Clay County IN

Slave Narrative of Edna Boysaw

Edna Boysaw, an ex-slave now living in Brazil, Indiana, reflects on her life from her days in Virginia to her current residence. She describes a challenging journey following emancipation, with her husband lured to Indiana for work in coal mines but facing hostility. After moving to Indiana with two children to care for him post-injury, Edna supported her family through various jobs, often relying on the kindness of white neighbors for food. Despite hardships, she remains active in her community, deeply respected for her contributions and resilience.

Biography of Boyd Elias Pollom

William Pollom, born in Ohio in 1838, was a dedicated farmer and Union soldier who moved his family to Shawnee County, Kansas, in 1871. Despite challenges, he repeatedly relocated to support his farming ambitions, eventually settling in North Topeka. He raised eleven children and lived a life marked by integrity, community service, and strong Methodist faith. His son, Boyd Elias Pollom, born in 1863, followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a prosperous agriculturalist and active in local governance, notably serving on the Shawnee County board of commissioners.

Biography of Edward Thomas James

Edward Thomas James, a notable figure in Shawnee County, Kansas, was a Civil War veteran born on August 27, 1830, in Talbot County, Maryland. After serving in the Ninth Indiana Infantry, he moved to Kansas in 1867, where he developed a successful farm and advocated for education, leading to the establishment of a local school. A respected community leader, he held various public offices, including county commissioner and justice of the peace. James passed away on December 6, 1915, leaving a legacy of dedication and integrity.

Biography of S. M. Nees

S. M. Nees, a prominent figure in Kansas education, dedicated 32 years to the public schools of Independence, primarily serving as principal of the Montgomery County High School, the largest in the state. His leadership significantly enhanced the public education system, turning the school into a training ground for successful careers. Born in Indiana in 1863, he graduated from Valparaiso University and began his career in 1884 in Kansas. Nees was also a committed community member, involved in various educational and civic organizations, and was an elder in his church.

Biographical Sketch of Artemus Clark Plummer

Artemus Clark Plummer, an optometrist, was born in a log cabin near Harmony, Indiana, to Thomas Jermiah and Martha Richards Plummer. After attending local schools, he worked on a farm until the age of 21. He then studied at Spaldings Commercial College in Kansas City while taking on various jobs. In 1899, he moved to New York City to pursue optometry, graduating from Dr. R. H. Knowles School of Optometry in 1901 before working with Tiffany & Co. for several years prior to relocating to Cleveland.

Biography of L. P. Carpenter

L. P. Carpenter, born on November 11, 1867, in Clay County, Indiana, relocated to Oklahoma in his early adulthood, where he successfully engaged in farming and stock raising for many years. In 1919, he retired to Bartlesville, enjoying the comforts of his achievements. A family man, he married Mary E. Roy and had four children. Though frequently encouraged to pursue public office, Carpenter preferred to remain a devoted citizen, supporting community progress and maintaining a reputation for integrity and civic responsibility in northeastern Oklahoma.

Biography of Paul Stafford Mitchell, M. D.

Dr. Paul Stafford Mitchell, born in 1875 in Virginia, is a prominent physician in Iola, Kansas, recognized for his seventeen years of medical practice. Educated at Hering Medical College and the University of Illinois, he specialized in surgery and pursued further studies in Europe. Mitchell is the owner of the Physicians and Surgeons Hospital and is known for his commitment to high ethical standards in medicine. A Republican and active in local fraternal organizations, he served on the school board and engaged with various medical societies throughout his career. He married Mary G. Jaques in 1902.

McMahon, James Willard – Obituary

James Willard McMahon, 86, passed away on October 29 at his home in Union, Oregon. His funeral will be held at the LDS Ward in Union, with burial at Willamette National Cemetery. Born in Indiana, McMahon served in the Navy during World War II and later worked in highway construction and trucking. He was married to Martha Lucinda Callahan and was known for his love of poetry, humor, and family. He is survived by his wife, children, and extended family.

Biographical Sketch of William H. Brandenburg

William H. Brandenburg, born in Clay County, Indiana, on October 19, 1824, moved to Hutton, Illinois, with his family at age four. After working on a farm in Wisconsin and hauling lead for nine years, he settled on his own 150-acre farm in Hutton Township. A veteran of the Civil War, he served in Company H, 10th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, until the war’s end. He married Elizabeth J. Tucker in 1849, and they had nine children, six of whom survived into adulthood.

Biographical Sketch of C. P. Brandenburg

C. P. Brandenburg, born on August 24, 1828, in Clay County, Indiana, was the son of early settlers Solomon O. and Alezan. He lived with his parents until 17, then worked in Wisconsin hauling lead, making seasonal returns home. In 1856, he established a farm on Sec. 14, which he developed from a log cabin. He married Mary Cox in 1850, with whom he had twelve children, seven surviving her death in 1875. He remarried Nancy J. Baker in 1877, fathering one more child.

Biographical Sketch of James Brandenburg

James Brandenburg was born on April 20, 1820, in Hardin County, Kentucky. His family relocated to Clay County, Indiana, before settling in his current county in 1829. After working locally until the age of 18, he spent two years in Wisconsin before establishing a farm southeast of Salisbury in 1844. He later moved to his current farm on Section 7. Married to Neety Cooper in 1843, they had seven children, of whom four survived into adulthood.

Biographical Sketch of Matthias Beavers

Matthias Beavers, born June 6, 1823, in Meade County, Kentucky, moved with his family to Indiana as an infant and later to Coles County. He married Elizabeth Endsley in 1845 and settled on a 180-acre farm in Hutton Township. Beavers recalls early interactions with Native Americans and the march led by Black Hawk. His marriage produced nine children, six of whom survived, including Albert, who served in the 54th Illinois Volunteer Regiment.

Biographical Sketch of William Beavers

William Beavers, born on July 23, 1797, in Loudoun County, Virginia, is a pioneer of Clark County, Illinois. Leaving home at 17, he moved to Kentucky, married Nancy Bradenburg in 1818, and later settled in Indiana and Illinois. In 1830, he established his homestead near Salisbury, living among the Kickapoo Indians. Now in his 82nd year, Beavers has an extensive family, including seven living sons and three daughters, with a total of seventeen children. His resilience and active spirit define his legacy.

Biographical Sketch of J. T. Payne

J. T. Payne, born in 1851 in Clay County, Indiana, was the son of William Benjamin and Malinda Payne. Educated in Boone County, Iowa, he purchased land in Hayes Township, Ida County, in 1875, where he became an important early settler. He played a significant role in organizing Hayes Township and establishing local school districts. Payne married Georgiana Friott in 1880, and they had five children. His contributions to the community and family life reflect his commitment to the region’s development.