From "From Needmore to Prosperity; Hoosier Place Names in Folklore History" by Ronald L. Baker: This town was laid out in 1828 by Jacob Durham and named for Russell Township, in which it is located. A post office, with Durham as postmaster, was established on March 9, 1832. From December 5, 1882 to September 3, 1885, the post office was called Darter, for a local family. William Darter was postmaster during most of this period. Roberta