Several have asked about reading my essay “Grandma’s Life Lessons” which I entered into the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Women’s Issues Essay for the state contest. This submission was entered in the family category and placed first in the state division. Details are at https://www.dailyadvocate.com/2023/03/24/stewart-wins-dar-state-essay-in-family-category/. The essay follows in the blog below. I’ve
Category: Family Histories
Blogs about family histories that are available at the AWTHS or have been shared with us by local families.
Col. George Gunder #10
Gunder Child #10: Son of William and Nancy Gunder. George. Named for George Street in Arcanum per book “The Secret Town”.Col. George Gunder was a solider, merchant and politician who was born 1840. At 17 years he began teaching school. We find in Twin Twp. ledger that G. W. Gunder was paid a salary for
Henry Gunder #9 and Caroline Chase
Gunder Child #9: HenryHenry was born 1837, son of William and Nancy Gunder. He was a scholar and educator thirsting knowledge as a youngster. He went on to found Germantown High School and Greenville High School in 1868. See History of Darke County 1880 page 428. He served as Superintendent at North Manchester, Ind. and
Sarah Ann Gunder Shepherd #5
Gunder Child #5:Introducing Sarah Ann, born in 1829. Married to Hiram Shepherd who was a farmer. Book said “he took his horses to Jay County, IN each spring to plow and plant crops owned by the Gunder family.”Hiram was the guardian for Daniel and William, Jr. after his brother-in-law Martin died.Their farm was north of
Founding of Arcanum
Information from the “The Secret Town” written by William Gunder. We read that William Gunder was planning to plat a town somewhere on his land as early as 1835. William was thinking ahead and the exact location of the new town would later be determined by the railroad angle through the area. Perhaps he was
William Gunder, Arcanum’s Founder
This article about the Gunder family is dedicated to William (Bill) Gunder, the great grandson of the Founder of Arcanum. William “Bill” Gunder – 1930-2015 Local Author and Historian Bill was a founding member of the Arcanum Wayne Trail Historical Society. He served as director and most importantly as historian. He worked endlessly to document