in Linden in May, 1894. In March, 1898, he returned to the farm. He remained on the farm for eight years ; then in March, 1906, he held a sale, disposing of everything. With his wife, Stella, Everett, Arthur A. and his wife, he left for Los Angeles, California. They remained there eighteen months and then returned to Crawfordsville, Indiana. In 1909 they removed to 460 Grant street, West Lafayette, Indi- ana, where he resided until his death. In 1910 he was taken dangerously ill and his doctors told him he could not recover. They took him to Hot Springs, Arkansas. He took the baths and returned home in 1911 in comparatively good health. On January 6, 1914, he was again taken sick and taken to Hot Springs. The baths failed to help him or give him relief. He died April 6, 1914, leaving the fol- lowing children : Garfield Nathan— born May 29, 1880. Married Golden Crull June 28, 1905. One child, born June 17, 1907, Martha R., died January 13, 1911. They were divorced in 1911. Gar- field is living at Linden, Indiana. Arthur A.— born August 20, 1882. Married Martha Bales, Jan- uary 20, 1905. April 6, 1906, nine days before the San Francisco earthquake, they moved to Los Angeles, Cali- fornia, where they have since resided. A. A. Beach is employed as a bookkeeper in the Security National Bank, Los Angeles, California. Emerson Asa Beach — born February 27, 1884. Married Grace Rice, November 17, 1904. To this union were born four children: Donald Harold Beach, born June 1, 1907; Helen Beach, born October 19, 1909; Floyd Beach. Em- erson Beach resides on the homestead near Linden, Indi- ana, and runs the farm. Estella Lavoona Marie Beach — born June 14, 1887. Unmarried. Attended DePauw University and now resides with her mother at Lafayette, Indiana. Mayme E. M. (Beach) Newton — born November 2, 1890. She attended college at DePauw. Married D. I. Newton in 1897. They had two children : Burnys Newton, born January 6, 1889; died January 1, 1914. Howard Newton, born July 10, 1907. The mother, Mayme E. M. (Beach) Newton, died November 10, 1907. Howard lives with his father, D. I. Newton, at Roinney, Indiana. History of the Meharry Family 301 Everett Josiah Beach — born August 23, 1889. Graduated from Purdue University in the class of 1913 in Electrical Engi- neering. 1 ne past two years he has been with the Gen- eral Electric Co. at Schenectady, New York. 3. Flavius Josephus, third child of Nathan and Mary (Me- harry) Beach, died in infancy. 4. Josiah Nathan, fourth child of Nathan and Mary (Me- harry ) Beach. Arthur A. Beach. 302 History of the Meharry Family Jesse Meharry Jane Love (Francis) Meharry ' " **£#! ' -1 ■■■■■■-' Be ^^~ ■: ■ m S3 ' '' 'x&M&kM-**'^ P* . .««rjp i> v* ^%r»*"3 \ ?%%& , - ^i&^JicBI . • ||| y •i c>~-r r/. 1 33 1 4smkIA ^^Hi ^'^ ; »^S|> "^S*^»- pt ^j --• I r 1 i, | 1 ' i "^|-"~^i ! l ^ «# -" f- m » • " ' *•" *"*V -•"- -. I 1 1 1 i : 1 V ■ it • ttw : - 4 " 1 1 1 .*, ■ 1 m k m HI - . 1 ' ■■ F •• " ,„. 'y?5^»»^T *^M WWT" Home of Jesse Meharry near Shawnee Mound, Indiana History of the Meharry Family 303 Seventh Branch JESSE MEHARRY Jesse, fifth child and fourth son of Alexander and Jane ( Francis) Meharry, was born August 15, 1806, near Manches- ter, Adams Count}', Ohio. In his youth lie wanted to enter West Point Military Academy, but was not successful in ob- taining an appointment to that institution, so his ambitions to become a military officer were not realized. Jesse remained at home until he was twenty years old. Then, in 1826, he started out for himself, and accompanied by his brother James, went to Texas on a tour of investigation. They went down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers from Cincinnati to New Orleans. Here they took passage from New ( )rleans for the interior of Texas. Concerning this trip, Air. Meharry wrote in his diary under date of February 26, 1879, as follows : "Fifty-two years ago today Brother James and I landed at Harrisburg on Buf- falo Bayou, Texas. There was not a house or town site at Gal- veston or Houston and not a home nearer than forty miles to Galveston." While on this journey their ship was sunk in the gulf at the mouth of the Rio Brazo. They were obliged to walk three hundred miles to the Red river, where they took passage for New Orleans on the way home. The country was so swampy they often waded through water up to their waists. They bought an Arabian pony, taking turns in riding it. Jesse and James had their money in gold coins with which to purchase the land they expected to buy. They car- ried it in one pocket until the skin was worn off the leg and then changed to the other with like results. Finally, they tied the gold in a handkerchief and carried it over their shoulders with a stick. After five months they returned to their old home in Ohio. They arrived after the family had retired for the night, so they walked into the living room and lay down before the fireplace. The next morning the mother, hearing some little disturbance, called, "Jamie, is that you?" and was delighted to find that her sons had returned. They did not like the Texas country nor the people and did not invest in the land. After a short rest at home Jesse, Hugh, James, and Thomas started for Indiana. Hugh, Thomas, and James took up land in northern Montgomery County, Indiana. Jesse and David entered land at Shawnee Mound, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. The brothers settled on this land and lived there the remainder of their lives. When (esse Meharry came to Indiana 304 History of the Meharry Family all he had in the world was $375 and of this he invested $300 in land at $1.25 per acre. Jesse Meharry and Jane Love Francis were united in marriage by Rev. James Smith on August 10, 1831, near De- catur, Ohio, which is close to the line between Adams and Brown counties. Late in the fall of the same year, Mr. and Mrs. Meharry came to their farm at Shawnee Mound, Indiana. Mr. Meharry 's diary states: "On December 9, 1831, wife and I moved into our cabin. The snow was half leg deep in the cabin with neither floor, loft nor chimney. But we made out to live. It was a cold winter. Much snow." There were no children born of this union, but Mr. and Mrs. Meharry were the foster parents of many homeless chil- dren. Henry Adams, Letitia Dillin Schultz, Lydia Stevens Wilson, Jennie Bennett Wheeler, Manda Moore, Martha Ma- lone, Harvey Hillis, and George Henry Geary were raised in this home, and all were given a good start in life. Jesse Meharry was converted at the age of twenty-two years on August 10, 1828. In his diary he wrote: "God for Christ's sake spoke peace to my soul and pardoned all my sins at a camp meeting near Bethel, Ohio. I thank God for his marvelous, loving kindness to me during all these years." Jesse Meharry was a successful farmer and owned large tracts of land in Indiana and Illinois. He was a justice of the peace for many years and was also commissioned as a notary public. He was legal advisor of the neighborhood and did most of the writing of legal documents for his brothers, such as deeds and wills. The time of which we write did not have banks in which to deposit money, as there are today. Jesse Meharry had a secret hiding place built into the wall of his house. It was a small vault or hollow place with a sliding door, but at times when a large surplus of money came in from the sale of grain or livestock, Mr. Meharry placed this money in a small iron kettle, went out in the dark without any light and buried the kettle. It was a common custom for pioneers to secretly bury their gold. The kettle Jesse Meharry used for this pur- pose is yet at his old home. Owing to the lack of banks, the Meharry brothers often accommodated one another with the loans of small sums of money for their daily needs. For many years the Shawnee Mound postoffice was kept at the home of Jesse Meharry. The mail was brought to his house by carrier in the early days from Crawfordsville and later from West Point. At first the carrier made the trip only once a week. Then the service was improved and the mail was brought twice a week. After the death of his wife, the care History of the Meharry Family 305 of the postoffice became so burdensome to Jesse that on April 1, 1867, it was moved to his brother David's residence. He was a very benevolent man and lived a life of purity. He had positive opinions and strong convictions. He was in- flexible in principle and pure and upright in personal habits. The generosity of Mr. Meharry 's nature is shown by the fact that when his loans were repaid to him he often deducted the full amount of the interest thereon. His diary shows that he made this a common practice in the later years of his life. As he frequently loaned money, the gifts made to his creditors in this way amounted to a considerable sum. A favorite gift of Jesse Meharry to relatives and friends was a set of solid silver teaspoons, or money for the recipient to purchase them. These spoons were his usual wedding gift. Many sets of them are yet in service. He was a staunch Republican. During the Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, when it seemed doubtful which way the issue would turn, he stood with a firm and unfaltering spirit for the support of the government. He placed the flag on top of the flagpole on Shawnee Mound every day to show the results of the conflict. He hung it at half mast when the North lost, but when the South lost he unfurled the stars and stripes from the top of the pole. An extract from Jesse Me- harry's diary during the war period states : "The Copper- heads tore down our flagpole on Shawnee today." At another time he wrote : "We had the President's proclamation today freeing all the negroes. Enough news for one day. Salvation ! Halleluiah! praise the Lord! and let every darkey say Amen! We will have a torchlight on the Mound tonight to celebrate their freedom." Jesse Meharry learned of President Lincoln's assassina- tion while in Attica, Indiana. He heard a man reading the account from a newspaper which he had just received. The man was surprised and indignant over the terrible news and exclaimed, "G d , Booth !" Jesse said : "I was strongly tempted to say amen." That was the nearest Jesse Meharry ever came to swearing. He never used profanity. During the war he assisted the government by buying all the government bonds he could which after the war made him quite a fortune. He was a delegate to the Whig stage convention in 1840. At his suggestion a mass meeting was held at Battle Ground, Indiana, where the Battle of Tippe- canoe was fought. At that meeting the bones of the soldiers who lost their lives in that battle were gathered up and re- buried on the battlefield. The national government and the state of Indiana have erected a large monument in memory of the heroes who lost their lives in this battle. 306 History of the Meharry Family During Mr. Meharry's lifetime he gave away an ample fortune. He was a liberal man and he loved to give. He realized that God had the first claim, that he was but a stew- ard. He rejoiced that a portion of his means had been sent to every mission field connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. When a boy he listened to a lecture in behalf of Li- beria. At its close he gave away every cent he had in the world — 37 cents. Among many other donations he made a payment of $500.00, which entitled him to be a life member of the missionary society of the Methodist Church. Sometimes he felt that his generosity was imposed upon, as is shown by the following lines taken from his diary : "I attended Sunday school and class today. A very good turn- out ; we tried to raise the deficit on the preacher's pay, but failed. I gave $90 and they want me to foot the bill. O con- sistency, thou art a jewel !" Occasionally he also felt that he was neglected, as one day in 1875 he wrote in his diary : "All the family have gone to Isaac Meharry's to an oyster supper and I am alone. The wind is howling and I am lonely. Oh, the vanity and carelessness of youth. No thought for the aged." On April 23, 1869, Jesse Meharry wrote to Governor Baker offering his farm of 394 acres at Shawnee Mound as a gift to the state of Indiana if he would locate the new state agricultural college there. On June 10 the governor, trustees of the college and many others visited the farm. Mr. Meharry's diary states: "They seemed favorably impressed, but the committee did not come to any decision. The governor made no pledges." On July 20, 1869, Mr. Meharry was notified by telegram that the committee had located the college at La- fayette, Indiana. The institution is now called Purdue Uni- versity, as it received large endowments from Mr. Purdue. There was considerable rivalry in trying to secure the college. Besides Mr. Purdue and Mr. Meharry, Mr. Fowler, of Fowler, Indiana, offered land to be used for the purpose. After Jesse Meharry's offer of his farm to the state of Indiana as a site for an agricultural college was rejected he became interested in Asbury University and made liberal dona- tions to that institution. His first gift of $10,000 was made August 3, 1872. Rev. H. A. Gobin, of Greencastle. paid Mr. Meharry the following tribute: "In 1872 Asbury University seemed to have reached a crisis in its history. Jesse Meharry then came forward with his gift of $10,000 to help the strug- gling institution. It was an act of wisdom, full of Christian liberality, which is now bearing noble fruits. His name is inscribed on the doors of the hall which bears his name (and History of the Mk harry Family 307 East College, DePauw University, Greencastle, Ind. Upon the north wall of the entrance to this building is carved the name of Rsv. Alexander Meharry, who was one of the early contributors to the endowment fund of the University. Meharry Hall (shown below) is located in this building. The insert is a glimpse of the campus path to thf doorway of East College. Chapel in East College, DePauw University, called Meharry Hall. Oil portraits of Jesse and Jane Wilson (Francis) Meharry and Alexander and Eliza (Ogden) Me- harry hang in this chapel. (Courtesy of DePauw University) 308 History of the Meharry Family this by no request of his). Meharry Hall is a grand old build- ing, which has withstood the storm and stress for sixty-three years." At the time of Jesse Meharry's first contribution of $10,- 000, East College stood uncompleted. His money helped to provide funds for the plastering and interior finishing of this building. The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Meharry and those of Rev. Alexander Meharry and his wife hang in Me- harry Hall, a large auditorium located in East College. Jesse Meharry's bounty provided the means for the edu- cation of a number of indigent students. At the time of his death he had given eighteen young men a college education. "I never lost a dollar doing this," said Mr. Meharry. In his will he directed that Arthur Hazelton, a young man who was studying for the ministry, be given needful expenses for finish- ing his studies, also $100 upon the completion thereof. Jesse Meharry's memory is held in grateful reverence by many students, some of whom have carried it as missionaries to China and Japan. Charles F. Peterson, a Swedish boy, graduated with high honors in the class of 1882 from DePauw University. Dr. Earp is quoted as saying : "Charles Peterson was the greatest lin- guist that ever graduated from DePauw." He went to China and while there he helped to write the Constitution of the Republic of China. Robert F. Kerr graduated from DePauw in the class of 1877. He studied in Germany and taught in Japan. After returning to America he held a chair in the Agricultural Col- lege, of Brookings, South Dakota, for twenty years. He was also private