Hello to all! My name is Troy. I live and work in Muncie, Indiana. I'm a father and proud Pa-Paw of two beautiful and full of life granddaughters. I've worked 25 years in automotive manufacturing in the area (3rd generation), 32 years overall.

I've been interested in genealogy, ancestry, antiques, and just history in general, most of my life. My four grandparents and ancestors hail from Economy and Russiaville, Indiana on my paternal side (Clark, Morrison, Worth, Dick and Rishel) respectively. And the greater Casey and Lincoln County, Kentucky areas on my maternal side (Hamilton, Emerson, Wall and Denny) respectively.

I think it's important to match an old face to an old name, and somewhat tell their story. I typically only post pics and obits of blood family members (ie grandparents, aunts, uncles, and some cousins) going back generations, even into the 19th century. Some I met or knew personally. Many were before my time. I have a treasure trove of family photos I inherited from my aunt/paternal grandparents going back to the 1860's. So most of what I post, heavily leans to and is centered around Economy, Indiana (Pop. 145) and our long history there.

Our grandmother's Quaker built, Victorian farmhouse on St. Rd. 35 was built by, and in her Clark Family from 1888 to 1993. Owned by three generations, four lived there, seven total were associated with it, in some way or another. So there wasn't a lot of moves in there, chances for pictures to go missing. And my grandmother and great-uncle were very good at labeling pictures, throughout the decades. Some of these pics were obtained and possessed by my grandparents through my great-great-great-grandparents. And once a particular line of family came to town, them and their descendants stayed the rest of their lives. At least five of them.

== Peirce/Pierce and Study Families (Pioneers) ==

A couple lines of our pioneer lineage started in 1820 in Economy/Perry Township (Quakers, Anna and John Peirce; x4 G.G.) and 1819, about four miles east down the road in Green Township/Williamsburg (Charlotte and Henry Study Sr.; x4 G.G.). Henry's father immigrated from Baden, Baden, H.R.E. around 1770. Both the Peirces and Studys, applied for and received grants for unimproved land. These tracts were later admitted to the township records as "improved" land. The Study's had 10 children. John and Anna Peirce had 12 children. Only seven survived to adulthood.

===== Morrison and Oler Families =====

Joseph Morrison came to town in 1856 from Fayette Co. PA, marrying Margaret "Peggy" Oler in 1859 (x3 G.G.). She was the daughter of Sarah and Thomas Oler (x4 G.G.). His great-great grandfather Guyon Morrison, immigrated from Derry, Northern Ireland in 1729, to Pennsylvania. Joseph served four years during the Civil War, all in Co. C of the 57th IN. His regiment was engaged at the Battles of Shiloh, Perryville, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Kennesaw Mountain, and many more. He reenlisted as a veteran volunteer, and mustered out as a sergeant. Two brothers, Perry and James, also served. They were 1st cousins of fellow veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, Francis Morrison. Him and Margaret will go on to farm and have nine children.

===== Worth-Clark Family =====

Quakers, William and Louisa Worth-Clark (x3 G.G.) were the last of our family to arrive in September of 1860, with their 12 children from Randolph Co., North Carolina. Being Friends, they didn't want their military age boys to participate in the upcoming foreseeable war. And most of William's business was on credit, where they settle up at the end of harvest season. Had there been a war and the south lost, it would've been financially devastating. So they decided to pack up and start their 26 day covered wagon train journey to Economy, Wayne County, Indiana. Louisa already had two sisters and their families living there, Nathan and Evelina Worth-Dennis (of Earlham College) and Barnabus and Miriam Worth-Coffin (a 1st cousin of Levi). They had "Uncle Barney" build their two story home on Main St. prior to arriving, and he received them on the Sabbath. William bought 218 acres before leaving, later increasing that to 500, two dry goods stores (Economy and Union City), and invested in pork trading. Him and Barnabus had military contracts to supply the U.S. Army with salted pork during the war. Three state governors (sitting and future) visited the small hamlet of Economy, as Louisa was the sister to one, Gov. Jonathon Worth of North Carolina. And the grandmother of two more, brothers Gov. Barzilla Worth Clark and Gov. Chase Addison Clark, both of Idaho. She was also the great-grandmother of U.S. Senator David Worth Clark and Bethine Clark-Church (wife of U.S. Senator Frank Church) both of Idaho. And a great-aunt to Ens. Worth Bagley, Adm. David W. Bagley (sons David H. and Worth H. were also four star Admirals in the U.S. Navy), U.S. House of Representative David Worth Dennis II of Indiana, and the writer O. Henry. The Worth Family were direct descendants of Mayflower Pilgrims, John and Elizabeth Tilley-Howland (x9 G.G.).

Our grandparents Dana and Barbara Clark-Dick and great-uncle William G. Clark (next door), resided there into the 1990's. Leading to 180 years, six continuous generations, and 12 sets of grandparents buried in and within a five mile radius of town (Economy, Williamsburg, and Jordan Cemeteries).

We had many fond memories of Christmases, Thanksgivings, Easters, and the annual Memorial Day weekend camp-outs/reunion all while visiting our grandparents in Economy. It was our "Happy Place" while growing up. As kids and eventually teens, we knew we were seeing the sad end of an era. We just didn't know how vast and far back that family history went locally.

I feel as though I've been passed the torch per se. Entrusted with safeguarding and telling our families history for future generations to come. With that being said, and as I age myself, it's time to get these old pics, obits, etc., out for other family members to see and enjoy. This is the perfect format for doing just that. And any other old pics posted by others, is always welcomed and encouraged. As is any new info, and/or if a pic is incorrectly labeled, please do inform me!

When somebody passes, they get a few paragraphs, if that, written about them. Maybe a short sermon and that's it. Regardless of how mundane or exciting their life experiences may of been, something just seems wrong about that. Very quick, nondescript and final. Milestones and achievements should be celebrated, big and small, new and old. Memories fade and eventually our family are lost to the ages. But through the advent of Find a Grave, their memory and time spent here on God's green Earth, will continue to be told.