MY  HOOSIER  HOME 

When I moved back to Peru and purchased my father's home from my stepmother, I meticulously set aside the Abstract on this property for a later date of research.

That research began this year and have I been pleasantly surprised by the history of this property, Miami County, and Peru.

The land was granted to Miami Chief John B. Richardville from the United States Government in 1826 as you can see by the last 3 photos. You will also notice his wife's name Pe-Me-Se-Quah. At the bottom, you will see the signature of John Quincy Adams, March 3, 1828.

There was another Miami Chief Indian Godfrey that received land here in Peru also. In fact, the entire area was owned by these two chieftains.

I had to chuckle at one point when reading the spec on the property size, it was noted from the middle of the Wabash River to the Eel River which is north of Peru.

I have always believed this house to be older than the original thought of 1897 which I have found to be true. I have found the date 1880 thus far. 

Now the interesting part as I perused the Abstract was the name Weaver kept popping up.  Hmmm....I thought....I know of the Weavers here in Peru, and one is the Peruvian Hoosier Artist Robert E. Weaver. Well, was I shocked to see the name Benton Orlando Weaver purchased this home in 1891 from a Shanabarger.  Turns out Benton O. Weaver is the grandfather to Robert E. Weaver the artist. Benton opened the grocery store next door, Golden Rule which was a grocery store until 1950.  

My father bought this property for investment in 1958 when I was just 5 years old.

In our store, you can still see the original wood shelves lining one wall. 

Of course, when moving in we did extensive remodeling inside and out, using a team from Rochester. We also removed the radiators (which I regret) to have central air. But much of the house bones are still the same.

In my photo above are the two original tethering posts. My sister Jo and I would straddle these with our skinny legs and try to get the semi-drivers to honk when passing by.

Memories and I can't help but think about memories made in this home by other generations as I climb the inside stairs, touching the well-worn wood patina of the hand railing.

So I guess you could say our home is a type of "historical" home as for a Hoosier. 

I remember when the art teacher, Wayne Taylor, at Peru High School acquired some of Robert Weaver's paintings for the school. That was a big event back then and I had no idea dad's home was once his home.

So...this is my Hoosier Home. :)

Blessings