Wilbur Pelham ice skating on the Wabash River just above the bridge."" The Pelham family connection with New Harmony begins with William Pelham, 1759-1827. Born in Williamsburg, VA, he was a surgeon in the Revolutionary War. From Zanesville, Ohio, where he was postmaster and editor of the Ohio Republic, he came to join the Owen community early in 1825. His letters of this time are preserved and reflect his interest and enthusiasm in the experiment. He served as editor of the New Harmony Gazette. When he died in 1827, the community was tottering, but his belief in the ideals on which it was based never wavered." (http://workingmensinstitute.org/the-pelham-collection/) Wilbur is believed to be the great great grandson of this doctor.