Peterson -Silas
Using the sources found here this is a "remembrance to whom I consider one of the best of the best in Montgomery County" -- kbz -- or read here from the paper site with pictures -- https://thepaper24-7.com/Content/Columnists/Karen-Zach/Article/Peterson-legacy-focus-of-Karen-s-wanderings-this-week/165/418/73010
Peterson legacy focus of Karen’s wanderings this week
By Karen Zach, Around the County
Thursday, July 2, 2020 4:00 AM
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Although I’ve always been aware of the Montgomery County (Darlington area) name of Peterson, believe this is the first time I’ve written about them. Yet, when I was researching for the June Farming Topic for Montgomery Memories, Silas Peterson gave me a jolt as the farmer who had the largest real estate total in the 1870 census, $119,000. At that time he owned about 1,700 acres and not long afterwards gave away to his children about 1/3 of that. See the 1878 atlas photo for a look at his nice spread.
Not only did Silas have large acreage much of which was put in local crops, but he had a huge amount of cattle and sheep, shipping three or four “cars” as in railroad carloads per season. When younger, his children aided him in his farm work (he was certainly not afraid of it himself believe me even loading and unloading hay in his high hayloft and after catching his foot dangling there for a long while before someone came and saved him at the age of 75) but he did much of his work with hired workers after that. Everyone loved to work for him, as he paid well, was fun to be around and treated them fairly!
Silas Peterson (never found a middle name to date) was born January 20th near Xenia, Ohio in 1825. His wife, Lorinda Dains (3 Nov 1829 Meigs County, Ohio) was the daughter of Casson and Esther (Burroughs) Dains and her sister, Hannah Dains married Silas’ brother, John J. Peterson. They lived right near each other above Darlington and remained close for life.
The Peterson’s (depending on which tale you read) began with John Peterson who was born in Switzerland and came to Virginia about 1760. His son Martin was born about that time and moved to Ross County Ohio where he died at age 71 in 1839. In his younger years, he was captured by Indians while working in his field and remained under their captivity for three years before he finally made his escape. His son, father of Silas was Solomon Peterson, born 20 Oct 1790 in Virginia, received an original land grant in Montgomery County and became fairly famous as a Daniel Boone figure when he shot a bear, killing the 400 pounder on his second try. He joined his wife Wilhelmina Walternut in the Peterson Cemetery (died quite young) where many of this name are buried. Silas had half brothers and sisters but two full brothers who lived near him, John J, already mentioned and Samuel who died fairly young (1815-1864).
Lorinda Dains and Silas were married the first day of February, 1850 in Montgomery County and their children were: John Quincy, Charles C; Clara (who died young); Wilhelmina P (called Pet); Esther Jane and Wilson Monroe (also died young). Quincy and Charley both lived in the Darlington area and helped some in farming (having their own property as well) while Esther Jane married George Seybold and lived part of her life in Sugar Creek Township and part in the Waveland-Browns Valley area. Pet married a minister, Rev. Worthington Brighton Slutz, who became a quite well-known minister nation-wide. Silas and Lorinda had a wonderful 50th anniversary party with hundreds dropping by to give regards. She lived a bit over four years longer (dying 6 April 1904) and he passed away almost exactly one year later (28 March 1905). They, of course are buried in the Peterson Cemetery.
Silas Peterson was not only an energetic and innovative stock raiser and farmer, he was into about everything else, as well. Several times, he served on the Agricultural Fair board; he was a county councilman and sold property quite often (Dr. Berryman 65 acres next to him where Berryman remained the rest of his life; quite a bit of acreage to his nephew); and he loved joining groups being quite active in his 90s in the Young People’s Club (only requirement was you had to be at least 80). Also, he served as executor of the wills and probate wrap-ups for many friends and church members.
Although he was an extremely nice fellow, he also didn’t let anyone mess with him either, as was proven in October of 1868 when he was returning home from a meeting very late at night. He eyed a couple of men trying to enter his home. Thieves had been around the area for several nights and he ran at them. They ran the other way, but sadly to his brother’s house where they got $10; a neighbor, Lewis Dunbar’s for $15 and to Sam Fisher’s where they ate supper while the family slept.
He and his wife enjoyed going to all the entertainments, seeing Uncle Tom’s Cabin, for example, in August 1894; however, at that point, Lorinda was having a difficult time with hearing. Thus, for several years, she was one of several who gave testimony for Dr. Huntsinger, an early specialist for Ear, Nose and Eyes. In fact, I do believe that there are many more references at least in our local newspapers to Silas Peterson than even Lew Wallace! It took me two whole days to read them.
