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Descendants of Joseph ARCHER

 
  1. Joseph ARCHER was born 1730
    Died October 1783 in Mansfield twp., Burlington Co., New Jersey.   See Will
    Married #1 Sarah SHREVE November 12, 1755 in Mansfield twp., Burlington Co., New Jersey
    Married #2 Martha TULLY October 03, 1766 in Mansfield twp., Burlington Co., New Jersey
    Children of Joseph ARCHER and Sarah SHREVE

   
  2. Mary ARCHER, born November 28, 1756 in Mansfield twp., Burlington Co., New Jersey
    Died September 22, 1817 in Centerville, Ohio.
    Married Aaron NUTT May 04, 1778 Born July 17, 1758 in Monmouth County, New Jersey
    Died June 02, 1842 in Centerville, Montgomery County, Ohio.
    Son of Levi NUTT and Ann IVENS.
    See Note
    Children of Mary ARCHER and Aaron NUTT

     
  3. Levi NUTT, born February 05, 1780 in Kentucky.
     
  3. Sarah NUTT, born July 07, 1781 in Kentucky.
     
  3. Mary NUTT, born April 28, 1783 in Kentucky.
     
  3. Aaron NUTT, born May 31, 1787 in Kentucky.
     
  3. Abigail NUTT, born September 24, 1790 in Kentucky.
     
  3. Ann NUTT, born October 24, 1792 in Kentucky.
     
  3. Bathsheba NUTT, born February 02, 1795 in Kentucky.
     
  3. Moriah NUTT, born August 22, 1797 in Kentucky.
   
  2. Benjamin ARCHER, born Abt. 1759 in Mansfield twp., Burlington Co., New Jersey
    Died 1833 in Fort Wayne, Allen Co., Indiana.
    Married Anna Unknown June 01, 1784
    See Note
    Children of Benjamin ARCHER and Anna Unknown
   

See Note

3. David ARCHER, born 1788 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
    Died August 1861 in Allen County, Indiana.
    Married Anna CRISENBERRY January 21, 1808 in Montgomery Co, Ohio.
    Children of David ARCHER and Anna CRISENBERRY
   

See Note

4. John ARCHER, born September 22, 1822 in Montgomery County, Ohio
    Died April 21, 1899 in Allen County, Indiana.
    Married Jane POINSETT October 04, 1849
    Died 1898 in Allen County, Indiana
    Daughter of Peter POINSETT and Mary POINSETT
    Buried in Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana
    Children of John ARCHER and Jane POINSETT
     
  5. Ann Eliza ARCHER
     
  5. Mary J. ARCHER.
     
  5. William L ARCHER.
     
  5. James W. ARCHER.
     
  5. Winfield F. ARCHER.
     
  5. Andrew J. ARCHER.
     
  5. Oliver A ARCHER.
     
  5. John P. ARCHER.
   

See Note

4. David L. ARCHER, born 1828 in Allen County, Washington Township, Indiana
    Died June 04, 1897 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana.
   
  3. Elizabeth ARCHER, born November 18, 1794 in Campbell Co., Kentucky ??
    Died January 18, 1857 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

See Note

  Married Thomas HATFIELD in Montgomery Co., Ohio.
    Born November 19, 1791 in Delaware
    Died February 23, 1863 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
    Buried in  Hatfield Cemetery Washington Township, Allen Co., Indiana
    Children of Elizabeth ARCHER and Thomas HATFIELD
   
  4. Rachel HATFIELD, born 1818 in Montgomery Co., Ohio
    Died May 10, 1888 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
    Married #1 Emanuel NOTESTINE born November 18, 1811 in Ohio
    Died April 27, 1838 in Fort Wayne, Allen Co., Indiana
    Son of Jacob NOTHSTEIN and Barbara KEARNS

See Note

  Married #2 John Milton SMEAD February 29, 1840 in Fort Wayne, Indiana
    Marriage date obtained from Marriage Certificate
    Born September 25, 1809 in Guilford, Windham, Vermont
    Died May 26, 1888 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
    All buried in Hatfield Cemetery Washington Township, Allen Co., Indiana
    Children of Rachel HATFIELD and John SMEAD
     
  5. Mary SMEAD, born Abt. 1837.
     
  5. Louicy SMEAD, born Abt. 1840 in Fort Wayne, Indiana
    Died December 22, 1840 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
  Burial: Hatfield Cem, Washinton Township, Allen Co., Indiana
     

See Note

5. Albert SMEAD, born Abt. 1841 in Allen County, Indiana
    Died March 06, 1919 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana.
     
  5. Thomas H. SMEAD, born 1842 in Allen County, Indiana
    Died March 08, 1888 in Allen County, Indiana.
    Married Aleatha RING November 13, 1872 in Medina County, Ohio
    Born 1843 in Medina County, Ohio
    Died September 15, 1875 in Allen County, Indiana
    Death date obtained from gravestone
    Burial: Hatfield Cemetary, Washington Township, Allen County, Indiana
   

See Note

5. Edward C. SMEAD, born Abt. 1844 in Indiana
    Died in Fort Wayne, Allen, Indiana.
    Married Sarah HICKS born June 1853 in Ohio
    Children of Edward SMEAD and Sarah HICKS
     
  6. Harry SMEAD.
     
  6. Joseph SMEAD.
     
  6. Alfred SMEAD.
   

See Note

6. Thomas Edward SMEAD, born October 16, 1869 in Allen County, Fort Wayne, Indiana
    Died July 19, 1934 in Elkhart County, Elkhart, Indiana.
    Married Rose Belle Brownsberger December 19, 1895
    Born July 24, 1879 in Allen County, Fort Wayne, Indiana
    Died Abt. 1945 in Elkhart County, Elkhart,
    Children of Thomas SMEAD and Rose Brownsberger

     
  7. Edna Smead
    Married Fred Feddell
     
  7. James Edward Smead, born December 03, 1898.
    Married Leota C. Pepper March 25, 1920 born June 14, 1899
    Died June 1979 in Elkhart County, Indiana.
     
