3 1833 02483 9828
Gc 977.201 F85r pt.l
Reifel, August J.
History of Franklin County,
Indiana
HISTORY -'
OF
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ranKiin ^ountv
INDIANA
HER PEOPLE, INDUSTRIES AND INSTITUTIONS
BY
AUGUST J. REIFEL
/
With Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens anJ
Genealogical Records of Old Families
ILLUSTRATED
j 1915
j , B. F. BOWEN & COMPANY. Inc.
j , ' Indianapolis, Indiana
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DEDICATION.
To the dear, departed ones, whose busy hands changed the giant for-
ests into fertile fields; whose love i)f home established the hearthstones, the
tender ties of which yet bind together the heartstrings of the nati\e born;
whose patriotism gave the best of their lives and =ubs:ance for the defense of
their country; whose graves make sacred the soil their feet so ofren trod.
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2009 with funding from
Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center
http://www.archive.org/details/historyoffrankliOOreif
PREFACE
The history of Franklin county extends over more than a hundred
years, and this makch the ta^k of the historian difficult, in view of the fact
that the complete records of the county were not available f(jr examination.
• It is impossible to write history without records, and the absence of the
early records of Franklin ccnmty necessarily left a gap which had to be filled
from traditional accounts. However, the county is fortunate in having a file
of newspapers running back fur nearly eighty years, and these proved to be
of inestimable value to the historian in getting first-hand information. In
addition to the ul'ticial records and newspai)ers, frequent Ube was made of
scrap books containing much valuable data. These three sources — records,
newspapers and scrap books — ha\e been supplemented with numerous inter-
views with various people of the county, and the editor is under obligation to
scores of persons hi all parts of the countv who have volunteered information
on a wide variety of subjects.
Undoubtedly, the most important source of inlorniauon outside of the
records and newspapers was to be found in the scrap books and miscellaneous
data furnished by JMiss Jennie Miller, of Brookville. Her brother, James -\I.
/- Miller, was an indefatigable collector of data covering all phases of Franklin
;f, county' history and at his death had the best collection of local historical
data in the county. ^Ir. Miller was an invalid from his boyhood, yet, despite
'^i his inability to get around, he amassed a wonderful amount of material
touching the history of the county. Among other persons who tendered their
private collections of historical data, should be mentioned Miss Lucinda
■^ Meeks, Mrs. S. S. Harrell, Mrs. W. H. Bracken, Harry ?\I. Stoops. Mrs.
^ Martha Goodwin, Michael Jacobs, Dr. J. E. Morton. George S. Golden, John
C. Shirk, T. L. Dickerson, T. B. Thackrey, I. M. Bridgeman and ^1. H.
c^- Irwin. Rev. Andrew Schaaf, pastor of St. Michael's church of Broolc\-ille,
gathered all of the data on the Catholic churches of the county for the his-
tory and rendered valuable assistance in all matters pertaining to history of
.1 Catholic affairs in the county.
The Brookville Historical Society was enthusiastic in its support of the
history from the beginning, and the editor feels under a debt of gratitude for
IV'-'
PREFACE.
its help. The variou.s officials in the court house extended every courtesy in
the preparation oi the history and helped to cjather all the data from the
records in their charjje. A number of contributed articles, as g;:\en in the
history, are credited to those preparinjj them. Finally, tiianks arc due a large
number of ])eople who funn'shed data in response to letters wjn'ch were .sent
out by those in charge of the writing of the history. Whatever merit this
history may possess is largely due to the kindly assistance of tlnjse people of
the com.munity who are proud of their county's history and liave a sincere
desire to see it preserved.
Can any thinking person be insensible to the fascination of the study
which discloses the aspirations and efforts of the early pioneers who so strongly
laid the foundation upon which has been reared the magnificent prosperity
of later daysl^ To perpetuate the story of these people and to trace and
record the social. p(jlitical and industrial progress of the communitv from its
first inception is the function of the local historian. A sincere purpose to
preserve facts and personal memoirs that are deserving of i)erpetuaiion. and
which unite the present to the past, is the motive for the presen: puijlicatiori.
A specially valuable and interesting department is that one de\-oted to the
sketches of representative citizens of these counties whose records deser\e
preservation because of their worth, effort and accomplishment. The pub-
h'shers desire to extend their thanks to the gentlemen who have so faithfully
labored to this end.
In placing the "History of Franklin County, Indiana, "" before the cit-
izens, the publishers can conscientiously claim that they have carried out the
plan as outlined in the prospectus. Every biographical sketch in the work
has been submitted to the party interested, for correction, and therefore any
error of fact, if there be any, is solely due to the person for whom the sketch
v/as prepared. Confident that our effort to please will fully meet the appro-
bation of the public, we are,
Respectfully,
THE PUBLISFIERS.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I— RELATED STATE HISTORY ' 33
First White Men in Northwest Territory — English and French Claims —
Three Successive Sovereii^ii Fla^s Over Present Indiana Territory — Pa.-;>in(j
of the Indians — Battle of Fallen Timbers — Northwest Territory — Early Set-
tlements— Activities of the Traders — French and Indian War — Por/.ir.c's
Conspiracy — Northwest Territory and Quebec Act — Revolutionary Period
— Georpe Rogers Clark and His Campaign — First Surveys snd Early Set-
tlers— Ordinance of 1787 — First Stage of Government under the Ordinance
' — Second Stage — Organization of the Northwest Territory — Representative
*: Stage of Government — First Counties Organized — First Territorial Legis-
I lature of Northwest Territory — Division of 1800 — Census of Northwest Ter-
\ ritory in 1800 — Settlements in Indiana Territory in 180O — First Stacre of Ter-
\ ritcrial Government — Changes in Boundary Lines of Irdisna — Second
I Stage of Territorial Government — The Legislative Council — The First Gcn-
t eral Assemblies — Congressional Delegates of Indiana Territory — Efiforts to
! Establish Slavery in Indiana — The Indian Lands — Organization of Counties
f — Changes in the Constitution of Indiana — Capitals of Northwest Terri*^ory
J and Indiana — Military History of State — Political History — Governors of
» Indiana — A Century of Growth — Natural Resources.
CHAPTER II— GEOLOGY 63
t Report of State Geologist — Prefatory — Farm Statistics — Standing Timber
I — Physiography and Geology — Soils — Their Areas — Miami Silt Loam —
t Limestone Slope Clay Loam — Huntington Loam. — Hamburg Loam — Ancient
[ Earthworks — Blue Limestone Region — Drift Deposit — Bowlders — Terraces
\ — Mineral Springs — Precious Metals — Salt in the County — Building Ma-
terials.
I CHAPTER III— ORGANIZATION OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 77
Organization of First Counties in Indiana — Purchases of Indian Lands —
I • Twelve-Mile Purchase — Legislative Act Establishing Franklin County — The
I County Seat — Change of County Territorial Limits — Population of Decades
1 — The First Year of Statehood — Election of 1816 — Court Procedure Lender
Constitution of 1816 — First Circuit Court — First Grand Jury — A Quartet of
Pugilistic Lawyers — First Board of Commissioners — First Townships De-
fined— Constitutional Conventions of 1816 and 1850 — Land Entries of Frank-
I lin County in the Ohio Survey — Tax Duplicate of 1811.
I CHAPTER IV— HISTORY OF COURT HOL^SES 102
' The Knight Tavern — Court-House Trustees — Second Court House — Buiid-
i . ing Specifications — Stray Pen — Destruction of Court House by Fire — Court
House of 1852 — Remodeling of same into the Present Building — ^Jail History
I — County Office Buildings.'
I
\
1
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER V^— ORGAXIZATION AND BOUNDARY CHAN'GES OF TOWN-
SHIPS no
Absence of Early Records — Date of Organization of Tov\nships — Brook-
villc Township — Natural Features — Pioneer Settlement — Some Pioneer
Families — Towns and Villages — Ur.ion (W'hitoonilj; — Buncombe — Hutler'->
Run — Woodville — Yung — Township Oftlcers — Bath Township — Natural Fea-
tures— Land Entries — First and Important Event.-; — Villages — Colter's Cor-
ner— Bath — Mixersvillc — Posey Township — Organization and Boundaries —
Physical Features — Land Entries — Saw-MilU — First Events — Villages —
Andersonville — Bulltown — Buena Vista — Township Officers — White Water
Township — Boundaries — Natural Features — Settlement — Tf<wn-hip < )t!iccrs
— An Old Land-mark — New Trenton — Milling Interests — Butler Township
— Pioneer Settlement — Interesting Events — Towns and Villages — Haymond
— Jennings — Oak Forest — Franklin — New Vernon — Township Officers —
Blooming Grove Township — Boundaries — Stream?. Soil. Etc — Pir)neer Set-
tlement— Blooming Grove Village — Springtield Township — Natural features
— Settlement — Events of Interest — Mt. Carmcl — Highland Township — Boun-
dary— Settlement — Cedar Grove — South Gate — St. Peters — Higiiland Center
— Klemme's Corner — Fairfield Township — Boundary — Natur-il Ftatr.res —
Settlement — Cliaractcr oi the Pioneers — Fiist and Important Events — Fair-
field Village — Ray Township — Natural Features — Settlement — Huntersvilie
St. Bernard — Hamburg — Enochburg — Oldenburg — Township Oliicers — Salt
Creek Township — Boundaries — f-and Entries and Pion>?eT-s — Reminiscences
— Slip's Hill — Laurel Township — Boundaries — Natur^tl Features — L?.nd
Entries and First Settlers — Indian Aggression — Laurel — Metamora Town-
ship— Natural Features — Settlement — Town of Metamo'-a — Former Town-
ships of Franklin Tov.-nship.
CHAPTER VI— TOWN OF BROOK VI LLE 193
Situation— First Land Entries — Plats — Beginnings — Early Market Quota-
tions— Early Business Men — The Brookville Land Ofitice- A Critical Period
— Early Milling Operations — Paper-making Industry — Other Industries —
Telephone Lines — Municipal Incorporation — Town Officers — Fire Depart-
meT)t — Water Works — Postofnce — Commercial Club — Public Library — Ceme-
teries— Centennial Celebration — McKinley Memorial Services — Floods
of 1898 and 1913— Insurance.
CHAPTER VII— COURTS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 232
Changes in Court Practice — First County Court — Commissioners Court —
Board of Justices — First Common Pleas Court — First Circuit Court — Law-
yers of Franklin County.
CHAPTER VIII— COUNTY OFFICIALS 238
Auditors— Treasurers — Clerks of the Court — Sheriffs- Recorders — County
Commissioners — Coroners — Surveyors — Miscellaneous Officers — Pound
Keepers — Inspector of Flour. Beef and Pork — Collector of County and State
Revenue — Listers and County Assessors — Judges of the Circuit Court — Prose-
cuting Attorneys.
CHAPTER IX— HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION 245
Transportation, a Djfficult Early Problem— Rough Character of the Land
— Floods— Cost of Road Maintenance — River Transportation- White Water
' ! i . : ■ ')
CONTENTS.
Canal — Blue Creek Canal — Bridges and Locks — Reminiscences of Josiah
McCafferty — Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad — Big Four Railroad — Proposed
BrookvJUe & Richmond Canal.
CHAPTER X— \GRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES 264
First Agricultural Society in Franklin County— Fairs at Brookville — Frank-
lin County Soil — Live Stock — Horticulture — Absessor's Return, 1913 —
Farmers' Institutes.
CHAPTER XI— PHYSICIANS OF THE COUNTY 269
i Incompleteness of Records — List of Physicians, Past and Present, Who
! Have Practiced in the County — Present Physici.ms — Dentists.
[ CHAPTER XII— MILITARY HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 275
f Uneasiness of Pioneers on Account of Indians — William McClurc's .Vcccunt
I of Early Troubles — Killing of Bill Killbuck — Revolutionary Soldiers of
I Franklin County — Soldiers of the War of 1812 — The Militia Period — Muster
; Day — The Mexican War — The Franklin Guards — The Civil War — Lincoln's
I First Call for Volunteers — Brief Record of Regiments in Which Franklin
I Men Served — Some Civil-War Statistics — The Draft, by Townships — Relief
\ and Bounties — Home Guards — Morgan's Raid — Grand A.nny of the Re-
I public — Soldiers' Monument — Spanish-American and Philippine Wars.
1 CHAPTER XIII— BANKS AND BANKING 323
! Territorial Banks — Brookville Branch or the State Bank — ''Wildcat" Cur-
I rency — The Brookville Bank. Brookville National Bank and National Brook-
|. ville Bank — Franklin County National Bank — People's Trust Company —
I Farmers and Merchants Bank — The Laurel Ean'K — Farmers Bank of Mcta-
1 mora.
j CHAPTER XIV— BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS 329
I Overseers of the Poor, 1811-1816— 1816-1834— Legislative Pr ..visions of 1844
I Relative to Care of the Poor — Authorization of Poor .Asylums — County and
I Tovvnship Relief Statistics — Franklin. Fayette and Union Joint Asylum —
I Poor Farm Superintendents — Children's Home — Board of Children's Guar-
dians.
I
I CHAPTER XV— SECRET SOCIETIES 338
Free and Accepted Masons — Independent Order of Odd Fellows — Knights
I of Pythias — Improved Order of Red Men — Fraternal Order of Eagles —
Modern Woodmen of America.
CHAPTER XVI— LITERARY CLUBS AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS 352
- Julia Dumont Society — Married Women's Social Club — The N Y Club —
I Brookville Study Club — Mothers' Club — Needlecraft Club — Domestic Science
Club — Physical Culture Class — Women's F"ranchise League — The Saturday
Club — Brookville Indiana Historical Society — Anthropological Club — Ladies'
1 Social Club of Whitcomb — Scotus Gaul Picti — Brookville Society of Natural
History — Academy of Music.
i CHAPTER XVII— EDUCATIONAL HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. 370
I Early Subscription Schools — Description of Pioneer School House — John
: Collins, Teacher — Nimrod Kerrick — Franklin County .Academies — The
Franklin County Semirfary — Brookville High School — Brookville College —
J i< , ;.
CONTENTS.
Peoria y\cadeiiiy — Laurel Academy — SpriiiLrfield Acadeniy — Early Schools of
Brookvillc — Graduates of Brookville Hi^'h School — Teachers of Brookville
— Schools of Franklin County — ('"ranklin County Teachers' Institute.
CHAPTER XVIII— CHURCHES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 413
First Religious Societies in the County — A List of Churchei of the County
— Church Statistics — Methodism in the County — Methodist Protestant
Churches — German Mcthodist.s — Baptist Churches — Presbyterian Churches
— The Christian Church — Lutheran Church — E\ang^elical Protestant Luth-
eran Church — United Brethren — The Universalist Church — Moravian Mis-
sionaries— Catholic Churches and Au.xiliary Societies — Convent of the Im-
maculate Conception — Academy of the Immaculate Conception.
CHAPTER XIX— NEWSPAPERS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 482
Incomplete Files a Handicap in Writing Local History — The First Papers
and Those Which Have Served the People During the Subsequent Years —
The Monthly Visitor — Sporadic Sheets of Brookville — Newspapers at Laurel
— Anderson ville — Oldenburg.
CHAPTER XX— FRANKLIN COUNTY ORNITHOLOGY 497
An Instructive and Interesting Contribution by Joseph F. Honecker on the
Birds of the Countj' — Birds as Man's Allies — Slaughter of the Innocents —
Universality of Bird Life — Egg Peculiarities — Building the Home — T!:3
Periodic E.xodus — Contents of Bird Stomachs — Franklin County's Feathered
Tribes.
CHAPTER XXI— SIDELIGFITS ON FRANKLIN COUNTY HISTORY 329
Towns and Villages — Some Defunct Towns — Baltimore, a Pape*- Town —
Slavery in Franklin County — The Franklin County Oil Fever — A Duello in
Brookville — The story of Samuel Fields — Prices Then and Now — Early
Mills of FVanklin County — Indian Stories — Reminiscences by Mrs. Bracken
— Incidents Concerning Amos Butler — L'nique Private Museum — Poetical
Advertising — Franklin County First Events — An Early Insurance Company.
CHAPTER XXII— FRANKLIN COUNTY MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE
BECOME FAMOUS iJ55
Men Prominent in Politics and Public Life — Judges of the Supreme Bench
Military Men — J. Ottis Adams — The Shirk Family — Educators — Marie
Louisa Chitwood — Elizabeth Conwell Smith Willson — Ida Husted Harper —
Other Prominent Women.
HISTORICAL INDEX.
A
Academies 375
Academy of Immaculate ronception, 477
Academy of Music 369
Act Establishing County 78
Adams. J. Otu's 557
Advertising, Poetical 551
Agriculture 264
Ancient Earthworks 70
Andersonville 126. 451, 495. .529
Anthropoloprical Club 364-
Area of Soils 64
Art Club 354
Assessor's Return, 1913, 267
Assessors, County 243
Auditors, County 238
B
Baltimore 532
Banks 323
Baptist Churches 435
Bar of Franklin County 236
Bath 120, 121. 529
Bath Township —
Assessor's Returns 267
Churches 440, 446
Draft of 1862 309
First Events 118
Land Entries 117
Mills 119
Naming of 117
Natural Features 117
Officers 120
Population 120
Schools 119
Battle of Fallen Timbers 34.41
Benevolent Institutions 61, 329
Birds of Franklin County 497
Block Houses _ 173, 276
Blooming Grove .. 140, 428
Bloomin^^ Grove Township —
Area 1 138
Assessor's Returns 267
Chiirclies 433
Location 138
Natural Features 139
Officers, First 139
Officers, Present 142
Organization 139
Settlement 139
Blue Creek Canal 249
Blue Limestone 72
Board of Justices 233
Bowlders 7i
Boundaries, Oriijinal, of County 78
Boundary Changes. Indiana 47
Bracken, Mrs.. Reminiscences of 547
Brookvilie —
Assessor's Returns, 1913 268
Banks, 323
Business Men. Early 196
Canal Interests 200, 248
Cemeteries 225
Centennial Celebration 227
Churches 419, 434, 443, 449, 453, 462
Cigar Factories 212
Clubs 352
Colleges 381
Commercial Club 223
Critical Period 199
Distilleries 205
Early Business Interests 194
Fair 265
Farmers Insurance Co. 230
Fire Department 218
Floods 227
Furniture Company 208
High School Graduates 404
Incorporation 214
Land Entries 193
Land Office 198
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Brookville —
I ihrary 224
TJghtins System 21()
Location ^93
Lodges 33R
Mills 201
Municipal Affairs 214
Name 193
Newspapers 482
Officers 216
Paper-making 206
Physicians 269
Planing Mills ■_ 209
Platting of 193. 529
Postoffice 222
School Teachers 406
Schools 375. 393
Settlers, Early 195
Surveys 194
Telephone Lines 212
" Water Works 218
Brookville College 381
Brookville High School 380
Brookville Indiana Historical So-
ciety 362
Brookville Study Club 355
Brookville Township —
Assessor's Returns 267
Boundaries 111
Churches 468
Land Entries 113
Natural Features 112
Officers 115
Organization of 111
Pioneers 114
Settlement 113
Streams 112
Buena Vista 173. 452, 529
Building Materials 75
Bulltown 126
Buncombe 529
Butler, Amos 547
Butler Township —
Area 133
Assessor's Return-^ 267
Boundaries 133
Churches 431, 4^7
Interesting Events 136
Draft of 1862 308
Natural Features , 134
Butler Township —
Mills 136
Officers 138
Population 137
Settlement 134
Butler's Run 529
c
California Fever ISO
Canals 248
Capitals of Northv/cst Territory
and of Indiana 54
Capitol Building, State 54
Carolina Settlement 157
Catholic Churches 462
Catholic Knights of America 474
Cacholic Order of Foresters 479
Cedar Grove —
Assessor's Returns 2^8
Business Interests 153
Canal Interests 153
Churches 152, 477
Incorporation lo3
Physicians 269
Platting 152
Postmasters l^JJ
Cemeteries 225
Census of Northwest Territory 44
Census Statistics 81
Century of Growth. A 59
Ceylon 529
Changes in State Constitution 52
Children's Home 334
Chitwood, Marie Louisa 559
Christian Churches 448
Churches of Franklin County 413
Circuit Court. First S2. 235
Circuit Judges 244
Civil War, Franklin County in 292
Civil \\'ar, Indiana in the 55
Civil War Statistics 307
Clark. Gen. George Rogers i7
Clerks of the Court 238
Collector of County and State Rev-
enue 243
Collins. John, Teacher 372
Colter's Corner 120. 42h
Commissioners, County, First 83
Commissioners' Court 233
',:■>]
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Common Pleas Court 232, 234
Congressional Delegates. Territorial 49
Connersville 529
Connersvillo Township 110, 191
Constitution, State, ChanH;es in--52, 84
Constitutional Conventions 52, 84
Convent of Immaculate Conception. 475
Conventions, Constitutional 52, 84
Coroners 242
Corydon, the State Capitol 54
Cost of Roads 246
Counties in 1799 43
Counties, Organization of 51
County Assessors —
County Auditors 238
County Commissioners 239
County Commissioners, First 83
County Military History 275
County Office Buildings 108
County Officials 238
County Recorders 239
County Seat 79
County Treasurers 238
Court House History 102
Courts of Franklin County 232
Court Procedure, Changes in 82
D
Darlington 529
Daughters of Rebekah 344
Defunct Towns 531
Delegates to Congress, Territorial 49
Dentists 273
Description of Soils 64
Distilleries 182, 205
Division of 1800 44
Doctors 269
Domestic Science Club 357
Draft of 1862 308
Drewersburg 133
Drift Deposit 11
Duello in BrookviUe, A 537
Dunlapsville 530
E
Eagles, Fraternal Order of 351
Early Fairs 264
Early Territorial Settlers , 39
Earthworks, Ancient 70
Eastern Star, Order of the 341
Edinburg 530
Educational History of Cfiunty
119. 151.' 159, 370
Educational System of Indiana 61
Election of 1816
English Claims to Territory 34
Enochburg 167, 530
Evangelical Protestant Lutherans 453
Explorations, First 33
Fairfield —
Business Interests
Churches 440, 448.
Doctors 162,
Fires
Platted 161.
Fairfield Township —
Area
.Assessor's Return.^
Boundaries
Carolina Settlement
Events of Interest
Land Entries
Pioneers, Character of
Streams
Fairs, Early
Famous Pef^ple of the County
Fallen Timbers, Battle of 34,
Farmers' Institutes
Ferona •
Fields, Samuel
First Agricultural Society
First Circuit Court
First County Court
First Court House
First Events in Franklin County
First Grand Jury
First Schools
First Settler in County
First Territorial Legislature 43,
First Territorial Surveys
First White Men in Territory
Former Townships of the County
Franklin
Franklin County Academies
Franklin County, Organization of
Franklin County Seminary
163
459
Kfi
162
530
156
267
155
157
160
157
!59
156
264
555
41
2'>S
530
558
2o4
235
111
102
82
370
63
48
39
li
191
530
i'.J ',1
HISTOKICAL INDEX.
Franklin Guards --^ 288
Fraternal Order of Eagles 351
Fraternal Societies 338
Free and Accepted Masons 338, 342
French and Indian War 35
French Claims tn Territory 34
French Settlements 34
G
Geology ^3
German Methodist Church 434
Glacial Drifts 64
Government, Territorial 40
Governors of Indiana ^8
Governors of Northwest Territory- 42
Grand Army of tlie Republic 315
Grand Juiy, First 82
Greensburg 530
H
Hamburg —
Church 471
Platting 173, 530
Postmaster 167
Hamburg Loam 70
Harper, Ida Hustcd 567
Harrison. Gen. William Henry 55
Haymond 137
Highland Center 155
Highland Township —
Assessor's Returns 267
Boundaries 147
Churches 470
Draft of 1862 308
Land Entries ISO
Location 147
Officers 151
Settlement 148
Highways 245
Historical Society 362
Home Guards 312
Horticulture 266
Huntersville 166, 454, 530
Huntington Loam 69
I
Improved Order of Red Men 348
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 343
Indian, A Humane 545
Indian AKgression 179
Indian Lands 50
Indiana I'urchase Land '/
Indian Stories 544
Indian Struggles 33. 41
Indiana —
Boundaries, Changes in 47
Capitals of 54
Educational System 'j1
Governors of 57
In the Civil War 55
III the Spanisli-.^nurican War — 56
In the War with Mexico 55
Natural Resources of 60
I'olitical History 57
Population Statistic^ ~9
Territory, Organization of 4^1
Indianapolis, the State Capital 54
Inspector of Flour. Beef and Pork, 243
Insurance Company. An Early 554
Internal Impros cr.unls. State :'
J
Jail History 107
Jennings 137
John, J. P. D. 558
Judges of Circuit Courc 244
Julia Dumont Society 352
K
Kcrrick, Nimrod, Teacher 374
Killbuck, Bill. Killing of 277
Klemme's Corner 155
Knights of Columbus 466
Knights of Pythias 346
Knights of St. John 475
Knights of the Golden Circle 56
L
Land Entries 113. 117. 124. 128. 134
140. 150. 157, 165, 172. 177
Land Entries of Ohio Survey 85
Land Purchased from Indiana 77
Laurel —
.\cademy 389
Assessor's Returns 268
Bank 32S
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Laurel —
Business Interests '82
Churches 1«3. 427. 450. 481
Distilleries -'^^
Fires 1«
Incorporations '^"^
Mills '^^
Newspapers ^■'^
Officers '^•^
Physicians "^
PlattinK l^A 530
Postoffice ' ^^"^
Schools ^^^
Laurel Township —
Assessor's Returns -'j^
Boundaries ^^_
First Business Interests I'9
Indians ^''^
Officers 1^'^
Land Entries '''^
Natural Features ^^z
Organization of -r ^^^
Population
77
Settlement ^'^
Lawyers of Franklin County -36
Lebanon ^30
Lee, Abraham '"
Legislative Council "^'^
Legislature, First Territorial 43. 4,S
Liberty Township ^0, 191
Limestone Slope Clay Loam 68
243
352
Listers
Literary Clubs
Live Stock ^66
Lodges
338
M
Married Women's Social Club
Masonic Order 338,
McCafTerty, Josiah, Reminiscences.
Metamora —
Bank
Business Interests
Churches '^-^•
Mills
Physicians
Platting of 189.
Postmaster
333
342
254
32S
190
448
189
269
530
190
Metamora Township-
Area '*^'
Assessor's Returns 267
Established '*"'
Settlement ^^^
Streams ^^^
Methodist Kpiscopa! Churches 418
Methodist Protestant Churclies 433
Mexican War. Franklin County in. 2}<7
Miami Silt Loam - ^^
Military History of County 275
Military H.istory. State 55
Militia Period 2k2
Mills. 119. 123. 1.36. 145. UO
181, 189. K'l. 543
Mineral Springs '"*
Mixcrsville '21. ^30
Modern Woodmen iji .\nierica 3-1
Moravian Missionarits 4''ii
Morgan's Rai<l 36, 313
Mothers' Cluli 355
Mound Builders 71
Mt. Auburn 530
Mt. Cannel —
Academy 39-
.Assessor's Returns 267
Churches 146. 429. 447, ^Jj
Lodges l-'5
Name 1"^'
147
Officers
Physicians -_^
Plat
Postmasters
Mount, David
Mt. Pisgah [-^^
Museum, I'nique Private ^49
Muster Day 28d
30
l-i/
\^7
N
60
356
Natural Resources of Indiana.--
Needlecraft Club
New Trenton —
Business Interests 13-
Churchcs
425
First Events "^^^
Old Landmark 13-
Physicians -"''
Plat
y^
Postmasters 131
Schools
13!
HISTOKICAL INDEX.
New VVasliin:4ton ^^^
Newspapers of Franklin c:ounty.-- 4H2
Northwest Territory -^
Northwest Territory, Capital;, oL- 54
Northwest Territory Divided 44
Northwest Territnry, Organization
of 42
N Y Club 3d4
O
Oak Forest ^3"
Odd Fellows ^"^^
Office Building's, County 1^8
Oil Fever 536
Oldenburg —
Academy of Tnimaculate C(Mici.'p-
tion y^
Assessor's Returns -^'^
Bank ^^^
Business Interests ^'^'^
Churches
Convent of Tnimaculate Concep-
tion ■*"-'
Incorporation 1^^^
Insurance Company 1"^
Officers ^'^'^
Physicians _
Postmasters ^'^
Ordinance of 1787 39. 47
Organization of Counties 51
Organization of Franklin County-- //
Organization of Indiana Territory, 46
Organization of Northwest Ty 42
Original Boundaries of County 78
Ornithology of Franklin County— 497
P
Palestine ^^^
Paper Making 182. 206
Paper Town, A 53-
People Who Have Become Famous. 555
Peoria 147, 389
Peoria Academy ^^^
Peppcrtown 1^2, 455. 530
Physical Culture Class 3.v
Physicians of the County 269
Physiography of County 64
Pioneers, Character of 1'"'9
Pioneer School House 371
Plats. Town and Village 529
Poetical Advertising Sal
Pontiac's Conspiracy ^6
Poor. Care of ^29
Poor larm Superintendents 334
Population of County by Decades— 81
Population of County. Farly W
Population ot Indiana ''^
Population of Northwest Territory. 44
Posey Township —
Area '--
Assessor's Returns 267
Boundaries ' —
Churches ^33
First Events 1-^
Land Entries 12^*
Mills ^-5
Naming ot ' —
Officers ^^
Organization '-^
Physical Feature^ l-'^
Schools ■^-•'
Settlement I'-'*
Pound Keepers .243
Precious Metals ^4
Presbyterian Churches 443
Present Court House lt>'
Present Physicians ' 273
Press, the ^-
Prices, Comparative ^■*-
Proposed Canal 2-^8
Prosecuting Attorneys -^
Pugilistic Lawyers ^3
Pythian Sisters 348
Q
Quebec Act 36
R
Railroads -■''
Ray Township —
Assessor's Returns 26/
Boundaries 1"^
Church 479
Draft of 1S02 308
Location 1^
Natural Features 164
.,'1
. .9
HISTORICAL INDEX.
Ray Township —
Officers l^*^
Population '^
Settlement ^'^
Raymond ^^'
Rebekah, Daughters of 344
Recorders, County -39
Red Men, Improved Order of 34S
Related State llistory 33
Relief and Bounties 310
Reminiscences of Josiah McCaff-
erty -^_
Reminiscences of Mrs. Bracken.-- 547
Revolutionary Period 30
Revolutionary Soldiers -"9
River Transportation -47
Roads, Cost of 246
Rochester •^31
Royal Arch Masons 341
S
Sabina 531
St. Bernard 166. 531
St. Clair's Defeat 34, 41
St. Peter's 153, 531
Salt Creek Township —
Assessor's Returns 267
Churches "^33
Land Entries 172
Location 171
Natural Features 1~1
Organization 171
Pioneers 172
Salt in Franklin County 75, 129
S.itnrd.iy Club 359
Sclipnl House, Pioneer 371
School Statistics 411
Schools, History of the 370
Scipio 531
Scotus Gaul Picti 365
Second Court House 102
Secret Societies 338
Settlement at Vincennes 38
Settlement, Early 113, 124, 128, 134
139, 143, 148, 165, 177, 187
Stftler, First in County 63
Settlers, Early Territorial 39
SlieritTs , 239
Shirk Family , 558
Sidcli«hts on Franklin County His-
tory
Slavery in Indiana 50,
Social Orj^anizations
Society of Natural History
Soil
Soils, Description of
Soldiers' Monument
Somerset 1'9,
Somerset Township
South Gate 153.
Spanish-.\merican War. Franklin
County in
Spanish-American War, Indiana in,
Springfield Academy
Springfield Township —
Assessor's Returns
Churches
Draft of 1862
Events of Interest
Location
Mills
Officors
Population
Settlement
Streams
State Benevolent institutions
State House, the
State Geologist's Report
State History
State Internal Improvements
State Military History
State Political History
Statehood, First Year of
Statistics
Stips' Hill 172.
Stoops, David
Stories of Indians
Streams 112. 124. 128. 134.
143, 156, 160,
Surveyors, County
Surveys, First Territorial
529
535
352
368
265
64
318
531
192
531
319
56
392
267
44^)
309
144
142
145
14-7
147
143
143
61
54
63
33
0/
81
63
174
114
544
139
186
242
39
Tax Duplicate of 1811 97
Taxpayers of 1811 97
Telephone Lines -1-
Terraces '3
Territorial Congressional Delegates, 49
HISTORICAL I.VOEX.
Territorial Government 40
Territorial Governors 42
Territorial I-ei^islature, First 43, 4H
Territorial Surveys, First 39
Timber . 64
Tippecanoe, Battle of 34
Town Plats 529
Towns and Villaf^es 529
Transportation 245
Treasurers, County 23S
Twelve-mile Purchase 77
U
Union 115, 531
United Brethren Churches 455
Unique Private Museum 549
Universalist Church 459
V
Valuations, Assessed, 1895 208
Village Plats 529
Vincennes, Capture of 37
Vincennes, Oldest Settlement at 2S
Vincennes, the State Capital 54
W
War of 1812, Soldiers of 281
War Relief and Bounties 310
War with Mexico, Indiana in 55
Ward 173
Wayne, Gen. Anthony 41
Wesley M. E. Chapel 430
West Fork M. E. Church 425
West Union 531
Whitcomb 115. 365. 425
White Men, First in Indiana 33
White Water Canal 248
White Water Township —
Assessor's Returns 267
Boundaries 127
Churches 44<J 447. 456
Draft of 1862 308
English .Settlements 129
Land Entries 128
Milling Interests 133
Natural Features 128
Officers 1.30
Organization of 127, 130
Salt 129
Settlement 128
Willson, Elizabeth Conwe!! .Smith. 563
Women's F"ranchise League 353
Y
Yung 115
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
A
Abbott, Clarence W. 1205
Abbott, Jolin E. ^74
Adams, John Ottis 584
Ailes, Aaron G. 1185
Allen, Elipbalet 824
Alley, Thomas W. f'74
Amberger, Charles l^'l
Anspach, William 1312
Applegate, Elizabeth 720
Applegate. John A /"SO
Appleton, Ferry 120^3
Appleton, Thomas 1^09
Appleton, William W. 1326
Apsley, Henry 803
Ariens, Andrew : ^^(^
Ariens, Charles F. 975
Armstrong. Dr. Monroe C 976
Ashley, William E. 1022
Ashton, Samuel H. 1046
B
Baither. Gus C. 678
Baker, Frank J. (i35
Baker, William M. 1008
Barber, Dayton D. 1323
Barber, George M. 1192
Barber, Lewis 1206
Barber, Simeon 1254
Barber, William H. 1330
Bates, John 1384
Beckman, John '>^>
Beckman, John H. 815
Beckman, William 1122
Bedel, Andrew 1209
Belter, Frank D. 1219
Beneker, Henry 1207
Berg. Elmer - 1398
Berg, Philip 1095
Biddinger, Albert L. 1305
Biere, William H. 1433
Bishop, John H. 588
BleiU, Joseph -^^l
Bohlander, Charles C. lOiO
Bonwell, William IL 978
Bossert, Abraham 1'32
Bossert, Jacob 1125
Bossert, Jacob H. 8'>6
Bossert, William 1106
Brack, Christian 1417
Brack, Conrad 1376
Brack, Lewis 1311
Bracken, William H. S''>9
Bradburn. Plea-anc H. ^"2
Brady, George H. 1272
Brady. Orah 771
Brandes, Anthony 124<)
Brauchla. Charles S. 1-^21
Brickner, John 1389
Bridgman, Isaac ^L -'3
Brockman, Henry '243
Brown, Lewis J. -''9
Brown, Theodore H. ''>^-
Bruns, Frank W. 9«2
Brnns, Henry 9/-
Buckler. Thomas G. '-^91
Buckley, James 1336
Butler, Amos W. 1290
C
Cam. Robert J. 945
Carter. Dr. Calvin 597
Chance, Abrara Xokes 9s/
Chance, James 962
Clark. Albert B. 942
Clever, Rev. Charles A. 1050
Coffey, Bort 1251
Cole, William A. 1257
Connelly, Thomas H^-'-^
Cook. John H. 1120
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
Cooksey, Albert J. 660
Cory, Clement A. 1168
Coweii, John L. 992
Craig-. John A. 1088
Crawford, Joiin inQl
Crist. Harry E. 697
Croddy, Joseph X. 1180
Cummins. John B. 1461
Cupp. Millard F.. M. D. 960
Curry. James T. 831
Curry, Milton 723
V
D
Dare, James — 592
Dare, William A. 792
Davis. Samnel A. 812
Day. Capt. \\'illiam T.. 61S
De.Armond, E\an J. 749
Dennett, Francis 645
Dennett, (jcorge E. 633
Dennett, Jolin 1328
Dickerson. Thcnphilus L. 1424
Dickson. George 1140
Dickson. William E. 1212
Dieckmann, William H. 1349
Dierkhuessiuu, John J. 1463
Dirkhisins. Ren A. 1059
Doerflcin, Joiui. Sr. 922
Dubois, Edwin 752
Dubois. Oscar S. 800
Dudley, Joseph A. 985
E
Eldon. Gill)ert G. 921
Eldon, John 906
Eldon, William 1454
Ehvell, Josiah 763
Emsweller, Elmer 1473
Enneking, John E. 8S0
Ensminger, William E. 735
Erhart, Alphonse 1002
Etter, Peter 1362
Etter. Peter, Jr. 1237
Evans, Andrew J. 900
Evans, Charles 1179
F
Federmann, Louis 623
FerkinghofF. Theodore , 1175
Fernun;?. ffenry 1304
Ferris. J<jhn 648
Fey, Albert 1195
Flack. William F. 947
Fliehmann, John 1435
Fiinn. Frank P. 1270
FlodJer. Frank J. 1210
Fohl, John 923
Frank. Henry 868
Fries. Charles J. 711
Fries, Joseph A. 864
Fries, Nicholas 1097
Fries, William A. 700
Fritz, Jacob 572
Fritz. Mrs. Jacob 1012
Fruits. Jonathan 970
Fussner. John. Jr. 328
G
Cant. George W. 702
Gant, Hester E. 926
Gant. Ro'.lin L.. D. V. .S 709
Garner. Clement \V. 131S
Gehring. John B. l.^.V
Geiling. Peter 1()17
Geis. Frank, Sr. 742
Geis. Frank J. 628
Geis, William J. 1001
George. William A. 1302
Gesell. Christian S48
Geseli. Henry L. 1065
Giesting. Joseph 1236
Gifte:;, Elmer 1274
Gigrich, Adam 1397
Gillespie, David W. 1418
Gillman, Jacob 1216
Gire, John C. 1262
Glaser, Edward M.. M. D 1072
Glaser, John F. 1000
Gloshen, George W. 690
Golden, George S 1152
Golden, Harry U. 1264
Golden, John 1152
Goodwin, Charles F. 1024
Gordon, Judscn C. 725
Gordon, William X. 600
Goyert, Albert 715
Green. Orviile G. S52
Grimme, Henry W. 668
■1 . it;
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
Gurr, Herman ^194
Gurr, John R. ^042
H
Haas, Frederick ^^^
Haas, Fredolin l^f'-H
Haas. Herbert ^^^^
Hackman, August J. J244
Haining, James '^^^'J
Hamilton, Jetliro M. 736
Hammond. William P. 677
Handle, Joseph 594
Hanna. Joseph A. 1178
Hanna. Robert L.. D. V. S. W6
Hanna. Sarah Ann 1408
Hannebaum. Charles O. 1-^58
Hannebaum, John H. 11^3
Hansel, Frank '^'''^
Harbinc, Daniel B. 794
Harder, Francis R. — ^^0
Harley, James C. -1173
Harrell, Samuel S. — - ^^^
Hartman. John A. 829
Hartmann. Qeorge W 12_3
Harvey, Joseph J. 1314
Haselwander, Henry 1410
Hathaway. Furman W. 6^1
Hawkins. Charles W. 117'
Hawkins. David 1171
Head. Richard L. 14-6
Heap, Edwin 608
Heard. Frank 930
Heard. Peter T. 951
Heeh, Klmer E. 853
Hfch. Henry E. 804
Hceb. Henry G. 858
Herbert. Joseph 1390
llimclick. Grant 832
Himelick. John W. 770
Hinds. Harvey E. 949
Hinds. Lewis 949
Hirsch. Mrs. Catherine 1051
Hirt. Jacob 1355
Ilicchner. George H. 765
Hite, Joseph 1189
Hittc'l. Peter 1352
HolTman. J. E. 1316
Hoffman. William W. 1061
Hofniann, John C. 86/
Hokey, John 968
Holbert, George 1108
Hollowell, Clem ^^'^
HoHowell, Henderson 1'>'9
Holtel, George 1342
Honecker. John C. 1425
Honecker, Joseph F. 631
Hopper, Isaac 1079
Hornung, Frank L. 11^8
Howard. Gilbert T. 1457
Huber, Frank P. 1404
Huermann. John C. 125<)
Hunsinger, George W. 13<)8
Hyde, G. Wallace 621
Hynes, Thomas 1035
I
Irrgang, Charles W. 1442
J
Tackson. James E. 1374
Jackson. W. W. 13'38
James, John J. ^43
Jaques, Harvey S. '4''4
Johnson. Charles W. 1010
Jonas, Louis A. -^
Jones, Charles F. 1419
Jones. Charles T. 758
Jones. Harry C. 616
Jones, William 680
K
Kajer, William S. 1246
Kaser, Albert H. 1098
Keeler, Noah 685
Kellerman, Joseph 1363
Kellerman, Peter S. 1357
Kern, Mrs. Emma J. 141^
Kerr. Richard H. 1137
Kerrick, Nimrod 374. 569
Kessing. Bernard J. 139-
Kimble. John H. 933
Klemme. Herman J. 1263
Klingworth. Herman 1214
Knapp. William 1294
Knecht. Joseph F. 143/
Kocher. Frank 9/4
Koeppel, John 964
BIOGRAPFIICAL IMjEX.
Koerncr, TTeiiry 1.320
Koenier, Howaril G 1320
Koestcr, Harry 1222
Kokenge, John 1113
Kraus, Georpe W. 1379
Kremp, Michac-l HQ5
Kuehn, Francis 871
Kuchn, William 761
Kuhn, Michael 1029
Kunkel, Jacob X83
Kunkel. John , 1117
Kuntz, Frank Ci92
Laage. Henry 855
Lacy, Mrs. Sarah L. 941
Lampe, Martin 1217
Lanning, George R. 1449
Lee, Rollie 1275
Leising. Bernard. Jr. 1234
Lennard, Henry R. 614
Liming, William E. 1067
Lines. Fielding E. 882
Lockwood. Frank 1187
Lockwood, Jasper 740
Logan, Albert N. 694
Logan. Burt 1335
Logan, James E. 1325
Logan, Thomas 1466
Logan, William J. 1331
Loper, Allison 754
Lucas, Dr. John W. 599
Luck. John 936
Ludwig. Albert C. 1043
Luse, Edwin S. 1284
Mc
McCammon, Philander T 1134
McCarty, Thomas J. 637
McClure, George W. 1232
McClure, H. Frank 693
McConnell, Charles N. 1416
McKee, Clifford B. 915
McNutt, William H. 1391
McWhorter, Charles E. 908
McWhorter, Tyler 1047
M
Manley, Harry 605
Marcum, Charles M. 1226
Marlin, William W. 1196
Martin, John S. 877
Martindalc. ElUworth 609
Masters, Frank S. 658
Masters. Jacob H. 1056
Masters, Levi K. 826
Mathews, Charles 681
Mathews, John 1372
Meid, George 1256
Mergentha!, Charles A. 833
Mergenthal, Wiliiam 901
Merrcll, Aliord 1298
Merrell, Paul 1447
Merrill, Frat-cii E. ~f^?~
Mcsserschmidt, Joiin J. 1407
Metcalf. flenry C. 1253
Metzger. William 1448
Metzkr. John G. 1049
Meyer, John A. 1370
Meyer, Lewis J. 1100
Middendorf. Bernard X. 1239
Miles, James F. 1261
Miles. Joseph C. 954
Minneman. David P. 1176
Mische!. Charles 1444
Moeller. John I". 1198
Moore. Clifford B. 1271
Moore, Theodore A. 989
Moormann, Frank B. 1347
Morgan, Atwell 126*1
Morgan, Joseph 843
Morin, Albert C. 1145
Morin, John C. 596
Morton, Dr. John E. 738
Moster, Frank 683
Muir, William 904
Muller, Herman R. 1053
Mullin. George E. 1333
Munchel, Adam J. 1109
Myers, Arthur E. 779
Myers, Harry R. 791
N
Nesbitt, John 963
Xeukam, John George 8-S8
JilOGH.WlllCAf. IXUKX.
Njerstheimcr, John C.
Nutty, John B.
Nyce, Richard
. 998
.1288
.1191
O
Oesterling, John G. 1^"^
O'Hair, John ^^^
Osborn, William H. 1260
Osburn, William R ^72
Otto, William
669
Patterson, Evan L., M. D. 1104
Pax, CTCorge '-^/^
Peine, Albert J. '^^J'
Pengemann, John 1-^-^
Petersen. V\'illiam 11. H"^
Pettigrew, Winfiehl S. 10S7
Petty, Edward M. ^93
Pfaff, Adam
839
Pflum, .^dam ^}\'^_
Phelan, Matthew
.1083
Pike, Hiram ^"^
Pippin, William W. ^14
Pistner, John 1^66
Poppe. William H. 798
Popper, T. A. 603
Portteus, Theodore ^■*^'
Prifogle, V\^illiam H. 1^04
Procter, Nathan ^^5
Pulskamp, George F. ^0
Quick, Edgar R.
958
R
Raver, Frank J. 1228
Redmond, James O. 870
Reiboldt, Charles H. 719
Reiboldt, John J. 612
Reiboldt, John P. 721
Reidenbach, John 138-
Reifel, August J. 636
Reifel, Charles G. 630
Reister, John ^84
Renyer, .Anthony 786
Ricke, Benedict 1^00
Riedman Brothers _. .— 70/^
Kipbergcr. John 1|^/
Rippcrgcr, Anthony J. 111"
Rippergci. George A. H^fi
Ripperger, Jacob ll'_-
Ritze, George F. 6o3
Roberts. George B. 686
Roberts, L. D. ^^
Robeson, 'jcoige L. -^^
Robeson. Thomas H. '^'^
Kockafellar, .\rtimr 11 1438
Rodgers, Samuel M. H*^**
Rocmer, John ^^6
Ronan, Charles E. 1"^>3
813
807
Rose, Isaac
Rose, Samuel B.
Rosenberger, Frank A. '*^-
R.jser, Gustave A 1074
Ross, Andrew J.
1293
Rossfeld, John H. 1-*'_2
Rossfeld. Michael ^-=>
Roth. William '''*-
Rudicil, Edward C. 1036
Russell, Clinton II. 1063
Russell, Francis M. 137'_
Rusterholz, Charles "^30
Sagel, George H. 1213
Salmon, Thomas 1346
Samuels, Gilbert X. H^
Sanders, Wesley 10/1
Sauter, Fred J. 1^60
Sayers, Charles E. 810
Sayers, Harvey H. "83
Schaf, Joseph C. 12^7
Schaf, Peter 624
Schebler, George M. 1360
Schenkel, John E. ^81
Schenkel, William 1-^-9
1038
Schiesz, Louis
Schmidt. Henry 1364
.1353
Schmidt, Leo
Schneider, Ferdinand 886
Schneider, John J. l^'O
Schone, Louis G.
.1224
Schrader, Diedrich H. 1149
Schuck, Frank E. ^83
Schuck, Jacob J. 862
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX.
Schuck, Joseph 11.^0
Schuck, Theodore B. 865
Schultz, David 918
Schultz, Perry O. 766
Schultze, Ehner A. 727
Schuni, John A 789
Schwegmann, Charles W. 587
Scott. Edward 1166
Seal, Sylvester M. 756
Seal, William H. 910
Seibel, Michael 1403
Selm, Pius C. 965
Senefeld, Michael P 624
Shafer, George W. 1248
Shafer, Joseph 1268
Shera, Parry C. 750
Sherwood, James 912
Sherwood, John 1021
Shirk, John C. 816
Showalter, Ernest W. 641
Shriner, Atwell J. 575
Shumaker, Adam 1280
Sitl)ert, Frank X 643
Simniermcyer, Valentine 1388
Simonson, William 1202
Sizelove, Dennis 808
Skinner, Charles E. 796
Smalley, Mary F. 1299
Smiester, John W. 1208
Smith, Harry B. 699
Smith, Jacob L. 1441
Smith, John I 1443
Smith, John N. 1267
Sottong, Christ 988
Spaeth. Peter J. 986
Spratt, James J. 939
Squier, Dr. George E 578
Steinard. Harry C. 1081
Steinard, Willard 1099
Steinard, William 1084
Stenger, Adam 844
Stenger, Edward 1411
Steward, Alonzo 1078
Stinger, Charles A. 640
Stirn, John W. 1378
Stirn, Henry 1380
Stone, Edward E. 1344
Stout, Ira 1282
Strohmicr, Henry 1032
Studt, John P. 897
Studt, Philip 1406
Sturwold, Joseph H. 14.W
Suhre, Herman W. 846
Swift, Charles H. .. 1296
Swift, John F. 1076
Swift, Samuel 980
T
Taylor, James T. 1082
Taylor, Lewis O. 1085
Tebbc, Joseph 1354
Teeters, Henry F. 1431
Tettenborn. Hugo 663
Thackrey, Thomas B. 821
Thompson, Morris ^T. 1301
Thorpe, Christian H. 717
Trichler, Herman 666
U
Updike, Ira 1339
Updike. Mrs. Lizzie 134!
Urban, Jacob, Jr. 80)
V
Van Camp, Freeman 1306
Van Camp, John G. 969
Van Camp, Joseph A. 967
Van Meter. John D 1015
Vanness, Thomas W. 773
Vonderheide, Ben H. 1394
W
VVaechter, Anthony W. 1220
Waggoner, John A. 1019
Wagner, Peter 1242
Wallpe, Quiren 1383
Walters, George F. 1131
Walther. Herman 664
W^arner, Martin 956
Watkins, Harrison 704
Wear, James 1136
Weber, John 706
Weber. Rudolph 733
Wehr, David 1455
Wehr. Henry D. 1401
Weidenbach. Andrew 788
W^eiler, Frank 1469
BinGF<.\PHICAI, INDEX.
Weiler, John 1428
Welling, William 1464
Wendel, William 11-4
Wendel, William H. 1031
Werner, George A. >'^50
Werner, Jacob 1^59
Wessel, Herman H. 1350
Wesscl, John 1231
West. Dr. James F. 582
W^hite, George E. 892
Whiteman, Peter F. "84
Wiggers, August II. 1033
Wiley, Adonijah 1118
Wiley, Spencer 928
Wilhelm, Frank F. 1055
Wilhelm, George M. 841
Wilhelm, Jacob J. 1093
Wilhelm, John J. 925
Willey, Joseph R. 953
Willhelm, Peter 879
W^illiams, George VV. 889
Williams, Peter 1445
Wilson, Charles V. 776
Wilson, George G. 1^1^
Wilson, Harry X. 1413
Wilson, Lawrence A. 1393
Winans, Benjamin F. .- 1150
Wintering, Frank 9<'3
Wise. Jacob D. 937
Wittkamper, Henry C. 1386
Wittkamper, Louis H^'-
Wiwi. Henry HOI
Wright. Frank .\. l^'^O
Y
Yolilcr, Lewis 1458
Young, Jacob 899
Younts, L. A. 1451
Z
Zacharias, Edward W. 1259
,t ,1
^,i. -^:r^ >
HISTORICAL
CHAPTER I.
RELATED STATE IIISTORV.
The first white men to set foot upon the Xortlnvest Territory were
French traders and missionaries under the leadership of La Salic. This was
about the year 1670 and subsequent discoveries and explorations in this
region by the French gave that nation practically undisputed possession of
all the territory organized in 1787 as the Northwest Territory. It is true
that the English colonies of \'irginia, Connecticut and Massachusetts claimed
that their charters extended their grants westward to the ^Mississippi river.
However, France claimed this territory and successfully maintained posses-
sion of it until the close of the French and Indian War in 17G3. At that
time the treaty of Paris transferred all of the French claims east of the
Mississippi river to England, as well as all claims of France to territory on
the mainland of North America. For the next twenty years the Northwest
Territory was under the undisputed control of England, but became a pare
of the United States by the treaty which terminated the Revolutionary War
in 1783. Thus the flags of three nations have floated over the territory now
comprehended within the present state of Indiana — the tri-color of France,
the union jack of England and the stars and stripes of the United States.
History will record the fact that there was another nation, however,
which claimed possession of this territory and, while the Indians can hardly
be called a nation, yet they made a gallant fight to retain their hunting
grounds. The real owners of this territory struggled against heavy odds
to maintain their supremacy and it was not until the battle of Tippecanoe, in
the fall of 181 1, that the Indians gave up the unequal struggle. Tecumseh,
the Washington gf his race, fought fiercely to save this territory for his
people, but the white man finally overwhelmed him, and "Lo, the poor Indian"
was pushed westward across the Mississippi. The history of the Northwest
(3)
34 FRANKLIX COLNTY, IXDIANA.
Territory is full of the hitter fights wliich the Indians waged in trying to drive
the white ni;in out and the defeat which the Indians inflicted on general
St. Clair on Xoveniljer 4. 1792, will go down in the annals of Amerioin
history as the worst defeat which an American army ever suffered at the
hands of the Indians. The greatest battle which has ever been fought in the
United States against the Indians occurred in the state of Ohio. This was
the battle of Fallen Timbers and occurred August 20, 1794, the scene of
the battle being within the present county of Defiance. After the close
of the Revolutionary War the Indians, urged on by the British, caused the
settlers in the Northwest Territory continued trouble and defeated every de-
tachment sent against them previous to their defeat by Gen. Anthony Wayne
at the battle of I'allen Timbers in 1794. Although there was some trouble
with the Indians after this time, they never offered serious resistance after
this memorable defeat until the fall of 181 1, when Gen. William Plenrv Har-
rison completely routed them at the battle of Tippecanoe.
TERRITORY NORTHWEST OF THE OHIO (167O-1754).
Ohio was the first state created out of the old Northwest Territory,
although Indiana had l^een previously organized as a territory. When the
land comprehended within the Northwest Territory was discovered by the
French under La Salle about 1670, it was a battle ground of various Indian
tribes, although the Fries, who were located along the shores of Lake Erie,
were the only ones with a more or less definite territory. From 1670 to
1763, the close of the French and Indian War, the French were in possession
of this territory and established their claims in a positive manner by exten-
sive exploration aiid scattered settlements. The chief centers of French
settlement were at Detroit, Vincennes, Kaskaskia, Cahokia, Fort Crevecour
and at several missionary stations around the shores of the great lakes. The
French did not succeed in doing this without incurring the hostilitv of the
Iroquois Indians, a bitter enmity which was brought about chiefly because
the French helped the Shawnees. Wyandots and Miamis to drive the Irocjuois
out of the territory west of the Muskingum river in Ohio.
It must not be forgotten that the English also laid claim to the North-
west Territory, basing their claim on the discoveries of the Cabots and the
subsequent charters of Virginia. Massachusetts and Connecticut. These
charters extended the limits of these three colonies westward to the Pacific
ocean, although, as a matter of fact, none of the three colonies made a settle-
ment west of the Alleghanies until after the Revolutionary War. New York
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 35
>(aii,'lit to strengthen her claim to territory west of the AHeghanies in 1701,
hv getting from the Iroquois, the bitter enemies of the French, a grant to the
territory from which the French and their Indian allies had previously ex-
pelled them. Although this grant was renewed in 1726 and again confirmed
in 1744, it gave Xew York only a nominal claim and one which was never
recognized by the French in any way. ^ ^^f\3,*yf\
luiglish traders from Pennsylvania and Virginia began m 1730 to pay
incire attention to the claims of their country west of the Alleghanies and
north of the Ohio river. When their activities reached the ears of the French
tlie governor of French Canada sent Celeron de Bienville up and down the
Ohio and the rivers and streams running into it from the north and took
formal possession of the territory by planting lead plates at the mouth of
every river and stream of any importance. This peculiar method of the
I'rencli in seeking to establish their claims occurred in the rear 1749 and
opnicd the eyes of England to the necessity of taking some immediate action,
(in.rge II. the king of England at the time, at once granted a charter for the
(ir^t Ohio Company (there were two others by the same name later organ-
ized), composed of London merchants and enterprising Virginians, and the
company at once proceeded to fornnilate plans to secure possession of the ter-
ritory north of the Ohio and west of the Mississippi. Christopher Gist v.-as
sent down the Ohio river in 1750 to explore the country as far west a^ the
mouth of the Scioto river, and made several treaties with the Indians. Things
were now rapidly approaching a crisis and it was soon evident that there
would be a struggle of arms between England and France for the disputed
region. In 1754 the English started to build a fort at the confluence of the
Monongahela and Allegheny rivers, on the site of the present city of Pitts-
burgh, but before the fort was completed the French appeared on the scene.
drove the English away and finished the fort which had been begun.
FRENCH AND INDIAN W\\R ( 1 754-63).
The crisis had finally come. The struggle which followed between the
two nations ultimately resulted in the expulsion of the French from the
mainland of America as well as from the immediate territon.' in dispute.
The war is known in America as the French and Indian War and in the
history of the world as the Seven Years' War, the latter designation being
due to the fact that it lasted that length of time. The struggle developed
into a world-wide conflict and the two nations fought over three continents,
America, Europe and Asia. It it not within the province of this resume of
avraeTx
I / , . . . . , 1
^6 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
the history of Indiana to go into the details of this memorable struggle. It is
sufficient for the purpose at hand t.^ state that the treaty of Paris, which
terminated the war in 1763, left France without any of her former posses-
sions on the mainland of America.
PONTIAC'S CONSPIRACY ( 1 763-64).
With the English in control of America east of the Mississippi river and
the French regime forever ended, the Indians next command the attention
of the historian who deals widi the Northwest Territory. The French were
undoubtedly responsible for stirring up their former Indian allies and
Pontiac's conspiracy must be credited to the influence of that nation. This
formidable uprising was successfully overthrown by Henry Bouquet, who
led an expedition in 1764 into the present state of Ohio and compelled the
Wyandots, Delawares and Shawnees to sue for peace.
NORTHWEST TERRITORY AND QUEBEC ACT.
From 1764 to 1774, no events of particular importance occurred withm
the territory north of the Ohio river, but in the latter year (June 22, 1774).
England, then at the breaking point with the colonies, passed the Quebec
act, which attached this territory to the province of Quebec for administrative
purposes. This intensified the feeling of resentment which the colonies
bore against their mother country and is given specific mention in their list
of grievances which they enumerated in their Declaration of Independence.
The Revolutionary War came on at once and this act, of course, was never
put into execution.
REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD (1775-83).
During the War for Independence (17/5-1783), the various states wath
claims to western lands agreed with the Continental Congress to surrender
their claims to the national government. In fact, the Articles of Confedera-
tion were not signed until all of the states had agreed to do this and ^lary-
land withheld her assent to the articles until March i, 17S0, on this account.
In accordance with this agreement New York ceded her claim to the United
States in 17S0, Virginia in 17S4, ?^Iassachusctts in 17S5 and Connecticut in
1786, although the latter state excepted a one-hundred-and-twenty-mile strip
of three million five hundred thousand acres bordering on Lake Erie. This
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 37
Strip was formally rclinciuished in 1800, with the understanding that the
United States would guarantee the titles already issued by that state. \'ir-
ginia was also allowed a reservation, known as the Virginia Military Dis-
trict, which lay between the Little Miami and Scioto rivers, the same being
for distribution among her Revolutionary veterans. There is one other fact
which should be mentioned in connection with the territory north of the
Ohio in the Revolutionary period. This was the memorable conquest of the
territory by Gen. George Rogers Clark. During the years 1778 and 1779,
this redoubtable leader captured Kaskaskia, Cahokia and Vincennes and
thereby drove the English out of the Northwest Territory. It is probable
that this notable campaign secured this territory for the Americans and that
without it we would not have \md it included in our possessions in the treaty
which closed the Revolutionary War.
CAPTURE OF VINCENNES.
One of the most interesting pages of Indiana history is concerned with
the capture of Vincennes by Gen. George Rogers Clark in the spring of 1779.
The expedition of this intrepid leader with its successful results marked him
as a man of more than usual ability. Prompted by a desire to secure the
territory northwest of the Ohio river for the Americans, he sought and ob-
tained permission from the governor of Virginia the right to raise a body of
troops for this purpose. Early in the spring of 1778 Clark began collecting
his men for the proposed expedition. Within a short time he collected about
one hundred and fifty men at Fort Pitt and floated down the Ohio to the
falls near Jefifersonville. He picked up a few recruits at this place and in
June floated on down the river to the mouth of the Tennessee river. His
original intention was to make a descent on Vincennes first, but. having re-
ceived erroneous reports as to the strength of the garrison located there, he
decided to commence active operations at Kaskaskia. After landing his
troops near the mouth of the Tennessee in the latter part of June, 1778. he
marched them across southern Illinois to Kaskaskia, arriving there on the
evening of July 4. The inhabitants were terror stricken at first, but upon
being assured by General Clark that they were in no danger and that all he
wanted was for them to give their support to the American cause, their fears
were soon quieted. Being so far from the scene of the war. the French
along the Mississippi knew little or nothing about its progress. One of the
most important factors in establishing a friendly relation between the Amer-
icans and the French inhabitants was the hearty willingness of Father Gibault,
39 FRANKLIN COUXTY, INDIANA.
the Catliolic priest stationed at Kaskaskia, in makinj? his people see that their
best interests would he served by alignin.cj themselves with the Americans.
Father Gibault not only was of invaluable assistance to General Clark at
Kaskaskia, but he also offered to make the overland trip to \'incennes and
win over the l'"rench in that place t<^ the American side. This he successfully
did and returned to Kaskaskia in August with the welcome news that the
inhabitants of Vincennes were willing to give their allegiance to the
Americans.
However, before Clark got his troops together for the trip to Vincennes,
General Hamilton, the lieutenant-governor of Detroit, descended the Wabash
and captured Vincennes (December 15, 1778). At that time Clark had only
two men stationed there, Leonard Plelm. who was in command of the fort,
and a private by the name of Henry. As soon as Clark heard that the British
had captured Vincennes. lie began to make plans for retaking it. The terms
of enlistment of many of his men had expired and he had difficulty in getting
enough of them to re-enlist to make a body large enough to make a successful
attack. A number of young Frenchmen joined his command and finally, in
January, 1779, Clark set out from Kaskaskia for Vincennes with one hundred
and seventy men. This trip of one hundred sixty miles v. as made at a time
when traveling overland was at its worst. The prairies were wet. the
streams were swollen and the rivers overflowing their banks. Notwithstand-
ing the difficulties which confronted him and his men. Clark advanced rapidlv
as possible and by February 23. 1779, he was in front of \"incennes. Two
days later, after considerable parleying and after the fort had suffered from
a murderous fire from the Americans. General Hamilton agreed to surrender.
This marked the end of British dominion in Indiana and ever since that dav
the territory now comprehended in the state has been American soil.
VINCENNES. THE OLDEST SETTLEMENT OF INDIANA.
Historians have never agreed as to the date of the founding of \'in-
cennes. The local historians of that city have always claimed that the
settlement of the town dates from 1702. although those who have examined
all the facts and documents have come to the conclusion that 1732 comes
nearer to being the correct date. It was in the latter year that George Wash-
ington was born, a fact which impresses upon the reader something of the a^e
of the city. Vincennes was an old town and had seen several generations
pass away when the Declaration of Independence was signed. It was in
Vincennes and vicinity that the best blood of the Northwest Territorv was
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 39
found at the time of the Revokitionary War. It was made the scat of justice
of Knox county when it was organized in 1790 and consequently it is by
many years tlie oldest county seat in the state. It became the first capital of
Indiana Territory in 1800 and saw it removed to Corydon in 1813 for the
reason, so the Legislature said, that it was too near the outskirts of civiliza-
tion. In this oldest city of the Mississippi valley still stands the house into
which Governor Harrison moved in 1804, and the house in v/hich the Terri-
torial Legislature held its sessions in 1805 is still in an excellent state of
preservation.
Today Vincenncs is a thriving city of fifteen thousand, with paved
streets, street cars, fine public buildings and public utility plants equal to any
in the state. It is the seat of a university which dates back more than a
century.
.^ FIRST SURVEYS AND EARLY SETTLERS.
The next period in the history of the territory north of the Ohio begins
with the passage of a congre.'^sional act (Alay 20, 1785), which provided for
the present system of land surveys into townships si.x miles square. As soon
as this was put into operation, settlers — and mostly Revolutionarv soldiers —
began to pour into the newly surveyed territory. A second Ohio Company
was organized in the spring of J 786, made up chiefly of Revolutionary
officers and soldiers from New Englaiul. and this company proposed to estab-
lish a state somewhere between Lake Erie and the Ohio river. At this junc-
ture Congress realized that definite steps should be made at once for some
kind of government over this extensive territory, a territory which now in-
cludes the present states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and
about a third of Minnesota. Various plans were proposed in Congress and
most of the sessions of 1786 and the first half of 1787 were consumed in
trying to formulate a suitable fomi of government for the extensive terri-
tory. The result of all these deliberations resulted in the famous Ordinance
of 1787, which was finally passed on July 13, 1787.
ORDINANCE OF 1 787. :
There have been many volumes written about this instrument of gov-
ernment and to this day there is a difference of opinion as to who was its
author. 7'he present article can do no m.ore dian merely sketch its outline
and set forth the main provisions. It was intended to provide onlv a tem-
porary government and to serve until such a time as the population of the
40 FRANKLIN COLNTY, INDIANA.
territory would warrant the creation of states with the same rights and
privileges which the thirteen original states enjoyed. It stipulated that not
less than three nor more than five states should ever be created out of the
whole territory and the maximum number was finally organized, although it
was not until 1848 that the last state, Wisconsin, was admitted to the L'nion.
The third article, "Religion, morality and knowledge being nece.-)Sary to good
government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of educa-
tion shall forever be encouraged," has given these five states the basis for
their excellent system of public schools, state normals, colleges and uni-
versities. Probably the most widely discussed article was the sixth, which pro-
vided that slavery and involuntary servitude should never be permitted within
the territory and by the use of the word "forever'" made the territory free
for all time. It is interesting to note in this connection that both Indiana
and Illinois before their admission to the Union sought to have this pro-
vision set aside, but every petition from the two states was refused by Con-
gress in accordance with the provision of the Ordinance.
FIRST STAGE OF GOVERNMEXT UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
The ordinance contemplated two grades of territorial government.
During the operation of the first grade of government the governor, his secre-
tary and the three judges provided by the ordinance were to be appointed by
Congress and the governor in turn was to appoint "such magistrates and
other civil officers in each county and tow'nship as he shall deem necessary-
for the preservation of the peace and good will of the same." After the
federal government was organized a statutory provision took the appoint-
ment of these ofiicers out of the hands of Congress and placed it in the hands
of the President of the United States. All executive authority was given
to the governor, all judicial authority to the three judges, while the governor
and judges, in joint session, constituted the legislative body. This means
that during the first stage of territorial government the people had absolutely
no voice in the affairs of government and this state of affairs lasted until
1799, a period of twelve years.
SECOND ST.\GE OF GOVERNMENT UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
The second stage of government in the territory was to begin whenever
the governor was satisfied that there were at least five thousand free male
inhabitants of the age of twentv-one and above. The main difference be-
.0 .,):i;
FRANKLIN COL'N'TY, INDIANA. 4I
tween the first and second staf^es of territorial government lay in the fact
that the legislative functions were taken from the governor and judges and
given to a "general assembly or legislature." The ordinance provided for
the election of one representative for each five hundred free male inhabitants,
the tenure of the office to be two years. While the members of the lower
house were to be elected by the qualified voters of the territory, the upper
house, to consist of five members, were to be appointed by Congress in a
somewhat complicated manner. The house of representatives was to select
ten men and these ten names were to be sent to Congress and out of this
number five were tf) be selected by Congress. This provision, like the a[>-
pointment of the governor, was later changed so as to make the upper house
the appointees of the President of the United States. The five men so selected
were called councilors and held office for five years.
INDIAN STRUGGLES (1787-1803).
The period from 1787 to 1803 in the Northwest Territory was marked
by several bitter conflicts with the Indians. Just as at the close of the French
and Indian War had the French stirred up the Indians against the Americans,
so at the close of the Revolutionary War did the English do the same. In
fact the War of 1812 was undoubtedly hastened by the depredations of the
Indians, who were urged to make forays upon the frontier settlements in the
Northwest Territory by the British. The various uprisings of the Indians
during this critical period greatly retarded the influx of settlers in the new-
territory, and were a constant menace to those hardy pioneers who did ven-
ture to establish homes north of the Ohio river. Three distinct campaigns
were waged against the savages before they were finally subdued. The first
campaign was under the command of Gen. Josiah Harmar C1790) and re-
sulted in a decisive defeat for the whites. The second expedition was under
the leadership of Gen. Arthur St. Clair (1791), the governor of the Territor>%
and was marked by one of the worst defeats ever suffered by an American
army at the hands of the Indians. A lack of knowledge of Indian methods
of warfare, combined with reckless mismanagement, sufficiently accounts for
both disasters. It remained for Gen. Anthony Wayne, the "Mad Anthony"
of Revolutionary fame, to bring the Indians to terms. The battle of Fallen
Timbers, which closed his campaign against the Indians, was fought August
20. 1794, on the ]Maumee river within the present county of Defiance county,
Ohio. This crushing defeat of the Indians, a rout in which thev lost twelve
out of thirteen chiefs, w^s so complete that the Indians were glad to sue for
42 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
peace. On June lo, 1795, delegates from the various Indian tribes, headed
by their respective chiefs, met at Greenville, Ohio, to formulate a treaty. A
treaty was finally consummated on August 3, and was signed by General
Wayne on behalf of the United States and by ninety chiefs and delegates of
twelve interested tribes. This treaty was faithfully kept by the Indians and
ever afterwards Little Turtle, the real leader of the Indians at that time,
was a true friend of the whites. While there were several sporadic forays
on the part of the Indians up to 181 1. there was no battle of any importance
with them until the battle of Tippecanoe in the fall of i8ii.
ORGANIZATION OF THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
The first governor of the newly organized territory was Gen. Arthur
St. Clair, a gallant soldier of the Revolution, who was appointed on October
5, 1787, and ordered to report for duty on the first of the following February.
He held the office until November 22, 1802, when he was dismissed by Presi-
dent Jefferson "for the di.sorganizing spirit, and tendency of every example,
violating the rules of conduct enjoined by his public station, as displayed in
his address to the convention." The governor's duties were performed by
his secretary, Charles W. Byrd, until :March i, 1803, when the state otticials
took their office. The first judges appointed were Samuel Holden Parsons,
James Mitchell Varnum and John Armstrong. Before the time came for
the judges to qualify, Armstrong resigned and Joiin Cleves Symmes was ap-
pointed in his place. The first secretary was W'inthrop Sargent, who held
the position until he was appointed governor of :Mississippi Territory by the
President on ]vlay 2, 1798. Sargent was succeeded by William Henry Har-
rison, who was appointed by the President on June 26, 179S. and confined
by the Senate two days later. Harrison was later elected as the first dele-
gate of the organized Northwest Territory to Congress and the President
then appointed Charles Willing Byrd as secretary of the Territory. Byrd's
appointment being confirmed by the Senate on December 31. 1799.
REPRESENTATIVE STAGE OF GOVERNMENT (1799-1803).
The Northwest Territory remained under the government of the first
stage until September i6. 1799, when it formally advanced to the second or
representative stage. In the summer of 1798 Governor St. Clair had ascer-
tained that the territory had a population of at least five thousand free male
inhabitants and. in accordance with the provisions of the Ordinance of L7S7,
FRANKLIN COUXTY, INDIANA. 43
was ready to make the cliaiigc in its form of government. On October 29,
1798, the governor i.ssued a proclamation to the qualified voters of the terri-
tory directing them to choose members for the lower house of the territorial
Legislature at an election to be held on the third Monday of the following
December. The twenty-two members so elected met on January 16, 1799,
and, pursuant to the provisions of the ordinance, selected the ten men from
whom the President of the United States later chose five for the Legislative
Council. They then adjourned to meet on September 16, 1799, but since
there was not a quorum on that day they held adjourned sessions until the
23rd, at which time a ({uorum was present.
At the time the change in the form of government went into effect there
were only nine counties in the whole territory. These counties had been
organized either by the governor or his secretary. The following table gives
the nine counties organi;^ed before 1799 with the dates of their organization
and the number of legislators proportioned to each by the governor:
Date of Number of
County. Organization. representatives.
Washington July 27. 1788 2
Hamilton January 4, 1790 7
St. Clair April 27, 1790 1
Knox June 20. 1790 1
Randolph October 5, 1795 I
Wayne August 6, 1796 3
Adams July 10, 1797 2
Jefferson July 29, 1797 i
Rovs August 20, 1798 4
FIRST TERRITORIAL LEGISLATURE OF NORTHWEST TERRITORY.
The twenty-two representatives and five councilors were the first rep-
resentative body to meet in the Xorthwest Territory and they represented a
constituency scattered over a territory of more than two hundred and sixty-
five thousand square miles, an area greater ihan Germany or France, or even
Austria-Hungary. It would be interesting to tell something of the delibera-
tions of these twenty-seven sterling pioneers, but the limit of the present
article forbids. It is necessary, however, to make mention of one important
thing which they did in view of the fact that it throws much light on the
subsequent history of the Northwest Territory.
44 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
DIVISION OF l800.
The Legislature was authorized to elect a delegate to Congress and two
candidates for the honor presented their names to the Legislature, William
Henry Harrison and Arthur St. Clair, Jr., the son of the governor The
Legislature, [)y a joint ballot on October 3, 1799, elected Harrison by a vote
of eleven to ten. The defeat of his son undoubtedly had considerable to do
with the subsequent estrangement which arose between the governor and his
legislature and incidentally hastened the division of the Northwest Terri-
tory. Within two years from the time the territory had advanced to the
second stage of government the division had taken place. On May 7, i8o3,
Congress passed an act dividing the Northwest Territory by a line drawn
from the mouth of the Kentucky river to Fort Recovery, in Mercer county,
Ohio, and thence due north to the boundary' line between the United States
and Canada. Governor St. Clair favored the division because he thought it
would delay the organization of a state and thus give him a longer lease on
his position, but he did not favor the division as finally determined. He wa.s
constantly growing in disfavor with the people on account of his overbearing
manner and he felt that he would get rid of some of his bitterest enemies if
the western inhabitants were set off into a new territory. However, the
most of the credit for the division must be given to Harrison, who, as a dele-
gate to Congress, was in a position to have the most influence. Harrison also
was satisfied that in case a new territory should be formed he would be ap-
pointed its first governor and he was not disappointed. The territorv west
of the line above mentioned was immediately organized and designated as
Indiana Territory, while the eastern portion retained the existing govern-
ment and the old name — Northwest Territory. It is frequently overlooked
that the Northwest Territory existed in fact and in name up until March i,
1803.
CENSUS OF NORTHWEST TERRITORY IN 180O.
The division of iSoo left the Northwest Territory with only about one-
third of its original area. The census of the territory taken by the L'nited
States government in 1800 showed it to have a total population of forty-five
thousand three hundred and sixty-five, which fell short by about fifteen thou-
sand of being sufficient for the creation of a state as provided by the Ordi-
nance of 1787, which fixed the minimum population at sixty-thousand. The
counties left in the Northwest Territory, with their respective population.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 45
are set forth in the appended table, all of which were within the present state
of Ohio, e.xcept Wayne :
Adams 3.432
Hamilton 14.632
Jefferson 8,766
Ro.ss 8,540 ,
Trumbull 1.302
Washington 5.42/
Wayne 3,206
Total 45.36
The population as classified by the census with respect to age and sex is
interesting and particularly so in showing that considerably more than one-
tliird of the total population were children under ten years of age.
Males. Females.
Whites up to ten years of age 9.3^2 8,644
Whites from ten to sixteen 3.647 ' 3>353
Whites from sixteen to twenty-six 4,636 3,861
Whites from twenty-six to forty-five 4,833 3,342
Whites forty-five and upward 1.955 ^•395
Total 24,433 20.595
Total of both sexes 45,028
Total of other persons, not Indians 337
Grand total -45,365
The above table shows in detail the character and distribution of the
population of the Northwest Territory after the division of 1800. It is at
this point that the history of Indiana properly begins and it is pertinent to set
forth with as much detail as possible the population of Indiana Territory at
that time. The population of 5,641 was grouped about a dozen or more
settlements scattered at wide intervals throughout the territory. The follow-
ing table gives the settlements in Indiana Territory in 1800 with their re-
spective number of inhabitants:
46 FRANKLIN* COUNTY, INDIANA.
Mackinaw, in nortliern Michigan 251
Green Bay, Wisconsin 50
Prairie clu Chien, Wisconsin 65
Cahokia, Monroe county, Illinois 719
Belle Fontaine, Monroe county, Illinois 286
UAigle, St. Clair county. Illinois 250
Kaskaskia, Randolph county, Illinois 467
Prairie du Rocher, Randolph county, Illinois 212
Settlement in Mitchel township, Randolph county, 111 334
Fort Massac, southern Illinois 90
Clark's Grant, Clark count}-. Indiana 929
Vincennes, Knox county, Indiana 714
Vicinity of Vincennes (traders and trappers) 819
Traders and trappers at Ouitenon and Fort Wayne 155
Fur traders, scattered along the lakes 300
Of this total population of nearly six thousand, it was about equally
divided between what is now Indiana and Illinois. There were one h-.in-
dred and sixty-three free negroes reported, while there were one hundred and
thirty-five slaves of color. Undoubtedly, this census of 1800 failed to give
all of the slave population, and it is interesting to note that there were efforts
to enslave the Indian as well as the negro.
All of these settlements with the exception of the one in Clark's Grant
were largely French. The settlement at Jeffersonville was made in large
part by soldiers of the Revolutionary War and was the only real American
settlement in the Indiana Territory when it was organized in 1800.
FIRST STAGE OF TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT.
The government of Indiana Territory was formally organized July 4,
1800, and in a large book kept in the secretary of state's office at Indianapolis,
there appears in the large legible hand of John Gibson the account of the first
meeting of the officials of the Territory. It reads as follows :
"St. Vincennes, July 4. 1800. This day the government of the Indiana
Territory commenced, William Henry Harrison having been appointed
governor, John Gibson, secretary. William Clarke. Henry Vanderburgh &
John Griffin Judges in and over said Territory."
Until Governor Harrison appeared at \^incennes. his secretary-. John
Gibson, acted as governor. The first territorial court met March 3. 1801,
I ■■•■■,• ' , U' ^.\.
INDIANA TERRITORY. ISOO.
By E. V. Sliockley.
All the northern part of the state
Btlll owned by Indians
co;;:r£ssio;:al I)I3?ric?:
established by the act
Of Jani-sry 3. 1822
INDIANA IN 1S22.
By E. V. Shockley.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 47
the first niCL'tiiig of tlie goveriKjr and judges having begun on the I2th of the
preceding January. Tlic governor and judges, in accordance with the pro-
visions of the Ordinance of 17.S7, c<jntinued to perform all legislative and
judicial functions of the territory until it was advanced to the representative
stage of government in 1805. The governor had sole executive power and
appointed all officials, territorial and county.
CHANGES IN BOLXDARV LIMITS OF INDIANA.
During this period fn^m 1800 to 1805, the territory of Indiana was con-
siderably augmented as result of the organization of the state of Ohio in
1803. At that date Ohio was given its present territorial limits, and all of
the rest of the Northwest Territory was included within Indiana Territory
from this date until 1805. During this interim Louisiana was divided and
the northern part was attached tn Indiana Territory for purposes of civil and
criminal jurisdiction. This was, however, only a temporary arrangement,
which lasted only about a year after the purchase of Louisiana from France.