The papers also kind of enjoyed poking fun at him, occasionally – 22 July (CWJ) 1869 - AC Ermentrout, William Price and Elijah Rogers were all thrilled to have a new baby girl but Silas Peterson was rejoicing that his was a boy! Another time they laughed about one of his steers getting angry at a quail pestering it and wiped the bird out with one swift kick, thus Silas Peterson didn’t need to bother with a gun, he had his mighty steer!
Constantly, the papers were giving notifications of what he was doing on the farm. Selling cattle; purchasing pigs; putting in a new fence; having a stock sale and many more references. His work in the starting and continuing as an officer of the Citizen National Bank was noted many times over, as well.
This fellow loved to travel, too so he was often in the newspapers going or coming from Georgia or Missouri or even beyond to California. He felt California was a great place to visit, but he was definitely always ready to return home.
A Democrat, he served in the State Senate twice and many other jobs, (county surveyor for several years) some mentioned above in the political world. Elder in his church, always having parties and get-togethers for church functions, or for friends or bankers, he was one super busy man. He was opposed to liquor, promoted religion and education with a zeal and above all he had great energy and ability! Besides that, he was quite handsome as you can see in the 1893 Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery (Parke & Fountain Counties). Seriously, I love this guy!
Karen Zach is the editor of Montgomery Memories, our monthly magazine all about Montgomery County. Her column, Around the County, appears each Thursday in The Paper of Montgomery County.
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 13 Sept 1855 p 2
Silas Peterson was nominated for Representative. Mr. Peterson lives, we believe, in Sugar Creek Township. From a slight acquaintance, we think him a clever gentleman with very little, if any, legislative experience. We are informed that last fall he was in favor of Prohibition and that he voted for Dr. Earl for Legilature. What his present opinions are, we cannot say; but the probability is that he has recanted on the Temperance question as otherwise he could not have received the nomination of the old liners.
Source: Crawfordsville Journal 2-9-1900 Darlington News
Arriving at the home of Silas PETERSON, late on Wednesday we found uncle Silas & Aunt Lorinda seated in the midst of a large and happy throng of neighbors and friends, all enjoying themselves as only old friends can. Numerous speeches were being made and all went to show the good esteem this couple held in the community. The day was wet and gloomy and prevented many from attending. Their son Charlie was detained at home by sickness. Among many we noticed were AF Ramsey and wife; Charles Goltra and wife of Crawfordsville; Mr. and Mrs. Hannibal Trout and Sherman; Mrs. Foster and son. Among the old neighbors were Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Hunt; Mr. and Mrs. Alex Campbell; Mr. and Mrs. John Holloway; Mr. and Mrs. George Little; James Wilson and wife of Kirkpatrick, then the younger generation of the community made up the number. The day was spent in mingling together and in social conversation, except a short time spent in speech making. Numerous presents were presented them but the most valuable one perhaps was a small leather purse containing $50 in gold by the children and Uncle John Peterson. Refreshments were served in the dining room all afternoon, presided over by Joe Kashner the prince of caterers, of Darlington. At a late hour the crowd dispersed for home, wishing this good couple many years yet of married happiness. – typed by kbz
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Source: Montgomery County, Indiana Atlas of Montgomery County, Indiana 1878 Chicago: JH Beers, p 54
PETERSON, Silas, PO Potato Creek; Farmer and Stock Raiser; Sec 18, son of Solomon and Wilhelmina Peterson was born in Greene County, Oh Jan 20, 1825 and in Oct 1830 settled with his parents on same sect. where he now resides. In the Winter of 1832, his father encountered a large bear about 6 mi. no. of the homestead and succeeded in killing it at the second shot, with the help of his neighbors and an ox team the game was brought to the house and proved to be quite a prize as it weighed over 400 lbs. Marr. Lorinda DAIN in Feb 1850 and is the father of 5 children: John Quincy, Wilhelmina P, Esther J, Charles C. and W. Monroe. – typed by kbz
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Source: H. W. Beckwith History of Montgomery County, 1881 (Chicago: HH Hill) Sugar Creek Township page 572
Silas Peterson, farmer and stock raiser, Potato Creek, was born in Greene County, Ohio, in 1825. His parents were Solomon and Wilhelmina Peterson. The former was a native of Virginia, the latter of Germany. They were married in Virginia and emigrated to Ross County, Ohio, in 1802, then to Greene County, then to Montgomery County, Indiana, and settled in Sugar Creek township in 1830, where they died, the father in 1851, aged sixty-one years, his mother in 1831, aged forty-five. Silas Peterson's grandfather, John Peterson, was born in Virginia, and first moved to Ross County, Ohio, in 1831. He came to Montgomery County, Indiana, where he died in 1839, aged seventy-one years. His great grandfather, Martin Peterson, an early pioneer of old Virginia, was captured by the Indians while working in the field, and held a captive by them for three years. The Peterson family were originally from Switzerland. S. Peterson was married in 1848 to Lourinda Dain, daughter of Casson and Ester Dain. By this marriage he had seven children: John Q., Clara (deceased), Wilhemina P., Ester J., Charles C. and Wilson M [this is not a mistake- the book listed only six names]. Mr. Peterson and wife are members of the Christian Church in Darlington. In politics he has ever been democratic. In 1870 he was elected real estate appraiser of Montgomery County, and twice elected to the state senate (in 1856 to fill a vacancy, in 1876 for a full term), which position he filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He now has a farm of 1,200 acres, after deeding away to his children nearly 300; it is well improved and stocked with cattle and sheep principally. He takes great interest in behalf of education. Among the leading farmers of Montgomery County he ranks high, and not less is his reputation among his immediate neighbors, and all know him for integrity and honesty.