secretary to a governor of South Dakota. Both of these men received the funds for their education from Jesse Meharry and the work they have done is given to illustrate how far-reaching and wonderful results have come from the service Jesse Meharry rendered to them. After his death, by the terms of his will, he bequeathed $13,000 to DePauw University, $5,000 to the Preachers' Aid Society of the Methodist Church, $5,000 to the American Colonization Society. $5,000 to the Bible Society, $5,000 to the Freedman's Aid Society, $5,000 to Meharry Medical College, $2,000 to trustees of Shawnee Mound Methodist Church, $1,- 000 to Meharry Cemetery. Each living brother received $500, each nephew and niece $100, and each of the twenty-five name- sakes $25. The residue of his property and estate was be- queathed to Asbury University, now at Greencastle, Indiana. In Mr. Meharry's diary, under date of Friday, November 30, 1866, is found the following account of his wife's death: "Jane Love Meharry died suddenly of heart disease. She suf- History of the Mi: harry Family 309 fered awfully for twenty or thirty minutes and died at 9:30 o'clock p. m. Wife and I had returned from brother David's, where we had helped to dress and lay out niece Ellen, who passed away at 3 o'clock this afternoon. Jane appeared to be in her usual health until after retiring, when she was taken with acute heart trouble. She said just before she ceased to breathe, 'Come, Lord Jesus, and come quickly.' She folded her hands across her breast, closed her eyes and mouth, breathed easily for a few moments and all was still. Her breath stopped and she never heaved a sigh or moved a muscle. ( )h, it was solemn, no person nearer than Brother David's excepting John Acheson and little Lydia. But soon the house was filled with sympathizing friends and neighbors. But, thank God, she was in her right mind and was calm and resigned. She was in her place at class the Sunday previous and spoke very feelingly of her prospects of her home in heaven. Sunday forenoon at 10 o'clock both wife and Ellen were taken into the church followed by a very large weeping concourse. Brother Cox preached from Numbers xxiii, 10: 'Let me die the death of the righteous.' Brother Blackstock and Brother Stollard made remarks, after which both bodies were conveyed to Meharry Cemetery on Coal Creek and we buried them out of our sight. Peace to their ashes." In those days there were no hearses. It was the custom to use spring wagons to convey the bodies to the cemetery. So in accordance with this custom Mrs. and Miss Meharry's coffins were placed in a spring wagon and covered with sheets. The seat of the wagon was raised so the caskets could be slipped beneath the seat. Jane L. Meharry had the traits of thrift and prudence. She was a notable housekeeper. Her favorite diversion was reading and she spent many happy hours with her magazines and books. Until death sealed her lips she could repeat from memory entire chanters of the Scriptures. Jesse Meharry died August 20. 1881. The funeral services were held at his residence in which he had spent so many years. Seats were arranged under the shade of old, command- ing pines, which he had planted in youth. His remains were borne from the house and deposited on a bier in the open air. His casket was covered with flowers and a garnered sheaf of fully ripe heads of wheat, a beautiful and appropriate emblem of him whose bod}- lay beneath. Favorite hymns selected by Mr. Meharry before his death for use on this occasion were sung. In fact, all the funeral arrangements had been completed by him before death. He especially requested that no formal funeral discourse should be preached over his remains. Dr. Wood, Rev. H. A. Gobin 310 History of the Meharry Family and his pastor, Rev. H. A. Merrill, paid tributes to his mem- ory. At the close of the service his body was borne to Me- harry Cemetery and was laid to rest at the foot of the monu- ment that he had erected over the grave of his Avife, who had preceded him in death fifteen years. A few days before Jesse Meharry died he gave a sealed envelope into the charge of his pastor, the Rev. H. A. Merrill, with the injunction that when death had come he was to open the envelope and read the written paper that it contained and then to make any use of it he saw proper. The paper was a Covenant with God written by Jesse Meharry at the age of twenty-two years when he was starting out in life for himself. It was written at the time of his con- version, which occurred soon after his return from Texas. After he had finished writing the covenant he went down on his knees and repeated it word for word and pleaded with his God to hear his prayer for guidance and strength. As Rev. H. A. Gobin, of Greencastle, Indiana, has said: "It reminds one of St. Augustine and equals any of the famous 'Confes- sions' for beauty of conception and nobility of expression. It shows clearly the influence of familiar reading of St. Augus- tine, Thomas a-Kempis and like literature. It's a remarkable document." This Covenant with God was read at the funeral service of Jesse Meharry and is as follows : "O, most dreadful God ! For the passion of Thy dear Son, I beseech Thee, accept of Thy poor prodigal, now prostrating himself at Thy door. I have fallen from Thee by my iniqui- ties, and am by nature a son of death, and a thousand fold more the child of hell by wicked practices. But of Thine in- finite grace Thou hast promised grace to me, in Christ, if I will but turn to Thee with all my heart. Therefore, upon the call of Thy gospel I am now come in ; and throwing down my weapons, submit myself to Thy mercy. "And because Thou requirest, as the condition of my peace with Thee, that I should put away my idols, and be at defiance with all Thine enemies which I acknowledge I have, from the bottom of my heart, renounced them, firmly cove- nanting with Thee not to allow myself in any known sin. but conscientiously to use all the means that I know Thou hast prescribed for the death and utter destruction of all my cor- ruptions. And, whereas, I have formerly inordinately and idolatrously let out my affections upon the world, I do here resign my heart to Thee that madest it, humbly protesting before Thy glorious majesty that it is the firm resolution of my heart, and that I unfeignedly desire grace from Thee, that when Thou shalt call me hereunto, I may practice this, my History of the Meharry Family 311 resolution, through Thy assistance, to forsake all that is dear to me in this world, rather than to turn from Thee to the world of sin, and that I will watch against all its temptations, whether of prosperity or adversity, lest they should withdraw my heart from Thee ; beseeching Thee also to help me against the temptations of Satan, to whose wicked suggestions I re- solve by Thy grace never to yield myself a servant. And I renounce all confidence in my own righteousness and acknowl- edge that I am of myself a hopeless, helpless, undone creature without righteousness or strength. And for as much as Thou hast of Thy bottomless mercy offered most graciously to me, a wretched sinner, to be again accepted by God, through Christ, if I will accept of Thee, I call heaven and earth to record, this day, that I do solemnly avouch Thee for the Lord my God ; and with all possible Yeneration bowing the neck of my soul under the feet of Thy most sacred majesty, I do here take Thee, the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, for my portion and chief good, and so give up myself, body and soul, to Thy service, promising and vowing to serve Thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of my life. "And since Thou hast appointed the Lord Jesus Christ the only means of coming unto Thee, I do here, upon the bended knees of my soul, accept of Him as the only new and living way by which sinners may have access to Thee : and do hereby solemnly join myself in marriage covenant to Him. "O, blessed Jesus ! I come to Thee hungry and poor and wretched and miserable and blind and naked ; a most loath- some, polluted wretch ; a guilty and condemned malefactor un- worthy forever to wash the feet of the servants of my blessed Lord, much more to be solemnly married to the King of Glory ; but since such is Thy unparalleled love, I do here with all my power accept Thee, and do take Thee for my head and hus- band, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, for all times and conditions to love, honor and obey Thee before all others, and this to the death. I embrace Thee in all Thy offices. I renounce my own worthiness. I renounce my own wisdom, and do here take Thee for my only guide. I renounce my own will, and take Thy will for my law. "And since Thou hast told me that I must suffer if I will reign, I do here covenant with Thee ; and by Thy grace assist- ing to run all hazards with Thee, verily supposing that neither life nor death shall part between Thee and me. "And because Thou hast been pleased to give me Thy holy laws as the rule of my life and the way in which I should walk to Thy Kingdom, I have put my neck in Thy yoke, and set my shoulder to Thy burden ; and subscribing to all Thy laws as hoi}-, and just, and good, 1 solemnly take them as the 312 History of the Meharry Family rule of my thoughts, words and actions, promising" that though my flesh contradict and rebel, yet I will endeavor to order and govern my whole life according to Thy direction, and will not allow myself in the neglect of anything that I know to be my duty. "Only because through the frailty of my flesh I am sub- ject to so many failings, I am bold humbly to protest that un- allowed miscarriages, contrary to the settled bent and resolu- tion of my heart, shall not make this covenant void ; for so Thou has said. "Now, Almighty God, searcher of hearts, Thou knowest that I make this covenant with Thee this day without any known guile or reservation ; beseeching Thee this day that if Thou spiest any flaw or falsehood therein, Thou woulclest dis- cover it to me, and help me to do it aright. "And now, glory be to Thee, O God the Father, whom I shall be bold from this day forward to look upon as my God and Father, that even Thou shouldest find out such a way for the recovery of undone sinners. Glory be to Thee, O God the Son, who hast loved me, and O ! that Thou wouldst wash me from my sins in Thine own blood, and art now become my Savior and Redeemer. Glory be to Thee, O ! God the Holy Ghost, who by the finger of Thine Almighty power hast turned my wicked heart from sin to God. "O dreadful Jehovah ! Lord God Omnipotent, Father, Son and Holy Ghost ! Thou art now become my covenant friend and I, through Thy infinite grace, am become Thy cove- nant servant. Amen ! So be it ; and the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. ''Jesse Meharry. Victory or death." Compiled by Mae (Meharry) Haven. History of the Meharry Family 313 Eighth Branch DAVID MEHARRY David Meharry, the sixth child of Alexander Meharry and Jane (Francis) Meharry, was born in Adams County, Ohio, October 16, 1808, and lived in Ohio with his mother un- til August 31, 1836, when he was married to Jane Wilson Francis, daughter of Edward and Elinor (Wilson) Francis, of Ash Ridg'e, Brown County, Ohio. He started overland from Adams County, Ohio, October 15, 1836, for Tippecanoe County, Indiana, and got to their Shawnee Mound farm Tues- day, the first day of November, 1836, with $450.00 in his pos- session. He had previously entered this land in the fall of 1828. The mother of David Meharry continued to live in Ohio until the fall of 1843, when she moved to Tippecanoe County, Indiana, where she died August 13, 1844, at the home of her son David, and was buried in the Meharry Cemetery. David Meharry w r as converted at a camp meeting at Brier Ridge, Adams County, Ohio, in 1829, when he was twenty years of age. David Meharry was a prince among men and gave his life's energies for the best things in life. He gave the land on which Shawnee Mound Church now stands, also helped place Shawnee parsonage on his land, and donated largely to it, and he took care of the church for over a quarter of a century. His old saying was: "I would rather be a doorkeeper in the House of the Lord, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." He was a liberal giver to the Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, and during all the dark hours of the Civil War he was a strong supporter of the cause of liberty and freedom, and was stricken with grief when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. David Meharry died December 5, 1893, of paralysis, in his 85th year. His wife, Jane W., died December 31, 1873. and both lie buried in Meharry Cemetery. To David Meharry and Jane W. were born twelve chil- dren : — 1. Edward, born October 4, 1837; died December 4, 1837. 2. A daughter, still-born, January 2, 1841. 3. Albert E., born September 27, 1842; died November 2, 1898. 4. Elinor Ann, born September 15, 1844; died November 29, 1866. 5. George Erwin, born October 13, 1846. 314 History of the Meharry Family David Meharry Jane Wilson (Francis) Meharry Heme of David Meharry near Shawnee Mound, Indiana History of the Meiiarry Family 315 6. John Francis, born November 9, 1848; died March 29, 1849. 7. Elma Clementine, born February 15, 1850; died Octo- ber 16, 1899. 8. Lee Wilson, born February 13, 1852; died March 18, 1868. 9. Ethan Samuel, born March 12, 1854; died December 5, 1908. 10. Lettie Mary, born September 9, 1856. 11. Margaret Eliza Jane, born December 22, 1858; died January 11, 1863. 12. Harriet Louise, born December 24, 1863 ; died Octo- ber 23, 1866. George E. Meharry and Lettie M. Hawthorne are the only survivors of this large family, and are the only Meharrys of the second generation living at this time — 1925. ALBERT E. MEHARRY Albert E. Meharry, third child of David and Jane (Fran- cis) Meharry was born September 27, 1842. He was a duti- ful son and to him belongs the honor of helping his father accumulate the greater part of his estate. He was afflicted with epilepsy from the age of 16, till his death, November 2, 1898. ELENOR ANN MEHARRY Elenor Ann, fourth child of David and Jane (Francis) Meharry, was born September 15, 1844, and lived to be a young lady 22 years old, loved and admired by all who knew her, when that dreaded disease, consumption, called her home November 29, 1866. 