The next change in the limits of Indiana Territory ocairred in 1805. in
which year the territory of :\Iichigan was set off. The southern line of
Michigan was made tangent to the southern extreme of Lake 3klichigan. and
it so remained until Indiana was admitted to the L'nion in 1816. From 1805
to 1809 Indiana included all of the present states of Indiana, Illinois, Wiscon-
sin and about one-third of ^Minnesota. In the latter year Illinois was set off
as a territory and Indiana was left with its present limits with the exception
of a ten-mile strip along the northern boundary. This strip was detached
from Michigan and this subsequently led to friction between the two states,
which was not settled until the United States government gave Michigan a
large tract of land west of Lake :\Iichigan. Thus it is seen how Indiana has
received its present boundary limits as the result of the successive changes
in 1803, 1805, 1809 and 1816.
SECOND STAGE OF TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT (1805-1816.)
The Ordinance of 1787 provided that whenever the population of the
territory reached five thousand free male inhabitants it should pass upon the
question of advancing to the second or representative stage. Governor Har-
rison issued a proclamation August 4, 1804, directing an eleaion to be held
in the various counties of Indiana territory on the nth of the follov,-in"-
month. In the entire territory, then comprehending six counties, there were
48 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
only three hundred and ninety-one votes cast. The following table gives
the result of this election:
County. For Advance. Against Advance. Total.
Clark 35 13 48
Dearborn o 26 26
Knox 163 12 175
Randolph 40 21 61
St. Clair 22 59 81
Wavne 000
Total 260 131 391
It will be noticed that there is no vote returned from Wayne and this is
accounted for by the fact that the proclamation notifying the sherifif was not
received in time to give it the proper advertisement. Wayne county at that
tirne included practically all of the present state of Michigan and is not to
be confused with the Wayne county later formed within the present limits of
Indiana. As result of this election and its majority of one hundred and
twenty-nine in favor of advancing to the second stage of government, the
governor issued a proclamation calling for an election on January 3, 1805, of
nine representatives, the same being proportioned to the counties as follows :
Wayne, three; Knox, two; Dearborn, Clark. Randolph and St. Clair, one
each. The members of the first territorial legislature of Indiana convened
at Vincennes on July 29, 1805. The members of the house were as follows:
Dr. George Fisher, of Randolph; William Biggs and Shadrach Bond, of St.
Clair; Benjamin Parke and John Johnson, of Knox; Davis Floyd, of Clark,
and Jesse B. Thomas, of Dearborn. This gives, however, onlv seven repre-
sentatives, Wayne county having been set off as the territory of r^Iichigan
in the spring of this same year. A re-apportionment was made bv the
governor in order to bring the quota of representatives up to the required
number.
The Legislative Council consisted of five men as provided bv the Ordin-
ance of 1787, namely: Benjamin Chambers, of Dearborn; Samuel Gwath-
mey, of Clark; John Rice Jones, of Knox; Pierre Menard, of Randolph, and
John Hay, of St. Clair. It is not possible in this connection to give a detailed
history of the territory of Indiana from 1805 until its admission to the Union
in 1816. Readers who wish to make a study of our state's historv can find
volumes which will treat the history of the state in a much better manner
FKANKLIX COL'XTV, INDIANA. 49
than is possible in a volume of this character. It may be noted that there
were five general assemblies of the Territorial Legislature during this period
of eleven years. Each one of the five general assemblies was divided into
two sessions, which, with the dates, are given in the appended table :
First General yKssembly — First session, July 29, 1805; second session,
November 3, 1806.
Second General Assembly — First session, August 12, 1S07; second
session, September 26, 180S.
Third General Assembly — First session, November 12, 1810; second
session, November 12^ 181 1.
Fourth General Assembly — First session, February i, 1813; second
session, December 6, 18 13.
Fifth General Assembly — First session, August 15, 1814: second session,
December 4, 181 5.
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATES OF INDIANA TERRITORV.
Indiana Territory was allowed a delegate in Congress from 1805 until
the close of the territorial period. The first three delegates were elected by
the Territorial Legislature, while the last four were elected by the qualified
voters of the territory. The first delegate v.-as Benjamin Parke, who was
elected to succeed himself in 1S07 over John Rice Jones, Waller Taylor and
Shadrach Bond. Parke resigned ^Nlarch i, 1808, to accept a seat on the
supreme judiciary of Indiana Territory, and remained on the supreme bench
of Indiana after it was admitted to the Union, holding the position until his
death at Salem, Indiana, July 12, 1S35. Jesse B. Thomas was elected Octo-
ber 22, 1808, to succeed Parke as delegate to Congress. It is this same
Thomas who came to Brookville in 1S08 with xAmos Butler. He was a
tricky, shifty, and, so his enemies said, an unscrupulous politician. He was
later elected to Congress in Illinois and became the author of the Missouri
Compromise. In the spring of 1S09 the inhabitants of the territory were
permitted to cast their first vote for the delegate to Congress. Three candi-
dates presented themselves for the consideration of the voters, Jonathan
Jennings, Thomas Randolph and John Johnson. There were only four
counties in the state at this time, Knox, Harrison, Clark and Dearborn. Two
counties, St. Clair and Randolph, were a part of the new territory of Illinois,
which was cut off from Indiana in the spring of 1809. The one newspaper
of the territory waged a losing fight against Jennings, the latter appealing for
(4)
go FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
support on the ground of his anti-slavery views. The result of the election
was as follows: Jennings, 428; Randolph, 402; Johnson, 81. Jonathan
Jennings may be said to be the first successful politician produced in Indiana.
His congressional career began in 1809 and he was elected to Congress four
successive terms before 1816. He was president of the constitution conven-
tion of 181 6, first governor of the state and was elected a second time, but
resigned to go to Congress, where he was sent for four more terms by the
voters of his district.
EFFORTS TO ESTABLISH SLAVERY IN INDIANA.
The Ordinance of 1787 specifically provided that neither slavery nor any
voluntary servitude should ever exist in the Xortiiwest Territory. Notwith-
standing this prohibition, slavery actually did exist, not only in the North-
west Territory, but in the sixteen years while Indiana was a territory as well.
The constitution of Indiana in 181 6 expressly forbade slavery and yet the
census of 1820 reported one hundred and ninety slaves in Indiana, which
was only forty-seven less than there was in 1810. }*Iost of these slaves were
held in the southwestern counties of the state, there being one hundred and
eighteen in Knox, thirty in Gibson, eleven in Posey, ten in Vanderburg and
the remainder widely scattered throughout the state. As late as 18 17 Frank-
lin county scheduled slaves for taxation, listing them at three dollars each.
The tax schedule for 1S13 says that the property tax on "horses, town lots,
servants of color and free males of color shall be the same as in 1S14."
Franklin county did not return slaves at the census of 18 10 or 1820, but the
above extract from the commissioners' record of Franklin county proved con-
clusively that slaves were held there. Congress was petitioned on more
than one occasion during the territorial period to set aside the prohibition
against slavery, but on each occasion refused to assent to the appeal of the
slavery advocates. While the constitution convention of 1816 was in session,
there was an attempt made to introduce slavery, but it failed to accomplish
anything.
THE INDIAN LANDS. ,
The United States government bought from the Indians all of the land
within the present state of Indiana with the exception of a small tract around
Vincennes, which was given by the Indians to the inhabitants of the town
about the middle of the eighteenth century. The first purchase of land was
made in 1795, at which time a triangular strip in the southeastern part of the
INDIANA COrXTIES IX 1S14.
By E. V. Shockley.
... ^
FRANKLIN COUNTY. INDIANA.
SI
state was secured by the treaty of Greenville. By the time Indiana was ad-
mitted to tlie Union in i8i6, the following tracts had been purchased: Vin-
cennes tract, June 7, 1803; Vincennes treaty tract, August 18 and 27, 1804;
Grouscland tract, August 21, 1S05; Harrison's purchase, September 30, 1809;
Twelve-mile purchase, September 30, 1809.
No more purchases were made from the Indians until the fall of i8i8,
at which time a large tract of land in the central part of \ne state was pur-
chased from the Indians. This tract included all of the land north of the
Indian boundary lines of 1805 and 1S09, and south of the Wabash river with
the exception of what was known as the Miami reseriv'ation. This treaty,
known as St. :\Iary's, was finally signed on October 6, 1818, and the next
Legislature proceeded to divide it into two counties, V.'abash and Delaware.
ORGANIZATION OF COUNTIES.
As fast as. the population would warrant, new counties were established
in this Nevv' Purchase and Hamilton county was the tenth to be so organized.
This county was created by the legislative act of January 8, 1823, and began
its formal career as an independent county on the 7th of the following April.
For purposes of reference, a list of the counties organized up until 1823,
when Hamilton county was established, is here appended. The dates given
represent the time when the organization of the county became effective, since
in many instances it was from a few months to as much as seven years after
the act establishing the county was passed before it became effective.
1. Knox June 20, 1790 15.
2. Clark Feb. 3, 1801 16.
3. Dearborn Alch. 7, 1803 17.
4. Harrison Dec. i, 1808 18.
. 5. Jefferson Feb. i. 1811 19.
6. Franklin Feb. i, 1811 20.
7. Wayne Feb. i, 1811 21.
8. Warrick Apr. i, 1813 22.
9. Gibson Apr. i, 1813 23.
10. Washington Jan. 17, 1814 24.
11. Switzerland Oct. i, 1814 25.
12. Posey Nov. i, 1814 26.
13. Perry Nov. i. 1814 27.
14. Jackson Jan. i, 1816 28.
Orange Feb. i,
Sullivan Jan. 15,
Jennings Feb. i.
Pike Feb. i,
Daviess Feb. 15,
Dubois Feb. i,
Spencer Feb. i,
Vanderburgh Feb. i,
Vigo Feb. 15,
Crawford 'Slch. i,
Lawrence Mch. i,
Monroe Apr. 10,
Ripley Apr. 10.
Randolph Aug. 10,
1816
1817
1817
1817
1817
1818
1818
1S18
1818
1818
1818
1818
1818
1818
52
FRANKLIN' COUXTY, INDIANA.
29.
33-
34-
35-
36.
Z7-
Owen _-
Fayette
Floyd -
Scott --
Jan. I, 1819 38. Morgan Feb. 15,
Jan. I, 1819 39. Decatur Mch. 4,
Feb. 2, 1819 40. Shelby Apr. i,
Feb. I, 1820 41- f'^ush Apr. i,
Martin Feb. i, 1820 42. Marion Apr. i.
Union Feb. i, 1821 43. Putnam Apr. i,
Greene Feb. 5, 1S21 44- Henry June i,
Bartholomew ___Feb. 12, 1821 45- Montgomery ___McIi. i,
Parke Apr. 2, 1821 46- Flamilton Apr. 7,
1822
1822
1822
1822
1822
1822
1822
1823
1823
The first thirteen counties in the alx)ve list were all that were organized
when the territory of Indiana petitioned Congress for an enabling act in 1815.
They were in the southern part of the state and had a total population of
sixty-three thousand eight hundred and ninety-seven. At that time the total
state tax was only about fi\T thousand dollars, while the assessment of the
whole state in 181 6 amounted to only six thousand forty-three dollars and
thirty-six cents.
CHANGES IN THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIANA.
The Constitution of 1816 was framed by forty-three delegates who met
at Corydon from June 10 to June 29 of that year. It was provided in the
Constitution of 1816 that a vote might be taken every twelve years on the
question of amending, revising or writing a wholly new instrument of gov-
ernment. Although several efforts were made to hold constitution conven-
tions between 1816 and 1850, the vote failed each time until 1848. Elections
were held in 1S23, 1828. 1S40 and 1846. but each time there was returned
an adverse vote against the calling of a constitutional convention. There were
no amendments to the 1816 Constitution, although the revision of 1824, by
Benjamin Parke and others was so thorough that it was said that the revision
committee had done as much as a constitution convention could have done.
It was not until 1848 that a successful vote on the question of calling a
constitution convention was carried. There were many reasons which in-
duced the people of the state to favor a convention. Among these may be
mentioned the following: The old Constitution provided that all the state
ofificcrs except the governor and lieutenant-governor should be elected by the
le^^islature. ]\Iany of the county and township officers were appointed by
the county commissioners. Again, the old Constitution attempted to handle
too many matters of local concern. All divorces from 1816 to 1851 were
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. S3
granted by the Legislature. Special laws were passed which would apply to
particular counties and even to particular townships in the county. It Xoblcs-
ville wanted an alley vacated or a street closed, it had to appeal to the Legis-
lature for permission to do so. If a man wanted to ferry people across a
stream in Posey county, his rejjre'^entative presented a bill to the Legislature
asking that the proposed ferryman Ije given permission to ferry people across
the stream. The agitation for free schools attracted the supi^ort of the edu-
cated people of the state, and most of the newspapers were outspoken in their
advocacy of better educational pri\ileges. The desire for better schools, for
freer representation in the selection of officials, for less interference by the
Legislature in local affairs, led to a desire on the part of majority of the
people of the state for a new Constitution.
The second constitutional convention of Indiana met at Indianapolis,
October 7, i8'50, and continued in session for four months. The one hun-
dred and fifty delegates labored faithfully to give the state a Constitution
fully abreast of the times and in accordance with the best ideas of the day.
More power was given the people by allowing them to select not only all of
the state officials, but also their county officers as well. The conveiuion of
1S50 took a decided stand against the negro and proposed a referendum on
the question of prohibiting the further emigration of negroes into the state
of Indiana. The subsequent vote on this question showed that the people
were not disposed to tolerate the colored race. As a matter of fact no negro
or mulatto could legally come into Indiana from 1852 until 1881, when the
restriction was removed by an amendment of the Constitution. Another
important feature of the new Constitution was the provision for free schools.
What we now know as a public school supported at the expense of the state,
was unknown under the 1816 Constitution. The new Constitution estab-
lished a system of free public schools, and subsequent statutory legislation
strengthened the constitutional provision so that the state now ranks among
the leaders in educational matters throughout the nation. The people of the
state had voted on the question of free schools in 184S and had decided that
they should be established, but there was such a strong majoritv opposed to
free schools that nothing was done. Orange county gave only an eight per
cent vote in favor of free schools, while Putnam and Monroe, containing
DePauw and Indiana Universities, respectively, voted adversely by large
majorities. But, with the backing of the Constitution, the advocates of free
schools began to push the fight for their establishment, and as a result of the
legislative acts of 1855, 1857 and 1867, the public schools were placed upon
a sound basis.
54 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
Such ill brief were the most important features of the 1852 Constitution.
It has remained substantially to this day as it was written sixty-five years
ago. It is true there have been some amendments, but the chan^jes of 1878
and 1881 did not alter the Gjusiitution in any important particular. There
was no concerted effort toward calling a constitutional convention until the
Legislature of 1913 provided for a referendum on the question at the polls,
Noveml)er 4, 1914. Despite the fact that all the political paritcs had de-
clared in favor of a constitutional convention in their platfonns, the question
was voted down by a large majority. An effort was made to have the ques-
tion sulmiitted by the Legislature of 1915, but the Legislature refused to
submit the question to tlie voters of the state.
CAPITALS OF NORTHWEST TERRITORY AND INDIANA.
The present state of Indiana was comprehended w'ithin the Northwest
Territory from 1787 to t8oo, and during that time the capital was located
within the present state of Ohio. When the Ordinance of 17S7 was put m
operation on July 17, 178S, the capital was established at Marietta, the name
being chosen by the directors of the Ohio Company on July 2, of the same
year. The name jNIarietta was selected in honor of the French ( Jueen, Marie
Antoinette, compounded by curious combination of the first and last syllables
of her name.
Vv^hen Indiana was set oft by the act of ^lay 7, 1800, the same act
located the capital at Vincennes where it remained for nearly thirteen years.
The old building in which the Territorial Assembly first met in 1805 is still
standing in Vincennes. In the spring of 181 3 the capital of the territory
was removed to Corydon and it was in that quaint little village that Indiana
began its career as a state. It remained there until November, 1824, when
Samuel Merrill loaded up all of the state's effects in three large wagons and
hauled them overland to the new capital— Indianapolis. Indianapolis had
been chosen as the seat of government by a committee of ten men, appointed
in 1820 by the Legislature. It was not until 1824. however, that a building
was erected in the new capital which would accommodate the state officials
and the General Assembly. The first court house in Marion county was built
on the site of the present building, and was erected with a view of utilizing
it as a state house until a suitable capitol building could be erected. The state
continued to use the Marion county court house until 1S35. by wiiich time an
imposing state house had l>een erected. This building was in use until 1877,
when it was razed to make way for the present beautiful building.
FRANKLIX COUNTV, INDIANA. 55
MILITARY HISTORY.
Indiana has had some of its citizens in four wars in which United States
has engaged since iS'oo: The War of 1812, the Mexican War, the Civil
War, and the Spanish-American War. One of the most important engage-
ments ever fought against the Indians in the United States was that of the
battle of Tippecanoe, November 7, 181 1. For the two or three years pre-
ceding, Tecumseh and his brother, the Prophet, had been getting the Indians
ready for an insurrection. Tecumseh made a long trip throughout the west-
ern and southern part of the United States for the purpose of getting the
Indians all over the country to rise up and drive out the white man. While
he was still in the South, Governor ?Iarrison descended upon the Indians at
Tippecanoe and dealt them a blow from which they never recovered. The
P.ritish had been urging the Indians to rise up against the settlers along the
friiutier, and the repeated depredations of the savages but increased the hos-
lihtv of the United States toward England. General Harrison had about
seven hundred tighting men, while the Indians numbered over a thousand.
The Ame'-icans lost thirty-seven by death on the battlefield, twenty-five mor-
tally wounded and one hundred and twenty-six more or less seriously
wounded. The savages carried most of their dead away, but it is known that
about forty were actually killed in the battle and a proportionately large num-
ber wounded. In addition to the men who fought at Tippecanoe, the pio-
neers of the territory sent their quota to the front during the War of 18 12.
Unfortunately, records are not available to show the enlistments by counties.
During the administration of Governor Whitcomb ( 1846-49) the United
States was engaged in a war with ^Mexico. Indiana contributed five regi-
ments to the government during this struggle, and her troops performed with
a spirit of singular promptness and patriotism during all the time they were
at the front.
No Northern state had a more patriotic governor during the Civil War
than Indiana, and had every governor in the North done his duty as conscien-
tiously as did Governor Morton that terrible struggle would undoubtedly
have been materially shortened. When President Lincoln issued his call on
April 15, 1 861, for 75,000 volunteers. Indiana was asked to furnish 4.683
men as its quota. A week later there were no less than 12,000 volunteers
at Camp jNIorton at Indianapolis. This loyal uprising was a tribute to the
patriotism of the people, and accoimts for the fact that Indiana sent more
than 200,000 men to the front during the war. Indiana furnished prac-
tically seventy-five per cent of its total population capable of bearing arms.
5^ FRANKLIN COL-NTV, INDIANA.
and on this basis Delaware was the only state in the L'nion which exceeded
Indiana. Of the troops sent from Inchana, 7,243 were killed or mortally
wounded, and 19,429 died from other causes, makin;,^ a total death loss of
over thirteen per cent for all the troops furnished.
During the summer of 1863 Indiana was thrown into a frenzy of excite-
ment when it was learned that General Morgan had crossed the Ohio with
2,000 cavalrymen under his command. Probably Indiana never experienced
a more exciting month than July (jf that year. Morgan entered the state in
Harrison county and advanced northward through Corydon to Salem in
Washington county. As his men went along they robbed orchards, looted
farm houses, stole all the horses which they could find and burned consiflcr-
able property. From Salem, Morgan turned with his men to the east, having
been deterred from his threatened advance on Indianapolis by the knowledge
that the local militia of the state would soon be too strong for him. He hur-
ried with his men toward the Ohio line, stopping at Versailles long enough
to loot the county treasury. Morgan passed through Dearborn county over
into Ohio, near Harrison, and a few days later, :\Iorgan and most of his band
were captured.
During the latter part of the war there was considerable opposition to
its prosecution on the part of the Democrats of this state. An organization
known as the Knights of the Golden Circle at first, and later as the Sons of
Liberty, was instrumental in stirring up much trouble throughout the state.
Probably historians will never be al)le to agree as to the degree of their
culpability in thwarting the government authorities in the conduct of the war.
That they did many overt acts cannot be questioned and that thev collected
fire arms for traitorous designs cannot be denied. Governor Morton and
General Carrington, by a system of close espionage, were able to know at all
times just Vvhat was transpiring in the councils of these orders. In the cam-
paign of 1864 there was an open denunciation through the Republican press
of the Sons of Liberty. On October 8 of that year the Republican news-
papers carried these startling headlines : "You can rebuke this treason. The
traitors intend to bring war to your home. Meet them at the ballot box
while Grant and Sherman meet them on the battle field." A number of the
leaders were arrested, convicted in a military court and sentenced to be shot.
However, they were later pardoned.
The Spanish-American War of 1S98 has been the last one in which
troops from Indiana have borne a part. When President McKinlev issued
his call for 75,000 volunteers on April 25, 189S. Indiana was called upon to
furnish three regiments. War was ofificially declared April 25, and formally
INDIANA IN 1833.
By E. V. Shockley.
INDIANA IN 1836
E.V.5H0CKLEY
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
FRANKLIN COT.'NTV, INDIANA. 57
came to an end by the sif,Miin.t,'- of a pn^tocol on August 12 of the same year.
The main cnt^a^'cmcnts of importance were the sea battles of Manila and
Santiago and the land engagements of El Caney and San Juan Hill. Ac-
cording to the treaty of Paris, signed December 12, 1898, Sj^ain relin<-|uishcd
her sovereignty over Cuba, cedefl to the L'nited States Porto Rico and her
other West India Island possessions, as well as the island of Guam in the
Pacific. Spain also transferred her rights in the Philippines for the sum of
twenty million dollars paid to her for public work and improvements con-
structed by the Spanish government.
POLITICAL HISTORY.
It is not possible to trace in detail the political history of Indiana for the
past century and in this connection an attempt is made only to survey briefly
the political history of the state. For more than half a century Indiana has
been known as a pivotal state in politics. In 1816 there was only one political
party and Jennings, Noble, Taylor, Hendricks and all of the politicians of
that day were groupeil into this one — the Democratic party. Whatever
differences in \iews they might have had were due to local issues and not to
any questions of national portent. Questions concerning the improvements
of rivers, the building of canals, the removal of court houses and similar
questions of state importance only divided the politidans in the carlv history
of Indiana into groups. There was one group known as the White Water
faction, another called the Vincennes crowd, and still another designated as
the White river delegation. From 1816 until as late as 1832, Indiana was
the scene of personal politics, and during the years Adams, Clay and Jackson
were candidates for the presidency on the same ticket, men were known
politically as Adams men. Clay men or Jackson men. The election returns
in the twenties and thirties disclose no tickets labeled Democrat. Whig or
Republican, but the words "Adams," "Clay," or Jackson."
The question of internal improvements which arose in the Legislature
of 1836 was a large contributing factor in the division of the politicians of
the state. The Whig party may be dated from 1832. although it was not
until four years later that it came into national prominence. The Democrats
elected the state officials, including the governor, down to 183 1, but in that
year the opposition party, later called the Whigs, elected Xoah Xoble
governor. For the next twelve years the Whigs, with their cry of internal
improvements, controlled the state. The Whigs went out of power with
Samuel Bigger in 1843, ''^"d when they came into power again they appeared
5^
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
under the name of Rcpuljlicans in iSGi. Since the Civil War the two parties
have practically divided the leadership between thcin, there having been seven
Republicans and six DcnKJcrats elected governor of the state. The following
table gi\es a list of the governors of the Northwest Territory, Indiana Terri-
tory and the state of Indiana. The Federalists were in control up to 1800
and Harrison and his followers may be classed as Democratic-Republicans.
The politics of the governors of the state are indicated in the table.
GOVER.N'ORS OF INDIANA.
Of the Territory Northwest of the Ohio —
Arthur St. Clair 1787-1800
Of the Territorv of Indiana —
John Gibson (acting) July 4, 1800-
William H. Harrison iSoi-
Thomas Posey 1812-
Of the State of Indiana —
Jonathan Jennings, Dem. 1816-
Ratliff Boon, Dem. September 12 to December 5,
William Hendricks, Dem. 1822-
James B. Ray (acting), Dem. Feb. 12 to Dec. 11,
James B. Ray, Dem. 1825-
Noah Noble, Whig 1831-
David Wallace, Whig 1837-
Samuel Bigger, Whig 1840-
James Whitcomb, Dem. 1843-
Paris C. Dunning (acting), Dem. 1848-
. Joseph A. Wright. Dem. 1849-
Ashbel P. Willard, Dem. 1857-
Abram A. Hamir.ond (acting), Dem. 1860-
Henry S. Lane, Rep. January 14 to January 16,
Oliver P. Morton (acting), Rep. 1861-
Oliver P. Morton, Rep. 1865-
Conrad Baker (acting), Rep. 1867-
Conrad Baker, Rep. 1869-
Thomas A. Hendricks, Dem. 1873-
James D. Williams, Dem. ^^77-
Isaac P. Gray (acting), Dem. 1880-
Albert G. Porter, Rep. 18S1-
801
812
816
822
S22
S25
831
S37
840
843
848
S49
857
S60
861
861
865
867
869
^73
S77
S80
881
885
FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA. 59
Isaac p. Gray, Dem. 1885-1889
Alvin P. Ho'vcy, Rep. 1889-1891
Ira J. Chase factin'r). Rep Nov. 24, 1891 to Jan. 9, 1893
Claude Matthews, Dem. 1893-1897
James A. Mount, Rep. 1897-1901
Winfield T. Durbin, Rep. 1901-1905
J. Frank Hanley, Rep. 1905-1909
Thomas R. Marshall, Dem. 1909-1913
Samuel R. Ralston, Dem. 1913-
■ A CENTURY OF GROWTH.
Indiana was the first territory created out of the old Northwest Territory
and the second state to be formed. It is now on the eve of its one hundredth
anniversary, and it becomes the purpose of the historian in this connection to
"ive a brief survev of what these one hundred years have dune for the state.
There has been no change in territory limfts, but the orij^inal territory has
been subdivided into counties year by year, as the population warranted, until
from thirteen counties in i8'i6 the state grew to ninety-two counties by 1S59.
From 1 81 6 to 1840 new counties were organized every year with the exception
of one year. Starting in with a population of 5,641 in 1800, Indiana has
increased by leaps and bounds until it now has a population of two million
seven hundred thousand eight hundred and seventy-six. The appended table
is interesting in showing the growth of population by decades since 1800:
Per Cent
Census Decades. Population. Increase. of Increase.
1800 5.641
1810 24,520 18,879 334-7
1820 147.178 122,658 500.2
1830 343.031 195.853 I33-I
1840 685,866 342,835 99-9
1850 988,416 302.550 44-1
i860 1,350,428 362,012 36.6
1870 1,680,637 330.209 24.5
1880 1,978.301 297,664 17.7
1890 2.192.404 214,103 10.8
1900 2,516,462 324.058 14.8
1910 2,700,876 184,414 7-3
6o FRANKLIN COUNTY, INIJIANA.
Statistics are usually very dry and uninteresting^, hut there are a few
figures wiiich are at least instructive if not interesting^. For instance, in 1910,
1,143,835 people of Indiana lived in towns and cities of more than 2,500.
There were 822,434 voters, and 580,557 men Ixjtween the ages of eighteen and
forty-four were eli.i^iblc for military service. An interesting book of statistics
from which these tigures are taken covering every phase of the growth of the
state is found in the biennial report of the state statistician.
The state has increased in wealth as well as population and the total state
tax of six thousand forty-three dollars and thirty-six cents of l8r6 increased
in 1915 to more than six million. In 1816 the only factories in the state were
grist or saw mills; all of the clothing, furniture and most of the farming tools
were made by the pioneers themselves. At that time the farmer was his own
doctor, his own blacksmith, his own lawyer, his own dentist and, if he had
divine services, he hail to be the preacher. But now it is changed. The spin-
ning wheel finds its resting place in the attic : a score of occupations have arisen
to satisfy the manifold wants of the farmer. Millions of dollars are now in-
vested in factories, other millions are invested in steam and electric roads, still
other millions in public utility plants of all kinds. The governor now receives
a larger salary than did all the state officials put together in 1861, while the
county sheriff has a salary which is more than double the compensation first
allowed the governor of the state.
Indiana is rich in natural resources. It not only has millions of acres of
good farming land, but it has had fine forests in the past. From the timber
of its woods have been built the homes for the past one hundred years and, if
rightly conserved there is timber for many years yet to come. The state has
beds of coal and quarries of stone which are not surpassed in any state in the
Union. For many years natural gas was a boon to Indiana manufacturing,
but it was used so extravagcntly that it soon became exhausted. Some of the
largest factories of their kind in the country are to be found in the Hoosier
state. The steel works at Gary employs tens of thousands of men and are
constantly increasing in importance. At Elwood is the largest tin plate fac-
tory in the world, while Evansville boasts of the largest cigar factory in the
world. At South end the Studehaker and Oliver manufacturing plants turn
out millions of dollars worth of goods every year. When it is known that
over half of the population of the state is now living in towns and cities, it
must be readily seen that farming is no longer the sole occupation. A svs-
tem of railroads has been built which brings every corner of the state in close
touch with Indianapolis. In fact, every county seat but four is in railroad
connection with the capital -of the state. Every county has its local telephone
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 6l
systems, its rural free deliveries and its good roads unifying the various
parts of the county. All of this makes for better civilization and a happier
and more contented people.
Indiana prides hcrsel f on her educational system. With sixteen thousand
public and parochial school teachers, with three state institutions of learning, a
score of church schools of all kinds as well as private institutions ol learnmg.
Indiana stands hiyh in educational circles. The state maintains universities
at Bloomington and La fayette and a normal school at Terre Haute. Many ot
the churches have schools supi^orted in part by their denominations. Ihe
Catholics have the largest Catholic university in the United .States at Xotre
Dame, while St. Mary s of the Wc.ods at Terre Haute is known all over the
world' Academies under Catholic supervision are maintained at Indianapolis,
Terre Haute. Fort W'avne, Rensselaer. Jasper and Oldenburg. The Method-
ists have institutions at DePauw, :\loore's Hill and Upland. The Tresby-
terian schools are Wabash and Hanover Colleges. The Christian church is
in control of Butler and Merom Colleges. Concordia at Fort Wayne is one
of the largest Lutheran schools in the United States. The Quakers support
Earlham College, as well as the academies at Fairmount, Bloom ingdale,
Plainfield and Spiceland. The Baptists are in charge of Franklin College,
while the United Brethern give their allegiance to Indiana Central University
at Indianapolis. The Seventh-Day Adventists have a school at Boggstown.
The Dunkards at North Tvlanchester and the Mennonites at Goshen m.aintam
schools for their respective churches.^
The state seeks to take care of all of its unfortunates. Its charitable,
benevolent and correctional institutions rank high among similar institutions
in the country. Insane asylums are located at Indianapolis, Richmond.
Logansport. Evansville and ^ladison. The State Soldiers' Home is at
Lafayette, while the National Soldiers' Home is at Marion.
The Soldiers and Sailors' Orphans' Home at Knightstown, is main-
tained for the care and education of the orphan children of Union soldiers
and sailors. The state educates and keeps them until they are sixteen years
of age if they have not been given homes in families before they reach that
age. Institutions for the education of the blind and also the deaf and dumb
are located at Indianapolis. The state educates all children so afflicted and
teaches them some useful trade which will enable them to make their o\^•n
way in the world. The Sch.^ol for Feeble Minded at Fort ^^'ayne ha? had
more than one thousand children in attendance annually for several years.
Within the past few years an epileptic village has been established at New
Castle, Indiana, for the care of those so afflicted. A prison is located at
52 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
Michigan City for the incarceration of male criminals convicted by any of
the courts of the state of treason, murder in the first or second det^rce, and
of all persons convicted of any felony who at the time of conviction are
thirty years of age and over. The Reformatory at Jefferson ville takes care
of male criminals between the ages of sixteen and thirty, who are guilty of
crimes other than those just mentioned. The female criminals from the
ages of fifteen upwards are kept in the women's prison at Indianapolis. A
school for incorrigible boys is maintained at Plainfield. It receives boys be-
tween the ages of seven and eighteen, although no boy can be kept after he
reaches the age of twenty-one. Each county provides for its own poor and
practically every county in the state has a poor farm and many of them have
homes for orphaned or indigent children. Each county in the state also
maintains a correctional institution known as the jail, in which prisoners are
committed while waiting for trial or as punishment for convicted crime.
But Indiana is great not alone in its material prosperity, but also in those
things which make for a better appreciation of life. Within the limits of
our state have been born men who were destined to become known through-
out the nation. Statesmen, ministers, diplomats, educators, artists and
literary men of Hoosier birth have given the state a reputation which is
envied by our sister states. Indiana has furnished Presidents and Vice-
Presidents, distinguished members of the cabinet and diplomats of world
wide fame; her literary men have spread the fame of Indiana from coast
to coast. Who has not heard of Wallace, Thompson, Nicholson, Tarking-
ton, McCutcheon, Bolton, Ade, Tvlajor, Stratton-Porter, Riley and hundreds
of others who have courted the muses ?
And we would like to be living one hundred years from today and see
whether as much progress will have been made in the growth of the state as in
the first one hundred years of its history. In 2015 povertv and crime will be
reduced to a minimum. Poor houses will be unknown, orphanages will have
vanished and society will have reached the stage where happiness and con-
tentment reign supreme. Every loyal Hoosier should feel as our poetess,
Sarah T. Bolton, has said :
"The heavens never spanned,
The breezes never fanned,
A fairer, brighter land
Than our Indiana."
CHAPTER II.
GEOLOGY.
The best discussion of the soils of Frankhn county is found in the
Report of the State Geologist for 1909. This was written by A. E. Taylor
after making an exhaustive study of the county. The report is given in full
as it appears in that volume.
PKEF.\TORY.
The first settler of Franklin county erected his cabin at New Trenton
in 1803. Eight years later the county was organized, and in 1818 a news-
paper, known as the BrookviUc Enquirer and Indiana Gazette, was started
at Brookville. Advancements have been slow in a large portion at Frankhn
county. The railway facilities are poor, only fifteen per cent, of the wagon
roads are improved, and agricultural methods and conditions are not as good
as those of the other counties of the area of survey.
Brookville, a town of about three thousand inhabitants, is the county
seat and the leading manufacturing center. Among the chief manufacturers
is the Thompson & Norris Paper Company, which employs ninety-eight men ;
the Brookville Furniture Company, with sixty-five employes: the Brookville
Buggy Company and the Freis & Sons Tiling and Brick Company.
Oldenburg, with a somewhat smaller population than Brookville. is
noted for its large Catholic school. The other towns of the area are small
country villages. Southwest of Laurel are several stone quarries and another
is situated east of Pcppertown.
Franklin county has a population of seventeen thousand and covers an
area of three hundred and ninety- four miles. There are about two hundred
and ten thousand acres of land in farms. In 1908 near thirty thousand
acres were planted in wheat, thirty-one thousand in corn, three thousand in
oats, twelve thousand in clover, nine thousand in timothy, five thousand in
potatoes, forty-one in tobacco and (^ne hundred and forty in alfalfa. In the
orchards of the county there were over twenty thousand apple trees, seven
thousand peach, two thousand cherry, one thousand pear and one thousand
plum. There were approximately five thousand head of horses on hand
64 FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA.
January l. 1909, four hundred inuk-s, five thousand dairy cattle, four thou-
sand beef cattle and nineteen thousand ho,!^s. About thirty-one thousand
hogs and thirty-rt\e hundred shee]) were sold during 1908.
Franklin count}- pmbalily has more standing timber than any of the
contiguous counties. Among the trees still standing can be seen the black
walnut, white oak, red oak. burr oak, chestnut oak, black oak, sycamore, red
elm, white elm, sliijpcry elm. hickory. ])ignut, shelbark. white beech, yellow
beech, red beech, white ash, blue ash, black ash, hoop ash, hackberry, yellow
.poplar, white poplar, rock mai)le, white maple, red or swamp maple, butter-
nut, wild cherry, honey locust, buckeye, blue gum, mulberry, red cedar,
sweet gum, linden and cottonwood.
PIIYSIOGR.\PIIV .^ND GEOLOGY.
The surface formations of Franklin county are largely made up of two
glacial drifts belonging to the Pleistocene period. The older of these is the
Illinoian. All of Laurel township, part of Whitewater and all of the surface
lying west of Whitewater river and its west forks, with the exception of the
steep slopes, stream terraces and some later drift in Posey township, are
covered by the Illinoian dri ft soils.
The surface of the Illinoian drift is that of a gently undulating plain,
deeply dissected by stream valleys, differences of three hundred feet in alti-
tude being common between the floors of the valleys and the tops of the
ridges. It seldom exceeds thirty feet in thickness, and generally plays out
entirely along a steep slope where washing has been a prominent factor. Its
surface appears as a light gray silt, deeply oxidized. In fact, decomposition
has been so complete that the limestone boulders and gravel are almost en-
tirely absent, having been dissolved. Granite gneisses, diorites, basalts,
quartzites and others of the crystalline gronp are occasionally present, but
nowhere in such numbers as in the later Wisconsin drift. Xo dark colored
land or other indications of undrained depressions occur on this drift, show-
ing that complete oxidation of the vegetable accumulations has taken place
subsequent to the drainage of all kettle basins, sloughs and marshes.
The later \\'isconsin drift varies from ten to sixty feet in thickness.
The undrained swamp areas and Miami black clay loam dottings are present
in the northeast quarter of the county, and also a great variety of boulders.
A few kames occur two or three miles south of Bl<3oming Grove. Like the
older drift, it is a gentlv undulating surface considerably cut up by stream
FRANKLIX COUNTV, INDIANA. 65
valleys in the eastern part, while in the western ami northwestern portions
of the county it is coniparatixely level.
The limestone outcropj)in.<4 in the hilltops west of Laurel and north of
Brookville hclnngs to the .'Silurian jK'riod. while the blue limestone and shale
appearing at the surface on alm(;st all of the steep slopes south of the Laurel
outcrops, arc the Cincinnati formations of the Ordovician period. .\n oil
well drilled one mile north of Hucna Vista passed through thirty-four feet
of Illinoian drift, one hundred and five feet of Xiagara and Cincinnati
limestones and seven hundred and si.x feet of Cincinnati shale before reach-
ing the Trenton limestone.
SOILS.
On account of the Illinoian drift being the surface formation over the
large part of Franklin county in-^tead of the later Wisconsin, as in the case
in contiguous counties, and the Cincinnati limestone being the formation
from which the limestone slope soil has been derived, we meet some quite
difil'erent types than those mapped in the other counties. The land derived
from the Illinoian drift is known as the Oak Forest silt loam, while that
from the later Wisconsin is the Miami silt loam or Miami black clay loam.
The Huntington loam is the main bottom land, ninety-five per cent, of which
occurs in the terraces and flood plains of White W^ater river and its^forks.
The bottom land soils of the many narrow valleys among the smaller streams
will be known as Hamburg loam, owing to their typical development in the
vicinity of the \illage of I-Iamlnirg.
The following table shows the extent of each of these soils :
AREAS OF DIFFERENT SOILS.
Soil. Square Miles. Per cent.
Miami silt loam 140 35.5
Miami black clay loam 10 2.-,
Oak Forest silt loam 195 49.^
Limestone slope clay loam 24 6.1
Huntington loam 20 5.1
Hamburg loam 5 1.3
Total 394 loo.o
(5)
66 FUANKLI.N C(jLNTY. INDIANA.
MIAMI SII.T LOAM.
This suil a.-> it ajjpears at the surface is a light brown or dark gray to
alnK^st while .silt loam extendin.t,' to a depth of six to eleven inches. It gen-
erally has a loose, tlour-like feel, and the content of organic matter i^ very
small, but in some localities where it is assfjciated with the .Miami black clay
loam the color is dark and tlie amount of organic matter high. Where there
is considerable wash, the soil is frequently more sandy than when found in
the gently undulating i)lains.
Below the i)low soil, and contiiniing to a depth of two or three feet, a
mottling of white and yellow frei|uently occurs, the white color often Ixring
a residual matter left when the limestone pebbles arc, or have been, in the
process of decomposition. At a depth of thirteen inches the subsoil takes on
a light brown color. It is more clayey than the surface soil and becomes
more so at a de])th of sixteen inches, where it is a clay loaii>» Below this
the clayey character plavs out. and at eighteen inches a silt loam or a sandv
clay is found, which contiiuies to a de[)th oi three feet.
Twenty-fi\'e years ago much of this land was considered to i)e fit for
little more than grazing purposes. Corn crops of twenty bushels to the acre
were as good as could i)e expected, but since tiling, crop rotation and green
manuring have been put into practice, the corn yields have more than doubled.
A very progressive farmer in White Water township say^ that some vears
ago his farm would not product over twenty-five bushels of corn to the acre,
but since tiling his land to a depth of four feet in the Miami black clay loam
and three and one-half feet in the .Miami silt loam he can be reasonaJjlv
certain of at least sixty bushels of corn to the acre. He keeps up a careful
rotation of corn, wheat and clover, plows under cro])s of clover, and culti-
vates his corn to a depth of two indies every few weeks until it is .-ilked
out. By a careful selection of seed he will be able to continue to increase his
yields.
By using commercial fertilizer, farmers realize an average wiieat jiro-
duction of fifteen bushels to the acre. Oats average about thirtv bushels and
clover or timothy one ton.
Many of the Miann' black clay loam areas ha^•e. onlv in the last two
decades, been reclaimed from the marshes. By careful tiling this soil has
become the best for corn and most valuable of any in the countw .\ corn
crop of sixty bushels to the acre is about an average for the better class of
agriculturists, but wheat does not do as well as on the light-colored soils.
FkAXKI.I.V COLXTV, INDIANA. 67
1 he soil occurs as a licaw l<jam or day Irjani, with a depth varyinjj
between cloven and sixteen inches. The c'>l(;r to a depth of one and one-half
feet is l)lack. but heh^w this f,^rades rapidly into a heavy clay loam, which at
two feet or a little tlee])er often f^rades into a sandy clay or loam. In other
textural projjeriies it bears a close resemblance to the Miami black clay loam
soil treated in tiie general discussion.
The surface of the Miami black clay loam is practically level. Its oc-
currence is found in all ])art.> uf the Miami silt loam area, but most especially
in Rath, the eastern half of .Sprirgtield and the eastern (luartcr u* White
Water tcnvnships. The average selling price of the land is about one hundred
dollars per acre.
A casual oIjser\ er might pass from the Miami silt loam to the Oak
Forest silt Inani with<jut noting the change, but upon more careful e.xann'na-
ticn the latter would he found to I;e a shade lighter in color, to contain less
organic matter, less crystalline rock>, Uj have very few limestone i)j^)bles or
boulders and to be underlain by a light colored subsoil, which has more
segregati(jns of yellow iron stains and iron concretions.
The average surface soil of the Oak Forest silt loam is a light a>hy
gray silt loam, with a depth varying between four and eight inches, but on
slopes the pale yellow mottled silt loam subsoil occurs at the surface over
large areas. By tasting, the soil or subsoil almost invariably one detects a
very tart taste, which indicates sourness. This soil and subsoil resemble
very closely the Scottslnirg silt loam of Scott countv. Indiana.
No land in the group (;f se\en counties of which Franklin is one has
been so sadly neglected. Rarely is it tiled and very seldom is green manur-
ing practiced. There is no systematic cropping. Corn is planted about the
first of June, the land not being sufficiently dry earlier. Often the corn has
not time to ripen l;efore the autumn frosts. More care should be exercised
in the selection of seed and cultivation. Judging by the results that a few
progressive farmers have realized by using up-to-date methods in carr}-ing
on their farming, there remains no doubt but that this land can be made to
yield fifty bushels of corn to the acre. Oats average about twenty-five
bushels to the acre and wheat, by using commercial fertiliser, fifteen.
Many farmers say they cannot build their soil up bv plowing under
clover, because they cannot get a stand. Upon examining a number of clover
fields the writer found that where manure had been stacked in little piles
over the fields the clover grew heavy and the soil was not sour. The same
held true wherever the manure had been heavily applied, but where thinly,
or not at all. the acid had ngt been neutralized and the soil was sour. Tilin<^
68 FKA.N'KI.IX COUNTY. IXniANA.
or an application of lime will also sweeten the soil. As a hay, timothy is
grown more than clo\er.
Small fruit (jrchards are found on most of the farms and a few exten-
sive fruit farms. One of these, u liicii is owned by D. O. Secrest. is situated
three miles east of Andersonville. Mfteen years ago ninety acres of this
farm were set out to apjjle trees which were planted thirty feet apart. They
yield twenty-rt\e thousand bushels in a good year. Peach trees were set out
between the a])ple trees o\er twenty-two acres of the ninety. These, in 1906.
produced two thousand bushels. One acre set out to pear trees thirty feet
apart yields six hundred bushels in an average year.
LIMESTONE .SLOTE CLAY LOAM.
This is the only residual soil of the area. It occurs as a dark brown to
black silt loam, averaging from eight t(j sixteen inches in thickness. It
contains a high ])ercentage of organic matter, and to this may be attributed
the dark color. With increased de]jth the color becomes lighter, the subsoil
at twenty inches having a light to medium brown color, while at two feet it
is a light brown with a reddish cast. The subsoil from eighteen to thirty
inches is more clayey than that at the surface, but below this may become
rather sandy.
Although the above section is the most uncommon, yet where the lime-
stone is very close to the surface we find a black clay, changing very little
in texture until the bed-rock is reached. In this case the soil has had its
derivation wholly from the decomposition and disintegration of the lime-
stone.
Owing to the topographical position on the main valley slopes, lime-
stone slope clay loam grades into the Miami silt loam or Oak Forest silt
loam at the upper portion of the slopes, while at the base it borders the
Huntington loam or Hamburg loam. The origin of an average section
seems to be mostly from the weathering of the Cincinnati limestone, to some
extent from the wash of the silt loam above it, and in a few cases from the
decomposition and disintegration of the underlying Cincinnati shales or the
Laurel limestone. The effect that slumping, freezing, thawing, chemical
reaction between the calcium carbonate of the limestone and the organic
acids of the soil and other processes of disintegration are having upon the
Cincinnati limestone, can be partly determined by the fact that E. R. Quick,
living one and a half miles south of Brookville. in 1883 gathered a large
FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA. 69
amount of limestone talus from a hillside where today there is .fully as much
as then.
This type seems to be esi)ecially rich in plant foods, and is known,
locally, as the tf^bacco soil, (jne thousand pounds to an acre often feeing
realized. Xo soil in the county is as well adapted to blue grass. Corn also
does well and alfalfa gives as good yields as on the bottom land. Probably
the first alfalfa grown in the county was sown by Herman MuUer, living a
few miles east of Cedar Grove, ab(jut twenty-four years ago. It yielded
from four to five tons per acre. Where the limestone is close to the surface
and the soil is so full of the fragments that it is considered untillable. and
would be classed as a stony clay or stony clay loam, alfalfa has grown well.
Owing to the very steep slopes upon which the limestone slope clay
loam occurs the soil wash is very great, and a decade will leave the fields
almost bare and w-orthless unless great precaution is taken. More care
should be given v.hen plowing so that the water cannot run in furrows.
Crops like tobacco and corn are dangerous to the preservation of the soil,
because they leave the ground bare for a considerable interval. In the long
run, blue grass and alfalfa would be more profitable, since they would hold
the soil in place.
HUNTINGTON LOAM.
For te.xture and colors of the Huntington loam and its subsoils, the oc-
currences in Franklin county are much like those described elsewhere, but
the topographical occurrence differs somewhat from the other counties in
that the upper terraces are so much higher above the flood plains than in the
other six counties. The fourth terrace, which has its development on the
east side of White Water valley, south of Brookville, is one hundred feet
above the bed of the river. At the surface it is a rich farming loam of
seven to seventeen inches, grading into a fine sandy loam and at two feet into
a sandy loam. At two and one-half feet it is a fine sand. Underlying this
is ten to twenty inches of a tough }ello\v clay containing gravel, and lower
down occurs boulder clay of a bluish gray color. The third terrace is about
seventy-five feet above the stream bed and is more sandy than the fourth,
while the second is the most extensive and furnishes a splendid grade of
farming land. The first terrace averages about twenty feet above low-
water mark and also takes its rank, in many places, as a most excellent farm
land. Four miles south of Rrookvillc a well was drilled in this terrace to a
depth of one hundred and fifty feet before bed-rock was reached.
The best farmers of the Huntington loam raise an average com crop
70 KRANKI.IN' COUXTV, INDIANA.
of sixty bushels, ulicat fntirtccii. aiul alfalta four and a half tons. This soil
is well adapted t<j Ifjhacco. hut it is not considered equal to the limestone
slo])e clay hjani. Althoui^di the land is very porous, and manures will leach
away rapidly, yet the applicatinn of stable manure, green manures and com-
mercial fertilizer is reported to pay well for increasing the producti<jn.
The selling i)rice of this type varies from fifty dollars to one hundred
and twenty-five dollars per acre.
HAMBURG LOAM.
Found in the l)ottonis of tlie narrow valleys of the smaller streams on
the west side of White Water river and its west forks, is a mixture of lime-
stone talus, which lias washed down from the valley sides, with the wash
from the Oak b'orest silt loam. On the east side of Whitewater the lime-
stone talus is mingled with the wash from the Miami silt loam. Tb.e texture
varies from a loam to a stony loam.
Where there is a widening of the bottoms, so that agriculture can l>e
carried on, crops ecpial to those produced an the Huntington loam are ob-
tained, but these areas are vcr\' limited and comprise only small portions of
farms.
ANCIENT i:\UTIl\VORKS.
Dr. Rufus Haymond, of Brookxille. who was at one time assistant
geologist in the scientific cor])s of the state, made a professional survev of
the natural features of I'ranklin county about 1870, which has ever been
considered as standard authority up to that date of research, and concerning
the ancient earthworks of this county he remarks as follows:
There are few earthworks, except mounds, found in this countw Three
miles m^rth of I>rookville. and immediately west of the East fork, upon the
top of a hill nearly three hundred and fifty feet high, there is a semi-circular
wall of earth three hundred yards in length. It is built across a narrow-
ridge which is formed by two deep ravines, one on the south, the other on
the north, which, with the river on the east, isolate the flat top of the hill
(containing fifteen or twenty acres), to protect the inhabitants from an
enemy approaching from that direction.
There are ([uite a number of earthen mounds in the countv. hut none
of large size. 1 have seen none more than four feet in height and manv of
FRANKLIN' COfXTV, INDIANA. 7^
them -arc not more than three or ff)iir feet hij,'h. Those on the highlands
bordering,' the river are uni formally upon the highest places, and always in
view of the ri\er and its valley. These mounds are so situated with refer-
ence to each cither, that a person stajiding on a mound in the most northern
part of the county. o\erlookiu,c,' the valley of the river. ojuUI see the next
mound below him. and from the second the third was in view, and so on
with all the others, thus forinini,^ a chain of observatories, from which the
approach of an enemy could be tclegra])hcd with great celerity from one to
the other, either by smoke or some other intelligible -ignal. Though these
mounds were used for burying niouiids. I have no doubt they were also
used as signal posts. Very probably these signals were made l)y fire, for the
clay of which thev are composed in some cases has been burned to near the
color of brick.
The Mound Builders were a people possessing rare good taste, which is
evidenced bv the situation of their mounds. These were always built in
pictures(|ue positions — either on the highest grounds or in the valleys upon
the edges of the liighest ri\cr terraces overlooking the water and the lower
portions of the \alley.
Two miles l)elow Rrookville there are. within the distance of two fur-
longs, upon the edge of the highest river terrace, nine small mounds. Be-
sides these nine, which appear to have been completed, there is one barely
commenced and abandoned. The commencement was made by digging up
the earth to the depth of a])out twelve inches, which was then thrown out
from the center and heaped up around the circumference forming a circle
within, on which the superstructure was to be erected, and which has very
much the appearance of a shallow basin. It was in these basins that the
dead were burned, or rather partly burned, for they were not usually en-
tirely consumed. Xot many mrmnds in this neighborhood have been thor-
ouglil)- explored, and in such as have few contain anything more than bones
and charcoal. In two of them bracelets of copper were found and in some
others a pipe or two. One of these, found in a mound eight miles below
Brookville. was said by those who found it to have still retained the scent of
tobacco: if this be true, it conclusively ])roves that these people used tobacco
as well as their successors, the modern Indian. There are upon many of the
high points, mounds of stone which have been erected by a dift'erent people
from the Mound Builders. These contain vast ([uantities of human bones,
both of adults and children, as well as the bones of squirrels, skunks and
other small animals. These were not probably the burial places of the dead.
^2 FRANKLIX C0T;N'TY, INDIANA.
but a collection of their bones, broui^lit together from many places for final
sepulture.
Since the organization of a local society, much attention has been given
to this interesting suJjject ])y Dr. George \\'. Homsher, of I'airfield. who is
the curator of this department. A survey of the entire county, with a care-
ful study of all details and materials, is included in the jjlan of operation.
This labor has so far been extended over the township of Springfield.
Brookville, Bath and Fairfield only, I)ut with results highly satisfactory to
the observers.
On this small area no less than forty-two distinct works have been
noted, and in many cases ex])lored. Many interesting, and some rare, speci-
mens of the relics and the handiwork of the ancient builders have been re-
claimed.
BLUE LIMESTONE REGION.
The blue limestone is the lowest rock that has been exposed at the bot-
tom of our streams in Franklin county. It underlies the whole region, and
is the only rock found in the southeastern third of the county. This lime-
stone, with its accompanying marls, is about four hundred feet thick at
Brookville, about a mile north of which place it disappears under a dral>
limestone, from six to twenty inches thick.
The surface of the county was originally almost a level plain, which is.
now varied and cut up by ravines, valleys and streams that have worn them-
selves during the long ages of the past. Beyond the heads of the streams,
where the table-land has not I^een changed by running water, the liighest
land is so flat as to almost deserve the name of marsh or swamp. Yet these
lands are not too wet to produce good forest timber. Thus it will be api)ar-
ent that there is no such thing as hills or mountains, yet to a person in the
valleys, or ravines, the rapid slopes give every appearance, it being a hilly
country, originally.
The blue limestone in Franklin ct}unty, as I have observed it. is found
in strata varying from less than an inch to twelve or fourteen in thickness.
These layers seem to the eye to be nearly horizontal, and can occasionallv be
traced for half a mile, where the outcrop is found bordering the streams
and run parallel to the dip.
It is a curious fact that, notwithstanding the immense number of rocks,
from the l<^west point we can observe to near the tops of the highest levels,
comparatively few loose stones are found at tlie surface. The hills and
slopes of the valleys are covered with clay and other diluvial matter, in all
FKANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 73
respects identical with that found upon the uplands, and. strange enough,
thous^h so near the lime ruck, the soil of the hillsides, as is the case in all the
uplands and flats, seems t(j be devoid oi lime — a fact scarcely credible when
we consider the immense amount of tliis mineral immediately below the sur-
face. If lime ever existed in any considerable quantity in these uplands
(which is doubtful) it has been leached out during the lapse of ages by the
constant percolation of water charged with destructive chemical agents, ever
since their deposition. The probaljility is that those lands, which are so defi-
cient in lime, would be benefited Ijy the application of the marls found ever}--
where between the njcks, and that those which have been exhausted by cul-
tivation might, by a proper application of lime and manures, be restored to
their original fertility.
THE DRIFT DEPOSIT.
The superficial material resting upon the rocks above described consists
mostly of yellow clay, mixed more or less with small pieces of broken lime-
stone, gravel from the primitive rocks, and, in a few localities, almost pure
gravel is found: in others, sand, and frequently sand and gravel mixed. In
no instance on the uplands or tops of the hills do the rocks penetrate through
these materials, and we find them only where the drift has been worn away
by the action of the streams. The drift varies from four or five feet to
forty or fifty feet in thickness upon the upland. The slopes of the vallevs
and side-hills seem to be covered with drift similar to that upon the high
grounds, but not of equal thickness. In digging wells on tb.e uplands, the
roots and bodies of trees are frequently found at various depths from ten
to thirty feet. Occasionally, limbs and leaves are found, with vegetable
mold at various depths.
BOWLDERS.
Bowlders of granite, hornblend. greenstone, and almost everv species
of metamorphic rock, are found all over the county, upon tlie highest as well
as the lowest land. They are always found upon the surface and never be-
neath, except when under slides or terraces of washed-down gra\el and
sand". I have seen a few granite bowlders that would square five feet : they
are, however, generally much smaller, and are usually worn round bv at-
trition.
TERRACES.
l^pon the hillsides, parallel to the course of the main river, and upon
all of its branches, there 'are Ijenclies of ancient terraces — upon the river-
I;' ,
74 FRANKLIN COUNTY, ISIHASA.
slopes usually I)ut tun or three, but upf-n the smaller streams there are
more. 1 ha\e counted as many as ten upon a side-hill bordering' lUue creek.
Upon these ancient benches or beaches we find no gravel or sanrl, nothing
but soil, cla\s and rocks /// .v;7//. On the main river, throu:,'hout its course
in the county, there are from two to tour terraces composed of gravel, sand.
broken limestone and small bowlders. The fir.st terraces or lower bottoms
are usually noi nicjre than ten to twelve feet aljove the water; the highest
ranging from seventy to eighty feet. Where the terraces occupy the points
just above the river and its tributary, we find the lower ends comjiosed of
fine sand, drifted in strata, first to the east, then to the west, as though they
had been washed up by the waves and heaped upon each other, as the wind
changed from east to west.
MINERAL SPRINGS.
Xo mineral springs of medical character are known to exist in this
county, with the exception of a few which contain a small amount of iron,
with possiljly a small percentage of saline sulphur. Springs of any kind
are much fewer than we would sus])ect from the configuration of the coun-
try. I think tlie limited number may be accounted for by the fact that all
the rock strata, as well as the marl beds, are divided by vertical seams, which
allow the water to pass through them. It is true there are in this county
quite a number of S])rings, but they are not by any m.eans so numerous as I
have observed them in other hilly countries. The water of all our springs
contains a quantity of lime, and is, therefcjre. familiarly called "hard water.""
The blue clay marl beds are too numerous to be mentioned, for everv-
one observes this material. In one locality, in Laurel township, there is a
bed of whitish or cream-colored marl, about eighteen inches thick, lyim,- im-
mediately aliove the "clift"," or De\-onian rocks. Also in I-^airfield township,
one and one-fourth miles from the mouth of Wolf creek, there is a bed of
white marl, varying in thickness from six to thirtv-six inches.
PRECIOUS METALS.
In both Laurel and Posey townships there have been discovered along
the banks of .Seine creek and its branches, traces of gold in verv small par-
ticles. In a wash-pan of dirt about two or three particles of pure gold are
washed out. None has been discovered larger than a small grain of wheat.
FKAKKLIX COUXTV, INDIANA.
/:?
Gold has also been found (jii Dutk creek, thoii;:^!! in small particles. The
gold is usually found accompany iuji; the black sands.
A single piece of copper was fuund. weighing about six pounds. This
evidently was brought here from the copper regions of the Xorthern lakes
by the drift process.
SALT IX THE COUNTY.
Seventy to eighty years ago (about i£'35) salt was made at four dif-
ferent places in I'ranklin county. \one of the present generation, and but
few of the preceding gencratinn, recall those saltworks. Three of these salt
wells were on Salt creek — two on the farm of George and David Hawkins,
section 4, township ir, range 12 east, and one on the farm of .Mexander
Hawkins, in the same section. The latter is the well of which the largest
amount of salt was matle. The fourth well was on Pijje creek, section 8.
township 10, range 13 east, in P.utler township. These well.-v were situated
in the blue limestone and clay marls of the lower Silurian group. On the
hills near them is found the magnesian and bituminous nodular series. The
saline element was not of sutiicicnt strength to make the pr.iduction of >all
profitable.
The l)elief was so strong among early settlers that lead existed here in
paying quantities, that n:r)st of the early deeds had a "lead reserve clau^e""
inserted in them. But careful research has proven the mistaken notion and
no lead exists in the county.
nUILniNG MATERIALS.
In every part of the county, says the geologist, clay of a good quality is
found for brick-making. Bricks are made on the uplands of the fine-grained
yellow and whitish clay of first rate (juality. Many have been made at
Brookville on the fiat lands, Imt these occasionally contain fragments of
lime, which make them only suitable for inside walls.
Stone, generally known as "blue Cincinnati limestone." is abundant
everywhere and is tb.e surface rock in this county. It is a valuable and very
■durable stone, but there are but few strata thick enough to make the quar-
ries a paying proposition. The thin layers have long been used in walling
wells and laying foundations. Many of thicker strata are so shelly and
composed of broken corals and fossils that thev are not suited to ordinarv
stone-mason work. The thin strata was originally largely used for flagging
the side walks, until the more recent introduction of cement side walks.
>
76 FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA.
Up to within a C()mparati\ely few years, this fla^^-stonc industry was one of
much importance in the comity. The most valuable building stone in the
county is found near Laurel and at priints in Posey township. This stone is
of the same formation as the Dayton stone, so e.xtensivelv used in construc-
tion in Cincinnati. Greensburg and other places. This has been usually
classed with the Niagara stone, but others class it with the Devonian forma-
tion. This stone has I)een extensively quarried twj or three miles northwest
of Laurel, on the southeast quarter of section 5. township 12 north, range 12
east. Adjoining the old \'illage of Bull Town. Posey towmslu'ij, in .section 1.3,
township 12. range 11 east, is prohal)ly the most westerly quarrv of this
stone ever developed. But little stone is being taken from anv of the
Franklin quarries at present. Better stone elsewhere and poor shipping
facilities here, with lack of capital, probabl}- are some of the causes.
_ /^rCAiJvL G:ajiii.lLu-Io\^nJt.Llu«^__Li^_Fra."JLlijQ-.iLiai«<j»-_LL-
PoS£Y
Bf\TH
BrOO )\y/ I Lf.E
a/
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X
0
VYhixe: K(i\-ter
-c
FrAIHKLHH OouN~rY ON Janunrr^ L?, IQ I lo.
INDIM CESSIONS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
CHAPTER III.
ORGANIZATION' (Jl" FRAXKLIX COUXTY.
Franklin county was the seventh county orf,^anize(l within the present
limits of Indiana and was one of the thirteen counties which had been or-
ganized at the time the territory appHed for an enabling act in 1815. All
counties during the territorial period (1800-16) were either created by the
governor or the territorial Legislature. During tiie first five years the gover-
nor created the counties, but after the Legislature was organized, in 1S05. it
took over the creation of counties. They were organized as fast as the in-
crease in population demanded them, but it was not until 1810 that. Dearborn
county was populated sufficiently to warrant its division.
There are four separate tracts of land within the present limits of
Franklin county, representing four distinct purchases by the L'nited States
government from the Indians. The first land which was bought from the
Indians was secured by the treaty of Greenville, August 3. 1795. This treaty
line was drawn from the mouth of the Kentucky river in a northeasterly di-
rection to Fort Recovery and entered Franklin county in Highland township,
between sections 15 and 35, and passed out of the county as a Ixiundary line
between Blooming Grove and Fairfield townships. The land included within
these limits now embraces all of Fairfield. Bath. Springfield. White Water,
practically all of Highland and three-fourths of Brookville township. This
land was entered from Cincinnati until the land office was established in
Brookville in 1820.
The second tract of land in Franklin county which was secured by the
government from the Indians was accpiired by the treaty at Grouseland (near
Vincennes), August 21, 1805. This includes a triangular tract in four town-
.ships, as follows: Ray (section 15. and fractional sections 10, 16 and 17) :
Butler (sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. 9. 11. 12. 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 33 and fractional
sections i, il, 28, 32 and 36) ; Brookville (sections 27, 34 and fractional sec-
tions 22, 23, 26 and 35) ; Highland ( fractional sections 3. 10 and 15).
It was the purchase of the third tract of land which led directly to the
•organization of Franklin county. This was the Twelve-mile Purchase, which
-was concluded bv Harrison at Fort Wayne. September 30. 1809. This tract
H./l.
7® I-RAXKLIX COC.VTV. I.VDI.WA.
included a .slrip twelve miles in uidili. lyin- west of the [795 treatv line. It
entered l-rnnklin cunuv at the M.uth in .ection _'_>. Ray township, and passed
out of the county in M.Ttion 'r r,f I'oscy township. It is the second largest
tract in the munty n hich ^'.as purrhnserl from the Indians and includes all of
Bloominy finne. Aletamora and Laurel townships, as well as the greater por-
tion of Salt Creek and Ray tou nshipv There are also jtart of Cutler. Hrook-
ville and INjsey townships within this tract.
The fourth and last Indian cession, which includes a part of Tranklin
county, was concluded at St. Mary's. Octr.her 2-6. rS;,S. This ],urcha.se from
the Indians included the largest tract ni laud which was ever secured from
them in Indiana and is known in history as the Xew Purcha>e. There are
only parts of three townshijjs in Franklin county which fall within this fourth
tract, namely. Ray. Salt Creek and Po^ey.
The Twelve-mile Purchase of iNoo practically doubled the area of Dear-
born county and. as has been previ<<usly stated, led directly t., the division of
the county and the formation of Franklin and Wavne out of its northern
half. When the territorial Legi^latur- met at \'incenne.s. on X.jvember 12,
1810. there was present a group of men wh.i were desirous of organizing vxo
new counties out of Ucari)orn and Clark, these counties being Franklin and
Wayne. Solomon .Manwaring ^vas a councilor from Dearborn count\- and
the same man who had sur\eyed Brookville in 1S08. One of the three' terri-
torial representatives from Dearborn comity was John Templeton. who re-
sided in what is now Franklin county. It is safe to presume that Amos
Butler and others interested in Brookville real estate and business enterpri.ses
were either present themsehes or had able representatixes to look after their
interests. At least within fifteen days after the Le-islature had met fXo-
vember 27, iSio) Franklin county was created. Templeton. who was. by
the way, a son-in-law of Robert Flauna. had the honor of giving the new
county its name. As originally estabh^hed. the countv included all^the terri-
tory between the Ohio line on the east and the Twelve-mile line of 1809 on
the west. The southern limits of the county have never been changed, but
as It was organized in 18 10 it extended nine miles further north and Tncluded
a large part of w hat is now b'ayette and L-nion counties. The act estabIi^hincr
the county is as follows : "
"Section i. Be it enacted, etc.. that from and after the hr^t day of
February. 181.. all that part of Dearborn and Clark counties which is in-
cluded m the following boundaries shall form and constitute two new coun-
ties; that IS to say. beginning at the corner of townships 7 and 8 on the line
of the State of Ohio; thence north until the same arrives at Fort Recoverv •
'I '■ . ..-!;;i )>
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 79
thence irom I'orl Recovery soulluvarflly with the Hue of the western bound-
ary of the purchase made at I'urt Wayne in the year 1809, until the same
intersects tlie northern hounchiry of the purchase made at Grouseland : thence
northwardly with the ]i\v- of tlie la>t named purchase until the same arrives
at a point where a (kie east-and-we.>l line will strike the cr^rner of town 7
and 8 on the aforesaid state of Ohi<j line.
"Section j. That the tract of country included within the aforesaid
boundary he and the same hereby is divided into two separate and distinct
counties by a line bei^innin.c^ at the corner of towns 1 i and u. on the line of
the state of Ohio, and from tlience west until it shall intersect a line of the
western boundary of the before-mentioned purchase <>f l-\jrt W'avne : and
that from and after the first day of February, 181 1. the tract of country
falling within the s(JUtlKTn dixision there(;f hhall be known and designated as
the county of I'ranklin, ar.d the northern division lhere(jf shall be known and
designated by the name and style of the county of Wayne.
"Section 3. That for the ])urposc of fixin*,^ the ])ermanent .seat of
justice in and for the .-aid count)' of l-'ranklin. James .\dair, Uavid Hover and
Elija!'! Sparks be and they are hereby ajipointed C(jninn\sioner> whose dutv it
shall be to convene at the town of }>rookville, in the said countv <if bVanklin.
on or before the first Monday (jf May next, and beinj^ first duly sworn to
discharge the duties enjoined on them by this act without favor, affection or
partiality, before some justice of the peace of said county, legallv commis-
sioned, shall proceed to fix on the most convenient and eligible place for the
permanent seat of justice for the same.
"Section 4. That so soon as the place for holding the courts for said
county shall be established agreeably to the above .section, the judges of the
court of common pleas for the said county shall immediatelv proceed to erect
the necessary public buildings for the same at such place, in the .same manner
as is required by law in other counties ; and after the public buildings are so
erected, the court of said county shall adjourn to the .said place at their next
term after the same sliall be completed, which shall become and is herebv
declared to be the permanent seat of justice of the said countv of Franklin."
THE COUNTY SEAT.
There was pnjbably no ([uestion Init that P)rookville would lie selected
as the county seat, although there is a tradition to the effect that the town
of Fairfield indulged in some county-seat aspiration. This tradition must be
the result of a disordered imagination, since at the time Fairfield was laid out
8'0 FRAXKI.IX COIXTV, IXDIA.NA.
in 1815 there w.'is hciiii,' coiiiijlctcl at llrook^illc what was probably the I>est
court house in the state at the time. It i:-, true that Fairheld was nearer the
center of the county as it was originally laid out and that it was the center ot
the liea\iest |)opulatioh oi the count\- in r8ri. f-fowevcr. as soon as Drook-
ville was selected as the count}- seat in iSii there could certainly have l>een
no hope on the part of those who w i^hed the seat of justice placed at what was
later Fairfield. Scores of ln<hana counties have had difficulty in gcttin.i,' the
county seat located, hut hrankhn county has never exi)erienced any trouble
along this line.
Franklin county secured its present territorial limits as a result ni three
separate legislative acts, hayette county was organized by the act of Decem-
ber 28, 1818, and began its independent career un the first day of the follow-
ing year. This took off a strij) nine miles wide lying between the Twelve-
mile line of i8og and the line dividing. The erection c^f Union county by the
legislative act of January 5, i8ji, took off a tract nine miles wide lying be-
tween the Ohio line and b"a\ette county. The third legislative act which
helped to define the present limits of the county was passed as result of the
New Purchase of October, 1818. A triangular strip about two miles and a
half wide and sixteen miles long was added to Franklin c(nmty by the Legis-
lature of 1823 and on February 11. of that year, the commissioners oi the
•county attached it to P(jsey township. The organization of the various town-
ships of the county is given in detail in the separate chapter dealing with the
townships. Unfortunately, the first records of the countv are missing and
there is no way of telling w hat the limits of the first townships were, although
it seems certain that Brookville. Posey and Bath were the first three town-
ships.
There is no way of knowing how many people lived in Franklin countv
when it was organized on I'ebruary i. 1811. It is fair to presume that there
were at least five thousand people in the county; the census of 1815 credited
the county with 7,370 people and a voting population of 1.430. At this time
Franklin county was second only in population to Knox and had thirtv-nine
more voters than that county. By 1820 Franklin county had increased to a
population of 10.703 and at that time was the third in the state in population,
being surpassed by Wayne (12.119) ^"d Dearborn (11.468.) During the
■next decade Franklin county passed through a terrible crisis and hundreds
of its best people left tlie county, yet the census of 1830 gave it a population
■of 10,990. However, it was still fcmrth out of the sixty-two counties then
organized, being passed by Wayne (18,589). Dearborn (13.955). ^"tl Jef-
ferson (11,465). The census of Franklin county by decades since 1880 is as
follows :
ERS VILLE
/?0OK VI /LLE
<► /
VYbi'iT-E /Watc
L/m lO r(
Baxh
y
Fram HLIN CoLinTY orn J'uu-Y lla, lSl(a
Trj\mklim CouN-ry o/N May '2., IB/ 7.
FRANKLIN COfNTY, INDIANA. 8l
Townships. 1880
Bath 754
Blooming Grove 795
Brookville 2.525
Brookville town r.809
Butler t.402
Fairfield 818
Highland 1.827
Cedar Grove
Laurel 1.866
Laurel town
Metamora 1,040
Posey 1,034
Ray 2.47S'
Oldenburg
Salt Creek 1.247
Springfield i .464
]Mt. Carniel -_
White Water 1,446
THE FIRST YEAR OF STATEHOOD.
1890
1900
1910
658
557
604
664
^>53
65 r
2 242
1,961
1.722
2,028
2.037
2,169
1.243
1 .07.3
876
^V-4
601
553
1.509
i.3'7
I,IM
185
1,760
1.4 1 2
1.209
600
503
928
712
^m
882
810
7K->
2,224
2,122
2.017
690
957
95^'
i^^73
849
699
1,224
1 . 1 30
1. 118
142
^5?>
T42
1.237
1.154
I . r 50
The voters of Franklin county exercised their rights of franchise for
the first time in the state of Indiana, .\ugu.st 5. i8r6. At this time all town-
ship, count\- and national officers were voted for by the electors of the
countv. The following is a summary of the election of August 5. 1816:
Governor —
Jonathan Jennings 506
Thomas Posey 53
Lieutenant-Governor —
Christopher Harrison 463
John \'awter 69
Congress —
William Hendricks 449
Allen D. Thorn 40
State Senator- —
William H. Fads 278
John Conner , 237
(6)
82 FRANKI-IX CULXTY, INDIANA.
State Representative —
James Xi)ljle 518
David Almiiits 320
Arehibald Cjuthrie 133
James Young \ 197
Coroner —
James Brownlee 422
Joseph Northrup 112
Sheriff-
Robert Hanna 426
John Allen 118
It will be noted tliat five hundreil and fifty-nine votes were cast for gov-
ernor, this being the largest numlier of votes cast for any one official. In
addition to the ofticials aliove listed, tlie electors voted for justice of the peace
and county commissioners, but the record of the vote on these has not i)ceii
found. The county treasurer, listers, pound kee[)ers, collector of county and
state revenue, road sujjervisors, fence viewers, o\erseers of the poor, inspec-
tors of flour and p<jrk and constables were appointed.
Court procedure was materially changed by the 1816 Constituti(jn and
was really made simpler. The circuit court was placed in charge of a presi-
dent judge, elected l)y the state Legislature, and two associate judges, elected
by the various counties. In 18 16 there were only three circuits in the state,
for at that time there were only fifteen ccmnties in the state. The clerk of the
court was appointed by the Legislature f(jr a term of seven }ears. The old
county court was abolished and its duties placed in the hands of a ijoard of
three commissioners ; the common ])leas court was absorbed by the circuit
court, or rather the duties of the old circuit and common pleas courts were
performed by the new circuit court.
The first circuit court under the new constitution met in March. 181 7,
with John l>st as president judge and John Jacobs and John Hanna as asso-
ciate judges. Enoch McCarty and Robert Hanna were clerk and sheriff,
respectively, of the court. The grand jury was composed of (>eorge Rudicil,
John Stevenson, Stephen Gregg, Powell Scott. Samuel Arnet. Solomon Shep-
perd, Ebenezer Howe, John Miller. Thomas Clark, Michael Cline. \\'illiam
Evans. Jacob Sailors. John Hawkins, Samuel ]\lcCowe. Thomas W'ainscott,
Israel W. Pionham, Thomas William. ]'A\n Case and Michael C. Snell.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 83
A QUARTKT 01- PI(;iMSTIC LAWYERS.
A history of the courts and the lawyer.s would not he complete without
mention of the fistic cncoutiters of some of the followers of Black.stone. Xot
all of their lashings were intlicted I)y their tongues, since it appears from the
court records that their fists were fre(|uently called into action. In the sprinjj
of 18 1 7 four of Brookville's lawyers got tangled up in a series of arguments,
which finally brought them before the bar of justice. James McKinney and
Miles C. Eggleston were the first pugnacious couple to stage an encounter.
Records are not available to show the fight by rounds, but the court records
say that they were Ijrought before the curt, pleaded not guilt}', and asked
for a trial by jury. Whether they got fi\e dollars' worth of satisfaction out
of their encounter is not known, but it took that much to satisfy the court.
The other pair of local attorneys to wage a personal combat in the spring of
1 81 7 was James Noble and Stephen C. Stephens. They, too. met on the field
of battle and were later fined five dollars for engaging in such bellicose activi-
ties. As has been mentioned before, fighting was a very common oft'eiise in
the early history of the county; Init this is to be noted — the followers of the
sport invariably used nature's weajjons and very seldom was the knife or gun
called into action. A lost of the legal business for the first two or three \ears
in the county was in the hands of Hendricks, Noble, Mclvinney. Stephens,
Eggleston and Lane. Of course. Noble and Hendricks were in Congress
while it was in session, and this fact undoubtedly made them the highest-
priced lawyers of the county.
The Constitution of i8i6 placed the general affairs of the county in the
hands of the Ijoard of three commissioners and this board assumed all the
duties performed by the old territorial county court. The first board of com-
missioners was composed of Enoch D. John, Samuel Riickafellar and James
Wilson and met in L'>rook\ille for the first time, February lo. 1817. Their
first action was to define the limits of si.x townships which had been previously
organized, namely : \\'hitewater. Brookville, Posey, Bath, Union and Con-
nersville. The definition of the limits of these townships and the ordering
of an election in each township for justices of the peace was all the busin.ess
transacted by them at their first session. Changes in township boundaries
and the creation of new townships continued down until Septemlier 5, 1S49.
when the last two townships, Butler and ]\Ietamora, were organized. .All of
these changes are set forth in detail in the history of the various townships.
Generally speaking, tiie main work of the commissioners during the
84 . FRANKI-IN COLXTV, IXinAXA.
early history uf the county was ccjncenied witli tlic laying out of roads, the
appointment of petty (^tficials and the issuance of licenses to tavern and store
keepers. There was not much liti.i,'ation in either the circuit or conitnission-
ers' court and if a mathematical conchision is permissible, the hi'^torian. after
a perusal of tiie records, ventures to assert that four-tifth.-> of tlie civil cases
were for tnisdemeanors. such as trover, covenant, trespass and deht. In
1817 the commi-^sirmers' records speak oi a man who is confined in a jail for
debt. In those days the ,t;Mssiper had to be <)n lier guard, since any charge she
might make against one of lier neiglilx.rs wa>> very apt to bring her into ccnirt.
In 1817 a woman, whose rei)Ulation was not of the best, was accused bv one
of her neighliors of being, among oth.er things, a thief, anrl she ])roniptly
brought suit and her defamer was ordered to jiay her eight hundred dollars
to satisfy her wounded feelings. 'I'lie man falsely accused of li<jg-stealing
collected all the way from one to twr* thousand dollar^ if his accuser was
unable to prove the charge. One is led to think that such dra>tic acti(jn would
prove an excellent thing in kji^ e\en as it did a hundred year> ago.
C0NSTiTUTio.\.\r. cox\i:.\Tioxs OF 1816 AX[) 1850.
Franklin comity had been in e.xisteiice five years when Indiana was ad-
mitted to the Union and had had members in the territorial Legi^-lature of five
different sessions, namely, the sessions beginniiig as follows: Xovember 12.
i8ii; February r, i8f3; December 6, 1813: August 15, 1814: December 4,
1815. The count}- was ably represented in the Legislature from the begin-
ning and when the constitutional convention of t8i6 met at Corvdon on
June ro, Franklin count}' had ii\e of the alilest men who sat in that body.
These were \\'illiam H. Fads, a mem])er of the committee on impeachments:
Rol)ert Hanna, Jr.. a member of the committee on constitutional revision and
militia: James Xoble, a meml)er of the committees on judicial and legislative
matters and militia : James FJrownlee, a member of the committee on executive
functions: Fnoch ^TcCarty. a member of the committee on the distribution of
powers in the government, and on militia. Two of these men later became
United States senators from Indiana, Xoble and Hanna. X'oble served from
1816 to 183 1, dying in the middle of his third term, and his lifelc>ng friend.
Hanna. was appointeil by the governor to fill out his unexpired term.
Franklin county was represented in the constitutional convention which
met at Indianapolis. October 7. 1850. and remained in session until I'ebruary
10, 185 1. During the eighteen weeks that this con\ention had been in session,
there had been little else talked about. A new instrument of government was
I'KANKI.IX COt/NTV, INDIANA.
8;
produced, which, while it was a i^reat improvement upon the C(jii.-.titution of
1816, yet cannot he c.jnsidercd as a c^reat constitution. .\n effort was made
hy referendum vote in the fall of 1914 to call a constitutional convention, but
an adverse vote was returned.
LAND ENTRIKS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY IN THIi OHIO SURVEY.