  7. John L. Smead, born November 06, 1901
    Died October 1967.
    Married Hazel Jewell born August 25, 1898
    Died 1969 in Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana.
     
  7. Arthur F. Smead, born April 21, 1911 in Elkhart County, Goshen, Indiana 
    Died October 29, 1993.
    Married Goldie Divley died 1978.
     
  7. Allen S. Smead, born February 21, 1914 
    Died March 1974.
     
  7. Donna I. Smead, born June 22, 1916.
    Married John Lowell.
     
  6. Charles Grant SMEAD, born August 10, 1871 in Fort Wayne, Indiana
    Died December 28, 1944 in Methodist Hospital in Fort Wayne
    Buried December 30, 1944, Prairie Grove Cemetery., Fort Wayne Indiana
    Married #1 Ada Catherine BRITZIUS July 13, 1892 in DeKalb County, Indiana,
    Born December 25, 1873 in Monroeville, Allen, Indiana
    Died December 28, 1939 in Union City, Branch, Michigan
    Buried December 31, 1939, Lockwood Cemetery, Ovid Township, Branch, Michigan
    Daughter of John/Johann BRITZIUS and Abigail REVETT.
    Married #2 Charlotte (Lottie) Estella PALMATEER July 03, 1896 in Coldwater, Michigan
    Born August 05, 1877 in Michigan
    Died September 21, 1958 in Fort Wayne, Indiana
    Buried Prairie Grove Cemetery, Fort Wayne Indiana
    Daughter of Andrew PALMATEER and Sarah HOPKINS.
    Children of Charles SMEAD and Ada BRITZIUS

     
  7. George C. SMEAD, born 1893 died 1893.
     
  7. Gladys May SMEAD, born July 10, 1894 in Butler, Dekalb, Indiana
    Died August 09, 1966 in North Lake, Coldwater, Branch, Michagan.
    Buried August 12, 1966, Lockwood Cemetery, Ovid Township, Branch, Michigan 
    Married Ernest Eugene BOYER February 11, 1918 in Coldwater, Branch, Michigan. .
    Born January 28, 1880 in Pleasent Lake, Steuben, Indiana
    Died August 26, 1942 in Coldwater, Branch, Michigan
    Child of Gladys SMEAD and Ernest BOYER
     
  8. Dorothy Jane BOYER, born October 12, 1932 in Coldwater, Branch, Michigan
     
  6. Children of Charles SMEAD and Charlotte PALMATEER

     
  7. Beulah Estella SMEAD, born December 28, 1896
    Died December 11, 1976
    Married Lee O SAMPSON.
     
  7. Clifford Byron SMEAD, born October 02, 1898 in Quincy, Branch CO., Mich
    Died December 1986 in Reseda, California
    Married Fern May GOLLIVER May 29, 1922 in Hillsdale County, Michigan
    She was born June 09, 1907 in Fort Wayne, Indiana
    Died March 1986 in Victorville, California
    Daughter of William GOLLIVER and Salesta DOUBLE/PROUGH
    Children of Clifford SMEAD and Fern GOLLIVER

     
  8. Clifford Byron, Jr. SMEAD, born May 06, 1923 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
     

  8. Charles Virgil SMEAD, born June 11, 1925 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana
    Died August 28, 1997 in Reseda, Los Angeles County, California.
    Married Rose Marie FASULO December 11, 1948 in Fort Wayne, Indiana 
    Born May 30, 1929 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
     
  7. Ethel Mabel SMEAD, born July 28, 1902
    Died January 04, 1977
    Married HOUSEHOLDER.
     
  7. Charles Andrew SMEAD, born August 31, 1904
    Died April 28, 1980 in Fort Wayne, Allen, Indiana.
     
  7. Jeanette Elizabeth SMEAD, born October 26, 1907
    Died Unknown.
    Married WALDA.
     
  7. Robert Grant SMEAD, born March 21, 1910 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana
    Died January 1988 in Hicksville, Defiance, OH.
     
  7. Mildred Leona SMEAD, born January 14, 1913 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana
    Died Unknown.
     
  7. Ray SMEAD, born Unknown died Unknown.
   

See Note

6. Wilbert (William) SMEAD, born March 28, 1888 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana
    Died November 23, 1962 in Quincy, Branch County, Michigan

See Note

  Married Olive Maude PALMATEER March 10, 1907
    Born September 05, 1886 in Quincy, Branch County, Michigan
    Died February 24, 1979 in Quincy, Branch County, Michigan.
    Daughter of Andrew PALMATEER and Sarah HOPKINS
    Children of Wilbert SMEAD and Olive PALMATEER