316 History of the Meharry Family George Erwin Meharry Carolyn A. (Broadwell) Meharry Altha A. Meharry GEORGE ERWIN MEHARRY George Erwin, fifth child of DaYid and Jane (Francis) Meharry, was born October 13, 1846. He was educated in the common schools of the township and then attended school at Battle Ground and Stockwell. He was married to Carolyn A. Broadwell, June 1, 1871, and bought the Mark Manlove farm and lived thereon until March, 1880, when, on account of his wife's health, he moved to Los Angeles, California, and settled in Pasadena as one of the first settlers and saw the town grow to be one of the finest cities on the Pacific Coast. His two History of the Meharry Family 317 children were born on the farm at Shawnee before they went to California. George Meharrv's children, Altha A. and Jay, moved with their parents to California. Altha A. Meharry died single, in July. 1923. Jay Meharry became a physician in Hollywood, California. He married and had two children, a son, Philio, and a daughter, Claire. Jay Meharry died in February, 1915, and his mother, Carolyn A. Meharry, lived only until March of the same year. Zunella Meharry, live (1925) with George Meharry in Alta- The grandchildren, Philio and Claire, with their mother, Zunella Meharry, live (1925) with George Meharry in Alta- dena. California. Jay Meharry Zunella Meharry Claire and Philio Meharry 318 History of the Meharry Family Elma Clementine (Meharry) Whitehead ELMA CLEMENTINE (MEHARRY) WHITEHEAD Elma Clementine, seventh child of David and Jane (Fran- cis) Meharry, was born February 15, 1850. She was educated in the common schools and then took a course at Stockwell. She made a specialty of music and was organist and pianist for church services the greater part of her life. She married Nel- son Whitehead October 31, 1871, a minister of the M. E. church, and belonged to the Illinois conference. He was a good preacher and held some fine appointments. He was an old soldier and contracted in his army life a disease that called him home. Elma Clementine died October 16, 1899. LEE WILSON MEHARRY Lee Wilson, eighth child of David and Jane (Francis) Meharry, was born February 13, 1852. He was an excep- tionally bright boy and was a joy to his parents and brothers and sisters, when he was called home by brain fever March 18, 1868, being a little over 16 years of age. History of the Mkiiarry Family 319 Ethan Samuel Meharry Laura (Knowles) Meharry ETHAN SAMUEL MEHARRY Ethan Samuel, ninth child of David and Jane ( Francis ) Meharry, was born March 12, 1854. He was educated in the common schools of the township, grew to manhood, lived on a part of the David Meharry estate and owned it. He was married to Laura Knowles, December 28, 1882. To this union was born one son, who now owns his father's part of the es- tate at Shawnee, viz : William Gurney Meharry. Ethan S. died December 5, 1908. William Gurney — son of Ethan and Laura (Knowles) Me- harry, married Martha Hue Murry, the daughter of William and Matilda Murry. Toi this union was born one daughter, Julia Margarite. LETTIE MARY (MEHARRY) HAWTHORNE Lettie Mary, tenth child of David and Jane (Francis) Meharry, was born September 9, 1856, in the old home- stead at Shawnee Mound, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. She attended the township school at old Shawnee Academy until she completed the grades and then went to Asbury University (now DePauw University). Xot being satisfied at this uni- versity she changed to Purdue University and took a short course there. In 1873 she became a member of the Foreign Missionary Society with her mother, both being charter mem- bers. She has acted in the capacity of president of said so- ciety and served for five years consecutively as such officer at one time. She has been sent as delegate to the branch meetings several times. She is also a member of the Home 320 History of the Meharry Family Lettie Mary (Meharry) Haw- thorne George Boyd Hawthorne Missionary Society and takes an active part in both societies. She is a member of the Pythian Order and Eastern Star, both of \Yingate, Indiana. She has always taken a great interest in the welfare of her friends and neighbors, also the stranger who came within her gates went away with pleasant memories and good motherly advice. On August 24, 1879, she was married to George Boyd Hawthorne, also of Shawnee Mound. George Hawthorne was born March 22, 1852, was the son of John and Jane Hawthorne, of Ireland, who came to America on their wedding trip. George attended Asbury Colleg'e — now DePauw University. He taught school for several years ; was township trustee for five years ; has been active in neighborhood and political af- fairs ; is an earnest worker in the church and Sunday School of the Shawnee Mound M, E. Church. He is president of the trustees of this church. He is secretary of the Quarterly Conference ; has been serving as secretary for thirty years. He has been one of the prime movers in gathering data for the Meharry History. To this union were born four sons and two daughters, viz : LEE BYRNES HAWTHORNE Lee Byrnes Hawthorne was born September 1, 1880. He attended the local schools until he finished the grades. Then he attended the high school at Odell, Indiana, and graduated therefrom in the spring of 1899, and entered De- Pauw L'niversity in the fall of 1899. He soon became a leader in his class and social circle and was initiated into the Greek fraternity Phi Delta Theta. He graduated in June, History of the Meharry Family 321 1903, and applied to the Teachers' Agency of Chicago for a position as school principal and was directed to Mexico, Mis- souri, where he went and applied and was elected principal in September, 1903. He held this position for a few years and was then elected superintendent of the city schools of Mexico City, Missouri, a position he held for several years. He then became a manufacturer of artificial ice and resigned from the school superintendency and for three years worked the ice business. Then he was induced to assume the duties of superintendent of the schools again, and at this writing (1925) he is superintending the schools and the ice plant at Mexico, Missouri. He joined the Methodist Church in child- hood and is now a member of the Southern Methodist Church of Mexico, also a member of the Masonic Order and the Elks, and was sent as a delegate by the Elks from Mexico, Missouri, to Denver, Colorado. Lee B. Hawthorne was married to Mary Ricketts, June 12, 1906, a daughter of Colonel Ricketts, of the Confederate Army, also a descendant of Daniel Boone. To this union two daughters and one son have been born, viz : Alary Louise, born March 12, 1907; Elma Lee, born September 25, 1916; Lee Bvrnes, jr., born November 8, 1919. FERDINAND MEHARRY HAWTHORNE Ferdinand Meharry Hawthorne was born October 8, 1883. Attended the local schools and graduated there- from in the spring of 1900. He entered DePauw I niversitv in September, 1900, and attended school for two years therein and then changed to Purdue University and began to prepare for a civil engineer. On October 31, 1903, he was on the foot- ball team as a sub, when the fatal train wreck took place in the suburbs of Indianapolis where Purdue lost sixteen giant football players, and Ferdinand M. Hawthorne was slightly crippled. The wreck was caused by the carelessness of the train dispatcher by allowing a coal train to back out on the main track before the football special train had passed. He also, like his brother Lee, belongs to the Methodist Church, the Ma- sonic Order, and the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He gradu- ated from Purdue in June, 1935, and began working for the Pennsylvania railroad, and has been located in Ohio, Pennsyl- vania, Kentucky and Indiana. At this writing, April 25, 1925, he is located at Terre Haute, Indiana, and is division engineer for the Pennsylvania line. He was united in marriage to Elsie B. Wallace, daughter of Harrison B. and Jennie (Byers) Wallace, October 14, 1911. To this union one daughter was born, viz: Elizabeth Wallace Hawthorne, March 22, 1913. 322 History of the Meharry Family GLEN ERWIN HAWTHORNE Glen Erwin Hawthorne was born February 22. 1886. He, like his brothers, attended the local schools and graduated therefrom in the spring of 1903, and started to attend DePauw University in September, 1903, and graduated therefrom in the spring" of 1907. He is a member of the Methodist Church at Shawnee, the Masonic lodge at Odell, the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and the Lincoln Club of Lafayette. He went to Porto Rico in September, 1907, and taught school for the gov- ernment one year, and then returned to Shawnee Mound and began the business of stock raising and farming. He was married to Grace Wilson, daughter of Justina Wilson and Emma (Borum) Wilson, April 12, 1911, and they are now living on and own the late David Meharry farm at Shawnee Mound. To this union was born one daughter, viz : Maxine Wilson Hawthorne, April 1, 1913. Also one son, viz: George Wilson Flawthorne, January 3, 1921, who came into this world by the Caesarian method and only lived 21 days. DAVID EARL HAWTHORNE David Earl Hawthorne was born May 28, 1890; edu- cated in the local schools and then began his college course at DePauw University in September, 1907. He graduated in June, 1911. He took up stock raising and farming with his father for two years, and then began the study of medicine at Indiana University at Bloomington and then Indianapolis. He enlisted as a medical student in October, 1918, and was detailed by the government to still pursue his medical studies, and the class worked through the summer of 1918 and gradu- ated in February, 1919, preparatory to going into the Army as doctors and surgeons. The armistice having been signed before the class graduated, prevented them from participating in the war. Earl is specializing in surgery. He interned for one year in the City Hospital, Indianapolis, after gradu- ating. He is now practicing in Akron, Ohio. He also is a member of Shawnee Mound Church, and the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He was an athlete in school and played on the football team. He also was engaged by Clair Rhode, of Pine Village for one year on his famous winning team. ELMA FLORENCE HAWTHORNE Elma Florence Hawthorne was born August 19, 1892. Was educated in the common schools of the township and in the preparatory school of DePauw. She entered college proper in September, 1910, and graduated in June, 1914, among the brightest of her class, and was loved by all who knew her. History of the Meharry Family 323 She belonged to the Theta sorority and was sent as a dele- gate to New York City to represent the chapter she belonged to. On her return she was afflicted with appendicitis, and in the spring of 1915 she was operated on in St. Elizabeth Hos- pital by Dr. A. C. Arnett, and seemingly for months had re- covered, but in November, 1915, she was again afflicted and operated on at home, by Dr. A. C. Arnett, assisted by Dr. Kimberlin, of Indianapolis, Drs. Hunter, of Lafayette,, and Dr. Baker, of Odell. But all to no avail. She passed away to the Father above November 10, 1915. Her funeral was largely attended. People came from DePauw University and Pur- due University. Her sorority furnished the pallbearers and did the singing at the funeral. Dr. Geo. W. Switzer preached the funeral sermon and was assisted by her pastor, Rev. V. Deich ; and President Grose sent his regrets because he could not come, which were read at the grave. JESSIE ALICE HAWTHORNE Jessie Alice Hawthorne was born October 24, 1895. She was educated in the local schools of the township and be- gan her high school course in Wingate. At the close of her first year in high school she became afflicted with nervous prostration and had to give up school work for quite a while. She took treatment in the Wabash Valley Sanitarium and had recovered so much that she spent almost two years in school work in the Jackson High School. Her nervous affliction came upon her again, and she passed aw r ay May 8, 1920. All of the above children were members of the Shawnee Mound Methodist Church, and those still living and the grand- children enjoy a home-coming about once a year to the old homestead, which is the old home of the late Jesse Meharry, now owned and occupied by George R. and Lettie M. Haw- thorne, since January 8, 1882. George B. and Lettie (Meharry) Hawthorne, August, PJ25. 324 History of the Meharry Family Hillkiah Franklin Meharry Martha (Hottsclau) Meharry HILLKIAH FRANKLIN MEHARRY Hillkiah Franklin Meharry, the oldest son of David Me- harry, was born December 2, 1834, in Adams County, Ohio. He lived with his grandmother Jane Francis Meharry until five years old. In 1837 he came to Tippecanoe County, Indi- ana, to make his home with his father. He was educated in the district schools. In 1853 he went west with Joe Bromley, traveling with horse and buggy, as there were no railroads at that time. Upon reaching St. Joseph, Missouri, he found the whites and Indians were having trouble, so decided to go on to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he hired to a gov- ernment wagon train to drive to Fort Riley. Here he was introduced to an Indian girl. Her father offered him a bushel of silver, 640 acres of land and a toll-bridge that brought in $1,000 a year, if he would marry his daughter, but he could not give up his own people, even for such riches. After returning from this trip, he went with his uncle, James Meharry, to Fair- mount, Illinois, Avhere he entered 160 acres of land. He was married to Martha Hottsclau in January, 1854. Four children were born to this union : William Luther, born November 4, 1854; Sarah Emma, born October 1, 1856; Tilitha Jane, born August 27, 1859; Lula Bell, born March 5, 1871. Died April 22, 1885. With his wife and children, he moved to his farm in Ver- milion County, Illinois. The country was new and wild ; it was not unusual to have prairie chickens, wolves and deer come into his yard and feed without fear. The first Methodist Quarterly meeting was held in a grove one and a half miles south of his farm, in the vear of 1860 and was held by Rev. History of the Meharry Family 325 R. X. Davies. The people came from ten miles around to at- tend this meeting. August 26, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, 73rd Regi- ment, Illinois Volunteers and served thirty-three months. He was wounded in the battle of Perrysville, Kentucky. After his recovery he joined his regiment again. While on picket duty at Knoxville, Tennessee, took cold in his eyes. After the siege at Atlanta. Georgia, his eyes became so much worse, he was sent to a hospital in Cincinnati. Ohio. His eyes continued so poorly he was discharged in the spring of 1865. He moved to his farm, but his eyes still troubled him and he gave up farming and went to Danville, Illinois. Here he built his home on Harmon Avenue in Danville. His wife died April 22, J9C8. After her death he made his home with his daughter. Sarah Emma Brant, until her death. He spent his remaining days in the Soldiers' Home in Danville, Illinois. He died December 11, 1917, with mitral insufficiency, a form of heart trouble. WILLIAM LUTHER MEHARRY William Luther, Hillkiah Meharry's only son, married Frances Sprangler in 1877. Four children were born to this union, one dying in infancy, Mrs. S. A. Swisher, Mrs. Harry Shields, and Bert Meharry. All are living in Danville, Illinois. SARAH EMMA (MEHARRY) BRANT Sarah Emma (Meharry) Brant was born October 1. 1856, and was married to ( )liver C. Brant November 27, 1879. They had one child, Grace Inez, who was born September 24, 1884, and died August 1, 1888. Oliver C. Brant died December 4, 1913. Sarah Emma Brant died August 12, 1916. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brant are buried in Danville, Illinois. 