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Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal 22 May 1896 p 7
If Montgomery County is the center of circumference around which all parties are revolving for gubernatorial timber, what is the matter with Hon. Silas Peterson, a farmer, stock raiser, statesman and philanthropist who has represented the county ably and longer than any other man now living? Brother Democrats, look to the west and govern yourselves accordingly.
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Source: Montgomery County, Indiana Crawfordsville Daily Journal, Feb 2, 1900
Arriving at the home of Silas Peterson late on Wed, we found Uncle Silas & Aunt Lorinda seated in the midst of a large and happy throng of neighbors and friends, all enjoying themselves as only old friends can. Numerous speeches were being made and all went to show the good esteem this couple held in the community. The day was wet and gloomy and prevented many from attending. Their son Charlie was detained at home by sickness. Among many we noticed were AF Ramsey and wife, Charles Goltra and wife of Crawfordsville; Mr. & Mrs. Hannibal Trout and Sherman Trout, Mrs. Foster and son. among the old neighbors were Mr. & Mrs. Wilson Hunt; Mr. & Mrs. Alex Campbell, Mr. & Mrs. John Holloway, Mr. & Mrs. George Little, James Wilson and wife, of Kirkpatrick, then the younger generation of the community made up the number. The day was spent in mingling together and in social conversation, except a short time spent in speech-making. Numerous presents were presented them but the most valuable one perhaps was a small leather purse containing $50 in gold, by the children and uncle John Peterson. Refreshments were served in the dining room all the afternoon, presided over by Joe Kashner the prince of caterers of Darlington. At a late hour the crowd dispersed for home, wishing this good couple many years yet of married happiness.
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Source: Portrait & Biographical Record of Montgomery, Parke & Fountain counties, Indiana. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1893.
SILAS PETERSON, a representative citizen and prominent resident of Sugar Creek Township, has been located in Montgomery County ever since 1830. Growing from childhood to mature years upright and honorable in his daily life, he early gained, and still retains, the confidence of the numerous acquaintances and friends he has throughout the State of Indiana. Occupying various positions of public trust, he has ever discharged the duties of each office with energy and ability. Mr. PETERSON was elected to the office of County Real-Estate Appraiser in 1868, and devoted himself with impartiality to the work. In 1876 Mr. PETERSON was the candidate of the Democratic party for State Senator, and was elected by an overwhelming majority. Giving great satisfaction to his constituents by the able manner in which he handled the interests of the district he represented, he was in 1884 unanimously selected by his party for a second term of office, and so great was his popularity, that, although the Democrats lost nearly all the elections that year by the large increase of Republican voters, Mr. PETERSON was again triumphantly returned to the Senate. The Hon. Silas PETERSON is a native of Ohio, and was born in 1825. The records of the family history show their name to be well represented in early Colonial times. Before the Revolutionary War there emigrated from Switzerland to America John PETERSON, a man of courage, resolution and integrity, who located with his family in Hardy County, Va., about 1760. In the Old Dominion his son John reared eight children, and founded in the New World that branch of PETERSONS of which our subject is the direct descendant. The children were Solomon, the eldest-born; Elizabeth, who married William HARPOOL, of Madison County, Ohio; Martin; Phoebe, who became the wife of Michael COYNER, and died in Clinton County, Ind.; Jonas, who was born in 1800; John; and two who died in childhood. In 1806 John PETERSON and his family removed to Ross County, Ohio, which State had only been admitted into the Union four years before, and was yet scarcely more than a wilderness. The family passed through the privations and stirring experiences peculiar to early pioneer life on the frontier, the sons capturing game and killing wild animals where now stand flourishing towns with a populous country all about them. Solomon PETERSON, the father of our subject, was born in Virginia in 1790, and was therefore about sixteen years of age when the family emigrated to the Buckeye State. He married in Ross County, Ohio, at a very early age, Miss Elizabeth BOWERS, who became the mother of five children, all of whom lived to mature years. These sons and daughters were, William; Samuel; Mary, wife of Gustin IRWIN; Maria, who married