     
  7. Clifford SMEAD, born November 03, 1903
    Died January 07, 1988
     

  7. Dorothy SMEAD.
     

  7. Willard SMEAD, born 1909 died January 21, 1989.
     
  5. Nancy SMEAD, born Abt. 1846.
     
  5. Abigail SMEAD, born Abt. 1848 in Fort Wayne, Indiana
    Died July 31, 1848 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
    Buried Hatfield Cemetery, Washington Township, Allen Co., Indiana
     
  5. Abner SMEAD, born August 01, 1848 in Fort Wayne, Indiana
    Died August 06, 1848 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
    Buried Hatfield Cemetery, Washington Township, Allen Co., Indiana
     
  5. John M. SMEAD, born Abt. 1852.
    Children of John M. SMEAD
     
  6. John F SMEAD, born Abt. 1874.
     

  6. Mary E SMEAD, born Abt. 1876.
     
  6. Charles S SMEAD, born Abt. 1878.
     
  5. Alzinia SMEAD, born Abt. 1856.
     
  5. Frances C. SMEAD, born February 18, 1858 in Fort Wayne, Indiana
    Died July 10, 1858 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
    Buried Hatfield Cemetery, Washington Township, Allen Co., Indiana
   

See Note

4. Benjamin HATFIELD, born October 28, 1820 in Montgomery Co., Ohio
    Died July 16, 1885 in Fort Wayne, Allen, Indiana.

See Note

  Married Melinda VALENTINE August 14, 1845 in Allen County, Indiana
    Born March 16, 1821 in Franklin County, Ohio
    Died January 25, 1907 in Fort Wayne, Washington Township, Allen County, Indiana.
    Daughter of John VALENTINE and Susanna VALENTINE
    Buried Hatfield Cemetery, Washington Township, Allen County, Indiana
    Children of Benjamin HATFIELD and Melinda VALENTINE
     
  5. Rachel HATFIELD, born Abt. 1846 in Indiana.
    Married Israel LUTHER March 31, 1870 in Allen County, Indiana.
   

See Note

5. William HATFIELD, born April 24, 1848 in Indiana
    Died July 15, 1911 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
    Married Caroline ROBINSON December 23, 1873.
     
  5. James HATFIELD, born November 09, 1850 in Indiana
    died February 20, 1912 in Allen Co., Indiana.
     
  5. John HATFIELD, born November 17, 1853 in Indiana
    Died February 20, 1912 in Allen Co., Indiana.
     
  5. Martha HATFIELD, born Abt. 1855 in Indiana.
     
  5. Elmira HATFIELD, born Abt. 1857.
     
  5. Marietta HATFIELD, born August 07, 1860 died June 25, 1927.
     
  5. Henry HATFIELD.
     
  4. Nancy HATFIELD
    Married Jacob NOTESTINE December 04, 1838 in Allen County, Indiana
    Born April 19, 1816
    Died February 19, 1847 in Allen County, Indiana.
    Buried in Hatfield Cemetery, Washington Township, Allen County, Indiana
     
  3. Susan ARCHER, born Abt. 1800 in Ohio.
    Married Alexander BALLARD February 08, 1827 in Allen Co., Indiana.
     
  3. Sarah ARCHER, born Abt. 1802 died in Noble Co., Indiana.
    Married Edward CAMPBELL March 01, 1832 in Allen Co., Indiana.
     
  3. Benjamin ARCHER, born November 18, 1804 in Montgomery Co., Ohio
    Died December 01, 1875 in Harrison Co., Missouri.
    Married Charlotte A. PETTIE July 03, 1834 in Indiana.
     
  3. John ARCHER.
     
  2. Elizabeth ARCHER, born Abt. 1762.
     
  2. John ARCHER, born July 13, 1764 in Mansfield twp., Burlington Co., New Jersey
    Died 1824 in Centerville, Ohio.
    Married Sarah ROCKHILL
     
  2. David ARCHER, born Abt. 1768 in Mansfield twp., Burlington Co., New Jersey
    Died Abt. 1825 in Lostcreek Twp., Miami Co., Ohio.
    He married Mary Unknown
     
  1. Children of Joseph ARCHER and Martha TULLY
     
  2. Samuel ARCHER, born 1771 in Mansfield twp., Burlington Co., New Jersey
    Died April 14, 1839 in Philadelphia, PA.
    Buried in Quaker Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA
    Married Elizabeth WEST 1797 in Philadelphia, Pa.
     
  2. Isaac ARCHER, born 1773.
     
  2. Sarah ARCHER, born Abt. 1775.
     
  2. Rebecca ARCHER, born Abt. 1776.
    Married #1 George THOMAS.
    Married #2 George Ephraim CARPENTER
    Married February 21, 1796 in Ohio.

 

 
Submitted by:
Brian E. Smead
Vigo County
Terre Haute, Indiana
U.S.A.
bsmead@gte.net

WEBMASTER

 

 

  

 

 

  1998,  2013 by The Archer Cousins Association.
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Will of Joseph Archer: Published in New Jersey Colonial Documents, Vol. 33 pg 20

1781, Feb. 27. Archer, Joseph of Mansfield, Burlington Co., will of. Wife, Martha, use of land where I live for the term of 10 years, for her support and the children. Sons, Benjamin, David, John and Joseph Archer, and my sons- in-law, Abraham Tuley and Jonathan Tuley, sons of Jonathan Tuley, deceased, 1/3 the money, and sons, Samuel and Isaac, and my daughters, Sarah and Rebecca Archer, 2/3. Daughter Mary Nutt, wife of Aaron Nutt, a bed. Daughter, Elizabeth, 5 pounds and a bed. Wife, Martha, 10 pounds yearly. Daughter Sarah Archer, 6 silver tea spoons. Daughter Rebecca, a silver table spoon. Son, Benjamin, my great coat. As my son, David, is absent, and may not return in 10 years, I will his share to his brothers and sisters by my first wife. Executors - Wife, Martha and my friend, Samuel Quicksall. Witnesses - Joseph English, Jr., Benjamin Aaronson, John Pope. Proved Oct. 22, 1783.

