My Genealogy Hound

ANSON ALDRICH, farmer; P. O. Laura, Miami Co. To the subject of this sketch we are pleased to accord a place in the front ranks of the early pioneers of Darke Co.; he was born in Rhode Island Oct. 16, 1820, and is a son of Varnum and Martha Aldrich, natives of the same place, who settled in this township in 1834 and were among the first settlers in the township, locating on land in Sec. 33, where they have resided continuously for forty-seven years. They are the parents of eight children, of whom five are living, viz.: Anson, Robert, Betsy, Waldo and Orin; the deceased are Amanda, Sarah and Lydia. Our subject’s early days were spent on the farm, and he has had his full share of hardships and privations to undergo; he informs us he has cleared up over 400 acres of heavily-timbered land; he stayed at home till he was 30 years of age, and then settled, in 1850, on the place where he now resides; he owned 80 acres at the time, and has since added by purchase, till his present farm contains 158 acres of highly cultivated land, and his improvements are No. 1 in every particular. He was united in marriage with Miss Clara Brown, daughter of Daniel Brown, Nov. 7, 1850; three children were given to this union, viz.: Lucy, born May 29, 1853, and departed this life Aug. 14, 1856; Erwin, born Dec. 20, 1851, and died Aug. 22, 1871; Martha E., born Nov. 27, 1855, nee Mrs. Dr. Brandon, who resides in Laura. Mrs. Aldrich departed this life Sept. 28, 1873; she was a member of the M. E. Church, and died as she had lived, trusting in the promises of the Savior. Mr. Aldrich was again united in marriage with Mary B. (Morrison) Dorwin, daughter of A. and Nancy Morrison, June 10, 1875; her parents are natives of Franklin Co., Penn., and were among the early pioneers of Ohio; her father departed this life in 1840; her mother is still living, and resides in Piqua; they were the parents of six children, all living, viz., Jane, John, Nancy, Belle, Robert, and Margaret. Mrs. Aldrich had two children by her former marriage with Mr. Dorwin, viz.: Cora, now Mrs. G. W. Horner, and resides in Olney, Ill.; Jennie, who resides with her mother; Mrs. A. has been a member of the Presbyterian Church for twenty years, and is a consistent Christian woman.