In the recorder's office at Brookvillc is preserved the tract book contain-
ing all of the entries of the Ohio survey. This includes all of the land
in the county between the treaty line of 1795 and the Ohio hue. '1 here is
probably no more interesting old volume in the court hotise tlian liiis, for here
may be seen the names of each entry, the date of same, the number of acres
entered, the number of the final certificate and the exact location by -ection,
township and range. The sections varied in size from one hundred and two
to one hundred seventy-one acres, the greater portion of tliem ranging from
one hundred forty-six to one hundred sixty-one acres. The list here given is
arranged by vears rather than l)y sections, as is given in the original tract,
book :
Tozvnship 8, Range i, IVcst.
1803 — Benjamin McCarty, sec. 32.
1804 — Isaac Levy, sec. 29.
1805 — Aljraham Pledsoe. sec. 2; William VanMeter, sec. 35: Joseph
Siers, sec. 11.
1806 — Henry Ramey, sec. 13; Benjamin McCarty, sec. 18; Xathau Por-
ter, sec. 19; John Allen, sec. 29; Samuel Moore, sec. 10.
1807 — Michael Rudicil. sec. 26; John Sailor, sec. 18.
1808 — Moses Wiley, sec. 9; William Ramey, sec. 24; John Caldwell,
sec. I.
1809 — Samuel Moore, sec. 10; Elmore William and Leon Sayre, sec. 19.
18 10 — Jones & Vanblaricum.
181 1 — Benjamin Abraham, sec. i; John Allen, sec. i; John Allen, sec.
2; William McDfMinel, sec. 6; Allen Spencer and James Wiley, sec. 11;
William Remy. sec. 11; John Cloud, sec. 12; Thomas ^McQueen, sec. 13;
Thomas jMcQueen. sec. 14: John \^anblaricum, sec. 29.
1812 — James and John Caldwell, sec. 2; Thomas Milholland. sec. 6;
David and Eli Penweli. sec. 12; Joseph Williams, sec. 12; John Sater, sec.
12; Peter Hann, sec. 14; John Standsbury. sec. 23: Henry Sater. sec. 24;
James Remy, sec. 25.
18 1 3 — William Wilson, sec. 3; James Milholland, sec. 6; William Rus-
;i;://
86 fKAXKI.IX COrXTV. INDIANA.
ter, sec. lo; William IJ. and John S. Allen, sec. ii; George Rudicil, sec. 17;
Jonathan Hunt, sec. 19; John Standsbury, sec. 23; John Larrison, sec. 23;
Joseph Summers, sec. 24; John Foutch, sec. 27; Samuel Weber, sec. 28;
William Remy, sec. 35; Israel Davis, sec. 35; Israel Davis and Frederick
Shotty, sec. t,^.
1814 — John Wolley, sec. i; Silas W'oolley, sec. 2; William Well, sec.
3; Joseph Siers, sec. 4; Prince Jenkins, sec. 5; Prince Jenkins, sec. 6; John
Welch, sec. 7; Mathew Sparks, sec. 10; William Siers. sec. 10; John Wood,
sec. i^; James Finle\'. sec. 14; James Remy, sec. 24; Morris Sealey, sec.
25; John Hays, sec. 25; James Gold, sec. 25; James Remey, sec. 26; Caleb
Keeler, sec. 26; Lemuel Snow, sec. 2~ ; Lemuel Snow. Jr., sec. 2/; Lemuel
Snow, sec. 2'/: John \'an1)laricuni, sec. 2^: Lemuel Snow, sec. 28: Georqe
Larrison, sec. 2S ; Xathan Richardson, sec. 33: Henry fiarncr. sec. 34; Ab-
ner Conner, sec. 34: Andrew Bailey, sec. 36: Robert M. Seely, sec. 36.
181 5 — James Stewart, sec. 3; Mathew Sparks, sec. 4; James Montgom-
ery, sec. 4; Jonathan Winn, sec. 7: Joshua Quile, .sec. 9; Fbenczer Lewis,
sec. 9; Joshua Quile, sec. 9; Isaac S. Swearingen, sec. 15: Isaac S. Swear-
ingen, sec. 15; David K. Este and Andrew Bailey, sec. 17: William Hudson,
sec. 18; Isaac Swearingen, sec. 22; Israel Da\ is, sec. 2^: William Smith and
Simon Gulley, sec. 26: John H. Rockefellar. sec. 31: 1. and William Wat-
kins, sec. 2^: Ralph Wildrige, sec. t,t,: William Lewis, sec. 36: Joseph Hoop
and Michael Flowers, sec. 36.
1816 — Hugh Moore, sec. 8: James anrl Josiah Lowers, sec. 14: Manuel
Chambers, sec. 17; Oliver Benton, sec. 18: Joseph Peter, sec. 20; Thomas
Clark, sec. 20; J^Iichael Rudicil, sec. 21; Richard Hubble, sec. 22; Thomas
Mannering, sec. 31 ; James Jones, sec. 31.
1817 — William Burke, sec. 3: Abiah Hays. sec. 19; Joseph Hamion,
sec. 20; Benjamin George, sec. 21; Richard Flubble. sec. 22; Robert Mc-
Koy and George M. Brown, sec. 30; James Jones, sec. 30; Robert McKoy
and George M. Brown, sec. 30; Alexander Abercrombie, sec. ^t,.
1818 — William Lemmon, sec. 4: Peter B. ^^lilespaugh, sec. 5: Jacob Fel-
ter, sec. 5; Stephen Craig, sec. 5; William Lowes, sec. 15; Philip Yost. sec.
17; Ralph Reiley. sec. 33; Benjamin Lewis, sec. 34.
1819 — John Siely, sec. 15; John IVIcComb, sec. 20.
Tozvnship 9, Range i, IVcst.
1803—
1804 — John Ramey and Robert Scantland, sec. 27; John Ramey,
sec. 28.
180S—
FRANKLIN' COL'NTV, INDIANA. 87
1806— James Heath, sec. 28; William Cloud, sec. 31; John Coulter
and William Rail, sec. 33.
1807— Edward White, sec. 23; Thomas Morgan, sec. 24; Dennis
Duskey, sec. 29 ; J.jhn Crowel, sec. 32 ; John Clendining, sec. 33.
1808 — Andrew Shirk, sec. 13.
1809— Richard Kolb, sec. 18: Philip Wilkins, sec. 24; Samuel Hamil-
ton, sec. 21.
1810 — Adam Reed, sec. 5: Daniel Reed, sec. 6; Daniel Reed, sec. 7;
Moses Reardon, sec. 14.
181 1 — James Ferrel, sec. 3; Stephen Gardner, sec. 3; James McCaw,
sec. 3; Daniel Currie, sec. 4; Gideon Wilkinson, sec. 4; Philip Jones, sec.
9; Gideon ^^'ilkinson, sec. 9; Gideon Wilkinson, sec. 9; Cornelius Wiley, sec.
10; Samuel :McCray, sec. 10: William Ardery. sec. 14: William McDonald,
sec. 19; Richard Cockey, sec. 20; Robert Luse, sec. 22; William Arder>-,
sec. 23; Josiah Beall, sec. 21 : Robert Fossert. sec. 34; Chester Harrel, sec. 35.
1812 — Charles Burch, sec. 2 ; Alexander Filford. sec. 2 : Henry Burget.
sec. 3; Lemuel Lemmon, sec. 4; William and Abraiiani Hetd.rick. sec. 7:
Thomas Osborn, sec. 8; William Amistrong-, sec. 9; Richard Colli\er, sec.
10; John Milner, sec. 10; Adam Carson, sec. 11; George Todd and James
McNutt, sec. 13; Moses Rardon, sec. 14; Thomas Seldridge, sec. 14: An-
drew Shirk, sec. 17; Walter Tucker, sec. 18; Thomas Gregg, sec. 20; Joseph
Cillev, sec. 23; Isaac Wood. sec. 25; Joseph Cilley, sec. 26: Stanliope Roy-
ster, sec. 26; Amos Atherton. sec. 27; Arthur Henrie, sec. 34.
1813 — Mathew Smith. Jr., sec. i ; Thomas Craven, sec. 2: William Xel-
■son, sec. 5 ; James Wood, sec. 5 ; Jonathan Stount. sec. 8 : Adam Mow. sec.
8; Bryson Blackburn, sec. 11 : Charles Cone, sec. 12; Charles Cone, sec. 12:
Elijah Atherton, sec. 15; Abraham Timberman, sec. 18; John and Christo-
pher Stroubel, sec. 18: W'illiam Clark and Stephen Gregg, sec. xg: Andrew
Shirk, Jr.. sec. 22 ; James Recs. sec. 23 : John McOuire. sec. 25 ; Ithamer
White, sec. 26; Robert Gray, sec. 26; Thomas Shaw, sec. 27; Jacob Fausset.
■sec. 27: Isaac Wamsley, sec. 28; Abner Leonard, sec. 29: Benjamin Hinds,
sec. 29; Joseph L. Carson, sec. 30; William Seal. sec. 31: James Seal. sec.
31; John Rees, sec. 34; Benjamin Wood, sec. 35: James McCord. sec. 35:
William Snodgrape, sec. 36: Jacob Hiday, sec. 36: Benjamin Abrahams,
■sec. 36.
18 1 4 — Samuel Bourne and Benjamin Crocker, sec. i ; Ezra L. Bourne.
■sec. I ; William Ferguson, sec. i : Jeremiah Abbott, sec. 2 : William P. Swett.
■sec. 4: AValter Tucker, sec. 6: John Wanderlick. sec. 6: Joiin Wanderlick.
■sec. 6; William Hetdrick. sec. 7: Joab Howell, sec. 7; Enoch D. John, sec
S.c.-^'-
88 FKANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
8; Lewis Bond, sec. 13; Mary Denny, sec. 13; Lewis Bond, sec. 17: Kebert
John, sec. 17; James (ioudie, sec. 19; P. S. Symmey (assigned to Joseph
Merrill), sec. 19; Richard Cockey, .sec. 20; John Carson, sec. 20; En<x;h D.
John, sec. 20; R(<l)erl Luse, sec. ii\ John Goldtrap. >ec. 25: John Chivini(t< 'n,
sec. 29; Jcjlin ['i)\\ors. sec. 31 : Zachariah Davis, sec. }^2\ .Me.v.ander I-'urgu-
son. sec. 2^1,; Christo])her Hansel, sec. 36.
1815 — Benoni Goble, sec. 15; Abner Goble, sec. 15; James Stcvvart. sec.
17; Thomas Reeds, sec. 20; Joseph Kingery, sec. 26; William F'.irljes. sec.
T.'j; Robert Pettycrew. sec. 31 ; James Stevens, sec. 33: David Jones, sec. }^}^;
Lemmuel Lemmon. sec. 35.
1816 — John Spear, sec. 10; James Dunn. sec. 20; John Ross. sec. 28:
Andrew Orr an.d John Hatfield, sec. 2S ; Samuel Huesion, sec. 33: Robert
Ross, sec. 34; Samuel Huston, sec. 34: William Ruffin (assigned to John
Pitman), sec. 35; Rphraim Tucker, sec. 35.
181 7 — John Sunderland, sec. 28; John Sunderland, sec. 28.
TozvnsJiip 8, Range 2, West.
1804 — Williain Arnett. sec. 4 ; James McCoy, sec. 4.
1805 — Leth Goodwin, sec. 2 ; James Adair, sec. 3 : William Wilson. ,-,ec.
3 ; John Milholland. sec. 3 ; Samuel and Charles Scott, sec. 3.
1806 — William Henderson, sec. 4; Anthony Halberstadt, sec. ic.
1807 — Allen Ramsey, sec. 14.
1808 — No entries.
1809 — No entries.
1810 — John Quick, sec. 2: John Connor, sec. 11 ; John Connor, sec. 13;
John Connor, sec. 14.
181 1 — Briton Gant, sec. i; William Lynes, sec. 4; William Helm, sec.
13; Thomas Clark, sec. 13; Stephen Goble, sec. 14.
1812 — John Leforge, sec. 10; John Schank, sec. 11.
1813 — Henry Case, sec. 2; John Stafford, sec. 6; Elliott Herndon. sec.
6; Samuel Ca.se, sec. 10; Moses Cougar, sec. 12; George Singherse, sec. 12:
Lesmund Basye, sec. 8.
1814 — Thomas Milholland. sec. i: John Quick, sec. 2: John Hale and
Lewis Deweese, sec. 5 : Nathan Henderson, sec. 7 ; William Jackman. sec.
12; Nathaniel Henderson, sec. 18: Edward Carney, sec. 26: William Ram-
sey, sec. 26; John Mercer, sec. 27: Nicholas Pumphrey, sec. t^^i'- Nicholas
Puniphrey. sec. 34; Daniel Harty. sec. 35.
1815 — William H. Eads, sec. i: David Gayman, sec. 5; Ryleigh Wood-
FKAXKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 89
worth, sec. 9; Timothy and Ansclin Parker, sec. 12; Robertson Jones, sec.
25 ; WilHani Fread, sec. 26.
1816 — Thcjmas Henderson, sec. 5; Solomon Allen, sec. 5; Solomon
Shephard, sec. 8; Daniel tloshrook, sec. 8; Harvey Bates, sec. 8; John and
Jacob Hacklenian, sec. 9; Jolm Fugit, sec. 11; Jolm Ward, sec. 13; John
Jasen, sec. 14; John W. Morrison, sec. 17; Peter Priff)gle. sec. 18: Corbly
Hudson, sec. 25 ; Eli Brooks, sec. 27.
1817 — Samuel C. Vance, sec. 6; Stephen Butler and E. P. Smith, sec.
7; Adam Nelson, sec. 9; James and John Andrew, sec. 9; Zachariah Co<^ksy.
sec. 10; David E. Wade, sec. 17; John Hays, sec. 23; Jacob Hays, sec. 2^;
John B. Chapman and James Price, sec. 24 ; John Ayers, sec. 24 ; John Page,
sec. 24; William Knowley, sec. 25; Levi Fortner, sec. 26; Samuel Price, sec.
27; Reuben Clearwater, sec. 2-- J<"jbn Halberstadt, sec. 32; Samuel Price
and William Mints, sec. 35 ; William Mints, sec. t,^.
1818 — John Stafford, sec. 17; George W. Matthews, sc-c. 19; Nicholas
Longwbrth, sec. 20; Robert Douglass, sec. 22; William Cummings. sec. 27;
Uzziah Kendall, sec. 28 : John Atkinyon and William \\'alkcr. sec. 28 ; Brad-
bury Cottrell and Joseph ^IcCafferty. sec. 28; William Stephenson, sec. 29:
Phineas J. Johnson, sec. 29; Job Harrison, sec. 29; John Davis, sec. 29:
Charles Flarrison, sec. 30; Henry Dougherty, sec. 30; George W. Shank.
sec. 31 ; Corbly Fludson, sec. 36.
1819 — Jonathan "Moore, .sec. 19; Edward Blackburn,, sec. 31: William
Davis, sec. ^2 ; Joshua L. Sparks, sec. 36.
Township 9, Ra)igc 2, JVcst.
1804 — Robert Templeton. sec. 4: James Taylor, sec. 9: Thomas Wil-
liams, sec. 19; Amos Butler, sec. 20; John Ramey, sec. ^2; Solomon Tyner.
sec. 33 ; William Tyner, sec. 33.
1805 — Jobn Logan, sec. 9; John .Allen, sec. 29; Amos Butler and Jesse
B. Thomas, sec. 29; Samuel Arnet, sec. 32; Thomas Henderson, sec. ^2:
Thomas Henderson, sec. 32 ; John Brown, sec. 33.
1806 — Agness Taylor, sec. 3 ; William Henderson, sec. 8 : David Bell,
sec. 8; John Vincent, sec. 19; Amos Butler, sec. 20; Amos Butler, sec. 20;
Amos Butler, sec. 29 ; Abraham Hackleman. sec. 34.
1807 — Solomon Tyner, sec. 2j.
1808 — James Knight, sec. 17; John Kennedy, sec. 19; John Norris, sec.
19; Amos Butler, sec. 20: Benjamin McCarty, sec. 21; James Moore, sec.
30; John Penwell. sec. 31.
1809 — No entries.
90 FR.WKI.I.V CDCXTV, IXDIANA.
1810 — Tliomas Skinner, '-cc. 7; James Kniglit and Joscpli McGinnis,
sec. 17.
181 1 — Joseph Thor]). sec. 8; J(isci:)h Uareknian, sec. 10; Jacob Crai^.
sec. 11; James Knic;lit, Jr., sec. 17: William Barr and William Kiift'iii. sec.
17; Amos Butler, sec. 21: .\rtiuir Ilenrie, sec. 25; Davifl Penwell. sec. 27;
Micajah Parke, sec. 28; James Mc^^iinnis and James Xoble. sec. 2^\ Rucjgles
Winchill, sec. 28; John Kennedy, sec. 28; Thomas Williams, sec. 30; John
Richardson, sec. 33; John Collins and William McCoy, sec. 34; Georg'c An-
thony, sec. 35.
1812 — Lismunfl Bas}e, sec. 3; Ruhert Ttni])!et<)n, sec. 4: Anthony Hal-
berstadt. sec. 22.
1813 — Robert Glidwell, sec. 3; Lesmund Bayse. sec. 8: James Log^an.
sec. 10; Carson & Love, sec. 2;^; Andrew Reed, sec. 25: James Goudie. sec.
25 ; Charles Vancamp. sec. 35.
1814 — Richard Keene. sec. 30: .Vrchiljald Falb<>ti, sec. 30; Jubn Molli-
day, sec. 30; David McCiaumhey. sec. 34: Robert Blair, sec. 35.
1815 — John Smith, sec. 5; Alexander Tilford. sec. ri: Thomas Bond,
sec. 12; Enoch Buckingham, sec. 15; Enoch Buckingham, sec. 21: Stephen
Davis, sec. 29: Xixon Oliver, sec. ^2: Samuel Dui^ans. sec. 36.
1816- — George Rab, sec. 21: Samuel Stewart, sec. 28: George Wallace,
sec. 31 ; Henry R. Compton. sec. 7,2.
1817 — James Port. sec. 12: Peter and Elijah Updike, sec. 15: Samuel
F. and Jesse Hunt. sec. 15; Steijhen Craig', sec. 22: Cornelius Simonton.
sec. 22; Benjamin Blue, sec. 25; Benjamin Tucker, sec. 32.
Tozi'uship 10. Range i. West.
1805 — Abraham Miller, sec. 21; Daniel ^Miller, sec. 21; Daniel Hansel,
sec. 21 ; Christopher liansell ; John Miller, sec. 12.
1806 — Peter Davis, sec. 7; Peter Davis, sec. 8; William Crawford, sec.
13; Abraham Hamman, sec. 13; Jacob Rake, sec. 13; Samuel Howell, sec.
18; James Reedy, sec. 18: Joseph Nelson, sec. 18: Jonathan Copeland and
Tames Berry, sec. 19: James Crooks, sec. 24; Thomas Burke, sec. 26: Chat-
field Howell, sec. 30; Carmick Galligan and Hyren Campion, sec. 30; Wil-
lard Dubois, sec. 30 ; Chattield Howell, sec. 30.
1807 — Abraham Durst, sec. 12: Abraham Lee, sec. 36.
1808 — John Deiiman. sec. 13; Samuel Ayers. sec. 19: Abraham Jones.
sec. 36.
1809 — William Dinniston. sec. 14; James Baxter, sec. 2^\ John Harper,
sec. 25 ; James Baxter, sec./ 26.
FKAXKLI.V COUNTY, INDIANA. 9I
1810 — William l.capcr, sl-c. 10; John Miller, sec. 12; John Miller, sec. -
14; William Stephc-ns, sec. 14; Isaac Coon, sec. 14; Moses Maxwell, sec.
19; Joseph Lee. sec. 23; William Stephens, sec. 27; John and Chatfield
Howell, sec. ^j ; Andrew Conielison, sec. 32; David Gray, sec. 36.
181 1 — John McCluken, sec. 9; Thomas Harper, sec. 11; Flint & Gar-
ret, sec. 19; John I'lint, sec. 20; John Flint, Sr., sec. 20; James Ea.xter, sec.
25; John Moss, sec. 25; Benjamin Hargereder, sec. 31.
1812 — Morris Witham, sec. 8; Joshua Williams, sec. 8; Christopher
Smith, sec. 2^; Al)el Dare, sec. 29; Lemuel Lemmon, sec. 34.
1813 — John Ra}', sec. 7; James Currie, sec. 10; John Hilf;eld. .-ec. 18;
Jacob Rell, sec. 2t,; John Morris, sec. 26; ChristO[)her and George Hansel,
sec. 27; John Flint, Sr., sec. 29; Adam Nelson, sec. 31; Samuel Kain, sec.
32 ; Lemuel Lemmon, sec. ^t, ; William Goff, sec. 34.
1814 — James Ford}ce, sec. 7; William Coe, sec. 7; Christopher Smith,
sec. 8; John Kell. sec. 9; James and Thomas R. Smiley, sec. 9; William'
Denni-ston, sec. 9; Closs Thompson, sec. 10; David Black, sec. 11 ; John Mc-
Cord, sec. 17; Jonathan W. Powers, sec. 17; James Smith, sec. 17: Jacob
Bell, sec. 22; Christian Gerton, sec. 22; Joshua PLarris, sec. 27; Robert Bris-
bin, sec. 29; John W^ills, sec. i ; James Stevens, sec. 1 : Ezekiel and William
Powers, sec. i; Elias Baldwin, sec. 2; Jacob Stair, sec. 2; David Smith, sec.
2; John Tharp, sec. 5; W'illiam H. Eads, sec. 5; William ^Morris and Stacy
Fenton, sec. to; Richard Cockey. sec. 11 ; Peter Ambrose, sec. 12; William
Crooks, sec. 12; David Smith, sec. 13: James Wallace, sec. 13; John Allen,
sec. 14; John Allen and Benjamin IMcCarty. sec. 14: Andrew Bailey, sec. 14:
Benjamin McCarty and John Allen, sec. 15: Jonathan McCarty. sec. 15; Fir-
min Smith, sec. iS; William Butler, sec. 21: John Kelsey, sec. 22; David
Black, sec. 23 ; Amos Baldwin and Joseph Riche, sec. 25 : ArchibaUl Tal-
bqtt. sec. 26 ; Peyton S. Symmes. sec. 26 ; John Fledlcy. sec. 26 ; Isaac Kim-
my, sec. 27: Isaac K. Finch, sec. 2~ : Jacob Hetdrick. sec. 30: James Xoble.
sec. 30; Eli Stringer, sec. 31; Thomas Henderson, sec. 31: David Clear-
waters, sec. 31 ; John Collin, sec. 35; Mary Milholland. sec. 36; Aloses Finch,
sec. 36 ; Mary Milholland. sec. 36 ; Enoch McCarty. sec. 36.
181 5 — William Dubois, sec. i : Enoch Buckingham, sec. i : Enoch Buck-
ingham, sec. 3; Blaksslee Barns, sec. 9; Jacob ClearAvater. sec. 10; Enoch
Buckingham, sec. 11; Daniel Haymond. sec. 12; Jacob Stout, sec. 13:
Thomas Baldwin, sec. 13: Daniel G. Templeton. sec. 27,: David Graham, sec.
23; David Hays. sec. 24; Abel White, sec. 24: Enoch Thompson, sec. 24;
"Enoch Buckingham, sec. 24.
1816 — Robert Templeton, Jr., sec. 5; Peter Gerard, sec. 5; Robert Arch-
Q2 FRANKLIN COL'NTV, INDIANA.
ibald, sec. 6; Alexander Cnmining, sec. 14; Lewis Bishop, sec. 15; David E.
Wade, sec. 22; David Bradford, sec. 35.
i8j7_David Oliver, sec. 11; Samuel F. Hunt and William C. Drew,
sec. 21.
Tozvnsliip 10, Range 2, West.
1804 — Joseph Hanna, .sec. 9; James Taylor, sec. 9; William Logan,
sec. 28; Robert Templeton, sec. 28; Robert Hanna. sec. 28; Robert Hanna,
sec. 33.
1805 — John Ewing, sec. 17.
1806 — George Hollingsworth, sec. 9; George Hollingsworth. sec. 10;
William Dubois, sec. 11; John Dickeson. sec. 11; Alexander and Isaac Du-
bois, sec. 12; James Piper and Joel Williams, sec. 13: Jacob Bloyd. sec. 17;
Obadiah Estes, sec. 33; Robert Glidewell. sec. 34.
1807 — No entries.
1808 — Amiriah Elwell, sec. 12; Thomas O.sbourn. sec. 21.
1809 — Isaac and Benjamin Willson, sec. 21 ; Hugh Abernathy and Wil-
liam Rusing, sec. 21.
1810 — Thomas I. Norman, sec. 24.
181 1 — Jacob Dubois, sec. Ji; Daniel Willson, sec. 12: Clark Bates. r>ec.
13; John Flint, sec. 24; Robert White, sec. 24: Arcliil)ald :Morro\v. sec. 27;
Benjamin Nugent, sec. 27; Ralph Williams, sec. ^^2 ; Robert Hanna. sec. 33;
John Hornaday. sec. 34.
1812 — James Pipes, sec. 14; George Johnston, sec. 21 ; John Smith, sec.
23; William, Henry, Charlotte and. John Gibbs, sec. 24: James and Joseph
Stephens, sec. 36.
1813 — Thomas Hervey, sec. 29; John Dickeson. sec. 34; William Lnnes,
sec. 35 ; Jacob and Christopher Kiger. sec. 35.
1814 — Abraham Elwell, sec. 10: Reuben Scarlock, sec. 10: William
Coomes, sec. 12; Clark Bates, sec. 13: W'illiam Popenoe, sec. 14: John \\'hits-
worth and John Keeley, sec. 14: James Watters, sec. 20: Robert Green, sec.
23; Vincent Davis, sec. 23; Richard Freeman, sec. 25; Daniel Osborn. sec.
Daniel Powers, sec. 27; William Rusing. sec. 29; Joel Belk. sec. 29; Robert
Hanna. Jr.. and John Negent. sec. 32; Emery Hobbs. sec. 32: John Huttman.
sec. 33 ; Daniel Powers, sec. 35 ; Stephen Gardner, sec. 36 ; Aaron Frakes.
sec. 36; John Watty, sec. 36.
1815 — William Abernathy. sec. 10; Jacob Newkirk. sec. 14: John Reily.
sec. 23 ; David Powers, sec. 2T, ; Isaac Sellers, sec. 26 ; Thomas Powers, sec.
32 ; William Harvey, sec. 35.
'I'<\ < Hi
FRANKLIN' COC.VTV, INDIANA.
93
i8j6_Thomas Thomas, sec. 8: Mathew Brown, sec. 17; John F.sher.
sec. 20; Henry Todd, sec. 27; Isaac Buckley, sec. 29; David Erb, sec. 30.
i8i7_Thonias Oshorn, sec. 22: James Gordon, sec. 31.
i8i8-E7.ekiel Ruse. sec. 15; Wilie Powell, sec. 15; James Oshorn. sec.
15; William H. Kads. sec. 15; J^.nathan Basscti. .sec. 27.
Toivnship 9, Range 3, West.
1804-18 14— No entries.
1815-Isaac Fuller, sec. 12; William C. Drew and Isaac Eisbee. sec. I,
David Brown and Samuel C \'ance. sec. 13.
Township 10. Range 3, West.
1806-McCarty & Gilman. sec. 25 : Benjamin ^IcCarty. sees. 13-24: Sam-
uel F. Hunt and \\'illiam C. Drew, sec. 36.
Township 10, Range 11, East.
1804-1817—X0 entries.
1818-Nicholas Longworth, sec. 3: X. Longworth and Moses Brooks.
sec. 10.
Toivnship 11, Range 11. East.
1804-18 14— No entries.
181 5— Joshua Rice. sec. 36 ; Edmund Adams, sec. 24; Thomas Lindman.
sec. 25: Lyman B. House, sec. 35; George W. Jones atid George W. Hmds,
sec. 36.
TozvnsJiip 12. Range 11. East.
1 804- 18 14 — No entries.
i8i3_Robert Dickcrson. sec. 12; Robert Dickerson, sec. 13.
Township 10, Range 12, East.
I
1804-1816 — No entries.
181 7— William George, sec. 4: Nicholas Longworth and G. Taylor, sec.
7; William Steele, sec. 4.
Township 11, Range 12, East.
1804-1810 — No entries.
181 1— William Henderson, sec. 4; Eli Allen, sec. 9: Andrew bpencer,
sec. 9.
Q4 FRANKLIN COLNTY, INDIANA.
i8i2 — Alexander Speer, sec. 4.
181 3 — No entrie.s.
1814 — Isaac Step, sec. 4; ]<Am Campbell, sec. S: David Lewis, sec. 17;
Nathan Lewis, sec. 17; David Nelson, sec. 24; John Hawkins, sec. -'9; Bar-
tholomew Fitchpatrick, sec. 30.
iSj- — John Hawkins, sec. 4; Eli Allen, sec. 8; John Miller, sec. 17;
William Marlin, sec. 20; Jacob Burnet and A. Bailey, sec. 20; Joseph C. Feed-
er, sec. 30; Joseph C. Reedcr, sec. 30.
Township 12, Range 12, East.
1804-1810 — No entries.
1811 — Archibald Guthren, sec. 3; Samuel Garrison, sec. 3; William
Smith, sec. 3 ; Elijah Lynipus. sec. 3 ; James Agnis, sec. 9 ; Robert Russell,
sec. 9; William VanMeter, sec. 21 ; James McCoy, sec. 21 ; Hugh Brison. >ec.
22; James Russell, sec. 24; William Gordon, assigned to Thomas Curry, sec.
25 ; William Gordon, sec. 25 ; Artcma D. Woodworth, assigned to Charles,
sec. 26; Artema D. Woodworth, sec. 26; Artema D. Woodv.orih. .-ec. 26;
George Willson, sec. 26; John Connor, sec. 27; James W. Bailey, sec. 27;
George Crist, sec. 2y, Michael Manan, sec. 28; Eli Stringer, sec. ^^^ Jacob
Manan, sec. 34; William Floor, sec. 35; George Adams, sec. 35: George
Guiltner, sec. 36; John Reed, sec. 36; Larkin Sims, sec. 36: David ?\Iount,
sec. 36.
1812 — Henry Teagardeu, sec. 20: John Crist, sec. 21 ; John Brison. sec.
28; Michael Manan, sec. 34; David ^Immt, sec. 35.
1813 — James Thomas, sec. 10; James C. Smith, sec. 20: John Ferris,
sec. 27; John C. Harley, sec. 33; David Blount, sec. 34; John Senour. sec. 34.
1814 — Joseph Hoffner, sec. 2; Thomas Williams, sec. 4; William ]Maple,
sec. 9; Spencer and G. Wiley, sec. 10: Enoch Russell, sec. 17: Stephen Bul-
lock, sec. 30; Jonathan Webl), sec. 32; Jolin Ferris, sec. t^T)'- ^^ ilham Adams,
sec. 35.
181 5 — Edward Toner, sec. 9; Harvey Lockwood, sec. 11 ; Edward Brush,
sec. 14; Edward Brush, sec. 14; William Rundle, sec. 14; ^^'illiam Rundle.
sec. 14; Joshua Rice, sec. 17; Joshua Rice, sec. 19; Atwell Jackman, sec. 19.
Atwell Jackman, sec. 19.
1816 — John Arnold, sec. 10; Edward Brush and H. Lockw<^od. sec.
15; Ephraim Young, sec. 20; Hugh Brison, sec. 21 ; William Evans, sec. 22.
18 1 7 — Samuel Garrison, sec. 4; Thomas Williams, sec. 5; William Cox,
sec. 6: Horatio Mason, sec. 10; N. Harp. sec. 23; John Curr\', sec. 24: Artena
D. Woodworth, sec. 26: Hugh Brison. sec. 30.
FKANKLIN COl'XTV, INDIANA. 95
1818— Huj;]! Mead, sec. 2; Camp & Kellugg. sec. 5; Allen Simpson,
sec. 22 ; James and Solomon Cole, sec. 24; William Gordon, sec. 25.
18 19 — No entries.
1820 — No entries.
ig2i— William :\Iax\ve]l, sec. 29.
Tozvnship 11, Range 13, East.
1804-1810 — No entries.
1811— William Simes, sec. 2; William Bradley, sec. 3; John Neal, sec.
3; John Brown, sec. 3; William Wilson, sec. 3; Harvey Brown, sec. 4; Wil-
liam Arnett, sec. 4; Simpson Jones, sec. 4; Isaac Willson, sec. 5; William
Arnold, sec. 5; Alexander Miller, sec. 6; John Stafford, sec. 10; Henry Cal-
fee, sec. 10; Brown & Martin, sec. 11.
1812— David Mount, sec. 5; William George, sec. 6: Benjamin Salor,
sec. 6; Samuel Alley, sec. 7 ; David Alley, sec. 18; James Alley, sec. 10.
1813 — Jonathan Osborn, sec. 7.
1814— Eli Stringer, sec. 5; John Wells, sec. lo; Benjamin Smith, sec.
10; Cyrus Alley, sec? 18; Jonathan Allen, sec. 18; Elisha Cragun, sec. 19:
Peter Alley, sec. 30.
1815— William Willson, sec. 4; William Wilson, sec. 9; William Conn,
sec. 30.
1 8 16 — William B. Laughlin, sec. 17.
1817— James Hobbs, sec. 7; Amos Butler, sees. 14-23; Robert W. Hal-
sted, sec. 15; Edmund Adams, sec. 15; S. Butler and E. P. Smith, sec. 15;
Andrew Jackson, sec. 20: Aaron and Daniel G. Gana, sec. 21 : Eli Stringer,
sec. 21; WillianvC. Drew and Samuel Todd, sec. 21; Samuel F. Hunt and
William C. Drew. sec. 28.
1818— Caleb White, sec. 9; James Glenn, sec. 9; J. Carleton and Daniel
Brooks, sec. 22.
18 19 — Caleb Cragun, sec. 30.
Tozvnship 12, Raiigc 13, East.
1804-18 10 — No entries.
1811— Jacob Blacklidge, sec. 19: Ralph Williams, sec. 19; David Mount,
sec. 31; Richard Williams, sec. 31: Hezekiah Blount, sec. ^2: Hezekiah
Mount, sec. 32 ; William Willson. sec. 33 ; David Stoops, sec. SS-
1812— Solomon and Richard Manwaring. sec. 26; John Kyger, sec. 31;
Thomas Owsley, sec. 34.
i8i3_Josiah Allen, sec. 3; John Allen, Jr., sec. 4; John Price, sec. 10;
<)6 rKANKI.IX COUNTY, I.N'DIANA.
Alexander White, sec. 15; J. Curry aiul Benjamin Xorwell, sec. 15; Christo-
pher Swift, sec. 15: Henry Teagarden. sec. 21: Jacob Blacklidjje. sec. J3 ;
Chnrk's Collctt, sec. 24.
1814 — John Brcjwn. sec. i: Joseph Glenn, sec. 2: Tyler McW'harton.
sec. 2; Michael Kint,^er}-, sec. 3; Solomon Shepard, sec. 4: Ann D<ju<;herty.
sec. 4; Daniel Teagarden. sec. 5: John R. Beaty, sec. 5: Rhoda Crump, sec.
5; John R. Beaty, sec. 5; Caleb B. Clements, sec. 8: James Webb, sec. 10;
Thomas Sherwood, sec. 10; James Sherwood, sec. 10: William and James
Harvey, sec. 1 1 ; William Smith, sec. i r ; William Skinner, -ec. i i : John
Delany, sec. 14: Matthew h'arran ixnd Cicorgc W . Millis, sec, 13: Richard
Clements, sec. ly: Richard Williams, sec. 17; Joseph llughell, sec. jj : Thomas
Smith, sec. 27, ; Philip Riche, sec. 31 ; Thomas Owsley, sec. t,^.
1815 — Richard Dunkin, sec. 2; Samuel Steel, sec. 3: Elizabelhi Teagar-
den, sec. 3: John Riggs, sec. 8; William Richardson, sec. 8; John Riggs. sec.
9; James Fordice, sec. 9: James W^inden, sec. 9: Charles Harvey, sec. 1 1 : P.
Snowden and Peter Dunkin. sec. 12: Henry Bruce, sec. 23; Thoma> Slaugh-
ter, sec. 23: Corbly and M.-iry Hudson, sec. 35.
1816 — Samuel !McHenry, sec. 3: Emery Scotton. sec. 14: William Wil-
liams, sec. 22; Isaac Heward, sec. 24: Robert McKoy, sec. 2y: Robert ^[c-
Koy, sec. 34; Henry Teagarden. sec. 34.
1817 — Sarah Jones, sec. 6: William Jones, sec. 8: Malach.i Swift, sec.
14; Calvin Kinsley, sec. 20: Warren Buck. sec. 20: Peter Plinds, sec. 20: Cal-
vin Kinsley, sec. 21; Thomas Slaughter, sec. 22; William Harper, sec 22:
John ]Melone, sec. 28; Henry Hinds, sec. 28: Samuel Gustin. sec. 20: Jona-
than Chapman, sec. 30; Benjamin Gustin, sec. 30: Charles Collett, sec. t,^.
1818 — William M. Worthington, sec. (>: R. Gather, Sr,. and R. Gather.
Jr.. sec. 6: Xathan Youngs, sec. 7: Joseph Whitlock, sec. 7; Simon Vands,
sec. 14.
1819 — John Fisher, sec. ly.
1820 — Garret Jones, sec. 2j.
Township 13, Range 13. East.
1804-1810 — No entries.
181 1 — David, George and Jas. Mallack. sec. 2~ : Eli Stringer, sec. 2y ;
Thomas Henderson, sec. 2"/: Thomas Henderson, sec. 34; Thomas Hender-
son, sec. 34.
1812 — James and John Watters. sec. 34.
1813 — Obadiah Estes, sec. 26; Ebenezer Smith, sec. 35.
KRAXKLIX cor NT V, INDIANA. 97
1814— David Fallin, sec. 22; Elijah Corbiti, sec. 22; Thomas Stockdale.
sec. 22; William Beckett, sec. 23; Isaac M. Johnson, sec. 23; Robert F. Tay-
lor, sec. 26; Thomas Stockdale, sec. 27; John Mcllvain, sec. 35; Edward
Carney, sec. 35.
1815— James Morrow, sec. 22: John Fisher, sec. 23; John Campbell,
sec. 25; Simon Grist, sec. 26; Ebenczer Smith, sec. 34; Alexander Simes.
sec. 35.
18 16 — Abraham Louderback, sec. 36.
1817 — Rovvand and Amanda Clark, sec. 26.
TAX DUPLICATE Ol- 181I.
In a little paper-covered volume of eleven pages is recorded the four
hundred and sixty-seven taxpayers of Franklin county for iSli, ihe first
year of its existence. They are listed for taxation in alphabetical order,
their names being followed by the number of slaves and lior.ses which they
own, these being the only two kinds of property listed for taxation. Only
three slaves were returned, one belonging to John Hall and two to James
James. However, there were other ])eo])le in tlie county vAv> held slaves,
although they may have called them boiul servants, lliere were a total of
«ight luuidred fiftv-one horses listed for taxation, but the duplicate does not
■state the rate at which slaves and horses were taxed.
A.
David Alley, Dodridge Ally, George Adair, Hugh Abernathy, John
Andrews, John Ashur, Nathan Aldridge, Robert Ai^ernathy, Robertson
Ashur, Samuel Arnet, Eli Adams, Robert Adkison, Robert Adair, Joseph
Allen, John Allen, Jonathan Ally, Samuel Ally, James Adair, Benjamin
Abrahams, William Arnet.
B.
Amos Butler, Adam Banks. David Brown, David Boner. David Brad-
■ -ford, Hugh Brownlee, Isaac Blades, Peter Briggs, Samuel Brown, Thomas
Brown, William Brown, William Burns. Burrel Banister. Jo'.iu Brown. Jacob
Bake, Joseph Billings, Joel Belk, John Brown, Joshua Baker, Joseph Brown,
(then follow four ntimes which are not decipherable on account of the dog-
-eared corner of the page. The names are John, Reuban, James and Josiah).
David Bell, Jacob Blovd. William Buster. William Brown.
(7)
98 .FKANKI.IX COCNTY, IN.'MANA.
c
Daniel Cuniniini^Iiam. Rlijali Cason, George Cafce, Georg^e Cainhridge.
George Crist, Henry Cafee, James Conway, James Chambers, James Car-
wile, Levin Cambridge, Michael Clem, ALatthew Coy, Mary Carr. Xicliolas
Carter, Robert Carr. Stcidien Crain, Samuel Clark. Thomas Co<>k. 'I'homas
Carter, Thomas Cavender, Thomas Clark, William Cafee. William Cunning-
ham, William Crawford, Zachariah Cooksey, William Cross. John Creek.
John Crumwell, Richard Conner. John Clinton. John Claton, Richard Culp.
John Carson, John Collins, James Case, James Crorjks, John Clenflenin.
Jacob Cris, Joseph Carson, William Clark, William Carter.
D.
Alexander Dubois, (then follow two whose surnames only are given.
Arthur and George), Thomas Deweese, Peter Deter. Thomas Da\is. James
Davis, Jacob Dubois, John Dickeson, Joel Davis. Lewis Dewee<e. \\ illiam
Davis, William Dubois, Sarah Deniston, William Dcniston.
Adam Ely, Amaziah Elwell, David Ewing. Henry Eads. Obadiah Estes,
William Ewing, William Eads. Simon Ely, Samuel Ely, John Ewing. An'lrew
Endsly.
F.
Chilan Foster, George Fruits, George Fruits, George Frasier. Philip
Frake, Robert Flack, Samuel Fullon, John Fisher, James Freel. William
Ferrel, William Flood, John Fruits, James Fuller. John Fugit. Benony P'reel.
Aaron Frake, W. Frasier.
G.
Benjamin George, David Gray. Basil Gator, George Grigs. Henry
Gaines, James Greer, Nathan Garret, Robert Gret-n, Stephen Goble. Thomas
Goling, Thomas Gilam, David Goble, William Gross, Zachariah Gloun.
Thomas Grigs, James Grigs, John Gilluni, \\'illiam Glidewcll. Robert Gilde-
well, George Gittner, Jonathan Gillum, John Gurr. . John Garret. William
George, Jr., William George, Bretain Gant, James Greer.
H.
Abraham Hammun, Alexander Higgins, Anihony Holberstadt. Absalom
Hasty, Christopher Hansel, Charles Harvey, Chattield Hovveli. John Hanna.
■i ■- I.- : i
FKAXKI.IX CDJ'XTY, INPIAXA. 99
David fli)llini;.s\vnrtli, Daxid Han^'cl. IClijah Harper, Eli Henderson. Ezekiel
Hollingsworth. Elicot Heriidon, (ieorg-e Harland, Joshua Harland. Isaiah
Holingsworlii, Isaac HoHinirswHjrth, Jonathan Holingsworth, Jacob Holings-
worth, Joseph Holingsworth, John Hanna, Jf^ihn Henderson. Le\i HoUings-
worth, Nathaniel Hamilton, Xehemiah Harp.- Philemon Harvey, Richard
Hollingsworth, Robert Hanna, Robert Hcibs, Samuel Hanna. Samuel H.
Henry, Samuel Ilirnlcy, Thomas IIar\ey. Thomas Howe. Jacob Hcdrick.
William Holingsworth. James Harvey. Joseph Hanna. John Hall. Jacob
Hackleman, John Hackleman. John Hartly. John Hagerman. Jonathan Hunt.
William Hobs. William Higgs, W'illiam Henderson. William Huff. James
Hall, Stcj)hen Harrel, William Harrel. A])raham Hackleman.
J-
Daniel Johnson. F'ielding Jeter, Richard Jackman. Robinson Jones. Sim-
son Jones. Thomas Jack. John Jones, James Jones. James Johnson. James
James. John Jones. Jesse Jones, William Jackson, A\'illiam Julian.
. • K.
Cristy Kingery, John Kerr}-. Samuel Kingery. Willis Kelby. John Ken-
nedy, James Knight, John Kiger.
Aaron Line. Bennct Lankston. Berry Lyons, Charles Lacy, Abraham
Lee, George Leviston. George Lucas, George Love, Henry Lee. Henry
Lyons. Hanson Love. Isaac Lucas, Leonard Lewis, Pliilip Linck. Richard
Lyons, Samuel Lennen. Smith Lane. Samuel Logan. William Logan. Tohn
Lefforge. William Lyons, Ruben Lyons. James Logan. Joseph Lee. Samuel
Lee, Jacob Large, John Logan.
M.
Abraham Moyer, Benjamin ^IcCarty, Charles McLain. Charles Martin.
David Matlock. George ]\latlock. Daniel Miller, David Milton. Enoch
McCarty, Henry McCarsly. Hugh ^Morrison, Hugh McWhorter. James
Moore, Henry Mondy, John ^lanly, ■Mathew McClurkin. Martin ]\Iose"s. Pat-
rick McCarty, Richard Minner, Robert Alarshall, Stephen .Martin. Tobias
Miller. Thomas Millhollaud, Thomas Mathews. Valentine Mowerv. \\'i]liam
Manly, James McCoy. John Miller. Jolin Miller, Jr.. J()hn McKim, Jolm
Morrow, James Matlock, John Millholland, William }iIcClem. William
lOO FKAXKI.IX CO( XTY. IXDI.WA.
McCoy, William McCann, JdIiii Myers, William McDaniel, William McKim,
James Moore, Arcliihald Morrow.
N.
David Norris. Isaac Newhouse, John Norris, James Nichols, Samuel
Newhouse, William Nichols, William Norris, William Norris, Sr., Richard
Nichols, John Norris. Jr., John Niel.
Caleb Odle, Elijah Owen, Simon Odle, Thomas Osbcrn, Jonathan
Osborn.
P.
John Pennwell, David Pennwell, Henry Parker, Joshua Palmer, Jr..
Joshua Palmer, Sr.. Joshua Porter, Natiian Porter, James Putnam. William
Palmer, Jehu Perkins, James Price, Jacob Peters. John Philijjs. John Pat-
terson.
Q.
John Quick.
i R.
Abraham Robertson, Allen Ramsey, Charles Royster. Enoch Rusicl.
George Rudicil, Hugh Reed. James Remey, James Reed, :Moses Rearidon.
Nicholas Ragan, Peter Rifner, James Russel. Robert Ruson. James Robin-
son, Samuel Rockerfellar, Thomas Rash, Thomas Reed. \\"illiam Ruson.
"William Russel, John Richeson, James Robison. John Rockefellar, William
Ramsy, Robert Russel. Robert Royster. John Ryburne, John Reed. Joseph
Riply, John Russel, Stanhope Royster, John Richeson.
Andrew Speer, Benjamin Smith, Charles Scott, David Shark, David
Stoops, Elijah Stephens, Francis Stephens, Francis Stephens, George Sing-
horse, Henry Stephens. Isaac Swafford. Samuel Stephens. John Stapleton.
Larkin Sims. Levi Sailors, Michael Sailors, Powell Scott, Thomas Skinner.
Robert Swan. Samuel Shannon. William Sparks, William Shannon, Thomas
Sailors, Jesse Scott. Jacob Sailors, Richard Smith. Reuben Scurlock. Joel
Scott, John Stafford, James Stephens. Sr.. Joseph Stephens. James Stephens,
John Shaw. Seward Simon. Joseph Sires, Joseph Seal, James Seal, John
Sailor, James Stuckey, William Simons, William Skinner. Thomas Skinner.
Jr., Andrew Shirk, Andrew Shirk. Jr.
,1 ■f„J
FRANKLIN COLNTY, INDIANA. lOI
T.
Agnes Taylor, Charles Tcky, David Taylor, Nathan Tyler, Richarrl
Thornberry, Robert Templelon, Samuel Tapen, William Templetoii. Andrew
Thorp, James Trusler, John Thompson, Robert Templeton, Robert Taylor,
John Tyner, James Tyner, Silas Taylor, William Tyner, Jolm Templeton,
John Thorp.
V.
Abraham Van Eaton, John Vanblaricam, John Vincent, William \'an
Meter.
W.
Anthony Williams, Alexander Williams, Charles Waddel, Edward
White, George Wilson, George Williams, Isaac Wilson, Isaac Wood, Joel
White, INIichael Wilkins, Norris Williams, Thomas Williams, Richard Wil-
liams, Ralph Wildridge, Thomas Winscott. Samuel Williams, William Willis,
John Whittier, James Webster, James Wilson, Jonathan Webb. William
Wilson. William Wilson. Sr.. William Williams. W. WiUnn. Richarrl Wil-
liams. Ralph Williams, Joseph Williams, Joseph Williams. Jr.. Janie-; Wil-
liams, Jabcz Winship, John Wilson. John Wilson, Jr., John Wilson.
CHAPTER IV.
HISTORV OF I'-RAXKLIX COLXTV's COURT (lOLSKS.
By Will M. Baker.
[The historian of this \ohiine is indebted to Will M. Hakcr. the present
clerk of the Franklin county circuit court, for a history of the various court
houses of the county. The interestin!:^ nrticle here presented was delivered as
an address on Decenil)er 19, i()i-. "" the occasion of the dedication of the
present beautiful court house. Mr. I'aker carefully investij:^atcd all records
pertaining to the erection of former court houses and the result of Iiis investi-
gation is the article which he has kiiuUv consented to offer the hist<<rian of
this volume.]
The first ccmrt of I'ranklin county met in one of the rooms of the tavern
in Brookville owned bv James Knight, and in this ta\crn all the 'Uficial busi-
ness of the county ap[)ears to ha\e been transacted from the organization of
the county, from the spring of 181 1 until April of the following year. During
this time a log court house had been erected on the present public sf|uare. but
within two years the county felt the need of a new structure.
On Monday, November 21, 1814, John W'hitworth and Benjamin Smith,
associate judges of the circuit court of Franklin county, took into considera-
tion the erection of a court house in the public S([uare in Brookville. and
suggested that three trustees be appointed by the citizens to assist in con-
structing the building aforesaid, which was agreed upon. The names were
nominated and, on counting the votes, it was found that John Hall. John
lacob and John R. Beatty were nominated. It was, thereu])on, orclered by. the
court that these men were considered by the court as trustees in conjunction
with the court, the court reserving to themselves the right of pointing out
the particular plat on the scpiare, aforesaid, for the erection of the court
house, taking into view the most eligil)le ground. This building was com-
menced in 1815 and completed in 18 17. James Knight and Martin Jameson
bid in the contract for three thousand dollars.
SECOND COURT HOUSE OF COUXTV.
The board of commissioners, on .X'ovember _'2, 18 14, ordered a court
house erected according to the following plans and specifications :
FRANKLIN' COLXTV, INDIANA. IO3
"The Courth'justr for tlie cuinty of I'Vankliii in the Indiana 'l"erritory
shall be erected on the public S(|uare in the town of Brookville, twenty-five
feet east of Main Street and thirty-three feet north of the alley running
through the afure^aid public ^(|uare, where the southwest corner of the afore-
said courtliou.se shall stand, it l)eing forty feet s'juare fronting towards Main
Street running north and south ["west (jf the public scjuare] in the town
aforesaid with a half octagon in the rear, or east side of the >aid house as laid
down in the plan made out by .\(|uilla Logan.
"The foundation of said building U) be a well of st<;ne laid in lime mor-
tar, two and one-half feet thick to be >unk eighteen inches below the surface
of the earth, and raised two and one-balf feet above the surface, the uj^ijer-
most of the stone wall to be covered with a bank of clay, sand or gravel im-
mediately after the same is built.
"The walls of the said building shall be of brick and shall be the length
of two and one-half bricks in thickness from the foundation to the top of the
first story, which shall be sixteen feet in the clear, that is between the two
floors. The walls of the second story of the said buildings >hall be of brick
and shall be the k-ngth of two bricks in thickness from the C'.'mmencement of
the second story to the top of the same, which shall be eleven feet in the
clear, that is between the floors. The said building to have a neat brick
cornice running around the same to project nine inches over the plain wall.
"In the front or west •^ide of said building to have one door in the center
to be five feet in the clear in width and to have tw<^ lentils [lights] of ten bv
twelve, such lentils of glass in heighth over the door and made so as to range
with the to])s of the windows in the said front or west side, each window and
door to have a mat strait brick arch over the tops of the .same of one and one-
half brick in length.
"In the front or west side of said building there shall be two windows
in the lower story, in the north two windows, in the east three windows and
in the south two windows of twenty- four lights of glass each, the glass to be
ten inches by twelve in size and to range completely around the building, the
windows to be placed at such distance irom each other as the board of
trustees may direct.
"In the front on the west side of said building, to liave three windows in
the second story in the north two windows, in the east three windows and in
the south two windows of twenty-f(mr lentils [lights] of glass each, the glass
to be the same size as in the lower story, the windows to range completelv all
round the building and to be placed immediately over the windows in the first
story.
I04 FKANKI.IX COLNTY, INDIANA.
"The do(jr and wiiidow frames of the said huildiiig to he made ha<tard
raves [ ?] frames, the sash stfjps td Ik* worked in the s<>hd, the scanthnj^ out
of which the above frames are made to l)e out of three inch stuff in thickness
and calculated for sash one and one-half inches thick and .-shutters the same
thickness.
"There siiall be one .girder throuj4h the center of said hou.se laid north,
and south of at least twche inches s(|uare; also one extending across the
octagon laid parallel with the one through the center, and of equal si^e. into
which the joists are to be let into, each way the joists not to be less than three
inches by twelve inches, and to I)e laid not exceeding sixteen inches from
center to center, and to be of good sound oak or ])oplar. For the first or
lower floor, the girder through the center of said Inu'lding to ])e .supported by
two pillars of stone of not less than two feet sfpiare and to be sunk an e<)uai
distance below the surface of the earth with the fou.ndation wall, the girder
across the octagon to be supported by one pillar of the same size, and sunk in
the same manner as the pillars under the center girder.
"The second floor shall have one girder tlircniujli the center of said
building, also one extending across the octagon, inmiediately over tho-^e on
the first floor to be of the same size: also the joists the same size, as on the
first floor, and not exceeding the same width aj)art, of the same kind of timber
and to be supported by two columns placed at such distance from each other
on the center girder on the lower floor as may be directed by the trustees of
said building, and not to be less than fourteen inches sfjuarc at the bottom,
nor less than ten inches at the to]).
"The third floor the same as the second in every respect other than the
size of the column, which are not to be less than twelve inches square at the
bottom nor less than ten at the top.
"All the joi^ts in the said building to be turted [ ?] above and let in
below and all to be well pined with good inch pins.
"The roof of said building to be hipped all around to have not less than
eleven principal rafters, each of which not to be less than eight inches at
bottom and six inches at top in width and not less than five inches thick, the
residue of the rafters not to be less than six inches at the bottom and four
inches at the top in width and three inches thick, the said roof to be framed
with purloins.
"The roof to be covered with good yellow poplar shingles, to lie laid
not to exceed five inches to the weather, the shingles not to be less than
eighteen inches long and to be carried up from each side and eml so as to form
a regular square at the top over which shall lie erected a hamlsome dome or
FORMER COURT HOUSE, CITY HALL AND POSTOFFICE, BROOKVILLE.
FRANKLIX COL'.XTV, INDIANA. IO5
cupola, the Iicighth of which shall not be less than hfteen feet high from the
top of the roof of said buiklinji: to the eve of the doine or cupola, the said
cupalo to be eight square and ten feet in diameter, and finished in a complete
and workmanlike manner with a sijire of not less than fifteen feet high clear
of the king post [?1, with a ball of not less than fifteen inches in diameter
with a handsome gilt spread eagle on the top.
"There shall be two chimneys in the said Iniilding. one on the northeast
corner and one in the southeast corner, each chimney to have two fireplaces,
one of the fireplaces in each chinuiey to be on the lower floor and one in each
to be on the second floor, the fireplaces not to be less than two and one-half
feet in the back, that is large enough to receive a stick of wood of that length.
"The sash shall be made out o'^ good yellow poplar well seasoned, to be
completelv painted, glazed and filled in the windows.
"The window and door frames to l)e completely painted white. The
dome or cupola tcj be completely jxiinted white. The roof of said building to
be comjiletely painted Spanish brown, and the walls to be of water and
Spanish brown. There shall l)e a good folding door, made and hung to said
building" with sufiicient hinges, the door to be made of stufif not less than one
and one-half inches thick and well lined, each fold of said door to contain
eight panels, done in a complete workmanlike manner with two good bolts and
a lock of the best possible description to be had.
"The above building to be commenced by or before the first day of the
month of .\pril and to be compleated as respect [ ?] the above descriljed work
by or before the first day of October, 1816.
"And the above described work to be done in a complete and workman-
like manner. And it is expressly understood that the trustees for the con-
ducting of the said building for the time being reserve to themselves the
right and privilege of rejection at any time, all or any of the material which
may be provided for the said Imilding should the same be found in an\- way
defective or insufficient in any respect whatever.
"Given under our hands at Brookville this J2nd day of December. 1814.
"Signed John Whitworth.
"Benjamin Smith.
"Associate Judges.
"John Jacob.
"John Hall,
"John R. Beattv.
"Trustees."
I06 FRAXKLIX COUXTV, IXDIAXA.
In the sprin;^ or sununer of r8iC., after tlie building was about two-
thirds completed. James Knight, one of the contractors, died, which delayed
the completion of the structure until May. 1817. Mrs. Knight was appointed
administratrix of her husband's estate and finished the Iniildinf,', as the reconl
says, in 181 7. William Sims and Henry Case, who were appointed referees
to accept the work, pronounced it as having been done according to contract,
and Mrs. Knight received nine hundred .'uid eighty dollars for her services.
A large amount of the money expended in the erection of this building was
raised by individual donations, the residue being levied and collected as
taxes. After work was completed, records show that the court was so well
pleased with the contractors' work, that they were xoted nine hundred and
eighty dollars bonus.
On August 12. 18 r8, it was "ordered that there be erected at the expense
of the county a good and sufficient stray pen forty feet sf|uare, five rails high
and five feet high, with a good and sufficient gate lock and key, and thrit the
sheriff caused the same to be erected In- the seconrl Monda}- of" the following
November."
On the same date it was ordered that "Rnoch McCarty lie authorized to
purchase weights and measures for the use of the county of the sizes the law
■directs.''
At this same session of the board of commissioners, it was "ordered that
the court house be lathed and plastered in a plain workmanlike manner, and
that John Scott and Robert Hanna be appointed to superintend the selling of
the contract on August 24. 1818."
The structure, however, did not meet the re(|uirements of the new con-
stitution and .small box-like structures were built along the side of the street
south of the court house.
Across the street stood the City hotel, a frame fire trap, and on Wash-
ington's birthday, February jj, 1852, fire took hold of these buildings and
destroyed all the buildings in this square, including the court house. Court
then was'held in a little church at the foot of the hill, now the church of the
United Brethren, Imt then belonging to the German Methodists. In lune.
1852. Ed -May. the man who built the present state house, arrived with plans
for a new court house. C\tus Quick. Levi Aver and John H. Fahrots then
composed the commissioners' court, and it was agreed that a new court
house be erected. They obtained the stone from Schrichte's quarries, north
of town: hand-made locks and doors, etc.. were furnished by Mr Rhein. The
old doors showed prints of hammer blows. The new court house was built
for the sum of twenty-eight thousand dollars.
FRANKLIN' COCN'TV, INni.WA. I07
During tlie summer of 1S77 the county commissioners had contracted to
remove the battle walls and to remodel the tower. On October 18. 1877,
during a term of court. William II. Bracken, as special judge, the roof of the
building went down, with twenty or more peojile in the court room. Luckily
no one was seriousl}' injured. Immediately the building was repaired and
surmounted by the lady of justice.
As early as 1905 there were whisjierings throughout the county that a
new court house was needed. About this time Elmer K. Dunlaj;. architect,
arrived and e.xamined the building and re])orted the uh\ structure sound and
advised remodeling the old court house instead of building the new. The
countv council at that time was composed of Louis Federmann. Jacob keiboldt.
Jacob Hirt, W. T. Logan. T. C. Jones, Perry Appleton and John Zins. This
council decided and planned to remodel the old court house according to the
following, which I find in the county council record, April 23, 1909: "It is
the sense of the county council now in session that the court house should be
repaired and remodeled; that the county commissioners select an architect to
prepare plans and specifications and estimates for repairing same at a cost not
to exceed forty thousand dollars, and present said plans, specifications and
estimates at the regular September meeting of this council."
On February 24. tgio, Elmer E. Dunlap presented hi.^ plan^^ and the
same were adopted by the board of commissioners. The appropriation made
was sixty-six thou.sand d(.)llars. and on March 7, 1910, order was made to
repair and remoitel. On May 28, 1910. an additional appro])riatii,»n of thirty
thousand dollars was made. The contract was let to L W. Millikan. of In-
dianajjolis, for the sum of seventy-one thousand three hundred dollars for
general contract. The building was begun in August, 1910, and after three
months' delay the work was again taken up and finally completed and the keys
recei\ed by the board (.>f commissioners at five o'clock F'riday evening. No-
vember 15, 191 2.
JAIL.
The iail, which was built in 18 14 by James Knight, cost six hundred
'eightv-nine dollars. On March 20, 181 5, John Whitworth and Benjamin
Smith, associate judges, approved the payment of the above sum to the con-
tractor, James Knight. This building stood on the public square.
On August 13, 1 817, the commissioners ordered "that William H. Eads
be allowed the sum of sixty-three dollars eighty-seven and one-half cents for
furnishing and putting up a lightning rod."
On February 9. iS'19. Samuel Rockafellar and John Scott, county com-
I08 FRANKMX COLXTV, INDIANA.
missioners, "(jrdcrcd that Robert Ilaiina be authorized to furnish washboards
for the court house, to fix the halcou)-, to build a closet under the stairs with a
lock and key."
On July 30, 1817, the commissioners, Enoch D. John, Samuel Rocka-
fellar and James W^ilson, agreed on the following rates of taxation for the
year 1817: On first rate land, 50c. jjer 100 acres; on second rate land, 43>4C.
per 100 acres; on third rate land, _'5c. per irxi acres; on each horse, i/'/jC;
on covering horses, the rate at which he covers the season; on town lots, 50c.
per Sioo; on free male person of color from the age of 21 to 55, $3.00; on
bond servants, above 12, ^2.00.
ERECTION 01-- A TWO-IWOM lUII.niNC, FOR USE OK CLERK AND RECORDER.
It appears that by the year 1829 the court house was not large enough to
accommodate all of the county oftlcers. The board of commissioners, on May
5, 1829, ordered the erection "of a fire proof building in two rooms for a
clerk's office and recorder's office to be erected on the public square in the
town of Brookville or any two of said commissioners mav act as aforesaid.
Notice of said sale to be given three weeks in some public newspaper. liond.
to be taken of the purchaser with two freehold securities for the completion
of the building on such plan and at such time as may be specified by the said
William AlcCleery, Robert Brackenridge and Enoch .McCarty. payable to the
county treasurer and his successors in his said office. And it is further
ordered that the said commissioners above named are recjuired to make out
and exhibit a plan of said building to public view in said town of Brookville,
ten days previous to said sale, one-half of the purchase money for building
said building to l)c paid on the ist ^Monday of February next. And the other
half to be paid on the ist Monday of August succeeding. And it is further
ordered by said board that said commissioners report their proceedings to the
next board and from time to time as they may be required."
ERECTION OF .V BUILDING FOR COUNTY OFFICES-
For some reason which is not apparent from the records of the commis-
sioners, they ordered, on June 2. 1843, -^ four-room brick building to be
erected on the court house square. It has been noted that a substantial brick
court house was built in 1S14. and that in 1829 a two-room brick building
was erecteil on tlie public square for the accommodation of as many county
officers. The Brook: illc American, in its issue of June 23. 1S43. ^^y- ^^'^^^ the
FRANKLIX COUNTV, INDIANA. IO9
people will certainly ap])r(>\e the action of the commissioners "since it is
important that tlie records by which the evidence of every title in the county
is perpetuated should be safe from fire." The building fronted sixty-eis;ht
feet on Main street and was eiijhteen feet in depth; it was to be built under
the direction of Jeremiah Woods and to be completed by the first of the fol-
lowing November. The offices of the clerk, auditor, treasurer and recorder
were to be housed in this proposed building. There was to be a fireplace in
each room, while the fioor of each room was to be made of brick nine inches
square. The roof was covered with tin and the whole building was ordered
■"painted red and pencilled.''
CHAPTER V.
ORGANIZATION AND noUNDARV CflANGES OF TOWNSHIPS.
It is not certain when the first townships were created in Franklin county
owing" to the fact that the records from 1811 to 1814 are missintf. The first
mention of townshii)S is fcnind under the date of January 3. 1S16. at which
time the county court appointed overseers of the poor for the townships of
Posey. Pirookville and Bath. It is prol)aI)le that tliese townshijjs were organ-
ized previous to this date, hut if such were tlie rase tlie record has not been
found. The first township boundaries are set forth in the county court book
(D, p. 82) on Jaiuiary 6. 1816. .\t this time tlie boundaries of the three
townships just mentiimed are given, as well as those of White Water town-
ship. In the following- table is given a list of the townships in the order of
thejr organization. .As has been said, the date. January 3, i8i(). is the first
time Bath, Brookvillc and Posey townshi})s are menrioned, and does not
imply that they were organized on that date.
Brook ville January 3, 181 6 Highland February 12, 1S21
Bath January 3, 1816 I'airfield Februarv 12, 1821
Posey January 3, 1816 Somerset May 14, 1821
White Water January 6, [816 Ray Januarv 8. 1S28
Union July 16, 1816 Salt Creek May 8, 1844
Connersville July 16, 1816 Laurel March 5. 1845
Blooming- Grove May 12, 1817 P.utler September 5. 1849
Springfield May 12, 1817 Metamora September 5. iS'49
Liberty February- 9, 18 19
Three of these townships, Connersville, Liberty and L'nion, were in
that part of Franklin county which was later set otT as Fayette and Union
counties, and consequently disappear from Franklin county records with the
organization of the c(junties of which they l)ecame a part. -\ fourth town-
ship. Somerset, was organi./ed in 1821 and included practicallv the same
limits as the present township of Laurel, but before the vear was over the
commissioners dissolved it and attached the territory in question again to
Posey. This leaves thirteen townships in the county, the last two dating-
from 1849. The townships are discussed in the order of their organization
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. Ill
with exception oi the four no lons^er in existence. They are treated at the
close of the history of the present tliirteen townships of the county.
BROOKVIIJ.1-: TOWNSHIP.
This is the central and largest civil sub-divisif^n in I->anklin county,
and contains the whole of congressional tmvnship 9, range 2: sections i to
12, inclusive, of township 8. range 2; two fractional sections of township 9,
range 3 west: three fractional sections of townshij; 10, range 3 west: nine
full and six fractional sections of township 11, range 13 east: and six sec-
tions of township 12, range 13 east. The total territory embraced within
Brookville township is about sixty-eight sections or square miles. The
■greater portion of this is within the original Wayne Purchase of 1795.
while the remainder is between the 1795 line and the boundary line of 1809.
ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP.
Brookville township was one of the three townshii)s which first appear
in the commissioners' records on January 3, t8i6, and three days later its
limits are defined as follow s :
"All that part of Franklin county included within the following Ix)und-
aries, towit : On the north by a line beginning on the west boundary line
of the said county of Franklin: and thence running east so as to intersect the
township line dividing the ninth and tenth townships ; thence runnmg east
along with the said township line to the east boundary of said county, and
on the south by a line beginning on the west boundary lin<; of said countv of
Franklin; and tlience running east to White Water so as to cross White Water
at the mouth of Big Cedar Grove creek : thence running along the Big Cedar
Grove creek with the meanders thereof until the same intersects the line
dividing the eighth and ninth townshijj line to the east boundary line of the
county — shall compose a township, which to^\ nship shall be called and known
by the name of Brookville township."
Thus it will be seen that Brook\ ille township extended across the
county from east to west and for the Tuost part was seven miles and a half
in width. On May 12, 1817, Springfield township was cut ofif with prac-
tically its present territorial limits. At some time in its history Brookville
townshii) has included within its limits all or part of every townshij) in the
county with the exception of Fairfield and Bath. In the historv of the
various townships will be seen a discussion of boundary limits. At the
112 FRAXKI.IX COUXTY, INDIANA.
present time Iiro(;k\ille ti»\vn>Iii|j incUules as mncli territory as is fouml in
Bath, Fairfield. I'Msey and iialt of Hutlcr townsliii)-. a tact which leads one
to suspect that there nia\' have been political considerations in the formation
of townships in the county.
When the commissioners defined the limits of all the townships on
January 8. 182S. l!roi)k-\ille township was set forth as follows:
"Be<>-innin,^ at the '-outhca>t corner of section i_\ tf)wnsliip S in rant,'c
2 west: thence west on the section line to the (Jrouseland ])urchasc line;
thence southwesterly on said line to the west corner of fractional section 6.
town 10, rani^a' [.^ east: thence north on the t(nvn'~hip line to the northwest
•corner of section i<). township 12. ranye 13 east; thence east on tlie section
line to the old boundary line; tlience northwardly to where the line dividing
towns 9 and 10 in ran<.:e 2 west intersects the said boundary line; thence
east along the ttjwnship line 10 the n(jrtheast cmier of town 9, range J west:
thence south on the township line to the place of beginning, to I)e called
Brookville township.'" ft did ncjt get its present limits until after the organ-
ization of Metamora and Butler townships on September 5. 1S49.
NATURAL FEATURES.
Brookville township has a varied to|xigraphy and wonderfully beautiful
:scenerv. The surface is (|uite une\en and broken. The many creeks that
flow through its borders give much bottom land which is of a very pro-
ductive quality and especially is this true along the White Water river where
the valley is a mile wide in places. The main water courses include the
West and East Fork of the White Water river. West Fork tlows from the
west and north till it meets the waters of the East Fork, which come from
the north, near the center of the township at the town of Brookville. Then
the main stream flows on till it crosses the southeastern part of the town-
ship and crosses over into Dearborn county.
Little Cedar rises in the northeast part of the township and unites with
the main river about three miles below Brookville. Big Cedar crosses the
extreme southeast corner of the territory. Richland creek, a small streamlet,
with a deep valley, lies between the Little aiid Big Ceelars. Templeton's
•creek enters the East Fork of White Water river in the northern part of the
township. Blue creek is the chief stream in the southwestern jx^rtion of the
township. Wolf creek, in the southwestern part, unites with Blue creek
hefore the latter empties into White Water. Others are McCarty's run.
■:i f
;-|-- >
FRANKLIN COUXTV, INDIANA. II3
Snail creek, and lesser streams, the waters of wliich enter West Fork in the
western ])art of the townshii).
The hillsides alon;:; most of these streams which are rapid running
water courses, are ti-cnerallx- of such an easy slope tliat the lands can be culti-
vated ')r used for pasturiui^ [jurposes with ease and i)r<jfit. However, when
the timber is cut from some of the steeper hills, and cultivation is attempted,
the land washes badly. b\armin.c,^ and stock growing at present engage the
attentiou of the land owners, although at an earlier date the forests were a
source of much revenue.
PIONEER SETTLEMENT.
It is not alwavs an easy matter in counties as old as Franklin to estab-
'lish the facts concerning who were the lirst to settle in a given township,
for be it remembered that no one now li\es who saw the "green glad >oli-
tude" of what is now Brookville township in its virgin state. It is known
of record, howc-ver. that the first land entered from the government within
what is now Brookville township was the east half of section 4. townsiiii) 9.
range 2. and that it was entered by Robert Tem])leton on September 24,
1804. The second entry was made four days later ( Septeni])er jo. i8'04)
by William Tvner. who claimed the southwest (juarter of section 33, town-
ship g. range _'. Then came the following land entries : William Arnett.
December 27: James ]\[cCoy. Octoljer 22; James Taylor; October 27,:
Thomas Williams. November 17; Amos Butler. December 4: John Ramey,
October 13; Solomon Tyner, November 30, all in the year 1804.
1805 — James Adair, ^^'illiam Wilson, John Milhollund, Samuel and
Charles Scott. John Logan, John Allen, Amos Butler. Jesse B. Thomas,
Samuel Arnett, Thomas Henderson and John Brown.
[^n6 — William Hendersou, Anthony Haberstadt. Agnes Taylor, David
Bell. John \'incent, .\braham Flackleman and four additional quarters of
land by .\mos Butler.
1807 — .Solomon Tyner. an additional tract.
j8o8--Iames Knight. John Kennedy. John Xorris. James Moore. John
Penwell.
jgjo — John Quick, John Conner. Thomas Skinner. Jacob Barkman.
i^ji — George Anthony. John Richardson. Thomas ^^'illiams. Ruggles
Winchell, James McCinniss. Mic.ajah Parker. David Penwell. Jacob Craig.
John Tharj). William Lynes. Britton Grant, and another tract by Amos
Butler.
(8)
'■.. .1
114 FRAMsMM COl'NTV, INDIANA.
i8i2 — John Lefforc^c, John Sliank, John Stockdale. Lismand Ra\vre —
all of whom were actual settlers east of the 1795 treaty line.
West of the 1795 treaty line the early settlers were as follow:
181 1 — William Sinies, John Xeal, Jolin Brcvn. William Wilson (a
Bapti.-t minister), Simpson Jcjnes, Joh.n Stafford, Henry Calfee.
1814 — Benjamin Smith. Thomas Owsley.
1816 — ITenry Tea^arden, Rfihert ^^IcKay.
1817 — Charles Collett, Henry Hinds. John Melone, Robert W. Hal-
stead.
SOMF. PIONEER FAMILIE.S.
The land entries alon^r the river southeast of the town of Brookville
were nearlv all improved immcdiatelv after their (jri^inal eiitry. It i> £jen-,
erally believed that William I'yner was among the Aery first to set stakes
and commence building for himself a home in the forests of this township.
His farm included the place later years known as the "Bruns Grove'' farm,
on which was a fine group of springs. John Quick came in 1800 and
entered land tlic next }car. He was a justice of the peace under the terri-
torial government and later probate judge of Franklin comity. He was a
leader among his fellow pioneers. He was descended from Marylan<J and
Kentucky families.
David Stoops, who came with Amos Butler in 1805. settled on the river
west of Brookville. Tie was the father of twenty-three children, of which
number, Robert, William, John. Ricliard, David, Jr.. Thomas aufl Elijah
reached man's estate here, and performed well their part in building up
Franklin county. ]Many of the descendants of this pioneer family still re-
side here. John \^inccnt was one of the first settlers in the valley west of
Brookville. He had been a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and here he
became a leader among his neighl)ors during the Indian troubles. He was
born in England, and was the father of ten children, one cif whom. Samuel,
died from the effects of a rattlesnake bite. Henry Berry came in iS'iTi and
settled east of town on the Hamilton road, where he carried on blacksmith-
ing many years. He was a justice of the peace and became ])robate judge
of this county. Giles Martin and his sons, A\'illiam and George, were
among the early comers to Brookville townshiji; also Jacolj Hetrick, James
Moore, b'ielding Jeter and the Halstead families. A Universalist minister
named Daniel St. John came early and served as sheriff two terms and later
was a justice of the peace in the county. James Goudie located near Judge
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. II5
Berry's. He was an early nicnibcr of the Lei^islature from Franklin county.
It is said he had the first grinclstone in all his section of the neii:jhborhood,
and that it was freely used by one and all. Patrick McCarty settled west of
town, near the stre.'ini called .McCarty's rnn, named for him. Spencer Wiley.
a pioneer in these parts, was a member of the Legi>lature. and a member
of the constitutional convention in 1S51. On the e.xtreme eastern side of
Brookville township settled John W'ynn, who served as county surve}'or and
justice of the peace at an earl}- date, (jiles Grant was numbered amonj^ the
pioneer band; he was an associate judc^e and member of the Lecjislature
from this county. In iSrj John Harris i)latted fractional section i.S, north-
west of the town of Brookville, into out-lots. It was known as "Harris'
Section.'' More than fifty years aj^o it was vacated and reverted to farm
land.
There was a block-house in section 3, west of the boundary line. In
1813 there were four cabins picketed and fortified on the old Jeter farm.
TOWNS AND VILLAGES.
Besides Brookville, the county seat. Brookville township has had platted
within her borders small villages. Union (also called Whitcomb). was
platted by Ebenezer Howe, Septemlier 14. 18 16. It was later added to 1a'
Samuel Goudie about 1834 and again in 1850 by Isaac Updike. ^^'hitcoInb
postoffice was established at this point and in the seventies there was estab-
lished a grange of the Patrons of Husbandry. In the early eighties the
village had the usual number of stores and small shops found in country
villages. The steam saw-mill was another of the helps to the place. At
present the population of W'hitcomb is about one hundred and ten. The
towns of Buncombe and Butler's Run were platted July 11, 1851. and June
10, 1859,- respectively. Both joined Brookville on the north, but neither
ever materialized as a town, although parts of both have later been taken
within the coqjorate limits of Brookville. Another town which tlourished
for a few years was located a mile west of Brookville and was known as
Woodville. in fractional section 24. Its history is shrouded in more or less
mystery. No plat ever was recorded and the flood of 1848 seems to have
terminated its existence.
Yung was a hamlet in section 34, towmship 11. range 13. but was never
platted. At this point there was a distil'ery established which ran until
about 1905. The Yung brothers were proprietors. There was a postoffice
Il6 FRAXKI.IX COUNTY, INDIANA.
known as Blue Creel; licre at one time, hut it has hc-cn long since discon-
tinued. The hamlet once had a store, a hlacksniith shop and saloon or two.
The township officers are as follows: Trustee, P'rank Deutsch ; assessor.
Cius Baithcr; advi'^ory Ixiard, ^\'iIIiaIll fjowles, William Meeker. George W.
Klipple : justice of the peace. \\ T. McCammon: constable. Cicorge .\mrhein:
supervisors. Christ Hammer, Xo. r, Frank F^eddelman. Xo. 2, Joseph Stur-
wald, Xo. 3. James A. Clayton. Xo. 4.
TIATH TOU'X.SIIII'.
This is the extreme northeastern subdivision of Franklin cunty and
was in existence on January 3, 1S16, at which time it included not only what
is now Bath township, but also all n\ 1 '"airfield and a stri]) nine miles north
of the present limits of I^'ranklin count\ and east of the JJ<j^ treaty line. On
January 3, 1816, the commissioners' record described this township as fol-
lows: "All that ])art of Franklin county which lies within the tenth town-
ship, in iirst rang-e, the renth t()Wii>hip in the second range, the eleventh
township in the first ranL;e and the eleventh townshi]) in the second range —
shall compose a township, which township shall be called and known as Bath
township."
The next change in lioundary- lines was made February 10. 1817, al-
though no new townships were created at that time. At this date Bath to\»n-
ship was described as follows: "Beginning at the northeast corner of Bro"k-
ville township : thence north until it intersects the lines dividing the tenth and
eleventh townships, range first : thence west along said di\-isiun line until it
intersects the old boundary; thence southwardly along said old boundary
line until it intersects the line dividing the ninth and tenth town.shifjs in
range two; thence east along said line to the place of beginning.
Upon the organizatimi of Union county, February i, 1S21, Bath town-
ship was given its present northern limit and was reduced in width from
twelve to three miles.
In i8j8, when there were eight townships in the county, the records
show that Bath was described as follows: "Beginning at the southeast corner
of township 10, range i west; thence north on the line between the states of
Indiana and Ohio to tlic corner of L'nion county ; thence west on the line
of .said county to the northwest corner of section iq. in the township and
range aforesaid; thence south to the southwest corner of said township;
thence east on the township line to the place of beginning — to be called Bath
FIJANKLIX COIXTV, INDIANA. II7
township." The present hiuiiuhiry conforms to the last-named description.
Its territory now comprises the ><A\\.h half of congressional township lO
north, range i west, and includes secticjns 19 and T,f>, inclusive.
The population of the township in iHyo was si.\ hundred and fifty-eight
and twenty years later, or in 1910, it was placed by the census reports at si.x
hundrefl and four.
NATURAL FEATURKS .\ND L.\.XD ENTRIES.
Aside from the rough lands along the streams, this is a very level and
even surfaced township, with some of the finest and most valual)le farms in
Franklin county, and sells at from one hundred to one hundred and fifty dol-
lars an acre. The central part of the township has a watershed sufficient to
throw the waters each way into small streams, the i)rinci])al of which is Cig
Cedar creek, and finally empties into White Water river. Pleasant run. or
Brandywine creek, rising in the northeastern part of this township, falls into
Indian creek, which crosses the corner of the township, .\nother stream is
Templeton's creek, running to the west.
