• General Notes

  The following article appeard in "O.C.Dem" 31 May 1928.
  
      One hundred and two years ago Jonathan H. Medaris a young man living in the state of North Carolina, with his father, hearing of the wonderful opportunities there were in Indiana, a new state just lately admitted into the Union, decided to emmigrate to that new country, and with his father and brothers started on the long journey over the almost trackless forest.
  
      When they reached near what is now Sidney, Ohio they remained there two years, when the father and family came on to Indiana, leaving Johnathan behind. He remained in Ohio, until the next year when he, with his young bride, joined the family a few miles north of Spencer. He soon acquired forty acres of land, and with his wife began building a home.
  
      To this union sons and daughters were born, and Noah, the subject of this sketch, being the fourth son, was born October 25, 1853. Like all boys of his time, life was mostly spent out in the woods with axes and grubbing hoes clearing land that they could raise the necessities of life. By this healthful occupation breathing the pure invigorating air and basking in the sunshine, Noah developed a strong constitution, and until a year ago was well preserved for a man of his age.
  
      In 1885 he married Martha Jane Corbett. To this union seven children were born. Mrs. Alma Sink, of Gosport, Daily Blaine, deceased, Miss Lucretia, at home, Mrs. Dollie Ellen, Meridith, Ohio, Pressley, at home, Mrs. Mahala Housel, of Indianapolis, and Hasting Dillon, also of Indianapolis.
  
      In August, 1889, he, with his wife, united with the church at Mill Creek Chapel, which was just organized, and known as a Christian church, to which he was a faithful member for a number of years. He had high ideas of a Christian life and seeing so few live up to the standard, by which he measured a Christian, he almost gave up and seldom attended church services after the death of his wife on March 24, 1911.
  
      Noah acquired a common school education. Was a constant reader of the daily papers and was well posted on the current events of the day. He seemed to have a rough exterior, but within was a good true heart. He lived the characteristics of his ancestors. He could not do enough to aid a friend, but seldom, if ever, did he forget a insult or injustice. He was an agriculturist and advanced ideas years ago that are now being practiced. He has spent his entire life of 74 years, 6 months and 25 days on the farm on which he was born, except about six years spent on the farm now owned by P. B. Hendershot. He was a quiet, unassuming man, seldom taking part in community affairs, but was not opposed to public improvement if the public was really benefited. He departed from this life May 15, 1928.
  
      Besides the sons and daughters named he leaves six grandchildren, a number of relatives and friends that will miss him, but most of all he will be missed by the sons and daughters who have so faithfully and lovingly given to him all the care and attention that children could do for a parent.
  

Details of Noah's family with Martha Jane Corbett