My Grandfather's name was James Wheeldon, which was also my Father's name. My Grandparents and parents were born and raised in the South part of the state of Indiana but later moved to the North part of Indiana (about 10 miles south of Rochester, where I was born May 8th 1849.

My mother’s maiden name was Cynthia Ann Callaway. I can’t recall much about Mother's parents as I was quite small and have no record of the family.

Grandmother Callaway was twice married and I think often of a girl by her first marriage we called Aunt Una who was blind. She could make a bed as neat as one with good eyes. She never married.

My Grandmother also had one sister, Aunt Nancy, who married Henry Sneep of the United Brethren Church. Aunt Nancy had one son, Johnny. We all dreaded to see him come for he was so mischievous. In those days people couldn't afford rain barrels but would hollow out a good sized log to catch rain water and this boy would get in that and play and spoil the water for further use.

Mother had two brothers, Andy and Graten. I was only 12 when Mother died. I went after Uncle Graten the eve she passed on. After she couldn't talk any more she held up her finger and we understood she wanted the ring my brother Charlie had given her. He was in the army and couldn't get home. I put the ring on her hand. She smiled so sweetly and soon left us for her home in Heaven. In a few days brother Charlie came and it seemed more than he could bear that he couldn’t see mother. To make it worse he had to leave his wife and two small children and go back to the Civil War. So his family came and lived with us until Brother came back safe.

I had 4 sisters and 5 brothers who grew to womanhood and manhood and two small children, the oldest died before they were named. Sister names were Mahala, Angeline and Sarah Ann, whose twin sister Liddy Ann died when very young and was laid in the Royal Center cemetery by the side of the infants. My Father was laid in the same Cemetery but Mother was buried on a family lot on the Farm where we lived.

Mahala was married to John Green. Soon after her marriage they took a claim out west. Being a Soldier he was entitled to the claim. They lived in a dugout, Gave birth to a third child. One of the little ones kept calling for a drink and Mother like she went across the dirt floor and got the water. She took cold and died and was buried way out there from home and friends. I don't know if any of her children are living.

Angeline's name was Hattery after her marriage. Had two boys, Charlie and Willie. (Charlie died in the Sanatorium at Logansport, Indiana) Both full of mischief. After their mother died they lived in our house for a time. One day when we were away they put a dog in the well bucket and ran the windlass up and down until most of the hair was on the rope and bucket what wasn't in the water. The little sister also lived with us for awhile but later made her home with Grandpa Wagoner. I don't know if she and Billy are living or not.

Sister Sarah married Jammed DeBoo and they had 4 children 1 boy -Noah died when about 2-1/2 years. The little girl died at birth. John and Sam grew to manhood. Sam is in California and John has gone to heavenly home where his wife Hazel Brown preceded him 22 or 23 years. After 7 years of a happy home life James came to live with them. He was only 3 when she died. James was married October 1937 and lives in Kokomo, Indiana.

My brothers names were James, Griffie, Charlie, Everly and John. The latter died at home at age of 18 years of age.

My brother James Wheeldon was married in Indiana. He later moved to Nebraska. His only son, Milo still lives in Nebraska. He makes his home with his daughter as his wife passed on several years ago. Milo's son called here to see me two years ago while seeing the Ozarks. His name is Milo Wheeldon and he is employed by the government. Brother Jim's wife (Aunt Kate) went to her eternal home August 1937, the last of Brothers wives. There are 2 girls Lettie Hauben of Nebraska City, Nebraska and Edith Grael of Percival, Iowa. I have already told about brother James. I know very little of his or brother Griffie except both are dead. I met Griffie's wife and daughter when brother James died some 20 years ago.

My youngest brother Everly lived in Logansport many years, but the parents being alone, their older daughter Mrs. A. B. Hoover took them to her home at Muncie where he died in 1933. Aunt Lou lived in her home at Logan a year or so. Her health failed and Ada took her to her home in Muncie. She died there and both laid to rest in the beautiful cemetery there.

Ada's husband died in 1936 after a short illness. They had no children except he had a daughter by 1st marriage. Ada taught school in Muncie 15 years. Before her marriage and still lives at 723 N. Jefferson Street.

Bessie is a teacher and this year is at Fort Wayne, Indiana. Her name is Elizabeth Berry. Her husband died several years ago. They had no children.

The only Son David Morehead Wheeldon lives in Logansport now but for two terms as County Treasurer of Blackford County, Indiana. He married a Catholic Girl. They had no children.

I recall this bit of history at the age of 87 years 6 months. The only one of our family left, just waiting for the call to come up higher.

For the benefit of the grandchildren I submit a short history of my own life. I was 16 years old when I was married.

Ebert the oldest he was 20 months when the little brother Melvin died. Just a babe.

Lyda (Cynthia) and Ida (Sarah) twins were born January 13 1871. Ida lived only a few days.

Col. Ellsworth was born March 28, 1873.

Grace born January 4th 1875 (our wedding anniversary).

Searing was only a babe when he died.

Jesse Moses was born September 26th 1879.

Olive Pearl was born September 5th 1881.

Lula Ann was born December 5th 1885.

Roy Wesley was born November 3 1890.

There are living, seven children of eleven, 38 grand children, 62 Great Grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, making the total descendents 101 at this date.

The date of my marriage was January 4, 1866.

Ebert's birth November 18 1866.

I was saved soon after my Mother's death. I remember well that Aunt Nancy Sneep was singing the old song "And We'll Cross the River Jordon By & By." It was a happy time in my life and I am hoping all my loved ones will be ready when Jesus calls for them. I'II continue to pray for all my loved ones while I live. An Evangelist, Lydia Sexton was doing the preaching when I was saved.

Patsy Smith