From the most reliable evidence it ajipears that the township was named
Bath from the formerly well-known mineral spring, w hich in an early day
was used for medicinal baths. This spring is not now within the present
bounds of the township, however.
The first land entered in this township was the southeast quarter of
section 27. The date was May 29, 1805, and the man entering this tract was
William Forbes, who was not, however, an actual settler.
Daniel Hansel made the next entry, September 30, 1805. in section 24.
In November, that year, I.ukIs were entered by Abraham and Daniel Miller,
who selected lands in the same section last named. Other entries were by
James Crooks, January 28, 1806. the northwest quarter of section 24: Thomas
Burk, April 8, 1806. northeast fiuarter of section 26: William Dubois, Janu-
ary 21, 1806, southeast cjuarter of .section 30; Chatfield Howell. June 21.
1806, southeast quarter of section 30. Three other tracts were entered about
1806, but by men who were never residents of the township. Abraham Lee
entered the southeast quarter of section 36 September, 1807. and settled there
the following year. In July. 1808. Abraham Jones located in the southwest
quarter of section 36. In 1809 James Barton entered several tracts: John
Harper also claimed land in the ttnvnship that year. In 1810 came in Moses
Maxwell, Jose])h Lee. \\'illiam Stephens. Andrew Comelison and David
Gray, all claiming government lands by entry right. John. Sr.. and John.
Il8 KUAN' K(. IX COL'NTY, INDIANA.
Jr., of the ininl family, and also I'.cnjaniin Ilcarj^oridcr were settlers of
1811. In 1812 came Lemuel J.emm(;n, Abel Dare and Jacob bell. In 1813
the settlement was increased by the advent of pioneers William Goff, Samuel
Kain, Adatn Xelson. Jolm Morris and possibly a few others.
Of Abraham Lee, one of the ])ioneers of this township, it is related that
he temporarily located on what was later styled Lee's creek. He devoted
much time to exploriiii;- the western portii/n of the Wayne I'urchase while it
was bein,^ surveyed in 1 801 -2. After he had settled in present Fiath town-
ship, the Indians were (piite numerous and were hostile toward the whites on
several occasions. He had to get his breadstufifs ground at a mill on Dry
Fork. He lived with his wife and two children in a rude cabin. Their
supply of corn meal was much reduced and someone must needs to go to mill
again. The Indians had a camp near the Lee cabin. He believed that his
family would not l)e safe in his absence, and the matter was talked over be-
tween him and his good wife, who felt that if her husband did not object
she had best go to mill and leave him in charge of the cabin and children. He
finally consented and she placed a sack of corn on the trusty family Iv^rse and
started off to mill, many miles distant. She made the trip in safety and all
ended well, notwithstanding the husband was called on several times by his
Indian neighbors, and there came near Ijeing trouble, but, through Lee's
firmness and tactics, they did not molest him.
FIRST AND IMPORTANT EVENTS.
Among the very earliest justices of the peace in Bath township was
Jacob Bake.
The first tavern license in the township was issued to John Flint, in
May, 1817. By order of the court the elections of the township were held
at this tavern for many years.
Bath township is first mentioned in countv records as being organized
January 6, 1816, and the description of the township was as follows: "Or-
dered that all that portion of Franklin county which lies within the tov.n-
ship 10, range i; township 10. range 2; township 11, range i, and township
I.I, range 2, shall compose a township which shall be known and called Bath
township." William Dubois was the first one to be appointed bv the court
as superintendent of elections.
After January i, 18 1/. the board of Cf^unty commissioners had charge
of county affairs largely. It was under this board that most of the town-
ship organizations were perfected. Esquire \\'illiam Dubois, supposedly a
FRANKLIX COUNTV, INDIANA. I I9
justice of the peace, "swore in" William Cuulson, as constable for Franklin
county.
In May, 1817, Tlioinas Thunias was appointed "lister" for Bath town-
ship.
Thomas Crislow was api)ointe(I overseer of the p(-Mjr, and Jacob Bake,
inspector of elections.
On July 12, 1S17, the board ordered an election of one justice of the
peace for Bath township, to take the place of William Dubois, deceased.
It is believed by all of the older citizens that in 181 1 Col. John Miller
built and operated a mill on Brandywine creek, in what is now Union county,
but which was for many years in Bath township. This, or possibly the
"Bake mill" on Indian creek, was the first in the township. Another mill
was also constructed higher up the stream in this township at about the same
date. Probably a horse-power system was employed when water was too
low in stage to propel the old over-sh'it water-wheel. Another mill i.-^ re-
•called as being located in section 25, built by Abraham Lee and Xathan
Bourne.
The first reaping machine in Bath township was probably the McCor-
mick reaper, with an iron finger-bar, purchased by John \V. Smolley in 1S53.
Among the pioneers here called out lor service in the War of 18 12 are
know'U to have been Colonel Miller, Abraham Lee and Jacob Bake.
Joshua Harris was a pioneer tanner of the township, and conducted his
ibusiness on Brandywine creek, where later resided Esquire Caleb Barnum.
The first school house was a log building standing where the hamlet of
Mixerville now stands, on lands owned then by Abraham Jones. The earliest
school taught was in a log cabin, where J. J. Lee later built. This scho-ol was
taught by Aliss Abigail Smith.
William Bake was the first man wdio had courage enough to refuse to
furnish intoxicating liquors for men working at harvest and logging bees in
Bath township, he being a radical temperance advocate at a time when it was
"very unpopular to say anything against the drinking habit. Times have
•changed remarkably with the flight of a century in Franklin county.
W^ith the flight of years many changes have been wrought out in Bath
township. \\'here a century ago were but a few settlers, forging their way
through the forests and seeking to make humble homes for their families,
today the scene presents one of charming rural life, with hundreds of beau-
tiful farm houses, surrounded by all that the heart of an independent agri-
culturist might wish for. The scythe and cradle have given place to the
reaper and har\ester, the mower and the hay-making implements which make
,1 HI
\i\:i
120 FRANKf.IN COINTY, INDIA.VA.
farm life iiiurc dcsiraMe and ])n)lital)Ie. The lo}( cabin has <li>api;eared and
in its (looryard one sees the modern farm home with all the conveniences
found in city houses. Schools and churches abound and railroad facilities
arc within reach of all the progressive husbandmen of the "kingdom of
Franklin.'"
The census reports of 19 lo gave Bath township a population of one
hundred and twenty-five.
The present township officers are : Trustee, Charles Wilson : assessor.
r^Iarshall Kay ; advisory board, John T. Briar, Bennett Raider and Mark
Maloy.
VILLAGES OF THE TOWXSIIII'.
There are three little hamlets within Bath township — Colter'.-, Corner.
Bath and Alixerville. These are small country trading places, with but few
inhabitants each. The township being called Bath, it wa^ natural when a
postoffice was established there, many years ago. that it should be called
Bath, although it was located at a country store and a hamlet styled Colter's
Corner, wdiich place is something over a mile to the west of the present
railroad station on the Chesapeake iS: Ohio railroad, kn(jwn as Bath ( by some
called New Bath, but not rightfully). Colter's Corner was established be-
fore the Civil-war period, and has never grown to a place of much im])urt-
ance. At the present time the business is hi the hands of the following:
A general store, operated by O. K. Elwell ; a grocery and meat shr)p. oper-
ated by D. \V. Spenny ; two blacksmith shops— one by J. C. Dare and one
by W. E. Smith. Then there is one professional man. in the jierson of
Dr. A. W. Johnson. Bath postotifice, which was formerly located here, was
discontinued about 1907, and mail is now received by the rural free deliverv
routes from Brookville and College Corners. This hamlet is within a most
fertile and beautiful farming secti<in, with signs of prospentv on everv hand.
Bath, the railroad station of the township, is situated in section 27,
township 10, range i west. The railroad was constructed through the town-
ship in 190J-0.S, and the station at once became the feature of this portion
of the county. A two per cent, tax was voted in Bath township to aid in
building this line of railway, and this brought about twelve thousand dollars
in way of aid for the construction company. The first buildin-s in the vil-
lage were the grain elevator and a residence of John Stout. The pioneer
store of the village was that of John C. Hunt, a railroad engineer, who con-
tinued to run his locomotive until a year or so ago. since which time he has
devoted his time to the store of ^general merchandise, which has been oper-
FRAXKI.IM COUNTY, INIJIANA. 121
ated ]arj,^ely l)y his wife since first opened, in 1903. F. A. Rigsby, an early
factor in the build in- u]) n\ the town, came in as soon as the place was platted
and soon opened a small f,'eneral store, and continued a few years, then sold
to its present owner, Adam Kunkle. Mr. Rip^sby removed to Colorado.
The grain business has Ijeen in the hands of Rigsby & Stout, who sold
to the Tnter-State Grain Company, and they'in turn sold to the W'illey. lirown
Company, who n(jw have a line of five grain elevators along the line of road
running through Hath.
O. S. Dubois cK- Son came in if;05 and have lx;en the only ones engaged
in buying and selling live stock. They bought and shipped before the rail-
road was finished by driving the stock to Cottage Grove.
The first blacksmith in Bath was George Collier, who fired his glowing
forge about as soon as the town had an existence. He was succeeded by
several other smiths. The present blacksmith is Ward Lcjper.
J. C. Hunt, before mentioned, built a hotel in 1913, but its landlords
have not been successful and today the house is vacant. At one time it was
conducted by Ed. Peek, and later by the telegraph operator, John Gormaine.
It is a good two-story frame building.
Soon after the tcnvn started a tile manufacturing company was formed
and operated for a while and then failed, causing a loss to many of the stock-
holders.
H. E. Majors is the only person who has run a meat business : he opened
his meat shop in 1909 and is still numing the market.
The livery business is in the hands of Dubois & Son, who keep five
horses and attend to all the livery demanded in the village.
Adam Kunkle. the general dealer, also handles lumber.
Milk is bought and shipped daily to Richmond. Both the local and long
distance telephone systems are to be had from this point. Lands sell from
one hundred to one hundred and fifty dollars per acre, and not much chang-
ing hands at this time ( 1915)- The chief products are corn, hogs and wheat.
As to schools, it may be stated that the patrons of schools here send
their children to the new graded school building, a brick structure erected a
half mile west of the village in 191 1. It is modern and has a basement and
is heated with steam.
The nearest church is the one at Colter's Corner — about a mile to the
west — (see church history).
Mixerville is a small trailing hamlet in the southeastern portion of Bath
township, in section 36. Here the first postofiice in the townshijj was estab-
lished, but \ou<j since it has been served bv the rural free deliverv system.
122 KRANKLl.V COCXT^', IXlJlANA.
The only Ijusincss there at lliis date is the general merchan'lise store of Mrs.
\V'ilsijn. A town was platted here in iX4(") hy William Mixer, hut it never
materialized into a place of much importance.
POSKY TOUXSIIIP.
The extreme ni)rthwc>lcrn .^nhdivision of hranklin c(junty is I'osey town-
ship. It is west of Laurel and nijrlh (jf the western [portion of Salt Creek
township. It derived its name frrjm Thomas I'osey. governor of Indiana
Territor}- 1812-16. Posey t()wnshii> was one of the three township.-, in the
county on January 3, iSiO, the other two being Crook ville and Bath. At
that time Posey included all of the land between the middle of town 12 north
and town 14 north, l}-ing between the treaty line> of 1795 and i8o<j — an area
approxiiuately twelve miles s(|uare. On July \(k 1816, it was cut in two in
•order to form Connersville township on the north. Somerset township was>
cut off from it May 14, 1821, but before the end of the year ( X(n-emher 12.
182 1 ) this townshi]) ceased tc; exist and its territory again became a i)art of
Posey. Blooming Grove township was cut off of Posey on May 12, 18 17.
The formation of Salt Creek (May 8, 1844) and Laurel (March 5, 1S45),
reducetl Posey township to its present size, six miles in length by three in
width. It is composed of eighteen sections of township 12 north, range 1 1
east, or the east half of congressional 12 township. The township was settled
by pioneers who came late, and as a rule followed the streams, as this loca-
tion was best suited to pioneer life. The population of Posey township in
1910 was 713, as against 810 in 1900, and S82 in 1S90.
ORG.VNIZATIOX .VXD BOUNDARIES.
• On January 6, 1816, Posey township was defined by the commissioners
as "all that part of Franklin county which lies within the following bound-
aries, towit : On the north by so much of the northern boundary line of
•said county as lies between the northwest corner of township 11, range 2. and
the northwest corner of the county, on the west by so much of the western
boundary line as lies between the northwest corner of the county and a line
to be drawn so far south that the same by running east will strike the line
•dividing the ninth and tenth township in the first and second range, on the
•south bv the last described line, and on the east bv the western boundary line
FKAXKfJN- COLXTV, INDIANA. I23
•of the tenth anrl elc\enfh township of range 2 — shall compose a township,
which township shall be called an<l known by the name of Po>ey township."
The next chanj^e was (jn i'ebruary lo, 1817, when the county commis-
sioners ordered the county of h'ranklin to be divided into six townships,
White Water, Flrookville. Posey, Bath. 1 'nion and Connersville. I'osey town-
ship was ordered bounded as follows :
"Beginning at the northeast corner of Brookville township: thence run-
ning east to the (^Id Ixnindary line at the corner of ninth and tenth town-
ships: thence along the said boundary line in a northerly direction to the
center of township 13 and range 13; thence west to the western boundary
Hne of said county, thence to the place of beginning, running on the western
boundary line of said county.''
The same year, in the month of August. CSee book E, p. 45), the fol-
lowing change was made in the territorial lines :
"Ordered, that all that part of Brookville township lying west of a line
'drawn due south from the southeast corner of Posey township, until it inter-
sects the north line of White Water township be added to Poscv township."
In October, 181 8. the central ])art of the state was purchased bv the
"United States government from the Indians, and this immense tract of land
■now comprising all or parts of thirty-eight counties, has always been known
as the Xew Purchase. New counties were organized out of this territorv as
fast as the population would justify, and many of the counties already formed
■which were contigtious to this tract Avere enlarged by incorporating parts of
the territory in question.
The state Legislature of 1823 added part of the New Purchase to Frank-
h"n county, and on February 11. 1823, the commissioners of Franklin countv
"ordered that all that part of Franklin county which has been attached to
Franklin by a late act of the Legislature, which lies west of Posev town-
ship, be and the same is hereby attached to the said township of Posey."
In 1828, in describing the bounds of all the existing townships, the
commissioners' record sh(^ws the following on Posey township:
"Ordered, that the fifth township be bounded as follows : Beginning at
the southeast corner of township 12. in range 12 east; thence due west along
said township line to the western boundary of Franklin countv: thence north
along said boundary line to the northwest corner of Franklin countv: thence
east along the northern boundary of said county to the northeast corner of
■township 12 in range 12 east: thence south on the township line to the place
'of beginning, to be called Posey township."
1J_}. FKA.N'KI.I.V C(MNTV. JNI'IANA.
PHYSICAL FKATb'KES.
Its Streams arc Little Salt creek, which takes its rise near the nurtlnvest
angle of the tounsliip and courses in a soutlieastern direction thrmigh m(^re
than a third of its area. Bull's fork of Salt creek drains the southwest
corner of the township. 1"he South fork of the Little Salt creek crosses
much of the territory antl passes out near the southeast corner. The streams
afford a good acreage of rich bottom land. The general surface of the
township is gently rolling, with some level table land in the central portion.
Its soil is substantially the same as that found in Salt Creek and Ray tcnvn-
ships.
The first white man to invade this portion of what is now Franklin
county was a Rev(jlutionary soklier who was present at General Braddock's
defeat. The name is J(jseph Mires, who settled on Seine's creek. He was a
model frontiersman, and his name is frequently referred to by older resi-
dents and writers of local liistory. Just what spot he located on is not
known, but that it was near the townsliii) line is usually c(jnceded b>- hist<jr-
fanSy It is hkely that he was a "scpuitter," as his name does not appear on
the gV)vernment land oftke records. The following entered lands, at gov-
ernmel^t prices, at the dates indicated in the subjoined list of land entries :
i^o — Simon Barbour, Atwell Jackman, William Wilson. Eliphalet
Barbour.
182 1 — Jared Lockwood.
1822 — Ephraim (ioble. James Miller, Stephen Hamilton.
1823 — Daniel Xeff, Joseph Rash, John Lewis.
1827 — Eli C. McKee, Morgan Lewis.
1829 — Timothy Allison, William Hite.
183 1 — Alexander Power.
1832 — Charles Malone. Edward Scott. James Wallace. Joshua Watkins,
William Brown.
1833 — .\braham ]^liers. John Ryan. James S. Grimup. William Xichols.
Mason Palmer.
1834 — John Morgan. James Cox. John Bishop.
•1836— John Linville. Thomas Moore. Buckley C. Plarris. William Car-
penter. Rliiah Misner, John H. Scott. John Thomas. Thomas Flint. Henry
H. Partlow. Thomas Sims. Jacob Partlow, William Simonson. Jacob Part-
low, William Pruet.
1841 — Silas Andrews.
FkAXKI.I.V COCN'TV, IN'r)I.\NA. 125
EARLY AND LAST S\V\-MII.r, OF THrC "SASH" TYPE.
There were iiuinennis saw-mill.^ and cc^rn-crackers scattered here and
there through) mt this towiislii]) at an early clay, hut owinjj to the uncertainty
of the water i)o\ver and other reasons they have all disappeared. The last
■saw-mill in the township — the old John Barher mill — erected in 1849, two
and a half miles south ut .\n(lcrsf)n\ illt-. was found one morning in Septem-
ber, H;r4, to have collapsed aud in ruins. It was not oijerated after about
1898. The dam went down stream in ifji.V It was a typical old sash saw-
mill, wlio.se lon^^, uprii^ht saw could handle \ery larj^e logs. It was pro-
pelled by the waters of Salt creek, running through a doul)Ie-turbine wheel.
giving sixt\-liorse jxtwer. M.r. Barber cut thousands of feet of the finest
black walnut lumber m\lt seen, ami at first he shipped it to Cincinnati, bv the
•old canal, and later by rail. It is bL-lie\ed that this was the last of the many
saw-mills jiropellcd by water [)ower tht'it ever run in this count}'.
FIRST EVENTS.
.\ Store and tavern was o]x"ned at a \ery earlv date by lliomas .Vnder-
son at the forks of the Brookville and Shelbyville state road. His tavern
was a popular one and he soon became an influential, prominent i)ioneer.
Atwell Jackman, a wheelwright and farmer, settled a short distance
from Anderson's, ami was the first to work at wagon-making.
The first tannery in the settlement was estalilished by a .Mr. Redpath.
He remained only a short time and removed from the township. He was
•succeeded as a tanner by Alexander Power, whose tannery was a little dis-
tance east of "Bull Town." He als(T made shoes and horse-collars.
The first saw -mill in this township was on Little Salt creek and was
put in operation by Samuel Jinks. .\ steam saw-mill was next set in motion
by Simpson Barbour, who continued to cut lumber manv vears.
The earliest phxsician was Dr. R. D. Logan, who subsecpientlv studied
law and became a circuit judge, .\nother pioneer phvsician was Doctor
Gillin.
The first school in the township was kept Iw a Mr. Sallv. in a hewed-log
"house, which had a clapboard roof; the windows were exceptionallv high and
very narrow. Idiis was, of course, a subscription school. More concerning
the schools of the township is found in the Educational chapter.
Rev. John ?\1 organ, who came to the township in 1828, wrote as fol-
lows in the earlv eighties ;
126 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
"At our log-rollin<^s and raisinj^s we used to have what they called
'good whisky,' which made ihciii feel very funny sometimes and would oc-
casionally cause friends and ncii,dihor- to get into difficulty and tight. In
1831 I thought sf>niething ought to he done ahout it, so I made an appoint-
ment to deliver a temperance lecture at a certain time and place. When the
time arrived tliere were rpiite a nunihcr out and I delivered the first temper-
ance lecture I ever heard and the fir-^t one in the township. We «oon had a
strong temperance society, and the jiractice of using liquors at pul)lic gather-
ings soon ceased to a great extent.''
The first religious society in the township was the United Brethren in
Christ. (See chapter on churches of this county.)
VILLAGES OF THE TOWN.SIIIP.
Andersonville. a part of old lUiena Vista and. Dull Town, arc all the
attempts made at town building in this township. Buena \'ista is only a
small hamlet, while Anderson is a thriving village of about three hundred
and fifty inhabitants. Bull Town has ceased to e.xist and is only 'KU'.un in
memory.
The following description of this place occurred in the Drookiillc Am-
erican in May, 1852 :
"As to the improvements at Bulltown we might say that there arc in and
near the place three very respectable water saw-mills (one of which has just
been rebuilt), all owned and run by very worthy, industricnis. re>])ectable
men, and in which large quantities of lumber are annually manufactured,
both for home consumption and for the Cincinnati mar'ket. besides a steam
saw-mill, which we bear has recently been sold for over two thousand five
hundred dollars. r>esides this, the workmen are now acti\ely engaged in
constructing through the place one of the finest turnpikes in the countrv,
the grade of which in no one place exceeds three degrees: and that neigiibor-
hood does its full share of the work."
Andersonville, in the northwest part of the township, in section 10, was
laid out in Xovember. 1837, by Fletcher Tevis, and it was first known as
Ceylon, later changed to Andersonville. on account of Thomas .\nderson
dedicating an addition to the place in May, 1849. He later -ucceeded in
having the postoffice named for him, adding the "ville" to his name and mak-
ing it Andersonville. Anderson conducted a tavern, where liquor wa? freelv
sold and used by traders and hunters thereabouts. At present the town has
numerous churches, good schools and lodges, each of which are mentioned in
I-RASKLIS COUNTY, INDIANA. 127
chapters relating to sucli topics, 'i he I'niled brethren are a strong sect at
and near .Xndersonx illc. The lod,;,'es inchide the Masonic and Iinjjroved
Order of Red Men. .\ very unique new.spaper is pubh>hed there, known as
the Herald, owned and echted by V. W'ilscjn Kaler. and it is said to be the
only publication at a rural free delivery point in tiie world, Andersonville
being six miles off of the railroad, t(> the west of Laurel. The merchants of
the village in the spring of i<)r5 were Messrs. Grier. Eryson, Morgan and
Ste;vens. The physicians there are Doctors Coffee and Metcalf.
The township officers serving in 191 5 are as follow: Trustee, George
Meid : assessor, C. H. Mitchell; ad\isory board. H. H. Stevens, Thomas G.
Kelso, Leroy Barber; constable. Clark Denumbrum ; justice of the peace,
George McBarber; supervisors. James W. York, Luther T. Davis.
WHITE WATER TOWNSHIP.
White Water is in the extreme southeastern corner of Franklin county,
and is bounded on the north by Springfield, on the west by the Indiana-Ohio
state line, on the south by Dearborn county, and on the west by Highland and
Brookville townships. This subdivision of the county contains thirty-six
sections and comprises all of congressional township 8 north, range I west.
White Water township was created by the commissioners on Januan.- 6,
1816. The record ( Book D, p. 82), shows that it was one of the four civil
townships in the county at that date. Its territorial limits were described
as follow: All that part of Franklin county which lies south of a line be-
ginning at a i)nint on the west side of the said county and thence running
east to Wliite Water so as to cross the river at the south of Big Cedar Grove
creek; thence running along the Big Cedar Grove creek, then meanders
thereof until the same intersects the line dividing the eighth and ninth town-
ships; thence running east with the said township line to the east boundary
of the count)- — shall compose a townshi]). which township shall be known
and called by the name of White Water township."
The next change in boundary appears on pages yj of Record Book E.
and bears date of February 10. 1817. when Samuel Rockafeller and Enoch
D. John, commissioners, ordered that the townshi]-) limits of White Water.
Brookville. Posey. Bath. I 'nion and Connersville be redefined. The record
shows that White Water township was described b\- the comnu'ssioners as
follows :
"Commencing at the southwest corner of Franklin countv. running east
128
FRA.VKI.IX COUXTV. INDIANA.
vvitli the soutlK'rn IxniiKlarv line of snifl county to the southeast corner or
said county: thence north alon.i,^ the eastern IjfMuulary of said county until
it intersects the line dividinij the eit,ditli and ninth townships on range I ;
thence west with the aforesaid line until it strikes the Big Cedar Grove
creek: thence d<>wn this same with the meanders thereof to the mouth of said
Cedar (]rove creek: thence due west to the western boundary line of the
county: thence south to the place of lJe^;innin.c,^■■
In 1828 the. commissioners defined all the township limits and at this
time "ordered that the eighth congressional township, in range i west, shall
com])ose and constitute the first township t(j he called White Water Ic.wn-
ship." And it so stands at the present time.
NATUR.vr. FK.XTURK.S.
White Water river courses across ahout si.\- sectir.ns of the .-outhwest
portion of the township. Johnson's fork takes its rise in the north-central por-
tion, runs south and easterly lo the White Water, which it forms junction
with in Dearborn county. Big Cedar creek crosses the northwe.st .section.
and a good-sized branch of Big Cedar crosses the north-central portion and
unites with the main stream in Brookville township. Dr\- fork crosses the
extreme northeast corner, while Syers" run rises in three of the northeastern
sections of the township.
The north and eastern portions of the township are quite level, Init other
parts are rolling, and along the streams the surface is very hilly and rolling:
yet there is but a small anK)unt of waste land. The streams of the township
are not constant in their stage of water, varying with the seasons, sometimes
almost dry. For this reason it is hard to maintain and keep in good rejjair
mill-dams, hence luit little has been attempted at milling, though .several early-
day attempts were made, nearly all ending in failure.
SETTLEMENT.
Coming to the pioneer settlement here, it may be stated that most of the
early settlers passed through this township t(^ other townships and adi.-ining
counties. The first land entered here was section 32. by Beniamin McCarty.
in May, 1S03. Then other entries were made, as shown in the "Original
Entry List" of all lands entered in the county, the same appearing el.-ewhcre
in this volume, liy townshij) and range. (See township 8. ran^^e i west.)
John Seeley came in 181 9. It is probable that many of the men whose
1 1' ■ ■"! i;-i
;7- J>t«^
JOHN BARBER SAW-^IILL.
KRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIAXA. 12<)
names are here given came sooner than these entries indicate. It is also
well established that settlements were made at an early date by men who
bought government lands of those who had entered them.
John H. and Samuel Rockafellar came in 1805, purchasing a portion of
section 32, originally entered by Benjamin AlcCarty in 1803; the land later
fell into the hands of John Allen. The Rockafellar family came from New
Jersey, as did other families who located in this neighborhood. Among this
•colony may be recalled the names of John Allen, the Watkins, Ralph Rieley,
Ralph Wildridge, Benjamin and William Lewis. John H. Rockafellar set-
tled on the west side of the river opposite and alx)ve the present site of the
town of Xew Trenton. Thomas Manwarring's place was directly west of
New Trenton, across the river. Samuel Rockafellar located where now
stands the village of New Trenton, at the northern part, where the main road
turns to the left in passing up the valley, and there stood his fauT-tus old
tavern, one of tiie most popular stopping places in the entire White Water
valley for many years. He commenced business in a lug house, which was
soon replaced by a good brick structure. Hon. E. K. Rocka feller had it for
•a residence in the eighties. It was among the first brick Iniilding- in the
valley. Thomas Atanwarring, however, kept his hotel in Xew Trenton, at
a much later date, and was also popular.
Benjamin AlcCarty made experiments and sought to obtain salt from a
spring which flows into the White Water near Xew Trenton. It is believed
these experiments were carried on about the summer of 1803. It seems
quite certain that some salt was produced from the waters of this spring,
but the article was not, of sufficient strength or purity of saline properties to
make it a prolitable enterprise. A deeper shaft was sunk and a strong stream
of pure, fresh water came gushing in and ruined all prospects of obtaining
salt at this point. AlcCarty had numerous workmen, who scattered here
and there through the valley, became roving "squattfers," and none ever
became permanent settlers in the county.
On the lands of A. R. Case, Esq., a little west of the railroad station,
there are several graves, supposed to contain the remains of a few of these
•early explorers.
In the northwest portion of the township, chietlv on sections 5 and 8.
was an English settlement; the families were those of the Ashtons, Kerrs,
Millers. Carters, Beesleys, Bertenshaws, Heaps. Halls. Harts and a few
others.
Another English settlement was effected in the northeast quarter of sec-
<9)
f \
130 I-UAXKLIX COL'.NTY, INDIANA.
tions II and u. and near tliat location. Here settled the Kirks, Jeans,
Kings, Prices and utiicr well-reineinbcred families.
Down in the southeastern portion of the town-hijj. and up as far as
Drewcrsburq-, there was scattered a class of settlers from Xew Vork state.
These included the names of Gulley, Israel Uavis (an early jjapti^t preacher),
Seeley Russell, Hollowell Centon and Stalcup.
New England- was represented by the Xyes and La Rues, all of whom
located west from JJrewersburg, in the center of the township.
The Jenkins families were in the e.xtreme northwestern jjart of the town-
ship of Whitewater, where Prince Jenkins entered land in 1.S14. in the
eighties this family was among the most prosperous in the town^hi]).
After a sufficient number of settlers had entered and .settled permanently
in the township, it was legally organized as one of the subdivJsion> of the
county. This was el'tected i)y the act of the comity commissioners. I'"el)ruary
10, 1817, at which time the territory consisted of all its pre-e"t area and
al.so the greater portion of Plighland, Butler and Ray townships. It was a
narrow strip running across the southern portion of the count\-. with a line
due west from the mouth of Big Cedar creek f(jr its northern boundary.
When Highland was formed about 1822 or 1823, the present boundary ap-
pears to have been established. Matthew Sparks was appointed sn])erin-
tendent of the school sections: Adolph Guiley, Lister and Ralph W'ildridgc,
overseers of the poor, at the Alay term in 18 17. Elections were ordered to
be held at the house of John V^anblaircum ; Thomas Manwarrinc^ was ap-
pointed inspector of elections at the same session of the county hoard.
In July, 1 817, Ralph Wildridee was licensed to conduct a hotel: Joseph
Bennett, John H. Rockafellar and Benjamin Gulley were appointed con-
stables. Ralph W^aldridge kept an early tavern, for his license was issued
to "keep a tavern or house of public entertainment" in April, 1812.
White Water township has had man\- towns and villages jjlatted. manv
of which are now defunct and their names unknown to manv. These in-
clude New Trenton, Edinburg (now Drewersburgj , Rockdale. Sbarptown
and Ashby.
The present township officers are : Trustee. Reed Mofifett : asses.-or.
F. 'Si. Wright: advisory Iioard. W. 5. Stout, W. F. Winters, C. Strohmier;
supervisors, William Yauger. Albert Waltz, Louis Lenkel. J. F. Hass.
FUANKLIX COLNTY, INDIANA. 131
VILLAGES or TIIK TOWNSHIP.
New Trentfjn. situated in section 32, was laid out in Decenihcr. 1816,
by Solomon Manwarriiiy-, as surveynr, for Samuel Rockafellar and Ralph
VValdrid-,^', proprietors. In September, 1847, William B. Cox made an addi-
tion of a small tract of Icjts. This old village is on the Whitewater river
and was one of the important points on the (;ld canal. It \va.s popular on
account of being where the Rockafellar tavern was situated. Mere Thomas
Man warring also kept a tavern and conducted a general store, entertained
the public, l)oth '•sacred and jjrofane." Me was a well-known class leader
in the Methodist den(;mination ; attended camp-meetings; opened his doors
to all traveling preachers; made a good grade of whisky, and sokl it to all
who desired it.
A Methodist church ^vas erected here in 1835. Benjamin Lewis was
one of the leading spirits in this church-building enterpri.se.
For a list of the early physician^ of the village the reader is referred to
the medical chapter in this volume.
The first militia officers in the place were: Major George Rudici! and
Capts. John P. Case. Joseph Haqjer and James Scoficld.
The first schools were kept in the cabins of the pioneer settlers. The
first regular school house was a log building at Xew Trenton ; the next was
on Elkhorn creek, a mile and a half to the west of the village.
At New Trenton the following is a list of postmasters who have ser\ed
from the establishment of the office in April, 1817. to the present. This
list was furnished by the postal department at Washington especiallv for this
history, and the dates indicate time of appointment: Samuel Rockafellar.
April 5, 1817; Thomas Alanwarring. November 11, 1833; Eliphalet Barber.
September 5, 1836; Joseph Sizelovc, b'ebruary 20, 1838; Moses Hornaday.
February 7. 1840; J. B. Sparks, March 31. 1840: George Barber. January
zy, 1841; Earl Power. February 18, 1842; Samuel Boateher. Afay 7. 1845:
J. B. Campbell. .May 19. 1847; Samuel Davis. June 15, 1849; J- B. Carter,
June 25. 1852; Fred Deike, April 28, 1853; J- R- Cooley, August 20. i860;
H. J. Carr. January 2~, 1864; Samuel Davis, February 21. 1865: Fred
Deike. February 8, 1868; Samuel Davis. September 20. 1869; E. K. Rocka-
fellar, Jr.. July 13, 1870: Conrad Hull, November 8. 1871 ; George M. Lewis.
December 20, 1880: Conrad Mull. June 14. 1881 : Mannah Miller. August 7.
1885; Conrad Hull, April 15, 1889; Hannah Miller, June 24. 1893: A. R.
Greatbach, December 24, 1897; James A. Mabis. July 6, 1914.
1^2 FRAN'KMX COINTY, INDIANA.
At New Trenton, in fact in various parts of the township, there were
two classes of settlers — one known as tlic "Tuckahoes," from the two Caro-
linas, and the others the "Easterners,"' and when these two met in arguments
and dickerings over l)usiness affairs, they frequently disagreed. At general
training occasions and house raisings, etc.. especially in political campaigns
and election times, both sections were warmed to fe\ er heat by the free use
of liquors, when enc(junters ensued, resulting in many black eyes' and not a
few loosened teeth.
It is believed that tlic Hrst to eni^age in merchandise at Xew Trenton
was William Walker, in a log building, which was still standing twenty-five
years ago, possil)ly jjartly in existence today. It was later weatherboardcd
and painted, making it look like a m(jdern frame structure.
All of the pioneer merchants have long since been gathered to their
fathers and in many cases their names have been long forgotten to the com-
munity of which they were once a part.
AN OLD LAN D-MARK.
The old ]Man warring tavern in this township was one of the most
prominent "meeting houses" in early times. In the same room in which
Mr. Manwarring sold whisky, of his own make, by the dram, he also preached
the Gospel on the .Sabbath to a score or more old settlers. The bottom step
of the stairway served as a pulpit and from this improvised rostrum the
early ministers wielded a wide influence for good. This old brick tavern
still stands and with its large "L" of rooms extending from the side of the
building, it is practically as good as it was more than a century ago. This
old bar room and "meeting house" is now used as a general store room.
It was built in iSio, hence it antidates the little Cedar Baptist church building
which was erected in 1 812.
The business of New Trenton in the years 1914-15 was as follows:
General dealers — Albert Witt, Miller Sisters, successors to their mother. Mrs.
C. Witt; hardware, Clarence Lake, John Sintz: hotel. August Widan : saloons,
Omer Brown, August Sintz; postmaster. J. A. ]\Iabis; lumber and planing
mill, Louis Brown, who had a yard and mill at this point until the flood of
191 3, when all his property was washed away, even the lot on which his
plant stood, tie then removed to the village of Cedar Grove where he is
now located; blacksmith. John Sintz.
The Methodist Episcopal is the only denomination having a building
at this place now.
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ON LITTLE CEDAR.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 133
Among the first events of this village may be named the following: The
first cook stove brought to the village was in 1832 by Z. A. Xye. The first
piano of the place was that purchased by Z. A. Nye, about 1852. The first
sewing machine was that purchased for the family of \)r. Samuel Davis, in
i860. The first railroad ticket and freight office was erecte.l and opened to
the public in August, 1866. The substantial wagon bridge was built over the
swift-flowing waters of the White Water at this point in 1877-78.
Drewersburg, originally called Edinburg, now has a population of about
seventy-five. It was platted in Xoveniber, 1833, by J(;hn W. Hancock,
William Ranie}-, Joseph Stevens and John Russell. It is located on the
southeast cpiarter of section ;^^. It took the name Drewersburg from Will-
iam S. Drevver, who resided there at the time of the platting. It has a few
business houses and afifords a trading place for those living along the eastern
line of the county.
Sharpstown was originally a ];ostoffice on the 'Sh. Carmel and Johnson
Fork turnpike. A store or two and a few shops were all that ever went
toward making up a village. The population is placed at thirty. It is sit-
uated on section 3.
Rockdale is an interesting little village, situated at the foot of a large
hill, and it is safe to say that no village of the county can rival it in natural
scenery. This is one of the newer tov/ns of the county and its buildings
indicate that its people are possessed of thrift and prosperity. The mercan-
tile interests of the town are in the hands of James Stewart and David Jaisle,
both of whom have well-stocked general stores, doing a flourishing business
in the town and immediate vicinity. One of the best rural school buildings
in the county is found here and the people take a just pride in their excellent
schools. A United Brethren church serves the religious interests of the
town and has exerted a wholesome influence in the community ever since it
was established.
BUTLER TOWNSHIP.
On the southern boundary of the county, second from the western
border, is Butkr civil township, with ^letamora and one section of Brook-
ville township at the north, Brookville and Highland townships to the east
and to its south is Ripley county, while to the west are Ray and Salt Creek
townships. It contains thirty full congressional sections in townships 10 and
II north, ranges 12 and 13 east. The township was erected by the board of
134 FRANKLIN COLXTV, INDIANA.
county commissioners September 5, 1^549, by taking nine sections of town-
ship II, rnngc 13; nine off of township 11, range 12; six off of township 10,
range 12; and six from township 11, range 12, which sections were pre-
viously, respectively, in Brookville. Highland, Ray anrl Salt Creek townships.
This change was effected on account of the inconveniences of getting to and
from elections when the water was at a high stage in the creeks. It was
named for Cutler county. Cjhio, from which many of the settlers had emi-
grated. At the same time the township was set off as a sej)arate subdivision,
its first officer was appointed, in the person of Aaron B. Line, who was
made inspector of elections for the newly created township.
The surface of Butler township is somewhat broken and in many places
extremely rough. Yet within the bounds of the territory there is a sufficient
amount of both bottom and upland to afford a good farming district. The
soil, which is largely clay and drift soil mixed, is well calculated to produce
good crops of the grains and grasses common to this latitude and climate.
Originally, the township was covered with a good growth of timber, espec-
ially valuable trees of oak of various varieties. On Pipe creek there is a
grove of cedars, which for many years attracted the passer-by. There stood,
in the eighties, a huge cucumber tree, measuring fully two and a half feet in
diameter and si.xty feet high — the only one known in this section of coun-
try. It stood on the farm owned then by Mrs. Grinkemier.
The streams are Pipe creek, a branch of the West fork of White Water
river; Wolf creek, which rises in the central portion, runs north to the north-
east part of the township, turns directly east and from Brookville township
falls into Blue creek. Cedar fork takes its rise in the southwest part of the
township, finally finding its way into Pipe creek. Little Walnut fork of Pipe
creek and a few more lesser streams aft'ord an abundance of water and good
drainage for the adjoining lands.
PIONEER SETTLEMENT.
The records show that the first land was entered in this township by
James xMley, who settled in the northwestern quarter of section 19, township
II, range 13, in October. 1812. Regarding the actual settlement, it is known
that John Alley, father of Samuel, Thomas W. and Rev. David Alley, moved
into the township in 1814. John Gibson came the same year. The mother of
James T. Osborn (then a widow) settled near where St. Mary's church
now stands, in 18 16, or possibly as late as 1817. So far as can be learned
the first white man to effect a settlement and remain a resident of Butler
■•^■i' /■ :-:l'
FKANKMN COL'XTY, INDIANA. I35
tounbhij) was William Russell, who scltled at the niouth of Russell's branch,
and remained there some forty years, then removed to Morgan county,
Indiana, where he died at a riye old age, respected by all who knew of his
many manly virtues.
In ibi3 James Jones was shot by John Giijson, who mistook him for an
Indian or for a deer.
In 1816 William McCaiTerty settled; he married the sister of John T.
Osborn. These all located on Pipe creek, or very near that stream.
The settlement in 181H-19 included Eli Stringer, who claimed a tract
on the uplands of this township, in section 21, township 11, range i;^. In
1836 this tract was occupied by a Revolutionary soldier named Richard
Smith, w^ho later purchased the land where stands St. Mary's church, and
at that place he died.
In 1822 John Longacre effected his settlement; his family consisted of
his mother, two sons and two daughters. This property was sold in about
1835 to Jesse Woodward.
Rev. Josiah Gjen located in section 20, township 11. range 13, in 1823.
In 1832 Bernard Myrose, a German, located in the township, and it
has been said that he was the first of his nationality who claimed land and
established his home in Butler township.
The Ronnel^aums, Ackermans, Michael Schafer. Quirin \'olz and Henrv
Crusa came in a little later. (3thers came in. but not \ery many, until 183^).
when the building of the White Water canal attracted many home-seekers to
this part of the state. This caused most of the vacant lands in Butler town-
ship to Ije taken up for actual settlement or for speculation. It was during
1836 tliat two men named Roberts, residents of Cincinnati, entered all the
remaining vacant lands in the county, except a few small tracts. These
speculators held these lands for higher prices, and the result was that settle-
ment was retarded west of the boundary line for a number of vears. In
1846 this land syndicate was broken, after which actual settlers had a better
chance to procure lands. William McCarty purchased the interests held l)v
one of the Roberts brothers, and George Holland, of Brookville, was made
the agent of the other interests. Soon the lands w^ere sold out in smaller
tracts to settlers at reasonable prices. The last lot entei-ed was an eightv-
acre piece in section ;^^, township 11. range 13. bv John D. Shrver. about
1843. ' ' ' "
The early schools and churches have all been treated in separate chap-
ters, hence need not be further mentioned in this connection.
136 FRANKLIN COUNTY^ INDIANA.
About 1830 John Allcr erected a mill on Pipe creek, but, owing to the
wash-outs of his dam, it never amounted to much and was soon abandoned.
The same year James Alley built a saw-mill on the creek running across
section 30, township 11, range 13. Later there was added a corn-grinding
attachment and, between the saw-mill and corn-grinder, for many years the
enterprise proved ui great usefulness to the pioneers. It was still m opera-
tion early in the eighties, when it was owned by Jeremiah Jones.
It was not far from 1830 thai William McCatlerty built his saw-mill
and corn-cracker on section 8, lownshii) 10, range [3. .\ Mr. Clark l)uilt
another mill on the same stream further up than McCafferty's, and a corn-
cracker was put in operation on Pipe creek by Mr. P.atzner about 1S41.
Other mills were erected by Jacob Jones on Wolf creek in 185 i, and Law-
rence & Flemming started their steam saw-mill in section 3_'. township 11,
range 13. Later two run of stones were put in niteration. and both flour and
corn were ground in large quantities. It was in 1857, or possiblv a year
later, that John F. Dickman commenced to operate his steam saw-mill. About
that date W'illiam Eiglehoff operated another steam mill, both having circu-
lar saws, an innovation in the saw-mill business in the county. The Jerry
Jones grist-mill was early and long since gone, save a trace of the race and
mill-posts which can still be seen on Pipe creek.
OTHER INTERESTING EVENTS.
The first mowing machine was brought to Butler township in 1864, but
threshing machuies had been in use a dozen years before that. Foster &
Alley brought the first grain separator from Hamilton, Ohio.
George Ertel, Sr., and George Ertel, Jr., father and brother of Jacob
Ertel, were killed by falling trees near the old salt works. These accidents
occurred a year apart and cast a gloom over the settlement.
A Miss Kemp was drowned while crossing Pipe creek on her way from
Brookville, where she had been engaged to work.
About 1852 a young man named Hutchinson was drowned in Clear creek
fork on a Sunday while bathing. .\ .Mr. Coleman was drowned in the same
stream while attempting to cross in a high stage of water about 1847.
In 1882 it was stated that the oldest inhabitant of the township who
was born here was Mrs. Scpiire Harvey, who was born in the village of St.
Marys in 185 1.
The first person buried in the township was Washington Osbom, son
of James and Ruth Osborn.' ?Ie died in childhood.
FRANKLIX COINTV, INDIANA. I37
Very early in the .settlement oi the township there was much excitement
over a supposed "find" of salt, a commodity then much more appreciated,
than now, when it has come to be such a cheap article. Wells were !?unk
and there was much exploring for the saline product. John Shaw, in 1832,
made and sold salt from wells at the mouth of Salt Well branch of F'ii>e
creek, in Butler townshi]). He died in the autumn of that year and there
were no further developments in the salt industry he had started.
TOWNS AXn VILLAGES.
At one time or another there have been the following villages in Butler
township: Oak Forest, Haymund (Jennings), Franklin, New \'ernon.
Raymond was made a postoflice in 1S61, with Henry Moorman as post-
master. This is also known as vSt. Mary's, after the Catholic church at that
point, and has a population of about fifty. It is located in section 5, town-
ship 10, range 13 east. Its present interests are inclusive of these: The
large Catholic church, a history of which appears in a chapter on this de-
nomination ; a general store by Joseph Ronnebaum. who also conducts a
saloon. Then there is another saloon by Henry Kruthaupt, and a blacksmith
shop run by William Jansing. The village is on the rural free delivery route
from Batesville.
Jennings postoflice was established in 1838. Franklin was laid off on
Pipe creek, where about a dozen buildings, including a school house, were
erected. The school house burned in 1858. Xew Vernon was laid off by
Jacob B. Lawrence about 1839. There were erected a few cabins and one
large frame building. It is the site of St. Mary's Catholic church. The his-
tory of this, with all other churches of the county, form a .•>eparate chapter
in this work.
Oak Forest, in the northeastern part of this township, now has a popu-
lation of one hundred and twenty-five. There one finds, today, a general
store, for many years prior to 191 3 operated by Fred Stumpf : two blacksmith
shops, one by William Becker, to the west end, and George Williams, to the
north side of the village, which is on the rural free delivery route from^
Brookville : there is also a saloon run by Josei)h Vonderheide. There have
been churches of the Catholic. Methodist and United Brethren denominations
located at this point.
The population of Butler township in 1910 was onlv Sy6: it had a
■population of 1,073 i" 1900 and in 1890 it had 1.243.
I ■)!
I3& FRANKLIN COrNTY, INDIANA.
The present (1915) townshi]) officers are as follow: Trustee, Ben H.
Vonderheide; assessor. Henry Masplioler : advisory board. Joseph T. Lan-
ning, Ben Langfermann. Tharles Aniherger; justices of the peace, Henry
Pulskamp; constable, josepli W'alipe: supcrvisf^rs, Henry I*"riese. Herman
Fleddermann, Frank Laker, Jacob Hildebrand.
BLOOMING GROVE TOWNSHIP.
Blooming Gro\e township is on the northern line of the county, midway
east and west, with Fairfield and Brookville on the east, Brookville and
Metamora on the .south and Laurel on the west. It consists of twenty-four
sections from congressional township 12, range 13 east, which are numbered
from one to twenty-four. Four of these sections are fractional — i. 12. 13
and 24 — being so made by the Indian boundary line of 1795. which di\-ides
the Ohio and Indiana system of surveys. There are twent_\-one and one-
half square miles within the limits of lilooming Grove township. But prior
to the date w hen tlie above boundaries were set, and really the first mention
made of this subdivision of Franklin county, we find in volume E, commis-
sioners' records, page 7, under date of Monday, May 12, 181 7. a statement.
part of which reads as follows :
"This day came Isaac M. John and presented to the ijoard a petition
signed by thirty and more signers praying for a division of Posey township,
in the county of Franklin, aforesaid. And it appearing to the satisfaction
of the board that it is expedient and necessary that the di\-ision should be
had of the township aforesaid, it is therefore ordered that the following
shall be the boundaries of the said new township: Beginning on the Brook-
ville township line, at the southeast corner of Posey townshi]-). thence with
the boundary line between Bath and Posey townships to the center of town-
ship 13. range 13: thence west with the line dividing P(jsey and Ct)nnersville
tow-nships to the line dividing township 13. range 13. and township 13. range
12; thence south to Brookville township line: thence east to the ])lace of be-
ginning."
"Said township to be known and styled Blooming Grove, and that all
elections in said township shall l)e held at the house i^f E:^ra McCabe. in the
town of Greensboro." Later there were three tiers of sections detached
and placed in Fayette county, leaving the present territorv of Blooming
FRANKM.V COi;N"rV, INDIANA. 139
Grove townsliip. as above stated, cwn^i^ting of twenty full and four frac-
tional >ecti'nis.
The first olticers of the township in 1817 were as ffillow : John Wal-
ter, lister; James Crai.t;. o\ersccr of the poor: Isaac M. Jolnison, inspector
of elections: John Crown and W illiain Skinner, con.-,taljles : William Goe and
Christ(Ji)her Swift, supervi.-,(jrs of the roads of the new township. .Ml these
above officers were appointed by the county commissioners. Among the
earlv justices ot the peace were Samuel Miller. John Allen and Joseph Evans.
In iS'j8 the commissioners defined the boundaries of the eight town-
ships in this county and Bloominc,' Grove was given the following limits:
"Ordered, that the fourth township lie bounded as follows: Beginning
at the southeast corner of section ^2, in township 10, range 2 west: thence
north on said section line to the south boundary of Union county: thence
west along said county line to the old boundary line: thence northwardly
along said boundary line to the southeast corner of Fayette county: thence
west on the line of said county to the northwest corner of township 12, range
13 east: thence south along said township line to the southwest corner or
•section 18 in said township: thence east on the section line to the old bound-
ary line: thence northwardly to the line dividing townships 9 and 10 in range
2 west: thence east along said section line to the place of beginning, to be
■called Blooming Grove township."
The population of this townshi]) in i8qo was 664. in 1900 it had dropped
to 653, and the last federal census gives it 631.
STREAMS, SOIL, ETC.
The most important stream in the township is Duck creek, which takes
its rise in the north-central portion of the township, among a cluster of
never-failing springs and creeks, and takes its course in a general southwest-
erly direction, leaving the territory less than a mile from the scjuthwest corner.
near where it received the waters of James creek, or commonly called
"Timmie's Run." Wolf creek heads in the central part and riows eastward
to the East fork. All other streams mentioned are branches of West fork.
The township is an excellent agricultural section. The northeastern
portion is well timbered with the varieties of trees common to the entire
countv. The center and eastern parts have a clay soil, with a slight loam
mixture. The central and eastern p(M-tion, however, are better as a farming
section. Underdraining. in the western part of the township, has subdued
and changed the soil so that it has come to be very productive of later years.
■..I I',, f
140 FRANKLIN COUNTy, INDIANA.
PIONIiER SETTLEMENT.
No general settlement was effected here until the close of the War of
1812-14. There were but two entries in 1811, none in 181 2 and seven in
1813; in 1814 and 181 5 the real tide of immigration set in.
The major part of the original entries up to 1817 were as follows:
Jacob Baldridgc and Ralph Williams settled (probably first in tiie township)
in 181 1 ; David Ewing, Josiah Allen, John Allen, Jr., J. Curry. Benjamin
Norwell, Christopher Swift, all in 1813; Tyler McW hortcr, Michael Kin-
gery, Solomon Shepard, Caleb C. Clements, James Webb, Tliomas Sher-
wood, James Sherwood, William and James Harvey, William Smith, Charles
Harvey, William Skinner, John Delaney, Richard Clements, Joseph Hughell,
Thomas Smith, all in 1S14; Samuel Steel. James Fordyce, Thomas Slaughter
and Richard Dunkin, in 1815; Emory Scotton. 1816; Colvin Kinsley. 1817",
William Harder, 1817.
It is thought tliat Jacob Baldridge and Ral])h Williams were proljably
first to enter the township. Thev located .in section 19, in tiie -southwest cor-
ner of the township. I'rom records and general hearsay, it is believed that
such men as the following were prime movers in starting the de\elopment
in this section of the county, laying well the foundation for future township
and county government: The Webbs. Swifts, Harveys. Sherwood?, Slaught-
ers and Glenns. with their near neighbors.
VILLAGE OF BLOOMING GROVE.
The only village in the townsliip is Blooming Grove, with a present
population of one hundred and twentv. It is in the central part of the town-
ship, and was platted in section 10 July 2^, 1816, by Surveyor Joseph Allen,
for the proprietors, John Xaylor and James Sherwood. During February,
181 7, an addition was platted by the same men, and lots Xos. 18 and 23.
were donated to the ]jul)lic for a "school and meeting house." The place was
named Greensboro, but some who did not favor the site for a town dubbed
it "Greenbrier." Perhaps no better accoimt of the early histor\- here can be
given today than to quote what was written by Plenry C. Harvey about 1881
or 1882, which article reads as follows:
"The writer can:e to the town on the nrst day of September. 1834, to
begin a six years' apprenticeship at a trade, which term he fully and faith-
fully served and from that date to the present time has witnessed the growth
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. I4I
-and changes that have occurred. The olt-repeated statement about the ori-
ginal name of our village being Greenbrier is incorrect. The founders of the
village were natives of Maryland and they named it in honor of a town in
that state. The township was called Blooming Grove. Some time between
1830 and 1835 (tor want of a mislaid old diary I cannot give precise datej
the people of the tcnvnship petitioned L'ncle Sam for a postottice at their
village, to be called Greensboro. In due time word came to them that there
was already an oftice by that name in the state. Then they sent the name of
Blooming Grove and also the name of the man chosen for i>ostmaster, and
the petition was granted. The postmaster was an alien, but he made an
efficient oflicer. At the next session of the Legislature after getting their
postoffice, the citizens petitioned that body to change the name of the town
from Greensboro to Blooming Grove, which was granted, and that is the
way it all came about. As far back as 1820 the directory of business would
have said: Samuel Miller, hotel, west of Mam street: Peter Miller, chair-
maker, east of Main street; John Ply, potter, northeast corner of Main and
^Cross streets; Elanthan Cory, tanner and currier, north side. As yet there
had been no store in the town, nor was there any until after 1825. Tb.e first
store was kept by Beverly R. Voun ; the first wagonshop by Parismis Wil-
;kinson. In iS2(j Martin W. ;Mt)rris, of Ohio, bought and fitted up pr^.pcrty
for a store and hotel. He occupied it for a time and then sold the property
to William King, who also carried on merchandising and tavern-keeping,
subsequently selling out to Coleman & Clements. Some time in 1830 or 1831
James Wliorten, of Cincinnati, brought out a large stock of old goods and
remnants and sold them at auction on long credit, greatly to the disgust of the
resident merchants. The sale lasted nearly a week. Up to this time there
had been no blacksmith shops in town, but shortly afterward Thomas S.
Webb, brother of Scpiire John A\'ebb, commenced the business. The first
frame dwelling was built by Robert Runyan alx»ut 1834, and is now (1882)
•occupied by William Cooper. About this time a lot of 'e.xodusters" from
Maryland swooped down upon the town and it began to grow. As yet there
was no meeting-house in town."
At an early date there was erected by William Richardson a mill on
Duck creek, but it was abandoned after a few years.
James Harvey. Jr.. it is believed, was the first person to be buried
-within Blooming Grove township, his death occurring in i8iq.
The first child bom was James Hughell, and Henry C. Har\-ey the
-second.
142 FRAXKMX COrXTY, IXDIAN'A.
The first school Ikjusc was erected in either iS'i/ or 18 18; it was in the
Harvey neii;liIjorh(j(j(l and the teacher was a ^Ir. Orr.
There are three churches within the township — "Old Ehenezer,' on the
south line; the Methodist I^piscopal at the \illa,:^'e of liloomini; (jrove. and a
Protestant Methodist church, all ot which are treated in detail in the chapter
on Churches.
In the s])rinf:: of 1915 the followini,^ interests were represented at the
viHage of Blo(jniing Grove: A Kin't^hts of Pythias lodge, an account of
which the reader will find in the I.odge chapter of this volume. .\ .\feth-
odist Episcopal church— ^see Church chapter. General dealers. Powers &
Perdiue and W. L. White. The former firm has Ijccn in h'usine-^s a Iialf
century, and as the firm is now constituted >ince 181^1. Thomas Ellis is the
village blacksmith. Fairfield is on the rurrd free delivery route from F'rook-
ville, the postoBice, established many years ago, haA'ing been discontinued in
1905.
The brick and drain tile factory of this place is operated for the f»wner.
Mrs. Jennie Waggoner, by John Van ^Nleter. Until recently there was a
good steam saw-mill here, but it is abandoned.
The public school building is a good two-room frame building, erected
in 1900.
Mrs. Mary Powers Deter, the oldest living resident in the township as
well as in Franklin county, is in her ninety-m'nth year, ptxssessed of all her
faculties, save defective eyesight. She is the last of a family of ten children,
in her parents" family.
The township officers in 1915 in Blooming Grove township are: Trus-
tee, Deward Wilson ; assessor. Lee W^right : advisory board. Charles L.
. Scheisz, Aaron Apsley. Robert J. Winmeter : justice of the peace, Lcniis C.
Chambers; constable, J. W. Chowning; supervisors. Lon Stewart. Xo. I.
William J. Fields, Xo. 2.
SPRINGFIELD TOWXSIIIP.
Springfield township lies between Bath and White Water townships, on
the section line of Franklin county. It contains thirty-six sections. It is
identical with congressional township 9 north, range i west. Prior to May
12, 181 7. it hatl been a part of Brookville township, but on that date the
county commissioners set it ofi as a separate subdivision on the petition of
Jacob Fausett and thirty other citizens of the township proposed to be formed.
FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA. I43
The order read. as follows: "bu much of Urookville lownship as coniposed
the ninlh congressional township in range I west, shall constitute and be
known as bprniglield township, and that all elections in said township shall
be held at the house of Xiinrod nrackney."
This portion of I'ranklin count}-, generally speaking, ia le'.el, except
where broken b\ some (jue iji the stream^ that llow through its territory.
Big Cedar creek tlows thrcnigh the western side of the township from north
to south. '1 he banks along this stream are very steep and bold. The stream
has a main branch coming from the north-central part. Dry fork, a tribu-
tary of White Water, rises east of the central p<jrtion, llows south and east-
erly and leaves the township near Scipio at the southeastern corner. When
first known to the white settlers this township had several pcjnds, but with
the passing years the hand of the owners has caused them all to be drained
and today there is not to be discovered a trace oi them. The land in the old
pond beds is among the most productive within the county.
SETTLE.MENT.
The first land enteretl in this township was l)y Jnhn Remy, (October 13.
1804, in the southeast quarter of section 28, hence it starids as one of tlie
first settled portions of the county. Samuel Stewart was ne.xt to invade the
township, making h.is advent .August i. r8o6. During the same year lands
were entered l>y William Cloud, John Coulter and William Rail. The com-
plete entrv list, elsewhere in this volume, give the settlers bv years, .\fter
the War of 181 2 the township grew rapidly and immigration kept up utitil
most all of the good land was taken l)y actual settlers. The above entries
have been copied and verified by public land records. However, there were
manv who entered land, made slight improvements thereon, and. being dissat-
isfied with the country or because they were unal)le to pay for the same, to
those who had loaned them money to enter the land at government prices,
sold or traded "for a song" to some other man. who became a permanent
settler. Hence, it does not necessarily follow that a man who entered land
in the township was in fact a i)ermanent settler, but the man who ])urchased
from him who had entered the government land was entitled to be classed
among the first settlers in the township. So it will be understo-xl how easv
it is to make the mistake of calling an original land purchaser "first settler."
Among the first to become settlers in the true sense was the Fruits
family, in the central eastern part of the township, although tb.e name does
not appear in the land entries.
144 FRAXKMX COUNTV, INDIANA.
Moses Karick-n came in fr<mi Kentucky with lii> family, and settled in
.section 14 in March, 1810. He had previously entered and iniprovtru these
lands, but througii some irrej^ularily in rec<jr(ls and red-tape rulea 01 the land
office, the record was m>t made until iSio.
Philii) Lvnch was another actual settler who came in very early, pur-
hasing an original claim. FollcAving came others, who were in after years
well-knmvn laclor.-. in the devclopnicnt i.f thi^ township, and these included
Nixon Oliver. Samuel Lee. W illiam Applegate. Moses Hornaday. R. P.
Clarkson. Isaac Woods. Thniua.-, Mathews. Philip Imjwc. Cyrus Saunders,
Joseph Wallace, Amos Applcton. Jamc.-> .Vrdery. X. \'. Simmouson. Samuel
Shirk, David Shirk, Timothy Scohcy. David iJussclI. Eli James. Ira Stout,
Powell Gulick. William Clark, Joab Howell. Henry Grover. John Merrill.
John Barbour, William Armstrong, Samuel Carbour, Philip Jones. Daniel
Shafer, \\'. T. Swift. John Abbott, Ximrod Prackney, James Thompson,
Michael Owens, William Ferguson. W. and Thomas Crayton. Alexander
Telford, .\rtliur Cunningham, Captain William Webb. William Gilchrist.
EVENTS OF IXTEKEST.
During 181 J there was a block-house built on land owned by Moses
Rariden. at least it was partly constructed when the war closed and no
further trouble was expected by Indian invasions. This was near a large
.spring, the waters of which were still llowing a few years since.
The early roads were merely traces blazcfl through the timber, with a
notice at each end of the trace, telling where the trail ran t< ■ and from.
The name of this township, it is believed, was derived from a large
spring, where the block-house was to be erected. Others believe it was
named for some town in the East from which came many of the pioneers.
Among the first to bring to the township graded stock was John Bar-
bour. One of the first blacksmiths was the father of Isaac Wamsley. whose
shop was located on Big Cedar, where the pike crosses that stream.
The Seal family owned a small single thresher, known by some as a
"pepper-mill."' This was probably the first threshing machine in the county.
"Grannv Singhorse," as Mrs. Singhorse was commonly called, was
probablv the first to treat diseases in this township. She used to travel on
horseback and wore a hat of peculiar make-up. The earliest regular physi-
■cians in the county were Drs. Freeman Perry and G. Oliver.
The first school was taught in section 24. in 1814. by ^.largaret Rariden.
About 1816 a school was taught by Thomas Craven, in section 2,3- on. the
FKANKI.IX COLXTY, INDIANA. I45
Clendeiiiiig prcjperty. This man. it is related, used to apply the birch uA
very effectively.
One of the first mills in this township was erected by Moses Rariden,
on a branch of Dry fork, in section 14. Another was constructed by Isaac
Wanisley, in section 2<S', en the Big Cedar. Another very early mill is re-
called as iiaving Ijctii built near Scipio. What was styled a "husk frame"
mill was erected by James Seal in either section 32 or 33, on Big Cedar.
Here he had a run of mill stones and did coar.se grinding. Later this mill
was removed to Laurel Hill. It was covered by a rude shed and had a hand
bolting machine, each customer having to turn the crank if he wished l>o!tcd
flour or meal. Power was furnished by means of a ten- foot overshot water-
wheel.
A tannery was established by Thomas ^Lathews. and Thomas L'pjohn
also, at a \ery early date, had a tannery in the township. John Shafer had
a tannery in the neighborhcjod at a very early date.
^V. H. Tucker, of Decatur county, many years ago furnished the sub-
joined incident for the newspapers: "Walter Tucker settled on Litrle
Cedar creek in 1815. About i8i8 he built what was styled a 'tub-wheel'
mill on his place.
"There were plenty of Indians about then. One day an Indian came to
his house, when there was no one but a sister of Tucker's at home. The
Indian, of course, wanted something to eat, and. upon looking up the chim-
ney, he espied some hog entrails which had been hung there to smoke and
dry. Mr. Indian pulled down a 'gut' or two. and. after fea^-ting fr-jin a pewter
plate upon which he laid the sweet morsel, he threw the plate under the bed
and the remains of his "feast' upon the floor and glided out of the house."
John Clendening, one of the township's most influential and energetic
pioneers, v. as killed by lightning while standing under a tree in 1844.
Xi-xon Oliver was among the first militia captains in this section and
w'as also a justice of the peace.
The first brewery in Franklin county was in Springfield township. It
was located in the southeastern part of the township, not far from the In-
diana-Ohio state line, and was owned and ojjcrated bv a Mr. DeParr.
. Up to 18S0 there had been four villages, four postoffices. seven churches
and nine brick school houses within this township, bespeaking the thrift and
enterprise of the population.
The village of Springfield was platted by William Snodgrass in 1816.
It does not now exist.
West L^'nion was platted in 181S, but is defunct. Lebanon, platted in
(10)
146 FRANKLIN COL'NTY, INDIANA.
1819, is also now defunct. Scipio was platted in 1826, the post office being
called rhilanlhropy. Mt. Carmcl was i^latted in 1853 and now has one hun-
dred and forty-three population. Other villages were Palestine (called
VVynn now), jjlatted in Octol)cr. 1847, by Paul Holliday, havinj^ a present
population of about twenty. Peoria, another hamlet of this township, has
fifty inhabitants. The latest platting in the township is Raymond, platted in
1903, as a railroad statirm on the Chesapeake iK: Ohio railway line.
MT. CARMEL.
The principal village is Mt. Carniel, in the southern part of the town-
ship, which was laid out by J. and S. S. Faucett. in February. 1832. and
August, 1S36. This section of the county has much <)\ historic interest con-
nected with it. At one time there were numerous factories located here,
including the celebrated red factory of Bishop, which factory manufacturer!.
for forty years or more, reeds for woolen mills and cotfrn factories in all
parts of the United States. It was the tirst industry of its class in all the
West.
The first stonj at Mt. Carmcl was conducted by Joseph Ilal.-tcad. It
was a log building. The next to engage in merchandise was Isaac Burk-
holder, after whom came the Faucett brothers, who platted the town and
remained many years.
The citizens of Mt. Carmel, as a rule, have always been o])posed to
liquor tral'fic and hence the village has been saloonless.
The town took its name from Mt. Carmel Presbyterian church, which
was organized previous to the platting of the town. If it were not cele-
brated for anything else, ^vlt. Carmel would have a ])lace en the map. be-
cause of the fact that it was the birthplace of ^liss M. L(juisa Chitwiod, a
child of genius, whose poems are known far and near: among these may be
named "The Old Still Mouse." .Mention is elsewhere made in this volume of
this striking character, who passed from earth's shining circle all too early.
The present business of the village is as follows: General stores. T. J.
Gates & Son, Roy Patterson: blacksnnth siiop, F. M. Gant. Alexander Camp-
bell; steam saw-mill, Henry Ferung; hotel, Charles Logan.
The village has Odd bellows and Knights of Pythias bxlges. an account
of which is given elsewhere. in this volume in the Lodge chapter. The pres-
ent churches are the Aletliodisl Fpiscopal. Universalist and Presbyterian.
FRANKLIN COUNTV, INDIANA. I47
POSTMASTERS.
The followiiij:^ persons have scr\c(l as postmaster at what is now known
as Mt. Carniel postofiice since its cstabHshment, in January, 1H32. The list
was furnislicil the author I)y the post<jfficc department at W'ashin^'ton and
the elates indicate time of ajjpdintment : R. P. Clarkson. appointed as post-
master of what was then known as Sentinel, January 12, i^T)2: name changed
to Mount Carmel, February 14. 1840, R. P. Clarkson still postmaster: Jacob
Lanius, March 16, 1848; Caleb Yocum. December 31, 1849; James Hasson,
September 4, 1850: Casper Foi,^el. May 26, 1853; Philip Rowe. February 13,
1856; S. B. Jenkins. March 24. 1863: I. S. Larue, March 9. 1864: J. B.
Smith, April 28, 1868; J. A. Gates, October 21, 1869; T. E. McCoy. January
27, 1870: E. M. McCready, January 18, 1871 ; P. B. Millepaugh. June 4.
1873; Thomas Heap, August 12, 1873: C. \V. Stewart. August 24, 1H74:
William Laird. April 12, 1S89: J. \V. Merrill, April 14, 1890; Emma Ricii-
ard, November 14, 1893; Thomas J. Gates, December 13, 1897: office discon-
tinued March 31, 1906.
The corporation officers in 1915 were: Trustees, William Luse. T. J.
Gates, J. J. Jollifif; clerk. .\. \V. Lewis; treasurer, E. L. Gates. The date of
incorporation was i88r.
Peoria is a small village on the state line, three miles north of Scipio.
Inglesidc Institute, once a popular academy, was located there. Prof. Will-
iam Rust was the founder of the school. Prof. J. P. Gassedy opened a
normal school in the same building at a later date; both educational institu-
tions have long since passed out of commission.
Mt. Pisgah was a small community of people in the vicinitv of Asbury
church. There, at one date in the history of the township, there was a saw
and grist-mill, which made it a business center; this place, however, was
never platted.
The present officers of Springtield townships are: Trustee. Rosc(^
HubbarcL- assessor. John Waltz; advisory board. Albert Biddinger.l^hn B.
Xutty. Thomas J. Gates; justice of the peace, Addison Lewis: constable.
Harry West; supervisors. John Rockwell, John S. :\IcClure. Al. George.
Thomas Freeland.
The population of the township in 1910 was. including Mt. Carmel.
1,118. as against r.130 in 1900 and 1.224 in 1890.
I48r FRAXKI.IN' COfXTV. INDIANA.
HIGHLAND TUWNSHII'.
Hio-hland township ib on tlie soiitlicrn boundary of Franklin county,
between White Water and Cutler townships. It is bounded on it> north by
Brookville. which als(j e.xtends a chstauce of one mile on the west. This civil
township of the county comprises twenty-four sections of congressional town-
ship 8 north, range 2 west, three wdiole and four fractional sections of town-
ship 9 north, range 3 west, and three fractional sections in txjwnship lO north,
range n, east; in all about thirty-one sfjuare miles. This town.ship ua> orig-
inally a part of White Water township, which once extended across the lower
part of the county. It was cut off from White Water township Ijy an order
of the county commissioners February 12, 1821. at which time it was '"Or-
dered, that all that part of White Water townshi]) lying west of White Water
compose and constitute a new township to be called Highland township, and
it is further ordered that all elections held in said township to be held at
what is now called the Republican school house on the lands of William
Fred."
In 1828 the county commissioners described the boundary of this town-
ship as follows: "Beginning at the southeast corner of township 8 in range 2
west; thence north on the township line to the northeast corner of section 13
in township 8 in range 2 west ; thence west along the section line until it inter-
sects the Grouseland purchase line: thence a southwesterly course on said
line to the western corner of fractional section 6 in town 10 north, range 13
east; thence south to the anmty line; thence east to the place of beginning
to be called Highland township."
The boundary line between Brookville and Highland townships was not
definitely established (Record Book I., page 179) until September 6. 1842'.
when the commissioners ordered Thomas \\'inscott. the surveyor of Frank-
lin county, to establish a line between Brookville and Highland townships,
commencing at the corner of sections 12 and 13 on the boimdary line and run-
ning due west until it strikes a line dividing Brookville anil Ray townships.
On December 6. same year, the commissioners declared that the boundar}'
line established by Thomas Winscott pursuant to the order of the board on
September 6, 1842. be set aside, and ordered that "said line be re-established
on the section line south of the line dividing sections 12 and 13 in township 9.
range 13; thence southwest with said boundary to the southeast corner ot
township II. range 12: the last named points to be the line between Brook-
ville township and Highland township." Subse(|uently it was reduced to its
present size by the formation of Butler township. Septemlier 5. 1845. It was
FKANKI.IX C(JUNTY, XNOIANA. 149
named on account of tlic hii^h land within its limits. W'liite Water crosses
the northeast corner of the township. Blue Creek flows across the west-
central portion, having several branches, all of which unite within the
township, (logic's and Kauiscy's Iiranches are small tributaries of White
Water. Tlie soil is of clay nature and in a few places quite thin. By
proper care the farmers have been able to produce good crops of corn,
wheat, barley and oats, while live stock has always been a paying branch
of the agriculture of the townshi]). The townshij) was originally heavily
forested, but most of the valuable timber is now gone.
SETTLKMENT.
Here, as in other places in the county, the first settlement was effected
along the streams. Along White Water river, the extreme northea'-t corner
of the township, there was a settlement of "squatters," who made slight
improvements before 1805. 1*^ John Conner will ever be credited the
honor of being the first white man to enter land in this lownshij). but the
record shows that he did not buy government land until August, 1810.
although he had without question been a resident of this section a few years
before that date. It was in this neighborhood that Conner had a store and
Indian trading post. In an old account of the first settlement there appears
paragraphs such as the following:
"During the latter portion of the last and the first years of the present
century [meaning the last years in the eighteenth and first of the nineteenth
century], there stood on the river bank a half mile up stream from present
Cedar Grove village, a trading post, known as Conner's Post. At present
all trace of it has gone, even the land where it stood has long since been
washed away by the changing of the stream's current. After it was vacated,
the trader, Conner, went further up the river and established another post
at the point where now stands Connersville, the town being named for him.
This structure was rudely and strongly built of logs, containing for barter
those necessities required by the first settlers and many trinkets and bright
woven fabrics to attract the Indians to whom they were exchanged for furs.
Chief among these commodities were powder, lead and whisky
"At this post the trappers, scouts and hunters would meet and relate
their various experiences and purchase their staples, and often the squalid
Indian, too, would idle away the long hours in lounging and drinking.
"Thus it happened on a sunny afternoon in autumn time, when a few
men w^ere seatetl about on open boxes, benches and barrels, conversing
iqO FRAXKl.IN CfUNTY, INDIANA.
with the trader and each other, there strrjlled into their midst a tall, power-
ful savage with an evil ctnintenance, who. for want of a lx;tter name, may
be styled 'The Wolf." He deposited a small quantity of furs and asked
for liquor in return, and. having received it, he immediately swallowed it
and sat down, glancing here and there, his black eyes flashing with delight
and a metallic glitter. He seemed to be known and disliked by the whites,
as they seemed to be hated and suspected by him. He drank freely of the
whisky traded for, and as his brain became elated with it, he forgot his cun-
ning and grew garrulous and boastful, seeking to awe the hunters by stories
of his powers and of what to him were his mighty deeds of valor, but
which, in reality, were thefts and murder, executed oftener through
treachery and cunning than any boldness on his part. Stopping every few
sentences to refresh his memory with potent drafts of the whisky, he
boasted of securing scalp after scalp, until he led up to what he gloried in
as his grandest feat of arms, which victory procured ior him the most
beautiful of all the scalps which hung in his lodge."
"The Indian finally boasted of having killed and scalped a beautiful
young white girl : told all the cursed details, as only a drunken Indian can
tell such particulars.
"At the tennination of the narrative some of the white men sprang
to their feet with bitter curses on the red demon, whose heart was stone,
and while the hand of all sought guns and knives, the trader hurried for-
ward, and a gray-haired scout, with a fierce, determined look, pointed up
the river trail and said. 'Wait.'
"The vaunting savage dimly understood that he had told too much,
struggled to his feet, and. after again drinking freely of the liquor, pur-
chased a quantity of powder and lead and staggered away from the post
up the trail.
"It will not be necessary to follow the Indian very far on his course,
because he came to a sudden halt about sunset, at which time a sharp report
rang out, a puff of blue smoke floated heavenward, a heavy bodv fell to
the earth. Two hours later the moon rose and sent down through the
branches long slanting rays of light that touched red stains which were
not drifted sumach leaves! The Indian was never seen again: none of
the white men at the post ever questioned whither he had gone."
The land entries in this township were, according to the countv and
government records, as follows: In 1811. William Helm. Thomas Clark and
Stephen Goble. 1814. Nathaniel Henidon. William Ramsey. 181 5. Robert-
son Jones, William Fread.' James Jones. Jr. 1S16. Peter Prifogle. the first
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 151
Gemian in Highland, and among the earliest in the county; Corbly Hudson.
In 1817, John Halborstadt, William Mintz, Samuel Price, Levi Fortner,
William Knuwls, J. B. Chapman. In iSi8, John Stafford, George W.
Matthews, Robert Douglass, William Walker, Bradbury Cottrell, Joseph
McCart'erty, Phineas Johnson. In 1819. Joshua L. Sparks, Edward Black-
burn, Jonathan Ivloore.
John Ward came to the tcnvnship in 1816 and founded the town of
Cedar Grove.
The following are the present, 191 5, township officers of Highland
township : Trustee, Theodore B. Schuck ; assessor, Anthony Ripperger ; ad-
visory board, Frank Bischoff, William Beckman, John Fohl : justice of the
peace. John J. Willielm; supervisors, Charles Schuck, Joseph Strothman,
Lewis Klemme, Joseph Boehmer.
Before 1830, the great mass of new-comers to the western lands were
beyond Franklin county, where a rich soil could be had to build homes for
themselves. .About 1831, the unoccujiied area of the southern and western
part of the county began to attract the atteiuion of certain German emi-
grants, who had assembled at Cincinnati as a center from which to diverge
for final settlement. Many of the good people came in parties of two <jr
more families, and had lived in the same neighborhood in the Fatherland.
There were a few farms settled and improvements begun between i?J(J
and 1830, mainly by the following persons: John Lefforge. 1829; Joseph
S. Whitney, 182 1 : John Bradburn. 1828, he was the pioneer doctor of
the township; Samuel Ward, 1826; John Hardin, 1826; Colvin Owen,
1826; Henry Speckman, 1826; Valentine Dill, 1826; William Spradling.
1827; John Spradling, 1833: James McCleary, 1830, the last named set-
tling in what was long known as "Burnt Woods."
In 1832-33 the German people began to settle this part of the county.
The immigration came from Cincinnati, by way of Harrison and Dearborn
counties, and was entirely independent of the Brookville settlement, except
for legal and civil purposes. Among the earliest Germans were Michael
and Ignatz Ripperger. who entered lands in section 31, in September, 1833.
adjoining the town of St. Peters.
Later settlers were : Louis Shockley, William Sturwold, Conrad
Schomler (who was killed by a falling tree), Christian Floor, John Stock-
inger (who was bitten by a rattlesnake in the harvest field, and from it lost
his life), Catherine Ripp, John R. Dirkhuesing, Henrj- Holbert, Joshua
Bacher. Philip Waldorf, John H. EUerman, Henry Beckman. Henry Mires.
■.. if,.
152 FRANKLIN' COCNTY, INDIANA.
Henry Poppe, Valentine Dill, Valentine Fuller, Sarah Keeler, all of whom
settled here previous tu 1837. John Bath settled in section ^^ in 1837.
In 1838 Godfrey Seibel built a brewery on the branch of Blue creek.
This was the tirst brewery in all this section of the country, save one in
Springfield township.
Among the English-speaking settlers may be named Jaincs Robf-sun,
of Keinucky, who came in i(Soy to Brookville toun.slii[) and to Highland in
1816. William Robe.son. uhr; settled in iX^i, was justice of the peace and
county treasurer two terms, as well as county conmiissioner.
The first school house in the township was on Joshua Baker's land,
built of buckeye logs, which persisted in sprouting for a long time after
the logs had been laid up. George W. Matthews was one of the t"irst
teachers.
The first meeting house in this township was built of logs. .•>ituated
west of present South Gate village. . It was first used by the Meth(xli.-,t
denomination.
TOWNS AND VILLAGES.
The towns and postoffices of this township are, Cedar Grove, with a
population of 185; St. Peters, with 150; Blue Creek, with j^; S<nith Gate,
with 100, and Highland Center, a mere hamlet.
Cedar Grove is situated on the White Water river, on the railroad and
the old \'alley pike. It was platted and christened "'Rochester." by John
Ward, in September, 1837. Iii i^44 D. F. Cooley made an addition to the
town. This place sprung into existence on account of the construction of
the old canal, and was fori'^^rly a very important point along tliat water-
way. The Wards erected a large flouring mill on the opposite side of the
river and were important factors in building up what was at one time a
busy commercial center.
James Roseberry, another pioneer, there conducted one of the earliest
taverns of the place.
The great flood of 1847 destroyed the Ward mills, and parts of the
saved machinery were taken to the Cedar Grove side of the river and
placed in operation as a mill by Withers & Knote. The present mills, built
about twenty years ago, are operated by Casper Fohl.
The first church of the town was a union building erected in 1850,
and built by subscription, and it is still used by any Protestant denomination
who chooses to use it. The churches of today are the Catholic and Meth-
odist Episcopal (see Church chapter).
FKAXKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 153
Canal boat building was at one time quite a proiitable industry in tiiis
town. A lar,L;e number of the boats used on the White Water canal were
built there. The following from a newspaper published in October, i>i42,
is self-explanatory:
"Canal Boats. — The subscribers have cstabli.Nlied a f'.'jat Yard, for build-
ing Canal Uoats at Rochester, on the White Water Canal. Tuo of the Com-
pany are regular ship-builders of long experience, and will be engaged in
the construction of boats in a few weeks. They solicit the patronage of
the public. They have good lumber ready, and boats will be built on reason-
able notice. The business will be transacted under the style of T. Morse
& Co.'
"T. Mouse,
"U. Kendall,
"S. Coffin,
"B. G. Child."
Cedar Grove was incorporated in 1907 and its fu'st (jfficers were: John
Fohl. president; Charles Jonas. Charles Wiwi. Its officers in 191; are:
Thomas ]\Ioore, president; John II. Schuck, Charles G. Jonas; clerk and
treasurer, Alfred Moore; marshal, E. Merkel. The council meets at the
townhall.
In the spring of 19 15 the business interests of Cedar Grove were con-
ducted as follows :
General Dealers — John Doerflcin & Son, Charles Jonas. Shuck
Brothers and Defner & Fohl.
Blacksmithing — Thomas Doerflein, John Witherlin.
Lumber and Wood Work — Louis J. Brow^n, who for years operated
at New Trenton, but the flt^od of 1013 swept all he had away, including the
land on which his plant stood, causing a total loss to him of all that he
had accumulated by years of toil. He is an ex-county commissioner of
Franklin county. He is now installing modern wood-working machinery
and has a fine lumber business.
Hotel — Peter Hirsch, Joseph Munchel.
Saloon and bar — Frank Schneider, and the two hotels.
Bakery and !Meats — Thomas Moore.
Stock Dealer — Frank Schneider.
Flour Mills — Casper Fohl.
Tobacco Warehouse — Owned bv Fred Reese, but leased bv Kentucky
■ 154 FRANKI.r.V COINTV, IXniANA.
operators. As many as three carloads of leaf tobacco are shipped from this
wareliouse in a single day.
The postoffice has a rural free delivery route extending (;ut into the
surrounding country.
The town has two schoolhouses. one built in 1873, a one-room brick
building, and a more recent structure of brick, with two rooms.
The following have served as postmasters at Cedar Grove since the
office was established in January, i^^^. The list and dates of a]jpr>intnient
were furnished by the instal department at Washington. ebi)ecially for this
history: Hezekiah Coffin. January 30. 1833: Charles Coffin, Novemljcr,
II, 1833; William AlcClure. March 18. 1834; Isaac G. Morgan. December
6, 1836; James Rosebery, January 3. 1838; Thomas Filtun. July 3. 1849:
J. C. Knecht. July 14, 1853: E. H. Chambers, December 16, 1854: J. S.
Whitney. July 16, 1856: B. V. Boyd. January 16, 1858; J. S. R.jckafcllar.
January 6, 1859: Thomas Filton. September 29, 1859: J. S. R'Kzkafellar.
June 15, 1861: George Barber. April 9, 1863: S. M. Ryker, November 30,
1864; John Linegar, April 28. 1865; E. H. Hayes, September 20. 1869;
J. A. Hardy. January 5. 1872: Ebenezer Cooley. January 22. 1886: E. M.
Collier, June 29, 1889: Casper Fohl. September 19, 1890; A. R. R_\nnan.
January 10, 1891 ; Belle Cooley. April 22, 1893: A. R. Ryman. May 12.
1897; John Reister, September 17. 1902: E. W. Becker, March. 9. 1907;
E. J. McClafiferty. December 7, 1908: Alfred Muore, May 4, 1909.
Another village is South Gate, situated in the southeast portion of
Highland township. This was platted in September. 1850. by Richard
Wood. The postoffice goes by the same name. The population of the vil-
lage is about one hundred. The usual amount of stores and shops of a
hamlet of its size are found there. In February. 191 5. the list of business
places were: General dealer, Jacob Shuck: blacksmith, Peter Emerein: the
postoffice is a star-route office, and its postmaster is Adam Stinger. The
place has a brick school house. The following have been postmasters at
South Gate since June, 1843, flate of the establishment of the office: Tames
Tread. June 7, 1843: John E. Shilling, September 29, 1852: Joseph Saner.
March 23. 1855: J. J. Ripperger, October 31. 1856; Albert Knabe. April 29,
1858; Jacob Schuck. December 5, 1859; Philip Eschemback, February 19.
1862; Jacob Schuck, April 9, 1862; Adam Stenger, November 8, 1878'.
St. Peters is another little village of this township: it is the seat of a
large Catholic church and a German settlement established in 1853 and
added to later by that nationality. The moving spirit in establishing this
colony was Rev. Maurice de Palais. It is located at the corners of sections
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 155
-25. 30, 31 and 36 in to\vnslii]i S'. ranges 13 and 14. Its present population
is about one hundred and fifty. It receives mail over the rural free delivery
route from Brookville. Its present dealers are: General stores, Anthony
Gillnian and Zeif^Ier Brothers. Zeigler Brothers also conrluct a hotel, or at
least accommodate travelers passint^ to and from the villaj^e.
Highland Center is situated between South Gate and St. Peters, in
this township. It is on the rural free delivery route from St. Peters and
"has but few residents. Its business interests consist of a f^eneral store, con-
ducted by Joseph Schuck, who also runs a small saloon. Mr. Strothnian
is the village blacksmith.
Klemme's Corner (old Blue Creek) is on section 17, township 8,
range 14, and receives its mail from Brookville over the rural free delivery
system. There are two Lutheran churches there, an account of which will
"be seen in the chapter on churches. There is one general store oj)erated
by Albert Klemme. The village has a population of about seventy-five
persons.
ST. Peter's mutual fire a.s.soci.\tion.
The St. Peter's Mutual Fire Associatic/U was organized in 1869 by a
■number of ])roniinent citizens in the vicinity of St. Peters. The first officers
were as follow: Godfried Huber, president; Mathew Fussner. treasurer;
Joseph Boehmer. secretary: Conrad Weiler and George Zimmer. appraisers.
According to the incorpc^ration articles, tiie membership was restricted to
those living within a radius of eight miles from St. Peters. This means that
the company does business in Ripley and Dearborn as well as in Franklin
county. The companv insures both personal and real property against fire,
whether caused by incendiaries, spontaneous combustion or lightning.
This company has done a safe and conservative business for more than
forty-five years and now has a membership of more than four hundred. The
present officers are as follows: John Hornberger (Dearborn), president;
Henry Ranch (Franklin), secretary; George A. Ripperger (Franklin), treas-
urer; Frank Rosefeld (Franklin) and John Huber (Dearborn), appraisers.
FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP.
Fairfield is on the north line of the county, the second civil township
from the eastern boundary. It is situated west of Bath, with Brookville on
156 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
the south and Bloomini,' Grove on the west. The western line of Fairfield
township is the old Indian houndary hne. On l'"ebruary 12, 182 1 (the com-
missioners' record l'\ page 75), "ordered that the tenth conj;jres.sionaI tmvn-
ship in range 2, compose and constitute an election town in said county
of Franklin and be called Fairfield township, and that all elections for
township purposes shall be held in the town of P'airfield, it bein;^ taken
oil of Bath township, said county." This made the township three miles
wider than at present and it so remained until Union county was organized.
On May 6, 1S2S, the commissioners defined the limits of Fairfield as fol-
lows :
"Beginning at the scjutheast corner of town.ship 10. in range 2 west;
thence north on the township line to the line of Union county : thence west
on said line to the (jld boundary line ; thence southwardly on said boundary
line to the corner of Brookville township; thence east to the place of begin-
ning to be called Fairfield township." This gives the township its present
limits.
The township as now constituted comprises fifteen entire and three
fractional sections of township 10 north, range 2 west, of the original \\'a\ne
Purchase of 1795. The sections are numbered from 20 to 36 inclusive, while
the fractional sections are 19, 30 and 31, and are made so by the bounci:iry
line.
This township is broken, with here and there a level tract of upland.
Along the water courses there are strips of fertile bottom lands. This
township was originally well timbered, some of which remains today. Ir.it
the the greater part has been cut into lumber, split into rails and posts or
burned for fire wood. The East fork of White Water river flows across the
township, a little to the west of the center. Templeton's creek, a branch of
East fork, rises in I'nion county near the northeastern part of the town-
ship and flows southwesterly to its union with the main stream. Another
branch of Templeton's creek rises in Bath township, running through the
southeast corner of Fairfield. Bath creek empties into East fork a short
distance south of the village of Fairfield. Blue Lick is a branch of Bath
creek. Salt Well creek is another stream which unites with East fork from
the west about the center of the township. Wolf creek also comes in from
tlie west, after crossing the southwest corner of the township.
SETTLEMENT.
It was in what is now Fairfield township that occurred the first acttial
settlement of Franklin county. The first land was entered here bv Robert
FkANKLFX fOl'XTV, INDIANA. I57
Green. January 15, 1804, the same being the second entry in the county.
This land was the southeast quarter of section 23. The tradition that men
came in for settlement in i(So3 is jjrobably without any foundation. The
"Carolina Settlement" was no doubt the lirst. Before giving the circum-
stances conncrted with tliis colony from Carolina, it is well to note the
principal land entries from i<So4 to 181.S. which were made in alx)ut the
following- order :
1804 — Robert Hanna, southeast quarter of section 28 and the north-
east quarter of section 33; Rolx-rt Templeton, the northwest quarter of
section 28; William Logan, tlie northeast quarter of section 28. 1806 —
Obadiah I"".stes, the southeast (|uarter of section 33; Robert (ilidewell, the
southwest ([uarter of section 34. 1808 — Thomas Osborn, then followed
Benjamin Wilson, 1809; Thomas W'orman, 1810; John Mint, 181 1; Rijbert
White, 1811 ; Archibald ]Morrow. i8ti; Benjamin Nugent, 181 1; Ralph
Williams, 1811 ; John Hornaday. 181 1 ; John Smith, George Johnson. James
and Joseph Stephens, William H. Charlott and John Gills, in 181 2.
Following these came in the remaincler who settled prior to 18 18:
James Watters. James Johnston, Hugh Abernathy, Richard Freeman, Daniel
Osborne. Joshua Butler. Abraham Rose, Daniel Powers, Jonathan )5a>-
sett, Thomas Har\ev, Thomas Powers. F-'niory Hobbs. Obadiah F^tes. John
Dickerson, John Watt'^, Aaron Frakes. William Sims, all who came in long
before 1816 and 1818.
The reader's attention is called to the complete list of original land
entries for the congressional township of which Fairfield is a part. The
list appears elsewhere in this \olume, and gives the complete record from
the land office books,
THE CAROLINA SETTLEMENT.
The facts regarding the ad\ent and settlements marie by the above-
named pioneers, under the one common name of Carolina Settlement, has
been handed down by survivors and descendants of the pioneer band who
braved the dangers and made the sacrifices coincident with opening up
this township more than a century ago, and to such notes the author is
indebted for the following account :
In 1801 a colony from Laurens district, South Carolina, emigrated,
with their families, to the Dry fork of White Water, and made a short halt.
This was made near the present site- of Harrison, Ohio. They remained
there while the lands were being surv^eyed in the Wayne Purchase, ready
I5o FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
to be thrown on the market. This was not accomplished until al>out 1803.
At first not less than a whole section of land could be entered by a pur-
chaser, but early in 1S04 the rule was established whereby an eit^hth of
a section, or eighty acres, might be entered, and the price was reduced as
well as provisions made for partial payments to the government.
It was while waiting near Harrison, Ohio, that the would-be land
seekers had ample time to explore much of the surrounding country. In
their wanderings they had discovered the charming valley of the East
fork, with its fine soil, timber, water and general attractive features. So,
in the early summer of 1804, the vanguard of the colony started for the
land of promise. They blazed their way through the dense forests by
chipping the bark from trees here and there. This trace was seen fr)r long
years afterward and was known as the "Carolina Trace."
This trace commenced on Lee's creek, then crossed the country to
a point west of the present village of Mt. Carmel. from which point they
went to where later stood the Big Cedar Baptist church. There the trace
crossed the creek and took a northwesterly course over the upland until
it reached the valley of the Soutli branch of Templeton's creek; thence
down the creek valley to its junction with the main stream, near where later
the old brick school house was situated, from which point it crossed south
to the East fork, near the bridge on Brookville and Fairfield turnpike.
This trace ran along the old Indian trail which crossed from the
Great !^Iiami to the White Water country, at least as far as it was possible
to do so.
Upon their arrival, all hands were busy at selecting good buiMing
sites and in cutting down the trees from which to erect their humble
cabins. The first of such cabins was erected in 1804 in the valley of East
fork. It was described in 1880 as being "about one hundrerl vards north
of the present residence of Mrs. Keturah Templeton." It was the home of
Robert Templeton and family. Some of the blue ash logs from which it
was built were still in a good state of preser\'ation thirty years ago.
Work went forward until nine cabins had been completed, sufficientlv
homelike to allow the families to enter for winter quarters. These cabins
were scattered all the way from the first one named up into Union countv.
as now known, near Brownsville. This settlement was under the direct
leadership of Robert Hanna and Robert Templeton. The heads of fami-
lies represented in the colony from Carolina were as follow: Robert Hanna.
Sr., John Templeton. William Logan, George Leviston, John Hanna,
FRANKLIN COL'NTY, INDIANA. 159
Robert Templeton, Sr.. jc.hn Logan, Joseph Haniia. John Rwing and
Robert Swan.
Others who came in later from the South CaroHna exodus from 1806
to 1809 were: James Nich.jls. Rr.bert GHdewell, Thomas Glenn, James
Stephens, Hugh Abernathy and the .\dair family.
CHARACTER OF THE PIONEERS.
Concerning the personal history of a few of the members of the first
band who entered this townsliip. it may be said : •
John Logan was a native of Ireland, born in 1758, and settled on the
west side of East fork, south of the Templeton bridge. He died in October,
' 1833, and is buried on his old farm.
William Logan was a native of Ireland, born in 1762. He came to
America with his father, who settled in South Carolina, coming here with
the colony now under discussion. He was a soldier of the Light Hor.se
Brigade during the Revolutionary struggle. His son, Thomas Logan, is
said to ha\e been the first white child boraJn \Vhim^.atcr_j-alley aix)ve
the "Narrows." His cabin stood a half mile south of Fairfield village. He
died September 11, 1S38, and rests today in Sims cemetery. Robert Hanna
was born in Delaware in December, 1744. His cabin was a favorite camp-
ing-ground for emigrants and travelers for many years. Mrs. Hanna died
in 182 1. Four of his sons came with him, two of whom. John and Joseph,
were married. One of his daughters was the wife of John Temijleton.
Gen. Rolx-rt Hanna, Jr.. was a son of the la-t-nanied pioneer. He
was a member of the constitutional convention which paved the way for
the admission of Indiana as a state, in t8i6. He moved to Indianapolis,
and was there killed by being run over by the cars in October. 1856.
John Hanna, eldest son of the pioneer, Robert Hanna. Sr.. built his
log cabin on the farm later owned by A. S. Carter, Esq. In his younger
days he was a noted "fiddler." He became an associate judge in this
county and finally died in his home at, Indianapolis.
John Ewing's house was erected on the west bank of the East fork.
where James Harrell later resided. He was among the first justices of
the peace in Franklin county.
Joseph Hanna located on East fork, near the mouth of Hanna's creek,
frcjm which the stream was named. He was a noted politician and a "hard-
money" advocate. He died in Carroll county. Indiana, at a ripe old age.
John Templeton was a son-in-law of Robert Hanna, Sr.. and settled
l6o FKAXKIJN" COrXTV, INDIAXA.
within a mile of wliat was later known as Quakcrtown, over in Union
county. His daughter was the first white child born on tiie East fork.
She was Catherine R. Tenipleton, burn July 15, 1805, and became the wife
of George Newland. who is claimed to have run a tlat-boat, loaded with
whisky and other produce, from Dunlapsville to New Orleans. The craft
stuck fast on Churchill's mill dam, opposite the Roberts farm, and was
only cleared !))■ tlie united efforts of his neis^hbors. John Templetfjn. it
should be added, was a iucni])er of the territorial Legislature when the act
creating two new counties was i)asscd in iSi i. and is said to iiave given the
name of Franklin to the southern p(;rtion (>\ the set-oft' territory.
John Hanna was a cousin of Robert Hanna, Sr., and was known as
"Big John," to distinguish him from the son of Robert Hanna. He is so
styled in some of the early county records. Four of his sons intermarried
with the Crawford family.
Robert Templeton, Sr., who occupied the first cabin erected after the
arrival of the pioneer exploring party in 1804, ^^'^-^ born in South Carolina
and died November 10. 1(845. He was buried in :i family burying ground
on Mrs. Keturah Templeton's farm.
One of the last of the nine pioneer cabins erected, notice of which
has already been given, was finished at night, by the light of brush fires
and while the snov^- w^as falling. The roof had to be put on in order to
let the famil\- in as soon as possible. They worked all night riving and
placing the clap-boards on the roof. By daylight the snow was se\'eral
inches deep in the cabin.
FIRST AND IMPORTANT EVENTS.
The first marriage in F'airfield was John Reed and Mary, daugliter
of Robert Templeton.
The first death was that of Anna Cunningham, who lived near
Quakertown. She was buried on the old Osborn farm in 1805. The next
was Mrs. Mary Hanna. mother of John Temi)leton's wife. Imried in 1807.
The first school house on East fork was near the Sims cemetery, now
in Union county. The first teacher was Thomas Harvey. The Baptists
frequently preached there.
The first orchard in the township was planted by the hands of Roljert
Hanna. Sr.. who obtained the trees at Lawrenceburg. This was about
1806. possibl}- a year later.
The name "Fairfield" was suggested by the general lieaut\- of the
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. l6l
country, as viewed by the pioneer band. Here the Indian tribes frequently
camped for weeks at a time.
The first wagon in this township, possibly in Franklin county, was
brought in here by Robert Templctoii. Sr., and he also brought a cart.
The old tar bucket, used to grease the wooden axle of the wagon, was still
preserved in the eighties.
The following autograph letter from Hon. Thomas Jefferson was in
reply to a petition forwarded by Gen. Robert Hanna to President James
Monroe, through the hands of Thohias Jefferson^ asking that Revolu-
tionary widows be granted a pension. Jefferson and Hanna were school-
fellows at William and Mary College, in Virginia. The letter rearls :
"Monticello, January i6, 1820.
"A letter from you, dear sir, comes to me like one from the tonibs
of the dead. So long is it since I have had any evidence that you were in
the land of the living and so few are now who were fellow-laborers in the
struggle for the liberation of our country. And I rejoice to find that ad-
vancing years are the only assailants on your health mentioned in your let-
ter. Time, as well as ill-health, bear heavily un me. Immediately on the
receipt of your letter, I forwarded it to the President with the expression
of interest I felt for your petition, and he will not be slow in giving his
attention to Revolutionary mothers.
"I tender you my best wishes for the continuance of your life and
health as long as you shall yourself wish them to continue.
"Th. Jefferson.
"Gen. Robert Hanna. "_ \U^,oOv P^t^t-cx^-^^i^c.c.'^^ZZ^ie'^^ '
The township ofl^cers in 1915 are as foUovi's: Trustee, H. H. Rose;
assessor, John T. Buckley; justice of the peace, Emmett Apsley.
VILLAGE OF FAIRFIELD.
This place was platted October, 18 15, by Hugh Abernathy, George
Johnston, Thomas Osborn and James Wilson, the four corners of their
respective lands being in the center of the platting. An addition was made
in 1817. It is situated in secti(jn 21, township 10 north and range 2 west.
A postoffice was established in 1820 with Charles Shriner as post-
master.
The village was incorporated as a town. May 9, 1876. had a municipal
existence as long as there was any demand for such corporation, and dis-
banded many years since.
(")
l62 FRAXKf.IN COLXTV, INDIANA.
The first tavern was (jpcncil (jii the corner of Main and Market streets.
Thomas Harvey and Cliarles Donovan were early landlords.
In 1816, or possibly 18 17, Thomas Eads ("father of the now world-
famed Captain Eads of jetty fame, the man who built the great steel bridge
at St. Louis) conimcnced merchandising at Fairrield. Messrs. Emerson,
Drew and Rose succeeded Eads in the store. Rose always claimed to have
built tlie fir^t frame house in Fairfield.
A Mr. Lariniorc, from Cincinnati, was the first produce dealer. He
ran a wagon through this settlement and paid as low as two cents per dozen
for fresh eggs.
Robert Dare was a weaver of the village and made fancy "cover-
lets." The first shoemaker was John Miller.
The earliest physicians of Fairfield were Doctors Smith, Michael Mil-
ler and St. John. The last named was grandfather of ex-Governor St.
John, of Kansas. For thirty years and more Dr. O. H. Donogh prac-
ticed medicine in Fairfield.
An early singing master was T. W. Bonham. who taught a term of
thirteen evenings for one dollar per scholar in 1838, the pupils finding their
own tallow candles.
David D. Dubois had the first reaper in the township — the reliable
McCormick.
The churches, schools and lodges have been treated in separate chap-
ters, so need not here be further mentioned.
Fairfield has had its share of fires and consequent loss of property.
Commencing in 1859, the block from where IMiller & Tyner's store is now
located to the Odd Fellows' hall was destroyed by fire. This fire swept
away the old hotel. Doctor Babb's drug store. Wash Adams' tailor shop,
a shoe shop, harness shop and furniture store.
In December, 1877. the residence of .Mrs. Mahala Cheney fell before
the furious flames. Three years later the residence of J. H. Whitney barely
•escaped destruction by the burning of a wash-house near bv. Coming
down to the autumn of 1897, on Saturday afternoon, October '30, the cry
of "fire" was heard in the village, and an hour later five families were
homeless. Twelve thousand dollars' worth of property was destroyed.
Among the losses were th<:»se sustained at the Cushman home, the Mary P.
Cory place, the Logan house, and the Tyner and Loper places. Loper &
Sons' carriage factory- was on fire twice, but finally was saved by heroic
efforts.
FRAXKLIX CULXTY, IXDIAXA. 163
Fairfield was once a rival for county-scat honors in Frankliii-r'nion
counties. Before the rlivision of the counties, lion. Mr. McCarthy was elected
as representative to the Lejjislature. and during his term of office the mat-
ter of creating- a new county came up and, finding that the bill was to
pass, making what is now known as i'"ranklin county, he, though elected
by the votes of the upper portion of the county, saw more money for him-
self in aiding Brookville to secure the county seat. He had friends pur-
chase a large amount of lands in and near lirookville, and thus what had been
planned from the early date, namely, to make Fairfield t!ie scat of justice,
fell through and Brookville was awarded the honors, so state the citizens
of Fairfield. Before the division of the county, Fairfi.cld was nearer the
center of the territory than was Brookville.
When Fairfield was laid out, the proprietors donated a public square
in the center of the plat, and this is still used for such, minus the coveted
court house which it was intended should at no distant day be erected
thereon. Some good hitching posts and a town pump are all that now
mark the "square" as being public property.
The business and social interests of Fairfield in the spring of 19 15
were in the hands of the following citizens : General dealers, .\mzv Ban-
ning, George Jinks; drugs. Dr. John M. Linegar; meats, J. B. Lukcr; phy-
sicians, Drs. John L. Linegar, A. L. Preston; barber, D. N. Hanna; board-
ing house. C. R. Dare and wife; milk collection station, the French Cream
Company, which runs two wagons ; blacksmith shops. FI. O. Ward. Tohn
Snider: steam saw-mill, George Personette.
The lodges of Fairfield are the Masonic, Oddfellows, Red ^len and
Knights of Pythias, with their ladies' auxiliary societies. See Lodge
chapter for detailed account of these societies.
The only churcli of the village is the ^lethodist Episcopal. See Church
chapter.
The school building is a fine two-storv frame structure.
RAY TOWXSHIP.
Ray township is the southeastern subdivision of Franklin county. It is
north of Ripley county, west of Butler township, south of Salt Creek town-
ship and east of Decatur county. It comprises a fraction more than forty
sections of land and is made up from a part of four congressional townships.
Six whole and two fractional sections in township 11 north, range 12 east:
164 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
six whole sections of touii.shi]) 11 ii'^rtli, ranj^'c 11 east: nine sections and
five fractinnal sections in townsliip 10 nt^rth, range 12 east; and eleven whole
sections and five fractional sections in township 10 north, range 11 east. It
has a triangular point extending to the southwest, containing about six sec-
tions of land.
The first mention of Ray township in the commissioners' records is
found in Record G, page 102, and it appears that on that date, January 8,
1828, Ray township came into existence. It is not stated that it was created
on that date, but since no mention is found concerning it previous to that
time, it may be taken as conclusive evidence that the above date marks the
beginning of its independent career as a township. At that time it was
"ordered that the sixth township be bounded as follows : Beginning at the
northeast corner of township 11, range 12 east; thence west to the western
boundary of the county; then south to the southwest corner of Franklin
county; thence in a northeasterly direction on the Grouseland purchase line to
where the south boundary of said county intersects said line: thence east on
said line to where a line drawn due north will strike the southeast corner of
township II, in range 12 east; thence north to the place of beginning, to be
called Ray township."
It was named in honor of James B. Ray, governor of Indiana at the
time, a former resident of Franklin county. Subsequently, with the creation
of Salt Creek (May 8, 1844) and ]\Ictamora and Butler (September 5. 1849),
Ray township was reduced to its present size. The ]May following the or-
ganizing of this township by the commissioners, an election was ordered held
at the house of Thomas Cooskey.
There are many hills and valleys in the township. The soil is a clay,
with here and there small deposits of loam, with some gravel scattered here
and there. Big Salt creek crosses the western part of the township in the
northeasterly direction. Harvey's branch unites with Big Salt creek north
of the township line. Laughery creek rises in the center of the township and
courses southward into Ripley county. Smaller streams tributary to those al-
ready mentioned, include Clear fork. Bull fork and Davidson's branch.
Through the thrift and labor of the German people, this township has
been developed and stands high among the sister townships. The population
in 1890 was 2,224; i" IQOO it stood 2,788, while the 1910 United States
census gives its population as 2,017, including Oldenburg.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 165
SETTLEMENT.
On account of not [jropcrly wci.i^hin;,^ the value of the soil and timber
in this part of Franklin county, it was not settled quite as early as other
parts. But when tlie great Cicrnian ininiigration set in, wending: its way
from the Ohio river points to the west, it was carefully examined by a sturdy
class of agriculturists, who saw in the hills and valleys of the southwestern
part of the county a good spot in which they might build homes for them-
selves, organize schools and churches after their own liking. Today it is
populated almost solely by these home-loving, school and church-loving and
money-making people. Thrift is seen in the scores of good farms, excellent
farm houses and barns, now I)eing enjoyed by the second and third genera-
tions since the township was first settled.
The record shows the first land entry there was made December 17,
1 8 14, by B. Fitzpatrick, who made a permanent settlement and at once com-
menced improving his land, which was located in section 30, township il,
range 12. The same year came Jnhn FTawkins, who. however, did not re-
main long nor make substantial ini])r(,nements. The first settler of whom
much is known was William George on the east half of the southwest quarter
of section 4, township 10, range 12, the same being included in the present
town site of Oldenburg. This ^^fr. George, with a brother, came to the
township in 1S17. The following year came in Nicholas Longworth from
Cincinnati, Ohio, and he entered many tracts of land here and there through-
out the township. Records show that home-seekers flocked hither in great
numbers from 1S36 to 1838 and on, until all lands were entered. With
scarcely an exception, tliese settlers were German-speaking people, many
direct from the Fatherland. The major part were of the Catholic religious
faith, with now and then a colony of Protestants, who vrere of the Lutheran
faith, and both sects early established churches of their choice in the com-
munity in which they entered lands. The Catholics settled in and near the
section now known as Oldenburg and Enochsburg, while the Protestants
located near present Huntersville. It should be added, before leaving the
matter of pioneer settlement, that there were not a great number of immi-
grants to this township until about 1836. Among the vanguard of these
thrifty settlers were two prominent characters, John H. Pla.spohl and John
'H. RonnebauuL These men possessed considerable means and saw a chance
to make vastly more by enduring the hardships and privations oi frontier
life a few vears. Thev resided in the city of Cincinnati, and entered large
l66 FRANKLIX COLXTY, INDIANA.
tracts of land in Ray township, inducing many of their friends and countrv-
men to accompany them. It was hy tliis colony that (Jldenburg was finally
platted by autJK-rity (»f tlie Catholic jJCople. and it has ever been populated
by the membership of this church, and here a great church and scho(jl society
have sijrung up and its work is known far and near.
While it is impossible to trace the comings and goings of all these what
might properly be termed "early settlers," it may be stated that in addition
to those already named as having entered lands, there was Edward Wacchtur.
a former member of the board of county commissioners for Franklin
county. He was a wheelwright by trade and emigrated from Clermanv in
1838. He remained two \'ears in Cincinnati, settling in Ray township in
1840. His earliest residence was the log cabin erected by the William
George, above mentioned.
The first tavern keeper in the township was Joseph Huegle. wh'> hung
to the sport of the winds his tavern sign in Oldenburg.
The first shoemaker was Bernard Ilinnekamp. Conrad Huermann was
the pioneer blacksmith, who wielded the firsl sledge within the village.
Among the first to engage in tlie sale of merchandise was John Henry
Fisse. who became independently wealthy and was well known up and down
the White Water valley.
The history of the Catholic church and Sisters school, now so promin-
ent a factor in this county and state, is given in the chapter on Churches,
hence need not be mentioned in this connection.
TOWNS AND VILLAGES OF RAY TOWNSHIP.
The following towns and villages have been platted in this township :
Enochburg. in 1836, now has a population of fifty; Oldenburg, platted in
1837, has a population of about one thousand; Huntersville was laid out in
•1841 and now has a population of two hundred, being considered as a
suburb of Ratesville, as it adjoins that town, over the Ripley coumv line.
The only business in Huntersville is the general merchandise store of
Richard Schroeder, who also runs a saloon. The only church building there
is the Evangelical Lutheran. (See Church chapter.)
St. Bernard was the name of a town platted in 1869 by Bernard Kamps.
who purchased a cpiarter section of land in section 4 of this township, about
two and a half miles to the west of Oldenburg. It was a speculative, schem-
ing plan upon the part of its proprietor to realize a lot of money by selling
town lots. It was advertised extensivelv. excursions run from Cincinnati.
A,-.: ! D.il
FRANKLIN COUNTV, INDIANA. 167
and on a certain day the lots were sold at public auction. A goodly nimil>c-r
were disposed of. hut all whcj invested lo.st what they put in. as the land upon
which the town had been platted was covered by a first mortgage for pur-
chase price, and when the payments were not met the first mortgage owner
came in and foreclosed, taking all upon the grounds, even to fences that had
been built by innocent purchasers. The history of the \illage was all made
from 1869 to 1875. There was a steam saw-mill, a two-story frame build-
ing with a store situated in the first story, and a blacksmitii shop, and this
was about all the improvements that were made. "It leaked out," said an old
pioneer who was posted, "that the land was mortgaged anrl as soon as people
at the public sale found this out. they were not anxious to buy lots." The
place is, and has been for a numljer of decades, in the midst of a plowed field.
Hamburg, platted in 1864. has a jxjpulation of about eighty. This place
is on the line Ijetween Salt Creek and Ray townships, and was platted by
Wesley Marlin. the IMarlin family I)eing among the ])ioncer settlers. St.
Ann's Catholic school and a day school were located at this jx^int.
The following have ser\ed as postmasters at Hamburg since the estab-
lishment of the office, in July. 1867. The dates given and list of postmasters
were furnished by the postoflice department at Washington especially for
this work. Dates indicate time Avhen appointed: John Huber, July 11, 1867:
Vincent Welling. August 23. 1867: Joseph Clementz. July i. 1873; Henry
Seibel, February 23, 1877; William Dwenger. November 28. 1882: Williatn
B. Dwenger. April 5, 1888: Daniel Seil)el, April 15. 18S9: William Dwenger.
Jr., December 30, 1890: F. C. Xoble, April 12, 1893; Conrad Hittle. March
30, 1894; Francis Dwenger. January 9. 1901 ; Conrad Hittle. December 17,
1901 ; William Huser. March 9. 1903; Anthony Zielglcr. December 29.
1904; Frank Bedel, January 12, 1912.
Having located the plats of the township it now remains to give a clear
understanding as to what the development has been from the first to the
present date.
It should be said of Enochburg. the oldest platting in the township, that
it is on the extreme western side of the township and county. Also that it is
partly built in Decatur county. It was laid out by Enoch Abrahams and
Woodson Clark, March 12, 1836. and named in honor of one of its proprietors.
Here St. John the Evangelist church is located. The part of the village
within Ray township has a few stores and shops for the accommodation of
the surrounding settlement.
The next larger town to the seat of justice in Franklin county is Olden-
burg, a beautifully situated place, where all nature seems to have lavished
l68 FRANKI.IX COUNTY, INDIAXA.
her elements l)roadcast to make it an ideal location for the purpose which
the pioneers put it t'l — the seat of a j^reat religious and school center f<jr the
Catholics. It is on the banks of I farvey's creek, a tributary of Salt creek, and
but three and a half miles north from Batesville, on the Big Four railway
system. A solid rock turnpike connects Oldenburg with Bate^^ville. and
hacks carry passengers to and from the two points. The town of ''Olden-
burg was platted I)y settlers already named, John H. Ronnebaum and John
H. Plaspolil, in July, 1837. It had a population of 673 in 1880, and at the
last federal census it was given as 956. It is within a prosi)erous farnn'ng
section, with peace, contentment and much wealth, as a result of many years
of frugality on the part of the thrifty, painstaking German element there
found as sole owners of the land. Looking back to the records of
more than a third of a century ago. one finds located there numerous fac-
tories (this was in a time when such industries were more common in small
towns than today), and among these may be recalled the St. Joseph woolen
mills, that in iS'82 employed about forty hands, producing an excellent
quality of woolen goods. This factory was built in i860, just before the
opening of the Civil War, by J. H. Sellmeyer. who, in 1872. sold to D. H.
Flodder & Company, who continued until the death of Mr. Flodder. in May,
1880, after which it was operated by Val Duttonln/'efer & Company, who
put in better, more up-to-date machinery. It continued a few years longer,
but, with hundreds of other small town factories, had to quit the field, as
such industries were being centralized in larger trade centers and controlled
by larger concerns.
A tannery was established there in about 184^ by the same gentleman
that established the woolen mills. It was in the hands of the Sellmeyer
family many years and operated under the name of Sellmever & Son. .Vn
excellent grade of home-tanned leather was here produced bv the aid of
more than a dozen competent workmen. The leather thus tanned found
ready market at home, and many persons still long for those days when
leather was honestly made by home tanners, and not rotted by acids now
used in the "trust" tannery concerns of the covmtry.
The township officers in 1915 are: Trustee, Frank Flodder: assessor,
John Fluser; advisory board, Henry Ilaverkos, Joseph Xeise. Frank Raver;
constable, Peter I'istner; su[jcr\isors. Jacob Etter, Tom E. Bedel, Leo Bauer.
Anthonv Brandes.
FRANKM.V COL'XTY, INDIANA. 169
OLDENBURG.
Oldenburg was incorporated in i88i. The town recorrls have been
lost, so that the names of early officers cannot be secured. It is a matter of
record, however, that the following have served as presidents of the boarrl of
trustees since 18S5 : C. Hunnemeyer. Bernard Robbcn. Henry Klcinnicyer
August Ortinann, Bernard Rol)l)en. Joseph Suhre. John Lamping, J. H
Haverkos, Ben 3.foellers, John Ortniann, Daniel Schwegtl, J. F. Burdick
Henry Wittenberg. Joseph Haverkos, Jr., Joseph B. Mollaun, Frank E.
Moorenian, Henry Baumer, Joseph Freihage.
The town officials in 1915 are: Joseph Friehage, president; Henry
Gehring, Theodore Heitlage, Joseph Schmidt, William B. Schcele ; clerk,
Harry Mollaun ; marshal, Stephen Karg; treasurer, Harry Burdick.
Electricity is produced by a private home comjiany and electric lights
illuminate most of the buildings in the town, including the schools and
churches.
The business interests of Oldenburg are now summed up as follows:
Steam saw-mill and planer, George IToltcl. which business was established
in the eighties at the place that had just failed as a furniture factory. The
flouring mills, owned and operated by Frank B. Moorman, date back in their
history to 1S53, when a steam saw-mill was set in motion by Fisher & Dick-
man, w^ho later added a run of stones and ground flour. This mill was
burned in 1884, and the present roller-process mill was erected and oper-
ated for ten years by Joseph A. Luesse, who sold it to }i[r. Moorman. The
mill has a capacity of fifty barrels per day and does a custom exchange busi-
ness.
The Catholic church and civic society history appears in separate chap-
ters.
The retail dealers and shops of the town are as follows: General
dealers, William Hoelker, J. H. Kessing & Son. J. F. Burdick. C. H. Kessing;
confectionery, Henry Koepde ; barber, Peter Kellermann ; hotel. The Gibson
House, by Joseph ]\Ierchen, another conducted by J. H. Macke; farm im-
plements, John Struewing; livery, Joseph Freihage; furniture. R. 'SI. Blank;
undertaker, B. J. Kessing; millinery, Airs. H. Hermann. Loretta :\Iollaum;
jewelry, C. H. Kessing ; harness shop. John Lampking, J. B. MoUaum ; shoe
repairs, Joseph Kessing. J. IT. Haverkos: blacksmith.?. Pau.l Munchel, Her-
man Eiineking, Clem Fisher; veterinary surgeon, Christ BischofY; phvsician,
P. L. Mull; lumber, George Holtel & Company; tailor, J. H. AMttenberg;
170 FRANKf-IX COfXTY, INDIANA.
meats. Joseph Kencrm.-uin : stock dealers, X. G. Gloshen, Ed. Kessinj^; Ijank,
The Farmers c^ Merchant'^: postoffice, with George Tloltel. Jr.. po-tmaster,
receiving tliree daily mails tnnn r,atesvillc and one from Hamhurg. There
are six saloons or bar-mums in the tuwn, Joe Merchen. John Wesslcr. i*eter
Kellermann, Frank Meppner, John Hejjpncr. I'eter Pistncr.
At an early day there was a brewery built there and ojicrated by its
owner, B. Koell, until about 1900, when he sold the ijrounds and buildings
to the Catholic Sisters, who removed the buildings and erected otheri for
their own use. What is known as "conmion beer" was made here and found
ready sale among the nearby German settlers.
POSTMASTERS.
The following have served as postmasters at Oldenburg since the estab-
lishment of the office, December 9, 1845. The dates given show when ap-
pointed or commissioned, the same having been furnished for this work by
the postal department at Washington, D. C. : Joseph Hugle, December 9,
1845; J. F. Xiedhamer, October 24. 1849: J. F. Fisse, November 28. 1S50;
J. B. Fisse, March 9, 1864: Joseph Suhre. December 9, 1864: J. H. Sell-
meyer, Februar}- 19, 1866; Conrad Mohr. T'ebruary 21. iSi^i : August Hack-
man, April 2^, 1883: Frank Scheper. May 15, 1885; A. A. Hackman. April
12, 1889; John H. Haverkos, June 24, 1893; '^- ^^ ■ Romweber, June 10,
1897; A. A. Hackman, January 4, 1901 ; Peter Schreiner, January 3, 1907;
George Holtel, Jr., February 11, 1913.
FARMERS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY.
The first mutual insurance company organized in Franklin county was
the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, which dates its beginning from
April 18, 1868. Its membership is confined to Ray township, with head-
quarters at Oldenburg. The first officers were as follow : George Giesting.
president ; Bernard Fehrmann, treasurer : George B. Holtel, secretar}- ; John
Pohlmann, Frederick Brockmann and Bartholomew Oswald, appraisers.
That the company has lieen prospennis is indicated by the fact that it
now has one hundred and ele\en thousand dollars worth of policies out-
standing. The company empltns no agents and the business is in charge of
the president and secretary. The present secretary of the company. Frank J.
Raver, has proved an efficient official and has handled the atitairs of the
company in a very satisfactory manner since taking charge of them. The
FRANKLIN COLXTV, INDIANA. I7I
present officers are as follow: Anthony Brockman. president; John G. Oes-
terling, treasurer; I'rank [. Raver, secretary; Anthony W. W'aecliter, Louis
Placke and George ScliDne, appraisers; Louis G. Schonc and J'^^eph Xiese.
examining committee.
SALT CREEK TOWNSIIII'.
Salt Creek township is on the western line of the county, with Kay
township at its south, Posey and Laurel on its north, and Metamora and
Butler townships to the east. Tliis sulxlivision of Franklin county com-
prises the territory situated within sixteen sections of township 1 1 north,
range 12 east, and twelve sections of township 11 north, range 11 east,
and contains twenty-eight square miles. On May 8, 1844, the commis-
sioners— Eliphalet Barber, Enoch Abrahams and Amos D. Martin — estab-
lished a new township known as Salt Creek, the township being formed out
of Ray. The record reads as follows :
"On petition of numerous citizens of Ray township, praying for di-
vision of said township, thereby forming two separate and distinct town-
ships, it was ordered by the Iioard that said division line should commence
at the eastern extremity of said township of Ray between sections 24 and
25, town II, range 12, and nm due west to the western extremity of same
township, and furthermore ordered that the new township called Salt Creek
should be formed of all that territory lying north of said division line and
comprise sections i, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17,
18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, of township 11, range 12, also sections i, 2, 3,
10, II, 12, 13, 14, 15. 22, 23, and 24 of township 11 of range 11 and all
that remaining territory consisting of sections 25. 26, 2"], 28, 29. 30. 31,
32. 33- 34- Zi' 36. township 11 and range 12. and sections 25. 26. 2~, 34, 35.
36, of township 11 and range 12; also sections i, 2. 3. 4, 5. 6, 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
16, 17, 18, 19, 20 of township 10, range 12, or all that part of the former
township of Ray not included in the new formed township of Salt Creek
shall be knowai and designated as the township of Ray.''
This is the first township established by the commissioners, which is
represented in the records by a map. There are two small maps defining
both Salt Creek and Ray townships by sections, townships and ranges.
The surface of the township is rough and broken. The soil is clay,
with a mixture of loam. The bottom lands along the streams tliat course
through its territory are the most valuable and productive in character.
172 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
In places the uplands are very desirable for agricultural purposes. Like
Ray and other townships, this section of the county was left until the last,
the early settlers looking for good timber and larger water courses for a
place in which t(; make homes for themselves. /Ml of the eastern portion
of this townsliip lies within the celebrated Twelve-mile Purchase strip, hence
did not come into market until a number of years after lands within the
Wayne Purchase did.
The first land entered within Salt Creek township was the north-
west quarter of section 4, township 11, range 12, by William Henderson,
under date of October 21, 181 1.
The first improvements were effected along the streams. The first
clearing in the township was on the bottom lands, near the junction of
Little Salt creek with the main stream, not far from where Rev. John
Baker, the pioneer preacher, located.
Among the early pioneers were: Alexander Davidson, 1833;
William Pruet, 1834; Road Holly (colored), 183T; Thomas McBluni,
1835; John Deckens, 1833; Benjamin Smothers, 1S32; Joshua Lawson,
1835; Jacob dinger, 1832; Plugh Smothers, 1832; Charles Marlin, 1832;
Mizel Belangee, 1832; Thomas Cooksey, 1833; James Holscy, 1833;
Mathias Davis, 1833; William Bohannon, 1833; John Morford, 1834: Cal-
vin Clark, 1835; Henry Davis, 1828; Thomas Malston (colored), 1S24;
Edmund Adams, 181 7.
The churches and lodges as well as schools form se])arate chapters,
hence are not treated in this chapter.
The township's population in 1890 was 1,073; '" 1900 it was S49 and
in 1910 it had dwindled to 699.
The towns and villages of the township have been as follows: Pep-
pertown, in the eastern portion, on the main road from Metamora to
Oldenbiirg, in the center nf a large, thrifty German settlement. It v.-as
laid out by Fielding Berry, a surveyor, for John Koener, proprietor, in
August, 1859, and received its name from August Pepper, who located
on the site in 185 1. It now has a population of one hundred.
The present business, etc., of Peppertown consists of the following:
A general merchandise store by Louis Koerner ; a blacksmith shop by
Jacob Reifel. and it is situated on the rural free delivery from r^Ietamora.
Its only church Ijuilding is the Lutheran.
Stips' Hill, once an important place in the township, a little to the
northwest, has a population of about one hundred. It was here that the
first postofiice was established in the township. John Wildridge was post-
FRANKLIN COLNTV, IXurANA. I73
master. Charles Marlin is supposed to have been the first person to sell
goods at this place; he used a part of his residence for a storeroom. See
"Stips' Hill Postoffice" further on in this chapter, a valuable contribution.
Buena Vista, another small village along the northwestern border
of the township, is partly in this and partly in Posey township. It was
laid out in July, 1848, by William Pruct, who owned land adjoining in
both townships. What is known still at Stips' ITill postoffice is located
there. There are a few stores and shops, such as are usually found in
small inland hamlets.
Hamburg, with a present population of about eighty, partly in this
and partly in Ray township, was platted in 1869. Here one finds a small
trading center, much appreciated by the surrounding community.
Sometime prior to 1858, Ward postoliice was established in this town-
ship, but since the days of rural free delivery it is unknown as a post-
office.
REMINISCEXCKS OF PIONEER DAYS.
August , Pepper, an early settler in this township, and for whom the
village of Peppertown was named, was by trade a calico printer and carried
on the business when he settled in this section. Pie was associated with
Mr. Koener, the founder of the village, and they conducted a country
store. These two excellent gentlemen left a record of many thrilling in-
cidents connected with the early history of this county. One of the stories
runs thus : "Nat jMarlin and I went into the woods in November to hunt our
hogs. We soon agreed to separate, one going in one direction and the other
in another. Toward night I lost my way and became confused as to my
whereabouts in the woods. I saw a light which indicated a clearing and soon
found myself at the cabin of Mr. Scott, where the large stone house later was
built. I was lost not far from the old brick church."
In the extreme northwest corner of the township, and running over into
Posey township, there was once quite a settlement of colored people. It also
ran over into Decatur county, and there was enacted many a scene connected
with the fugitive slave workings in this and adjoining counties.
A block-house once stood on section 33, in what is now Laurel township,
near the Salt Creek line. In later years the land was owned by Spencer Wilev,
Esq. The remains of the block-house were visible in the eighties, if not later.
This place of refuge was built as a protection against the Indians in the War
of 1812. It has gone under three or more names: "Baker's block-house,"
"Hawkins' block-house" and the "Salt Creek block-house." There it was, or
•fj"! ../J /U ■"
174 FRA.VKI.IX COLXTY, INDIANA.
near- that point, that Rev. John Rakfr, the indepcMidcnt minister, located. The
Baker improvement was entered l)y Isaac Stips, in January, 1814, and later
was owned hy the Hawkins estate.
It was proljably in March, iSu. when two youn;^ men named Stafford
and Toone were ciiopping' f(jr Father Baker on the bottom lantls, near the
confluence of Little Salt creek and the main stream, and not far from where
the road from Hawkins to Stip^' Hill begins to ascend the valley. These
men were cutting "rolling lengths."' and had agreed to chop one more tree
before quitting work for the night. It being dark, th.ey lighted a brush camp-
fire, by the light of which a party of Indians crept up and shot them. Toone
was wounded in the abdomen and escaped to the cal)in of Father Baker,
where he died the following morning. Stafford was shot through the hips
and was unable to escape. He was tomahawked three times and three scalps
taken off his head, but he probably lived several hours thereafter. The In-
dians stripped him of his clotliing and took their departure. The road to
Stips" Flill, before mentioned, was formerly tlic "Shawnee Trace."' or not far
from it. These Indians escaped along this path and tore StatTord"s shirt into
fragments, which they scattered along the way to lure the pursuers into an
ambush. The news of this act spread rapidly from station to station, and
soon brought together a band of frontiersmen, who recovered Stafford's body .
and went in pursuit of the Indians. This band was composed of five or six
men, who were the most experienced in woodcraft, and among the number
were two or three of the Brison family. They followed the trail until nighr,
when they discovered the Indian camp, and early next morning opened fire
upon them (there were but three of the Indians), killing one in his tracks
and badly wounding a second. The third escaped by hiding in the tall grass
nearby, while the whites were scalping the first two. Having accomplished
their object, the party returned, but they had been watched by the Indian in
the tall grass and he resolved to have revenge upon them. That Indian was
Bill Killbuck, an account of whose death is commonly known to the readers
of Indiana history.
stips' hill postoffice.
The following was contributed for a weekly paper some years since by
M. A. Ailes, and it is too good an account to be lost to the historical collection
of the township and count}', hence is here reproduced :
The passing of Stips' Hill postoffice closes an interesting chapter in the
history of Salt Creek township, one that is of more than local interest, for
FRANKLIN' COl.NTY, INDIANA. 175
there are persons, n<> douht, in e\ery state in the Union who reniemher mes-
sages sent and received through tliis office.
In the year 1814 Isaac Stips hought or entered land near the confluence
of the Little Salt creek with the stream called Big Salt creek and at the foot
of the hill afterward known as Stips' hill. This territory is located in what is
known as the Twelve-mile Purchase and the road that ascends the hill is the
old Stale road.
The first postoffice in the township was at the foot of Stips' hill, with
Isaac Stips, John W'ildrig and James Halsey, in turn, as postmasters, but
eventually the office was removed to Robert Ward's, on the top of the hill.
It was again moved further to the west and Thomas Gard held it for some
years. Gard kei)t a small grocery store, and some persons went there to get
a drink and got their mail, while others went there for mail and got a drink.
The office was again moved westward and Aaron Ailes was postmaster
for some years. Following him came Alexander Davison, who held the office
many years, including the time of the Civil War. A.t that time the mail was
received only once a week — on Saturday.
When you remember that Salt Creek township gave more men. in pro-
portion to its population, to the w-ar than any place in th.e county, possibly in
the state, you can understand what "mail day" meant to the anxious ones at
home, with mail only once a week. The writer has stood with the crowds
that gathered at Alexander Davison's house and yard impatiently waiting,
yet fearing to hear the '"news" fnjm the boys at the front. After a battle,
old men with pale faces and throbbing hearts would listen for their names
to be called, for !Mr. Davison always called the letters off. There were aged
parents that had bid "Godspeed" to three or four stalwart sons, and Satur-
days would bring letters from some of them. Sometimes the address was in
a strange hand and a comrade had written the heart-breaking news that dis-
ease or bullets had laid low one of the dear ones. Mothers, wives and sweet-
hearts almost held their breath until the roll was called. While many mes-
sages of love and hope came to gladden their lives, others brought grief and
distress. While they had come hoping, they went to their homes bowed
down with grief and sorrow. Those days can never be forgotten.
At last the postoffice found a permanent home at Buena Vista, four
miles west of the starting place, although it has changed hands a number of
times. Among the number holding it were James Osborn, Mr. Gaskil. Arthur
Alford and Corydon Brown, the latter being postmaster at the date of its de-
mise, August 14, 1909, after eighty or ninety years' existence. The record
of the numerous carriers and their experience would be a chapter of itself.
I/'J FRANKLIX COCNTY, IXDIAN'A.
The territory which tiie carriers passed in the early clays was almost an un-
broken wilderness, in which was heard the cry of the panther and other wild
animals, while Indians, also, were numerous. A few rods from the first post-
office the Indians shot two boys who were at work in the woods, and their
graves are with us today.
When we grow old we cling to the things of the past, and when the
ruthless hand of Time makes changes we look upon them with disapproval,
even when we know it is better thus.
Farewell, dear friend! Thuu didst not bring us the sweetest messages
of our lives, but farewell !
LAUREL TOWNSHIP.
Laurel civil township is on tlie northern line of Franklin county, bounded
by Blooming Grove and xMetamora townships on the east, Metamora and
Salt Creek townsliips on the south and Posey township on tlie west. It con-
tains all of congressional township 12, range 12 east, except sections 2;, 26,
35 and 36, which are within Metamora townsliip.
On March 6, 1845, the board of commissioners divided Posey township
and out of a portion of said township erected the new township of Laurel.
The record reads as follows : "On petition of a large number of the citizens
of Posey township for the division of said township in the words following,
to wit: 'To the honorable board of commissioners of the countv of Franklin
state of Indiana : The undersigned petitioners of the township of Posey labor
under great inconvenience on account of the township being too large, we
therefore pray the honorable board to divide the said township, to wit T Com-
mencing on the corners of sections 5 and 6 and running thence due south on
the section lines until it intersects the line between the township of Posey
and Salt Creek. This division will make the new township two by six miles
and the old township five by six miles.' Said petitions being publiclv read
and no objection being made, the board ordered said township divided as fol-
lows, to wit : Commencing on the line between the counties of Favette and
Franklin between sections 5 and 6 in congressional township 12 of range 12
east, m said Franklin county ; running thence due south on the sections lines
till it strikes the south boundary line of said township 12 of range 12.
and that part of the aforesaid Posey township being on the west side of the
aforesaid division line be called and known by the name of Posey township,
and that part of the aforesaid Posey township being on the east side of said
division line be known by the name of Laurel township."
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 177
NATURAL FEATURES.
As to the topography and water courses, it may be said that a large part
of Laurel township is bottom land and is unusually productive. The banks
and uplands of the western portion possess a large amount of excellent build-
ing stone, elsewhere mentioned. The West fork of White river courses
through the central portion, fr(jm the north, the principal tributaries of which
are Salt creek, which crosses the southeastern corner; Sillimon's creek, Seine's
creek and smaller streams from the righ.t-hand side. Little Duck creek drains
the eastern portion of the township, on its course south to meet the waters
of Duck creek in ]Metamora township.
The township, in 19 lo, had a population of 1,209. In 1890 it had 1,760
and in 1900 it was 1,412, showing a constant decrease.
LAND ENTRIES AND FIRST SETTLERS.
The government land of^ce records show the following to have been the
first land entries: Elijah Lympus, southwest quarter of section 3; James
Agins, southeast quarter of section 9; William VanMeter, northeast quarter
of section 21 ; Hugh Brison, southwest quarter of section 22; James McCoy,
southwest quarter of section 21; John Conner, northwest quarter of section
27; George Crist, southwest quarter of section 27; Eli Stringer, southeast
quarter of section ^t,.
These land entries were all made on October 21, 181 1, but the first entry
in this township was that effected by Archibald Guthrew% who claimed the
northeast quarter of section 3, October i, 1811, three weeks prior to the
entries above named. A week later, October 28, 181 1, entries were made as
follows : Samuel Garrison, northwest quarter of section 3 ; -William Smith,
southwest quarter of section 3 ; Robert Russell, southw-est quarter of section
9; James Russell, southwest quarter of section 24; James W. Bailey, south-
west quarter of section 27.
In November, 1811, Jacob jMonan entered the northwest quarter of sec-
tion 34.
In 1812 entries were made by Michael Monan, John Brison, John Crist
and Henry Teagarden.
In 1813 James Thomas, James C. Smith, John Ferris. John C. Harley
and John Senour all took land by entry.
In 1814 Joseph Hoffner, Thomas Williams, William ^laple, Spencer and
(12)
178 FRAXKLIX COI.XTY, IXDIAXA.
J. Wiley, Enoch Russell, Stephen Bullock, Jonathan Webb and John Ferris
claimed lantl by entry right.
In 1815 lands were entered by Edward Toner, Harvey Lockwood, Ed-
ward Brush, William Rimdle, Joshua Rice and AtwcU Jackman.
In 1816 came John Arnold and Ephraini Young.
In 181 7 entries were made by William Co.x, Hcjralio Mason, X. Harp,
John Curry and Artcma D. Woodworth.
In 1818 came Hugh .Mead, Otho Rencli, Allen Simpson, James and Sol-
omon Cole and also William Gordon.
In 182 1 land was entered by William Max^vell.
To the north of the town of Laurel, in the White Water valley, the pion-
eer settlers w-ere unquestionably these : Nathan Stringer, Samuel Garrison,
Elihu and James Abbott. Jesse Stubbs, Johnson Clark, John Arnold. George
Bellenger, Barrett Parrish and Abner Conner.
On the land now occupied by the town of Laurel, Benjamin Maple set-
tled, and the first to locate south of the present town in the township were :
James Brison, Hugh Brison. John Brison. George and Jolm Crist, John and
William Wilson, George Conn, James Allison, Edward Toner anrl James
Toner. John H. Faurot settled in Laurel in 183 1 and many years ago gave
his approval of these settlements, as they were then understood by residents
themselves. It should be understood that many of the first settlers never en-
tered land in the township.
In October, 18 16, Edward Toner laid out a town site on the level bottom
lands back from the river, in the southeast corner of section 9, and named it
Somerset. For many years this was the trading center lor a large area of
country. This tract is now but an out-lot of Laurel. Settlement gradually
spread over the township until the construction of the canal was an assured
fact, when many came in and engaged in various enterprises and speculations.
About this date came James and Francis Conwell. James Con well was full
of real enterprise and was a potent factor in the upbuilding of the community.
He located at wdiat was many years styled "Bocum," a little above the village
of Laurel. He entered all the vacant lands in that vicim'ty. and reallv laid
well the foundation stones for civil and religious society.
Benjamin i\Iaple, it is related, was the first man to settle on the site of
Laurel. He was an immigrant from Pennsylvania and first went to Kentucky,
coming to Indiana Territory in March, 181 r. He first lived in a log cabin he
built, but later had a stone resilience. By trade he was a tanner and sunk a
few vats below his house. He was a strict ]Methochst and aided in forming
the first class at Laurel. His death occurred in 1824.
i I
FRANKI.tX COUNTY, INDIANA. 179
Stephen Maple cleared the first ten acres of timl)er land on the great
bottoms near Laurel, in March and April, 1812. He died at Rushville, in
1873. aged seventy-nine years.
John Maple Imilt a cahin w ht-re, later C. W. Burt lived. He dug and
walled up the first well in the town, and it was still used in the eighties, and
possibly now. A log school house was erected in 1812; it had a dirt floor,
and there John ]\Iaijle taught the fir.st school. James Agin was elected a jus-
tice of the peace in 18 13. The first mill for corn grinding was constructed
in 1813 by Benjamin Maple on his farm. It was only a hand mill and the
"stones" for grinding corn were lime rock. Before that, settlers were obliged
to "go to mill" at Brookville or over to the Great ^liami.
INDIAN AGGRESSION.
When this township was first settled and up to the War of 18 12, the In-
dians in the White Water valley, in which this towtiship is located, were very
troublesome. For this reason block-houses were constructed for protection
against the savages. One of these stood on Garrison's creek, near the county
line; Martin's block-house, on Seine's creek; Brison's bluck-house, on section
32, and Hawkins' block-house, on Salt creek, were all built for the purpose
just named. After the War of 1S12 the Indians soon departed for the north
and west, and peace was enjoyed by the settlers. In March, 1S12. tlie Indians
killed Stafford and Toone, an account of which is found elsewhere in this
work.
In 1814, during the month of ^larch, the Indians killed a Mr. M<)rgan
and two boys who were boiling sap in the woods. It has been often related
that the savages burned the parties in the fire under the sap-boiling kettles,
but there is no positive proof of such a horrible crime. The man and boys
were killed, however, and Captain Hull, with a company of rangers, followed
the Indian band and captured and scalped them near Blue river town.
Another incident is to the efifect that at another date Benjamin ]^Iaple
was working near his mill, when an Indian came up in a half drunken con-
dition and wanted to shake hands and get some liquor. Maple hung back
from the hand-shaking and started for his cabin with the Indian after him.
The race was a lively one, but ^laple sticceeded in getting into his cabin and
fastened the door. The savage commenced kicking and beating the door,
when John Maple, who had seen the whole performance, came up and knocked
the Indian down with a club. At this juncture two or more Indians came to
the scene and led their companion away. After a short time the Indians re-
turned and told Maple that tli^y would declare peace for a gallon of whisky,
I / '*
l80 FRANKLIN' COLNTV, INDIANA.
but this was not accepted. Later they offered to make peace and shake hands
for a quart of whisky, which was given them and truce was granted.
Separate chapters will treat on the various church organizations of
Laurel township and village.
In March, 1849, h'^^^ immediately after gold had been discovered in Cal-
ifornia, the following persons, citizens of this township, went overland to
California: Edward Johnson, J. C. Wright, James H. Morgan, James "yi.
Tyner, Henry Reed, John Evans, C. P. Ed^on, J. C. Burgoyne, Alex. Hous-
ton, W. A. Patterson and W. X. Dougherty. Of these men, J. C. Burgoyne
was the only person of the entire party then residing in Laurel.
This township is now well settled and improved. There are hundreds
of happy homes and many contented people within its boundaries. Schools,
churches, roads and other internal improvements have kept pace with the ad-
vance of years.
The present township officers are: Trustee, S. W. Brier; assessor. Xick
Hanncfey; advisory board, W. E. Ensminger, L. E. Seller and Clark Tague ;
justice of the peace, C. H. Rciboldt: constable, Jess Reese; supervisors, Alex
Hill No. I, Chas. Raham Xo. 2, John Hokey Xo. 3.
TOWN OF L.JiUREL.
Laurel was platted, originally, Xovember 30, 1836, by pioneer James
Conwell, who had been selling goods from his house before that date. At
first he intended naming his new town site Xew Baltimore, but later changed
his notion and called his town Laurel after a town in his old home state,
Maryland. It is situated on the old canal and is described on the maps as be-
ing situated on parts of sections 9 and 10 in township 12, range 12 east. It
is on the Big Four system of railroad. During the first few years of its his-
tory it grew very rapidly, especially during the years in which the canal was
being constructed, which was from 1839 to 1845. "Dove," the first canal
boat to pass through the canal at this point, was owned by W. Harding, of
Laurel. The opening of the canal brought in several new business factors,
including IVIessrs. William S. Geyer, George and Samuel Shoup, David Haz-
zard, Louis Steffey, the Snyder brothers. Doctor Giftord, James A. Derby-
shire, Horatio Burgoyne, Joel Palmer and a few others. The population of
Laurel in 19 10 was five hundred and three.
Without further evidence of the spirit of enterprise and busv industries
at this point, one has, today, but to look upon the ruins of numerous stone
and brick structures, many years ago the scene of shops and factories and
FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA. l8l
flouring mills. A wonderful talc conld these old buildings tell were they
gifted with tongues. Here men bought anfl soM, manufactured an<l .>hi[)ped
by water navigation many useful products. The old canal, completed in 1845,
was the great artery of trade to and from the town, which grew rapidly until
1852. Fortunes were here made, and in several instances lost. Many men
of more than ordinary note have, at one time or another, resided in Laurel.
The milling industry was > luc of much importance, but it has all disap-
peared with the passage of years. The water power, once derived by tapping
the canal, has been cut off, as now the canal carries no water in its bed above
a point about one mile south of the town. From there on down to Erook-
ville it has a steady, year-round current and gives the towns of Mctamora
and Brookville a splendid power for mill and factory purposes. The first mill
on the White Water river was built by one Van Meter, a fourth of a mile l>elow
the feeder dam. Later, it was known as the Jcnks mill ; it was destroyed by
the building of the canal, and it is related that Thomas Henderson, its owner
at the time, recovered three thousand dollars in a suit at law against the
state for the damages he had sustained.
The next mill built was by John Ferris, three and a half miles below
the town of Laurel. This mill burned and was never rebuilt. Mr. Webster
then constructed a rude mill, near Laurel, at the site of the later "Laurel
Wreath mills." It was of but little account. In 1843 Samuel Fisher removed
and enlarged this mill and it was rebuilt by the Conwells once if not more
times; it was burned in 1855. David Hazzard rebuilt in 1857, selling out to
Johnson & ]Moak, and they in turn to James A. Derbyshire. It burned again
in 1868, and in 1879 it was again rebuilt by Fisher & Withers. Later it was
operated by Flerman B. Buhlmann. It was originally propelled by the waters
of the river, but later utilized the water from a cut-oflf of the canal.
The Laurel mills were built in 1845 ^^y Shoup, Cullum & Company. It
was on the right bank of the canal, below the present railroad station. It
was, perhaps, the most extensive mill ever erected in the White Water valley.
It. was burned in March, 1877, never to be rebuilt. In the early eighties there
was a small pulp mill operated on its old site.
At an early date, a few hundred yards above the iron wagon bridge,
there was erected a carding and woolen mill by Dennis Calhon. It was later
purchased by Elias Macey, and finally burned. Macey rebuilt farther down
stream, but, owing to the washout of his dam so many seasons, it was long
since abandoned and but little trace of its foundation can now be seen. In
this connection, it may be .stated that ahead of all these various mills there
was the pioneer affair known as the old Maple hand-mill of a Mr. Davis,
l82 FRAXKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA.
who set it in motion in 1816 on Garrison's creek. He aUo had a pottery
there. The stones of this pioneer mill were to be seen as late as 1890. With
the change of times and the process of making flour, now largely centralized
in large grain centers, the milling interests of Laurel passed out of existence
many years since, and t(?day flour is shipped in. instead of out of. the place.
"In a very early day," says a pioneer, well posted, "you could stand on
a hill and count the chimneys of thirteen distilleries up and down the river
from Laurel." The one nearest to Laurel was the Webster distillery, op-
erated in 1822. In 1874 John Colter built an extensive distillery in a large
brick building near the railway station. It was really built for a general
store in 1833 by James Conwell ; later it was used as a pork-packing estab-
lishment, in canal days, then as a store and finally converted into a "still." In
the seventies it ceased to distill and the machinery was removed, Vvhile the
building stands a monument of former greatness, if not usefulner^s.
Pork-packing was carried on here until about 1880, possibly later.
In 1822 pioneer Webster planted out a peach orchard on all that portion
of Laurel between Washington street and the canal and Conwell and Balti-
more streets. These trees stood there until they were cut down the summer
before Laurel was laid out.
In 1823 Webster had a distillery running where, in later years. Williams
& Day's slaughter house stood, and at about the same date he established his
tan-yard.
The railroad was completed through Laurel in the summer of 1867, and
this gave a new life to the business interests, which, however, were seriously
crippled by the great iires of 1872 and 188G, an account of which is given in
this chapter.
There was also a paper box factory at Laurel about twenty years ago,
but this industry has, like most all others, ceased to exist. Twelve or fifteen
years ago the stone quarry business was one of much magnitude. The Laurel
limestone quarry, three miles to the west of the town, had a spur running
from the railroad tracks and shipped as many as fifteen cars of dressed stone
daily, employing from one hundred to one hundred and fifty men. The in-
troduction of cement greatly crippled the stone industry, and it was finally
abandoned entirely at this point.
A new feature of industry, if such it may be called, is that of the experi-
mental fruit farm, overlooking the town. It consists of a seven-hundred-acre
tract, three hundred acres of which are already set to fruit trees. It is owned
by a large company, members of which live in Chicago, while its part owner
and superintendent, E. A. Schultz, is a resident of Laurel.
.!'M,-,:;i,f
.),(
FRANKLIN' COl/NTY, INDIANA. 183
Coming down to the present, it is found the business interests of Laurel
are as follows :
General Dealers — \V. E. Ensminger. H. X. Wilson, A. A. Swartz, G. H.
Fosler, W. A. Goehner.
Drugs— S. W. Brier, Dr. \V. E. Ticen.
Dray Line — Thomas Reese & Son.
Undertakers — Moster Brothers.
Livery and Feed Barn — D. A. Lunsford.
Wagon Shop — Ed Ward.
Blacksmith Shops — Roll Wiggans, Timbennann & Xungster.
Auto Garage — R. Avers.
Stoves and Tinware — C. E. Burgoyne.
Con feet i one n,' — Anderson Fey.
Hotel — "The New Hotel," G. \V. Hunsinger, proprietor.
Restaurant and Hotel — Mrs. Samuel Hayes.
Variety Store — Miss Emma Musser.
Bakery — Michael Burgdoerfer.
Public Hall — Red Men's Hall, used for general public entertainments.
Newspaper — The Review, thirty-eight years old, ^Irs. John O'Hair, pro-
prietor.
Millinery — Mrs. Lizzie Day.
Meat Market — Reeser Brothers.
Lumber — G. W. Ensminger.
Grain Elevator — Frank ^^''right.
Steam Saw IMill — G. W. Ensminger.
Feed and Implements — James Jinks.
Barber Shops — James Grant. John Williams, Glen Grant.
Banking — The Laurel Bank.
Stone Works — J. P. Secrest. Harry Manley, Mrs. Lizzie Day. shippers
of dressed stone only.
Cement Vault Factory — Ed Ward.
Produce Company — C. H. Reiboldt.
Physicians — Drs. W. E. Ticen. S. A. Gififord. Henr\- Gregory.
Dentist— Dr. J. S. Rice.
Postmaster — C. E. Jones.
Moving Pictures — The Bijou, by J. E. ^^Tleeler.
The churches of the tow;n are the Alethodist Episcopal. Christian. Catho-
lic, United Brethren and Evangelical Lutheran. The last two have buildings,
but no regular services are held at this time.
184 FRANKLIX COLXTV, INTilAXA.
The fraternal orders here represented are the Masons, Odd Fellows,
Knights of I'ythias and Iiniirnved Order of Red Men. Eioth churches and
lodges arc fully described in separate chapters.
The old schoolhonsc, a three-story building erected in 1852, is still used,
though condemned. A new ten-lhousand-dollar building is to be erected tliis
year.
CORPORATION ITEMS.
Laurel became an incorporated town in 1S77. With the passing' years,
the incoming and outgoing of hundreds of f>fficers have caused the records to
be misplaced or lost, hence the early hist(jr\- can not here be given. Suffice to
say that a fairly good town government has always Ix^en maintained. The
place has no water works or lighting system. The electric lights of the town
are now supplied by the proprietor of the moving picture show. The town
board meets at Brier's drug store.
The officers of the incorporation (jf Laurel in 1915 are as f(jllow :
Board members, William Johnson (president), D. T. Reese, George (joeh-
ringer, G. H. Foster, Thomas Tharp: marshal, Charles Davis; clerk, Gilbert
Tague ; treasurer, William ]\Ioster.
THE POSTOFFICE.
What is now known as Laurel postofhce has had the following- postmas-
ters since the establishment of the office known as Somerset, and later as
Conwell's ]\Iills. The dates, furnished by the department at Washington,
show time of appointments:
Somerset — Charles Fosdick, April 15, 1S18; A. S. Babbitt, January 20,
1820; FL W. Clark, October 8, 1827; Jesse Williams, ^^larch 23, 1829; James
Conwell, December 13, 183 1. Xame changed to Conwell's Mills May 31,
1832. Conwell's Mills — James Conwell. May 31. 1832: F. A. Conwell, July
28, 1834. Name changed to Laurel July 26. 1837. Laurel — F. A. Conwell.
July 26, 1837; George G. Shoup, October 12, 1838; T. J. \\"hite. September
17, 1849; Isaac Clements, October 16. 1852: William S. Geyer, June 21,
1853; J. W. Morrow, December 8, 1858: William S. Geyer. December 22.
i860; A. W. Sullenberger, March 29, 1861 ; J. H. Reiley, December 21, 1865:
R. J. Day, July 10. i86fS; Jacob Secrest. ^farch 21, 1873: Lafavette Day,
September 14, t88i: S. H. Knott. August 19, 1885; Jasper Lockwood, April
12. 1889; William P. Sudler, June 2;^, 1893 ;' Jasper Lockwood, June 10,
1897; H. C. Jones, February 19, 1914.
FRANKLIN" COUXXy, INDIANA. I85
GREAT FIRES.
Laurel has been visited by numerous fires, the greatest of which occurred
in 1872 and in 1886.
On Thursday, ^March 21, 1872, there occurred a fire about the noon hour
from a spark falling on the dry shingled roof of James Haley's salor.n. By
speedy work this was extinguished, but that same night at about two o'clock
it was retiewed, and this time it had every appearance of being the work of
an incendiary, as an explosion was heard and there were exterior signs of
oil having been thrown on materials near the burned buihlings. In this fire,
which devastated the place, there were twenty-three buildings lost: all fences,
outbuildings and trees in the burned district were destroyed by the ravages
of the flames. The heaviest loser was W. F. Hazzard, who had a large dry
goods store and lost about all he possessed. It was carefully estimated at the
time of the fire, that tlie total loss was not far from one hundred and ten thou-
sand dollars, and on this amount there was only eighteen thousand dollars of
fire insurance available. The following is a list of the seventeen buildings
wdiich were totally leveled to the foundation stones : The two-story brick
block, the upper story of which was occupied by J. C. Durgoyne. a justice of
the peace and insurance agent; a two-story building, in which a stock of
clothing was carried by Fred Batt ; Williams & Day's livery barn; the Haz-
zard House, a two-story frame structure, occupied by Mrs. J. O. Van Horn ;
a two-story frame, the "Haley House.'' used as a residence and saloon ; a two-
story brick building of Charles Hubbard, who carried a dry goods stock be-
low, and the Chronicle office in the second story; a two-story brick building
in which Jacob Secrest had a grocery ; a two-story brick building in which
was located the dry goods concern of A\\ F. Hazzard. with a tin shop in the
rear; the one-story frame building in which a shoe shop was kept and which
was torn down to stay the spread of the fire; a two-stor}- frame in which was
conducted the saloon of David ]McCarty ; a two-story double frame house : the
two-story residence of John Nestle; the story-and-half house of Williams &
Day, used as a warehouse ; the two-story frame building in which was carried
a stock of dry goods and millinery by 'Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Cooper; also
what was known as the Pearl Street House, occupied by Mrs. Pike and Mrs.
Cooper; a story-and-a-half building of Morris Londgain, and the calaboose,
all of which were totally consumed.
Another fire visited Laurel, January 7, 1886. which did much damage,
while another, the same year, on Sunday morning, ]May 9. consumed the
large store building of John F. Geyers. This structure was forty by one
l86 FRANKI.IX COUNTY, INDIANA.
hundred feet in size. An e.xplosion occurred in.sidc which was thought to
have been a stick of dynamite, hut this was never clearly proven. The fire
spread from the oritjiiial building to Mike Herman's dwelling and tailor
.shop, Mrs. Lynn's fancy notion store, a coffin store belonging to A. & L.
Moster, and the large barn of Frank \\'instoring. The total loss was placed
at fifteen thousand dollars.
METAMORA TOWNSHIP.
Metamora township was established as one of the civil subdivisions of
Franklin county, September 5, 1S49, ^Y '^^ ^^^ c>f the board of county com-
missioners. Its territory was formerly a part of that included in Salt Creek,
Laurel and Brookville townships. It is bounded on the north by Laurel and
Blooming Grove, on the east by Brookville, on the south by Butler and on the
west by Laurel and Salt Creek. The township contains about twenty square
miles, and includes sections 5. 6, 7, 8, 18 and 19 of township 11 north, range
13 east; sections i, 2, 11. 12, 13 and 14 of townshp 11 north, range 12 east;
sections 29, 30, 31 and 32 of township 12 north, range 13 east, and sections
25, 26, ^^ and 36 of township 12 north, range 12 east. Its population is
693, according to the latest census reports. 235 less than in 1S90.
The West fork of White Water crosses the township in an easterly course.
a short distance above its geographical center. Pipe creek drains the south-
east quarter of the township; Duck creek flows from the north and unites with
the waters of the main stream at the town of ^Metamora; Salt creek empties
into White \\"ater a short distance abm'e the town of Metamora. The streams
already mentioned have branches known as Deer creek. Indian, Silver, Trace
branch. Gate's branch, etc.
There is here found a goodly amount of rich bottom land, with much
sloping surface farm land more or less abrupt. There is a limited acreage of
upland within the borders of the township. A third of a century ago there
was much of the original forest still left, but since that date it has steadily
disappeared before the wondman's axe and the saw-mill.
The water-power is good, especially that afforded by the numerous locks
along the old canal. There is now a large A'olume of water going to waste
for want of development of factories and mills. There is now only one mill
in operation in the township, and it is located at Metamora.
This portion of the county, prior to i8ri, was held solely by the Indian
tribes and a few hardy hunters and Indian traders. As soon as the land be-
FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA. 187
came subject to entry it gradually was taken up by white settlers, with an
occasional speculator who chiimetl the land at government price.
SETTLEMENT.
The following were among the original settlers in the township: David
Mount, iSii; Richard Williams, 1811; Hezekiah Mount, 1811 ; William
Flood, 1811 ; George Adams, 181 1 ; George Guiltner, 181 1 ; John Reed, 181 1 ;
Larkin Simes, iSii; Thomas Curry, 181 1; William Gordon, 181 1; Charles
Woodwurth. 1811 ; George Wilson, 1811 ; Isaac Wilson, 181 1 ; William Ar-
nold, 181 1, and a few more in the same year.
In 1812, among the settlers wlio claimed lands and commenced home-
building, are recalled Samuel Alley, Davitl Alley, James Alley, with possibly
a few more.
In 1813 came Jonathan Osborn. In 1814 the settlers were Philip Richie,
William Adams, Cyrus Alley, Jonathan Allen and Elisha Cragan. Jonathan
Chapman arrived and made his land entry in 181 7.
Lands were obtainable from the Twelve-mile Purchase in 1809, and a
few men came to the township and claimed lands as "squatters."' Among
such characters are recalled the names of Thomas Smidi, on the Gordon farm
of later years; Julius ^Miller, of the Blacklidge farm; Jake Krist, James Wil-
liams and "old nuui" Taylor, who married a widow and then eloped with
her pretty young daughter.
David Mount, who made his advent in 1811, came in from near Pen-
nington, New Jersey, entering the southwest quarter of section 36 (near the
present village of ■Sletamora), the date of his entry being October 21, 181 1.
Later he secured other large tracts of land and became a man of force and
influence for good in the community. Some of his lauds he claimed by orig-
inal entry, while other tracts he purchased from men who had entered and
became sick of the country. During the exciting days of the \\'ar of 1812
a blockhouse was erected on the farm later held by John Curry. This was
known far and near as the Mount blockhouse and was one of the numerous
blockhouses up and down the valley, built for defense against the red men.
Mr. Mount built a grist-mill on the river, near the present village and also
had connected with it a saw-mill, a carding-mill and a fulling-mill, all pro-
pelled by the waters of White Water river. These mills and small factories
were commenced about 1812 and were indeed greatly appreciated by the pion-
eer settlers of this section of country.
This truly good pioneer was elected associate judge and was also a mem-
l8S' FRAXKLIX COfNTV, IXDIAXA.
ber of the riuliaiia L<',t,M-,Iaturi.' a number of terms. One of the landmarks of
the White Water valley was the "(Jld Mount House." While it was never
operated as a hotel or inn, yet in it all weary travelers were welcome. It was
burned in 1S82.
The old ]Mount mills were tieprived of a large part of their original
water-])owcr by the construction of the canal, and Judi^e Mount brought legal
action against the canal corporation for damages, but in 1847 the great flood
swept through the valley and destroyed the mill and much other valuable
property.
Among the first and very early events within Metamora township may
be appreciated the record of the subjoined paragrai)hs :
The first blacksmith in the township was Col. John Rcerl. He was the
son-in-law of Robert Templeton, and settled just above the \'illage.
The earliest tavern was kept by one Goble, who bought the land entered
by William Flood, on the northeast quarter of section 35. a mile up the river
from the village of present Metamora.
At an early date Henry Pond l)egan operating a tannery.
The first schoolhouse was the log structure on the Gordon farm, and
one of the earliest teachers u as "Old Collins." of White Water fame, who was
succeeded by Samuel D. Woodworth, Henry Benton and Lewis Sally.
FURTHER DEVELOPMEXTS.
With the flight of years vast changes have taken place in this township.
Forests have been cut down and sawed into lumber, and fields have vielded up
their annual harvests ; the old settlers have passed from earth's shining circle,
and sons and grandsons have come into possession of the farms throughout
the township, while many have removed to distant parts of the world, and
newcomers have purchased the lands entered away back a hundred years and
more ago. It is but true to state that the prosperity today is not as flourish-
ing, neither is the population nearly so large, as it was thirty and forty vears
ago. But here and there one finds one of the time-honored homesteads oc-
cupied by frugal farmers, the descendants of original pioneers, the lands not
having passed out of the family name during the scores of years which have
passed into oblivion. In these homes one finds contentment and refinement,
and all that would indicate a happy home and prosperous circumstances.
