My Genealogy Hound

ELDRED, WILLIAM, deceased, many years ago was one of the most prominent farmers within the bounds of Greene County. He was born in Litchfield County, Connecticut, Nov. 18, 1791. He was in his fifteenth year when he accompanied his parents to New York State where many years of his life were spent. While here a resident, a farmer by occupation, he formed the acquaintance of and married Miss Ruth Brace, May 2d, 1816, a daughter of Jeduthun Brace, who is well remembered by the older residents of Greene County. During the year 1820, when but a few hardy spirits had made their way to the fertile prairies of the boundless west, Mr. E., then in the flush of early manhood, and possessed of energy and ambition far above the average, gathered together his personal property and accompanied by his family and relatives, set out in a covered wagon across the native prairie grass, where a few short years before the red man of the forest, made famous by Cooper, had woed his dusky mate or joined in the exciting sport of bringing to bay the American bison or buffalo. Leaving the wagon they floated down the Ohio River in a flatboat. The trip of the emigrants occupied some weeks. On the way cattle were purchased among the small colony. A fanning mill owned by Jehoshaphat Eldred, a novelty in its way, on its introduction among the first pioneers of Greene County, created considerable sensation. Neighbors, in place of having their wheat threshed by means of horses tramping over it in their usual primitive fashion, brought it to this wonderful mill, which met with unusual commendation and admiration. The cabin entered by William Eldred was of the usual order with the single exception that it consisted of hewed logs. Here the family lived for a period of twelve years, witnessing the growth of Carrollton from a trading point, consisting of one store under the supervision of John Skidmore, who came from the east. This place became quite a town during the term of years that are above mentioned. Those pioneer days were fraught with no ordinary interest. The husband frequently went many miles to a horse mill to lay in a supply of provisions for his large family. On one occasion, having raised an abundant crop of wheat, the grain being unusually full, it was ground for family consumption. Through some malarial influence, perhaps, it served as a strong emetic, none of the family being able to partake of it; nor could stock be induced to touch it. This remarkable phenomenon has never been explained satisfactorily to old residents, who well remember the circumstance. William Eldred was far above the average in ability, and became a wealthy farmer mainly through well-directed efforts. He passed to the world of spirits on the 28th of July, 1855, and was laid at rest in the Carrollton cemetery, a worthy monument marking the spot. Mrs. Eldred, from whom this sketch is obtained, is now upwards of eighty years of age, a true type of the western woman who dared the dangers incident to a western life. The homestead property comprises many hundred acres. Of the marriage twelve children were born, eight of whom are living: Jeduthun, Leonard E., Elon A., Elmina A., Fidelia A., Ruthalia A., Amelia S., H. Loomis. Mr. Eldred was one of the jurors in the first trial of a criminal nature in Carrollton. Was buried by Masonic orders.