It may be proper to state that the author of this little work, which is here presented to the public, is a native of the valleys of Whitewater in Eastern Indiana, of which it is a sketch, and was a witness of most of the scenes and incidents related. Having a desire that there should be a history of these valleys and the founding of Richmond (now a thriving city) to be transferred to future generations, before all the actors of the scenes pass away, several years ago the writer prepared many sketches of “ye olden times,” some of which here appear with additions and revisions; but circumstances were such as to prevent the publication of them till the present date. In the meantime a portion of these collections were contributed to the late history of Wayne County ; yet owing to the limited space in that work allotted to each township, much of these early reminiscences of the settling of the Whitewaters in Wayne township and Richmond were omitted in the county history. This is the apology for offering them in the form here presented, most of which are original, and have not heretofore been published. And it is now to be regretted that they are to appear in so limited a work as this. Much historical matter of men and things, had necessarily to be circumscribed, that otherwise might have been more interesting than what here appears. It is not without some diffidence and embarrassment that I assume to publish these sketches, it being my maiden production as an author ; being aware –

“That he that writes,
Or makes a feast, more certainly invites,
His judges than his friends; there is not a guest
But will find something wanting or ill dressed.”

The quaint and racy criticisms of men and things interspersed through the work, are not intended to be construed as sarcasms upon those referred to ; having no friends to reward or enemies to punish, entertaining malice to none, but good will to all. To those who have advertised their business in its pages, I return my thanks, and may their shadows and business never grow less. During the dark hour of despair after the arduous labor to prepare the work for the press, -- perhaps owing to the one thing needful – I was repulsed by the world’s friendship; but counsel and influence came to the rescue, for which I specially return my most sincere thanks. The reader will perceive a lapse of a half century when, seemingly awoke to consciousness, Rip Van Winkle-like related what I saw of Richmond as it now is.

Lastly, but not the least feature of the work, is its superior mechanical execution by the Telegram Printing Company, of Richmond.

May 23, 1875