FRANKLIX COL'NTV, INDIANA. 189
THE TOWN OF METAMORA.
This town, ur village, properly speaking, was platted by David Mount
and William Holland, March 20, 1838, to which have been added several ex-
tensions. It was named for a character found in a novel — "Metamora, the
beautiful squaw." It was named by Mrs. John A. Matson. Its population
in 1910 was five hundred and eighty-eight. It is situated on the north side
of Whitewater river and directly on the old canal, with one of the locks within
the center of the town, the same now furnishing the water-power for the flour-
ing mills, but which in former years afforded water-jKjwer for numerous fac-
tories. This was when the town was in the zenith of its commercial glory.
The geographical location of the town is in section 34. The first man to
sell general merchandise at this point was David Mount, who conducted a
small store in his residence. The next to engage in merchandise v/as John
Adair, who finally sold to William Holland.
The earliest tavern keeper was John McWhorter, soon after the plat v.as
laid out.
Early, if not the first, blacksmitlis were Messrs. Churchill and Asa
Geltner.
A flouring-mill was built on the lock of the old canal in 1845-46 by M. B.
Gordon & Brother. In 1S47-48 another mill was built, near the last named,
by William Rubottom & Hyatt. The fire of 1856 destroyed these mills. In
1857 the Gordons rebuilt their mill. Again, in 1850-51. Gordon Brothers
built a more extensive milling plant on the lower or east lock. This was also
burned, and rebuilt by Clifford & Davis, and in 1882 was owned by Andrew
Miller. The Gordons also had a woolen-mill, which was destroyed by the
same flames that took the flouring-mill. The woolen-mill was not rebuilt.
The Gordon flouring-mill was dismantled and the building used for a wood-
working factory, where woodenwarc was manufactured.
In 1845 Jonathan Banes, who had resided there since 1837. came in as
a contractor on the old White Water canal, and at the first date named con-
structed a cotton-mill on the south bank of the canal, near the lock. In 1856
the machinery was removed and the building converted into a flouring-mill
by Murray & Banes. Other owners of this plant were John Curry & Son,
Thomas Tague and Trembly & Hawkins. Richard ^McClure also had the
property at one time. It was later styled the Crescent mill. There was a mill
erected on Pipe creek by William H. Eads. In 1846-47 a distillery was built
here by Walker Brothers. Henry C. Kimble later owned it, and in March,
1873, it was burned and never rebuilt.
IQO FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
PRESENT-DAY METAMORA.
Much of the long--ago hum and bustle of this httlc village has ceased.
Time changes all things. The abandonment of the canal, the construction of
railroads through this section of Indiana, the death of many sturdy pioneers
and the removal of many more of their immediate descendant.^, have all com-
bined to lessen the spirit of commercial enterprise once known in the town.
However, the place still has a number of excellent business factors, and in
February, 191 5, these interests were in the hands of the following persons
and companies:
General Stores — L. Allison & Son, ^lartindale & Jinks and J. \V. Jack-
son & Son.
Confectionery — Lucy ^Nlartindalc.
Hardware — Clark & Annice.
Drugs — Albert E. Pierce.
Banking — Farmers Bank (private), organized in 1910 by W. N. Gordon
and Henry R. Lennard.
Barber Shops — Benjamin Gliccn. Charles Herman.
Blacksmith ing — James Thorp.
Undertakers — Thorp & Williams.
Hotel — Charles Rothrock.
Stock Dealer — Samuel Lewis, for \Yalter Bros., of Brookville.
Steam Saw-mill — Noble Gordon.
Public Hall — Old Presbyterian Church, by Banes & \^'illiams.
Coal Dealer — Frank ^^"right, at the flouring-mill.
Milling — Frank Wright, whose mill was erected in 1900. a three-story
brick structure with a daily capacity of fifty barrels of flour.
Attorney — G. R. Foster.
Postoffice, with Inez Gordon, postmistress. This office has two rural
free deliveries running to outlying sections.
POSTMASTERS.
The following have served as postmasters at !Metamora since the estab-
lishment of the office, first known as Duck Creek Crossing, in April, 1826.
The dates given are time of appointment. These names and dates were fur-
nished the author by the department at Washington : Duck Creek Crossing —
Daniel Churchill. April 14. 1826; J(3hn Reid, April 2^, 1S2Q: Asahel Gilmer.
November 19, 1830; William Holland, February 25, 1833. Name changed.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. I9I
June II, 1838, to .Alctamorri. William Hnlland, June ii, 1838; John Hughes,
December 30, 1839: I'.zckiel 'I'yner, April 11. 1840; A. B. Martindale. Jan-
uary 4, 1847; R. M. Wales, October 4. 1850; Ezekiel Tyner, September 5,
1851; J. C. Burton. November i, 1853; Matthias Munson, May 8, 1854; P.
C. Woods, December 16, 1854; J. C. Armstrons?, April 27, 1857; T. H. Con-
nor, May II, 1861 ; A. Ilahn, December 13, 1865; L. E. Hahn, Deceml)er 5,
1866; James Dawdy, March 28. 1879; T. B. Tracy, August 31. 1883; J. M.
Vanscyoc. June 30, 1885; Angeline Kimble, October 9, 1889; Albert Pierce.
April 6, 1893; J. W. Jackson, April 26, 1S97; William N. Gordon, March 9,
1907; Inez E. Gordon. July 6, 1914-
FORMER TOWNSHIPS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
For several years after its organization in the spring of 181 1, Franklin
county extended nine miles above its present northern limits and included a
large part of what is now Fayette and Union counties. Fayette county was
set off by the legislative act of DeccmiK-r 28, 1818, and began its independent
existence on January i, 1S19. During the eight years that it was a part of
Franklin county it had been first included within Posey township and after
July 16, 1 8 16, had been divided between Posey and Connersville townships.
With the establishment of Fayette at the date above mentioned Connersville
township drops out of Franklin county history. Connersville township, as
organized July 16, 1816. included "all that part of Posey township which
lies north of the center of the thirteenth township in twelfth range, and the
center of the thirteenth township in the thirteenth range, sliall compose a
township and the same shall l)e known and called by the name of Connersville
township, and that all elections after the first Monday in August, next, shall
be held in Connersville."
Union county was created by the legislative act of January 5. 1821. and
formally organized on the first of the following month. During the ten years
that it was a part of Franklin county it had first been included within Bath
township and between July 16, 18 16. and Febniaiw 9. 18 19, had been divided
between Bath and Union townships. On the latter date Liberty township was
created, and from then until Union county was organized on February i,
182 1, that part of Franklin county now within Union county included all of
Union and Liberty townships and a part of Bath. Union and Liberty town-
ships drop out of Franklin county history on February i. 182 1. Union town-
ship, as organized July 6, 1816, included '"all that part of the township of
192 FRAXKI.IX COUNTY, INDIANA.
Bath C()ni[Kjsing- the elLnenth township in tlic first ran,£,^e and the eleventh
township in the second ran^e, shaU form a township to i)c called and known
by tlie name of Union township, and all elections after the first Monday in
August, next, shall he held in a schuolliouse known by the name of Union
schoolhouse."
On February 9, 18 19, it was ordered that Unif;n township be divided by
the line dividing- ranges i and 2 west and all that part lying west of said
line in said township to constitute a township to be called Libertv township,
and all future elections in Liberty tmvnship be held at the house of Samuel
\V. Scott in Dunlapsville.
In addition to these three townships which no longer exist as a part of
Franklin county, there is one other, Somerset, which had a very brief histOfA".
Organized 'May 14, 182 1, out of Posey township, it flied a quiet death at the
hands of the county commissioners on November 12 of the same year. What
brought it into existence and what caused its early demise the historian has
failed to discover. Its name and boundary limits are all that is known about
it. On May 14, 1821. the commissioners "Ordered that all that part of Posey
township lying north of an east and west line drawn between sections 25 and
36 in township 12, range 12 east, compose a township to be called
Somerset township, and that all future elections in. said township are to be
held at the town of Somerset.''
CHAPTER VI.
TOWN OF BROOK VI LLE.
Brookville is situated in the picturesque valley of the White Water river,
between the forks of W^est and East l^ranches of this stream. It is in sec-
tions 20 and 29, in the center of Urookville township. The town site is
about evenly divided into the ridq^e and valley districts, the business portion
at this time being chiefly on the ridj^e, but formerly occupied the valley of the
East Fork to the east. A semi-circle of high hills, almost approaching to
small mountains, surrounds the town from the northwest to the southeast.
The natural scenery is distinctive and beautiful and whether one views it
in midwinter or in the summer sunshine, it is ever a feast to the eye.
When first visited by prospective settlers, the United States land office
was located at Cincinnati. On December 4, 1S04, the southeast quarter of
'section 20 was entered by Amos Butler. The northwest quarter of section
29 was entered by Amos Butler and Jesse Brooks Thomas, July 3, i<So5.
The northwest quarter of section 29 by Josiah Allen. July 6, 1805. The
southwest quarter of section 20 by Amos Butler, IMarch 18, 1S06. The
northwest quarter of section 20 by Amos Butler, April 4, i8'o6. The south-
west quarter of section 29 by Amos Butler, October i, 1806.
The town of Brookville was platted August 8, 1808, by Thomas Man-
warring and took its name from the middle name of one of the proprietors,
Jesse Brooks Thomas, whose mother's maiden name was Brooks. At first
it was called "Brooksville," but soon the "s" was dropped and ever since it has
been Brookville. The plat was recorded January 8, 181 2. In 1820 Brook-
ville was a military post and was garrisoned by a company of United States
soldiers under command of Captain Grovenor of the regular army. In 1S23
the land office was established here with Lazarus Xoble as receiver. The
office was first kept in a frame house on Court street and later in tlie building
now occupied by Doctor Garrigues. The office was removed to Indianapolis
in 1825.
Butler paid the greater part of the purchase money for the tract on
which the town was laid out, but Thomas, who seems to have been sort of
a trickster, succeeded in having the patent issued in his name. Butler and
Thomas were soon at loggerheads and Butler instituted suit against Thomas.
which was responsible for the postponement of tlie lot sales. A compro-
(13)
194 FRAXKLIX CCJIXTY, IXDIAXA.
mise was effected by which IJullcr was given a deed for part of the land and
the lots were then i)ut on sale. Thomas later removed to Illinois, became a
United States senator from that state and was the author of the fatnous
Missouri Com])r<iinisc. Puitler lived at P.rookville until iSi8 and then
moved to Hanover. Jel'ferson county. Indiana, where he died and was buried.
To Amos Dutler lieion,q;s the honor of entering the first land on which the
town of Brookxille stands and to him belongs the honor of being the first
settler.
The first town lot was sold on the southwest corner of Walker and
Main streets. Jt was l(jt numljcr 47. the deed for which was dated March
7, 181 1.
In May, 181 2, the plat was resnr\eycd by Samuel C. Vance. John
Allen, a Quaker ])y parentage, came in and entered the northea.st ((uarter of
section 29. July 6, 1803, and lie too, like lUitler. had aspirations. He built a
mill, platted an addition and began selling town Icjts. His tract is situated
in the southeast jiortion of the town, extending across the river. But LUitler,
not wishing to lie out-rivaled, entered the quarter secti(jn inmiediately north
of the Thomas tract and to the west of his own section. B(>th lot owners
were in the market with town lots at the same dale. May 2''). 1812. Both
Butler and Allen started their mills at about the same date; some place Butler
first, while others, seemingly as correct, place Allen first.
In 1807 there was but a single land entry, f^.ve were made in 1808, none
in 1809 and only six in r8ro. It was too near the 1795 Indian boundary
line and the troublesome Indians to be a desirable .stopping place. .\!nong
the first to engage in business was James Knight, who entered land north
of the town, but soon engaged in trade in the village. His place of business
was at the corner of Main and James streets, where now stands the jail.
He kept a tavern and also had a stock of merchandise. It was Knight who
built the first jail and the first brick court house, but died before the comple-
tion of the latter. From an old account book which he kept, the following
items were entered :
John Alien to "to-backer" S .i23/>
Half pint .12J/I
Two buckskins i 2.00
Mrs. Eads, credit by 13 pcmnds butter _ 1.62 '/S
Mrs. Eads, Dr.. to one quarter pound tea .50
William Kelley credited with seven and a half gallons
of whiskey ^.j^
William Banister, half pound nails .16
FRAXKLI.V COUNTY, IXUIAXA. 195
Fully two-thirds of the day-hook entries were for whisky. The date
of the ahove entries was Octoher 12. 18 10. The building in which Knight
had his store and tavern was originally huilt in 1808 as a block-house, to
which he made additions. It was known as Knight's Tavern, and was re-
modeled and later known as the ^'ellow 'I'avern. It was torn down in 1861.
The first tavern license issued in Br(;okville, or Franklin county for that
matter, was to James Adair, whose house stood on lot 30 in Butler's plat.
In 181 1 tavern-keepers' licenses were granted to Samuel Henry, William
Eads. James Knight and Stephen C. Stephens.
With the flight of so many years it is impossible to trace the comings
and goings of the various "first dealers'' in sundry goods, but the subjoined
extract from the old State Gazetteer, ])ublished in iSrj, will give a correct
setting for the town at that date :
"At the close of i8t2 Brookville contained but ten or twelve houses.
In July, 181 7, there are u|)war(ls of eighty buildings, exclusive of shops,
■stables and outlmildings. These buildings are of frame, and a great num-
ber of them are handsomely painted. There are within the precincts of tlie
town one grist-mill, two saw-mill^, two fulling-mills, three carding ma-
chines, one printing office, one silver smith, two saddlers, two cabinet-makers,
one hatter, two tailors. ff)ur bout and shoemakers, two tanners and curriers,
one chairmaker. one cooj)er, five taverns and seven stores. There are also
a jail, a market house and a hantlsome brick court house.
"Markets — Wheat is 75 cents per bushel: flour. $3.00 per hundred;
corn and oats, 25 cents; rye, 40 cents; butter and cheese, from 12 to 25
cents ; honey. 50 cents per gallon ; maple sugar. 25 cents ; salt. S2.00 per
bushel. European goods somewhat high."
Of the first prime movers at Rrookville. it should be recorded in the
annals of the place that Amos Butler, a native of Chester county. Pennsyl-
vania, first entered land in Dearborn county in 1803. He had some means
and after entering his land returned to Penn.sylvania. and upon his return
found his lands overflowed with the waters of the Ohio river. He at once
sought another location, and, coming to the present site of Brookville in the
autumn of 180.] on foot, he decided to set his stakes here. As has been
said, he remained here until 18 18. when he removed to Hanover, Indiana,
where he died.
John Allen was also a Pennsylvanian. He came here with his two
sons. Solomon and Josiah. in 1805. They went back and spent the winter
in their native state. In the spring following the two brothers, with a fiat-
boat load of gcxvJs and mill machiner}\ came down the Ohio, and finallv
196 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
reached Brookville; the mill-stones were brought in this cargo. The re-
mainder of the family came later in the season. Allen and Butler were rivals
both in town-site and milling interests. Allen was probably the first justice
of the peace here. He had too many irons in the fire and finally, when hard
times set in, he failed and moved to Blooming Grove, where he died, and
was buried on the Hayes farm, formerly owned by John Allen, Jr. A
brother-in-law of tavern-keeper Knight, already named, came with Allen and
was later one of the treasurers of Franklin county.
Lismond Baysea, a Frenchman and a silk dyer by trade, came in 18 10
or 181 1, entered a quarter section of land and established a store on the
old "White Corner" in 18 12. He is credited with having built the first
regular store building in Brookville, but he was too "Frenchy" for the town
and soon retired. Another settler in 181 2 was Ruggle Winchell, who erected
the first frame house in the town. Nathan D. Gallion, a soldier of the
Twenty-eighth Regiment United States regulars during the War of 1812,
came to Brookville in 1814 with a stock of goods which he sold at the corner
of Main and Claiborne streets — the "White Corner." He died in 1865 after
having been in business o\er forty years. James McGinnis, partner of
James Knight, opened a tannery east of Brookville. possibly the first in this
county. He committed suicide, being the first to take his own life within
the town.
EARLY BUSINESS MEN.
Among the early business men of the new town was William H. Eads,
who kept a store on Main street, near the location of the present Brookville
bank. He also operated a tannery just south of the present railway station.
Another early character of the town was Thomas C. Eads. a brother of
William H., and father of the now famous Captain Eads of Xew Orleans
"jetty" fame and the builder of the great St. Louis bridge. William Major,
a brick-layer and mason, came in 1815 and was a leader in his honorable
craft. Joseph Meeks, the cabinet-maker and wood-working genius, came
from New York city in 18 18. He built on North ]\Iain street, where his
daughter, now among the oldest women of the city, still resides in the same
house erected by her father almost a century ago. There are many pieces
of his handiwork to be seen in the homes of Broola-ille people today.
Samuel Goodwin, a leader in early Methoiiism. came from Penn-
sylvania. He was a tanner and carried on his trade here many years.
His place was near the foot of Claiborne street. The John family, also from
the Keystone state, were prominent here in the first decades of the town's
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 197
history. Jehu Jolni and sons, Robert, Enoch D., Jehu, Jr., and Isaac, were
all men of rare ability and force of character. In about 1817 Miles C.
Eggleston, father of the noted preacher and author of "The Hoosier School-
master," came here; he was an al>1e lawyer and once judge of the circuit
courts. George W. Kimble came from Maryland in iSifr, he was by trade
a tailor and engaged in merchandising and manufacturing a number of
years. Early traders at this point were Michael Pilky and Charles Telier,
partners in a store on the bank of tiie East Eork, where an abandoned grave-
yard will lie recalled by the older citizens of Brookville. Telier died in 1815
and was buried near the store. Tliere is a tradition (but nf-t \erihed by
facts), that these men were here when Amos Butler located.
John Beaty, a merchant, located here in 181 5 on the east side of Main
street near the old Gallion corner. Andrew Wallace became the proprietor
in 1818 of a hotel where the Valley House now stands. His card of that
date reads: "If his liquors are not such as will exquisitely suit the taste,
they are as good as can be procured in the Western country." His son,
David Wallace, entered the military academy from Brookville, graduated
with honors and became governor of Indiana. David Wallace studied law
here under John Test. Thomas Wallace, another son, entered the United
States navy. Gen. Lew Wallace, author of "Ben Hur" and a gallant Civil
War general, was the son of Gov. David Wallace. His birth place was in
the old brick house which stood on tlic corner lot north of where the Catholic
priest residence now stands.
Other early business men were George and Robert Breckenridge, who
were merchants many years; Edward Hudson, a chair-maker, came in 1815.
Subsequently, he became a shipper of produce and made trips down the
rivers and to the West Indies. He lost his life on such a voyage, by ship-
wreck in which his cargo was sunk. Nathaniel Hammond, a justice of the
peace in 1820, afterward kept the old "Yellow Tavern." The hies of old
newspapers disclose the fact that the Brookville Inquirer was conducted by
Charles Hutchens in 1817. Others of early years were John Jacobs. 1S16;
Henry Jenkinson, justice of the peace in 1815; Daniel ^lason. v.-ho came in
1817 and run a tavern; Thomas Smith, a tailor, in 1816: Thomas Winscott,
a carpenter, 1815; Thomas W. and James S. Colescott. settlers in 1816. who
were men of much activity. Still another whose name should not be over-
looked was Sampscm Powers, an old-time merchant, who was a brother of
the world-famous sculptor. Hiram Powers. The mother was buried in
the cemetery near the "brick meeting-house" in March. 1S25. Eugene Cory
190 FRANKLIN' COLNTV, INDIANA.
was a tanner and operated a tan-yard. It is thought he was interested in
the water-power with Amos Cluirch after estabhshing his wheel shop.
THE BROOKVILLF. LAND OFFICE.
The Brookville land office was estaliHshcd in the autumn of 1820, and
continued here until 18^5, being tiien removed to Indianapolis. The follow-
ing is a fac si)iiilc of a land advertisement taken from the liles of the Brook-
ville Inquirer;
List of Public Lands.
The following is a statement of the
Lands which will be offered at the
sale, -to commence on the first
Monday in October next, in
the Brookville Land
District.
VIZ:
Townships
In
Range
East of 2d
North.
No.
Meridian.
No 10 & II,
4
do
10 & II,
5
do
10, II, 12, 13 &-
14-
6
do
10, II, 12, 13 «&
14.
...^.. - ■--, .^«^;. .-.--.V-^V^;'
'■'7
do
10, II, 12, 13 &
14.
8
do
10, II, 12, 13, &
14.
9
do
10, II, 12, 13 &
14,
10
do
Fractional Townships
10, II, 12, 13 & Township 14.
II
do
do 13 and
14- -
12
do
Making in the ^\
■hole
36 townships and
fractional towns
hips.
ROBERT
HAXXA.
Register of the
Brookville I^nd
District.
August
17-
1S20.
The lands in this district were all in the New Purchase, and outside the
boundaries of Franklin county: the tract was nearly square and included
congressional townships in the present counties of Rush. Decatur. Bartholo-
FRANKLIX COUXTV, IXDIAXA. 199
mew, Shelby, Johnson and Crown, besicks fractional townships in adjoining
counties.
While the United States land ofiBce Avas located here the town enjoyed
good business, but with its removal in 1825 things took a sudden turn.
People then realized that sumethini; must be done except trying to live on
the money that land speculators and iiumigrants brought in. or the death
knell of Brookville would be the result. They turned their attention to
legitimate business callings, new factories and mills were installed; better
farming methods were introduced ; and with the canal ten years later the town
again enjoyed prosperity. However, the taking away of the office was a
blow which has been felt to this da}-, for had it remained here vast amounts
of money would naturally have been in\csted in this county instead of going
on to western counties, where, i)ri!)r to that date, there was no general settle-
ment. But such was in the very nature of things to be. The location of
the old land office was on lot Xo. -^2 of Amos Butler's platting of Brook-
ville. where now stands the iMasters block. It was torn down in October,
1913-
A CRITICAL PERIOD.
The ten years which elapsed between the time that the land office was
moved to Indianapolis and the White Water canal was projected were a
critical time in the history of Brookville. It was during this time that
Fayette (1819) and Union (1821) counties were organized and this took
away from the county much of its most valuable farming land as well as
hundreds of its most prosperous farmers. With the land office there went
hundreds of people to the new capital and to adjoining counties which were
being organized. ^^lany of the most adventurous spirits departed for new-
fields and the net result was a condition in Brookville which must have bor-
dered on the tragic.
The loss of so many excellent citizens in this ten years was a blow from
which the town recovered but slowly. A few of these men should be men-
tioned. Harvey Bates, Noah Noble, David Wallace and scores of others
settled in Indianapolis. Jonathan McCarty was mainly responsible for the
organization of Fayette county and he became the first clerk of the new
cotmtv and several years later represented this district in Congress. John
Test and Enoch D. John removed to Lawrenceburg ; Miles C. Eggleston
located in Aladison; Stephen C. Stephens moved to \"evay and later settled in
Madison. Isaac Blackford, one of the greatest lawyers of the state before
the Civil War. went to Mncennes and later became a member of the supreme
200 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
court of the state, holding: tlie ])osition longer than any man since his time.
Centerville attracted Alexander Moore, Edward Hudson and Thomas G.
Noble; Robert Rreckeiiridge took charge of the land office at Fort Wayne
at the time of its estaijlishment. Ouen Riley became a merchant in Greens-
burg; Mason, who had conducted a tavern in Brookvillc for many years,
removed to Harrison and opened a tavern. Charles Test found a new
home in Rushvillc and later served as clerk of Rush county. These are only
a few of the more promineiU men who left Brookville never to return. Hun-
dreds of farmers entered land in the new counties and there were thousands
of acres which had been opened for cultivation that now became overgrown
with underbrush. Scores of houses were empty in the town of Brookville,
business was at a standstill and the once prosperous town seemed on the
verge of ruin. Those who remained were in many cases too poor to buy
the property left in the town and this added to the general feeling of desola-
tion. It has been said that there was a time in this decade (18:25-1835)
when one house in every five was empty an<l many of these were the most
pretentious dwellings in the town.
But a better time was coming. With the prospect of a canal down the
White Water, things began to inipro\e and a marked revival of business in
Brookville. The great German immigration to the county began in the mid-
dle of the thirties and within a few years thousands of acres of fresh land,
as well as land formerly tilled, were brcnight under cultivation. The comple-
tion of the canal ushered in a new era in the growth of the county and the
next two decades saw scores of factories rising up along the canal. Saw
and grist-mills, cotton and woolen factories, distilleries and breweries, pork-
packing establishments, carriage and wagon shops and various other indus-
tries were located along the canal and at other parts in the county. With
the closing of the canal the railroad was built through the county and this
afforded e\'en a better means of reaching markets. As the years went by,
better farming methods were introduced, the farmers received l>etter prices
for their products and a stable prosperity was established which has con-
tinued down to the present day.
The historian who is interested in economic changes can not help but
wonder why so many of the prosperous factories have long since disappeared.
Where there were once no less than seven cotton and woolen mills, there is
today not one; the person who at one time could stand on the top of a hill
at Laurel and count the smoke stacks of seventeen distilleries, would today
find not one; the pork-packing establishments have disappeared, along with
the other industries; only one paper mill is left; of the scores of grist, flour
OLD STATE BANK, BROOKVILLIC
-.^Vy-liVVV^M
-ll
ti»aij».3-— ahjiC'^^O vl'?^££jg^-^>al; ' "" ^ ""'
OLD LAND OFFICE. BROOKVILLE.
FRANKLIN' COl'NTY, IXDIAN'A. 20I
and saw-mills, only a very few are left. The economist looks for a reason
for the abandonment of the once nourishing' industries and a number of
causes present themselves. .Most of the factories along the canal and on
the water courses depended for their power on water and each flood that
came along meant a temporary cessation in their ojK-ration. As the hills
along the streams were denuded of the nati\e timber, Hoods became more
frequent and much more destructive. The two floods of 184S worked great
havoc with all the industries ahmg the canal ; dams were washed out, mill
races were demolished and many mills were practically ruined. Owners
were loath to rebuild; the risk of having an industry literally wijjed out over
night was one of the main reasons for the disappearance of many mills and
factories. By 1861 the usefulness of the canal was at an end; rejjcated
floods had so damaged it that it seemed a waste of money to attempt to put
it in condition to resume traffic. Then, again, the building of a railroad
through the county was being agitated even before i8'6r. An old map of
the county published in 1858 actually shows a railroad cutting through the
northeastern part of the county — a railroad, by the way, which was not con-
structed until six years later. From 1861 until the building of railroad
through the county in 1866 all manufactured goods had to be hauled out of
the county. This meant that the factories could not compete with others
more favorably situated and it was during these few years that manufactur-
ing interests suffered a sharp decline. - The Civil War helped to disturb con-
ditions and added not a little to the gloomy situation. Figures are not
available to show how many industries closed during the sixties, but it is
known that man)- of them closed down never to reopen.
With the opening of the railroad, conditions, of course, began to im-
prove, but in a few years another factor entered the situation. It was found
that small factories could not successfully compete with larger establishments;
gradually the small factories of the county were either absorbed by larger
plants or else forced out of business. It was the trust which secured hold
of the big distillery in Brookville.
In 191 5 there are but two mills in the county run by water power, the
paper mill at Brookville and the flouring mill at ^letamora. The paper mill
also uses steam power in addition to water power. The breweries at Brook-
ville, St. Peters and Oldenburg have all closed ; the cotton and woolen mills,
the pork-packing establishments and scores of other industries have dis-
appeared. Now, the paper mill, the furniture factory, four planing mills, a
buggv' factory, a saw mill and two cigar factories are all the manufacturing
industries left in I'rookville. ' There is not even a flouring mill left, the last
202 FRAXKMX COLNTV, INDIANA.
one having burned down in the spring of r9r5. The following pages give a
detailed account of the many and varied industries which have flourished in
Brookville during the jiast century.
EARt.V MILLING OPERATION.S.
Butler's mill, on the East I"<jrk, was among the earliest mills in this
county, the date of its construction being 1804. It was at first a log building
with rude machinery for grain grinding. Soon after a saw-mill attachment
was of>erated in connection with the Houring-mill. A second grist-mill was
built by pioneer Butler; this stood on the site of the old log structure. The
last mill was a frame building and had excellent machinery for those times.
In 1818 the property was sold to Backhouse & Breckenridge. who operated
it until 1822, when it was burned, causing the death of an employe who was
sleeping in a bunch of bran sacks in the basement. The mill was immed-
iately re-built on borrowed capital from Cincinnati, and this loan caused the
financial ruin of the mill owner. James Speer then bought the mill and re-
modeled it and made a good merchant mill of it. The saw-mill part was dis-
pensed with and in its stead was erected a paper-mill in 1835. This was the
second dr\--roll paper-mill west of the Alleghany mountains. Later the dam
went out and the fiouring-mill stood idle. It was torn down in 1905, after
having been pointed out as a landmark for so many years. It was built from
poplar and walnut timber and was a solid frame of the olden type — strong
and substantial. It was finally sold to William Bonwell. Jr., a thrifty farmer
near by, who converted it into a barn. It was this ancient mill that came into
national prominence through its having been made a model for "The Old
Mill" by artists of no less renown than Steele, Forsythe. Adams and others.
With its mossy roof and pitiful windows staring one in the face: its majestic,
colonial style of architecture and setting of wooded hills for its background,
it appealed strongly to the artistic love of the beautiful of those who have
sought glory and fame in reproducing on canvas the scenery in the White-
water valley.
The Allen mill was on the East Fork near the iron bridge and was
built by John Allen, one of the founders of Brookville. " By some it is be-
lieved to antedate the old Butler mill, just described, but this has not been
definitely established. It was a rude. jKiorly-constructed mill and had infer-
ior machinery. It was run in connection with a distillery for many years,
even after Allen had left tlie count)-. Jesse B. Thomas, one of the founders
of the town, built a small mill in the spring of 1805.
FRANKI.IX COr;XTV, INDIAXA. 2O3
At a very early clay two brothers named Lattcrett pr.t in a cardinjf
machine for wool carding just ahove the old canal bridge crossing the East
Fork south of Rrookville. where a raceway was cut through the solid rock
by which water was conveyed to the overshot wheel that turned the machin-
ery. The mill stood partly fncr the stream, it is said. It is thrjught this was
the earliest carding machine in I'Vanklin county. It was known for years
as "Latterett's Rock," on account of the peculiar conglomerate formation of
rocks at that spot. It was indicated as such on the early Indiana maps. The
race above mentioned was du^ and blasted by Richard Tyner and Abner
McCarty.
What was termed tlie "Company Mill,"' situated on the main stream of
the river, about three miles south of Brookville, was doubtless built in either
1826 or 1S27. It operated successfully until the construction of the canal
and feeder dam, which ruined the water power at that point. It was the
property of Cummings brothers, who received seven thousand dollars in
state "script" as damages for ruination of their water power. Coffin broth-
ers bought the old mill and mo\ed it to tlie canal basin and there it was con-
verted into a warehouse. Then it was bought by Tyner &: Roberts, who
converted it into a mill for flouring purpcses, and it was for years known as
the Champion Flour ^lills and was owned and am by Joseph A. Fries for
several years. This was the mill that was burned in 191 5 and not rebuilt.
The Jeremiah Woods flouring-mill was built near the north end of the
old canal basin in the early days of Brookville. Before that he had run a
small grist and cotton-mill in the old canal basin to the s<xitheast of the
present paper-mill site. The last mill ^•enture of Woods was a failure and in
a short time the building was converted into a machine shop and cotton fac-
tory combined. The machinery was moved from Woodsville, in part section
24. This, too, was a failure financially, and was at last abandoned. While
the White Water railroad (now Big Four) was being constructed, this old
building was used for a boarding house. It w^as in 1865 that Hanna & Ay res
utilized it for a paper-mill, later selling to the Stewart I'aper Company,
who operated it till 1870, when it was burned.
The Kimble mills were situated where now stands the south end of the
Thomson-Xorris paper mills, at a point where the road crosses the bridge
to the city cemetery. This mill seems to have been put in operation about
181 1 by Jeremiah Corey, who operated a carding machine and probably a
fulling-mill. North of the Corey mill Pegg & Davis fitted up a mill for
dressing cloth. This firm also owned a large tan-yard, adjoining the mill
lot on the east; they were also interested in the mercantile and real estate
204 FRANKLIN COLXTY, INDIANA.
business. In the winter of 1821-22 tlie mill was burned, after which the firm
dissolved. John Pegg then rebuilt the mill in part, while the tannery was
sold to William H. Eads. who ran it al<;ng with his mercantile house and
other sundry speculations in which he was interested. The newly-built mill
was of brick and had good machinery. In 1826 the property went into the
hands of George W. Kimble, who rented the brick building to one Henrie
for a hemp-mill and rope walk.
In 183 1 Air. Kimble built a frame cotton-mill a few rods north of the
hemjp-mill, and in 1S44 he tore down the brick hemp-mill and erected a large
four-story flouring-mill on its site. .Vfter 1847 the waters of the canal were
used as a mill power for this mill. In 1871 the pnjperty was sold anfl con-
verted into Stewart's paper-mill, an account of which is given in this chapter.
It was burned on ]vlay 29, 1876.
The tannery property owned by Kimble was destroyed by the canal,
which was dug through the center of the lot.
John Davis S: Company were engaged in cloth dressing and wool card-
ing as early as 1818, probably succeeding Jeremiah Corey.
The Sylvan factory was a mile or so above town. <jn the north bank of
West Fork. It was built in 1819 by Jacob, John and Xoble, and Enoch D.
John was its manager. \\'hen the canal was dug the mill had somewhat run
down and this waterway ruined it.
The White Water cotton factory was on the point of the lx)undary hill.
Sims & Clements tirst built a grist and saw-mill at that site about 1817-1S.
It changed hands, as is seen by deed records, until, in 1S23, it was in pos-
session of William C. Rogers, of Cincinnati. Later it v.as owned by Jere-
miah Woods and a 3.1r. ]\Iiller. It is said to have been an extensive milling
plant for those early days. In P'ebruary, 1S33, under management of Agent
Lewis S. Ingals, it was turning sixteen hundred spindles and a dozen or miOre
power looms. After 1840 the dam washed out and the mill was abandoned.
Jeremiah Woods removing the machinery, as elsewhere stated, to the old
canal basin, south of town. In the eighties it was written of this location:
"This place was called W^oodville; one or two stone chimneys, and a few
yards of crumbling masonry, overgrown by a rank thicket of shrubber}% is
all that now remains of Woodville." There are left the cellars of at least
half a do.^en buildings, which may still (191 5) be plainly seen.
In December, 18 12 — one hundred and three years ago — began the his-
tory of what was styled the "Halstead ]^Iill." Chilon Foster and John Test
were granted permission to erect a small mill in section 3. township 11. range
23, which mill site was opposite the mouth of Yellow Bank creek, at the
FRANKLIN COUXTV, INDIANA. 205
mouth of Snail creek. This mill became one of the leading mill^ in Franklin
county and continued U> serve custom trade many years. John Halstead
finally purchased the property; later a great flood in this valley swept it
away and it was never rebuilt.
In 1817 Moses Green, a York-state Yankee, commenced building a saw-
mill on a lot to tlie north of Brookville, on the East Fork, a few rods north
of the old toll-gate. On returning down the Ohio from a trip to Pittsljurgh,
where he went for his family, the Iwat capsized and he was drowned. The
mill was completed by others, run a few years and then abandoned.
A distillery, on a small scale, was built by Johnston & Miller about
1862-3 o" th^ site of the old Linck & Farquahar grain house. Then F. A.
Walz became the owner, and in 1870 he erected a large stone warehouse and
commenced the manufacture of the celebrated "Walz Bourbon." In 1878
the property passed into the hands of Kuhlman & Teepen, who made it one
of the largest distilleries in this section of the country. It was operated by
them until 1S90, when the still and warehouse were sold to the present owner,
Peter Werst, the deed being dated }^Iay 23, 1893. ]Mr. Werst immediately
tore away the still and erected a fine brick building on the front end of the
lot. The old still proper was located in the rear building, which was partly
brick and partly frame, and which was demolished by the flood of March.
19 13. The old stone warehouse, erected in 1870, together with the building
erected by Mr. Werst, serves him now as his extensive grain and seed houses ;
he also deals in lumber.
The changes in ownership of the distillery property are indicated by
the deed records and disclose the following chain of titles : Miller & Martin
sold to Walz; the latter to Billingsly & Morgan in 1878; the new owners
transferring to Kuhlman & Teepen in the same year; in 'Slay. 1893. P^ter
Werst became the owner. The old distillery went into the '"trust" and hence
was discontinued at Brookville, although it Avas a profitable business at the
time it was taken over by the "trust." There were several small distilleries
in the immediate vicinity of Brookville. but most of them only ser\-ed local
customers.
A brewery was established by Gotleib Seibel in 1865 and operated until
1873, when it closed down. It stood where now stands the brick warehouse
of the Thomson-Norris Paper Company, and opposite the old still-house
property, now the seed house of Peter Werst. Another brewery was estab-
lished by Weidener and, after his death, a man by the name of Moritz
Schlenck married his widow and continued to operate the plant. Moritz
206 FRANKLIN' COLNTV, INDIANA.
Sclilenck disjinsc'd of it tu Mr. .Sutton, who sold it a few years later to Mr.
Stock, who oiK-rated it until it clfjsed down.
Tollitson's forge was situated on the East Fork, half a inile above the
VVhitcomb tunijjike bridge. It was built by Mr. Tollitson and derived its
power from the river. .\ huge rock formed the foundation for the anvil on
which the trip-hammer worked. Its owner died of consumption soon after
he started the enterprise, and it was never carried on afterwards.
About ly.S- llenr\- Kimble erected on the site of the old livery barn, at
the top of the street leading from the de|)Ot and fronting on Main street, a
roller flouring-mill, in which the best of modern machinery was installed. It
was successfully operated until it wa^ l)urned, in the spring of 1915. This
is said to have been the first roller mill in Franklin county. This mill was
styled the "Xickle Plate Mills."
A hub factory was started in Brookville in 1905, largely by local capital.
It was situated in ''Stavetown,'' on the flats, and the following notice ap-
peared in a local paper concerning it : "The new hub factory at Stavetown
begins operations Monday. It will give employment to ten men. Sufficient
logs are already on hand in the yard to keep the plant running for the next
two months and there is an untold amount of good hub timber within draw-
ing distance in the woods about here.'' This plant was washed away by the
great flood of 19 13 and never rebuilt.
French Brothers, the large creamery tirm of Cincinnati. Ohio, established
a creamery at Brookville on the grounds o])posite the George Morise resi-
dence property, in the northeast part of town, overlooking the valley of the
East Fork. This was in 1906. Fi\-e hundred cows were pledged the com-
pany in February of that year. The plant cost about five thousand dollars,
and was successfully operated for a time. Of late years it has not made butter,
but is simplv a milk and cream-gathering station, the product being shipped
to the company's plant in Cincinnati.
In the nineties there was a patent folding-befl manufactured in Brook-
ville by John Baker, the present well-known architect and wood-worker, of
the place. This was an ingenious bed, which, when folded, resembled
a wardrobe, for which purjjose it was used in part. It was rather com-
plicated in its construction, and was manufactured only about two years.
Some of these beds are still in use in and around Brookville.
PAPER-MAKING INDUSTRY.
This industry was among the early ones in Brookville, though at first
it was run on a small scale. It is now the leading enterprise of the town.
FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA. 207
Near the "Ilerniitage" was erectt;d a new nouring-mill in 1822 upon bor-
rowed capital from Cincinnati. The builders failed and tlie l^ank foreclosed
the mortsi^aye and the property was sold to James Speer, wiio tore down the
saw-mill altachment and there built a small frame paper-mill, about thirty by
eighty feet in size. This was put in operation July i, 1835, and the event was
marked by a tlourish of local trumpets by tlie good citizens of Brookville.
Later a large brick building was erected and what was known to paper-
makers as the "iMjurdinicr" system was introduced. During the last years of
its existence it was the pro]!erty of f'hillips & Speer. 'j'his firm failed in
business and had t(j abandon their cheri>hed enterjjrise. Rags were carted
from Cincinnati t(j this mill and paper taken back by the same teams.
The third paper-mill was installed, (m the site of the old Kimble
flouring-mills, near the present passenger station. In 1847 the mill com-
menced to take its water from the canal, while the cotton-mill, operated in
connection with it, was propelled b\' the waters of the river. Mr. Kimble,
owner of the property, dispoed of it in 1851, and about 1871 it became the
property of the .Stewart Pai)er Company, who converted it into a pafjer-mill,
which was burned 'Slay 29, 187C'). The loss was fifty thousand dollars, with
twenty-nine thousand dollars insurance.
The next venture at paper-making in Brookville was made in 1S65 '^Y
Hanna vt .\yers, who converted the old cotton factory and machine sho]) of
Jeremiah Woods at the old canal basin, in the southeast part of town, into
a paper-mill. After a short time they disposed of the plant to the Stewart
Paper Company, who operated it until it was burned, in November, 1870.
In 1869 F. M. -Stone commenced paper-making in the old mill near the
canal basin and after a few years became insolvent. His creditors then
formed the Stewart Paper Company and continued, the same being con-
ducted by Hanna & Ayers till it ])urned down, in 1870. with a loss of forty
thousand dollars. Sixty men were employed in the mill at the time.
The pulp-mill that stood near the first canal lock, to the northwest of
town, the ruins of which may still be seen, was built by the paper company
in i86g. Thomas Lindsey had charge of this enterprise a number of vears.
It was one of the best concerns in this section of the state. Thirtr hands
turned out a daily output of si.xty-five thousand pounds of newspaper stock.
The flood of 1898 ruined this plant, which had been destroved bv fire at
least twice for ]\Ir. Lind.sey, who died after the last fire.
For many years the entire output of the Stewart paper mills was con-
sumed by the Cincinnati Enquirer. After failures and fires, the Stewart
Paper Company went into the hands of a receiver and was operated bv the
208 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
receivers until about 1849. In 1898' the Thomson & Xorris Company pur-
chased the remains of the old Stewart company, including their lands alon;^
the canal, witli their pulp-mill to the northwest of the town, and the canal
basin southeast of town. The new company operated the pulp-mill until
1903, when it was abandoned, but still stood there and was totally ruined by
the great flood of iVlarch, 19 13.
The Thomson & Norris Company own plants at Brooklyn, New York,
Boston, Niagara Falls, Brookville and Chicago. They manufacture at the
Brookville plant only light .strawboard, from which is made corrugated paper
and boxes such as are used by shippers of glass, millinery and parcel-post
packages. They now employ about one hundred and twenty-five men. The
power of this plant is one thousand horse-ixjwer, of which two hunrlred and
fifty is derived from the waters of the old canal, while the rest is steam
power. The raw material, which is straw, is largely shipped from four ad-
joining counties, Shelln', Decatur, Rush and Bartholomew. Each fall they
intend putting in a stock of from three to four thousand tons of straw. The
daily capacity of the mills is twenty-five tons.
The manner of producing strawboard in this mill is interesting. First
the straw is cooked in large steel vats about fourteen feet in diameter. These
are filled with straw and lime water, and cooked at a low pressure for about
twelve hours. The stock is then conveyed by carriers to the "beaters," which
remove the lime and grind the straw to a fine pulp, which is passed on to
driers and through .rollers, making sheets about two by four feet in size.
These are shipped to the markets of the country, and to the branch plants at
Boston, Niagara Falls, Chicago, Brooklyn and New York.
The flood of 19 13 materially injured this plant, but all has been rebuilt
and it is now running full time. The buildings, both factory and warehouses,
are large brick structures. On December 23, 191 1, a fire burned a portion of
the four-story building, causing considerable confusion and loss, otherwise
the plant has been highly successful and quite fortunate in its operation imder
the present management.
BROOKVILLE FURNITURE COMP.VNY.
Among the leading manufacturing enterprises of Brookville is the ex-
tensive furniture manufactory established in 1882 by C. A. Bishop. A. W.
Johnstone and A. M. Tucker, in a brick building that had been erected in
1873 for the old Brookville machine shop, the owners of which failed. The
first-named gentleman manufactured a line of walnut bed-room suites, witli
FRANKLIN' COL'NTY, INDIANA. 209
various grades of oak furniture. Mr. Johnstone's health failed, after which
Bishop & Tucker conducted the business until 1894, when C. A. Bishop
acquired the sole interest and organized the C. A. Bishop Company. The
company continued until i8(j6 and then failed. The mortgage on the prop-
erty was then foreclosed by the bank holding it and in 1897 A. M. Tucker
and others formed the .\. AI. Tucker Furniture Company, which operated
until 1907, when Tucker sold his interest to J. C. Shirk. The business was
then reorganized as the present Orookville Furniture Company. They now
make a high-grade of walnut and mahogany furniture, chielly bed-chamber
suites, some of which, in the fifteen-piece sets, retail as high as si.x hundred
dollars. Distributing depots are maintained at Philadelphia, Xew York,
Chicago and Boston. The output of the factory is valued at about one hundred
and seventy-five thousand dollars annually. The building, which was erected
in 1910, is a fine brick structure, forty by one hundred and twenty-five feet,
and four stories high. The machinery is run by electric motors, with a
central plant of their own. The average nun:ber of men employed is alx)ut
eighty, and the annual pay-roll is fort3'-fivc thousand dollars. Goods are
sold in all parts of the United States.
The present officers of the company arc as follow: J. C. Shirk, presi-
dent and treasurer; J. Buckley, vice-president; J. H. Bishop, secretary and
salesman; William Otto, superintendent; Samuel Shirk, director and travel-
ing salesman.
PLANING MILLS.
There are now four planing-mills in Brookville. One has a saw-mill
in connection. One of these mills is situated on the hill in the main part of
town, on Sixth street, and was established in about 1890 by William Fowler
on grounds now occupied by the paper company near their straw yards. He
sold to Ferris & Son and in about 1900 they sold to Fieber & Holmes, who
continued in business in the above place about three years. They then moved
to their new quarters on the hill and at the same time the saw-mill depart-
ment was abandoned. This firm has furnished, as contractors, fine wood
work for many public and private buildings, including the depots for the
Big Four Railroad at Brookville, Cedar Grove and New Trenton, to take the
place of the ones washed away by the floods of 1913; the school building,
Methodist parsonage, the Sisters' school and many fine residences at Brook-
ville; the fire station at Muncie, etc
The John Ferris & Son's planing-mill is situated in the northeast part
(14)
2IO FRAXKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA.
of Brookville, on the site of the old carriage factory, and where originally
stood an excelsior (Hljer) mill. This firm di^es general contract work. They
have a thirty-five horse-power coal-oil engine, run at an expense of nine dollars
per week. Alembers of this firm had been in the wholesale lumber trade a
number of years before en.^aging in the present business.
Of the old excelsior mills it may be said that they were established by
Baker & Reynolds, who operated only a short time. Then the plant was
converted into a furniture factijry I)y Baker, Reynolds & Schiltz. The last
industry, like the former, was not highly successful and went down. Then
Schikz was manager of the Rro()k\ille Buggy Company. After his death
it was sold to Eugene Horn, who moved the plant to Main street, and Ferris
began operating the present planing-mill and wood-working jjlant.
Another planing-mill and saw-mill is located in the west part of
town, near the old canal and railroad tracks. About 1895 Dudley & Gettig
put in operation a saw-mill and planer and were followed, after they had
failed, by Bcckman brothers, who purchased the plant of the receiver who
had been appointed for the first firm. The Beckman brothers came into
possession of the property in 1914, and now have the only saw-mill in the
town.
Still another mill is that of Albert J. Cooksey, an expert mechanic, in
the north part of town, who started what is styled the Brookville Xovelty
Works in about 191 1. He does general hard and soft-wood work, contracts
and does a creditable business.
THE SCENIC VALLEY ICE AND DAIRY PRODUCT COMPANY.
Another lively industry of present Brookville is the Scenic \'alley Ice
and Dairy Product Company, owned by John Webber, late of Xewport,
Kentucky, who, in 19 13, purchased the old canning factory plant, in the
valley at the foot of the ridge in this town^ and converted it into an artificial
ice plant. It has a daily capacity of producing twelve and a half tons of
pure ice from deep-well water. This ice finds ready sale at home and supplies
the majority of ice consumers in Brookville. The average price for this
superior ice is five dollars and fifty cents per ton. In connection with the
plant is a modem ice-cream factor}-, which makes a greater part of all the
ice cream sold in the c unity. The ice is delivered daily in the ice season by
teams owned Ijy Mr. Webber. The building is now a one-story brick, but
formerly was a three-story structure, when used for canning and candy
FRANKLIN COCNTY, INDIANA. 211
factory purposes. It was destroyed by fire a few years ago and reroofed as
a one-story building. Every modern facility for producing ice and ice cream
is here installed. After the fire burned tiie ]>lant out. the premises were
again used as a vegetable canning factory for a time before it was sold to its
present owner.
Another ice house is that of Joseph Seidling, which is located at the
foot of Main street, near the canal basin. Here one linds a large ice house
in which is stored natural ice. the most of. which is consumed by the various
saloons of Brookville. who purchase beer of the proprietor. Mr. Seidling
also conducts a bottling works on the hill near the Catholic school. This
industry was founded about twenty years ago by Mr. Seilding.
The Brookville Produce Company, which is managed by W'ilbert Rog-
ers for the owners at Cincinnati, Armacost & Riley, was established by T. J.
Buckingham in 1893. Buckingham operated it nine years and then sold to
Bloom & Dreifus, who continued five years and sold to a Mr. Lloyd, of
Greensburg, who was its owner till he sold to the present owners about 191 1.
The !)usiness is carried on at the foot of the hill, southuest of the Catholic
church. The buildings are partly frame and partly brick. During the ll'^^d
of 1913 the brick building was partly ruined, causing a loss of about six
hundred and fifty dollars, while there was a total loss in stock on hand
amounting to one thousand one hundred dollars. This concern handles poul-
try, butter and eggs, which are shipped to Cincinnati. Wagons are rufi
through the surrounding country to gather the produce from farmers. Huck-
sters also sell much to this company. The business for the last five years
has amounted to about three hundred and fifty thousand dollars. The ware-
house is located on a convenient spur of the Big Four railroad.
F. J. Sauter has a small poultry produce house in the north end of town.
BROOKVILLE MARBLE AND GRANITE WORKS.
The Brookville Granite and Marble Works were established about 1S98
by Frank X. Seibert and A. J. Cook, who continued until 1904, when ^Ir.
Seibert took full control, and, with his son, both expert stone cutters and
monument makers, has since handled the business. They import granite and
marble from Scotland, as well as large quantities from Xew England and
Wisconsin. Their designs and artistic workmanship are to be seen and ad-
mfred in many oi the "silent cities" of Franklin and adjoining counties. The
excellent lettering on their tombstones and shafts will stand as a record for
them when future decades shall have passed away.
212 FRAXKLIX COUXTV, IXDIAXA.
CIGAR FACTORrES.
There are now two cigar factories in Brookville. One, operated by
F. J. Baker in the northwest part of town, was estahhshed as revenue num-
ber 528, in 1893, and now works eight cigar makers. Mr. Baker sells special
brands of cigars known as "LaFolda," "Baker's Perfecto," "Chief Execu-
tive," and "No. T129." These goods find ready sale in a radius of Brook-
ville of about one hundred miles. The factory puts out a half million cigars
annually.
The oldest cigar factory, however, in Brookville is the one on the corner
of Main and Fourth streets, owned and operated by F. M. Hathaway, who
came from Rising Sun, in March, 1883, and established a business in the
same quarters which he is now occupying. It is styled the "Spot Cigar Fac-
tory," and is No. 22 in district No. 6 of Indiana. The name was derived
from a beautiful coach dog the proprietor owned and he took a picture of the
dog and from it made his trade-mark, so familiar to smokers in this section
of the country. He runs as high as seventeen cigar-makers and has made
upon an average of a half million cigars annually for twenty -nine vears.
These goods are sold chielly in Indiana. Kentucky and Ohio. The raw ma-
terial is largely from the tobacco fields of Cuba, Connecticut and a small part
from Wisconsin and Ohio. The brands include "Spot." "Hath." "Hath-
away's jNIonogram," "Robert Walker," "Indiana Queen" and "Telephone."
His pay-roll has amounted to about one hundred and fifty dollars per week
since the establishment of his business, twenty-nine years ago.
TELEPIIOXE LINES.
Telephone lines now reach nearly every corner of Franklin county and
according to the statistics of 1914 cover a total of 518.69 miles. There are
twelve lines of this wonderfully useful utility in the county and four connect
with tljg. central station at Brookville. The principal company is known as
the Brookville Telephone Company, which was organized in April, 1S95. Its
franchise has recently expired and a new one has been applied for. This
company has six hundred subscribers, and makes direct connection with Cin-
cinnati, via the Bell telephone system.
The other local corporations operating telephone lines include the Laurel
Telephone Company, organized a few years ago by Ray Goudie and his
mother. This company has one hundred and fifty subscribers. Mr. Goudie
and his mother also operate a line from Brookville to Oldenburg, having about
FRAXKLI.V COUNTY, INDIANA. 2I3
forty instruments in use. The Brookville & St. Peters line is owned and
operated by I-'rank \Vrii;iit and others, twenty-five of the twenty-eight shares
which is held by -Mr. W'ri^tjht. This line operates one wire and serves fifteen
patrons in a satisfactory manner.
The value of tlic telephone system of today cannot be estimated to the
people of the country. Great is the contrast since a line of the old-fashioned
vibratory 'plione system was in use from the foot of Main street to the foot
of the hill near the old canal basin district, which was considered a gfreat
achievement in the early eij^hlics. With the invention of the electric tele-
phone, distance has almost lieen annihilated. In the spring of 191 5 President
Wilson talked from his office in Washins^^on, D. C, to the manager of the
Panama E.xposition at San Francisco.
Ten years before the Brookville Telephone Company was organized, in
1895, there was a private telei)hone line in the town. A man by the name of
Cassius Alley put up a line in 1884 between Koeber's two bakeries on Main
street. They were about four blocks ajjart, yet the vibratory boxes which
Alley installed at either end of his wire were so well installed that conversa-
tion was carried on very satisfactory over the line. Alley later put in private
wires from the stores of Doctor Buckingham and L(juis Hornung to their
respective houses. Those were in use until the electric telephone was in-
stalled in the town in 1895.
That Franklin county is well supplied with telephones today is evident
from the following tabic which sets forth the various telephone companies
having lines within the county. This shows that the Brookville Telephone
Company has more nu'les of lines than any other company in the countv :
Name of Company. Miles.
American Telephone and Telegraph Co. 61.44
Central Union Telephone Co. 3--75
Batesville Teleplione Co. 30-50
Brookville Telephone Co. • 278
Brookville and Oldenburg Telephone Co. 40
Brookville and St. Peters Telephone Co. 11
College Corner Telephone Co. of Ohio 46
Hamilton Home Telephone Co. 36
Johnson's Fork and Rockdale Telephone Co. 21
New Salem Telephone Co. 9
People's Telephone Association of Indiana 52
- Southern Telephone Co. of Aurora i
214 FRANKLIX COUXTV, INDIANA.
In this connection it might be stated that the Western Union Telegraph
Company operates seventy-four miles of lines within the county. Adams
Express Company does business on U.HH miles, while the .\merican Express
Company controls 31.05 miles. The Pullman Sleeping Car Company oper-'
ates 10.13 miles of track. 6.88 of which is on the Chesapeake & Ohio lines
and 3.25 on the Chicago Division of the Cincinnati. Chicago Central 8c St.
Louis. The White Water division of the Big Four docs not run sleeping
cars.
MUNICIPAL IXCORPORATION.
Preparatory steps were taken to incorporate Brookville on the first Mon-
day of September, 1838, but nothing materialized definitely until March 4,
1839, when C. F. Clarkson and Jeremiah Woods appeared before the board
of county commissioners, Samuel Shirk, Robert Templeton and Thomas
Flint, and there presented a pclilion containing the names of se\enty-scvcn
of the voters of the town, this being over two-thirds of the legal voters of
Brookville, praying that Brookville be incorporated. Later in the same month
there appeared in the American and Dcuwcrat, local newspapers of the town,
notices stating that on Saturday, March 23, 1839, an election would be held
for the purpose of electing five trustees preparatory to incorporating the town.
The election was held and the board of trustees there elected met on ^March
25, 1839. At first, districts were designated instead of wards, as now known,
which system did not obtain until 184S. The first trustees, representing dis-
tricts of the newly formed incorporation, were as follow: Rufus Hammond,
first district ; Ransel Curtis, second district : John ^L Johnston, third district ;
C. F. Clarkson, fourth district : William T. Beeks. fifth district. These offi-
cials were sworn into office before Daniel St. Juhn. a justice of the peace.
A temporary organization was effected by calling Rufus Haymond to the
chair and appointing George Berry, clerk; George Holland, treasurer: R. P. C.
Barwick, lister; Samuel Sheppard, marshal and collector, all to serve for the
term of one year.
A legislative act concerning the incorporation of the town of Brookville
and for other purposes had three sections that read as follows:
"Section i. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of In-
diana, that the petition of the inhabitants of the town of Brookville. in the
county of Franklin, to the board of commissioners of said county, for the
purpose of incorporating^ said town under the act entitled, 'An act for the
FRAXKLIX COUxVTV, INDIANA. 21 S
incorporation of thi; town,' approved I-chruary 17, 1838, the proceedings of
the said b(jard of commissioners, and the election of trustees for said cor-
poration be and the same are herein- legalized, and that the said town of
Brookville is hereby declared iiic(jrpt>rated under said act, provided, that
nothing therein contained shall be so construed as to affect the riglit of in-
dividual suit or prosecution commenced prior to the passage of this act.
"Section 2. Tlic funds arising from licenses granted by said corporation
under and by virtue of the nineteenth section of the above cited act shall be
appropriated for the use of said corporation as the money belonging to the
same.
"Section 3. So much of the nineteenth section of the aforesaid act as
comes within the perview of the second section of this act as far as regards
the corporation of the town of Brookville, be and the same is hereby repealed.
"This act to take effect and be in force from and after its passage.'"
Approved February 10, 1840.
The minutes of the town board meetings give the following in substance,
all being matters of real historic interest:
In 1840 the market house was built on ground where now stands the
town hall.
In 1849 cholera visited Brookville, causing the death of a number of
citizens. A hospital was established in the old Yellow tavern and Doctor
Raymond was placed in charge of it.
In 1850 the jail, which had been built in 1827, was set on fire by the
inmates and burned, after which Benjamin Remy, contractor, erected the
one which was torn down in 1883.
In June, 1872, the board of town trustees directed the town clerk to sell
the old market house to the highest bidder, and A. J. Folmsbee purchased it
for twenty dollars.
On July 27, 1872, the corporation was enlarged to its present boundaries.
On September 22, 1872, the board met to consider the propriety of
building a town hall. Bids were later advertised and Thomas Barton sub-
mitted plans and specifications for the cellar of the hall, which were accepted,
and the letting of the building of the hall was ordered to be held October i.
1872. The contract was let to Patrick Ryan. John Burkhart and Jacob Smith
for finding the material and building the basement.
On August 31. 1875. the plans and specifications of Parsons & Richter,
of Indianapolis, for the hall were adopted and the letting directed to be held
September 5. but later changed to October 11, when the contract was awarded
to John AIcKenzie, of Indianapolis, for twelve thousand three hundred dol-
2l6 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
lars, to be ccjniplcled Decc-nilicr 15, ii<y6. 'Ihe corner-stone of tlie hall was
laid March 4, i.SjO, Col. William .M. .McCarthy delivering the address. The
trustees who erected the hall were: '['. PI. Crown, Paul Ileasom, Jacob Ger-
ber, William Dunz, Sr., and Thomas Carton.
On March 13, 1876, Thomas I'artcjn was ordered to procure a seal for
the town of Brcjokville and such .seal was adopted .\pril i. that year.
In November, 1877, an engine house was contracted for at the west end
of Sixth street, the same costing three hundred fifty-eight dollars.
In October, 1881, the trustees decided to procure street lamps, and on
November 26, that year, reported having located about thirty lamps in various
parts of the town.
From 18S3 to 1S8S the town put in nine fire cisterns, at a cost of three
thousand one hundred and twenty-eight dollars.
In June, 1884, the town paid George Schlapp and Christian Koeber
forty dollars for a lot on which a calaboose was erected that month, at an
expense of one thousand one hundred and twenty-five d(;llars. Louis Ilon-
ecker being the contractor. The calaboose was used after September 25, 1884.
In May, i8'87, A. W. and I. Crist were granted permission to lay pipes
for natural gas in the streets of Brookville. In June, of that vear, a survey
of the town was made and grades established.
In November, 1889, the coutity comtnissioners were allowed one hundred
and fifty dollars for the town's share toward putting up the town clock.
On February 11, 1890, the Brookville Electric Light and Power Com-
pany was allowed permission to erect poles, wires, etc., i-n the streets and
alleys.
Electric lights were first turned (jn in Brookville. from the plant using the
power deri\ed from the Speer paper mill. March 24. 1891, but, the s\ stem
being a failure, it soon was shut down by the town. A few months later the
Eau Claire (Wisconsin) company had their lights in operation and since then
the town has had lights from electricity — night service onlv.
TOWN OFFICER.S.
The following is a list of the presidents and clerks of the town board of
Brookville since its incorporation in 1839. The list is complete as to who was
elected, but there are a few instances where another served out a part of the
term of oflice. In the main the list shows who has been at the head of the
town government for the years from 1839 to 1915, inclusive:
1839-43, Rufus Raymond, president, George Berry, clerk: 1843-46,
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 217
Lewis \i\'^i:;s. president. Gcorc^e r.erry, clerk; 1846-50, R. M. McCleery, presi-
dent, I. I). Ilcnvland. clerk; 1X50-5J, A. W. McCleery, president, E. Haymond,
clerk; 1S52-53. (Jeorge .M. Byrani, president. Alfred Ward, clerk; 1853-55,
C. B. Bentley, president. Alfred Ward and others, clerk; 1855-56. I. D. How-
land, president, John F. Hazzard, clerk; 1856-57, M. \V. Haile. president, E.
Winscott, clerk; 1857-58. M. W. 1 laile, president. C. C. Bentley, clerk; 1858'-
59, Wilson Morrow, president. Hioinas I. Lyner. clerk; 1859-60. Wilson
Morrow, president. R. AI. Goodwin, clerk; i860, Joseph R. Clark, president,
Milton Cullum, clerk; 1 860-61, C. B. Bentley. president. John Adair Smith,
clerk; 1861-63, Daniel Ivnrrer, president. William H. Bracken, clerk; 1863-64,
H. H. Schrichte, president, B. H. West, clerk; 1864-67, I. H. Inid.ije. presi-
dent. J. W. Hutchinson, clerk; 1867-69. Ed Mayer, president. F. S. Swift,
clerk; 1869-71. J. V. Bennesdeffer. president. F. S. Swift, clerk; 1871-74,
Jacob Gerber, president, F. S. Swift, clerk; 1874-76, Jacob Gerbcr, president.
Stephen E. Urmston, clerk; 1876-77, Thomas Barton, jjresident. E. S. Urm-
ston. clerk; 1877-78. Adair B. Line, president, S. E. Urmston, clerk; 1878-79,
M. \V. Haile, president. S. F. L'nnston. clerk; 1879-80, M. \\'. Haile. presi-
dent. A. H. Rockafellar. clerk; r88o-8i, Jacob Gerber, president, A. H.
Rockafellar. clerk; 18S1-84. S. S. Herrell. president. James B. Kidney,
clerk; 1884, S. S. Harrell. president, M. P. Senefeld, clerk; 1885. D. \V. Mc-
Kee, president, M. P. Senefeld, clerk; 1S85-86, J. D. Fieber. president. P. R. .
Hendrickson. clerk; 1S86-88. Charles Bishop, president. P. R. Flendrickson.
clerk; iS'88-89, .\aron B. Line, president, H. E. Xeasley, clerk; iSScj-ijo.
J. D. Fieber, president. H. E. Beasley. "clerk ; 1890-91. Theodore H. Brown,
president, John W. Gates, clerk; 1891, John D. Fieber, president. John W.
Gates, clerk; 1891-92, Theodore H. Brown, president. \V. E. Schoonover,
clerk; 1892-93, Abe Bossert. president. W. E. Schoonover. clerk; 1893-94,
M. C. Arnistron£]f, president. G. FT. P.ogart, clerk; 1894-95. M. C. Armstrong,
president. George L. ^^'ise. clerk; 1895-99. Peter Werst. president. E. H.
Wiley, clerk; 1899-1900, Peter Werst, president, W. AL Geis. clerk; 1900-03.
Peter Werst, president, ^^■illiam FL West, clerk; 1903-05, ^L C. Armstrong,
president. Joseph Dacey. clerk; 1905-06, :\L C. Armstrong,* president. Arthur
O. Gates, clerk; 1906-07, Frank X. Seibert, president. Joseph Smith, clerk;
1907-10, John W. Eye. president. Joseph Smith, clerk; 1910-13. Abe Bossert,
president. Joseph Smith, clerk; 1913-15, Henry Rusterholz, president, Albert
Trichler. clerk.
The full set of officers in Brookville in 1915 is as follows: The board
is composed of William Burkhart. president; Joseph, Hannan. Clinton E.
Grist. Clarence Moore, Abe Bossert; clerk, Albert Trichler; treasurer.
2l8 FRANKMX COUNTY, INDIANA.
Charles E. Winscott; marshal, H. K. Balsley ; secretary of board of health,
Dr. G. E. Sqiiier ; water-works superintendent, P. T. McCammon : water
engineer, Ed C. Burkiiart ; town att<jrney, James B. Kidney : night watch,
Adam Peter.
Of the indebtedness of the town, it should be stated that had it not been
for the flood of 1913, the town would now have enough in funds with which
to install a -new electric lighting plant, but as it is, it owes five thousand
dollars for its expense in protecting the river-front, etc. This is the town's
only indebtedness.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The town is protected by a well-trained volunteer fire company and the
direct pressure waterworks, which has its large reservoir on the high hill
overlooking the town from the nortiieast. The reservoir affords a pressure
of about eighty-five pounds to the s(|uare inch in the bottoms, which will
throw a strong stream as high as the clock in the courthouse tower. There
are now fire-plugs to the number of sixty, with six miles of water mains
through the town. There are five hose houses located in the various wards,
and in them are kept sufficient hose and other fire-fighting apparatus to pro-
tect the town in any ordinary conflagration. The town owns five thousand
feet of good hose, there being a duplicate amount for each hose cart, so that
one set is always dry and ready for use. The firemen are paid a nominal sum
for each fire alarm turned in, while the chief, who is Adam Peter, a night-
watchman, gets extra pay for the extra work he has to do. No fire has suc-
ceeded in getting to a second building since the waterworks system was in-
stalled, so efficient is the company and its appliances.
THE FIRST W'ATERW^ORKS.
Very few of the present generaticin are aware that a system of water-
works was in operation in Erookville as early as 1820. They were the first
in the state and, st3 far as known, the first in the Northwest.
The situation of the town made it impossible to dig a well through one
hundred feet or more of glacial drift. Cisterns at that time being an un-
known luxury, all the water used for domestic purposes was hauled or car-
ried from springs that were found along the river's edge. The spring that
furnished the greater part of the water used was found on the bank of the
West Fork, about where the water tank is now located. This spring was
quite famous years ago. , Two barrels were sunk in the ground and were
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 219
always filled witli an abniulance of clear cool water. Lar;^e trees grew near
and cast a pleasant shade o\ er the spring making it a pleasant place to rest.
If the old sijrin,!^ could burst forth again, we wonder if it could not tell
us many interesting stories of tlujse who carried its waters to the Adair
tavern, which is still an old landmark on .Main street; of the mothers who
carried a bucket of water in one hand and led a child with the other; of the
men who talked politics by its side, and of the lovers who strolled there in
the twilight and made promises of love that bound them together for life.
The early inhabitants of Brookville were a live, energetic and progressive
people. Carrying water from springs along the river proved too much of a
task for the i)eople. Some local genius thought of some system of water-
works (perhaps some n{ the good housewives first suggested the idea) by
which the water from the s[)rings north of town, now known as '"Butler
springs,'' could be made to convey their water through pipes into the town.
The system was not such as we are going to have at the present time; they
had no pumping station, except nature's and no iron pipes conducted the
water through the town. The pioneer system was constructed of the ma-
terials furnished by the forest. The mains were sycamore sajjlings of a
three-inch bore, prepared at Amos Church's mill, on the East Fork, by W'ill-
iam Adams, a practical pump-maker of that day. He was paid by the foot
for his work.
As is the case today, the people want the water as cheap as possible, and
in order to obtain it at a low figure the town put in the plant. Enoch Mc-
Carty and Saul Allen represented the town and superintended the work.
They paid Amos Butler for the water and right of way five hundred dollars —
no small amount in those days, but water they must have, let it cost what it
would.
The mains were all laid under the ground. The reservoir was made
of oak planks and was eight or ten feet deep. It was located in the high
ground where A. W. Butler now lives. From the reservoir the mains ex-
tended south to the stock-pen, which was located about where the Catholic
church now stands. Only one family — one of the Nobles — could boast of
having the water piped in their house. All the other people obtained their
water by some outside arrangement. Watering troughs were located along
Main street at various places, to water the stock and horses of the fanners,
who came in to trade.
Tradition has it that those who lived under the hill and had wells, con-
sidered the inhabitants of Main street as being very aristocratic, and. to get
■even, a stray dog or cat was occasionally deixjsited in the reservoir.
220 FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA.
The system did not prove to be a very great succcs.-: The pipes were
made of green sycamore and allowed to lie in the sun for some time before
they were laid, which caused them to split at the ends and leak more or less
of the water. Then the pressure was scj great that the ]jipes were continually
bursting. With these misfortunes, the s\stem only remained in operation
from 1820 to 1823 or 1824. After the system was abandoned, the people
again carried their water from the spring mentioned above, until twenty
years later, when it was discox'ered that rain water caught in cisterns, was
just as. good as sjjring water carried freni the river.
THE PRF.SF.XT SYSTEM OF WATF.R WORKS.
The question of supplying the hi.^her levels of the town with water had
been discussed every season of drouth, hut never took definite shape until
July 14. 1890, when, according to the town records, Charles A. Bishoj) ap-
peared before the hoard of town trustees, at their regular session, and. in an
earnest appeal, urged the l)oard to submit the ([uestion of building a water
works to the people of the town at once. Thereupon the board appointed
a committee c«>nsi.sting of James F. West and John Butler, who were in-
structed to consult with George F. O'Byrne, attorney of the town, as to the
proper legal mode of procedure, visit the water plants of the different cities
and towns within a radius of one hundred miles, and report ways and means
at an early day.
The committee reported at a special session of the board. July 21. 1890.
On August II, 1890, G. Henri Bogart presented before the board a petition
from the resident freeholders of tlie town, asking that the board call a special
election for the purjiose of submitting to the legal voters of the town the
question of building water works. The petition contained the names of a
majority of the resident freeholders of the town. Upon due examination
of the petition, the board ordered that a special election be held on the 13th
day of October, 1890.
At the regular session of the board, August 16, W. E. Kennedy, of
Rockport, Indiana, was employed to make surveys and estimates for the
proposed water works. His report was submitted on September 11, when
he was ordered to prepare plans and sjjecifications and report at an early day.
The committee heretofore appointed by the board visited six or seven
different waterworks plants in neighboring towns and cities, and deduced
from observations made that the direct pressure system with a small stand-
pipe, would be best adapted to the needs of Brook ville.
FRANKUX COUN'TV, INDIANA. 221
On October 13, i8f;o, the fiuestion of building waterworks was decided
at the polls by a vote oi three hundred anfl three for and eighty-four against.
On January <S, 189 1. .\. H. Kennedy presented his completed plans and.
after due examination, the board rejected them by a unanimous vote. At
the same meeting John Burkhart was employed to make surveys, plans and
specifications. On ^larch 9 the new plans were examined and approved,
and finally received and ad(Ji)tcd as complete, May 2.
On May 14 surveys were made of land rc'iuired for waterworks pur-
poses, the land was condemned, and viewers were ordered to assess damages.
On June 13 a letting was advertised to take place. On July 23 two bona fide
bids were received — one from Sheehan & Dunn, of Detroit, Michigan, at
$26,497.30, and other from James Madden & Company, of Fort Wayne,
Indiana, at $27,100. The amount i>f the lowest bid being a greater sum than
the town could legally become liable for, both bids were rejected.
It was now proposed to modify the plans so as to bring them within the
limit, viz : two per cent, on all the ta.Kables of the town, and, to place the
second venture on a more secure footing, a subscription list for donations
to make up the excess that might occur was circulated am(»ng the citizens of
the town. The people responded generously and one thousand six hundred
and two dollars were subscribed, Messrs. Bishop and Tucker heading the list
with five hundred dollars. Every dollar subscribed was paid promptly.
On August 14, John Burkhart presented a petition signed l)y a majority
of the resident freeholders of the town ])raying the board to build a reser-
voir system of waterworks, and authorizing the board to create a bonded
indebtedness within the constitutional limit.
On July 25 the plans and specifications were revised and modified so as
to reduce the cost and bring it within the tovvn's limited means and a read-
vertisement was ordered August 24, to be let on the 17th day of September.
Three bids were received for the whole plant, viz : Madden & Company, of
Fort Wayne, $27,700: Codogan ]Moran, of Chicago. Illinois, $22,821. and
Thomas A. Hardman. of Olney. Illinois. $22,500. Mr. Ilardman being the
lowest bidder, the contract was awarded to him, he agreeing to accept $21,250
from the town and $1,250 out of the citizens' donation fund, making a total
of $22,250 for the whole plant complete, tested to the satisfaction of the
board of trustees and superintendent. Contract was entered into September
21, 1 89 1, and first ground was broken on the work on September 26. John
Burkhart was appointed superintendent of construction.
Details of the plant were as follow : The well sunk on the bank of the
East fork of White Water is twenty-five feet deep, twenty feet inside diameter
222 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
and twelve feet below low-water mark in the river; it is walled with stone
laid in hydraulic cement. The pump house is a substantial brick iniilding^,
twenty-ei<i[hL,.lj|>: thirty-six fcc-i. built (jn concrete anrl stone foundatifms. with
cement floor and slate roof, situated eight feet west of the well. The
steam plant consists (jf a fil'ty-horse-power steel lx)iler and a standard com-
pound duplex pum])in:j: eni^inc of twenty-five thousand gallons capacity per
hour. The whole stream jjlant i>i one of the best ef|uipped in the state. It
was built by the Laidlaw & Dunn Company, of Cincinnati. Ohio. The
pump has a mean lift of ei.L,diteen feet throui::h an easy bend, eicrht-inch suc-
tion pi[)e thirty-five feet lomj. and the dischar<4e-])ipc is six inches in diameter,
one thousand eiqlit Iniiidrc-d feet lont.;-, and has a vertical rise or pressure-head
of two hundred and two feet, deliverin;:^ the water into the reservoir near its
bottom, and is connectefl with the outflow, or town-supply main, inside of
the reservoir basin and equijiped with valve gates so that at will the water
can be delivered directly into the supply mains of the town independent oi
the reservoir, and a direct pressure can be maintained. The reservoir is lined
with stone and is plastered with Portland cement, having a three-foot arti-
ficial-stone walk all around the basin. The basin is fifteen feet deep and
will hold three hundred and sixty-two thousand gallons of water, equal to a
four-day supply for three thousand inhabitants, each using thirty gallons per
day. The reservoir is romantically situated and. when nature has carpeted
over the rough surface made by pick and shovel, it will be one of the most
beautiful places around Brookville. The pleasant dream is indulged by
many of our enterprising citizens that some day not far distant the wiiole of
the hill and its broad sides may ])e owned by the city and converted into a
park, thus furnishing a pleasant retreat during warm weather. The emin-
ences at and above the reservoir furnish fine views of the citv and the
valleys stretching out from it and it would be gratifying if it could be dedi-
cated to the people as a pleasure resort.
BROOKVILLE POSTOFFICE.
A postoffice was established at Brookville in April, 1813 — one hundred
and two years ago. Just where it was kept for the first decade and more is
not known, but long before the Civil War it was kept at the old "White
Corner," on .South ]\Iain street, where now- stands the Franklin County Bank
building. Before that it was in the McCrady block, from which place it was
removed to the John King building, and from there, in 1S77, it was moved
to its present quarters in the city building, or town hall.
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 22.3
It is now a second-class jMstofticf, its receipts being in excess of eight
thousand dollars. The change from third to second-class was made (the
last time) in 19 14. It was anvMig the early money-order points in the state,
and was made a savings deposit office SeiJtemher i, 191 1. Its deposits have
run as high as two thousand five hundred dollars, but at present TApril,
1915), are one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two dollars. There are now
eight rural free deli\eries routes running to outlying districts and villages.
The business of the office fur the last fiscal year, outside of money-order
transactions, amounted to eight thousand eight hundred and sixty dollars.
One of the postmasters of this place, T. J. Tyner, was a relative of Post-
master-General Tyner, once a resident of Brookville.
The following have served as postmasters since the establishment of the
office in 18 13, such list being supplied by the postoffice department at Wash-
ington: William H. Eads. April 13, 1813; N. D. Gallion. July 5. 1816;
J. S. Powers, April iS, 183 1; W. B. Davis, May 20. 1833: George r.crry,
April 29, 1835; Jeremiah Woods. June 11, 1841 ; B. H. Burton, March 22,
1843; Herman Linck. September 17, 1849: John King, May 13, 1853; C. B.
Bentlcy, March 27. 1855; J. O. West, August 20, i8r>o: H. C. Gallion, May
II, 1861;- N. D. Gallion. June 7. 1864: Samuel Gallion. Septcmlx^r 7, 1S65;
T. J. Tyner, January 12, 1869: J. B. Tyner. March 15, 1881 : R. D. Temple-
ton, December 7, 18S5; R. J. Cain, April 12. 1890; George Ritze. April 5,
1894: L. L. Burke, ^larch 16, 1898: A. H. Rockafellar, May 26. 1899;
George E. Mullin, February 20, 1905: John H. Kimble. March 3, 1909: A.
J. Shriner, May 22, 19 13.
BROOKVILLE COMMERCIAL CLUB.
Originally, this club was known as the Brookville Business Men's Asso-
ciation. It was organized January 17, 1889, and its objects were set forth
at that date as follows, in part: "To develop the resources of Brookville and
vicinity; to encourage the establishment of factories, and to agitate the mat-
ter of abandoning all the toll roads leading into the town, making all public
highways free to the traveling public."
The association started out with eighty-nine members and had as its
officers: President, Albert H. Kaiser; secretary, James B. Kidney; treasurer,
Isaac A. Popper; vice-president. Z. T. Hutchinson.
The association did much good work and saw many results. On April
5, 1912, by a vote, the name was changed to "The Brookville Commercial
Club.'' When the electric roads were being agitated, the association and
224 FRAN'Kf.IN' COLNTV, INDIANA.
club did all in their power to brins; such a line throujjh the countv, but so far
the work has been in vain. \\ hen the great Hood of March. 191 3, cast jjloom
and sorrow throu.^liiuU the community, the members of the club worked da}-
and night to relie\e the unfrjrtunate sufferers and had charge of the relief
fund. When the new court house was dedicated they took charge of many
of the things connected therewith. They backed the establishment of the
Chautauqua system, now so much enjoyed in the town. They took money
from their treasury ant! had made se\eral hundred comfortable seats which
are annually used within the mammoth tent that is furnished by the Chautau-
qua company. The club is now in a flourishing condition and has ample
funds on hand. The members pay a stipulated ami>unt as yearly dues to
maintain the organization.
The present officers of the Brookville Commercial Club are: I. M.
Bridgman, president: J. C. Shirk, vice-president: Will M. Baker, secretary';
George E. Dennett, treasurer; directors. W. D. Bradt, F. L. Hornung, George
Dickson, A. J. Shriner, H. B. Smith, James B. Kidney, John C. Shirk. M. P.
