MANNERS, James - Putnam

James MANNERS, farmer, Ladoga, son of James and Lettice (HIGHT) Manners, was born in Russellvile, IndianaAug 8, 1827 and in the Spring of 1830 came to his present home in Clark Twp. In a lot cabin one mile south of his home he learned his ABC's sitting upon the flat side of split logs for benches, and receiving the light through greased paper stretched over holes in the sides of the building in place of windows. He had much experience in the hard ways of pioneer life, having many times followed the trail through the woods to a point 4 mi. N. of Crawfordsville, on horseback as the nearest point to mill. Jan 4, 1849 he was married to Miss Sarah A. daughter of Robert & Mary (BLADES) MILLER. She was born in Ky, April 30, 1831 but soon came with her parents to this county, and became one of its pioneer citizens. They have 5 children living: Robert M; Louisa L; Lettie H; Priscilla C; James H (D. Feb 1877) and George P. Mr. manners has, with the exception of about 6 years spent in Iowa and about the same in Putnam Co, spent his life in Clark Twp. He has been engaged during life in farming, school teaching, milling and the mercantile business. Sept 22, 1862 he became a member of Co. F, 54th Ind. Vol. Inf, which participated in the siege and capture of Vicksburg. He was discharged at New Orleans in Sept 1863, on account of disability. His father was b. in Md, March 30, 1793 and although his paternal parents were born in Ireland he traces his maternal ancestry to England. His father died in Clark Twp, after a life of usefulness and industry in Feb 1871. His mother died Feb 3, 1870 after raising a family of 8 all of whom were educated to be useful men and women.   --- transcribed by Karen Bazzani Zach