USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation. ========================================================================== WILMINGTON PAGE 398 Formerly the county seat, is located on a very high ridge, some two and a half miles northwest from Aurora. In the jail, here, Dodd hung himself, and a stranger cut his throat; and right in the jail, I once married a happy couple - a novelty. Here George Goulding hung himself in a mill; here Joseph Peters killed John Eastman in an affray, was tried and acquitted, as a justifiable homicide. They were half-brothers or brothers-in-law -what a pity! Peters has an interesting family, who are often pained at the bare mention of the sad occurrence. Not at all, children; if it be your misfortune, it is not you fault, surely. A little son of Mr. ___, and Mrs. Ellen Young, was run over with a heavy-loaded wagon, and crushed to death in a moment. He was a sweet, interesting little boy. I remember, while holding court there, I was passing along the street with a pretty flower in my hand, which, I saw, so arrested his attention that I gave it to him with a kind word and cheering word. He was perfectly transported, and ran home in great haste, proclaiming to his good mamma - "Dudge Totten dave me dis!" His father died soon after him, and his truly bereaved mother administered upon the estate. I remember distinctly that she onceiled a petition, written in her own fair hand, that, for form and phraseology, would, would not have disgraced the most learned and skillful attorney at the bar, as they exclaimed themselves. She is decidedly an intelligent and interesting lady.Girls, take notice - there is nothing like being able to meet any reverses in fortunre, and of managing your own affairs. A Mr. Powell, while laying up a fence, accidentally fell and broke his neck, many years ago.Joshua Brewington had a little son drowned in a cistern, right here. George Hume, that afflicted good man, now no more, lost five children, almost at once, with the milk-sickness, in 1847 Clark J. Durham, a most promising you man, was fearfully mangled, torn, and killed in the machine-shop (as per elegy.) O, how that father, how that mother, how the children all mourned the absence of one so kind, so tenderly loved! - and yet there is a pleasure in that pain. Hon. Stephen Wood died from a wound received in cutting up corn - poor suffering man! Friend Cordery, a somewhat wealthy merchant, and an excellant man, had his house broken into and robbed of several hundred dollars; and for giving publicity to his suspicions, was fined several hundred dollars more - a very singular and a very hard case, and no mistake. Then his stable was set on fire and utterly consumed, together with his horse and buggy, and his cow, I believe. The entire premises were saved only by a miracle; the wind coming briskly from the right direction. Dr. Torbet, to whom, under God, I owe my existence, resides here, and to whom, for kind attention,during my severe illness several years ago, for moderate charges and for indulgence, my lasting gratitude is due, as to friend Harding, years before that, as noticed heretofore. Dr. Torbet and his sainted, precious, lamented, and cherished lady nursed me, if possible, with more than a parent's tenderness and care. Here, also, I feel it due to my exceedingly kind and most generous friend, Wm. Cheek,to say that he was an exceedingly expert, correct, and pleasant clerk of the court for many years. In common parlance, he "had a heart as big as a teakettle." He now resides in the vicinity of Napoleon, noted for its "great crossings." I hope friend Cheek will not "go with the multitude to do evil," nor go "the downward road" with them,as per anecdote: A traveler once inquired his best route to Indianapolis, and was answered, "Go by the way of Napoleon." "Well, how to Columbus, in Bartholemew County?" "Why, by the way of Napoleon." "And how to Madison?" "Well, sir,by Napoleon, again." These were all proper answers, but the stranger, supposing himself hoaxed,pertly asked - "And which way to h--l?" "By the way of Napoleon, by all means. Hurry along, friend, when you get there, you'll have company enough, and need inquire no more, for all the people about Napoleon are going that way!" I guess not - 'pon honor. A son of my friend, Wm. Brice, lost one of his hands by an accidental discharge of his gun, and a Mr. Sellers escaped a horrible death just "by the skin of his teeth.""Dangers stand thick through all the ground,To push us to the tomb."Alas! how true, and yet how few seem to heed it. I must not pass unnoticed my early friend, James Mills and famiy, my pleasant home in court time. Mr. Mills died several years ago, lamented by all who knew him. Mrs. Mills has suffered the amputation of one of her feet, is now living with that sweet daughter, Sarah, now Mrs. John M. Wilson, Esq.,where every kindness and attention is paid to her that affection and fondness can suggest, and an ample competency can effect. My little pet David, has become an interesting and promising young man. Elizabeth, now Mrs. R.D. Brown, Esq.,who aided me essentially in copying my census duplicate, in 1840, resides here, blessed with a kind,good husband and a happy home. James, a most extraordinary young man, a dutiful son, a fond,sweet brother, a worthy companion, won bright honors in the Mexican war, came home and suddenly died, beloved and bemoaned by all who knew him. He died in sight of heaven, in hope of a blessed immortality. I fain would, but can not longer dwell. Good old father Nichols, father Canfield, David Kerr, Stephen Jarvis, Benjamin Vaile, father Durham,the venerable Widow Weaver, and other cherished friends, too numerous to mention, reside here;to all of whom I owe a debt of gratitude for their liberality and kindness to me. David Gardner paid me in advance for three copies of my book, and made me a present of two dollars,beside. Thomas Spicknell subscribed liberally too, and he and his good lady have kindly entertained me, "many a time and oft." Such friends are worth having, and of being held "in everlasting remembrance." Barb Boese