Editor’s note: The following are a series of stories about local families who, in one way or another, have been touched by the Civil War.

Family Losses
By Jennifer McSpadden

Some of the most tragic Civil War stories involve the families who suffered multiple losses.

There is a house on the corner of Wabash and Sinclair streets in Wabash that has a very sad history. Three brothers from that house, Richard, Charles, and William went to fight in the Civil War in the 101st Indiana Regiment, two in Company F, one in Company A. They never came home. They lie in graves in Tennessee and Georgia, and one in Andersonville.

Union soldier Tyler Houghtaling penned some of the letters which “A Family Portrait” is based on. Photo provided

By David Fenker

NORTH MANCHESTER -- The Manchester Symphony Orchestra will begin its 79th season with a unique oratorio written by one of its own, titled “A Family Portrait”.

All area residents are invited to experience a Civil War encampment before the concert, which will begin at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16, in Manchester University’s Cordier Auditorium.

According to a release from the university, Dr. Debra Lynn, MU’s director of choral organizations and voice study, composed the oratorio, which will feature Grammy-winning baritone Daniel Belcher and Judy Marlett, who found the letters on which the show is based, as soloists.

Trent and Diane Miller pose for a photo near their new sign for the 380 Smokehouse & Grill. Formerly Not Your Average Joe’s, the restaurant will soon feature smoked meat options. Photo by Emma Rausch

By Emma Rausch

Not Your Average Joe’s has closed, but the restaurant will soon be reopened with a new name, look and menu.

Restaurant owners Trent and Diane Miller originally opened Joe’s Diner in 2008 at the intersection of U.S. 24 and State Road 13 before the couple moved the restaurant in 2013 to it’s current location at 380 Manchester Ave., renaming it Not Your Average Joe’s.

Steve Ford and Vanessa Daughtry (from left) smile after receiving the Wabash High School Mr. and Mrs. Alumni Awards at the football homecoming game on Friday, Sept. 29. Photo by Emma Rausch

By Emma Rausch

Wabash High School honored former students Steve Ford and Vanessa (Lester) Daughtry Friday night, Sept. 29, as Mr. and Mrs. Alumni.

Ford, a class of 1976 graduate, is the president of The Ford Meter Box Company. In 2015, he was inducted into WHS’s Hall of Distinction for his local efforts and accomplishments with the Honeywell Foundation, United Fund and Wabash Community Service.