326 History of the Meharry Family Samuel Meharry Rebecca (Bower) (Wilson) Meharry Home of Samuel Meharry near Shawnee Mound, Indiana History of the Meharry Family 327 Ninth Branch SAMUEL MEHARRY Samuel, the sixth son of Alexander and Jane (Francis) Meharry. was born in Adams County, Ohio, December 7, 1810. He remained at home until he was twenty-six years old, help- ing to clear up the farm and doing such duties as were neces- sary to the support of his widowed mother and her children. During- the winter months he and his brothers attended a sub- scription school, where his early education was acquired. He was married January 20, 1836, to Mary Sansbury. To them were born two children: Adam Clark, born January 31, 1837, died November 7, 1838; and Isabella, born February 13, 1839, died April 25, 1844. Mary (Sansbury) Meharry died June 2, 1840. She lies buried by the side of her children in Brier Ridge Cemetery in Adams County, Ohio. Samuel chose as his second wife Mrs. Rebecca (Bower) Wilson, who was born August 23, 1818, and died October 4, 1906. Mr. Meharry and Mrs. Wilson were married in Brown County, Ohio, May 9, 1844. It is said that they rode horseback, the mode of travel used in those days, from the bride's home in Brown County to the groom's cabin in Adams County on the forks of Eagle Creek. With gallantry the groom assisted the bride to alight from her horse and escorted her into the house, which was filled with friends and neighbors, who had assem- bled to welcome the bridal couple with an infare. The pewter teapot used on that occasion came across the ocean eighty years ago. Jane Francis Meharry brought it with her when she came from Ireland to this country in 1794. At this writ- ing (1925) it is not less than one hundred and thirty-one years old, and is one of the very few heirlooms left by our great grandmother. Mrs. George Hawthorne is the happy possessor of this relic. John T. Moore gave us some interesting information about Rebecca (Bower) Wilson, wife of Samuel Meharry. He says Mrs. Meharry told him that his father, Henry Wilson Moore, was her first beau. But Mrs. Meharry married as her first husband a Mr. Wilson. Some time after Mr. Wilson died Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wilson Moore took his widow with them to a camp meeting- near the Alexander Meharry home in Adams County, and while there they introduced Mrs. Wilson to Samuel Meharry, whom she afterward married as her sec- ond husband. Man}' years later Samuel and Rebecca Meharry raised John and Maggie Moore, children of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wilson Moore. Mrs. Wilson, while at the cam]) meet- ing, lost a new blue parasol of which she was very proud. 328 History of the Meharry Family Grandmother Jane Meharry, who did not approve of such fane} belongings, made the remark: "If people did not have such things they wouldn't lose them." Rebecca Meharry was a capable and lovable woman. She always had a smile and a pleasant word for everyone. She was a great influence in the lives of the young. In 1834 Samuel Meharry entered forty acres near Shawnee Mound, Tippecanoe County, Indiana. In 1843 he brought his mother from her Ohio home to Shawnee Mound and he re- mained there until after her death, which occurred in 1844, when he returned to Ohio. In November, 1846, Samuel Me- harry and wife Rebecca moved from Ohio to a farm in Tippe- canoe County, Indiana. He invested all his capital in more land. The investment was a judicious and profitable one. He became the possessor of a large, well-improved farm. Mr. and Mrs. Meharry resided on this farm thirty-eight years, and then, in November, 1882, moved to Lafayette, Indiana, where they lived in retirement. Samuel Meharry's first vote was cast for John Quincy Adams. He was a Whig until the organization of the Repub- lican party. Adopting the principles of this new party he re- mained one of its most loyal supporters. He espoused the cause of abolition at a time when such views were very un- popular and even dangerous. Many bitter persecutions were endured by him for the sake of his principles. He suffered the opprobrium of his neighbors and friends and was even threatened with hanging, but he stood firm in his convictions of right. During the Civil War he was a strong supporter of the Union and made liberal contributions from his private means to "the boys in blue." In business Samuel Meharry was successful. He was not a speculator. He practiced the common principles learned of necessity in his childhood. These, with the opportunities that opened, brought to him an abundance of the riches of the world. He cared for what he had, honored God, and God trusted him with a large stewardship. Seventy thousand dol- lars might be a fair estimate of his accumulations. Samuel did not record his gifts and did not give to be seen of men. He and his brothers founded the Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, a school devoted to the training of col- ored people. Through this institution many young people were helped to obtain a college education. Until the day of his death, Samuel's interest in this school was a vital part of his life. At DePauw University, Samuel Meharry's name is on the door of the Greek classroom as an endower. He con- tributed to the building of churches and gave liberally to the benevolences of the church. He was first and last a man of History of the Meharry Family 329 God. In the very prime of his life, when prosperity was smil- ing on him, his brethren in the church had such confidence in his gifts and usefulness that they voted him a license as a local preacher. He proved worthy of the confidence placed in him 1>v the laity and ministers and was elected a candidate for deacon's orders at the annual session of the Northwestern Indiana Conference held at Attica, Indiana, in 1865, being ordained September 10, 1865, by Bishop Levi Scott. Although licensed to preach, Air. Meharry never held a regular charge, but he was a faithful minister of the Word in many places and to many people. Mr. and Mrs. Meharry were both members of Trinity Methodist Church, of Lafayette, Indiana. Mr. Meharry was financially one of its largest con- tributors. Samuel Meharry was more than a successful Christian man in the ordinary use of the term. He gave himself as well as his means. Without children of his own, he found those who needed help and care and took them to his heart and home. He was like a father to them. The children to whom he gave a home and start in life are the following: John T. Moore, Maggie (Moore) Armstrong, Kittie (Bowers) Wyman, Mary (Gearv) Bowers, Frank O. Brown and Irene (Sheets) Royal. Samuel was the last of the eight children of Alexander and Jane Francis Meharry to pass away. After the death of his brothers and sister he was the eldest of the remaining members of the closely united Meharry family. Its children have been absorbed into the lives of others, yet the homage they paid to this, the eldest, was singularly beautiful and the grief they felt in the breaking of the last cord that bound them to the pioneer family was very keen. Throughout the great relationship every child was taught from his infancy to know and reverence "Uncle Sammie." For the last ten years of his life he was an invalid. It was his lot to wait until his heart was homesick for heaven. He said: "Do not pray for me to recover. Pray for grace to be sufficient that the Father may soon take me home." For the last few days before his death Samuel had been feeling unusually strong. His vitality had been so great that the family had ceased to feel imme- diate apprehension of his death. When he retired he was in excellent spirits after a pleasant day. At 11 :30 o'clock, March 30, 1898, his wife was awakened by a loud cry from him. That was all. Before she could call for help he was gone. Neu- ralgia of the heart extinguished his life flame in an instant. The funeral services were held from Trinity Methodist Church, of Lafayette. Indiana. There were brief rites at the house prior to the public exercises. The officiating clergvmen were Rev. C. B. Wilcox: Dr. H. A. Gobin, of DePauw Uni- 330 History of the Meharry Family versity ; Dr. George Hubbard, of Meharry Medical College; Dr. A. S. Colvin, of Brazil, Indiana; Rev. George W. Switzer, and other ministers of the Indiana Conference. He was buried in Springvale Cemetery, Lafayette, Indiana. Perhaps one of the finest things that Samuel Meharry did was to educate worthy young men. He had an ''educational fund," from which he loaned money without interest "to put the boys through college." They usually returned the loan in full. His assistance enabled many, who otherwise would have fallen by the wayside, to fit themselves for a higher life as greater and better Americans. He willed farms in Indiana and Illinois to the Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee; $1,000 to the Wom- an's Foreign Missionary Society ; $500 to the trustees of Trin- ity Church, Lafayette, Indiana, for the support of the "pious widows" of the church, and to Conference claimants he gave his interest in the Battle Ground Camp Meeting Association. In addition to the above gifts, $6,350 was bequeathed to the benevolent organizations of the church at his death. Compiled by Mar (Meharry) Haven. I STORY OF II Mi: harry Family 331 Rev. Alexander Meharry (Courtesy of St. Paul's Church) Tenth Branch REV. ALEXANDER MEHARRY Rev. Alexander Meharry, D. D., was born in Adams County, Ohio, October 17, 1813, the eighth child and seventh son of Alexander and Jane (Francis) Meharry. He was led to Christ in his thirteenth year at a camp meeting at Ash Ridge. In 1853, at twenty years of age, he was sent to Ripley, Ohio, to learn the butcher trade under the direction of Archibald Ligget. Alexander had a strong aversion to this arrangement, for the thought of taking life was repulsive to him. He said, "I can not kill. I have never killed even a chicken." So, in concession to Alexander's wishes, it was arranged that he was to clerk in the grocery store of Mr. Ligget. Subsequently he became a partner in the business. Mr. Ligget became attached to the young man and lie took him into his home to live. Alexander was very happy and contented with Mr. Lig- get, but God had other work for him. Alexander's religious 332 History of the Meharry Fa mily Rev. Alexander and Eliza (Ogden) Meharry Rev. Alexander Meharry's Home, Eaton, Ohio._ The spire of St. Paul's Church shows at extreme right. History of the Meharry Family 333 convictions and his devotion to the church led him to realize God's call to the ministry. It was hard for him to recon- cile himself to this change in his life work, so he evaded and postponed the call until a boat load of meat which he was shipping to Xew Orleans was sunk. The loss of the meat was a considerable financial loss to Alexander, and he barely escaped with his life. Then, in Alexander's words, "I prom- ised the Lord to quit fighting- the spirit and preach." Mr. Ligget assumed the expense of his education and sent him to the Ohio Wesleyan University. In 1843 he was or- dained as a deacon in the Ohio Conference of the Methodist Church, and in 1845 as an elder. The Rev. Mr. Meharry's second appointment as a min- ister was a mission in Cincinnati, where he was located two years during the cholera epidemic that swept over Cincinnati in 1849. In 1866 he was appointed agent for Wesleyan Female College of Cincinnati. He served two years in this work. In 1867-70 he was stationed at Eaton, Ohio. Rev. Me- harry's originality, genius and an unusual gift of language soon made him a popular minister. It is said he enjoyed the distinction of never preaching to empty seats or pews, — a crowded auditorium was the rule. He was gifted with a talent for influencing people to give of their means for church pur- St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, erected during the pastorate of Alex- ander Meharry. (Courtesy of St. Paul's Church). 334 History of the Meharry Family Below: St. Paul's Church auditorium. An oil portrait of Alexander Meharry hangs in the vestibule. After Eliza Meharry's death her household goods were sold at auction. Somebody cut this oil painting from its frame and threw the portrait on a refuse heap. The frame was sold. A thoughtful member of St. Paul's rescued the picture and had it restored and reframed for the church. (Illustrations loaned the committee by St. Paul's Church) poses, and for that reason was called upon to assist in the dedication of many Methodist churches in Ohio. One of the oldest residents of Eaton, and a close friend of Alexander Meharry has contributed the following remi- niscence : Charlie Brook, an agent for Bradstreet's in Philadelphia, came to reside in Eaton, Ohio, shortly after the close of the Civil War. Believing that there should be a new Methodist Church in Eaton, he appealed to Bishop Wiley to come and investigate the situation and advise the Eaton church in this matter. Bishop Wiley decided against the building project. Undaunted, Mr. Brook went to the next District Con- ference and demanded that Alexander Meharry be sent as pastor to Eaton to accomplish the building of a new church. Rev. Meharry was sent to Eaton, and fulfilled his mission, contributing $500.00 of his own money to the project. Indeed, History of the Meharry Family 335 he not only succeeded in building the new church, but a new- parsonage was completed under his leadership. The old parsonage was bought by Rev. and Airs. Meharry, and was long occupied by Eliza (Ogden) Meharry's three blind sisters. The Meharrys erected a residence of their own on the lot adjoining this old parsonage, and this remained their home after Rev. Meharry was superannuated in 1878, and until both husband and wife had passed away. Rev. Meharry was appointed presiding elder over the Ripley district in 1871, and served later as presiding elder of the Springfield district in \^72-7?>. His health failing, he was superannuated at his own request in 1878 and was appointed financial agent of the Ohio Wesleyan University, a position he held until his death. Alexander Meharry died at the age of sixty-five in Germantown, Ohio, eighteen miles from his home in Eaton, Ohio. Rev. Meharry had gone to German- town as a supply. He preached at the morning services at 10:30 o'clock from the text found in Ecclesiastes ix:10: "What- soever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, no knowdedge, nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest." He concluded the sermon, which was the last he ever preached, with the significant words : "I speak as a dying man Breaking sod for St. Paul's Church, Eaton, Ohio. The man with the tall hat is Alexander Meharry. (Courtesy of St. Paul's Church) 336 History of the Meharry Family to dying men." As the shadows of Sabbath were falling, he was taken suddenly ill with heart trouble and, after a few short hours of pain, entirely among strangers, he left his earth- ly ministry and went to the church triumphant. He died as he had lived, full of confidence and full of love, at 10:55 o'clock a. m., Monday, November 18, 1887. His remains were in- terred at Eaton, Ohio. Rev. Alexander Meharry spent thirty- seven years in the ministry. Alexander was the only one of the Meharry brothers who belonged to the Masonic fraternity. He was at one time state Grand Master of Ohio. His brothers did not look with favor upon the Masonic order, and no others of the name became Masons until Ethan, son of David Meharry, was initiated as a member. Now many Meharrys belong to the fraternity. Alexander Meharry invested heavily in stock in a litho- graph company in Cincinnati, Ohio. His investment was made St. Paul's Methodist parsonage erected during the pastorate of Alexander Meharry. (Reproduced by permission of St. Paul's Church) History of the Meharry Family 337 Old Eaton Parsonage, occupied by Alexander and Eliza Meharry, and later by Mrs. Meharry's Sisters. (Courtesy of St. Paul's Church) to save the company from impending financial ruin. It was a very profitable investment and yielded him large returns. Mr. Meharry married Mrs. Ann (Ransome) Boswell, a daughter of Robert Worthington, in Cincinnati, Ohio, August 14, 1844. She bore him two sons, Edwin Samuel, who died at the age of three years, and Jesse Elmer, who died in infancy. Mrs. Meharry was an amiable woman well qualified for and admirably adapted to the duties of a minister's wife. She died June 22. 