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"Counties of Wayne and Pulaski, Indiana", published in 1883
by F.A. Battey & Co.
ELIAS VANAMAN was born in Wayne County, Indiana, December 26, 1822,
and is one of the twelve children born to Elias and Abigail Vanaman,
natives of New Jersey, and of German and English extraction. He was
reared a farmer, received about three months' schooling and worked for
his father until twenty-one. October 21, 1847, he married Miss Sarah
Roller, born in Virginia November 17, 1828, and daughter of Peter and
Mary Roller. To this union eleven children were born, of whom seven
are yet living -- Mary, wife of John Berkshire; Abigail, wife of John
Grandstaff; John, William, Daniel E., George and Catherine
A. Mr. Vanaman came to Indiana with his parents in 1837, settled in
Miami County, and there remained until February, 1849, when he came to
this township, entered eighty acres of land and built a log cabin,
which is now replaced by a substantial frame dwelling. Mr. V. is now
the oldest living settler in the township; he was present at the first
election, and he has served as Supervisor of Roads and as School
Director some fifteen years each. Both he and his wife are members of
the Church of God.