1783, Oct. 9 Inventory made by Caleb Shreve and Lawrence Minor

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Notes for Aaron NUTT:

Obtained from The History of Montgomery County, Ohio, Part 1, pages 362 - 364, published in 1882.

Aaron Nutt, who came to this county from Kentucky, was a soldier of the Revolution. After that war he came west with his little family, seeking a home and land that were due him under the bounty laws of the Government.

His parents, Levi and Ann, lived in Monmouth County N. J., where, July 17, 1758, their son Aaron was born. The father died when his boy was but two years old, who, when he became old enough, was apprenticed by his mother to a tailor. During his last year of apprenticeship, the war of the Revolution being then in progress, his boss was pressed into the army, but induced Aaron to go in his stead by giving him the rest of his time, and setting him free. Inspired with the patriotism of the times, and although not yet twenty years of age, he gladly accepted the opportunity of entering the country's service, and at once enlisted.

After the expiration of his term of enlistment, he, on the 4th of May 1779, married Mary, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Archer, born November 28, 1756. About the close of the war, when so many soldiers were attracted by the glowing accounts of the rich lands west of the mountains, Aaron Nutt moved with his family as far west as Redstone Old Fort, Pennsylvania, where they lived for a time, and when by reason of the aggressive movements against the Indians in the Northwest, it became safe, he moved to Central Kentucky, where near one of the block- houses on the "Dry Ridge", the divide between the Kentucky and Licking Rivers, he kept tavern for several years. With the opening of traffic along the Ohio River, and the tide of emigration setting in so strongly to the lands northwest of the Ohio, his business was greatly reduced. He determined to again change location.

After a visit to the Miami Valley, he, in 1796, came with a party of surveyors from Cincinnati as far as where Centerville now is, and selected 320 acres of land, the east half of Section 25, Town 3, Range 6, between the Miami River, his brother-in-law Benjamin Robbins taking the west half. These two tracts are separated by the Dayton & Lebanon pike the north half of the town of Centerville was platted upon parts of them. Joseph Nutt, son of Aaron, owns and lives upon part of the land entered by his father nearly one hundred years ago.

The children of Aaron and Mary Nutt were born before the family moved from Kentucky --- Levi, February 5, 1780 Mary, April 28, 1783 Aaron, May 31, 1787 Abigail, September 24, 1790 Ann, October 24, 1792 Bathaheba, February 2, 1795 Moriah, August 22, 1797. Mary, his wife died at their home in Centerville September 22, 1817.

January 11, 1818, Aaron Nutt married Widow Martha Craig, daughter of Isaac and Hannah Pedrick, born in Salem County, N. J., and came West with her parents to Warren County, Ohio, in 1805 or 1806. Their son Joseph Nutt was born at Centerville December 11, 1818 John was born March 3, 1823.

Aaron Nutt died June 2, 1842 Martha, his widow, died March 20, 1856, aged nearly seventy-six years they, with his first wife Mary, are buried in the old cemetery a half mile north of Centerville.

 
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Notes for Benjamin ARCHER:

Source: History of Montgomery County, Ohio, Volume II, published by W. H. Beers, 1882, Book Ill, First Part, Township Histories, Washington Township, written by Joseph Nutt, page3 - 4.

Washington Township was one of the first settled points in the county, for, in February, 1796, two months before a settlement had been made at Dayton, we find a company of men from Kentucky, among whom were Aaron Nutt, Benjamin Robbins and Benjamin Archer, surveying near the present site of Centerville. The first camp struck by these adventurous civil engineers was on the farm now owned by William Weller, just on the outskirts of town. However, they only remained a short time in this place, for, upon the discovery of "Indian signs," the camp was hastily vacated, and they removed two miles to the northeast and took up a position on the farm now owned by Samuel Weller. Here they found a secure retreat, just south of the old Pardington buildings, in a ravine, and here they remained in undisputed possession until they had completed their survey. How long this was we cannot say, but they certainly did not hasten the completion of their work for lack of meat, as a large turkey roost was discovered on what is now the farm of Alonzo Montgomery, and the party hunter had an easy time of it, except, perhaps, carrying in the feathered denizens of the forest. After the survey had been completed, the plat was laid down in the woods, and these primitive surveyors proceeded to draw cuts for first choice of land. Benjamin Robbins was the first lucky man, and, influenced by the springs discovered, immediately selected the half section of land which lay on the west of Centerville, and which embraced the lands now owned by Benjamin Davis, Mason Allen, and others. Aaron Nutt, to whom fate ordained the last choice, always maintained that "Benny had made a poor choice," as better springs were afterward discovered on his own lands. Benjamin Archer, who had second choice, selected the half section northeast of Centerville, and Aaron Nutt took the same amount of land directly east of town.

After the selection of lands, they mounted their horses and returned to their families in Kentucky, well pleased with the country which they were soon to make their homes. They say of the fertility of the soil at the time "that while surveying they found wild rye up to their horses' sides."