1847. March 1, 1856, he married his second wife, Eliza A. Ogden, of Springfield, Ohio. Aunt Eliza was a woman of unusual ability, attractive personality and the highest and truest Christian character. We recall, too, her unfailing sense of humor that saved so many difficult situations — how often some happy bit of repartee from her broke up a heated argu- ment. From our earliest recollections we remember her funny stories and quaint sayings. After Rev. Meharry's death Mrs. Meharry married Dr. A. P. M. JefTers. Eliza A. (Meharry) JefTers died in her cottage at Chautauqua, New York, on July 31, 1905. and was buried at Eaton, Ohio. After Eliza (Meharry) JefTers' death the following tele- gram appeared in some of the newspapers: "Springfield, Ohio, 338 History of the Meharry Family September 19, 1905. — Relatives of the late Eliza (Meharry) Jef- fers today found $10,595, nearly all in gold, in a little old black trunk, which was in the aged woman's constant possession until her death a short time ago. The settlement of her estate has revealed the fact that she gave $60,000 to Ohio Wesleyan University and $35,000 to DePauw University. She always had the little trunk taken with her wherever she went. It was left in care of baggagemen and express companies and a short time before her death was kept over night at a railroad office with no protection." Rev. Meharry's bequests were as follows : In 1877 he gave $1,000 toward the endowment of a Methodist college in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 1900 the interest from $60,000 was given as an annuity to the same college. This principal sum was divided, $20,000 being applied on the g'eneral endowment, and $40,000 for a professorship of the English Bible. Mr. and Mrs. Meharry gave in all to benevolences $200,000. Mae (Meharry) Haven. Rev. Alexander Meharry's Monument, The dark ovals on the monument bear the following in- scriptions : Alexander Meharry, D. D. died Nov. 18, 1878 Aged 65 years History of the Meharry Family 339 Servant of God, well done! Thy glorious warfare's past; The battle's fought, the race is won. And thou art crowned at last. Edwin S. Meharry Born Oct. 3, 1857 Died Nov. 26, 1800 Jesse Elmer Meharry Born Aug. 18, 1861 Died Sept. 3, 1861 ( )ne footstone bears the inscription : Eliza Meharry Jeffers 1827-1905 Another reads : Caroline Ogden Born Nov. 29, 1830 Died Oct. 4, 1888 Caroline Ogden was Eliza Meharry 's sister. Although a footstone had been placed for Dr. Jeffers, he evidently was not buried on the lot, for the inscription merely reads : "Dr. A. P. M. Jeffers" No dates have been cut, indicating that the stone was placed before Dr. Jeffers' death, but evidently plans were changed and he was buried elsewhere. Mae (Meharry) Haven. Charles Leo Meharry. oAppendix 342 History of the Meharry Family ^Military Services Lieutenant James Burr Hickm-n — Our Only Gold Star Soldier History of the Meharry Family 343 LIEUTENANT JAMES BURR HICKMAN fames Hurr Hickman volunteered and enlisted in the United States Ambulance Corps at Northwestern University, May 14, 1 ( M~. November, 1917, he petitioned to be trans- ferred to the aviation section of the Ann.}-. The petition was granted. lie completed ground work in the United States School of Military Aeronautics at the University of Illinois, March 14, 1918, and was sent to the flying field at Dallas, Texas. There he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, July 3, 1918. In August, 1918, he was transferred to the United States School of Aerial Gunnery at Wright's Field, Dayton, Ohio. October 26, 1918, he was ordered overseas to finish his training at the American Flying Field, tssondon, France. There he completed the course of instruction, the first among seventy-five. In February, 1919, he was assigned to the Second Army of Occupation, Fifth Pursuit Group, 41st Aero Squadron. In April, 1 ( )19, he received orders to proceed to grand headquarters of the United States Expeditionary Forces, at Coblenz, Germany. May 5, 1919, while making a cross country flight from Trier, Germany, to Coblenz, in the line of duty, Lieutenant Hickman's plane fell into a tail spin and he was instan- taneously killed. lie was buried with full military honors in the American Aerodrome Cemetery, at Coblenz, Germany. Lieutenant Hickman's body was returned to the United States, July 21, 1920, and was buried in Moral Mill Ceme- tery. Hoopeston, Illinois, July 26, 1920. A tree has been planted on the campus of the University ot Illinois, by order of the university officials, in honor of Lieutenant Hickman. His name is also carved upon one of the columns of the great memorial stadium on the athletic field of the university. This stadium is dedicated to the memory of those alumni and students of the University of Illinois who lost their lives in the World War. 344 History of the Me harry Family CIVIL WAR VETERANS Andrew Calvin McCorkle Hillkiah Franklin Meharry ANDREW CALVIN McCORKLE Enlisted July 28, 1862, at the Presbyterian Church in Carpentersville, Indiana ; mustered in at Indianapolis, Indiana, July 29, 1862. He was incapacitated for duty from September until his company was mustered out in October, by reason of illness resulting" from exposure while doing guard duty at Henderson, Kentucky. He was honorably discharged Octo- ber 2, 1862. He was appointed November 11, 1908, by Governor J. Frank Hanly, a member of the board of trustees of the Indiana State Soldiers' Home, near Lafayette, Indiana. He served on this board for four years, part of which time he was its president. On account of failing health and loss of eye- sight he declined a reappointment. HILLKIAH FRANKLIN MEHARRY Enlisted August 26, 1862, at Fairmount, Vermilion Coun- ty, Illinois, in Company E, 73rd Illinois Volunteer Infan- try. Honorably discharged April 4, 1865, at Cincinnati, Ohio, on surgeon's certificate of disability. Battles : Perrysville, Ky. ; Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, 1863; Resaca, Adairsville, Kenesaw Moun- tain, 1864; Peach Tree Creek, Franklin, Nashville, 1864; Knoxville, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia, and others. He was wounded in the battle of Perrysville, Kentucky. History of the Meharry Family 345 (Alphabetical Arrangement) Sherman Cordes Adsit Lieutenant Roland Glenn Butler SHERMAN ADSIT Enlisted July 24, 1 ( J18. Discharged December 24, 1918. Served in the Navy Aviation L. M. M. A. at Great Lakes Naval Training: Station. LIEUTENANT ROLAND GLENN BUTLER Enlisted through the University of Illinois, May 29, 1918 (A. S. 2894433), and entered the Officers' Training School at Camp Zachary Taylor, Louisville, Kentucky; Commissioned October 16, 1918, Second Lieutenant Field Artillery, C. S. A., and assigned to special duty in the motor school. Me was honorably discharged December 21, 1918, from battery C, Third Regiment F. A. R. 1)., at Camp Zachary Taylor, Head- quarters Special Order 354, dated December 20, 1918. 346 History of the Meharry Family Sergeant Clarence DeWitt Crawford Francis Virgil Crawford SERGEANT CLARENCE DEWITT CRAWFORD Entered Student Army Training" Corps for World War, February 14, 1920. Joined Coast Artillery and served two and a half years in that service. Was transferred to 24th Squadron Pursuit Air Service and completed enlistment on the east coast at north end of the Canal Zone, Panama. Was dis- charged as sergeant at Ft. Hamilton, New York, January 16, 1923. FRANCIS VIRGIL CRAWFORD Joined the Coast Artillery, 1920, and was stationed on the west coast of the Panama Canal Zone. Was honorably dis- charged October 10, 1921. History of the Meharry Family 347 Kilburn C. Freeman KILBURN C. FREEMAN David Earl Hawthorne Called to Cam]) Dodge training camp April 27, 1918. After the Armistice he was transferred to Rock Island and as- signed work in the arsenal, Quartermaster's Department. Hon- orably discharged February 28, 1919. DAVID EARL HAWTHORNE Private, (Cadet), Medical Corps, Arm)-. Entered service October 30, 1917. In active duty in Medical Enlisted Reserve Corps, October 30, 1917, to October 28. 1918. In active duty in Students' Army Training Corps, October 2^, 1918, to December 14, 1918. Born at Shawnee Mound, Indiana, May 28, 1890, son of George Boyd and Lettie Meharry Hawthorne. Graduate of DePauw University and Indiana I niversity, School of Medicine, Class of 1919. Home is Route 5, West Point, Indiana. 348 History of the Meharry Family Sergeant Wilbur Hickman John M. Kumler SERGEANT WILBUR HICKMAN Served in National Guard eight years, 1908 to 1916, as Quartermaster Sergeant of Battery A, Illinois National Guard. JOHN M. KUMLER A naval reservist in the United States service in 1919. History of the Meharry Family 349 Lieutenant John Russell McCorkle Francis Andrew McCorkle LIEUTENANT JOHN RUSSELL McCORKLE Commissioned Second Lieutenant, November 27, 1917, from Second Officers' Training Camp, Ft. Benjamin Harri- son, Indiana. On duty at Camp Zachary Taylor, Kentucky, from December 15, 1917, to Jul}- 8, 1918. Commanding Com- pany "A," I". S. A. Training Detachment, Washington Uni- versity, St. Louis, Missouri, from July 10, 1918, to September 16, 1918. Commanding Officer, S. A. T. C, Muskingum Col- lege, New Concord, ( )hio, from September 24, 1918, to January 18, 1919. lie was honorably discharged January 18, 1919. FRANCIS ANDREW McCORKLE Enlisted October 5, 1918, S. A. T. C, Wab; Crawfordsville, Indiana. Honorably discharged December 19, 1918. ish College, CHARLES HOWARD McCORKLE Enlisted in navy at Indianapolis, July 10. 1918. Stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois, and Naval Torpedo Station. Newport, Rhode Tsland. Honorablv discharged February 20. 1919, at "'Newport, Rhode Island. Charles Howard McCorkle 350 History of the Meharry Family Lietenant George E. Ramey Lieutenant Frank W. Ramey Sergeant Robert H. Ramey LIEUTENANT GEORGE E. RAMEY Lieutenant Engineers, 17 months overseas service. Now captain, Engineers Reserve Corps. LIEUTENANT FRANK W. RAMEY Second Lieutenant, 331st Field Artillery, six months overseas. SERGEANT ROBERT H. RAMEY First Sergeant, Air Service, overseas seven months. History of the Meharry Family 351 John Willoughby Randolph Charles Ethelburt Randolph JOHN WILLOUGHBY RANDOLPH Served in the United States Navy during- the World War as instructor in aviation motors. CHARLES ETHELBERT RANDOLPH As a student in the University of Illinois, in September, 1917, he was too young to enlist in the S. A. T. C., so he joined what was called the Junior S. A. T. C. and remained under military discipline in the University of Illinois until the close of the World War. 352 History of the Meharry Family Lieutenant Clarence A. Vasey LIEUTENANT CLARENCE A. VASEY Camp Dodge, Iowa, September 17, 1917, made a corporal. Camp Pike, Arkansas, December, 1917, in Machine Gun Bat- talion, raised to rank of sergeant. Camp Taylor, Louisville, Kentucky, in 1918, Officers' Training Camp, commissioned Second Lieutenant, Field Artillery. Camp Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina, training recruits. Fort Sill, Oklahoma, School of Fire, at signing of armistice. Honorably discharged. History of the Meharry Family 353 DEEDS TO FARM OF ALEXANDER MEHARRY III (Identical arrangement, wording, spelling and punctuation.) John Beasley to Alexander Meharry. This Indenture made this thirtieth day of April in the year of our Lord, One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Five between John Beasley and SaHy his wife of the County of Adams and State of Ohio on the one part and Alexander Ale- harry of the County of Adams and State aforesaid of the other part, Witnesseth, that the said John Beasley and Sally Beasley for and in consideration of the sum of Five Hundred and Fifty dollars, current money of the State aforesaid to them in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereb / acknowl- edged, have granted aliened and confirmed and by' these pres- ents do grant, bargain, sell, alien and confirm unto the said Alexander Meharry his heirs and assigns forever all thai: tract or parcel lying and being in the County of Adams and State aforesaid on the East Fork of Eagle Creek containing two hundred and seventy-five acres and bounded as follows, viz ; Beginning at a beech marked I. B. on the South side of the creek ; thence North 40 degrees West, 93 poles to a dog- wood, elm and mulberry thence North 63 poles to an ash and black oak ; thence West 248 poles crossing a branch at 76 poles to a stake; thence South 21 degrees East, 213 poles to a sugar tree and black locust ; thence North 52 deg. East, 55 poles to a gum and dogwood ; thence South 46 degrees East, 94 poles to hickory and white oak stump on the South side of the creek ; thence up the creek North 73 degrees East 56 poles, North 56 degrees East 60 poless, North 23y> degrees East 47 poles to the beginning, granted unto the said John Beasley by two patents from the President of the United States. The one bearing date of the 4th. day of November, Eighteen Hun- dred and One, the other the 25th. day of May, Eighteen Hun- dred and Three, together with all improvements, water courses, profits and appurtenances Whatsoever to the said premises belonging and the reversions, remainders and profits thereof and all the estate, right, title, interest claim and de- mand of the said John Beasley and Sally Beasley of in and to the same. To have and to hold the lands hereby conveyed with all and singular, the premises and every part and parcel thereof with the appurtenances unto the said Alexander Me- harry, his heirs and assigns forever and the said John Beasley for themselves their heirs, executors and administrators do hereby covenant and agree that the premises before mentioned 354 History of the Meharry Family now are and forever hereafter shall remain free of and from all other gifts, grants, bargains, sales, dowers and all other incumbrances, Whatsoever done or suffered by them. And that the said John Beasley and Sally Beasley and their heirs, the premises hereby granted, bargained and sold unto the said Alexander Meharry and his heirs and assigns against all persons Whatsoever, will forever warrant and defend by these presents. In Witness Whereof, the said John Beasley and Sally Beasley have hereunto set their hand and seal the day and year first above written. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us, John Ellison. John Beasley Israel Donaldson. Sally Beasley. Recorded the 21st. day of September, 1805. Joseph Darlinton, Recorder of Adams County. Henry McCalley ' to Alexander Meharry This Indenture made this seventh day of August in the year of our Lord Eighteen Hundred and Six between Henry McCalley and Nancy his wife of the County of Adams and State of Ohio, of the one part and Alexander Meharry of the County and State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth that the said Henry McCalley and Nancy his wife for and in consideration of the sum of One Hundred Dollars current money of the United States to them in hand paid, the receipt Whereof they do hereby acknowledge and forever acquit and discharge the said Alexander Meharry, his heirs, executors, and administrators have granted, bargained, sold, aliened and confirmed and by these presents do grant, bargain, sell, alien and confirm unto the said Alexander Meharry his heirs and as- signs forever all that tract or parcel of land lying and being in the County of Adams and State aforesaid and on the waters of Eagle Creek and containing thirty-one and one-half acres, the same being granted to John Beasley by patent from United States bearing- date the 22nd. day of May Eighteen Hundred and conveyed from the said John Beasley to Na- thaniel Beasley by deed bearing date the day : in the year One Thousand Eight Hundred and Three. And by the said Nathaniel Beasley conveyed to the said Henry McCalley by deed bearing date the 31st. day of January One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Four, together with all improvements, water courses, profits and appurte- nances, whatsoever to the said premises belonging or in any History of the Meharry Family 355 wise appertaining and the reversions, remainders and profits thereof and all the estate, right, title and interest property claims and demand of them the said Henry McCalley and Nancy McCalley, his wife, of in and to the same. To have and to hold the land hereby conveyed with all and singular the premises and every part and parcel thereof with the ap- purtenances unto the said Alexander Meharry his heirs and said Alexander Meharry his heirs and assigns forever, and the said Henry McCalley and Nancy his wife for themselves their heirs. Executors and administrators do covenant, promise and agree to and with the said Alexander Meharry, his heirs and assigns by these presents that the premises now are and forever hereafter shall remain free of and from all former and other gifts, grants, bargains, sales, dowers, right and title of lower, judgments, executions, titles troubles, charges and incumbrances whatsoever done or suffered to be done by them the said Henry McCalley and wife. And the said Henry Mc- Calley and Nancy McCalley and their heirs all and singular the premises hereby bargained and sold with the appurte- nances unto the said Alexander Meharry his heirs and assigns against them the said Henry McCalley his wife and their heirs and all and every person or persons whatsoever doth and will warrant and forever defend by these presents. In Witness Whereof, they the said Henry McCalley and Nancy his wife have hereunto set their hands and seal the day and year first above written. Signed, Sealed and delivered in the presence of, Henry McCalley. N. Beasley, Nancy McCalley. James Moore, Thos. Moore, William Wright. Recorded the 14th. day of Fanuarv, 1807. Robert Stivers et al. to Samuel and Alexander Meharry. Tli is Indenture made this 3rd. day of December Eighteen Hundred and Twenty Seven by and between Robert Stivers and Jane his wife, late Jane Meharry, Hugh Meharry, Thomas Meharry, James Meharry, Mary and Jesse Meharry and David Meharry of the one part and Samuel Meharry and Alexande Meharry of the second part. Witnesseth, that the said party of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of Six Hundred Dollars to them in hand paid by them the said party of the second part, the receipt whereof is here- by acknowledged, hath bargained, sold and quit claimed and by these presents doth bargain, sell and quit claim unto the 356 History of the Meharry Family said party of the second part and to their heirs and assigns forever all our part as heirs of Alexander Meharry deceased to all that tract or parcel of land lying and being in the County of Adams and State of Ohio, on the East Fork of Eagle Creek, bounded and described as follows : Beginning at a large beech on an island marked I. B. 1796 and a stone South West corner to Richard Spear Survey No. — thence North 40 degrees West 93 poles to a dogwood, elm and mulberry ; thence North 83 poles to a dogwood and stone in the line of Charles Harrison's survey ; thence with his line South 89 degrees West, 249 poles to two ashes and sugar tree, South West corner to Harrison's survey and South East corner to Samuel Hopkins survey No. 999 ; thence South 7 degrees East 16 poles to a stake ; thence South 58 poles to a lynn, sugar tree and dogwood in the line of said Harrison's survey No. 799 ; thence East 20 poles to two sugar trees ; thence South 21 deg. East 151 poles to a sugar tree and beech locust in the line of Rankin land, survey No. 2831 ; thence North 52 degrees East, 55 poles to a stone and dog- wood Northerly corner to said Rankin's land No. 2831. thence South 46 degrees East, 94 poles to a stone on the north side of the creek, corner to James Brownfield's land; thence up the creek North 73 degrees East, 56 poles North 56 degrees East 60 poles North 2Z)/ 2 degrees East 47 poles to the beginning 325 acres be the same more or less, together with all and singular the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto be- longing or in any wise appertaining and the reversions, re- mainders, rents, issues and profits thereof, and all the estate, right, title, interest, claim or demand whatsoever of them, the said party of the first part either in law or equity, of, in and to the above bargained premises and every part and parcel thereof, to the said party of the second part their heirs and assigns, to the sole use and proper use, benefit and behoof of them the said party of the second part and their heirs and assigns forever. In Witness Whereof, we ,the said Robert Stivers and Jane his wife, late Jane Meharry, Hugh Meharry, Thomas Meharry, James Meharry, Mary and Jesse Meharry, David Meharry have hereunto set our hand and seal the day and year first above written. Signed, sealed and delivered, Robert Stivers witnesses present, Jane Stivers William Mahaffey Hugh Meharry Abraham Francis. Thomas Meharry James Meharry Mary Meharry Jesse Meharry David Meharry. History of the Meharry Family 357 Shawnee Mound Methodist Episcopal Church The following notes were taken from Jesse Meharry's diary: Tuesday, December 12, worship. Monday, May 14, 1855- Wednesday, November Tuesday, November 20, Wednesday, November Monday, November 26, Saturday, December 1, Mr. Hart donated .854 — The trustees of the M. E. C. resolved to build a house of —The carpenters commenced our meeting- house today. 7, 1855 — Measured the ground for the meeting house. 1855 — We all helped make the fence around the church. 21, 1855 — Finished setting the church fence posts. 1855 — We went to Attica and bought the stoves for the church. 1855 — We went to Attica for stove pipings and drums which for the church. He charged $50.00 for three stoves. Wednesday, December 5, 1855 — We went to Lafayette for chairs for church. Saturday, December 8, 1855 — Put up stoves in church. Tuesday, December 11, 1855 — Settled with Letherman and Carry. They charged us $1,660.00 for their work on the church. Friday, December 14, 1855 — Went to Lafayette for lamps and chandelier for Shawnee Mound Church. Paid $27.55 for them. Sunday, December 16, 1855 — Love feast in the morning by Bro. Smith and dedication sermon by Rev. R. Hargrave, from Isaiah 6:1-8. David Meharry donated the land upon which Shawnee Mound church and par- sonage stand. This church and surrounding community has taken the name of a large glacial moraine located in Tippecanoe County, about seven miles north of Win- gate, Indiana. This mound was used by the Shawnee Indians as a lookout and bury- ing ground; hence its name: Shawnee Mound. 358 History of the Meharry Family THE LITTLE WHITE CHURCH Tenderly and gently I wandered near The little white church in the maples. And it brought back to me memories dear Of loved ones who stood on this hallowed ground; As I followed the path that led to the door A halo seemed to hover around. With trembling hand I opened the door: The benches were empty; they spoke volumes to me. Then came visions of forms who sat there before; There was the aisle I once had walked down. The pulpit so solemn, the Bible lay there. And a halo seemed to hover around. In the mist I saw faces of friends most dear, Men most earnest and women most true. Who had worshipped together in the little church here, With melodies and songs the walls seemed to resound As they sang praises to God and knelt at His feet. And a halo seemed to hover around. And then there appeared a bright light overhead; It shone as if from a throne. I looked, and behold, a table was spread And the spirit of the Lord came down: "Eat of this bread in memory of me And drink of the wine; my blood shed for thee." Oh, dear little church, I must bid you good-bye, I turned down the path that led me away With an ache in my heart and a tear in my eye; And the picture I saw there I will ever recall As it stood like a gem beneath the blue sky. And a halo seemed to spread over all. History of the Meharry Family 359 HESHBON BETHEL CHURCH AND SCHOOL In the early days of pioneer life in Indiana there were no churches. Services were held in the homes until they would hardly hold the crowds. In 1837 Shawnee Mound com- munity decided to build a house of worship. These settlers, with much religious zeal and but little money, were willing to give of their meager means and to donate much labor to build their church. They resorted to the woods, "To hew the shaft, and lay the architecture, and spread the roof above them." By means of a few days' work contributed by all, a stick of timber by one, and a small lot of lumber by another, their structure was soon ready for the raising, which brought the whole neighborhood together. The beams were fastened with heavy wooden pins. The lumber was planed and dressed by hand. There were benches without backs to sit upon. A large walnut table about five by eight feet was made by James Meharry to serve as a pulpit. The church was lighted by tal- low candles made by the women of the church. With hearts swelling with zealous love, they named it Heshbon Bethel. "I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon and Elealeh." — Isaiah 16:9. They dedicated the church to the living God. For many years this church was a prominent landmark in that part of Indiana, and it was noted as the religious center of the com- munity. It was connected with the New Richmond and New- town circuits. One of the pastors who served in Heshbon Bethel was Rev. David Crawford, husband of Mary Meharry Crawford. As the settlement grew the people saw the necessity of a school to educate their children and, as they could not af- ford to build a schoolhouse, they used their new house of worship for both church and school purposes. The structure faced east and was situated in what is now Meharry Cemetery. Bodies lie buried in the former church yard. The exact loca- tion of the church is marked by the grave of Pollv (Meharry) McCorkle. Many Meharrys while school children 'have played on the green carpet of the school yard, which today is a blanket for the dead. When the membership outgrew this church it was aban- doned and a larger and more modern building was erected in 1855 upon land that David Meharry gave for this purpose. 360 History of the Meharry Family 4 mriffiM Heshbon Bethel Cornerstone This Heshbon Bethel church and school was lo- cated on cemetery site, just back of small tree in center of cemetery illustration. I I [STORY OF the Meharry Family 361 Gone long ago is the old Heshbon Bethel Church, whose walls had for many years echoed the preached gospel and the shouts of the pioneer Methodists, and where the rising generation had learned the three R's. James Meharry preserved the old cornerstone on which is the following inscription: "Oct. A. D. 1837 or the 61st year of American Independence. Fifteen years past in the prairies and groves the red men of the wilderness had their council fires and wigwams, where their squaws lived and raised their papooses and savage Indian and prowling wolf had full possession of the plain, but now those people are extinct and schools and churches are growing up for the instruction of the children and the worship of God. Wilderness rejoiced and the places are glad by reason of vast change. May God continue to send out his light and truth into all the earth." The first acre of the Meharry Cemetery was donated by Thomas Meharry, and the remainder by his son, Isaac Meharry, at the time of its enlargement. Just back of the small tree in the center was located the Heshbon Bethel Church and School. 362 History of the Meharry Family GRANDMOTHER JANE MEHARRY'S PRESCRIBED MEDICINES Copied from a letter written April 1, 1843, to her son, DaYid Meharry : "Calomba root, string it and dry it, pound it as fine as you can, then grind it in the coffee mill. Buy a pound of magnica and when you have the calomba fine as you can get it, mix the two half and half together. Then put them in a bottle to keep. The seventh one teaspoonful of it three times a day; that is, before you eat. Keep your body regular with pills or brimstone and cream of tartar mixed together. If the first mixtures don't do it for your cough, get Indian turnip, dry it and grate it, boil it in sweet milk, take in the morning about a teaspoonful, make a syrup of rattle root horehound, alycom- pain root, poplar bark (yellow is the best), sycamore root and nerve root or lady slipper, Indian arrow root. When you boil them and strain it, put it on and boil it down strong, mix it with honey, tablespoonful at a time, or, when the cough is on you, or take a gill of tar and put it on and boil it, take it off the fire and stir a pint of whiskey in it when boiling. Take the liquor and put it by tablespoonful at time when your cough is bad. W 'hen you make your stuffs all bottle them separate." History of the Meharry Family 363 MEHARRY REUNIONS The Meharrys are a sociable and hospitable family. They came together in early days for many family dinners. On the one hundredth birthday anniversary (1863) of their fore- father, Alexander Meharry, the different branches of the family met at the Shawnee Mound Church and spread a basket dinner on a long table under the maple trees in the church yard. These trees, now grown much larger, are still standing. In the year 1867, twenty of Aunt Rebecca's (Mrs. Samuel Meharry) relatives were her guests. They and the Meharry brothers and families were invited from home to home, day after day, for dinners until all the families had entertained each other. After the third generation scattered and estab- lished new homes, it became a custom to celebrate anniver- saries by inviting the members of their own individual branch of the family and any of the other relatives who lived near them. There were reunions of this kind at William Meharry's and Mary A. Crawford's at Tolono, Illinois, and Cornelia B. Hickman's near Wellington, Illinois; also at G. N. Meharry's and Lettie M. Hawthorne's at Shawnee Mound, Indiana. In 1882, on the eightieth birthday of Aunt Eunity (Mrs. Thomas Meharry), her children, with relatives, neighbors and friends. \ , JrHfr&%»W& ji iffmm ilt^- tf *- £% " rT%THB fLi^SKH W^W* Thomas Meharry family reunion, held at the home of William Meharry in To- lono, Illinois, January 1, 1897. 364 History of the Meharry Family met at the old homestead to celebrate the occasion. The din- ner was spread on long tables upon the lawn in the shade of the trees. Thirteen years later the first reunion of the Thomas Meharry descendants was held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Dick at Philo, Illinois, August 26, 1895. It was not only a family meeting, but it also partook of the nature of a wed- ding anniversary for Mr. and Mrs. Dick. All of Mrs. Dick's brothers and sisters with their families were present to join in the celebration of this pleasant event. WVfP*' ' •>-€§sHI j^€^S jK r * &^f~ , -^S^fytm * B Wm ji^r , 8 H JMj Ir^Oy^^V^j r *-* ft { "'*w *hL ** 8 fe ; ^ ."7* * * jlwd ^K.^^B * * pi jf^_ , ' $ &~i f^jM^k -C^jfe j^^^sr V* Alexander Meharry III family reunion, August 26, 1913. The second reunion of this family was held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Meharry at j Tolono, Illinois, on New Year's day, 1897. Those present numbered seventy — a special car bringing the Indiana relatives. The third reunion was to have been held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. John S. Martin near Newtown, Indiana, but upon the date set for the event serious sickness prevented the gathering, so it was post- poned indefinitely and the reunions of this branch of the family were never resumed. The unmarried grandchildren of James Meharry had a New Year's party on January 1, 1901, in the Crawford home at Urbana, Illinois. The occasion was enjoyed so much that they arranged to meet annually. They organized into the "Meharry Club." The charter members were Ella, Emma, and John Crawford; Lucy, Wilbur, and Luman Hickman; Florence, Anna, and Judd Meharry. The members of this club agreed that whenever one of their number married, he or she was under obligation to entertain the rest with a dinner. In History of the Meharry Family 365 return, the club was to present the bridal couple with a dozen solid silver teaspoons. Meetings of the club were held as follows: January 1, 1902, in the home of Norton Meharry, Shawnee Mound, Indi- ana. January 1, 1903, in Luman Hickman's home, Wellington, Illinois. January 1, 1904, in Wilbur Hickman's home, Dan- ville, Illinois. January 1, 1905, in the Crawford home, Urbana, Illinois. During the winter of 1905 they also met at Judd Meharrv's home at Shawnee Mound, Indiana. Alexander Meharry III family reunion, August 26, 1913 Then, August 28, 1906, all of James Meharry 's descend- ants held a reunion on the grounds of the Soldiers' Home in Danville. Illinois, and voted to extend an invitation to all of the branches of Alexander Meharry 's family to join with them in a general reunion to be held at Danville, Illinois, in August, 1907. Since the above date annual reunions have been held on the last Tuesday in August at Danville, Illinois, formerly on the grounds of the National Soldiers' Home and in later years at Lincoln Park. The attendance has varied from fifty to over one hundred. 