Hubbard and Will M Baker.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Brookville is indeed fortunate in possessing a good public librarv. Of
its foundation, the first mention in print is the organization of the Brookville
reading room, September i. 1S95. There were kept for free public reading
such papers and magazines as could be obtained by members of the society
and friends of the enterprise. The president of that organization was Mrs.
W. H. Bracken and the secretary was Mrs. S. S. Harrell. This ran quite
satisfactorily tor a time, but "what was everyone's business was no one's,"'
and it went down.
In 191 1 a library association was organized under the state laws of
Indiana, a subscription circulated by which funds were raised, and the lot
immediately north of the old .Amos Ijutler homestead, on Xorth ^lain street,
was purchased. Then, after much correspondence on the part of John C.
Shirk with Andrew Carnegie, the latter gentleman finally consented to donate
ten thousand dollars with which to erect and furnish the present handsome
red-brick public library. This building was dedicated September 18. 19 12.
with appropriate ceremonies. Demarchus C. Brown, state librarian, delivering
the address.
This library is designed especially for Brookville township, which in-
cludes the city, and both are taxed annually for its support — the last levy
FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA. 225
being seven mills on a dollar, in the city, and five mills in the outlying town-
ship. Books are furnished for reference to students for school work in
other townships in the county, free of charge. About six hundred dollars
worth of books are annually added to the shelves of the library, the remainder
of the tax levy going toward maintaining the library. There were on hand
March i, 1915, two thousand three hundred and ninety-seven books and
fifteen regular periodicals, besides various local newspapers. One-third of
the books are designed for the iu\ enile patrons and two-thirds for adults.
The present library officers are: John C. Shirk, president; Mrs. M. P.
Hubbard, secretary; :Mrs. S. S. Harrell, Frank Geis, William H. Senour,
Louis Fedennann, Harry Stoop and Frank Deutsch, board of trustees.
The librarian is Mrs. ]\Iaye Charni, who has served ever since the opening
of the library in 191 2. The library is well patronized and much appreciated
by old and young of the township. It stands as another monument to the
good sense of the community as well as a lasting memorial to Mr. Carnegie.
CEMETERIES OF THE CITY.
Nothing speaks better for a community than to know that it cares well
and tenderly for its departed dead. While it is true that some of the pioneer
burying grounds in this vicinity were anything but inviting spots and have
long since been almost forgotten and sadly neglected, those of modern years
show due care and excellent taste in the manner in which they are kept.
According to an article written and vouched for by John C. Campbell
in 191 1, the first white person laid away to rest in Brookville soil was under
the following circumstances: About 1804 two families, named Marshall and
Henry, immigrants from Pennsylvania en route to the neighborhood of Con-
nersville, arrived as far as the present site of Brookville, when the elder
Marshall, the father-in-law of Mrs. Sarah Marshall, was taken ill and was
unable to proceed farther. He was cared for as best they could care for
one without proper remedies, but he died. The Indians w^ho then occupied
the valley had a buiying ground on the bluff where the park is now situated.
along the Fairfield avenue, where later the Younts and Bogart residences
\vere built. The Indians gave permission to bury Mr. Marshall there, and
stated to the sorrowing pilgrims that "this is the first pale face ever buried
in this neighborhood." The travelers continued on to the north and settled
near Columbia.
(15)
226 FRANKr.IX COL'N'TY, INDIAKA.
The next cemetery was situated at the corner of Tenth and ^^ill streets,
and in its center stands the old hrick church erected by the Methodist people
in 1822, and now occupied by the Lutherans. It is said that the first burial
there was WiUiam H., the two-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan Cole-
scctt. This cemetery has been well tilled with graves of several generations,
many of the head-stones and tomljs antedating the twenties.
The next Protestant cemetery was the present one. which is situated on
the west side of the West fork of White Water river, about a half mile from
the city. The land from which it was platted originally belonged to the last
Franklin County Agricultural Society, which went down in 1880, and soon
thereafter the Odd Fellows of Brookville purchased it and platted it into a
cemetery. The lodge managed it for a time, when it was trans-
ferred to the present Maple Grove Cemetery Association. At present the
records show that s(3mething over twelve hundred bodies ha\e been buried
in this sacred enclosure. The first to be laid to rest there was Mrs. Allison
Cummins, nee Angeline W'oodworth, June 10, 1883. This is a well-kept
cemetery, having most of the modern im])rovements and is cared for by
a competent sexton, who spares no time and pains to make it attractive at
all seasons of the year. Here one sees numerous costly and tastilv-designed
monuments. Recently, an addition has been made to the grounds to the
southward, making in all about six acres to be used exclusivelv for burial
purposes. The present sexton, W'illiam Rockwell, has been in charge ever
since the grounds were opened, thirty-two years ago. Frank X. Seibert is
the present secretary and has the records of the association in detail.
Of the Catholic cemeteries, it should be said that the first was on grounds
where now stands the Catholic church, the land for which was deeded to the
bishop of that church on January 23, 1845, ^'""J- according to an earlv writer,
a Mr. Bauer was the first to be buried there, the date being either 1S47 or
1848.
The first section of the present Catholic cemeter\-, Iving in the extreme
northeast part of the city, was deeded to the church on June 10. 1860, while
other parts were deeded on January 19, 191 1, and Januarv 15. 191;. It
is believed the first to be buried within this hallowed ground was Annie,
infant' daughter of William and Catherine Hart, August 13. 1869. The
recent improvements in this cemetery show much good taste and the place
is robbed of much of the gloom that usually characterizes such places.
There were possibly two other family burying grounds here at a verv
early date, in which a few of the pioneer citizens were buried. The records
of the present-day cemeteries, both Catholic and Protestant, are kept in ex-
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 227
cellent shape, so that, years hence, names, (kites anrl loeati<>ns of Lodies can
readily be ascertained, as well as the birth and death dates and the disease
of which the departed died.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION — HOME-COMING WEEK.
From August 31 to Se[)tenil)er 6, 1908, occurred the great hume-com-
ing centennial celel^ration at Brc^^kville, the city then having reached its hun-
dredth year's history. The opening day was announced in the afternoon
hours by the shrill blowing of whistles and clanging of many bells. The
week was full of interesting programs, including "Governor's Day,"
"Woman's Da}-," "Reminiscence T)ay." "I'armer's Day," and "Centennial
Services" at the Methodist Episcopal church, on the Sabbath. There was a
large attendance from all i)arts of the county and other far distant states,
including si)eakers as follows: Hons. J. Frank Hanly, Thomas R. Marshall,
John W. Kern, S. \V. Haynes, candidate for governor on the Prohibition
ticket, and many others of less renown.
This was a week long to be remembered by the citizens present, and
their children and children's children will read of the occasion with interest
and delight.
m'kINLEV MEMORIAL SERVICES.
Shortly after twehe o'clock, Friday night. September 14. 1901, the
bells of Brookville commenced tolling, in consefjuence of the in-
telligence having been received that President William McKinley had
died at r)ufTalo, New York, as a result of the shots fired at him by his
dastardly assassin. Early the next day Hags were displayed at half mast,
many of them heavily draped in black crepe. The most of the business
houses in town were closed and all seemed at a standstill. Handbills were
printed and freely circulated Saturday morning, announcing a joint
memorial service at the ^tlethodist Episcopal church, Sunday evening. The
church was full to overflowing, many not gaining an entrance. Short,
pathetic addresses were made by Messrs. J. C. Carnes, F. S. Swift, C. F.
Jones, J. B. Kidney, Ed. O'Hair and Alexander McMillan.
THE FLOOD OF 1898.
Up to 1898, the greatest flood at Brookville and the White Water valley
in general, was the one of March 22, that year, .\fter many days of hard
raining, the climax came on- that night, when bells rang out loudly and the
228 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
Steam whistles blew witli a very alarmiiifj sound. The citizens were soon
out to sec what was wroni:; at the river. The mad waters of the East fork
were raging in fearful Inrrcnts in tlic valley section of the town. Fifty
families were ohli,t,a*d to abandon their homes and seek safety on higher
lands among their friends. Rescues were effected by means of l>oats, wagons,
buggies and on horseback. The only available lights were those from
flickering lanterns, from one in the morning till daylight. The west end of
Whitcomb bridge was weakened, letting it down to the water's edge. The
next day many came as sight-seercrs from the surrounding country. The
Brookville canning factory was destroyed by this flood. The Standard Oil
Company's tanks were floated from off their foundations and swept some
distance. The public schools were dismissed, on account of the great excite-
ment and disorder in the town — all wanting to see the flooded districts.
There were two men drowned, Philip Schuh and Bert Osgood.
GREAT FLOOD OF MARCH 25, I913.
The flood of March 25, 1913, was the greatest in volume of water, de-
struction of property and loss of life, of any that has ever visited this part
of the White Water valley. Hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of
property was destroyed and fifteen lives lost. Six hundred people in Brook-
ville were rendered homeless and scores of dwellings swept away and torn
to pieces. This flood was the result of many days' rain, and every rivulet
and creek in the valley was a roaring torrent, which went sweeping down
the two branches of the White Water river. The heaviest blow was sus-
tained at Brookville, where the two streams unite. Both valleys — that of
East fork and West fork — were submerged in many feet of water. At the
depot and paper mills the water was fully twenty feet above the tracks.
The earliest intimation of danger was soon after midnight on Monday
and about tAvo o'clock A. ]\I. the scenes in Brookville were beyond description.
The electric light plant was under water and all lights were put out, so that
lanterns had to be brought into use by the hundreds of people who had been
startled by the shrill steam whistles and the clanging of church bells. People
in the flats were warned and as fast as possible conveyed to safe places, while
their property was swept away and lost forever. When daylight came the
scene was one of desolation. The only land to be seen in all the valley part
of town was a narrow strip from the Christian church to the old bank build-
ing. Men and w^omen were seen perched on house-tops, waving distress
signals from windows and clinging to wreckage.
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 229
The water continued to ri.^e until it reached its chmax on Tuesday
morning at nine o'clock, when it reached a point ten feet higher than any
previous flood record.
The work of rescue went forward all day under a heavy down-pour of
rain, and some had not been rescued when nightfall came on. A relief
committee was appointed and went to work at once. A kitchen was set
up in the basement of the town hall, where food was served.
Reports soon came in and confirmed what had been rumored earlier —
that the greatest loss to property in the county was its bridges. The railroad
bridges at Laurel and Brookville, the one over Salt creek, the one over Duck
creek, at Metamora, the paper mill bridge at Brookville, the old Stringer
Ford bridge, the "Old White bridge," and the new concrete bridge. Also
the bridge at Xew Trenton, and those over the White Water and Big Cedar
rivers in the southern portion of the county were swept from their abutments.
After the flood had gone down and the survey could be carefully made,
it was found the loss to be much greater than at first believed. The loss
sustained by the railroad company, the paper mills and other local factories
and mills in Brookville was great. The farmers in the county also came in
for their share of loss, in way of washed-away fences, barns, outbuildings,
grain, hay and stock.
The list of dead and missing was as follows : John A. Fries. Mrs. J. A.
Fries, John Fries, Jr., Paul Fries. ^Margaret Fries. Hedwig Seiwert,
Mrs. Margaret Bunz, 'Sirs. Sophia Buckingham, Isaac Osgood, Mrs. Margaret
Fries, Alargaret Colebank, ];Irs. Elizabeth Seiwert, John Stearns, John
Schuster, John Houston (Xew Trenton).
This was the county's greatest calamity. The many homes broken up,
the furniture, clothing, money and rare keepsakes of so many scores of
families dwelling on the lower portions of Brookville were all swept away
and the pretty gardens and comfortable homes of a happy, contented populous
section, in one short night were ruined and the hearts of the men and women
to whom they belonged were all but broken. Now. after two years, the
traces of this awful flood are still to be seen.
Perhaps the saddest incident connected with this flood was the drown-
ing of the entire John A. Fries family and the inmates of Mr. Fries' mother's
home, which stood close by her son's, both being in Stavetown. on the flats
to the south of the town. This is the old brick and tile district, where for
so many years these families had lived in two old land-marks, both of which
were swept away. The hours at which these houses were washed awav is
not known, but sometime after midnight. In these two homes all eight of
230 FRAXKLI.V COLXTY, INDIANA.
the occupants were drowned, including nicniljcrs of three ^fenerations — the
grandmother, eighty years old, the son, and the granddaughter, Margaret, a
prattling babe of six months. The funerals were held at St. Michael's Cath-
olic church on M(jnday following the tlfjod. All business places were closed
during this sad ceremony. I'our hearses conveyed the remains to the Cath-
olic cemetery. The body of grandmother Furies was never immd.
The report of the relief committee shows the following facts: The
Hood of March 25, 1913, affected residences in the town of lirookville which
furnislied homes for eight hundred and seventy people, or two-fifths of all
in the town. Fifteen lives were lost, all bodies but one being recovered.
Eleven residences were washed away or totally wrecked. Twenty-four other
residences were badly damaged. A large number of outbuildings, hen
houses, barns, storage houses, smoke-houses, etc., were washed away or totally
ruined. Ninety-eight of such Ijuildings were subsequently restored to their
original places and repaired.
The state of Indiana, under Governor Ralston, gave assistance in the
amount of five thousand dollars in cash and five hundred dollars in supplies
sent. The relief committee in their report, which is published in a beautiful
booklet form, profusely illustrated, gives due credit to many of the noble
citizens who ' rendered personal service in rescuing the lives of their neigh-
bors, special mention being made (jf I. X. McCarty, Charles F. Winscott,
Dr. C. E. Case. Aloysius Seibel. Harry Chambers, Joseph Strunk, Thomas
Feltz, and Jacob Helmer, who all risketl their lives and by their skilful
manipulation of the boats which were hastily constructed for their use,
effected the rescue of those marooned in their homes. Father Schaff and
Rev. F. L. Priest, with scores of others, are specially named. There was a
total of $39,906.16 subscribed and paid through the relief committee. Of
this large amount. $19,550 was furnished by the .American Red Cross
Society; $5,500 by the Indiana relief fund; eight $500 donations were given;
seventeen hundred-dollar subscriptions : and others ranging from one hun-
dred down to one dollar. This is a record of which the state, county and
Brookville should be proud.
FRANKLIN COUNTY FARMERS INSURANCE COMPANY.
This company was organized }k[arch 16, 1900, with the following officers:
John S ]\{artin. president : Clem Conn, vice-president : John C. Shirk, secre-
tary-treasurer. These officials, with the addition of L. J. Wilson. \\'. J.
Templeton, S. S. Harrell and Edward Goff, constituted the first board of
FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA. 23 1
dircct(jrs. The same ofhcials have hecn re-elected annually for the past
fifteen years. Three of the other directors, L. J. Wilson, S. S. Harrcll, and
Edward Goff. are deceased, their places being now held by M. P. Huljljard,
William .Simonson and I. W. Whitney.
It was decided to issue no j)olicies until one hundred thousand dollars
worth of stock had been subscribed, and when this was done, September 8,
1900, the first policy in the new company was written. The company was
incorporated as a mutual fire insurance company to do business within
Franklin, Fayette and Union counties. The object in taking in adjoining
counties was to accomodate farmers who might hold property in more than
one county.
The remarkable success of the company is shown by the fact that it now
has over $3,500,000 in fire and cyclone policies. At the annual meeting in
September, 1914, there were reported fire policies to the amount of $2,989,221
and cyclone policies to the amount of $596,261. In 1914 the company paid
$6,081.45 fire losses and $137.54 cyclone losses. At that time there were
3,826 fire policies and 519 cyclone policies in force. Undoubterlly the suc-
cess of the company has been due to the low rate which it has been able to
maintain, which, in 1914, was $1.50 a thousand on fire policies and ten cents
a thousand on cyclone policies. It is safe to say that a large percentage of all
the insurance carried on the property of farmers of the county is held by
one of the local companies, with the Franklin County Farmers Insur-
ance Company handling by far the largest amount of business.
CHAPTER VII.
THE COURTS OF FRAXKLIX COUNTY.
The history of court procedure in Indiana shows that there have been
marked changes in court practice from the territorial days down to the pres-
ent time. There were no less than three kinds of courts from 1S05 to 1816
and the complexity of the legal machinery in those early days was astonishing
when it is taken into consideration that so many of the early lawyers had a
very limited knowledge of their profession. In the early history of the state
the old lawyers delighted in using long Latin expressions and the more
cumbersome phraseology tliey could in\ent the better they seemed to be
pleased. In fact, there were so many Latin phrases that the Legislature
ordered the revised statutes of 1828 to have a glossary at the end explaining
them. In this Latin dictionary the embryo lawyer could find out what
"qiiare daiisum frcget" meant, as well as simple classical expressions like
"jury de meietate lingua."
When Franklin county began its independent career in the spring of
181 1 it had three courts to take care of its business. A county court, a com-
mon pleas court, or nisi prius (oyer and terminer), as it was called, and a cir-
cuit court. In addition there were a multiplicity of justice of the peace courts.
The county court was composed of the associate judges, the auditor and
sherifif. and performed practically the same functions as the commissioners'
court of today. It went out of existence when the state was admitted to
the Union in 18 16.
THE FIRST COUNTY COURT.
The first county court in Franklin county met on February 18, iSil,
withi Benjamin McCarty, John Templeton and Thomas Brown present:!
These men were judges also of the common pleas court. It should be ex-
plained here that these same judges really composed both the countv court
and the common pleas court, being known as a county court when transacting
such business as is now in the hands of the county commissioners. As a
county court they fixed th^ tax levy, created townships, laid out roads, or
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 233
"cartways" as they called tlieiii, issued tavern licenses, appointed road super-
visors, fence viewers, listers, overseers of the poor, election officials, pound
keepers and all other appointive officers. They also were empowered to
establish the prices which the tavern keeper could charge. For instance, the
county court issued a schedule of prices for tavern keepers which allowed
them to charge only twenty-five cents for a meal, twelve and a half cents for
a half pint of whiskey or brandy, a similar amount for a quart of cider, a
quart of beer, a pint of wine, a gallon of corn or gallon of oats. The tavern
keeper was allowed to charge only six and a fourth cents for lodging. This
schedule of prices was set forth in the county court record of 181 1, and is
ample proof that the high cost of living did not worry the people of that day.
It is safe to say that more than half of the volumes containing the records
of the county court are taken up with petitions for "cartways through the
plantations" of the settlers of the county. The use of the word "plantation"
is indicative of the southern origin of the settlers. The last session of the
county court was held February 5, 181 7, and was recorded in book D, page
146. The associate judges at that time were John Whitworth and William
H. Eads.
THE commissioners' COURT -VND BOARD OF JUSTICES.
The constitution of 1816 provided for three commissioners for each
county, the same to take charge of the business which had heretofore been
performed by the county court. The first meeting of the commissioners of
Franklin county under the Constitution of 1816 was held in Brookville on
Monday, February 10, 1817, with Samuel Rockafellar and Enoch D. John
present as commissioners. James Wilson, the other commissioner, appeared
first at the May, 181 7, meeting of the board.
The county commissioners continued the work formerly done by the
county court until August 9. 1S24. The Legislature of 1824 made a radical
change in the method of conducting the affairs of the counties. By this new-
act the office of county commissioner was abolished and the affairs of the
county entrusted to a board of justices. By this provision the board of
justices for Franklin county, which first met September 6, 1824. including
no less than se\ enteen men : Henry Jeiikinson, James A. Lowes, Sanford
Keeler, John Allen, James McKnight. John Fo.ster. Samuel Murphy. Jacob
P. Ervin, Joseph S. Allen, Daniel Ogden, Solomon Allen. William Sims,
Urban Edgerton, John Davidson, John Reid, Thomas Flint and Bradbur\'
Cottrel. These seventeen pien performed the same duties as three m^n ha^
2.34 FRANKI.IX COL'NTY, INDIANA.
previously done and continued to do xj until May 8, 1827. The minutes of
the meetings of the hoard (jf justices are ffuind in Ijook G. pages I-85.
The Legislature of 1826-27 abolished the hoard of justices and restored
the office of county commissi(jner. The first session of the new hoard of
commissioners met in Dr(j(jk\ille Xovemher 5, 1827, and since that year the
county affairs have been handled Ijy a board of three commissioners. The
three commissioners who met at this time were James Webb, George Sutton
and John Foster.
THE FIRST CO.MMO.N PLEAS COURT.
The first court of common pleas assembled at Brook\ille on March 4.
1811, and was in charge of Judges Benjamin McCarty, John Tenipleton and
Thomas Brown. The clerk, Enoch McCarty. and sheriff. Robert Hanna.
were also memliers of the court. The grand jury was sworn in, composed
of the following freeholders: John Brown (foreman). William Logan. John
Livingston, John Hanna, Robert Templcton, David Bell, Thomas Clark,
Conrad Sailor, Solomon Tyncr, Stephen Martin. Britton Gant. James Win-
chell, William Nicholas, James Xicliolas. William Dubois, John Allen, John
Milholland, John Thompson, Jacob Sailors. Allen Ramsey, John Lefforge,
Joshua Porter and Robert Glidewell. This grand jury returned onlv a few
indictments. James McCoy and Fielding Jeter were indicted for retailing
"strong water" and were fined three dollars and tvvelve dollars respectivelv.
Samuel Henry was charged with selling cider in quantities of less than two
gallons without license and this oversight on his part cost him twelve dollars
and costs. This said Henry was granted a license to keep a tavern in his
house at this same court, the privilege costing him two dollars. Tames Adair
was also granted a tavern license upon the payment of the same sum to the
county. Among other items of interest in the records of this first common
pleas court may be mentioned the payment of wolf l>3unties. George Frasier
and Peter Youngblood were allowed seventy-five cents apiece for killing
three wolves each. Stephen Harrell was paid a dollar for killing two wolves
imder six months, while William Harrell received the same amount for kill-
ing two wolves of the same age.
Five men applied for admission to the bar — Elijah Sparks, James Dill,
James Xolile, Stephen C. Stephens and Jesse L. Holman. According to the
law in those days, all lawyers practicing in the courts of any countv had to
he formally admitted to the practice in that county. This does not neces-
sarily mean that they ever had more than one case in the county.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 235
THE FIRST CIRCUIT COURT.
It has already been mentioned that there was in addition to the county
and common pleas courts, a circuit court, which was the forerunner of our
present state federal court. The circuit court was presided over by a judge
appointed by the United States !^f)vernment. The first circuit court in Frank-
lin county convened on Mondaw June 24, 18. i, and was presided over by
Benjamin Parke, who was one of the L'nited States circuit judges for Indi-
ana Territory. The grand jury on this occasion was composed of Patrick
McCarty, John 'MWkr. William Crofford, Robert Swan, David Hollings-
worth, Daniel Cunningham, John llanna. John Logan. Samuel Ely, Elliott
Herndon, Philemon Harvey, James Putnam, John Carson, John Pergit,
James McGinnis, Reuben Lines an<l Joseph Rippy. This grand jury re-
turned two indictments, one against Polly Knigte for selling whiskey to the
Indians and the other against Stephen C. Stephens for selling a tin pan to an
Indian. Just what this latter offense was is not known, but evidently it was
not very serious since the indictment against Stephens was (puu^hed. Polly
pleaded not guilty and was released on bond in the sum of three dollars and
bound over to the next term of court (June 21, 1813), when she was ac-
quitted. This court was in session only one day.
The courts which have been briefly mentioned were conducted by men
of sterling integrity, if n(jt of profound legal knowledge. In the early his-
tory of the state, and Franklin county was no exception, the associate judges
were as liable to be farmers or tavern keepers as lawyers. Justices of the
peace (and these custodians of the law were more prominent in the early
history of the state than they are now) were nearly always farmers, but they
made up in common sense what they lacked in legal knowledge. To the per-
son who reads over the records of the courts in Franklin county there ap-
pears to be no appreciable difference between this county and others in the
state as far as misdemeanors and felonies are concerned. The commis-
sioners' records show how the early settlers struggled to get their cartways :
how they protested against high taxes; how they took care of their poor;
what a struggle they had to get the townships organized, and finally, there
are scores of pages which list the misdemeanors of our good forefathers.
Hundreds of fines were assessed for fighting, drunkenness, gambling, work-
ing on the Sabbath, dueling and prcjfanity. The fines were usually one dollar
and costs, although there were many instances where it only cost a man fifty
cents to whip his neighbor, the crime being listed in the records as "salt and
battery."
236
FRANKLIN COLXTY, INDIANA.
LAWYERS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
The following list of lawyers is arranged in the order of their admission
to the Franklin county bar, and contains many of the most noted lawyers of
our state. In this list may be seen United States senators, congressmen,
governors, state senators and representatives, members of the supreme court
of our state, ministers to foreign countries and scores of lawyers whose
names were once known throughout the state. The dates are taken from the
court records and indicate when admission to the local bar was granted.
Elijah Sparks, March 4, 181 1.
James Noble, March 4, iSii.
James Dill. March 4, 1811.
Jesse L. Holman, March 5, 181 1.
John Test. April 13, 1S12.
Isaac Blackford, May 10, 1S13.
William Hendricks, Nov. 8, 181 3.
John Lawrence, ^May 16, 18 14.
Amos Lane. Oct. 10, 1814.
Pinckney Janes. Oct. 10. 1814.
James McKinney, !vlarch 15. 181 5.
Miles C. Eggleston, March 3, 181 7.
Hezekiah B. Hill, March 3, 1S17.
Stephen C. Stevens, March 3, 1817.
Daniel J. Caswell, Nov. 20, 1818.
William R. ^.lorris, Nov. 20, 1818.
Daniel Drew, Nov. 20, 1818.
Isaac S. Brower. Feb. 12. 1819.
William \V. Wick, Feb. 12, 1819.
Isaac ]M. Johnson, ]\Iay 17, 1S19.
Richard S. Wheatley, March 15, 1820.
Charles H. Test. Aug. 17. 1822.
Thojuas J. Langdon, ]\Iarch IQ. 1827.
N. G. Howard. March 19. 1827.
Charles Fox, Sept. 18, 1827.
Septinnis Smith, Sept. 18, 1827.
John S. Newman, Sept. 15. 1828.
Stephen S. ?Iarding, Sept. 18, 1828.
Benjamin S. Noble, March 2^, 1830.
Henry Bigger, March 24, 1830.
John M. Johnston, March 17, 1829.
John Test, Jr., March 17, 1829.
Philip Sweetzer, 2vlarch 23, 1S30.
Samuel W. Parker, April 11, 1832.
William M. McCarty, April 9, 1833.
James B. Haile, April 9, 1833.
Daniel S. Major, April 18, 1833.
John A. ISIatsou, Oct. 8, 1832.
John Ryman, Oct. 8, 1832.
George Holland, Oct. 8, 1832.
Andrew Davison, Oct. 14, 1833.
John Hutchens, Oct. 14, 1833.
William Dailey, Oct. 14, 1833.
James T. Brown, April 15, 1834.
Philip S. Spooner, April 15, 1834.
Courtland C. Cushing, April 15, 1834.
Abram A. Hammond, April 13, 1835
John McPike, April 13. 1S35.
Hugh B. Eggleston, Aug. 5. 1837.
John Dumont, Feb. 19. 1S38.
P. A. Hackleman. Feb. 19, 1838.
juhn D. Howland, Aug. 8. 1842.
James B. Sleeth. Aug. 8. 1842.
John H. Farquhar. Aug. 8, 1842.
John Yaryan, March 10. 1846.
Daniel D. Jones, Aug. 26, 1847.
Hadley D. Johnson, Feb. 9. 1S48.
John T. McCarty, Feb. 9, 1848. .
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
237
Edgar Hayniond, Aug. 29, 1849.
James Gavin, Jr., Aug. 24, 1850.
Wilson Morrow, 1853.
Alfred Ward, 1853.
James R. McClure, 1853.
Henry C. Hanna.
Cyrus Kilgorc, 1853.
N. M. Crookshank, 1853.
Joseph Brady, 1853.
Henry Berry, Jr., 1853.
Fielding Berry, 1859.
S. S. Harrel, i860.
W. H. Bracken, 1861.
John F. McKee, 1867.
Thomas Smith, 1873.
McMahon, 1873.
David W. -McKee. 1873.
F. M. Alexander, 1877.
Edwin W. High, 1877.
Charles F. Jones, 1879.
D. Allison, 1879 or 1880.
Isaac Carter, 1881.
Edgar O'Hair, 18S1.
George F. O' Byrne, 1882.
Emmett R. Wilson, Sept. 27, 1890.
Joseph F. Bickel, Dec. 3, 1892.
Orrin E. Walker, Sept. 7. 1893.
Arthur H. Jones, May 4, 1S94.
William F. Flack, Sept. 24, 1894.
Frank M. Smith, 1896.
Milford P. Hubbard, Dec. 4, 1897.
Andrew J. Ross, April 30, 1838.
Marshall R. Alexander, May 2, 1898.
Murat W. Hopkins, Nov. 22, 1900.
George E. Mullin, Sept. 9, 1901.
Howard M. Gordon, Sept. 9, 1901.
George R. Foster. ;May 8, 1903.
I. N. McCarty, 1904.
Ben Winans, Jr., Feb. 5, 1906.
Charles P. Fant, Nov. 30, 1908.
Edward Stenger, Feb. i, 1909.
Will A. Younts, May 8, 19 12.
Louis A. Jonas, ]\Iay 8, 19 12.
Albert J. Peine. Oct. 2, 1914.
J. B. Kidney.
George Haman.
John Brockman. •
CHAPTER VIII.
COUNTY OI-FICIALS.
The follow ini; is as near a coniijlcte list oi the various officers who have
served in I'rankliii county since its organization as can now be obtained from
the records of each office :
AUDITORS.
Hiram Carniichael, from August, r.S4r. to 1850; Andrew R. McCleerv,
1850-57; John H. Om'ck, 1857-^)4; C. P.. Hentley, 1864-71; George Berry,
1871-80; John r. Schlitz, 1880-SS; ilcnry Scllmeyer, 1888-96; George Ray
King, 1896-04; Charles .\. .Miller, i904-[_'; Charles G. Reifel, 1912 and
holds until January i, 19JO.
TREASUKERS.
Robert Templeton, 1820-1827; \Y. M. AlcCleery, 1827-1841; Elisha
Long, August. 1841-2; Theodcjre Pnrsel, 1842-50; B. H. Burton, 1850-5.3;
William Robeson, 1853-55; ^- ^^- Swift, 1855-57; William Robeson. 1857-
61; Michael Batzner, 1861-62; B. H. West, 18G2-67; J. B. Mooreman. 18G7-
72 ; Casper Fogel, 1872-76; George F. Maxwell, 1876-80; A. J. Heasom,
1880-84; William ^I. ^IcCleery, 1884-88; Anthony Bender, 1888-92: Rol)crt
D. Templeton. 1892-96; John W. Brockman. 1896-1900; F. J. Burkhart,
1900-04; William D. Moore, 1904-08; William M. McCarty, 1908-12; Frank
J. Geis, 1912 and serves until January i, 191 7.
CLERKS OF THE COURT.
Enoch ^NlcCarty was clerk and recorder (both offices being held bv the
same person up to the adoption of the state constitution, 1817). serving as
such from 181 1 to 1817 and then as clerk until 1831 ; Robert John. 1831-45,
or fourteen years; John M. J<Minston. 1845-6x5, fifteen years; Henrv Berry,
Jr., 1860-68, eight years; Samuel S. Harrell, 1868-76. eight years; Ferdinand
S. Swift, 1876-80, four years; William H. Bracken, 18S0-88, eight vears :
FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA. 239
James B. Kidney. i888-</), eight years; Ricliard S. Taylor. 1896-1904, eic^ht
years; Louis A. Jones, 1904-12, eight years; Will M. Baker, February 14.
1912, and serves until January f. 1920.
SHERIFFS.
Robert Ilanna, 1811-20; Xoah .Voble. 1823-24; Ifenry Jenkinson. a
part of 1825; Robert John, 1825-27; John Roop, 1831-32; Daniel St. John,
1832-36; Thomas Fursell, 1836-40; Jeremiah O. St. John, 1840-44; William
Robeson, 1845-49; O. B. BartUnv, 1850-56; M. Batzner, 1856-58; W. .\. J.
Glidewell, 1858-62; J. B. Moorman, 1862-67; Joseph L. Case. 1868-69; John
W. Seal, 1869-73; John L. Case, 1873-76; George B. Winscott. 1876-80;
William W. Williams, 1880-84; Jacob Gerber, 1884-88; William J. Zach-
arias, 18S8-92; John Roemer, 1892-96; Frank Moorman. 1896- 1900;
Joseph F. Dudley, 1900-04; H. E. Stinger, 1904-08; I-. W. Baker, 190S-12;
Robert H. Cook, 191 2-16.
RECORDERS.
Enoch McCarty served both as recorder and clerk from iSii to 1817,
when the state constitution divided the two ofiices ; B. F. Morris. 1817-20;
A'ViUiam M. Wade. 1820-24; John Adair, 1824-31; John Hedley. 1831-33;
George Holland, appointed for 1833; G. W. Kimble. 1834-46; Joseph A.
Miller. 1846-51; John West. 1851-53; Redin Osborn, 1853-61; George F.
Maxwell, 1861-69; F. A. Bauman. 1869-77; William Kerr. 1877-85; Louis
Federman, Jr., 1S85-93; FI. E. Balsley. 1893-01; Ed Stenger. 1901-09;
Atwell J. Shriner, 1909-13; John E. Enneking. 1913 and still serving.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
The county government was in the hands of the county court from
February 18, 181 1, to February 5, 1S17. A board of three county com-
missioners, which was the same as at present, was in charge from February
10, 181 7, to August 19, 1S24. This was chang-ed to a board of county justices,
which met for the first tiiiy: September 6. 1824. The board of justices held
their last session Alay 8. 1827, and were superseded by three county com-
missioners who met November 5. 1827. There has been no change since
1827. Beginning with the board of county ccfmmissioners February 5,
1817, the commissioners were as follows (this record is as complete as the
records show) :
240 FRANKLIN COL-XTY, INDIANA.
1817 — Samuel Rockafcllar, Enoch D. Johns, James Wilson.
1818 (fore part of vearj — E. D. John, i\llen Crisler, .Samuel R'Xka-
fellar.
1818 (later part of ycarj — Samuel Rockafcllar, John Scott, Philip
Mason.
1819 — Samuel Rockafcllar, John Scott, Ed Brush.
1820 — Samuel Rockafcllar, John Scott, Ed Brush.
1820 (Novemberj — Ed Brush. Samuel Shirk, James A. Piatt.
182 1 — Ed Brush, John Quick, John Davis.
1822 — Same as in 1821.
1822-24 — John Quick. John Davis. Andrew S. Babbitt.
From September 6, 1824, ttj May 8. 1827, the board of justices had
charge of the affairs of the government of the county. In September, 1824,
the board consisted of tlie following: Henry Jenkinson (president), James
A. Lowez, San ford Keeler, John Allen. James ^IcKnight, John Foster,
Samuel Murphy, Jacob P. Ervin. Joseph Allen, Daniel Ogden, Solomon
Allen, William Sims. Urban Edgerton, John Davidson, John Reid, Thomas
Flint and Bradbury Cottrel.
1825 — Henry Jenkins (president), James Samuels, Sanford Keeler,
Daniel Ogden, Henry Berry. James ]\IcKnight, John Reid, Samuel Murphy,
Jacob P. Ervin, Judah Leaming, John Foster, William Sims, Joseph S.
Allen, Bradbury Cottrel. Samuel Rockafcllar.
1826 — John Foster (president), Solomon Allen. James McKnight, Dan-
iel Ogden, Judah Leaming, Henry Jenkins, Henry Berry, Charles Marlow, J.
T. Ervin, Samuel Murphy, Sanford Keeler, Thomas Flint.
From this date on, practically, the same system of county commissioners
as now obtains has been in vogue in the county. Owing to loss of records,
the commissioners for the years from 1827 to 1831 cannot be given in com-
plete form, but it is known that among such commissioners were John Foster,
James Webb and George Sutton, who comprised the first hoard after that
date. Then followed, as by years indicated, the following:
1S28 — George Sutton.
1 83 1 to 1840 — Samuel Shirk.
1831-32 — David Price.
1 83 1 — James Webb. George Sutton. Samuel Shirk.
1832 — Samuel Shirk, David Price. James Webb.
1834- — W. T. Becks. James Webb. .Samuel Shirk.
1835-6 — Samuel Shirk. James ^^''cbb. W. T. Beeks.
1837 — James Webb. Samuel Shirk, M. Roop.
1838 — Samuel Shirk. Robert Templeton, Jr., James Webb.
FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INI'IANA. 24I
839 — Samuel Shirk, Robert Templeton, Jr., Thomas Flint.
840 — Robert Templeton, Thoma.s Flint, F. Barber.
841-2 — E. Barber, Roljert Templeton, E. Abrahams.
844 — E. Abrahams,* E. Barber, Amos D. Martin.
845 — E. Barber, Amos D. Martin, Joseph Price.
846 — Amos D. ]Martin, Joseph Price, John P. Brady.
847 — John P. Brady. Reuben Cooley, Joseph Price.
848 — Cyrus Quick, Joseph I'ricc, Levi Ayers.
850-53 — Levi Ayers, Joseph Quick, J. H. Farrott.
855 — Elmer Hiatt. Cyrus (Juick. J. H. Farrot.
856 — ^J. H. Farrot, Elmer Lliatt, Simpson Calfee.
858 — Israel Guble, Elmer Hiatt, Robert Stoops.
861 — Robert Stoops, Lsrael Gcjble. Jolin Bertenho\-er.
862 — Robert Stoops, ^L W. Moore, John Bertenhover.
864 — D. H. Gavin, John Bertenhover, ^L W. Moore.
867— D. H. Gavin, M. \V. Aloore. X. Bath.
868— r^L W. Moore, X. Bath, William Robeson.
869-71 — William Robeson, X. Bath. Charles Hubbard.
871— X. Bath, Charles Hubl^ard, J. T. ^leyncke.
872 — Samuel Patterson, J. T. ATeynckc, X'. Bath.
873 — J. T. jMeyncke, Samuel Patterson. Edward Goff.
875 — J. T. Meyncke, Edward Goff, .\. Pepper.
877 — Edward Goff, A. Pepper, Levi W. Buckingliam.
879 — Levi Buckingham, A. Pepper, Thomas Appleton.
880 — Levi W. Buckingham, Thomas Appleton. Edward \\'aechter.
882 — Thomas Appleton, Ed \\'aechter, Francis Kuelm.
883 — Thomas Appleton. Alfred Deter. Francis Kuehn.
886 — Alfred Deter, Francis Kuehn, John Dickson.
888 — Alfred Deter, Abraham Bossert, J. M. Vawter.
890 — Abraham Bossert. J. W. Vawter. Joseph Ortman.
894 — Joseph Ortman. John J. Conrad, Conrad Strasberger.
896 — John Conrad. Conrad Strasberger. Thomas Brown.
901 — Thomas Brown. Joseph Firsich. Jacob Bossert.
902 — Joseph Firsich. Jacob PL Bossert. Louis W. Koerner.
903 — Jacob Bossert, Louis Koerner, Joseph Firsich.
904 — ^Jacob Bossert, Louis Koerner, Joseph Firsich.
905 — Jacob Bossert, Louis Koerner, Joseph Firsich.
906 — Jacob Bossert, Louis Koerner, Joseph Firsich.
(16)
242 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
IQ07 — Louis Koerncr. Lewis J. Brown, William Bohlander.
ic,o8— Lewis J. Brown. William Bohlander, John C. Huermann.
ic)09 — William Bohlander. Lewis J. Brown, John C. Huermann.
igio — William Bohlander. Lewis J. Brown. John C. Huermann.
lc>ii_\VilHam Bohlander. Lewis J. Brown, Jf.hii C. Huermann.
1912— William Bohlander, Lewis J. Bnnvn. John C. Huermann.
191 3 — John C. Huermann. Terry Aj^pleton. Jonathan Fruits.
igi4 — Perry Appleton. Jonathan Fruits. Clifford Jones.
1915 — Perry ;\ppleton, Jonathan Fruits, Clifford Jones.
IQ16 — Perry Appleton, Herman Walther, Clifford Jones.
It is interesting- to note that Herman Walther, wlio was electerl county
commissioner in the fall of 19 14. is the first Republican ever elected to a
county office in Franklin county, .
CORONERS. ..- "
The only record of the list of coroners in Franklin ct)unty is th.at given
for the following years: Flenry Jenkins, 1S17; James Blacklidge, 1825;
J. H. Bowlby, 1852; Michael Batzncr, 1S58; Joseph E. Miller, 1S59; -V W.
Andre, 1866; James Marlatt, 1862; George W. Specr. 1873-76; Robert K.
Mcintosh, 1876; James S. Russell. 1880; George E. Squier. 1882-90: George
F. Buckingham, 1890-96; G. H. Bogart, 1896-1900; J. C. Clawson, 1908-12;
F. E. Seal, 1912-16. " . .
SURVEYORS. . . _ . . . . ,
The following, elected or appointed, have served as surveyors of land
within this county, as appears by the incomplete record of field notes now in
possession of the county surveyor. The first name appearing on these early
field notes is that of John Dunlap in 1820. The record then has the follow-
ing in almost a complete chain to the present : James M. Clements seems to
have been surveyor from 1831 to 1S37: W. W. Carson. 1837- 1845; James
W. Clements. 1845-1848: John Wynn, 1848-1852: R. R. Spencer, 1852-
1854; Fielding Berry, from the latter part of 1854 for one year, and suc-
ceeded^by W. H. Flubbard in 1855. who served till 1857. when he was suc-
ceeded by Fielding Berry, andjie in 1858 again by \V. H. Hubbard, who
served up to 1S60. when came Fielding F.erry again, serving until i86i. and
was followed by G. E. Glidewell. From that year the surveyors have been
as follows: H. Younts, 1864-1867; M. R. Shields, 1867-1871 : G. E. Glide-
Well, 1871-1875; T. A. Flardman, 1875-1877; George W. Klipple, 1877-
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 243
1880; William H. Younts. 1880-188S: William r;iide\vell. 1888-1890; T. W.
Lawrence, 1890-1902; W. H. Younts, 1902-1908; Frank R. Harder, 1908
to present time.
_ •' MISCELLANKOrS OFFICERS.
Owitig to the absence of any reorfls on various officials, only the fol-
lowing partial list can be given of the subjoined officials of the county.
■"■ • • '■'. POUND KEEI'EKS. - ' %.
;: Pound keeper was an office that did not continue to a very late period
in the C(junty's history, and among such officers are found a record of Benja-
min S. Ogden, a[)pointed January 3, 1826; Xathaniel Hammond, appointed
for 1833; Elijah Barwick, 1S35. and Hugh Carmichael, a year later.
INSPECTOR OF FLOUR, BEEF AND PORK.
The only name appearing of record for this position is that of John
Ward, in 1821.
J. . •• . COLLECTOR OF COUNTV AND STATE REVENUE.
The sheriff usually filled this office. The list is not complete. Robert
E. Hanna, 1820-21: Xoah Xoble, 1823; Robert John. i8'25 to 1828. inclu-
sive; John Roop, 1S29 to end of 1831 ; Daniel St. John, 1833-34: James
Blacklidge, 1835; Daniel St. John. 1837; Thomas Pursel, 1837 to 1840,
inclusive; George Flint, appointed May 8, 1840, served in 1840-41.
LISTERS AND COUNTY .ASSESSORS.
Up to about i8j8 the office of county assessor was known as lister.
Those serving under the official title of lister in this county were: James
McKinney, appointed January 30, 181 5, and again in September of that
year; James Raridon, appointed January 3, 1816; Urban Edgerton, 1820-21 ;
NToSh Noble, 1824.
The first assessors seems to have been Robert John, appointed January
9, 1828, then followed: George Holland, appointed tor 1833; Timothy B.
Scobey, i83(>; James Rosebrough. 1838: Hiram H. Butler, 1842-3-4.
The office of county assessor was provided by statute in 1801 and the
first offi.cer of Franklin countv under this act was elected in the same vear.
244 FRANKLIN' COUNTY', INDIANA.
The list of assessors since that time is as follows: John T. Shiltz, 1891-99;
John C. Ellis, 1899-07: John C. Morin, 1907-15; Albert X. Logan. 1915.
JUDGES OF THE CIRCUIT COURT.
The following judges have presided over the circuit courts of Franklin
county since the September term in 181 8, when Hon. John Test presided,
with Associate Judges John llaniia and John Jacobs. The office of associate
judge was abolished about 1857. Hon. John Watts served in 1819; Miles
E. Eggleston, from 1819 to 1847; George H. Duim, from 1847 to 1S50;
William M. McCarty, 1850 to 1854; Reuben D. Logan, 1854 to 1865; John
M. Wilson, 1865 to 1869; Robert M. Lamb, 1869 to 1870: Henry C. Hanna,
1870 to 1881 ; Ferdinand S. Swift, 1881 to 1905; George L. Gray, 1905 to
the present time.
PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS.
Miles C. Eggleston, 1818-1821 : John Test. 1821-1825; Oliver H. Smith,
1825-33; John Test. 1833-34: Courtland Cnshing, 1834-1838; John Dumont,
1838-47; John H. Shirk. 1847; William M. McCarty. 1847-49; Daniel D.
Jones, 1849-54; Oscar B. Horde, 1854; William T'atterson. 1855-59: Henry
C. Hanna, 1859-61; Milton L Cullum, 1861-63; S. S. Harrell, 1863-65;
Creighton Dudley, 1S65-67: Kendall ^1. Ford, 1867-69; Piatt Wicks. 1869-
70; William W. Tilley, 1870-71; George B. Brumbloy, 1871-73; Bartemus
Burk, 1873-76: S. E. Urmstom, 1876-1882; Leland H. Stanford. 18S2-S6;
Lewis ]\L Develing, 1886-90: George W. Pigman. 1890-94; George L. Gray,
1894-96; Frank yi. .Smith. 1896-98: George L. Gray. 1898-1902: Frank E.
Nevin, 1902-04; Robert G. Barnhart, 1904-0S; Allen Wiles, 1908-10; F. 'M.
Edwards, 19 10-16.
CHAPTER IX.
HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION.
One of the most difficult problems which confronted the early settlers
of Franklin county was the question oi transportation. When it is recalled
that as early as 1814 there were ni<jre than seven thousand people in the
county, it will be seen that tliere must liave i)een a great demand for roads,
and the early commissioners' records devote more than half of their minute
records to this question of highways, or "cartways," as they called them.
The frequent use of the word "trace" betrays the southern birth of the early
settlers. Scores of roads in the county mention the Whetzel, Carolina and
Balinger traces, either as crossing or branching off from one of them.
The rough character of the land, together with the heavy forests, made
the building of highways not only difticult, but also very expensive as well.
The first roads were little more than narrow paths cut through the woods
and many of these were only wide enough for traveling on horseback. Each
succeeding year saw better roads, but it was not until after the Civil War
.that the use of crushed stone came into use as a road-making material. The
first good roads in the county were made by incorporations of local men and
were familiarly known as toll roads. These were in use in parts of the
county until the latter part of the last century and it is safe to sav that this
was the only method by which it w-ould have been possible for the people to
get good roads. There was too little public money to keep the roads in
repair, e\en after they were laid out, and it was only by the toll system that
enough money could be raised to keep the roads in a passable condition.
Today there are fine rock highways threading the county in every direction
and each year sees more improved roads in operation. No county in the
state has better road-making material within its limits and. with the latest
machinery for crushing stone. Franklin county bids fair to have as fine
roads Avithin the next few years as any county in the state.
The county has always suffered as a result of the floods which sweep
down the ^\'hite Water valley and the swift-tlowing streams which unite with
it in the county. The size of White Water is such that it takes at least twentv
thousand dollars to construct a bridge and at the time of the flood in 1913
246 FRANKLIN COI.'NTY, ISUI.\S\.
there were ten bridges across White Water, namely: One each at Laurel.
Metaniora, Cedar Grove, New Trenton and I-'airficld and five at Brookville.
The flood carried away four of the bridges at Brookville and also those at
Cedar Grove, New Trenton anrl Metanif.ra. It also wa-^hed away the ap-
proaches at Laurel and at Whitconib bridge near Brookville. In addition
to these large l^ridges which were washed away, there were scores of smaller
bridges which had to be replaced. Not only were tens of thousands of
dollars' worth of bridges destroyed, but the highways in hundreds of places
were practically ruined.
COST OF ROAD MAINTENANCE.
The following statistics are taken from the annual report of Francis
R. Harder, superintendent of repair and maintenance of free gravel or
turnpike roads of Franklin county far the year 1914:
RECEIPTS.
Balance on hand January i, 1914 S 2,360.47
Amount appropriated 12,137,50
Automobile tax 3.265.26
Total receipts $17,763-23
Distr
Distr
Distr
Distr
Distr
Distr
Distr
Distr
EXPENDITURES.
ct No. I - $ 1.384-71
ct No. 2 1.945-06
Ct Xo. 3 1.916.74
ct Xo. 4 I-847-57
ct Xo. 5 1,909.61
ct Xo. 6 • 1,910.61
ct Xo. 7 1.976.82
ct Xo. 8 1.770-75
Total expenditures $14,661.87
Balance on hand 3.^01.36
FRANKLIN' COL'XTV, INDIANA. 247
The expenditures were made for the following,' purposes :
Day lahor $3.1^2.25
Teams and (lri\ers 5''25-22
Tools and machinery 276.28
Materials and suppHes 3''95-^7
Superintendent's salary 662.40
Salary of assistant superintendent.-, 2,220.05
The numljer of assistant superintendents is 8.
The number of miles of free gravel roads in the county is I78><, as
follows: Gravel road, 130; stone or macadam, 48 >4.
The average cost of maintenance per mile for the year 1914 was S82.13.
There are 4.6 miles of new road under construction, and it is estimated
that 3.27 miles will be constructed in 191 5.
The rate levied for pike road repairs is 15 cents on the $100 valuation.
RIVER TRANSPORTATION.
Owing to the fact that the roads leading from Franklin county to the
Ohio river were in such poor condition in the early history of the county,
the enterprising merchants early conceived the idea of utilizing the White
Water river as a means of getting their produce to market. They would
save what could be transported by water safely until the spring freshets and
then construct as large rafts as the river could accommodate. On these rude
rafts would be stored barrels of pork, whiskey, flour, furs, etc. Frequently
the produce was taken direct from Brookville to New Orleans without mak-
ing a change. The raft, which was always constructed out of as good
timber as could be obtained, was sold for lumber after the cargo was disposed
of. Flat-boating continued intermittently until the canal was opened in 1839.
As early as 1822 a large amount of produce was flat-boated down the
White Water from Brookville. A bill of lading, now in the hands of Harry
M. Stoops, gives an interesting insight into this phase of the early history of
Franklin county. The bill of lading is given in its entirety, including its bad
spelling, punctuation, etc. :
"Lawrenceburgh, Inda. 28th Dec. 1822.
"Shiped in Good order and well Conditioned on board the Strong
Boat Brookville — Masters & Owners John Jacobs Sundry Barrels of Pork
Whiskey and Flour, more particularly described as Follows viz:
i
248 FRANKLIN COLNTY, INDIANA.
18 Barrels of Whiskey ea about },}, 1-3 Galls.
20 do "' Flour ca 196 lbs.
24 do Prime Pork ea 200 lbs.
26 do Misc do ca 200 lbs.
27 do Hams do ea 200 lbs.
3 do Lard-ea 240 Ib.s, 720 lbs.
2 half do do ea 120 lbs. 240 lbs.
II kegs do ea 60 lbs. 660 lbs.
4 Barrels do ea 240 lbs. 960 lbs.
Total 2,580 lbs.
Rec'd of N. D. Gallion on Board of my Boat as above Stated all the
Several Barrels and Kegs in good order and condition each containing about
as above Stated. All of wliicli I am to freight for said Gallion to Xew
Orleans at the rate of one dollar per barrel and charge him a very Small
Commission for selling the Same (M1 its arrival at market.
We promise to comply to
the above Errors
. Excepted - Jacobs & Xoble."
This bill of lading gives a good idea of the nature and quantitv of the
cargoes which were floated out of Brookville. There was a chair factory
located near the Catholic church and its proprietor shipped a big load of his
chairs soutli every spring. Most of the shipments, however, were pork,
flour and whiskey. Very little produce was shipped up the river, most of it
being hauled overland from Cincinnati or Lawrenceburg up until the time
the canal was opened.
THE WHITE W.\TER CANAL.
The rapidly increasing settlement of the White Water valley and the
remarkable fertility of the soil caused an increasing demand for a market for
the products of the farms and as early as 1822 or 1823 a convention of
of delegates from Randolph, Wayne, Union, Fayette, Franklin and Dear-
born counties, Indiana, assembled at Harrison, Ohio, to consider the prac-
ticability of constructing a canal down the valley. The prime mover was
Augustus Jocelyn, a minister of the gospel, who edited and published the
Western Agriculturist at Brookville and through his pai>er worked up quite
an interest in behalf of the improvement of the valley. Shortly after the
FRAXKT.IN- COfXTV, INDIANA. 249
convention was lield. Colonel Shrivcr, f)f the L'nited States army, began a
survey for a canal and got as far flown tiie valley as Garrisrjn's creek, where
the survey was brought to a sudden close by the death of the Colonel. The
suspension was ui short duration, for Colonel Standbury, United States
civil engineer, soon completed it.
Nothing seems to have been done until l'"ebruary, 1834. when the T-eg-
islature directed the canal commissioners to employ competent engineers
and "early the ensuing summer survey to locate a canal from a point at or
near the mouth of Xettle creek, in Wayne county, to Lawrenceburg. In-
diana." Accordingly, William Coodw in was employed as engineer-in-chief
and Jesse L. Williams, assistant engineer. During its construction and
existence there were employed as assistant engineers Simpson Talbot, Elisha
Long, John H. Farquhar, .Martin Crowell. Henry C. .\roore, Stephen D.
Wright, Dewey and John Shank. The canal was first located on the
west side of the river as far as Laurel., where it crossed to the east and
continued down to the gravel bank just above Brookvillc, where it recrossed
to the west bank and proceeded on to Lawrenceburg, but was afterwards
located on the east bank, from Laurel to its terminus.
Strange as it may seem, this great and badly-needed improvement was
bitterly opposed by some and every possible obstruction thrown in the way
of the enterprise, the opposition being led by Charles Hutchen. a Ken-
tuckian, who resided for many years in Brookville and during his residence
edited a newspaper.
THE BLUE CREEK CANAL.
A meeting was called to assemble at the court house in Brookville at
two o'clock P. ]\[.. December 25. 1S34, to consider the proprietv of con-
structing a canal from the forks of Blue creek to its mouth. It was pro-
posed to connect with the White Water canal near the mouth of the creek, and
it was thought that Congress would donate contiguous land. The call closes
with the following postscript: "\Miile we are borrowing monev to build
the White Water canal let's borrow a little more to build the Blue Creek."
This was done by the opponents of the White Water, as the proposed canal
would only have been three or four miles in length. On January 6, 1835,
the engineer reported the survey completed.
250 FRANKLIN' a»L\TV, INDIANA. '
THE BEGINNING OF THE WHITE WATER CANAL.
The lenf;;th of the canal was seventy-six miles, with a fall of four hun-
dred and ninety-one feet from its head at Xettle creek (Wayne county, near
Cambridge City) to its terminus at L.awrencelmrg, recjuiring fifty-six locks
and seven dams, the latter varying in height from two to eight feet. The
estimated cost per mile was $14,908, or $1,142,126 for the entire canal. In
June of that year Gen. Amaziah Morgan, of Rush county, was appointed a
commissioner to receive stone, timber or the conveyance of land to the canal
to aid in constructing it. It would give an outlet for Franklin, Rush, Fayette.
Henry, Randolph and Hancock counties, as well as a large part of Wayne.
Union, Decatur and Delaware — a district aggregating 3.150 square miles.
Produce could be transported I)y tliis means at an average cost of $3. 56 per
ton, as against $10, the present cost. This wOuld amount to $221,000 an-
nually for the entire section. The water power would turn 318 pairs of mill
stones and on its banks could be placed scores of saw-mills as well as cotton
and woolen-mills. There is small wonder that the people of this county
were anxious to see the canal built and gave the enterprise every possible
support.
Owing to the hills in southern Indiana it was deemed best to cross the
line at Harrison and locate about eight miles of the canal in Flamilton county,
Ohio, recrossing into Indiana and continuing to Lawrenceburg. As it was
necessary to have the consent of Ohio to construct the portion running
through her territory, the Legislature of Indiana authorized the governor to
obtain Ohio's permission, and Governor Xoble appointed O. H. Smith a
commissioner, who proceeded to Columbus. Ohio, and on January 30. 1835.
presented Indiana's ref|uest. This was bitterly opposed and the petition
refused on the grounds that it was against Ohio's interest to grant it. as the
White Water canal would run parallel to the Miami at a distance of from
twenty to fifty miles from it. and that the product of Wayne. Union and
part of Fayette and Franklin counties. Indiana, were taken to Hamilton and
shipped to Cincinnati on the Miami canal, and if Ohio granted the request
she would lose that tonnage. The refusal only served to put Indiana on her
mettle, and the Buckeyes soon learned that when "the Hoosiers will they
will, and that's the end on't." for the Legislature immediately instructed the
board of internal improvements, should Ohio persist in her refusal, to con-
struct a railroad on the Indiana side of the state line from Harrison to
Lawrenceburg. This, with the influence of Cincinnati, whose people quickly
FKANKLIX COLXTY, INDIANA. ^251
realized wliat the result would he to thciii if the commerce of the valley went
to Lawrencel)urf(, hastily chaii.L,'cfl the mind of Ohio's Legislature and the
petition was .t^ranted. One enthusiastic advocate of the White Water canal,
in the Liberty Hall and Ciiuiinuiti Gazette of September 8. 1836. earnestly
and persistently ur_i;ed Cincinnati to borrow half a million dollars to aid in
constructing the canal and Miami railroad. l*)arly in January. 1836, the
champions of the White Water canal in the Indiana Legislature. Enoch Mc-
Carty in the Senate and Caleb Smith and Mark Crum in the House, had the
pleasing satisfaction of seeing their labors crowned with success by the
passing of the internal improvement bill.
GALA DAY IN BKOOKVILLE.
Tuesday, January 9, 1836, was a gala day in Brookville, for on that day
the news that the internal improvement bill had passed both houses of the
Legislature was received, and in the evening the event was celebrated with
speaking by prominent men. .Ml buildings, public and private, were illum-
inated and long rows of lights placed on the fences along Meirs street. A
large procession was formed under the command of Col. B. S. Xoblc and
Captain Dodd, and. amid the ringing of bells, beating of drums and roaring
of cannons, marched through the streets to the inspiring strains of a band
of music. The demonstrations coiitinued until after midnight, when the
citizens retired to their homes, but the cannon boomed till daylight.
On September 13, 1836, the ceremony of "breaking ground"' and letting
of the contracts for the construction of the canal from Brookville to Law-
renceburg was celebrated at Brookville by a great barbecue and everv ex-
pression of rejoicing possible. The orator of the day was Governor Xoah
Noble. The other speakers were ex-Governor James B. Rav. David
Wallace, Hon. George H. Dunn, of l^wrenceburg, and Dr. Daniel Drake,
of Cincinnati. Quite a number of speeches were made and toasts offered,
the following being offered by James Finley, editor of the Richmond Palla-
dium :
"There is not in the wide world a valley so sweet.
As the vale where the branches of the White Water meet:
Oh ! the last pica\'une shall depart from my fob.
Ere the east and the west fork relinquish the job."
A pick, shovel and wheelbarrow had been provided for the occasion and
at the close of the speaking^ and reading of the toasts, one of the speakers
252 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
seized the pick and loosened tiie ground for a few feet, another trundled the
wheelbarrow to the looscnetl earth, another took the shovel and filled the
wheelbarrow and David Wallace trundled it a short distance and
dumped it and "ground was ])roken" for the White Water canal. On this
day, September 13, 183^1, contracts were let f(jr the construction of the canal
to the following parties : William Carr, Joel Wilcox, Zepheniah Reed,
William Rhubcjttom. Joel Palmer, R. & T. Freeman, Westertield,
Benjamin M. Remy, George Heimer, Moses Kelley, William Marshall, N.
Hammond, William M. McCarty, Isaac Van Horn, H. Simonton, William
Garrison, Paren & Kyle. Carmichael & Barwick. Gibbons & Williams. Hal-
stead & Parker, Xaylor, Troxall & Company, D. Banham & Company, Scott
& Butt. H. Lasure & Company, \^ance. Caldwell & Company, Tyner, Whii>-
ple & Company and C. and Joseph ]\ leeks. The state pushed the work and
in November, 1837, J^^' Wilcox, the contractor for building the bridge and
dam across the East fork of the White Water below Brookville, completed
the latter and water was let in the first mile of the canal. According to the
report of the board of internal improvements for that year, there had been
employed between Lawrenceburg and Brookville nine of that board, one
engineer-in-chief, one secretary, twelve resident engineers, seven senior and
eleven junior assistant engineers and twenty-four rodmen. One of the rod-
men was the late George A\'. Julian, for many years a resident of Irvington,
and who a few years later took such an active part in national affairs. There
were twenty axmen and nine hundred and seventy-five laborers, the latter
receiving eighteen dollars per month. So rapidly was the work pushed that
on December 20, 1838. Superintendent Long reported that the canal was
nearly completed to Brookville.
BRIDGES AND LOCKS.
The W^hitc bridge, as it is called, was finished by the contractor in
September. 1838, the west side of it being used for the towpath. It is three
hundred and ninety-two feet long and cost fourteen thousand dollars. The
locks were either named for some prominent person engaged in constructing
the canal or for .the town where they were located. Beginning at the south-
ern end, they were Marshall's. Fox's, Trenton, Berweise's. Rhubottom's,
Cedar Grove, Guard Lock at Case's. Wiley's (two), Tvner's, Guard lock
below Brookville. Brookville Basin lock. Reed's, Boundary Hill. Yellow
Bank, Twin locks, Gordon's, Metamora. Murray's. Ferris's. Jink's, Laurel.
Hetrick's. Garrison's creek, , Conwell's, Limpus's, Berlin. Xulltown. L'pde-
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 253
graff's, Harron's, CoinvelFs. Mill I'xk. Triple locks, Claypool's, Carinen"s,
Four-mile, Swamp level, Mcton and Lockport (two;.
The first boat to reach lirookville from Lawrenceburg was the "Ben
Franklin," owned by Lcjn.i^ <:v: W'esterfield and commanded by Gen. Elisha
Long. It arrived June 8, 1839, and was drawn by hand from below tov.n
up to its landing. The last boat that landed from Cincinnati to Brookville
was "The Favorite." owned and run by Capt. Aaron C. Miller. The fir-t
boat completed at the Rochester (Cedar Grove) yard of T. Moore, U. Ken-
dall, G. B. Child and S. D. Coffin was a packet called the "Native." With
Stephen D. Coffin as master, this boat arrived in Brookville July 3, 1839, and
the next day took a merry i)arty of excursionists to Case's dam, three and
one-half miles below town. The "Xative"' marie regular trips between
Brookville and Lawrenceburg, leaving the former at six-thirty A. M., Mon-
days, Wednesdays and Fridays, arriving at the latter place the same evening;
on the return, it left Lawrenceburg at six-thirty A. M. on Tuesdays. Thurs-
days and Saturdays, arriving at firookville on the same day. The fare was
one dollar and twenty-five cents and one dollar and fifty cents, the state re-
ceiving thirty-seven and a half cents out of each fare.
The established cost of the canal from Hagerstown to Lawrenceburg
was $1,567,470, and yet to construct it to Brookville had cost $664,665. The
state debt had. become so large that it could not pay the interest. On August
18, 1839, it was announced that the state was bankrupt and could do nothing
more in the way of building the canal, and the state accordingly sold the
canal in 1842 to Henry S. Vallette, a wealthy Cincinnatian. who proceeded to
complete it. In November, 1843, the first boat, the "Native."' in charge of
Captain Crary, reached Laurel at dark v\'ith a grand excursion from Brook-
ville. During the night the bank bursted and left the merrymakers eight
miles above Brookville— and they walked into the town. In June, 1845. the
canal reached Connersville. The first boat to arrive at Herron's lock was the
"Banner." The following October the canal reached Cambridge Citv and
had cost the company $473,000. In 1846 it was completed to Hagerstown
and, according to the report of the auditor of state for 1848. had cost the
state $1,920,175.13. In January, 1847, a flood destroyed the aqueduct at
Laurel and also the one on this side of Cambridge City, and cut channels
around the feeder dams at Case's, Brookville, Laurel. Connersville and Cam-
bridge City. The damage was estimated to be $90,000. and S70.000 was
expended during the summer in repairs. The following November there
was another Hood that destroyed all that had been done and $80,000 more
was expended, leaving $30,000 of repairs undone, and the canal was not
254 FRAXKT.IN COL'XTY, INDIAXA. ' •
ready for use until September of 1848. Disaster followed disaster, the cost
of maintaining it exceeding the revenue until July 22, 1863, when it was sold
at the c(jurt htnise (hjor in iJmokville Ijy the United States marshal to H. C
Lord, president of the Indianapolis & Cincinnati Railroad, for S63.000. that
being the amount of the judgment. The railroad company Iiad long <lesired
to secure the canal from Harrison to Cincinnati, so it could lay its track
through the tunnel and thus gain an entrance t(j the city and the use of the
White Water basin for a depot. This sale, for some reason, was set aside,
although the railroad held that portion of the canal and used it as I have
stated, but on December 5, 1865, C. C. Binckley, president of the White
Water Valley Canal Company, sold it to H. C. L(jrd, president of the White
Water Valley Railroad Company, for 8137,348.12.
As early as 1836 Ohio had begun to consider the question of building a
branch canal from Harrison to Cincinnati, and in I-'ebruary, 1837. finally
decided to build it. It was estimated that the canal would ccst between
$300,000 and S400.000 and take two years to construct. In May, of the
same year, stock in the branch canal was placed on sale at Cincinnati. Ohio
took $150,000, Cincinnati $200,000, thus leaving Si 00,000 un.sold. This
branch was completed in the spring of 1838. In April of the same year an
excursion was run through the newly completed canal and from that time
through traffic was maintained between Cincinnati and all points on the
White Water canal.
■ ' REMINISCENCES OF JOSI.MI m'c.VFFERTY.
Half way between Brookville and Cedar Grove there lived a few years
ago Joseph McCafferty, one of the last captains to ojjcrate a boat on the
White Water canal. Some years before his death he talked reminiscently con-
cerning the days when thousands of tons of produce were hauled up and
down the canal. "Well, I know a few things about that old canal." said
Captain McCafferty. "for, man and boy, I have been near it all my life. I
used to hide behind trees and throw stones at the Irish laborers who were
brought here to dig it. The digging began, I think, in 1836: it was along
some time in 1839 that the water was let into it from Lawrenceburg to
Brookville, and. if I remem!)cr right, it was open to Cincinnati along about
1848. The canal broke in 1847 and again in i'ii^2, and caused considerable
damage, but was built up again and business increased for a while and then
began to let down. ...
-'--: "The first boat was the 'Ben Franklin.' She had been running on the
FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA. 255
Miami canal for a number < i yars, and it was dcciderl to bring- her over
here. She was dropped down from the Miami canal to the Ohio river and
floated to Lawrcncelnircf and ])ut into the White Water canal. I Ixiiight her
and chanf^ed the name to 'Henry Clay' anrl there weren't any boats on the
canal that could make any better time. ' I I)iiilt a numl>er of I)oats to .sell, and
always ijot ^ood |)rices for tiiem. The first l)oat built at Cedar Grove was
called the 'Native,' and when slic started on her first tri]) there was a good
deal of excitement all along the canal. The 'Xative' was a passenger and
freight boat and was fitted up in a manner that was gorgeous for those days.
There were two cabins and large state rooms ranged on the side, the same as
is now seen on passenger steamers. Stephen Coffin was the builder and
captain, and when he started out on a trip he always niafle a good deal of
fuss about it.
. "Finally I built, a boat called the 'Belle of Indiana,' and there was
nothing on the canal that touclied her anywhere. The swan line of packets
was put on about that time. They did not carry anything but light freight
and passengers, and it was expected then they would make a fortune for
their owners. But they did not pay, and after a season or two they were
withdrawn. I carried passengers on the 'Belle of Indiana' and some of the
most famous men of the day used to ride with me, but I did not pay a great
deal of attention to them, for generally I was too busy.''
INTENSE RIVALRY BETWEEN BO.AT CREWS.
"There used to be some lively times on the canal, no doubt?"
"Lively isn't the word for it," chuckled the old captain. "There was
an intense rivalry between the boats, and the way they used to race was a
caution, and when one boat tried to pass another it was about sure to end in
a fight. The crew of a boat was the captain, two steersmen, cook and driver,
and sometimes they all got into it. Down near Cleaves. Ohio, one time, two
boat crews got into a fight and one of the men was killed — that was the only
killing I ever knew of, but I saw a whole lot of of them beat up."
"Ever get into a scrap yourself ?''
"Oh, I guess I had my share," and he pulled his tall athletic form up to
its height, "but none of them was ever serious. You see. I had one of the
fastest boats on the canal, and when 1 came 'round the bend, the other fellow
just took it for granted that I would go by, so he hugged the shore and let
me pass." " ' " '^ ' • \
"What was the most exciting time vou ever had on the canal?''
256 FRANKLIN' COLNTV, INDIANA.
"Well, I had a right smart excitement, but the greatest time was when
they opened the canal to Cambrid.i(e City. We knew for a long time that the
canal was to be opened ui) to that place, but we did not know just when it
would be, so we all laid away as much as possible and waited for the word.
Several times it was repr)rlc(l the water was coming down, and we would
edge up close and get ready f(;r the rush. It was just like the rushes they
made down in the Indiana Territory, except we have canal boats instead of
horses. At last the word came that the water wa^ in the canal at Cambridge
City, and we started.
"There were twenty boats, and c\ery one tried to get by the other, and
when we had to make the locks I tell you there was some tall swearing and
not a little fighting, but no one was hurt. My boat and all the other packets
were crowded with passengers. I had the 'Belle of Indiana' then, and there
was such a crowd on the deck that 1 had to separate them so the steersman
could see the bow- of the Ijoat. When we got in sight of Milton it seemed as
if the whole United States was there. There were two or three cannons
fired and the people were shouting and yelling like Indians. John Lemon
was captain of the 'Belle of the West." and I was pushing him mighty hard,
for he was in the lead. But the water was not deep enough for a good race
and he beat me into Canijjridge City : but I was right behind him.
GREKTINGS AT CAMBRIDGE CITY.
"The crowd at Milton was not a patching to the crowed at Cambridge
City. There were cannons, more bands, the state officers were there and
every one had a great jubilee. They kept it up all night and most of next
day, and everyone had any kind of fun he wanted, and did not lia\e to pay
for it. I tell you, there is a big ditterencc now and then. Why. we went
through the stretches of woods four and five miles long then to get to Cam-
bridge, and it would be hard to find a stretch now half a mile long. Those
were great days, though, and everylxidy made money. Init mighty few kept
it. It was come easy and go easy.
"Of course, I was around the canal about all my life, but I ran a boat
about seven years, and good years they were. too. But I saw that the busi-
ness on the canal was falling ofif and so I sold all my boats, closed out mv
business, bought a farm and have been a farmer ever since. I'm getting to
be a pretty old man, and want a rest. I guess that I am about the onlv one
of the boys who used to run on the canal that is left, and it won't be very long
until I tie up forever."
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 257
CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO RAILROAD.
Before the White Water canal was in f^(K)d runnin*^ order, Franklin county
began to agitate the building of a railroad through the county. In the early
fifties the local pajjers are full of articles on the building of railroads through
the county and the plat book in the recorder's office (pages 12-13) shows a
railroad through the n(jrtheastern corner of the county known as the Cin-
cinnati, Caml)ridge & Chicago Short Lines Railroad. The date of it is given
as August 4, 1 85,^5, and it was just sixty years from that time until the
present road was built across that corner of the county. On Xoljle's map of
185S, is shown this railroad as if it were actually constructed and future
generations seeing this niai) might think that there was actually a railroad
through the county at that time. .\ part of the grade for this road was
actually made, but unforeseen circumstances stoi)[)ed the buiUling of the
road. Traces of the grade may yet be seen, although in places trees had been
growing for more than half a century. In 1902 the Chicago, Richmond &:
Muncie Railroad Company began building its line and, as finally surveved,
six and eighty-eight one hundredths miles of its track was in Franklin
county. On April 4. igoj. Bath and Springfield townships voted on the
question of granting a subsidy to the company. Bath voted a subsidv of
twelve thousand dollars by a majority of sixty, while Springfield voted
twenty thousand dollars by a majority of si.\ty-nine. There are two stations
on this line in the county, Peoria and Bath, with a passenger and freio-ht
depot at each station.
BIG FOUR (W^IITEWATER DIVISION).
It was not until after it was seen that the canal had outlived its useful-
ness that the building of a railroad through the county took on a serious
aspect. The floods of the latter fifties damaged the canal so that it was of
little use after the beginning of the Civil \\'ar. In 1S63 the Indianapolis &
Cincinnati Railroad Company secured the right to use the towpath of the
canal for the building of the railroad and within three years Brookville had
steam connection with Cincinnati. This road, now kno\\Ti as the White-
water division of the Cleveland, Chicago, Cincinnati & St. Louis railroad
(Big Four), has 27.8 miles of the county, which, writh 3.93 miles of side-track,
is listed for taxation at Si()4,g25.
This road has passed through several hands and has never been a paving
. (17)
258 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
proposition, due not only to the limited territory which it serves, but also as
well to the heavy exi)ense entailed by the frequent floods which sweep down
the White Water valley. The (L;od of 1913 practically ruined the right of
way throujg-h the county and more than one hundred thousand dollars was
expended by the company before the track could be used again. In fact, so
extensive was the damage that it was nearly two months before the trains
were running. There was talk at the time that the company would discon-
tinue the road altogether, but, fortunately for Franklin county, the company
decided to keep the road in use. For nearly a year the Big Four has main-
tained through service only between Cincinnati and Connersville, and at the
present time operates two passenger trains each way daily between these two
points. There is one passenger train which reaches Brookville each night
from Cincinnati and returns to that city at five o'clock the next morning.
CHICAGO DIVISION OF BIG FOUR.
The Big Four was the first railroad built between Indianapolis and
Cincinnati and three and twenty-five one-hundredths miles of its track lie in
Franklin county. It crosses the southwestern corner of Ray township and
goes through one town in the county, Huntersville. This road was con-
structed in the fifties and has been a good paying proposition ever since it
was built. This road is double tracked through the county. This road was
valued at $134,875 in 1914. for the three and a fourth miles of tracks which
it had in the county.
THE PROPOSED RICHMOND AND BROOKVILLE CANAL.
By James M. MUler.
Among the first settlements in southeast Indiana Were those along the
fertile valley of the East Fork of Whitewater river and its tributaries. The
settlers were a thrifty, energetic people, and their industry soon produced
a surplus. At quite an early day tlatboats were built at Dunlapsville and
Quakertown and loaded with the products of the farms, and when a rise
in the river occurred were nm out into the current and lioated to New
Orleans. In the spring of 1819 or 1820, a flatboat that had been built and
loaded with provisions at Dunlapsville by George Newland, father of the
blind musician of that name v/ho was well known in Indianapolis, passed
Bassett's mill dam at Fairfield on its way to New Orleans.
Possessing the push and energy that they did, it is no wonder that
these people were among the first to advocate internal improvements. Such
FRANKI.I.V COCNTY, IXDIANA. 259
improvement was very early agitaterl and by 1834 the scheme for a canal
down the East Fork began to assume form. On August 4 of that year a
meeting was held at Richmond to consider the practicability of constructing
a canal from that city to intersect the proposed Whitewater canal at or near
Brookville. This was followed by a meeting in Brookville to consider the
propriety of constructing a canal down the East Fork of the Whitewater
river from a point in Darke county, Ohio, to connect with the .Miami canal
at or near Dayton, Ohio. On September 12, 1836, a convention of delegates
from Wayne and Franklin counties assembled at Dunlapsville in the interest
of the proposed canal. On calling the roll the following delegates answered :
Robert Morrison, John Finley, Warner M. Leeds, John Ervin, Irwin Keed,
Daniel P. Wiggins, James W. Borden, William R. Foulke. Alexander Stakes,
Basil Brightwell, Achilles Williams, Mark Reeves and W. B. Smith, of
Richmond; Smith Hunt, Frederick Black, W. J. Matchett, Col. E. Rials-
back, Jacob Hender, Thomas J. Larsh and William Clerick, of Abington ;
William Watt, James Laml), William Youse, Jesse Starr, T. H. Harding,
J. F. Chapman, Ladis Walling, Jacob Imel and Greenbury Beels, of Brown-
ville; George Newland, John Templeton, J. W. Scott, Matthew Hughes,
Hugh McCollough, Israel Kirk and Bennett Osborn, of Dunlapsville; Redin
Osborn and James Wright, of Fairfield ; Abner McCarty, Samuel Goodwin.
William T. Beeks, George Kimble, John Ryman, John 'M. Johnson and
George Holland, of Brookville. A permanent organiation was eected.
Committees of three from each delegation were appointed to correspond with
parties residing on the line of the proposed canal and notitv them of future
meetings, and give any other information in regard to the enterprise.
On January 27, 1837, the Legislature of Indiana directed the board
of internal improvements to survey and locate early the ensuing summer a
canal from Richmond to Brookville, to intersect the Whitewater canal at
or near the latter place. They were to use the local engineers then emploved
on the Whitewater canal, and to incur no extra expense for the state.
Accordingly. Col. Simpson Torbet was employed as engineer-in-chief and
Col. John H. Farquhar. Thomas Noell. Elisha Long. J. C. Moore and M.
Dewey, w^ho had been employed on the Whitewater, presumablv, formed
the engineering corps of the Richmond and Brookville canal. On December
2, 1837, Colonel Tori)et made his report to the state l)nard of internal improve-
ments, stating that he had completed the "survey and location of a canal down
the East Fork of the Whitewater river, beginning at Richmond, in Wayne
county, and terminating at Brookville, in Franklin county."
The canal was to be 33^^ miles long. 26 feet wide on the bottom, and
26o FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
40 feet at the surface, aiul to have a depth of four feet of water. There
would be 3>4 miles of slack water and 3 miles of hlutf, requiring riprapping
of loose stone protection. There was a tall of 2'/y/z feet, requiring the fol-
lowing mechanical structures : 2 guard locks, 2 aqueducts, 7 culverts, 2 water "
weirs with gates, 16 road briflges, 2 towpath bridges over the East 1-ork, 5
dams, and 31 lift locks. The dams were to be located at the following
points: Dam No. i, one-half mile from Richmond, at the National road,
160 feet long; Dam No. 2, 160 feet long, 5^4 "liles from Richmond, near
Larsh's mill; Dam No. 3, 170 feet long, iij4 "li'^^s from Richmond, near
Ottis' mills; Dam No. 4, 180 feet long, above Fairfield, and 2},y. miles from
Richmond; Dam No. 5, 200 feet long, above iJrookville and ^2 miles from
Richmond. The locks, each 90 feet long by 15 feet wide, were to be located
at the following places: Xo. i, one-half mile from Richmond, at the National
road bridge; No. 2, at Bancrofi's factory; No. 3. at Siddle's mills: No. 4,
McFadden's sawmill; No. 5, Rue's mill: No. 0, Henderson's farm: No. 7.
Henderson's sawmill; No. 8, Colonel Hunt's lands; No. 9. at Shroyer's f ann ;
No. 10, at Abington; N(j. 11, at Schwisher's house; No. 12. guard lock
where the canal crossed the river; Nos. 13 and 14, in Brownsville; No. 15,
at Aschenbury's sawmill: No. 16 and 17, at Adney's land: No. 18, at Silver
creek; No. 19, at Newland's, near Dunlapsville ; No. 20, at J. F. Templeton's
lands; No. 21, at Hanna's creek: No. 22, above Fairfield; Nos. 23 and 24.
at Wolf creek; No. 25, at Robert Templeton's f ann : No. 26, at John Logan's
lands; No. 2"], at McCarty's farm; No. 28. on school section; No. 29. at But-
ler's land; Nos. 30 and 31, in Brookville.