Benjamin Robbins was the first to take possession of the land thus obtained, and, in the spring of the same year, came with his wife and several children to Ohio, and built a log cabin near where, years afterward, the stone house now occupied by William Davis was erected.

Two years later, Aaron Nutt came to join the fortunes of his brother-in-law, Robbins, and established for himself a home in the Ohio forest. Robbins pressed him to unload and share his cabin until he had erected one of his own. "No," said Mr. Nutt, "I'll never unload until I can carry my goods into my own House." He had to go to Franklin, nine miles away, for assistance, but, as he was particular to tell every one that he had brought six gallons of Kentucky whisky with him, on the day appointed there were many willing hands and kind hearts to give a stranger a lift. Before evening, the logs had been cut, the clapboards made and the cabin finished, and that night, Mr. Nutt and family were securely established in their new home and slept beneath their own roof.

It is probably that Benjamin Archer, the last of the three surveyors, came out about the same time, but it is not definitely known. There are some points in the history of Mr. Archer, or Judge Archer, as he was always called, worthy of note, and, as he did not remain permanently in the settlement, we will give them here.

A native to New Jersey, he removed to Philadelphia, where he was created Judge of one of the courts. From that city, he removed to Kentucky, and from there to Washington Township. Here he remained until 1824, and was one of the leading men in the community, at one time being Associate Judge of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas. From this State, he went to Fort Wayne, Ind., where he seems to have been satisfied to give up his travels and permanently locate. Judge Archer was distinctively a progressive man, for, besides his pioneer work in this State, we find him engaged in laudable enterprises wherever he was located. It is generally conceded that he made the first brick and built the first brick house in Fort Wayne, where he died in 1830.

 

2. The following is written in the City History, The City of Centerville, Ohio

In 1796, during George Washington's last term as president, the first settlers came to Centerville and Washington Township, Ohio. Brothers-in-laws Aaron Nutt, Benjamin Robbins and Benjamin Archer were Revolutionary War veterans. They came from Kentucky to survey the area in February 1796, two month before the first settlement in Dayton. The three men drew lots for their land and claimed bounties granted for their service in the war. Within the next few years, their families joined them in this new community (Note: It has not been proved that Benjamin Archer was a veteran if the Rev. War. I have been unable to find any land bounties in Ohio, and no records for this service can be found at this time. The Historical Society, Centerville, Ohio, also has no records of this service)

 

Was a Judge. Came from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. He and two brother-in-laws founded Centerville, Ohio after getting advice and directions from Daniel Boone. Centerville is located just south of Dayton and contains Benjamin Archer Park. This information is contained in a book entitled "A Sense of Place".

 

 
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Notes for David ARCHER:

Taken from the "History of Allen County, Washington Township" by L. H. Newton,

written in 1880, pages 179-180

The name of Archer is one which appears in the earliest annals of Washington Township. David Archer was a native of Montgomery County, Ohio. In that county he acquired his education, grew to manhood, and married Anna Crisenbury, a native of Kentucky. He was a farmer, and a man of great industry, but his labors returned him an insufficient remuneration, and he turned his attention toward the State of Indiana in the hope of improving his fortune by buying land and starting anew. Land in Allen County was then worth from $1 to $3 per acre and he took advantage of its cheapness to enter a large tract. In December, 1825, he made all the preparations for his journey hither, and started for his newly purchased home. Two wagons contained his earthly possessions, including his family. After a journey of three weeks, he reached Fort Wayne, where he left his family, going alone to the forest for the purpose of constructing a cabin, into which he moved immediately after its completion. He cleared and improved a large farm, and, in addition, was extensively engaged in the manufacture of brick. From the proceeds of his labor he discharged the indebtedness against him in Ohio, and as years rolled on, accumulated a very comfortable fortune.

 

He was a man of strong mental and physical abilities and, though his education was deficient, he was a power in the community, and every one felt confidence in his keen judgment. He was constantly suggesting new measures for the advancement of the community's interests. Chiefly through his instrumentality, Washington Township was organized. He was a member of the M. E. Church and the Masonic Fraternity and his daily life was of a high moral standard. He was elected County Commissioner in 1834, serving four years in that capacity. He died in August, 1861. Of his family of eight children, five are now living.

 
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Notes for David L. ARCHER:

Obituary of David L. Archer, from the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, 5 June 1897.

David L. Archer died at a few minutes after five o'clock last evening, at his home, 45 East Second street. He had been sick for several weeks, a complication of diseases, supplemented by the infirmities of old age, hastening the end. He was sixty-nine years of age. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon under the auspices of Harmony lodge, I. O. O. F., of which the deceased was a member.

David L. Archer was the first white child born in Washington township, and lived all his life in Allen county. The family is one of the oldest in the county, and its members have for three quarters of a century been prominent in local and commercial affairs. The grandfather of the deceased, Benjamin Archer, came to Allen county years ago with his family, and on the organization of Allen county he was elected associate judge. He died in 1833, leaving three sons, John, Benjamin and David, the latter being the father of the subject of this sketch.

