Deer Creek Township
CAPT. SAMUEL D. GRESHAMCapt. Samuel D. Gresham, one of the pioneers of this county, was of English extraction. The family records develop the fact that he was a lineal descendant of Sir Thomas Gresham, born in London in 1519, who was a man of great wealth, liberal culture and high attainment in public affairs. He was the founder of the Royal Exchange of London, an advisory friend of Queen Elizabeth, and contributed largely to placing the financial affairs of England on a sound basis.
Capt. Gresham, the subject of this sketch, was born in King and Queen County, Va., in 1808. While yet a lad, he emigrated in company with his father to Shelby County, Ky., thence to Harrison County, Ind., where he lived for several years. In 1828, he visited Carroll county, seeking a permanent home and after some observation, returned to Harrison County to make the necessary arrangements for his removal to this place. In 1830, he returned to Delphi in company with the late Dr. James H. Stewart. He at once engaged in farming and also did a good business in that boating on the Wabash and Ohio Rivers. It was in the latter pursuit he received the familiar title of Captain. November 5, 1833, he was commissioned as Constable and re-commissioned April 12, 1834. May 4, 1835, under an old law of the State, he was appointed collector of Revenue, which position he held until May 6, 1840. In pursuance of the voice of the voters of Carroll County, he assumed the duties of Sheriff August 9, 1836, and was re-elected in 1838. He served as Postmaster in the city of Delphi under the administrations of Presidents Polk, Pierce and Buchanan. From that service until the time of his death which occurred July 22, 1874, he was engaged in the livery business.
He was united in marriage to his last wife, Miss Sarah Burt in 1841. Four sons and three daughters were born to , viz.: Edward H., Mattie C., Emma C., George D., and Will A. all now having reached the years of maturity.
Until age and infirmity weighed heavily upon him Capt. Gresham was numbered among the leading men of the county in such questions and enterprises as from time to time arrested the attention of the public and was a valued citizen. His wife, a most estimable lady full of years and beloved by all who know her, is at this date still surviving him and is gratefully cared for by her sons and daughters.
County Coordinator: Suzy Sprague suzyq.wa@worldnet.att.net