William STRONG, and moved to Keokuk, Iowa, and still resides there; and Martin, the youngest. The mother of these children having died, the father married Miss Wilmena WALTERNUT, who emigrated from Germany to this county with her parents. By this union Mr. PETERSON became the father of Silas, our subject; Phoebe, who married Thomas GRAY; and John. A third marriage added two more children to the family. These children were Solomon and Margaret, who married Louis CAVE, who served bravely as a Union Soldier in the late war. The tow children born after Solomon PETERSON´S Fourth marriage were Martha, now deceased, who married G. W. WILSON; and David. Silas PETERSON when five years old came with his parents to Montgomery County in the year 1830, and received an education in the public schools, which in those early days were primitive in their method and limited in number. When Silas PETERSON was twenty-five years old, he married Miss Lorinda DAIN, a lady highly esteemed by all who knew her. The husband´s possessions were limited to a small tract of land, but through close application to his business, and excellent management, his property increased until he owned at one time two thousand acres of land. In 1888, when he had already served two terms as State Senator, he was nominated again by the Democrats, and was defeated only by the redistricting of the district. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. PETERSON: John Q., a young and prosperous farmer; Wilmena, wife of George SEYBOLD, a hardware merchant of Waveland; Esther, wife of Rev. W. B. SLUTZ, a Methodist minister located at Frankfort; and Charles P., a farmer near the old homestead. Mr. PETERSON has been identified in the past with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and his wife are valued members of the Disciples Church at Darlington. He has always wielded a powerful influence in behalf of religion and morality, and is strongly opposed to the liquor traffic. Mr. PETERSON is widely known as a man of broad intelligence, just and generous in his views, and deeply interested in local and national affairs. He has always been especially zealous in all educational matters toward progress. – typed by kbz
Source: Indianapolis Star Sun 9 April 1905 p 42
Crawfordsville April 8 – A “Young People’s Club” with every member at least an octogenarian. This is the character of an organization unique in the US and which only Montgomery County can boast. Its youngest member is 80 and its oldest 92 and all of its members have entered the organization to find solace in their old age by living in the good old days of the past. A few weeks ago at a family reunion the idea forming a “young men’s and girls’ club,” limited to boys and girls ove r80 years of age was suggested by one of the older guests present. The suggestion was enthusiastically received, and as a result, one of the strongest clubs of aged “children” in the country has been organized. The club members have been limited to candidates living in Montgomery County and so far nearly 100 members have been placed upon the rolls. An effort will be made as soon as the club has been completed to have a grand reuion in this city, where a banquet will be held during the day and evening, at which a general good time will be had by the “boys and girls” who will related stories of the early life when Crawfordsville was a dtruggling little burg and the wonders of today were unheard of. When one looks over the charter of this club and notes the number of names and the ripe ages the members have attained, it does not look necessary for any one to leave old Montgomery County to seek health. William School has been suggested as president of the order and has readily accepted. Mr. Schooler, who is 91 years of age, is the oldest member living in this township. He will represent the “boys,” while Mrs. Mary McCall Raymond Cook, who boasts 92 summers, will look after the “girl” members.
“The Oldest Boy” -- William Schooler, who is the oldest boy member of the club was born in Ohio 1815 and when 15 years of age came to this county with his parents. Since that time he has lived in the immediate vicinity of Crawfordsville and it is interesting to hear him tell of the early days when this city was a hamlet. Mr. Schooler worked on a farm and studied at home for that was before the day of the district school. After he reached manhood he entered politics and was elected to fill a number of county offices. Mr. Schooler began trading in horses, which vocation he kept up until a year ago. It is a fact that Mr. Schooler can recall every horse he has ever owned. He can recall the color, age and price he paid for the animal, from whom he bought it and to whom it was sold. His recollection of events years ago is marvelous and he can readily describe them as though they occurred yesterday.
F.A. WILHITE (should be E. for Eleazer A.)