Young David passed his life on the farm, and assisted in conducting the brick yard, which was operated for many years in Washington township by the Archers, and which turned out the material for the first brick building in Fort Wayne. He occupied the old homestead until about twenty years ago, when he moved to this city and became connected with the house of S. Bash & company, remaining there until seized with his fatal illness a few weeks ago. He leaves a wife, seven children and eight grandchildren. His children are William S., Fred, Mrs. Hattie Eggieston, Mrs. John Husselman, Mrs. William Griebel, Mrs. W. F. Watterson, and Miss Grace Archer, all of this city. J. S. Archer, the real estate agent, is a brother of the deceased. David Archer was a man known to nearly every farmer in Allen county, and had a wide acquaintance in this city. He was generally esteemed by people of all classes, being of a genial and kindly disposition and ruggedly honest

 
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Notes for Thomas HATFIELD:

Taken from "History of Allen County, Washington Township" by L. H. Newton, written in 1880, Page 177

Thomas Hatfield came to the Township (Washington) and purchased a tract of land, returning soon after to his home in Montgomery County, Ohio. He was a native of the state of Delaware where he lived until twelve years of age, then emigrated with his parents to Ohio, where he grew to manhood and married. There he was only able to rent a farm and determined to seek among the cheap lands of Indiana the location for a home and the means of independence. With this end in view, he made the purchase, and in November 1825 he placed his family and household goods in wagons and on the 6th day of December following, reached his home in the forest. He settled on Section 23 where he lived six years then sold to William Bolton, by whom the farm was subsequently sold to John C. Pfeffer. In 1833 he entered the farm upon which his son, Benjamin Hatfield, now resides. This he cleared and improved and made it his home until his decease in 1863.

Page 179

The painted portrait of Thomas Hatfield would present a picture, in whose outlines the qualities of firmness and bravery would stand forth in bold relief -- qualities which were among the most essential possessions of those who were first instrumental in opening the way for the settlement of this county. It would show, farther, the evidence of a mind far above mediocrity, cultivated by a rigorous course of individual application in the circumscribed field of intellectual pursuits to which he was confined a large amount of physical as well as mental force, and withal, a bright and cheerful disposition, and an inclination to make the best of his uncomfortable surroundings, in the hope of better fortune, to be brought about by industry in the vocation in which he had chosen to act.

He was born in the state of Delaware, and, when twelve years of age, emigrated with his parents to Ohio (then recently admitted as a State), settling in Montgomery County, where he grew to manhood, amid wild scenes of frontier life. His youthful experiences fully qualified him for the part he took in later years in the settlement of the township where he passed the last years of his life, and where his remains now repose. He was yet a young man when the aggressions of Great Britain made a defensive war necessary on the part of the United States in 1812. In that war, he enlisted as a musician, and followed the fortunes of the American army until it's close. He was with the garrison at Fort Greenville, and while there manufactured a pewter fife, which he carried through-out his period of service, and which often awoke the echoes with the patriot airs of the day. This he bequeathed to his son, Benjamin, in whose homestead it is now treasured as a sacred relic.

After the close of his solder life, he returned to Montgomery County, Ohio, and resumed the occupation of farming. He married Miss Elizabeth Archer, and rented a farm in the neighborhood of his father's home. He saw at once that his fortune would accumulate slowly under such circumstances, and denied himself all save the necessities of life, in order to save money wherewith to purchase a farm. Land in Ohio was increasing in value year by year, and his attention was naturally drawn toward the cheaper lands in Indiana.

Early in 1825, he visited this State---shaping the course Allen County---and during that visit selected and entered a tract of land in Washington Township. Returning to Ohio, he made all necessary preparations for the journey, and in November, 1825, started, with his family and household goods, for the new home, and his second struggle on the outposts of civilization. He settled first on Little St. Joseph River, reaching his destination December 6, 1825. After clearing a farm at that point, he made it his home, and there resided until 1833, when he sold it and entered the farm upon which he passed the residue of his life, and upon which his son Benjamin now resides.

He was an acknowledge leader in the community of which he was the first member, and from the organization of the township, in 1832, until his death, in 1863, he was constantly associated with the official business of the township as Justice of the Peace for twenty-five years as Township Clerk, and Inspector of Elections at various times. He was a member of the Baptist Church and a devout Christian and all who knew him unite in honoring his memory. He had two daughters and one son, all of whom are now living.

 
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Notes for John ARCHER:

Taken from the "History of Allen County, Washington Township" by L. H. Newton, written in 1880, page 180.

John was born September 22, 1822, in Montgomery County, Ohio, and when three years of age, came with his parents to his present home. He was reared amid the scenes peculiar to pioneer life, and possessed but few opportunities for acquiring an education. His entire school-life was comprised within a period of three months, and that at a time when he was too young to be of service at home. Like the majority of pioneer lads, the principal part of his education was in the daily routine of labor, yet he managed to find time for the perusal of such books as he could obtain, and thus acquired a good general knowledge. When nearly twenty-one years of age, he left home and accepted employment in a brickyard. Subsequently he "hired out" to a farmer, taking charge of the farm while its proprietor worked at the carpenter trade. It was stipulated that he should have the privilege of attending school in the winter, during his engagement but this part of the contract was never fulfilled, as his employer refused to continue his wages if he lost the time by going to school.

On the 4th day of October, 1849, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane Poinsett, daughter of Peter and Mary Poinsett. Prior to his marriage, his father gave him a tract of land, upon which he built a cabin and set out an orchard. To this, in later years, he added by purchase, and now has 200 acres, the larger portion of which is in a fine state of cultivation.

Mr. Archer, although not identified with any religious denomination, is yet a firm believer in the articles of Christian faith, as set forth by the Bible, and is a man of irreproachable morality. He has devoted a lifetime to the pursuit of the occupation chosen in youth, and with successful results. He has kept pace with the march of improvement and is regarded as one of the substantial farmers of his township, and no one possesses the respect and confidence of his neighbors in a more marked degree.