366 History of the Mkiiarry Family James Meharry Family Reunion, Soldiers' Home, Danville, Illinois, August 28, 1906 'Should auld acquaintance he forgot, and never brought to mind "Ne'er let relations be forgot. And never brought to mind; 'Round scions of a common root. A wreath of love entwine. Full many a different name we bear. In many a clime we rove; But kindred hearts within us beat. In unison and love. So we've a king — an Alexander, good — And Queen Jane, too; These at our head, we follow on, All chanting as we go. And those — who follow us, and throng Adown the widening stream — For those we leave a benison, We breathe a prayer for them." "We'll take a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne." ■Florence Meharrv. History of the Meharry Family 367 THE TINDER BOX In the days when pioneers Shaped our nation's story, They encountered care and tears, (Later came the glory!) But they hravely met the strife, Laughed at fate's hard knocks, And the friend of that stern life Was their tinder box. They made flame with flint-fed steel, (We, by day and night, Turn a knob rich warmth to feel, Snap on shining light.) Fire was precious then, we know, Shifty as a fox, And the trust of high or low Was their tinder box. Life is easy for us now; Once 'twas hard indeed. But our ancestors would bow To no softer creed. We may long for cushioned ease, Shrinking fate's hard knocks — They had stouter souls to please, With their tinder box. Not for them the soldier's fame. Not for them pride's story, But the clean Meharry name. And the good man's story. Fire and light they made and kept, Scorning trouble's shocks, Flashing on while laggards slept, With their tinder box. 368 History of the Meiiarry Family School and church and all things good Theirs to shelter, feed; Firm for right and truth they stood, Strong in word and deed. Citizens of solid worth They sustained in flocks, Brought the flame of joy to birth With their tinder box. Where now wave rich fields of grain, Stand proud cities dear, They strove on with might and main, Faithful year by year. With high faith and courage bright Loosing heavy locks, Building beacons in the night, With their tinder box. Shrine it high on shelves of gold, Emblem of the day When, in story often told, Men held death at bay; Fighting wind and rain and sun, Frost and flood and rocks, With for aid, all said and done, Just a tinder box! July 27, 1925. Sue (Meharry) Moffett. History of the Mkiiarrv Family 369 MEHARRY MEDICAL COLLEGE Years ago, when Jane Francis Meharry and her sons ex- perienced man}- difficult times in making ends meet, occurred an incident of which no one can measure the results. Samuel Meharry was hauling grist from a mill in Ken- tucky. He was in the country, miles from a town. The road which he was traveling was an old style corduroy road, which led through a swamp. Unfortunately, the wagon slipped over *£M: , S : A.*.- T T»;>^?Ti?P^-Jfc lliifef^^^HHi Administration Building- of Meharry Medical College Hubbard Hospital of Meharry Medical College the edge of the road and was mired. While he Avas trying to right the wagon an old colored uncle came along and helped him. But night came on and the colored man took Samuel to his cabin and kept him until morning. Then they succeed- ed in getting the load out of the mire. 370 History of the Meharry Family %^H ^^^^^HHBH e si 1. % o c a History of the Meharry Family 371 The kindness of the colored uncle touched Mr. Meharry's heart and he then and there resolved to do something for the negroes. "I have no money to pay you now, but when I can, I shall do something for your race," were his parting words to the negro. Through industry and economy the Meharry family ac- cumulated considerable property and they remembered this promise. In 1876, through Dr. R. S. Rust, secretary of the Freedmen's Aid Society of the Methodist Church, the Meharry brothers established a medical school for negroes as a depart- ment of Central Tennessee College. This was the first med- ical school for negroes west of the Allegheny mountains. The school was in Nashville, Tennessee. It was established in the South when she was torn wide open. Into the breach it came. The Meharry gifts, which totaled thousands of dollars, made possible the starting of the school, and it was named in honor of them. One single gift was a farm valued at $10,000, as an endowment for a professorship. Dr. George Hubbard was called to Nashville to undertake the establishment of the school. He had as his assistant the first year, Dr. William J. Snead, an ex-Confederate surgeon. The school enrolled eleven pupils that year. In 1886 a Dental Department was opened, and in 1889 a Pharmaceutical Depart- ment was added to the school. From 1876 until January, 1921, Meharry College graduated a total of two thousand four hundred sixty-seven negro doc- tors, dentists and pharmacists, two thousand one hundred forty-seven of whom were still living. At the indicated date the current enrollment of the college in various departments was four hundred fifty. In 1924 there were one hundred sixty-eight in the graduating class, with a total enrollment in all departments of five hundred forty-seven. The Carnegie Foundation has agreed to contribute $150,- 000 to the school, provided the Board of Education for Ne- groes would raise $200,000 to add to the fund. Meharry now has available a little more than half a million dollars in en- dowment funds. The students here represent the very highest type of ne- groes. Meharry has always stood for high ideals of personal conduct. Gambling, profanity, betting, the use of whiskey, and immoral or unworthy conduct, are not tolerated. The use of tobacco in any form is not permitted in or about the buildings. Approximately ninety-eight per cent of the grad- uates have been church members; and it is a striking fact that in a large number of communities in the seven states in which Meharry graduates are practicing, the}- are the most 372 History of the Meharry Family active and effective church workers and leaders to be found among their race. Most of the five hundred forty-seven students enrolled work their own way through school. During the summer they may be found all over the North on Pullman trains, in hotel service, on river and lake boats, in automobile factories, in tailor shops, on farms and in other forms of service, includ- ing teaching and preaching. It was a glimpse of the possibilities bound up in the school which our ancestors saw when they builded so wisely and so well. Their money erected the buildings and provided a start for the endowments and the school is still growing. As the Meharry News, of the Meharry College, says : "Meharry Medical College was conceived in prayer, born in sympathy, developed by love and maintained by philanthropy. To the Meharry brothers we owe a debt of gratitude. They have passed from their labor to their reward, but 'their works do follow them'." "He's true to God who's true to man, wherever wrong is done, To the humblest and the weakest, 'neath the all beholding sun. That wrong is also done to us; and they are slaves most base, Whose love of right is for themselves, and not for all the race." — James Russell Lowell. History of the Meharry Family 373 FRANCIS GENEALOGY The Francis genealogy is included in this book to show the inter-marriage relationship of the Meharry and Francis families. Alexander Meharry, the Irish emigrant, married Jane Francis. For the next three generations some Meharry has married a Francis or one of Francis descent. Even prior to their emigration the two families intermarried in Ireland. Names of individuals who have married Meharrys, or people in whom the Meharry Family have any special interest, are printed in heavy type. Figures preceding names indicate the order of children in immediate families. Figures in parenthesis, following names, indicate the generation to which the individual belongs : thus "John Francis I (1)" is the first generation and the only indi- vidual of that generation mentioned. "2 John II (2)" indicates that this individual is the second child of "John I (1)" and belongs to the second generation of the Francis family. "6. Mary (3)" indicates that this individual was the sixth of the children of "2. John II (2)," and belongs to the third genera- tion of the Francis family. John Francis I (1), removed from England to County Cavan, Ireland, about 1690, and married Jane McGregory, of Scotland. Two Sons. 1. William (2), died in infancy. John II (2), married Mary Sharp. Five Sons and Three Daughters. 1. William (3). 2. Richard (3). 3. Edward (3). 4. James (3), a doctor in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. 5. Margaret (3), married a Air. Scott. She gave the above account to her great nephew, Hugh Me- harry, in 1824, four years before her death. 6. Mary (3), born August, 1775, married William Davidson, born 1771, in Ireland, and died Octo- ber 1, 1865. Emigrated to America May 1, 1804. Settled in Brown County, Ohio. William David- son was the son of William and Ann Shales, ("a decent and wealthy family") Davidson. He had two brothers and five sisters. Five Sons and Four Daughters. 1. Josiah (4), married Catherine Pitenger. 2. William (4), married M. S. Rankin. 9 374 History of the Meharry Family 3. John (4), died of lockjaw. 4. James (4), an M. E. minister at the age of 18 years. Married a Miss Beach in Michigan. 5. Edward (4), killed by lightning-. 6. Anna Margaret (4), married Hugh Meharry. (See Hugh Meharry history.) 7. Mary Ann Jane (4), married Abraham Fran- cis. (Cousins of the half blood.) 8. Maria (4), married Henry Wilson Moore. (See Mary (Moore) Meharry history. 9. Esther (4). 7. jane (3 ). 8. John III (3), born 1733. Died May 10, 1814. Buried at "Breaky," Cavan County, Ireland. Married Margaret Cranston, of Scotland, in 1766. Two Sons and One Daughter. 1. James (4), born in 1767, died in Ireland in 1807; married Esther Ann Ingram, daughter of Edward and Esther Ingram. Born Decem- ber 18, 1761, in Cavan County, Ireland. Died July 27, 1839. Emigrated to America in 1823. Resided in Ohio 11 years and in Iowa 4 years. Four Sons and Two Daughters 1. John (5). 2. Jane (5). 3. William (5). 4. Margaret Ingram (5), born in Cavan County, Ireland, March 2, 1803. Emi- grated to America with her mother and brother James, in 1823. Married James Meharry. (See James Meharry his- tory.) 5. James (5). 6. Edward (5). 2. William (4), born October 3, 1769. Died in Adams County, Ohio, October 13, 1825. On November 30, 1795, married to Jane Love, of Scotland. She was born in 1779 and died June 12, 1812. William emigrated to Amer- ica May 5, 1817. Four Sons and Three Daughters 1. John Love (5), born September 15, 1806, " died August 8, 1858. Married Rachel (Peggy) Perry December 30, 1824. History of the Meharry Family ,375 Three Sons and Two Daughters 1. John G. (6). 2. Wellington (6). 3. James (6). 4. Margaret (6). 5. Jane Love (6). 2. Thomas (5), born September 29, 1809. Died November, 1862. Married Han- nah Hagerman. 3. Abraham (5), born September 29, 1808, in Ireland. Died November 28, 1862. Married Mary Ann Jane Davidson, who was born in Brown County, Ohio, March 17, 1815. Married in Ohio and removed to Will County, Illinois, No- vember 16, 1831. She was a bride at 16 years of age. She died Januarv 15, 1884. Five Sons and Five Daughters 1. Margaret Louisa (6), born Januarv 3. 1834. Died September 24, 1900. Married Needham Cooper June 26, 1856. 2. William Davidson (6), born April 21, 1836. Died March 24, 1858. 3. Mary Ann Jane (6), born June 28, 1838. Married John S. Blackstone ("anuary 21, 1864. Died October 23, 1918. 4. Abraham Allen (6), born September 7, 1840. Died August 31, 1899. Married Elizabeth Haven, Septem- ber 15, 1870. 5. John (6), born Januarv 8, 1843. Died March 29, 1913. Married Harriet Maria Bliss December 21, 1865. 6. Lydia E. (6). born April 9, 1845. Died October 27, 1900. Married Alvan Stewart Haven, December 19, 1865. Second marriage to William S. Xic- colls, December 7. 1886. Lydia E. (Francis) Haven was the mother of Fred Stewart Haven, who married Anna Mae Meharry. This is the last 376 History of the Meharry Family (1925) intermarriage between the Meharry and Francis Families. (See William Meharry history.) 7. Charles (6), born August 17, 1847. Died February 23, 1919. Married Mary E. Haven, February 1, 1871. 8. Adaline A. (6), born September 12, 1851. Died January 20, 1913. Mar- ried Jesse Meharry, Jr., February 27, 1873. (See Jesse Meharry his- tory.) 9. George Washington Lyman (6), born October 5, 1856. Married Anna M. Doig, June 21, 1877. 10. Carrie Denton (6), born March 22, 1859. Died December 17, 1871. 4. Isaac (5), born August 7, 1810. Single. 5. Alary (5), born May 10, 1804. Married Jason or Aaron Ware. 6. Margaret (5), born October 22, 1800. Mar- ried William Rankin. 7. Mary Jane Love ( 5 ) , born September 8, 1802. Died November 30, 1866. Mar- ried Jesse Meharry. (See Jesse Meharry, Sr., history. ) 3. Jane (4), married Alexander Meharry III. (See Alexander Meharry III history.) Margaret (Cranston) Francis, wife of John Francis III, died in 1773. The second marriage of John III was to Isabella Ann Ingram in 1774. She died in Ireland, August 2, 1824. Three Sons and Three Daughters. 1. Mary (4), born August 26, 1775. 2. John (4), born September 15, 1776. 3. Esther (4), born October 28, 1783, married Archie Mitchell, both died in Ireland. Four Sons and One Daughter. 1. Edward (5), emigrated from Ireland, 1862, and settled in Delavan, Wiscon- sin. Had four children. History of the Meharry Family 377 2. Henry (5), emigrated from Ireland in 1862 and settled in Warren County, Indiana. Had four children, Archie, John, William and Maggie. Henry mar- ried Mrs. Hawthorne, and was step- father of George Hawthorne, who mar- ried Lettie Meharry, daughter of David and Jane (Francis) Meharry. 3. Ingram (5), remained in Ireland. No record. 4. Margaret (5), emigrated from Ireland in 1862. Married Samuel Stewart. H ad- ten children. Grandmother of Mary Flack, of Battle Ground, Indiana. 5. John (5), emigrated from Ireland in 1864. Settled near Shawnee Mound, Indiana. Married Christina Flack. Had eight children. One daughter, Essie, married Mr. Geary. Most of descendants live in and around Lafayette and Battle Ground, Indiana. 4. Samuel (4), born July 7, 1788. 5. Sarah (4), born November 1, 1791. 6. Edward (4), born October 28, 1783. Emigrated from Ireland to America, May 5, 1817. Settled at Ash Ridge, Brown County, Ohio, October 22, 1817. Married Ellen Wilson. "A noble Christian gentleman. An elder for many years in the Presbyterian Church, both In Ireland and America." Five Sons and Three Daughters. 