The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Eel River Township, page 580
Joseph Plummer, a pioneer of Eel River Township, was born in Greene County, Ohio, Oct.17, 1813, a son of Levi and Mary Plummer, the father a native of Maryland, and the mother of Indiana. In 1815 his parents came to Fayette County, Ind., and lived there five years, and thence moved to Morgan County, where they also remained five years, and in 1825 came to Hendricks County. Our subject was reared to manhood on a farm amid the stirring scenes of pioneer life, and received but a meagre education. Aug. 2, 1832, he was married in Morgan County, Ind., to Ann Day, and to them were born nine children--Mary, Martha, Thomas, Levi, Hannah, Fannie, John, Ann and Richard D. After a married life of over a quarter of a century, death entered his home taking his beloved wife Jan. 18, 1870. May 14, 1872, he was married to Lydia Burgan, daughter of Isaac and Sarah Burgan, who were among the early settlers of Hendricks County. In the spring of 1835 Mr. Plummer settled in the eastern portion of Eel River Township, where he has since lived. He owns 565 acres of good tillable land. Of Mr. Plummer it may be said that he is a self-made man, and according to his own statements he started life with virtually nothing but his strong arms and his determination to succeed.