Eight children crowned the happiness of his married life, vis, Ann Eliza, Mary J., William L., James W., Oliver A., John P., Winfield S., and Andrew J., of whom all are now living, save William L. and James W.

Obituary of John Archer from the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette 22 Apr 1899

Headline: AN OLD RESIDENT DEAD

Sub headline 1: John Archer succumbs after a six months illness

Sub headline 2: Was well known throughout the county - served many years as a trustee and county commissioner - a mason and member of Methodist church.

Mr. John Archer, who was well known to nearly every resident of Allen county, died last night at 9 o'clock, the result of a protracted illness of Bright's disease. His death occurred at the private hospital of Dr. Luella Derbyshire, where he had been for some time taking treatment.

The death of Mr. Archer removes one of the oldest and most respected residents of Allen county. He was one of the early settlers of Washington township, having come here with his father in 1825. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, September 25, 1822. His father, David Archer, was elected county commissioner in 1834, and served for four years. John Archer was a man of indomitable energy. He was a Mason and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

In the fall of 1844 he settled on the farm of 240 acres, where he has since made his home. He attended school only three months with a teacher named Hague, but learned well his life occupation, farming. For nearly six years he was one of the board trustees of Washington township, and for sixteen years was trustee under the present law, his last term expiring in 1886 he also served four years as assessor. He was formerly an old time Whig but in later years became a republican.

On October 4, 1849, he was married to Mary Poinsett: born in Montgomery county, Ohio. She died about a year ago. There are four living children, Mrs. Soliday, of Hurd street, Winfield Archer, who now resides in Nebraska, and Andrew and Oliver, who live on the farm in Washington township.

The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock, from his late residence, on the Coldwater road, in Washington township. The interment will be at Lindenwood.

 
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Notes for John Milton SMEAD:

Obtained from The History of Allen County, Indiana, Washington Township, written in 1880 by L. H. Newton, page 178

John M. Smead, a native of Guilford, VT., came to Fort Wayne in 1836. He was a tanner and currier, and worked at that trade in Fort Wayne until 1840. In that year, he removed to Washington Township, and in March 1840, married Mrs. Rachel Notestine, daughter of Thomas Hatfield, and widow of Emanuel Notestine. He cleared and improved a farm, upon which he still resides.

 
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Notes for Albert SMEAD:

Obituary of Albert Smead from the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, 7 March 1919

Albert Smead Dies After Long Illness

Operated Trucking Business for Years Veteran of the Civil War

Albert Smead, Seventy-eight years old, one of Fort Wayne's most widely known truckmen, and a veteran of the civil was, died at his home, 1417 East Wayne street, at 3:50 o'clock yesterday afternoon from complications, after a lingering illness covering a period of five years.

Mr. Smead was born in Allen county and received his education in the schools of Fort Wayne. After the outbreak of the civil war he enlisted February 14, 1862, in company 11, Indiana volunteer artillery, and served until his discharge at Chattanooga, Tenn., February 13, 1865. After his service he returned to this city, later engaging in the trucking business with which he was associated for thirty-five years. For the past three weeks prior to his death, he had been bed fast. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Lawtan Wayne post, G. A. R., and of the Cathedral congregation. Surviving relatives are the widow.

Funeral services will be conducted at an hour to be announced later, at which friends are kindly requested to omit flowers.

 

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Notes for Benjamin HATFIELD:

From the "History of Allen County" ,Washington Township section, page 179, written in 1880 by L. H. Newton

Benjamin Hatfield was born October 28, 1820, in Montgomery County, Ohio, and came with his parents to Allen County, Ind., in the sixth year of his age. Until nine years of age, he had never been permitted to attend a school of any kind, and at that age received his first insight into the mysteries of the primer, in a log schoolhouse, presided over by Alexander Waldron -- a man whose deficient acquirements were lost in the love entertained for him by his scholars. Through the medium of the "subscription schools" then in vague, young Hatfield acquired a fair knowledge of the elementary branches, and, for his subsequent education, is indebted to his own efforts. He was fond or reading, and never lost an opportunity of improving his mind by the perusal of such books as it was possible to obtain.

His school life covered a short period in the summer, while he was still too young to be of service in the economy of the home farm. As he grew older, he became a necessity to his father, and proved himself a valuable assistant -- thus drifting naturally into a knowledge of farming, and adopting that occupation, almost unconsciously, as his occupation in life.

August 14, 1845, he was united in marriage to Miss Malinda Valentine, a native of Franklin County, Ohio, and daughter of John and Susanna Valentine, who were among the pioneers of that county. She has been to him a helpmeet indeed, and a loving wife. A kind Providence has forborne to serve a union so happily formed, and their silvery locks are crowned with a halo of mutual devotion. Eight children came to bless his home and gather at evening in a happy group about the fireside. Their names are Rachel, William, James John, Martha, Elmira, Marriette and Henry, all of whom are now living. All have reached maturity, and some have become heads of families. As the infirmities of age begin to tell upon the father, his son -- young men -- have assumed the management of the farm, thereby relieving him of all manual labor.

Mr. Hatfield is one of the oldest living settlers in the township, and has been an interested observer of its growth and improvements. He resides at the old homestead, and has a farm of 232, well improved. He has never been a politician, and invariably declined all proffered positions of public services.