1. John (5), married Margaret Ross, daugh- ter of John and Sarah Hardesty. De- scendants live at Forest, Illinois. 2. Edward (5), married Elizabeth Plummer. 3. Joseph (5), married Eliza Elder. Five Sons and Three Daughters. 1. James Carey (6), married twice. Had two children by first wife, Jesse, and Ada M., who married William Carleton. His second wife was Mary Gardner, who was raised in the home of A. C. McCorkle. 2. Edward (6). 378 History of the Meharry Family 3. Robert (6). 4. Joseph (6). 5. Alvin A. William (6). 6. Annetta (6). 7. Ada (6). 8. Ella (6). 4. William Wilson (5), married Hannah Bower. 5. Mary (5), married Joseph Sells. 6. Jane Wilson (5), married David Meharry. (See David Meharry history.) 7. Eleanor (5), married John Atchison. 8. James (5 ). single. H I ST< )RY ( ) F T 1 [ E M E 1 1 A R R V F AM ILY 379 INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS Page Frontispiece — Home of Alexander Meharry III 3 Ballyjamesduff, Ireland 13 Manchester Landing 15 Home of Alexander Meharry III with Some of Its Environments 17 Plan and Account of Erection of Alexander Meharry III Monument 21 Alexander Meharry III Monument 22 Lettie (Meharry) Hawthorne Impersonating Her Grandmother __ 25 Jane (Francis) Meharry's Trunk 25 Alexander Meharry Family Bible 28 Family Records from Alexander Meharry III Bible between 29-32 Jane (Francis) Meharry Monument 35 Hugh Meharry and Margaret (Davidson) Meharry 41 Home of Hugh Meharry 41 Emily (Meharry) Blackstock and Robert Blackstock 43 Francis Meharry and Margaret (Blackstock) Meharry 46 Home of Francis Meharry 46 Charles Wesley Meharry and Sarah Ellen (Taylor) Meharry 48 Susan Ambrose (Meharry) Kumler and Rev. John Kumler 49 Maria (Meharry) Adams and William Henry Adams 51 Mary Ann (Meharry) Evans and William Evans 54 Alexander Meharry and Elizabeth (Ambrose) Meharry 55 Thomas Meharry and Eunity (Patton) Meharry 58 Home of Thomas Meharry 58 James Meharry Land Patent 63 Old Relics - 68 Thomas Meharry and His Children 75 Eunity (Patton) Meharry's Spinning Wheels 78 Eunity (Patton) Meharry's Wedding Petticoat 78 Eunity (Patton) Meharry's Counterpane 80 Hackle 82 Eunity (Patton) Meharry's Cord Bedstead 82 Jane Patton (Meharry) Dick and Eli Hinkle Dick 84 Home of Jane Patton (Meharry) Dick 84 Jesse Newton Dick 87 Home of Jesse Newton Dick 87 William Meharry and Margaret (McCorkle) Meharry 92 Home of William Meharry 92 William Meharry Farm Home 95 William Meharry's Courting Hat 96 Anna Mae (Meharry) Haven and Fred Stewart Haven 97 Alice Genevieve Haven 98 Margaret Winifred Haven 98 Lelia Alice (Meharrv) Bower 98 William Meharrv's Bootjack 109 McCorkle Coat-of-Arms 113 Andrew McCorkle and Mary (Gooding) McCorkle 114 Ellen Patton (Meharry) Martin and John Sayers Martin 118 Home of Ellen Patton (Meharry) Martin 118 Eunity (Patton) Meharry's Chair 121 Ellen (Meharry) Martin and Three Sisters-in-Law 126 Rhoda Eunity (Martin) Schermerhorn and Allen Campbell Scher- merhorn 128 Jesse Martin 129 Jesse Martin in Childhood 129 Ann Etta (Martin) Gardiner 133 380 History of the Meharry Family Page Kirkpatrick Family 136 Jesse Meharry and Addie A. (Francis) Meharry 142 Home of Jesse Meharry 142 Edwin Thomas Meharry 160 Polly Ann (Meharry) McCorkle 162 Andrew Calvin McCorkle 162 Julia (Martin) McCorkle 162 Home of Polly Ann (Meharry) McCorkle 162 Abraham Patton Meharry and Martha Jane (McMillin) Meharry 170 Three Views of Abraham Patton Meharry's Home 170 Abraham Patton Meharry, Aged 23 Years 180 Martha Jane (McMillin) Meharry as a Girl 188 The Wives of Abraham and Isaac Meharry, the Twins 191 Isaac Newton Meharry and Mary Elizabeth (Moore) Meharry 192 Home of Isaac Newton Meharry 192 Lee Carter Meharry and Old Rail Fence 194 Thomas Meharry's Barn 196 Isaac Newton Meharry's Rifle Barrel 200 Covered Bridge Over Coal Creek 201 Thomas Meharry's Cradle 207 Mary Elizebath (Moore) Meharry 208 James Meharry and Margaret (Francis) Meharry 212 Home of James Meharry 212 Rear View of James Meharry Home 213 Mary Agatha (Meharry) Crawford and Rev. David Crawford 218 Farm Home of Mary Agatha (Meharry) Crawford 218 Mary (Meharry) Crawford's Urbana Home 224 Clark Meharry Crawford and Almira J. (Bundy) Crawford 227 Helen Lucile Crawford 230 Ruth Margaret (Crawford) Freeman and Dorothy Crawford Free- man 233 Kilburn C. Freeman 233 Mary Clare (Crawford) Brown 235 Charles Graham Crawford, Almenia Luella Crawford, and Clark Meharry Crawford 236 Jessie Cornelia Ellsworth (Crawford) Butler, and John Lee Butler 237 Roland Glenn Butler, Theda (Propst) Butler, and Roland Glenn Butler, Jr. 242 Ella Margaret Francis Crawford 244 James Allen Crawford and Ida Jane (Spray) Crawford 249 Clarence DeWitt Crawford 251 Francis Virgil Crawford, Amelia Iris (Moyse) Crawford, and James Arthur Crawford 252 Anna Letitia Crawford 253 Emma Gardiner Crawford 256 John William Wesley Crawford 258 John Crawford Clearing Missouri Land with Oxen 261 Greenlief Norton Meharry and Letitia (Meharry) Meharry 263 Cornelia Bennett (Meharry) Hickman and James Sylvester Hick- man 272 Two Views of Cornelia (Meharry) Hickman Home 273 Allen Wiley Meharry 288 Mary (Meharry) Beach and Nathan Beach 290 Jesse Meharry and Jane Love (Francis) Meharry 302 Home of Jesse Meharry 302 East College, DePauw University 307 Chapel ("Meharry Hall") in East College, DePauw 307 History of the Mkiiarry Family 381 Page David Meharry and Jane Wilson (Francis) Meharry 314 Home of David Meharry 314 Albert E. Meharry . 315 George Erwin Meharry and Carrie A. (Broadwell) Meharry 316 Altha A. Meharry 316 Jay Meharry and Zimella Meharry 317 Philio and Claire Meharry „ 317 Elma Clementine (Meharry) Whitehead 318 Ethan Samuel Meharry and Laura (Knowles) Meharry 319 Lettie Mary (Meharry) Hawthorne and George Boyd Hawthorne 320 Hillkiah Franklin Meharry and Martha (Hottsclau) Meharry 324 Samuel Meharry and Rebecca (Bower) (Wilson) Meharry 326 Home of Samuel Meharry 326 Rev. Alexander Meharry 331 Rev. Alexander and Eliza (Ogden) Meharry 332 Rev. Alexander Meharry's Home 332 St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, Eaton, Ohio 333 St. Paul's Church Auditorium 334 Breaking Ground for St. Paul's Church 335 St. Paul's Parsonage 336 St. Paul's Old Parsonage 337 Rev. Alexander Meharry's Monument 338 Lieutenant James Burr Hickman 342 Andrew Calvin McCorkle 344 Hillkiah Franklin Meharry 344 Sherman Adsit 345 Lieutenant Roland Glenn Butler 345 Sergeant Clarence DeWitt Crawford 346 Francis Virgil Crawford 346 David Earl Hawthorne 347 Sergeant Wilbur Hickman 348 Lieutenant John Russell McCorkle 349 Francis Andrew McCorkle , 349 Charles Howard McCorkle 349 Lieutenant George E. Ramey 350 Lieutenant Frank W. Ramey 350 Sergeant Robert H. Ramey 350 John Willoughby Randolph 351 Charles Ethelburt Randolph 351 Lieutenant Clarence A. Vasey 352 Shawnee Mound Methodist Church 357 Heshbon Bethel Cornerstone 360 Meharry Cemetery 361 Thomas Meharry Family Reunion 363 Alexander Meharry III Family Reunion 364-365 James Meharry Family Reunion 366 Meharry Medical College — Administration Building 369 Meharry Medical College— Hubbard Hospital 369 Meharry Medical College— Dental Hall 370 382 History of the Meharry Family Report of the Meharry History Committee At the Meharry Reunion at Danville, Illinois, September 25, 1925 The Meharry History Publishing Committee was appointed about twelve years ago. Due to the loss, or misplacement, of the secretary's book the exact date can not be ascertained. Ella Crawford, recognizing the need of preserving family facts, tra- ditions and stories in permanent form, had initiated the movement for a family history and asked different individuals of the family to prepare papers concerning the different branches. Finally the following committee was appointed to publish the information collected : Jessie (Crawford) Butler, Chairman. Jesse Martin, Treasurer. Lettie (Meharry) Hawthorne. Eva (Meharry) Glenn. Florence Meharry. Mae (Meharry) Haven. After the death of Jesse Martin, Charles L. Meharry was appointed in his stead. At first the work progressed with exceeding slowness. Some indi- viduals sent in their papers very promptly, others supplied material only after repeated reminders and encouragement. This in no case was be- cause of indifference or conscious neglect, but simply because our lives are already full to overflowing with daily tasks and obligations. Sometimes an individual would become enthusiastically inspired to write more than had been at first supplied. He would request the return of his paper and then forget to send it back. Thus some papers have been temporarily misplaced and relocated only after thorough inquiry and search. After the written matter had grown to considerable volume there began to be insistent demand at each reunion that the book be completed. This urging was really necessary to stir the committee to action because by this time its members had caught a vision of the effort and self-sacri- fice that would be involved in the task. Finally in the summer of 1925 the committee met with all members present except Eva (Meharry) Glenn, who lives in Florida. They re- solved to have the book ready for the 1925 reum'on. Illustrations were discussed and it was decided that we might be able to include a few pic- tures without changing the pt'ice of the volume. It was decided to give the opportunity to members of the family to provide plates, at their own expense, for such cuts as they might desire included. The response to this call has been gratifying. However, be- cause of this, and constant addition of other new material, the book could not be completed in time for distribution today, for it has grown from 200 or 250 pages, as contemplated when the contract was let, to 388 pages, with 194 engravings. History of the Meharry Family 383 When the book was planned, and even in 1918, when a price of $5.00 was set upon its cost per volume, nobody had in mind any such extensive creation as has been evolved. Present estimates indicate that either the price per volume must be raised or subscriptions for the book must be more than doubled to cover the cost of the history. In explanation of this statement, by far the greatest portion of the cost of printing the book has been included in the cost of plates for illustrations, typesetting and other labor. After this material has been locked in the forms ready for the press two hundred volumes cost but little more than fifty; the additional expense for the extra books being the cost of paper, binding and actual press costs. The committee spent much thought upon the selection of a title for the book. While the traditions of the family reach several hundred years farther back than the immigration of Alexander III to America, yet to the members of the family probably no date is more significant than 1794, the time when Grandfather Alexander landed in America. Where might we all be now had he not come here? Therefore, it was decided to make the whole history pivot upon this date, looking forward from Alexander's time, but glimpsing back from 1794 into the traditions of the past which our immigrants brought to America with them. The committee has thought it well to divide the book into ten general subdivisions of the family of Alexander III ; one for each of his children. We must not forget that besides the eight children of our maternal an- cestor, Jane (Francis) Meharry, there were two children, Jane and John, of a former marriage of Grandfather Alexander with Jane Gillespie. Perhaps among the most far-reaching consequences of the preparation of this book has been the locating of the John Meharry branch of the family. It had lost contact with the rest of the family for more than a generation. Only by the merest chance was the committee enabled to discover its where- abouts. These folks are located in and near Garden City, Kansas. The Table of Contents went through a long evolution to reach its present form. There was no time to prepare a general index and so a Table of Contents was the most that could be accomplished. It was finally decided that it could not go beyond the second generation removed from Alexander Meharry III without becoming too voluminous. Individuals in later generations may be easily located by referring to the various sub- divisions of their family, indicated by their ancestor of this second gen- eration. It was thought necessary for several reasons to list not only individuals of Meharry blood, but also the "in-laws" of these three gen- erations (including Alexander III). An appendix was found necessary for the reason that many things, which do not properly belong in the individual histories of any particular member of the family, are yet of such interest as to demand space in the volume. The division devoted to Military Services was suggested after the book was in the hands of the publishers. We fear that there may be some omissions, which, if they have occurred, we assure you were unintentional. 384 History of the Meharry Family Time was too short to get exact military records of some; others were discovered too late to procure engravings. In the latter cases spaces have been reserved for the insertion of photographs. The Gold Star soldier, Lieutenant Hickman, was given precedence for obvious reasons. We have only two Civil War veterans, both passed to the reward of their Great Commander, so it seemed fitting that they should follow Lieutenant Hick- man in order of arrangements. Other names and faces appear alpha- betically, following the Civil War veterans. Copies of Alexander Meharry's old land deeds were obtained after much search and effort. We hope they may prove as interesting to the rest of the family as to the committee. Few indeed are the personal keepsakes of Grandmother Jane (Fran- cis) Meharry. From three letters, belonging to Lettie (Meharry) Haw- thorne, written by Grandmother Jane to her sons, we have reproduced a copy of her prescriptions for home-made remedies, which we trust may prove of great value to any feeble or ailing Meharrys. Special acknowledgment must be made to Sue (Meharry) Moffett. who contributed "The Tinder Box," written especially for this history. It may seem peculiar to some that the Francis genealogy is included. The intermarriage of the Meharry and Francis families is noteworthy. Let us remember that the children of Alexander Meharry III were half Francis, and that some of the living Meharrys are really more than half Francis, for some branches have intermarried more than once with Francis blood. The first Meharry-Francis union we have authentic record of is that of Alexander Meharry III with Jane Francis. The last is that of Mae Meharry, a member of this committee, and Fred Stewart Haven, who is the son of a Francis. If mistakes have occurred, either of commission or omission, no one can regret it more than the committee. The task has been a huge one, and, on account of its nature, errors may be numerous, though we ear- nestly hope that this is not the case. We hope that as soon as subscribers receive the book they will read it very carefully, noting in writing any errors, giving page and paragraph, and report to some member of the publishing committee. We can then prepare a list of corrections to be distributed at the 1926 reunion, which list can be placed in the book of each subscriber. We of the committee wish to beg your indulgence for any such mistakes or oversights. Finally, let us urge you all to rally to this cause, and to the assistance of your committee, and help with willingness, energy and funds in true Meharry spirit, to bring The History of the Meharrys in America to completion today. LETTY (MEHARRY) HAWTHORNE. FLORENCE MEHARRY. MAE (MEHARRY) HAVEN. CHARLES LEO MEHARRY. Note — Jesse (Crawford) Butler and Eva (Meharry) Glenn were not present at the reunion and on that account did not sign this report.