F. A. Wilhite is another of the club that has kept up a busy career all through life, and today, although 84 years of age, he can be found t his tailor shop, where he has held forth for 65 years. Mr. Wilhite is still an expert with the needle and personally attends to the work. When the Northwestern Traction Company entered this city last spring after a spirited fight with the City Council and the Consolidated Company, Mr. Wilhite was one of the first men to greet the electric car men and it was he that drove the first spike into the ties that were laid on Main Street. He received an ovation from the mighty throng that had assembled to watch the ceremony and Mr. Wilhite returned to his little shop with the dream of his last few years realized. Mr. Wilhite was one of the first musicians of this county. With his brothers he formed what was known for years as the “Wilhite Band,” and it was only a short time ago that the “old boys” had to give it up.
The Dean of the Girls – Mrs. Mary McCall Raymond Cook, who resides in this city, has perhaps more patriotic ancestors than any other person living. Mary Williams McCall, Mrs. Cook’s mother was the granddaughter of William and Mary Trumbull Williams. William Williams was a direct descendant of Roger Williams who was one of the signers of the declaration of independence, while his wife was the daughter of the famous Governor Trumbull. Mrs. Cook was born on a farm between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes in Lebanon County NY in 1813. She came to this city soon after the civil war and has lived here since. Though almost 92 years old, her mental faculties are as alert as ever. She talks entertainingly of the many thrilling incidents that occurred in her girlhood days and tells with the enthusiasm of youth the story her grandfather told her about the battle Bunker Hill. Mrs. Cook was married in 1831 to George Raymond, who died while yet a young man, leaving her with three sons, now all deceased. Several years after the death of her first husband she married Ezekiel Cook. Seven children were born to them of whom only three survive. Three of her sons and husband were soldiers in the war between the North and South and several of her grandsons served in the Spanish-American War.
SILAS PETERSON, who was one of the first members of the club, is hale and hearty at the age of 81. He was born in Ohio in 1825 and while yet a child came to this county with his parents. After their death Mr. Peterson began work on a farm, which he has kept up since with the exception of the four years he served as State Senator. He now has a farm of 1,200 acres of the finest farming land in the state, even after having deed away nearly 500 acres.
Maj. LUCIAN W. FOOTE, an active member of the club is another one of the “old boys” of this county. He is a prominent Mason having attained the 32nd degree. He is one of the oldest members of that order in the state of Indiana. Maj. Foote served throughout the war and after returning to this city held many prominent offices for the county. He is active for his age and one of the features of the coming reunion of the club will be some of his thrilling experiences.
Those who have signed the charter of membership up to date area as follows:
Crawfordsville: Mrs. Mary Cook, 92; Dr. IEG Naylor, 85; William Schooler, 91; John S Brown 80; John Sue, 85; Warren Davis, 80; David Ridge, 80; Maj. LA Foote, 80; EA Wilhite 84; James Scott, 84; Alexander Henderson, 88; Isaac Davis, 84; John Lowe, 83; JB Mack, 85; Silas Jones, 88; Loren Miller, 84; James Harris, 80; Abraham Miller 84; Mrs. Harmon Hiatt, 86; Mrs. Catherine Ashenhurst, 84; Mrs. Christina Stewart, 80; Jerre Voris, 82; MB Richmond, 84; Mrs. Tamar Campbell, 84; RK Krout, Sr 86.
Union Township – Alexander Weir, 84; Jacob McIntire, 89; Mrs. EB Smith, 83.
Walnujt Townsip – Goerge Chesterson, 82.
Darlington – Silas Peterson, 81; George Chrisman 83; John Hulet, 89; Pleasant Butler, 87; George Guntle, 81; William H. Endicott, 81; James F. Hall, 87; Hannah Mikels, 80; Mary Booher, 80; Sally Campbell, 82; Lucinda Endicott, 83; Hannah Wisehart, 88; Elizabeth Conrad, 84; Phoebe Moore, 80; Mrs. Raachel Dittamore, 83; Lucinda Royer, 80.
Franklin Township – Hannibal Trout, 80.
|Shannondale – Dr. Shannon, 86; Eli BUnday, 80; WH Browne, 81.
Sugar Creek Township – Silas Dunbar, Sr, 80; Ari Sutton, 83; Adam Saidla, 82; William Bryant, 81; Patrick Goodwin, 80; Sallie Kendall, 83.
New Ross – Andrew Loop, 83.
Ripley Township – Ulysses Wright, 86.
Clark Township – David Hostetter, 82.
Waynetown – levi Moore, 83.
Scott Township – Allen Harrison, 92; Lydia Graybill 93; Sarah M. Brookshire 86; Betsy Hicks, 84; DH Hostetter, 82; James Welsh, 83; Dr. Hyten, 82.
Walnut Township – John Lockridge, 86; Andrew Loop, 89.