Although not identified with any religious body, he has been a cheerful contributor to the building and maintenance of churches and his moral example in life is one thoroughly worthy of emulation.  

 
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Notes for Melinda VALENTINE:

Obituary of Melinda Hatfield from the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette 26 Jan 1907

Mrs Malinda Hatfield, who had resided in Allen county for seventy-four years, died, Friday morning at 5:30 o'clock at the home of her son, James Hatfield, in Washington township, north of the city. Mrs. Hatfield had been in failing health for several months and death was due to the infirmities of age. She was over eighty-five years old.

Benjamin Hatfield, the husband of the deceased, passed away twenty-one years ago and the surviving relatives include eight children --- Mrs. Israel Luther, of Washington township Mrs. John Liscum, of Detroit Mrs. George Pomeroy, of Chicago Miss Ettie Hatfield, of Washington township William Hatfield, of Louisville, Ky. James Hatfield, of Washington township John Hatfield, of Cincinnati, and Henry Hatfield, of Memphis, Tenn. There are also two brothers, Jackson Valentine, of Fort Wayne, and Louis Valentine, of Benton Harbor, Mich. There are ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Mrs. Hatfield was born in Franklin county, near Columbus, O., March 16, 1821, and came to Allen county in 1833 with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Valentine, settling in Eel River township. She was married in 1845 to Mr. Hatfield, and removed to Washington township sixty-two years ago. She was well known in the county and had many friends.

 
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Notes for William HATFIELD:

News story from the Journal Gazette, 16 July 1911

Indianapolis, July 15 --- After sitting on the curbstone at Alabama and North streets for several hours this afternoon, William Hatfield, formerly of Fort Wayne, drew a revolver from his pocket and shot himself through the head. He died within a few minutes. Coroner Durham found at the man's room, 915 Massachusetts avenue, a letter from Frank W. Luther, of Fort Wayne, who is said to be Hatfield's nephew. Other letters indicated that Hatfield had been in financial straits.

The new directory does not contain the name of William Hatfield, although the 1910 book gives the name of William H. Hatfield, cigar maker, employed by A. C. Baker, East Main street. The secretary of the cigar makers local last night said the union has such a man on the books, and that he has been on the sick list several days. The police were unable to give any information, and no trace could be found of his nephew, Frank W. Luther. No reason here could be learned for the man's rash act, although there is a number of Hatfields in the city.

 
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Notes for Edward C. SMEAD:

Allen county supplementary index of death records, SCH-1, 38

Military service: Served in the Civil War enlisted 17 Feb 1865 as a Corporal with H Company, 152nd Inf Reg, Indiana. Mustered out at Clarksburg, WV on 30 Aug 1865.

 

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Notes for Thomas Edward SMEAD:

OBITUARY OF

Thomas Edward Smead

 

Death was due to general infection spreading from one foot, which was bruised by the accidental blow of sledge hammer he was wielding. The accident occurred last April, and soon afterward Mr. Smead spent a week in the hospital, to which he was returned last Sunday. For some time up to last spring, when his health failed he was employed as a driver by Day's transfer lines.

Mr. Smead was born Oct. 16, 1869, in Fort Wayne, the son of Edward and Sadie (Hicks) Smead. He was married to Rose Belle Brownsberger on Dec. 30, 1897, in Fort Wayne. She survives with the following children: James, John, Arthur and Allen Smead and Mrs. Fred Fedell, all of Elkhart, and Mrs. John Lowell of Bristol. There also are five brothers William and Alfred of Quincy, Mich. Charles and Joseph of Fort Wayne and Harry Smead of Detroit.

 

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Notes for Wilbert (William) SMEAD:

Obituary of Wilbert Smead, 26 Nov 1962

Well Known Quincyite Dies

Quincy - Wilbert W. (Bill) Smead, 74, owner of the Quincy Iron and Metal company for a number of years, died Sunday at the Branch County Community Health Center. He had been seriously ill for about four weeks, and death occurred at 1 P.M. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 P.M. at the Diedrich Funeral Home, with the Rev. William L. Cruthers of California township in charge. Burial will be in Lakeview cemetery. Mr. Smead, who lived at 35 Bond St where he operated his business, was born March 29, 1888 in Fort Wayne, the son of Wilbert And Sarah Smead. He married Maud Palmateer on March 10, 1906 in Quincy, where they have lived since then. She survives. He was a member of the Quincy K and P Lodge No. 201. Other survivors are two sons, Clifford and Willard, and a daughter, Mrs. Earl (Dorothy) Duncan, all of Quincy seven grandchildren and 13 great - grandchildren

 
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Notes for Olive Maude PALMATEER:

Obituary of Olive Palmateer, 26 Feb 1979

Quincy - Maud Smead, 92, of 37 Berry St, died Saturday evening, Feb 24 in the Mapel Lawn Care Facility. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 P.M. at the Diedrich Funeral Home with the Rev. David Mihocko officiating. Burial will be at the Lakeview Cemetery in Quincy. Mrs. Smead was born Sept. 5, 1886 in Quincy, the daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Hopkins) Palmateer. She married Wilbert Smead March 10, 1906 and he preceded her in death Nov. 23, 1962. Mrs. Smead was a housewife and a life-long resident of Quincy. Survivors include: two sons, Clifford and Willard, both of Quincy one daughter, Mrs. Dorothy Duncan of Quincy seven grandchildren 17 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

 
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