Alexander Chamberlain (1788-1869)

Published in The Rochester Union-Spy
Thursday, January 14, 1869 

DEATH OF AN OLD CITIZEN. Saturday evening, Jan. 9th, this community was pained to learn of the death of ALEXANDER CHAMBERLAIN, Esq., one of the oldest citizens of this county. 
Father Chamberlain was born in Cayuga County, New York, in the month of March, 1788, and was, consequently, at the time of his death nearly 81 years of age. In early life he removed to Canada, and was a denizen of the Provinces when the war of 1812 commenced. At the outbreak of hostilities he returned to the United States and enlisted in the Federal army at Buffalo. 
He participated in several engagements, and was in the famous battle of Lundy's Lane, where he was taken prisoner by the British. His captivity lasted several months, but he finally effected his escape by a bold stroke, which is thus related: Being permitted to go out after an armful of wood, he filled his left arm, taking an extra stick in his right hand, with which he knocked down the sentinel who accompanied him, and before the stunned Briton could recover, the fugitive had put such a distance between himself and the prison as to render pursuit hopeless. 
Mr. Chamberlain emigrated to Indiana in 1812, settling at Terre Haute, where he resided for a short time. He removed to LOGANSPORT in 1824, and built the first house ever erected there. A portion of this house still remains, and is preserved as a sort of memento of early times. 
In the latter part of 1834, or early in ‘35, Mr. C. settled in Rochester, building a cabin for himself on the bank of Mill Creek, near where the railroad now crosses that stream. He afterwards built the NATIONAL HOUSE, for a long time the only hotel in the village. He was the owner and BUILDER OF THE FIRST MILL ever in Rochester, and was identified with most of the early enterprises projected in this region. 
Father Chamberlain was a vigorous man up to within a week of his death. Age and time had dealt gently with him, though his experience embraced hardships and privations of the severest character. He had hosts of acquaintances and friends in this and adjoining counties, who will feel grieved to learn of his demise. His funeral took place at the M. E. Church last Monday. 
The services were conducted by Rev. N. L. LORD, and attended by all the older citizens and a large concourse of people. 

SOURCE:
Fulton County Indiana Obituaries - 1869
by Wendell C. Tombaugh