The line of the canal followed the right (east) bank of the river for a
distance' of 1134 miles, when it crossefl over to the left (west) bank at Dam
No. 3, and followed that side of the river for I2j4 miles, passing into
slack water below Hanna's creek, and recrossing to the right bank at Dam
No. 4, above Fairfield, and continued down that side of the river to Brook-
ville.
This is the route according- to the original survey, but it must have been
relocated, for George Templeton later said that the line crossed over to the
left (west) bank at the southwest corner of his farm, near where the school
house stands on Fairfield pike, and that there was to have been a feeder dam
at that place. This would correspond v/ith the locks located on the John
Logan, Abner McCarty and Amos Butler lands, besides avoiding some
extensive blult excavations, and is a far more practicable route than to have
continued down the east side of the river from the dam above Fairtield to
Brookville. This would locate Dam 5 about 30 miles instead of 32 miles from
FRANKLIN' COVNTV, INDIANA.
261
Richmond and about 3^/. miles above Brookville. The route as surveyed in
Brookville passed down east Market to the intersection of James, now Fourtli
street, where it veered to the west and terminated in tiie pool of the W hue-
water canal fomied by the dam across the East Fork. The estimated cost
of the canal per mile was $15,277, and for the 33^4 miles, $483,778, includ-
ing contingencies of $24,i«8; the entire cost of the canal was estimated to
be $507,966.
Colonel Torbet said in his rep<jrt of the proposed improvement: "With
the exception of the bluffs and the lockage, the valley of the East Fork is
of the most favorable character for the construction of a canal. There would
be many advantages growing out of its construction, the l>enertt of which
can scarcely be anticipated. It would be the cliannel through which
all the trade of one of the most populous, fertile and wealthy regions of
the western country would pass. Richmond, situated at the head of naviga-
tion, with its vast water power, extensive capital, and enterprising inhabitants,
might become the Pittsburgh of Indiana."
A fatality seemed to have followed the engineers of the Whitewater
and Richmond and Brookville canals. Colonel Schreiver died while he was
engaged in surveving the former, while Colonel Torbet. completing the survey
of the latter, made his final rep.:)rt January 5. 1838. and died the 23rd of the
following March at John Godley's, near Harrison, Ohio.
In January of 1838 a meeting was held in Brookville in the interest of
the canal. A draft of a charter for the organization of a company was
approved, and two committees were appointed, one to correspond w'ith our
representatives in the Legislature, requesting their influence in behalf of the
charter, and the other to communicate with towns along the line of the
proposed canal. In the same month a meeting was also held at Fairfield,
of which James Osbom was chairman, and James L. Andrews. James
McManus. George W. Thompson and Nathaniel Bassett were appointed
commissioners, as required in the charter. In February- of 1839 Warner
M. Leeds, secretary of the company, published the following notice :
"Richmond and Brookville Canal Stock Subscription — Books for sub-
scription of stock in the Richmond and Brookville canal will be opened by the
commissionei-s on the first day of April. 1839, and kept open tiventy-one
days, agreeable to the charter, at the following places, viz: Richmond. Abing-
ton, Brownsville. Dunlapsville. Fairfield and Brook^-ille. The following
commissioners were authorized to have special charge of said books, one
of whom will attend to each of the following places for the purpose of
receiving subscriptions: Robert Morrison, Richmond; Col. Smith Hunt,
262 FRANKLIX COCNTY, INDIANA.
Abington; John Rider, Drownsvillc; Jaiiies Osborn and James Andrews, Fair-
field, and Samuel Goodwin, Brookvillc."
The Kichjiiond Falladmm of April 27, 1S39, states that Franklin, Union
-ind Wayne counties had taken $215,000 worth of stock, of which $50,000
was taken by Richmond, the following citizens of that place taking stock:
William Dewey, Warner A'l. Leeds, Benjamin Fulgum, James King, Andress
S. Wiggins, Charles Paulson, John Ogan, Dennis McMullen, Henry Moor-
man, Caleb Sheren, Irwin Reed, Joseph M. Gilbert, Benjamin Strattan. Wil-
liam Owen, Cornelius Ratliff, William Kenworthy, John Suffcrin, Benjamin
Mason, Basil Brightwell, Benjamin Pierce, Isaac Jones, Benjamin Straw-
bridge, Armstrong Grimes, Solomon Florney, Jr., Jacob J. Keefer, Reuben
AI. Worth, William Meek, Williams S. \\'att, John M. Laws, Isaac Bceson,
Kasson Brookins, Henry Hollingsworth, James W. Salter, Hugh S. Flamil-
ion, Thomas Newman, William B. Smith, Oliver Kinsey, Clayton Hunt, and
Samuel E. Perkins. For the names of tlie stockholders we are indebted to
Joseph C. Ratliff, of Richmond.
Undoubtedly Brookville and Franklin county did their duty and were as
generous as Wayne and L'nion counties or any of the towns along the line
of the canal, but no record of the stockholders can be obtained. The names
of only two have been learned ; these were Graham Hanna and James Wright.
In September of 1839 Richmond and Brookville papers contained
advertisements calling for bids for constructing sections i, 2 and 3. near
Richmond: 13, near Abington; 20, near Brownsville: 40, near Fairfield,
and 52, near Brookville. The advertisement states that the sections to be
let "embrace a number of mechanical structures, consisting principally of
dams and locks, with some very heavy bluff excavations." Specifications of
the work were to be posted at Doctor Matchett's tavern in Abington. Doctor
Mulford's tavern in Brownsville, Abijah DuBois' tavern in Fairfield, D.
Hoffman's tavern in Brookville, and at the company's office in Richmond.
The lettings took place as advertised, except section 52, near Brookville,
which, owing to the heavy excavations, was not let. So far as can be learned.
no work was done near Brookville, but on section 40, near Fairfield, the
contractors, Heniy and Harvey Pierce, excavated about one and a half
miles of the canal down the east side of the river to the farm now owned
by Sallie and ^Missouri Hanna. Traces of excavation can al.>o be seen
plainly on the farm of James Blew. Sections i, 2 and 3, near Richmond,
■were let, and from a mile and a half to two miles of excavation made. No
use of these excavated portions was ever made until i860, when Leroy
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 263
Larsh erected a grist mill on the portion near Richmond, which is yet in
operation.
At the breaking- of ground for the Whitewater canal John Finley, editor
of the Richmond Palladium, quoting Moore's "Meeting of the Waters," with
changes to suit the occasion, said : "The last picayune shall depart from my
fob ere the East and West Forks relinquish the job." Whether the last
picayune departed from the editor's fob or not is unknown, but undoubtedly
the East Fork relinquished the job, and Richmond failed to become the
"Pittsburgh of Indiana."
y
: CHAPTER X.
AGRICULTURE AXU AGRICULTURAL SOCIETILS.
The first attempt to form and conduct an agricultural society in Franklin
county was the organization of such a society in Septeml^r, 1834. Tlie first
officers were as follow: David Mount, president; Enoch McCarty, Samuel
Lering and Samuel Goodwin, trustees ; George Holland, recording bccretary ;
Rufus Haymond, corresponding secretary; George W. Kimble, treasurer.
The township directors (then called curators) were as follow: Brookville
township, William T. Beeks. Daniel St. John. Joseph Goudic, Richard
Littel and Samuel Hymes ; Highland township, Bradbury Cottrcl and Solo-
mon Allen ; Blooming Grove townsliip, James Webb, John Allen and W. T.
Jacobs; White Water to\vnshi[), John P. Case and Samuel Rockatellar: Bath
township, William Shultz and Abraham Lee ; Posey township, I. Lockwood,
James Simmons and Alexander McKee ; Springfield township, Samuel Shirk,
Philp Jones and Isaac Wamsley ; Ray township, Charles Martin and James
Halsey; Fairfield township, Benjamin Snowden. James Wright, Redin Os-
born and Michael F. Miller. John A. Matson was selected to deliver the first
annual address.
At the fair in 1837 stock and machinery were exhibited on a lot near
the residence of Samuel Goodwin. The butter, cheese and all articles to be
judged by the ladies were placed in a room at the court house. James Calfee
was then acting as the society's secretary. This fair was held at Brookville,
while later exhibits were made at Laurel, as will be observed later on.
Brookville has had three fair grounds. The first was situated in the southern
part of town, near tlie present home of !Mr. Hathaway: the second was near
the present school building ; the last one where now is located the cemetery,
on the west side of White Water river. .\t the last named locality about
thirty acres of land was leased and fairh' well improved by the agricultural
society, which continued to have their annual exhibits until 1881. when the
society disbanded. The land was sold to the Odd Fellows of Brookville,
who converted it into the present cemetery. ■ '^"*"
Prior to 1850 the original society went down, and a meeting was called
for August 29, 1 85 1, for the purpose of organizing a society in Franklin
MEYER TOBACCO BARX, BROOKVILLE TOWNSHIP.
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MANUFACTrJlIXG DISTRICT. BROOKVILLE.
FRANKrj.V COIXTV, IXDIAXA. 265
county, under the new Indiana state law. It was signed by James Everett,
James McClure, John P. Brady. Thomas F-'itton. A. B. Line, John R. Good-
win, C. F. Clarkson, Isaac Peck, George Holland and Samuel Goudie. C. F.
Clarkson, who was elected president of the new agricultural society, later in
life made a famous record as a journalist in Iowa, where he was familiarly
known as "Father Clarkson," and was the founder of the great loiva State
Register, now the Rcgistcr-Lcadcr, of Des Moines. Iowa.
The first county fair under the auspices of this society was held at
Laurel in 1852. Three acres of grf>und. just south of the village of Laurel,
were fenced in with a seven- foot board fence; a speaker's stand, floral hall,
mechanic's hall, a hall for grain and dairy products, an office and ticket
building, with pens for cattle, hogs and sheep, were among the improvements
of the place. The main buildings were thirty by one hundred and fifty feet
in size.
After the removal of the fair to Brookville things went on well for
many years, and very creditable annual exhibits were made. But as time
passed and the state fair began to absorb the interest hitherto taken in local
county affairs, this county, with many others in Indiana, began to wane and
finally, after several new leases on its existence, went down. This is to be
regretted, when one comes to consider that Franklin county is still classed
among the good farming sections of the state. At an early day the population
was more or less absori^ed in manufacturies and living off of the forests,
which were finally ruthlessly cut down and shipped away or consumed at
home. But with the passing of factories and mills, a majority of the free-
holders began to turn again to the soil for their chief support.
THE SOIL.
At an early day the bottom lands and valleys generally were too full
of vegetable matter to be good wheat-raising lands, but after several de-
cades of corn growing on these lands this condition was all changed, and then
wheat was profitably grown. In many sections there were produced as manv
as fifty successive crops of corn, which tended to exhaust the vegetable mat-
ter, after which other grains grew better.
In the eastern part of the county there was a large amount of level and
wet land, which was not considered valual)le for farming purposes, but later
on, when drained an<l cleared off, became the richest part of the entire
eonnty. In this portion there is a clay sub-soil with a vegetable loam for the
upper surface. In Blooming Grove and parts of other northern townships
266 FRANKLIN COUXTY, INDIANA.
the soil is gray and, in instances, almost white, with a yellow sub-soil, which
when brought to the surface affords a fine productive soil. In the southern
part of the county the sub-soil is also a yellow clay, though not as pro-
ductive as in other sections. l!ut the proper care, fertilization and general
rotation of crops has brcnight these lands up to alxiut the stanrlard of this
section of the state. Especially here (jne finds many of the most valuable
orchards and vineyards. It has been said by scientists that this county lacks in
lime, and hence fertilizing and the plowing under of green clover has l)cen
successfully followed for many years to the betterment of the soil.
LIVE STOCK.
As a grazing county this is most excellent and those who have turned
their attention to more stock and less grain growing, have come to be the
wealthy husbandmen. The dairy industry also has been profitable, and is
still so. As one example of this liranch of farm indu.stry it should be stated
that hundreds of pounds of milk are shipped from milk and cream stations
within the county, to distant markets, including Cincinnati. Again, the
quality of stock matured here can be shown by the following description of
a mammoth steer, which item appeared in one of the weekly home papers a
few years ago:
"One indication of this county being a good live-stock section is the
fact that here was bred and matured one of the largest, if not the very
largest, steers grown in the world. He was exhibited at various stock and
horse shows in 1906. He was raised and kept until past four years of age
on the farm of Perry M. Elwell, in Springfield township, and sold to Andy
Wissel, when he was eighteen hands high at his shoulder, six feet in circum-
ference, seventeen feet and four inches long from tip of tail to tip of nose.
He then weighed three thousand, five hundred pounds. He was known as
'Jumbo.' "
HORTICULTURE.
That fruit growing in Franklin county may be made a success, one's at-
tention only need be called to the following item in a local ErookviHe ^news-
paper of 1906, which stated the facts concerning three of the most extensive
orchards in the county: D. L. Secrest raised twelve thousand bushels of fine
marketable apples that year : Herman Trichler, six thousand bushels ; Charles
F. Jones, three thousand bushels." The editor adds: "There are hundreds
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 267
of acres of land in this county that would yield a handsome profit if planted
in apijlos, pears and plums."
Another source of p^ood returns from the soil of this county, in more
recent years, is the cultivation oi tohacco, which is successfully grown on
both hillsides and valley lands. Piere and there up and down the White
Water valley may be seen larj^e sheds for dryiiVs; and curin.q the tol»acco
leaves, which are shipped to Cincinnati and other points. This industry,
however, has assumed large i)r(>portions only within the past few years, but
bids fair to become greater. A small piece of land set to tobacco produces
good returns, but it improverishes the soil considerably.
- • • • •■:•:•<; ASSESSORS return, 1913.
It is to be regretted that the assessment books of this county for many
years have not been correctly kept and that the supposed list of farm
products, etc., have not been made up as prescribed by law. In many in-
stances there are se\ eral townships which have made no atlemi^t at duing
this work. In 1913 there were four townships and one incorporation not
reported. The remaining townships and corporation gave the following :
Bath township — Number automobiles, 14; horses, 839; cattle. 585;
hogs, 2,093.
Springfield townshij) — Automobiles. 23; horses, 592; cattle, 1,144;
hogs, 3,850.
Whitewater — Automobiles, 15; horses, 575; cattle, 1,125; hogs. 1,647.
Highland township — Horses, 512; cattle, 966; hogs, 829.
Brookville township — Automobiles, 9; horses, 1,051 ; cattle, 2,043: hogs,
3.308.
Fairfield township — Automobiles, 4 ; horses, 291 ; cattle, =1/6 ; hogs, 459.
Blooming Grove township — Automobiles, 6 ; horses, 390 ; cattle, 707 ;
hogs, 942.
Laurel township — Horses, 332; cattle, 441; hogs, 1,300.
Metamora township — Automobiles, 2; horses. 301; cattle, 521; hogs,
846.
Butler townshii>— Horses. 453 ; cattle, 781 ; hogs, 684.
Ray township — Automobiles, 2; horses. 504: cattle, 1,034: hogs, 751.
Salt Creek townshi[T — Horses, 335; cattle, 739: hogs, 621.
Posey township) — Automobiles, 6 : horses, 293 ; cattle, 423 ; hogs, 655.
Mt. Carmel (corporation) — Automobiles. 3: horses, 38; cattle. 4;
hogs, 16.
268 FRANKLI.V COUNTY. INDIANA.
Oldenburg. (c(>q)(ir;iti(jn; — Horses, 39; cattle, 13; hogs, 27.
Rrookville (corporation) — Autcjiiiobiles. 26; horses, r.051.
Laurel (corporation) — Automobiles, 3; horses, 45; cattle, 13.
Cedar Crovc ( (■f)ri)oratio!i ) — Automobiles, 3; horses, 21; cattle, 28;
hogs, 13.
Total — AutomoiMles. 116; horses, 7,207; cattle. 13. 20^: hogs. 21.411.
Value of automobiles in cdunty as listed, ^43,270; horses, $655,180; cattle,
$381,442: hogs, $105,308.
The assessed valuation of all lands in Franklin county in 1895, accord-
ing to the county reports, was as follows : Value of all unimproved land
in the county, $14.78' per acre, as ])er assessed valuation report; on all im-
proved lands within the county, $17.28 per acre. It is somewhat lower ac-
cording to recent reports.
Farmers' institutes have been doing a good work of late years in this
county, but the rule is that they are not attended as-they should be or nearly
as much interest manifested as in other sections of the state. There is too
much of a tendency to plant and cultivate just as was done by "grandpa and
great grandpa" scores of years ago. The farmer who does pay attention to
modern, scientific agriculture and stock-breeding is the successful farmer of
the county.
CHAPTER XL
PHYSICIANS OF THE COUNTY PAST AND PRESKNT.
The following is a list of the i)hysicians who have from time to time
been in active practice in Franklin county. The county records as to physi-
cians do not go back very far, and the incompleteness of the records of the
County iVledical Society makes it a diiTicult task to give an absolutely com-
plete list, but the sul)joined list covers the larger number of the practicing
physicians of late years, with a fair percentage of those who were physicians
hereJn the earlier years of the county's history. The dates denote the years
of coming to the county, and. since about i8.S'i, the dates on which they
registered in the clerk's office, as prescribed by law :
Averdick. H. G.. was here in iS68: regular school; deceased.
Anness, William R., Colter's Corner, i8Si ; Bath. 1897; eclectic; de-
ceased.
Allen. Irwin O.. Metamora, 1898.
Abbott, Jime, Oak Forest, 1881; AVhitcomb, 1897; eclectic.
Bush, J. E.. 1819. Brookville.
Berry, George, 1832; at Brookville, 1881 ; regular; deceased.
Bradburn, practicing in 1831 ; at Laurel. 1882.
Boyd, in 1831.
Boyd, John, Laurel. 1882.
Berry, William LL, in practice in 1868; in Brookville. 1831 ; regular;
deceased.
Brenshaw, 1868.
Buckingham. Springfield. 1882, Brookville. 1897; regular.
Bertenshaw. Drewersburg. 1882; eclectic.
Batzner, IMartha LL. Cedar Grove. 1882; midwife.
Beall, C. H., Clarksburg, 1883: regular.
Best. William P.. :\It. Carmel. 1888; Brookville. 1S99; eclectic.
Cogley, T. J.. 1836.
Caster, William, 1847.
Chitwood, George R., at Scipio. 183 1 : regular; deceased.
Cleaver, John, 1882; regular; deceased.
270 FRAXKLIX COUXTV, INDIANA.
Coffee, Bert, Andersonville, 191 5; eclectic.
Conner, Thomas H., Metamora, 1881 ; regular; deceased.
Cup{), IJuena \'ista, 1881 ; Metamora, 1882; regular.
Clawson, Joseph C, Cedar Grove, 1906; regular.
Cramer, Paul, Brookville. 1911 ; regular.
Crookshank, E. D., i84[.
Curtis, F. A., 1840.
Carter, Calvin, l!r(jokville, 1S97; regular; deceased.
Davis, John B., 1839: regular: deceased.
Donough, O. H., here in 1S76; regular; deceased.
Dillman, Lurton D., Brookville, iS'82; regular.
Donough, ¥. H.. Fairfield. 18S2; regular; deceased.
Dillman, at Laurel a siiort time early.
Derx, J., Brookville, 18S2.
Davis, William H., Mt. Carmel, 1884: regular.
Duncan, Isaac, Andersonville. 1895.
Elliott, R. M., Haymond, 1897.
Ferguson. Z., 1868; regular: deceased.
Ford, T. J., 1S85.
Fargo, at Laurel early.
Forrey, B. F., Bath. 1897; regular; deceased.
Gayle, 1820.
Gifford, Thomas, at Laurel, 1882; regular; deceased.
Garrigues, L D., Cedar Grove, 1897; regular.
Gifford, S. A., at Laurel, 1915, 1881; regular.
Gregory, Henry, at Laurel, 191 5; at Laurel, 1884; regular.
Gillen, early at Andersonville; regular; deceased.
Gibbs, G. N.. here in 1868.
Garber, Peter, Blooming Grove, 1899: eclectic: deceased. •
Hinkley, in county in 1831 ; regular: deceased.
Haymond, Rufus, 1826, Brook\ille: regular: deceased.
Hudson, prior to 183 1.
Hendricks, at Laurel prior to 18S2; regular.
Haymond R., member Medical Society. 1868.
Hornsher, D. W., here in 1876, and at Fairfield, iSSi ; eclectic
Hendricks, J. L., Fairfield, i8<Si : regular: deceased.
Hammond, Mark. Brookville, 1910.
Johnson, 181 6. ..
John, Jehu, Jr., 1821.
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 2/1
John, Isaac G., 1824.
Jenkins, E. M., Alt. C'armel. 1822.
James, Louis A., Mt. Canncl. 1907; regular.
Johnson, James H., New Trenton, 1905.
Johnson, , Colter's Corner; regular.
Kennedy, Thomas. 1831.
Lewis, T., Alt. Carmel, 1901 ; regular; deceased.
Logan, R. D., first doctor in Posey township, became circuit judge.
Lovel, at Laurel in 18 10.
Linegar. John L., at Fairfield at present; regular.
Lazenby, J. L., New Trenton, 1881.
Murdock, George D., Brookville. 1S16.
Moffitt, Brookville, 1820.
Morris, B., 1831.
Marshall, August La Rue, Andersonville, 1905 ; regular.
Morgan, John O., Springfield, 1897; eclectic; deceased.
Miller, M. F., practicing in county in 1841.
Mayfield, C. H., at Laurel in 1S82; regular.
Mull, P. L., at Oldenburg at present; regular.
Miller, Michael, early at Fairfield.
Mann, E. B., Oldenburg, 1882; regular.
Maddox, F. S., Fairfield, 1S84; regular.
McElmee, J., Colter's Corner, 1881 ; regular; deceased.
McGuire, W. W., Metamora. 1897.
McCammon, J. W.. Brookville, 1901; regular; now at Indianapolis.
Martin, Lafayette, Metamora, 1897; eclectic; now at Batesville.
Metcalf, Henry P., Andersonville, 1900; Laurel, 1913; regular: now at
New Salem, Indiana.
Monroe, George H., Alt. Carmel. 1905; regular.
, Mayfield, Charles C, Cedar Grove. 191 2; regular.
McGuire, \V. H.. member Medical Society. 1868; regular.
Newton, in Laurel township, 181 5.
Newton, Dr., at Alt. Carmel; regular; deceased; member of House of
Representatives 1897.
Noble, B. S., Brookville. 1S30.
Orr, J. P.. Andersonville. in the seventies; eclectic.
Oliver, David. 181 6, at Broolcv-ille.
Owens, Robert J., Cedar Grove, 1881 ; regular; deceased.
Patterson, E. L., Metamora, 18S1 ; at Brookville, 1897; regular.
272 FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA.
Preston, A. L., Fairfield, 1913; regular.
Price, Joseph, 1839.
Quick, John II.. Ilrcjokville. 1.S4C); nicmljer Medical Society in 1868;
Brookville, 1882; was county auditor; regular; deceased.
Rehme, William H., Blcjoniiiii; rjrove, 1881: regular.
Rayburn, I. AI., Andcrsoiuillc. i88r; regular.
Rhea, Janies C, Mixerville, 190J.
Rhodey, D. C, Brookville. 1904; regular.
Roark, Charles H., Ero«.'kville, 1908; regular.
Southers, at Laurel in iSSj.
St. John, early at Fairfield.
Spillnian, .Xndersonville, 1882; regular; deceased.
Schum, Charles A., St. Peter's, i88_>; regular; deceased.
Seal, Frank F.. Whitconih. r88j; .Mt. Cannel, 1897; eclectic.
Squires, George E., Brookville. i88j; eclectic.
Simmons, E., Brookville, 1883; eclectic.
Spillman, I'Vank J., Jr.. Aiulcrsoiu ille, 1897; regular.
Smith, Lula AL, Aletamora, 1897; eclectic.
Smith, Andrew J., Alctamora, 1897; eclectic.
Stoddard, S. P., Brookville. 1907; eclectic.
Shoemaker. David AI., Brookville, 1904; eclectic; deceased.
Singhorse, Alar}', Laurel. 1882; midwife.
Sturdivant. at Laurel. 1882.
Smith, early at Fairfield.
Shockey, Doctor, at Hamburg, in the eighties; regular.
Smith, J. \V., 1841.
Ticen. W. T., Laurel.
Timmermann, Huntersville, 1S82; regular.
Voght, S. ^^'illiam. Oldenburg, 1S98; regular.
Watson. IL, member of Aledical Society in 186S.
Wallace, John P.. member of Aledical Society in 186S; regular; de-
ceased.
West. James F., Bro<')kville. 1897; regular.
Whitsitt, S. A.. Aletamora, 1897.
Williams. Charles F.. Laurel, 1898.
Westfall, Virgil F.. Laurel, 1889.
Young, T. Philip, Oldenburg, 189S; regular.
Zoumer, Elljcrt P., Fairfield, 1899; regular.
FRAXKHX COUNTY, INDIANA.
273
PRESENT PKACrrciNG PHYSICIANS.
The following is a list of the physicians practicing in Franklin county
in the spring of 1915 :
Name.
School of Medicine.
Patterson, E. L., Regular,
Bertenshaw, Regular,
Buckingham, Regular,
West, J. F., Regular,
Garrigues, I. D., Regular,
Glaser, E. M., Regular,
Lucas, J. W.. Regular,
Seals, Frank E., Eclectic,
Squiers, George, Eclectic,
Metcalf, Carter, Allopath,
Mull, P. L., Regular,
Voght, S. William, Regular,
Gififord, Samuel A., Regular,
Gregory, Henry, Regular,
Ticen, W. T., Regular,
Linegar, John L., Regular,
Preston, A. L., Regular,
Cramer, Paul, Regular,
Johnson, Regular,
Coflfee, Bert, Eclectic,
Residence.
Brookville.
Drewersburg.
Brookville.
Brookville.
Brookville.
Brookville.
Brookville.
Brookville.
Brookville.
Andersonville.
Oldenburg.
Oldenburg.
Laurel.
Laurel.
Laurel.
Fairfield.
Fairfield.
Cedar Grove.
Colter's Corner.
Andersonville.
Here, as in many counties in every state in the Union, there have been
medical societies organized, conducted for a time, gone down and re-
organized, lasted for several years and then again gone down, to rise no
more. In Franklin county there have been several such attempts at countv
medical societies, but at this time there is none.
DENTISTS.
The oldest dentist in Brookville is Dr. i\I. C. Armstrong, who came
to this town in 1S75 '^"d has been in continual practice in the county for the
(18)
274 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
past forty years. The next oldest dentist in jxjint of service is Dr. J. E.
Morton, who was superintendent of the town schools from 1876 to 1881.
Doctor Morton has been j)racticinj^ his profession in Brookville since 1884.
Dr. C. E. Case is next in point of service here. The youngest dentist in
the town is Dr. Charles S. Glaser. who has been in Brookville since July,
1914. The only other dentist in Franklin county is Doctor Ross, of Ander-
sonville. Among other dentists who have practiced in the county are Drs.
John Keeley, Frank Fay, John Herron, P. H. Hutchinson and Gray.
CHAPTER XII.
MILITARY HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
There were seven counties organized in Indiana Territory at the time
the War of 1812 opened, namely: Knox, Clark, Dearl)<jrn, llarrrson, Jeffer-
son, Wayne and Franklin. It is fair to presume that there were enlistments
from each county in the War of 1812, but, unfortunately, Tranklin county
has retained no record of the men who went from this county. There were
in the county at that time a number of Revolutionary soldiers, but whether
any of them served in the War of 1812 is not known. In fact, the military
history of Franklin county up to the time of the Mexican War is more or
less obscure, due to the fact that public records, as well as newspai>ers, are
not available.
The Indians were still sufficiently numerous in 1812 to give much un-
easiness to the settlers of Franklin county, and, in order to protect them-
selves from possible attacks, the citizens erected at least twelve blockhouses
at different points in the county. In addition to the blockhouses, there were
many of the early log cabins built with the idea of making them easy to de-
fend. Overjetting upper stories and portholes were provided, but, so far as
local history records, there was never any occasion for the Franklin county
settlers to use either their blockhouses or fortified cabins. However, there
are undisputed instances where the Indians murdered early settlers in the
county. Undoubtedly the best account of these early troubles with the In-
dians is to be found in an account written by the late William McClure ("died
June 24, 1882), an early settler of the county and a man who had the abilitv
to observe things and write graphically of what he saw. The historian is
glad to avail himself of I\Ir. ]McClure's account, which, with a few altera-
tions, is given as he wrote it :
"When the White Water valley was first settled the Indians were peace-
ably disposed, and many an Indian traded his pelts at the thriving little vil-
lages of New Trenton and Brookville as late as 1816. At the opening of
the War of 1S12 the Indians began to be hostile and committed several depre-
dations upon the settlers, with the result that the people began to build block-
houses and prepare their cabins for defense. There was a blockhouse about
one-half mile above Johnson's Fork and another, built bv Conrad Savior,
276 FRANKLIN' COfXTV, INDIANA.
three miles and a half bcl<ju JJruukvillc, on White Water, one-half mile east
of where the Little Cedar thurth stands. There were several others erected
on the West I'ork of White Water, a few on the East Fork, as well as one
or two on Pipe and Salt creeks. The settlers near Metamora built a block-
house known as the Mount blockhouse. There is an old house on my farm
(two and one-half miles north of Brookville, on the East Fork of White
Water) which has two portholes in it, made by Benjamin McCariy, who
owned and lived on the place at that time. I suppose if an Indian had come
in range of his gun he would have been in danger, for he was a dead shot
of a deer. There were five blijckhouses in Laurel township and three in
Salt Creek township.
"I will try to describe the fort at the mouth of Little Cedar, w-here we
freqently had to go on the alarm of Indians. It was a square, containing
from a quarter to half an acre, and with a blockhouse at each corner. The
outsides of the blockhouses, at a distance of seven feet from the ground, pro-
jected about three feet farther than the under part of the buildings. The
upper story had a platform on which to stand, with portholes above and be-
low for rifles. The building v.'as well chinked with wood so as to be bullet-
proof. There was a ditch about three feet deep dug from one blockhouse to
another and puncheons, ten or twelve feet long, well set in the ditch so as to
break the joints. A strong door in this enclosed palisade completed a struc-
ture which was capable of holding; at least five hundred people, as well as a
considerable amount of live stock
"During the progress of the War of 18 12 the people around this block-
house fled to it more than once ttpon hearing that the Indians were in the
vicinity. Probably the recognized strength of the palisade was such that the
Indians felt that it would be useless to attack it ; at least, the Indians never
ventured to make an assault on the sturdy little fort. However, there were
several persons killed by the Indians up and down the White Water during the
War of 18 12. Just how many met their death in Franklin count\- there is no
means of ascertaining. Two men, by the name of Stafford and Toone. were
killed one night while burning brush on Salt creek. It happened that there
were some turkey hunters on West Fork, who brought the news back to
Brookville, and were so excited that they reported the Indians had broken
loose and were killing CA-erybody in the western part of the county. Bv the
time the news got down to the neighborhood around the blockhouse at the
mouth of Little Cedar, it had undoubtedly been distorted until the frig-]itened
settlers were ready to believe that all the Indians in the Mississippi valley
were about to make a descent upon them.
FRANKLIN COfNTY, INDIANA. ^-J-J
"Our neighborhood was soon collected in the Little Cedar blockhouse,
and John Clayton and one or two more volunteered to go to Brookville that
night and ascertain the truth about the report. They returned in the morning
with word that it was a false alarm.
THE KILLING OF BILL KILLBUCK.
"The murder of Stal'ford and Toone led to the killing of Killbuck, an
Indian, who was a prominent figure in Laurel and Salt Creek townships for
jnany years. The lirewater of the palefaces was sufhcient to put the Indian
in a bellicose mood, and at such times he was liable to cause trouble. Ab(jut
1817 Killbuck was at the town of Somersett and had imbibed rather freely of
whisky. About the time he got warmed up properly he met Hugh Brison,
and, stepping up to him, gave him a resounding whack on his back and said :
'Damn you, Brison, I could have caught you by the moccasin string when you
were running through the tall grass.' In saying this, Killbuck was referring
to the time immediately following the killing of Stafford and Toone. Kill-
buck was one of the three Indians who was implicatcrl in this dastardly deed.
The other two Indians were killed by the whites who set out after them, and
this statement of Killbuck's was the first intimation that the settlers had
which connected Killbuck with the deed.
"Killbuck, however, was destined to live a while longer. By 1S20 all
the Indians were gone from this section of the state except Killbuck. who
lingered around his old haunts in the Brison neighborhood in Laurel town-
ship. One day the old Indian urged Hugh Brison to accompany him to an
adjoining farm south of the Brison farm. Brison made several excuses, but
finally consented, and the two started off. Meanwhile, John Bri son's father
had overheard the whole conversation and resolved to keep watch of their
movements. They soon reached a piece of woods and Killbuck began pick-
ing a quan-el with Brison and made a movement to take the gun from his
shoulder and shoot. The elder Brison rushed up. jerked the weapon from
the Indian's hand and knocked him down with the butt of it ; tliey then took
away his knife and tomahawk and turned him adrift, while they returned
home. Killbuck started off in another direction through the woods, and. after
traveling some distance, sat down on a log at the foot of the hill to mature
new plans for revenge.
"Cornelius Brison, still another member of the family, had followed the
party later, and he resolved to put an end to the trouble by beg-inning at the
root. He took a course which he thought would bring him across the Indian's
path and followed it to the top of the hiil, expecting to see the Indian come
278 FRAXKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
in sight. He placed himself behind a tree and waited a short time, when he
chanced to look down one side of the hill, and there sat old Killbuck on a
log. A moment later, and the Indian tumbled off 'with a grin.' He was
buried the following day on the spot where he was killed, and no doubt the
community rested easier with the old savage under the sod.
"We had men of those days who did not run worth a cent. Among
them were Abel and David Webb, Samuel Logan, Stephen Goble, John Staf-
ford, John Clayton, Elliott and Arch Herndon, Ben and Patrick McCarty,
Isaac Fuller and some others whom I do not remember. These men were
old hunters and were always on the alert for marauding Indians. Several
companies of soldiers were sent by the territorial government to attack the
Indians in the central part of the state, and by 1813 the territorial authorities
had the Indians so cowed that they gave the settlers little trouble after that
year.
'Tt has already been mentioned that there were no definite records show-
ing the part that Franklin county settlers took in the War of 1812. It is
known, however, that Elliott Herndon had command of a riile comijany.
which was frequently called out and did good service. A company of mounted
rangers was raised on Whitewater and enlisted by the government for two
years' service. This company of rangers was used for defense against the
Indians in the White Water ^■alley and was under the command of Frederick
Shultz.
"I recollect witnessing several drafts, which were done b\- some move-
ment while the men were in line or platoon. The lucky ones would go out
and serve a tour, which scarcely ever exceeded a week, and then they were
exempt until the company had all served a tour. (The historian presumes
that Mr. McCIure means that the "some movement" refers to the selection of
the men by lot.)
"The last Indian I ever saw in the county was in about 18 19 or i8_^o.
William W^est, James Stucky and myself had been to Brookville and when
we got as far a? Riley Woodworth's we met two Indians there wanting to
see Woodworth about a horse trade he had made with them. They alleged
that he had cheated them, but Woodworth was not to be found. Mrs. Wood -
worth and the children were dreadfully frightened and had sent to her father,
Henry Newkirk, a heavy-set man about sixty years of age, who lived near
Woodworth's. on the hill. We soon saw him coming down the hill as fast as
he could. He had on a pair of heavy stog}- boots — about the first there had
been in the country. I thought he ran very strong, but not fast, and made a
great deal of noise with his boots, and was out of wind. He walked right into
FRANKLIN' COL'NTV, INlJlANA.
279
one of the Indians, without any ceremony, and down went Mr. Indian. The
latter soon got out of the old man's clutches and was up and drew a large
knife and flourished it about. West and Stucky interfered to prevent blood
being spilled on the occasion. The Indians soon left, and I never heard
whether they got the trade back with Woodworth or not.
"There are numerous stories of Indians and their relations to the white
settlers during the early hi.stor\- of the county, but many of them are of a
doubtful or uncertain character. Such stories are common to ever}'- locality on
the old frontier line, and Franldin county, having two Indian boundary lines
running through it, possessed its share of Indian stories."
REVOLUTIOXARY SOI.DIKRS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
It is impossible to know how many Revolutionary soldiers have lived
in Franklin county at one time or another, although a report, published
some time between 1834 and 1S40, of the pensioners of that war who were
residents of the county, shows that there were thirty-two living here at that
time. How long they had lived here and where they were living at the time
of their death the historian has been unable to discover. The list of thirtv-
two is given as it appears, although there is reason to believe that there were
other Revolutionary soldiers living in the county at the time. It does not. of
course, include those who had lived and died in the county:
Name. Pension. State. Date Pensioned. Age.
Alley, Samuel $ 20.00 Virginia March 4, 183 1 74
Amburn, Samuel 40.00 Virginia Alarch 4, 183 1 80
Brees, Timothy 96.00 New Jersey ■March 4, 1818 75
Brown, Timothy 96.00 New Jersey June 2, 1S18 72
Burchtield, John 52.66 No. Carolina ^larch 4, 183 1 69
Colyer, John 39-66 \'irginia ^March 4, 1831 78
Cooksey, Zachariah ~--33 Virginia jNIarch 4, 1831 74
Cotton, William 60.00 No. Carolina March 4, 183 1 S6
Curry, Thomas 80.00 Virginia March 4, 1831 j;^
Deakins, James 20.00 Virginia IMarch 4, 1S31 Si
Dickinson. John 96.00 Virginia Dec. 15, 1829 80
Eads, Henry 80.00 Maryland March 4, 183 1 So
P'loyd. Abraham 35.55 New Jersey :March 4. 1831 qi
Fordyce, Henry 80.00 New Jersey March 4. 1831 ';-2
Fordyce. James 23.33 Virginia March 4, 1831 j2
Griner, Peter 26.66 New Jersey March 4, 1831 93
2S'0 FRANKLIN' COl.NTY, INDIANA.
Name. Pension. State. Date Pensioned. Age.
Guffy, James 136.66 Pennsylvania March 4, 1831 86
Logan, William 25.88 So. Carolina March 4, 183 1 68
Mann, John 20.00 Massachusetts March 4, 183 1 82
Masters, John 96.00 Virginia July 28, 1819 84
Myers, Jacob 96.00 Xo. Carolina July 19, 1819 90
Nithercut, William 96.00 So. Carolina October 6, 1823 74
Reynolds, Joseph 37-43 ^o- Carolina Alarch 4, 183 1 73
Sims, William 28.33 Virginia March 4, 183 1 70
Slicer, Lucas 50.00 Pennsylvania March 4. 1S31 75
Smith, Richard 96.00 Virginia Oct. 14, 1818 —
Smith, Richard 100.00 Virginia March 4, 183 1 72
Templeton, Robert 23.88 No. Carolina March 4, 1831 75
Trusler, James 20.00 Virginia March 4, 1831 79
Van Winkle. John 80.00 Virginia March 4, 1831 81
Vincent, John '_ 55.00 Virginia March 4, 183 1 78
Wiggins, William 20.00 Pennsylvania Marcli 4, 1831 72
The Franklin Comity Historical Society has endeavored to locate the
burial places of all Revolutionary soldiers in the county. It is known that
the following veterans of the struggle for independence are buried in Frank-
lin county:
Job Stout — Died February 28, 1833, ^ged seventy years; buried in Big
Cedar cemetery.
Andrew Shirk, Sr. — Died Januar\' 14, 1829, aged seventy-five years;
buried in Big Cedar cemeteiy.
David Gray — Died December 27, 1839, aged ninety-two years: buried in
Bath township.
Joseph Seal— Died September 3, 1S34, aged ninet}--six years; buried in
Springfield township.
Benjamin iNIcCarty — Died August 16, 1837, aged seventy-eight years;
buried in Brookville township.
Lemuel Snow — Died September 3, 1S34, aged sixty-six years: buried in
Snow Hill cemetery.
John Vincent — Born August 24, 1750: died January 5, 1837: buried on
the farm now owned by Harry AI. Stoops on land he entered in 1806. section
19, township 9, range 2 west.
John Masters — Buried in Fairfield township.
John Mann — Died April 30. 1849. '-^^ -he age of ninety-nine years, and
was buried in White Water township, at Otwell chapel.
FKANKr.IX COUNTY, INDIANA. 281
Robert iraiiiia, who came to this comity in 1804, hved in I'airfield town-
ship, but is buried in the Sims cemetery in Union county.
SOLDIERS OF WAR OF l8l2.
James H. Speer served in the War of 1812 and was under General Hull
in Detroit when that general surrendered the city, August 16, 1812. Speer
was kept a prisoner by the British until the close of the war, and after his
release returned to Cincinnati. He followed the carpenter's trade for two
or three years, then entered the book trade, and in 18 19 built the first pai>er
mill in Cincinnati. He followed this line of business until 1834, wiien he
came to Brookville and established a paper mill, wliich was in continuous
operation for many years. He was born in New Jersey, July 27, 178G; lo-
cated in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 181 1; came to Brookville in 1834, and died in
the latter place November 21, 1863.
Other soldiers of the War of 18 12 who are buried in the county are as
follow :
Jeremiah Fowler — Died April i, 1835, aged thirty-si.x years.
David Smith — Died August 7, 1844. aged sixty-two years.
Samuel Shirk — Died September 5, 1859, aged sixty-seven years.
Philip Jones — Died August 27, 1864, aged seventy-live years.
William F. Taylor— Died May 23, 1873, aged eighty-nine years.
Daniel Morford — Died November 25, 1876, aged eighty-two years.
James Conwell —
John Malone — Died at the age of ninety years.
George W. Kimble — Died January 28, 1881, aged eighty-four vears.
Spencer Wiley, who w-as one of the most prominent citizens of Brook-
ville for many years, was appointed an ensign by Governor William Henrv
Harrison. April 10, 181 1. On June 13, 1813. he was commissioned captain
of a company in the Third Regiment of Indiana Militia. His daughter.
IMary \\'iley, of Brookville, has in her possession his cominission signed bv
Governor Thomas Posey. Mr. \\^iley was a member of the state Legisla-
ture. 1845-46, and again in 1857-58. He was also a memlicr from Franklin
county in the con.stitutional convention of 1850-51.
In the Indiana American of January 21. 1S70, there appeared a list of
pensioners of the War of 1812. The following appear from Franklin
county: William Wilson, Laurel; Daniel ^^lorford. Whitcomb; T. P. Case.
New Trenton; C. W. Burt. Laurel: Carlton Taylor. Whitcomb: George
Crist, Vv'hitcomb; James Ware, Laurel; Theodore Hulmock, Laurel: Ruth
282 FRANKMX COLXTV, INDIANA.
Brysoii, Laurel; Ijallard \\'i!,-,(.n, Metaniora; lilizahctli Elwell, Laurel. These
names were attached tu a petition asking Cunsi^ress for the pa.ssage of a law
to increase the pension of all veterans of the War of 1812 and their widows.
There was at least one soldier who fought at the battle of Tippecanoe,
Noveml)er 7, iSii, wdio later located in l-'ranklin county and spent tne re-
mainder of his life here. This was Hugh West, the grandfather of Hugh
West, a veteran of the Civil War and a resident of Brook\-ille at the present
time. He came from Virginia and returned to that state at the close of the
War of 1812. In 1827 he came to Franklin county, and died in Brookville
township in 184J. He is buried on Little Cedar creek in that township.
THE MILITIA PERIOD, l8 I 6- 1 846.
When the forty-three men wdio made the constitution of 181G came to
the question of providing military protection for the i>eople of the infant
state, they planned to have all of the men of the state capable of bearing
arms organized into companies, regiments and brigades. At that time three-
fourths of the state was still owned and occupied by the Indians and it was
essential to the welfare of the state that ample provisions be made for the
protection of the settlers. After the state was organized the legislature took
cognizance of the need for protection and various laws were passed year by
year to provide proper security against the Indians.
Within one year after the state was organized, Franklin county had
raised a company, which was attached to' the Sixth Brigade of the Third
Division. The names of some of the ofticers of these early militia companies
have been preserved, and the following list contains many of the most promi-
nent men of the county in their day:
Robert Hanna, brigadier-general of Sixth Brigade. Third Division.
Noah Noble, colonel of Seventh Regiment.
Conrad Saylor, major.
Miles C. Eggleston, aide-de-camp.
Thomas Brown, colonel of Sixteenth Regiment.
John Miller, lieutenant-colonel.
David Erb, major.
David Oliver, colonel of Seventh Regiment.
Thomas Carter, inspector.
The following captains have been found in the record: Jesse Clements.
William Chilton, John Br}'son. Jonathan McCarty, Isaac Fuller. Andrew-
Shirk. James McKinney. Robert Faucett, Samuel Lee. John Dutilap. Edge-
FRAXKLIX COUXTV, IXUIANA. 2S3
hill Burnside, David Carr, John IHynn, William B. Rose, W'illiain Bucet.
Jacob Sailor, Richard Biacklidj^e, Thomas Clark, Edward Brush.
The following- men served as lieutenants in local militia companies: Mar-
tin McKee, Thomas Winscott, Alexander Gardner, James Abercrombie, John
Hackleniaii. Powell Scott. Joim Hiday, Thomas Water, Geort,^e Rudicel. Tim-
othy Ellison, William Jones, James Smith, Jolin Xewlaiid, William Nichols,
Thomas A. R. Eaton, Robert Nng-ent, John I'eter.
Ensigns of the early militia companies included the followincj: James
Dixon, Henry A. Reed, William Maple, William Goldin,:.,^ Peter Brackin.
Joseph Moore, Jacob P'aucett, Elisha Clark, James Peter, Ji^hn Adams. Peter
Vandike, Benjamin Gully, Enoch Wright, John Brown, William Davis,
George Cline.
Although there were plenty of the early settlers of Franklin county who
were willing to fight, there were some who were conscientiously opposed to
the bearing of arms. In the early history of Indiana it was provided by
statute that persons opposed to military service were to be exempt from jkt-
forming military duties upon the payment of a certain stipulated sum. On
February 29, 1820, there was returned to the commissioners of Franklin
county by Lieut-Col. John ^Miller, of the Sixteenth Regiment of Indiana
Militia, a list of such persons as had indicated their opposition to military
service, presumably on account of religi(His scruples. Upon the filing of
these names the commissioners ordered that each person so exempted be re-
quired to pay a tax of four ditllars, the same to be collected by the .-.heritt of
the county. It seems frum tiie record that Samuel Ritter and Menrv Elkin-
berry were assessed only two dollars, but no reason is assigned for this reduc-
tion in the tax. The list is here given in full as it appears upon the record:
Samuel Howell. Jacoli Maxwell. Samuel Ritter. Samuel Kingery. John Whit-
tier. Henry Elkinberry. John Richardson. Jonathan Hudelson. Caleb Wicker-
sham, William Maxwell, Christojjher Furnice. Aaron Stanton. \\'illiam Tol-
bert, Eothan Stanton. Isaac Cook. Jr.. Isaac Cook. Sr.. Zimri Cook. William
Bird. Ezekiel Hollingsworth. ITi Henderson. Isaac Gardner. William Gard-
ner. William Pierson, Joseph Cook, Thomas Maxwell. Thomas Swain. Rich-
ard Tolbert, Thomas Gardner, Paul Gardner, John Hay worth. Joel Hav-
worth and William Lewis.
The old militia system which was established by the Legislature early in
the history of the state was continued without much change until 1S31. Bv
1828 an official repiMt of the adjutant-general slates that there were sixtv-
five regiments, which were organized into eighteen brigades, with a total en-
rollment of forty thousand officers and privates. In 183 1 the Legislature re-
284 FRANKLIX COl'XTY, INDIANA.
vised the militia laws of the state, but froin that time forward interest in
local militias ^M-adually died out. In 1832 the adjutant-general reported fifty
thousand nine hundred and thirteen officers and privates. That as late as
1833 Franklin county was still devoted to the idea of keeping a local militia
company is shown iiy tiie fact that in that year notices were run in the local
newspapers concerning- the companies in Franklin county. In order that fu-
ture generations may have s.ome idea of what regimental orders meant in
those days, the following is taken in its entirety from the Rrnokvillc En-
quirer of February 22, 1833:
"regimental orders.
"The 7th Regiment I. M. will take notice that the following persons
have been by me appointed the Regimental Staff, to be obeyed and respected
as such, viz :
"Surgeon, John Davis; surgeon's mate, George Beny; Adjutant, Sol-
omon Williams ; Quarter Master, Allen Backhouse ; Paymaster, James Clem-
ents; Judge .\d\ocate. Robert I'^ausette : Sergeant Major. William T. Beeks ;
Quartermaster Sergeant, John A. Matson ; Provost Marshall, Morgan Roop;
Foragemaster, William Sliolts; Drum ^Nlajor, Philip Rudicil ; Fife Major, Asa
Giltner.
"Musters for 1832 as follows:
"ist Battalion at David Mount's, Friday, May 3.
"2nd Battalion at Isaac McCarty's, Saturday, May 4.
"Regimental at Brookville, Friday, October 4.
"Drill, Friday and Saturday, April 5-6, at Brookville.
"Court of Assessment, First Monday in November.
"Court of Appeals, First Monday in December.
"It is expected that all pri\ate3 will appear armed at each of above [Mus-
ters— in case; of failure, the law will be rigitlly enforced. The officers must
appear in the uniform prescribed for this Regiment and will be particular in
noting the delinquences in their respective commands.
"All that part of the company commonly called Brookville Company,
east of the West Fork of White Water is attached to Captain Clary's, and
that part west of said river to Captain Alley's company, of which all concerned
will take notice.
"Bex. Sed. Noble,
"Col. 7th Regt. I. M."
FRAXKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 285
MUSTER DAY.
Holidays were few and far between in the early days of Indiana, but
there was one day in the year toward which old and young looked forward
to with pleasant aniicipatiun. It was muster day — the day on which the
local militia donned their uniforms, shouldered their muskets and side arms
and paraded before an admiring populace. The law required all able-bodied
men between the ages of eighteen and forty-five to muster at least once a
year, and from reports which have come down through the children of these
patriotic citizens it seems that muster day was the one big day of the
year. Regimental musters were held in the spring or fall, and owing to
the fact that the county had several infantry and cavalry companies, it
was necessary to provide drill or parade grounds. One was near Vandyke's
tavern on the old Holland road on the farm owned by John R. Goodwin.
The other parade ground was located at ^^letamora. The general muster,
which by law must be held once a year, brought forth all the men of
military age in the county. Absence from the drill on this particular day
was followed by arrest and the assessment of a fine. In writing of this
general muster day the late T. A. Goodwin pictured it in the following
interesting manner:
"They came on horseback, on foot and in wagons ; the old came and the
young. They came partly to see the muster, partly to see each other, but
chiefly to eat ginger bread and drink cider, beer or something stronger,
and some to engage in regular annual fist fights. The column was usually
formed on or about the public square in Brookville, then unfenced, and
thence marched into the bottom, down James street to the residence of
Judge McKinney ; thence north to the open ground between the tan yard and
the mill. There were then no houses in that part of town. The infantry
and other uniformed companies led in the march ; then followed the great
unwashed, the 'flat-foots/ which constituted the finest possible burlesque
on military movements. Men with all kinds of hats, or no hats at all,
hundreds of them bare-footed, most of them in their shirt sleeves or at
best with linscy wamuses, some with canes, some with hoop-poles, some
with com stalks, some with fence rails ten feet long, sometimes four
abreast and sometimes ten; some sober and some drunk — and thus they
marched. Ludicrous as this inust have been, yet it constituted a muster in
the eyes of the law.
"The companies were dismissed soon after reaching the parade grounds,
much to the relief of the uniformed companies, which then spent an hour
28'6 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
or two in drilling. The disbanding ui the 'great unwasherl,' as the cornstalk
militia was called, was the signal for an attack upon the gingerbread wagons
which had stationed themselves all over the bottom. So great was the
attendance upon these days that the gingerbrearl merchants o£ Brookville
were not equal to the occasion of satisfying the rapacious ajjpetites of the
multitude, and dealers in the ginger commodity frcjm far and near resorted
to Brookville and also reaped a har\est. It was said that at one muster, about
1826 or 1827, one of these gingerbread dealers sold a half a cord of his
famous brown pastry. It would be interesting to know just how this gin-
gerbread was made, but the reccipe for this delicious confectitni has been
lost with other valuable records. However, some mathematical statements
concerning it have been preserved. It was sixteen inches square and an
inch and a half thick, with lines deeply sunken dividing the whole cake into
four equal parts. These were respectively sections and quarter sections,
and the country beau or big lirother who could march up with his own sister,
or somebody else's sister, and invest a quarter in a section of ginger cake,
with another (juarter in cider or spruce beer. u>ually secured the right to take
that sister to singing school for the next twelve months at least, as against
a rival who had not treated the sister in a similar manner at the general
muster.
"My recollection is that most of these wagons usually handled whisky
as well as cider and beer. There was no lager beer in those days and tem-
perance laws were unknown. Whisky retailed at fifteen cents a quart and
some of those old cornstalk soldiers could drink several fifteen cents' worth
in a day. By noon on this eventful day the fist fights began, and from
then on until the day was over individual combats were waged on every
side. More blood was shed in this way than was ever spilled by the militia
in the performance of their duties."
And so it continued until the latter part of the thirties wdien the interest
in the local militia practically died out. No effort was made to keep the
companies full and the men equipped according to the law. The Indians
had disappeared : England was no longer to be feared and consequently
there did not appear to the hard-headed Hoosier that there w-as any necessity
for spending sd much time in drilling and parading. During the Alexican
War the Legislature passed an act putting an end to the local militia, and
the muster days became a thing of the past.
FRyVNKLIN COCNTY, INDIANA. 2"^^
THE MKXICAN WAR.
The Mexican War was bruuy^lit about by the annexation of Te.vas to
the United States in 1845. ^" '<^3^^ Te.xas had declared her independence
from Mexican rule and from that time until 1845 it was trying to induce
Congress to annex it to the L'nited States. The immediate cause of the break
between the l'nited States and Mexico was a dispute over the territory
between the Rio Grande and Nueces rivers, a strip about one hundred miles
wide. In the spring of 1^4'^) the L'nited States sent General Taylor to the
frontier of Te.xas and when he crossed the Rio Grande it amountecl to a
declaration of war on the part of the United States. With the shedding of
the first blood, the President of tlie United States issued a call for volunteers,
and as soon as this was known in Indiana the Governor of the state
immediately began to raise the quota assigned to the state.
On May 22, 1846, Governor Whitcomb issued a call for volunteers, and
in the Indiana American of ]May 29, 1846, the Governor's proclamation is
graced with a flaming eagle and the words : "Polk, Dallas, Texas and
Victory." The Governor first called for three regiments of volunteers and
Franklin county took immediate steps toward raising a company. On Tues-
day evening. May 26, a large number of citizens of Brookville and vicinity
met at the court house to discuss the question of raising a local militia com-
pany. Doctor Kennedy was called to the chair. William Robeson was
appointed vice-president and James X. Tyner officiated as secretan,-. William
M. McCarty was delegated to prepare a set of resolutions, and he performed
his duty faithfully, as is evidenced l\v the eleven resolutions which he read
before the meeting. The whole tenor of the resolutions were to the eftect
that Franklin county was enthusiastically in favor of the war and that its
citizens were ready to shoulder their arms and fight. Before the meeting
closed a committee «)f eleven citizens, one for each townshi]), was appointed
to receive the names of volunteers. The committee was as follows : Brook-
ville, William M. McCarty; White Water, J. B. Campbell: Springfield. A.
Boyd; Bath. William Bake; Fairfield, Dr. Crookshank; Blooming Grove.
Dr. Miller; Laurel, H. D. Johnson: Posey, John H. Farote: Salt Creek.
Reuben Flawkins ; Ray, Sanford Hutchison: Highland, B. Cottrell.
Before the meeting closed Dr. Berr}- offered a resolution that Franklin
county "be requested to appropriate the sum of ten dollars out of the countv
treasury to each of the first ninety-three citizens of this countv who shall
volunteer and muster into the servdce of the United States in the manner
directed bv the irovernor of the state."
28'8 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
It is to be noted that according to the Governor's proclamation, "All
the volunteers are to furnish their own clothing, serve twelve months,
must be between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, and while engaged
in actual service they shall be subject to the rules of war." Privates received
eight dollars a month and the pay ranged upwards through tl'.e various
ranks to the captain, who received forty dollars a month. It is interesting
to note the clothing which each volunteer had to furnish. It was as follows :
Dress cap, forage cap of glazed silk, uniform coat, woolen jacket, two
pair of woolen overalls, cotton jacket, three pairs of cotton overalls, two
flannel shirts, two pairs of drawers, four pairs of bootees, four pairs of
socks, leather or silk stock, great coat, linen fatigue frock, blanket. The
official notice concerning the equipment says : "No more clothing is necessary
and inspecting officers will see that volunteers are not overloaded with
baggage." A company such as Franklin county hoped to raise consisted of
one captain, one first lieutenant, one second lieutenant, four sergeants, four
corporals, two musicians and eighty privates — a total of ninety-three men.
By the first of June Franklin county was endeavoring to raise two
companies. On June 5, the Indiana American reported that McCarty's
company was nearly full and that Captain Sullenberger's company was fast
filling up. C. F. Clarkson, the editor of the American, seemed to have been
a bellicose individual himself. An editorial in his paper of June 5th. said :
"We believe two companies will be easily raised in' this county. The
American office is contributing to the rank and file of our gallant army;
two or three of our journeymen have already left for the seat of war and
two or three more want to go. The editor has enrolled his name and will
soon be on his way to Mexico, full of war and cabbage."
THE FRANKLIN GU.\RDS.
On Monday, June 8, the first Franklin county company, called the
Franklin Guards, was organized with the following officers : William 2^1.
McCarty, captain; John B. Campbell, first lieutenant; John E. ^Meyers, second
lieutenant. They immediately tendered their services to the Governor and
were instructed to collect at Brook ville. Sunday evening, June 14. to be ready
to go to New Albany early the next morning. There were no railroads
then and the men were taken by canal packets to the Ohio river and thence
down the river to New Albany, where they were ordered to report. On
leaving, the Franklin county boys were escorted to the canal boat by prac-
tically the whole population of Brookville, and just before the boat started.
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 289
Mr. Johnson, in behalf ot the town and county, bid them farewell in a short
and appropriate speech. When the company reached Harrison they were
presented with a Hag- by the ladies of that town.
It was known in Brookville by tiie lime the American came out on
June 19, that the LVankliu Guards were the thirty-first company organized
in the state, and, since the Governor had only called for thirty companies,
the Franklin Guards would not get a chance to be mustered in unless someone
of the thirty companies failed to put in an appearance at New Albany.
As soon as it was found out that the thirty companies had already been
raised, Captain Sullenberger ceased all exertions to complete his company.
In the issue of June 26, 1846, the American says that the Franklin
Guards had been disbanded as a company. Many of them returned home,
while other enlisted in other companies. There appears to have been some
politics mixed up in the refusal of the Governor to accept the company from
Franklin county, or at least the editor of the American seemed to think so.
"We have no doubt that our company was outrageously treated by the
Governor. We Iiave been told by a distinguished Democrat of this con-
gressional district that lie was in the secretary of state's office when the offer
of the Franklin Guards arrived at that office — and that it was the twenty-
eighth company. But it was pushed over to make way for some favorite."
There evidently was some tnith in the charge that the Franklin Guards
should have been accepted. The American of July 3 has a long article
from John M. Meyers, who was second lieutenant of the local company,
and later a member of the Columbus Company. He maintains strongly, vio-
lently and even profanely that "W^hitcomb is the damndest rogue of all
and so universally despised is he here that each soldier thinks
it is his duty to insult him." Twenty of the Franklin county boys joined
Captain Boardman's company from Columbus, and ^McCarty, who had been
elected captain of the local company, enlisted as a private in the same
company. Later, McCarty was elected lieutenant-colonel of the Second
Regiment.
No roster has been found giving tlie names of the ninety-three men
who composed the Franklin Guards, due to the fact that they were never
mustered in as a company. However, as has been mentioned, several of
the Franklin county boys enrolled in other companies, and in a letter of
John M. Meyers, dated July 28, 1846, and appearing in the American on
the 4th of the following month, he gives their names. At that time Meyers
states that none of the Franklin county boys in his regiment, the Third, are
missing. Andrew Berrv, John B. Gilmore, Robert Harper, Willis ]Moore
290 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
axid a few others have been sick, but were on the way to recovery. The total
number of the FrankHn county boys in the Third Regiment was as follows:
William M. McCarty, J. C. Burton, Robert Harper, Willis Moore, Thomas
V. Kimble, Peter Headrick, Andrew Berry, Orville Dyer, Henry H. Green,
R. W. Lane, T. F. Reardon, William Landfair, J. B. Gilmore, J. C. Wilkin-
son, John Pludson, Henry Smith, Alexander Eads, John Miller, J. M.
Conrad, Lewis Fedderman and John ]\1. Meyers.
Michael Batzner was another Franklin county recruit in the Mexican
War and after his return took an active part in politics. He was elected
sheriff twice and later filled the office of county treasurer. Before the
expiration of his term he absconded with thirty thousand dollars of the
county's money and fled to Canada.
Alfred Stoops, an uncle of Harry ^L Stoops, of Brook villc. ran away
from home to enlist in the Mexican War. He was killed at the battle of
Monteroy and his father later secured his bounty of one hundred and si.xty
acres in Howard county. Indiana. Other I'Yanklin county volunteers in the
Mexican War were Lawrence \\'ertz. GcoriL^^e Fetty rmd Charles W. Seymour.
In a letter dated September 6, 1846, J. M. Meyers reported to the
American that four Franklin county boys, John ^Miller, Willis Moore,
Andrew Berry and William I^^ndfair had been discharc^ed for disability.
The editor of the American announced in his issue of November 6, 1846,
that J. M. Meyers had lately been promoted to the rank of a ser<;-eant-major.
The first Franklin county soldiers reported as wounded in the columns
of the American are noticed in the issue of April 9. 1847. Jo^*" C. Burton
lost an arm at the battle of Buena Vista and Orville Dyer was slightly
wounded in the same engagement.
A FURTHER CALL TO AR.MS.
On April 24, 1847, Governor Whitcomb issued a call for an additional
regiment of ten companies. As soon as the news of this call reached
Franklin county, A. W. Sullenberger made an attempt to raise a company
of eighty-four men. The pay had been raised to ten dollars a month and,
as an additional inducement for enlistments, one hundred and sixty acres of
land was offered, "to be located by the volunteer or by his heirs at any
land office of the United States." At the same time John B. Campbell made
an effort to reorganize the Franklin Guards and called upon all of the
patriotic young men of Franklin county "who felt like repairing to the
newly-made graves of our g^allant countn'men who have fallen in battle.''
FRANKLIX COU.NTV, INDIANA. 2gi
It appears that Governor Whitcomb accepted a regiment before Franklin
county could enroll a company, l-'rom the tenor of the letters appearinj^ in
the local papers from the seat of war, there does not seem to have been
much love for the Governor among the volunteers from Franklin county.
This dislike for the Governor will fully account for the difficulty in
organizing' another company in Franklin in the spring of 1847. A very
interesting statement is noticed in the American of June ii, 1847. George
W. Kimble ran a card in this issue announcing his candidacy for the office
of recorder of Franklin county and states that "the proceeds of the office
he hereby pledges to his son, Thomas V. Kimble, a minor, now serving his
country in the army in Mexico." Most of the FVanklin county volunteers
returned to Brookville Monday, July 5, 1H47, and of the twenty who were
in the Columbus (Indiana) company all returned on that day except T. F.
Reardon, J. C. Wilkinson, Alexander Eads and Lewis Feddermann.
In the fall of 1847 Governor Whitcomb issued a call for another
regiment of troops for service in Mexico. Major John M. ]Meyers, of
Brookville, began to raise a company as soon as he heard of the new
requisition. He had about forty names on his roll when he ascertained that
those companies would be first accepted which contained the largest number
of old volunteers. Since Franklin county only had twenty men in the
war up to this time, who had returned, there did not seem to be any chance
of having a Franklin county company accepted. Hence, Major Meyers did
not put forth any further efforts to complete a company. In speaking of
the war and the part which I'Vanklin had played in it thus far, the editor of
the American on September 10, 1S47, said: "The fates appear to be against
the brave spirits of old Franklin, who wished to serve their country and win
glory and renown. Had there been any chance for ]\Iajor Meyers' company
he could have had it nearly full by this time. We believe, with exertion,
two or three companies could be raised in this county at once. We feel a
little proud of the patriotic feeling in our community and of the determina-
tion to avenge our countr\''s wrong."
The American reported in its issue of October 29. 1847, ^^^^ John M.
Meyers had been elected major of the Fifth Regiment of Indiana \'olunteers.
This regiment left ^Madison on October 25-27, 1847. ^'^^ the seat of war.
There were some recruits from Franklin county in the Fifth Regiment, but
their names have not been found. In addition to those of the Third and
Fifth Regiments, Franklin county furnished a number of men for the
Texan Rangers, a troop of cavalry which was recruited from southern
Indiana and Ohio. There were also Franklin county boys in the regular
292 FRAXKLIX COLNTV, INDIANA.
army. An officer of the United States army opened a recruiting office in
the Yellow Tavern, which stood on the site of the present jail.
Dr. George Berry left Brookville April 8, 1847, to assume the duties
of surgeon of the Sixteenth Regiment of United States Infantry. He was
first stationed at ]\Iontcrey and later had charge of the Ceralvo ("Mexico;
hospital, where he remained until the close of the war.
It seems appropriate to close the discussion of the Mexican War with
a picnic — or an account of one at least. On July 13, 1847, an all-day picnic
and big dinner was given in Butler's Grove adjoining Brookville in honor
of the veterans of the Mexican War who had just returned to their homes.
Unfortunately, the issues of the local papers for that week are missing, but
it is fair to presume that it was a most enjoyable occasion. In addition
to the soldiers of this county, those from adjoining counties had been asked
to attend. As far as is known, Alfred Stoops is the only Franklin county
volunteer who lost his life on ^Mexican soil.
THE CIVIL WAR.
On Sunday morning, April 14, 1S61, the streets of Brookville were
filled with people discussing the fall of Fort Sumter, which had taken place
the day previous. It is doubtful whether a more solemn Sabbath had ever
befallen the United States. I'or more than a decade there had been threats of
disunion, but no one really believed that the South would ever openly rebel
and secede — but the fall of Fort Sumter was conclusive proof that the long-
exj)ected break between the North and South had finally come. To tell in
detail the storj' of Franklin county and the part it played in the Civil War
would take more space than could be given to it in this work.
In writing this part of Franklin county's history the historian has three
different sources from which to draw his material, namely : the veterans
still living, Adjutant-General Terrell's report and the files of the newspapers
of that period. The Grand Army of the Republic at Brookville has given
every possible assistance in furnishing data and has rectified manv of the
inaccuracies of Terrell's reports. Unfortunately, one of the best sources of
infonnation is not available. The newspapers — the American and Doiiocrat
— are missing for the Civil War period, with exception of the Democrat
from May 31, 1861, to August 7, 1863. This means that there is no local
accountof the opening or closing of the Avar, and furthemiore deprives the
historian of being able to give an intimate view of the war from a local
standpoint.
FRANKMX COCNTY, INDfANA. 293
In many counties in the state there was much strife and bitter feehng
between the Repubhcan.s and Democrats and I'rankhn cuunty passed through
some trying times poHticaUy. There is no question but that the Democratic
party in b'ranklin county was very loyal to the Union cause, at least a
spirit of loyalty is found in the Democrat until the fall of 1863. ^^'Ilat tlie
sentiment was after that date is not known, since the hies of the pajxjr arc
missing from that time until 1866.
As soon as President Lincoln's call for volunteers was received in
Brookville, C. B. Bently, the editor of the Democrat stood upon a chair in
front of his printing office and read aloud the proclamation. On Saturday,
April 20, Dr. Samuel Davis, of New Trenton, a cousin of Jefferson Davis,
President of the Southern Confederacy, drew up a paper calling f(^r volun-
teers and left it at the law office of Holland Ik Binckley. On die following
Monday morning John C. Burton, who lost an arm in the Mexican War
at the battle of Buena Vista, took the paper and started to enroll men. The
first man who signed the roll was George IMcCoy Sleeth, a compositor in the
Democrat office. It may be said in passing that Sleeth served over four years
in Company C, Thirteenth Regiment, and died in Indianapolis, July 15, 1S95.
The enrolling continued during the following week and on Saturdav.
April 27, a rousing Union meeting was held in the court house for the purpose
of encouraging enlistments. Speeches were made by prominent citizens and,
irrespective of parties, great enthusiasm was manifested. There A\ere large
delegations from various parts of the county and Metamora sent a large
crowd down by boat. After the meeting closed a tall hickory pole was
drawn up over the fire wall of the court house and run out through the
scuttle in the roof of the tower. A large flag was suspended from the pole
and there it waved until the war closed. The next day, Sunday, April 28.
the volunteers attended the senices at the Methodist church in a body and
the pastor. Rev. W. W. Snyder, delivered an appropriate semion. On die
next m.orning, April 29, 1861, the first company of soldiers left Brookville for
the war.
This company was called the Franklin Guards in remembrance of the
company of that name which had tried to be mustered in at the opening
of the Mexican War. The captain of the company was John C. Burton.
The other officers were as follow : Edmund Finn, first lieutenant ; Tames
Rothrock. second lieutenant: John A. Smith, third lieutenant: George Clay-
pool, orderly sergeant. The privates include the following: George Z^IcSleeth.
Theodore Reifel. C. Clay Hutchinson, Thomas Castle. Adolphus Winans. J.
R. Posey. E. L. Powers. John Fowder. William Hadley. Ezekiel Washburn.
294 FRANKLIN' COIXTV. INDIANA.
William Bell, George M. Chapman, Thomas Chapman, Jesse Wilshire,
Preston Gates, John J. Reid, Joseph B. Davis, Richard W. Reid, William
Sheppard, James G. Howland, William F. Winans, Joseph Alagoon, Thomas
Conley, John Conley, John Burkhardt, M. Richard, John Rogers, Conrad
Kernel, F"rank Fogel, J. C. Searle, William H. Skinner, James Conley, A. J.
Posey, Henry Hartman, W. T. Jones, Adam Felz, Joseph Cook, Oscar A.
Becks, M. Sattlcr, Fred Ulrich, F. M. Chamberlain, James C. Bernard, W. C.
Rolf, John Walters, J. L. Bilderbloom, Hczekiah Chapman, Enoch George,
William Stewart, A. M. Lawson, John H. Lapp, Sineas Ryman, Martin
Warner, T. A. Kleinard, Michael Fogel, Benjamin M. McCarty. James
Castle, A. Koehler, C. C. Kirk, H. B. Sheppard, Charles Link, Oliver Car-
penter, Hiram Tucker, Richard Weston, John H. Gifford, J. G. White, F.
M. Faurote, James Harry, Josiah Hires. Richard Jenks, Thomas Weston,
Thomas G. Morow, Perry Williams, Simpton Smith, M. Garmichael, Andrew
K. Stout, W. H. Davis, Alfred Doughty, S. J. Cronner, J. D. George, Daniel
Utsler, G. W. Burris, John McCann, Frank Longsley, David Campbell,
Henry Eradburn, John McGuire, Henry Amerein, Andrew Hueth. A. J.
Bordman, George H. Thomas, G. A. McGloskey, William H. Ee?t, G. F.
Johnson. Charles M. Royer, H. H. Guppy, David T. Hadley. Holt-
slider, J. K. Proctor, Andrew N. Smith. G. E. Shafer, John M. ZvIcXeely,
George Moton. W. D. Pursel. R. W. Scudder, W. W. Andre. James Br}-3on.
The women of Brookville presented each member of the Franklin
Guards, just before they left town, with a bible. ^Mrs. ^Morrow made the
presentation speech Monday morning. April 28, 1861. On that same morn-
ing they were loaded into big wagons, hauled to Sunman's Station and
remained there until they proceeded to Richmond, Indiana, where thev went
into camp for drilling purposes.
Lincoln's first call.
The President first made a call for seventy-five thousand troops for
three months' service, and Indiana's quota was six thousand. Indiana had
furnished five regiments for the ^Mexican War and consequently the first
regiment of the Civil War was the sixth. The state responded so quickly
to the Governor's call for troops that the Franklin county company did not
get mustered in with tlie first six regiments. The state's quota was filled and
mustered into the service on April 27, the day before the Franklin counts-
company left Brookville. .
There were so many companies oflfered the Governor that he decided
to organize six state regiments, the same to be numbered from twelve to
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 295
seventeen and to be mustered in for one year only. These troops were held
by the Governor witli the expectation that they would soon be called for by
the President — and the call soon came. On May 1 1, 1861, the President
issued a call for three-year troops, and, although the six state regiments
had been mustered in only for one year, yet the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fif-
teenth and Seventeenth readily volunteered for the three-year service with
the exception of a few hundred. Those who did not wish to serve for the
three years were discharged and returned home. The other two state regi-
ments— the Twelfth and Sixteenth — remained in the state service until July
18, 1861, and were then mustered into the United States service for the
unexpired portion of their one-year service. These two regiments were
later reorganized for another year's service.
As has been stated, the Franklin Guards did not get into camp soon
enough to be enrolled in the first six regiments, but were later organized
into parts of the state regiments. Part of them were assigned to Company
A of the Thirteenth Regiment and the remainder to the Sixteenth Regiment.
The Franklin Guards were not a unit in deciding to enlist for three
years, but finally most of them joined either the Thirteenth or Sixteenth
Regiments. Companies A, B, C, D and E of the Thirteenth Regiment con-
tained Franklin county recruits. Company A contained 2"/, with four
ofificers, as follows: William H. Skinner, first sergeant; John L. Gilderbloom,
second sergeant; Peter Franzman, Amos W. Batson and Joseph C. Jaques,
corporals. Company B had four privates from this county. Company C
went into the Thirteenth Regiment with its full complement of officers :
Captains John C. Burton and James C. Rothrock, the former being pro-
moted to major; First Lieutenants Edmund Finn, James C. Rothrock and
Alfred Dawdy; Second Lieutenants, James C. Rothrock, .Alfred Dawdy,
William Jones and Theodore Langsdorf; Corporal George M. Sleeth. In
addition to these officers there was one private in Company C. There was
one private in Company D. three in Company E and one in Company H.
According to the record there were only eleven men from the countv
who enlisted in the Sixteenth Regiment, two in Company D in the vear
service and two in Company A in the three-year service. In addition there
were seven unassigned recruits in the three-year ser\-ice. IMany of the men
in both the Thirteenth and Sixteenth Regiments re-enlistd upon the expira-
tion of their term of service.
The Eighteenth Regiment was organized and mustered into the service
at Indianapolis, August 16, 1861, with Thomas Pattison as colonel. David E.
Adanis was commissioned adjutant October 25, 1862, and resigned June 25,
2q6 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
1863. Company F was recruited in and around Metaniora and during its three
years' serv.ee had the follown,, oftkers : Captains, Peter C. Woods Uorge \V .
Kimble Peter D. Pelser and Edward Vount; hrst heutenants, Ceorj,^e \\ .
Kimble', John L. Lowes, Peter D. Pelser. Edward Young; ^'^^'^-'^ "^^T!"^
David E. Adams. John L. Lowes, Peter D. Pelser. ^'^^^^f'^^
sergeant, John L. Lowes; sergeants, Francis M. Evans, P'^"^'" J^/J^^^^'
Wihiam Gramradd and Abner Lee; corporals, David Campbell. W.lham U
Sanders, John Treinor. James Holland. Abraham B. Lowes. George \V ^
Philip John W. Speer and Joseph J. Rickets; musicians, Aaron Conlm and
George Foster; wagoner, George W. Bull. In addition to the above named
officers Franklin county had sixty-six privates m this company.
The Twenty-first Regiment was organized and mustered into tlic serx ice
as an infantrv or-anizati(Mi fur three years at Indianapolis, July 24, 18G1,
with James W. McMillin as colonel. There were a few Franklin county
volunteers in this regiment: Three in Company K. three in Company M and
nineteen unassigned recruits. John B. Davis, of Brookville. wa= mustered
in this regiment as assistant surgeon.
The Thirty-second Regiment was the first German regiment organized
in the state and was made possible through the e.xertions ot August W ilhch
a distinguished officer of the German Revolution of 1848. It was organized
at Indianapolis and Willich was mustered in with it as colonel on August 24.
1861 It was sent into Kentucky and fought all the time m the South,
closin- its career with Sherm.in in Georgia. Immediately alter the capture
of Atfantan the non-veterans were returned to Indianapolis and mustered out
September 7 1864. The three Franklin county volunteers m this regiment
were Christian Ellerman (Company A). Joseph Freihage (Company B).
and William J. Hahn, who was commissioned captain ot Company I, May
II 1863 Both of these men enlisted October 20, 1862, as recruits in their
respective companies and upon the reorganization of the Thirty-second they
were transferred to a residuarv battalion of four compames and placed in
command of Lieutenant Hans Blume. Upon the return of the army to
Tennessee this battalion was left at Chattanooga, where it remained on duty
until June. 1S65. It was then taken to New Orleans, where it remained
until the latter part of 1865.
The Thirty-fifth Regiment was the first Irish regiment and was
organized at Indianapolis and mustered in on December 11. 1S61, with
John C Walker as colonel. The regiment was taken to Kentucky and
later transferred to Nashville, Tennessee. It fought at Stone's River and
then participated in the engagements around Chlckamauga and then joined
FKANKIJ.V COlN'rv, INDIANA. 297
Sherman in his advance on Atlanta. After the battle of Kenebuw Mountain
the Ihirty-fifth continued iiglitinj^ in Georgia until after the battle of
Atlanta; it then returned to Tennessee and fought at Franklin and Xash-
ville. In June, 18O5, 't- ^''^ i't^'it to Te.xas, where it remained on duty until
September, when it was mustered out. Franklin county had a total of
forty-five men in the Thirty-tifth scattered through five different companies.
There were eighteen in A. twelve in U, iive in C, seven in E, and three in K.
The Tliirly-sevenlh Rci^inicnt was organized at Lawrenceburg, Sep-
tember 18, 1861, with George W. Hazzard as colonel. Franklin county had
nearly two complete companies, B and G. in this regiment. Thomas \'.
Kimble was commissioned major of this regiment August 14, i86j, and
John R. Goodwin was commissioned assistant surgeon. .September 22. 1861.
Franklin county had one man in Company A. James Coulter, rir^t lieutenant
Company B only had three men in it who were not enrolled in Frankli.
county. The captains of Company B were Thomas \'. Kimble and Robert ^^
Goodwin; first lieutenants, Robert M. Goodwin and William H. Wilkinson;
second lieutenants. William H. Wilkinson and Jacob W. Stoner. John
McCoy and Daniel S. Sliafer were captains of Company G; A. F. Allen, B.
S. Shafer and W. H. Baughman. first lieutenants; I). S. Shafer and W. H.
Baughman, second lieutenants; J. M. DeArmond, first sergeant; W. H.
Baughman, A. S. Lee, John S. Hetrick and J. S. Clenck-nning, sergeants : J.
W. Bartow, John M. Gray, P. M. Gray. J. J. Hinds. Peter Keen, Samuel R.
Bayles, Oliver B. Baker and Samuel B. Rowe. :\Iusicians, John H. Fo;c
and Samuel C. Shields. All of the privates in Company G were enrolled in
this county. This regiment was mustered out in October, 1S64, and later
five veteran companies and tlie remaining recruits were consolidated into
two companies known as A and B detachment of the Thirty-seventh Regi-
ment. Franklin county had thirteen men in Companv A and thirty-six
in Company B of the reorganized regiment.
The Forty-fifth Regiment (Third Indiana Cavalry) was organized at
different times. Six companies were originally organized for the Twentv-
eighth Regiment (First CavalrvO ' at Madison. August 22. 1861. These
companies had been sent to Virginia at once and there they were joined
on October 22, i86r, with four companies which had been organized in
September and October. In December. 1862, two new companies were
organized and added to the regiment. The regiment was composed of what
was known as the right wing, con-^isting of Companies A. B. C. D. E and
F, and the left wing, consisting of Companies G, H, I and K. The first six
companies operated in Virginia and the left wing was sent into Kentucky.
298 FRANKLIN COI'NTY, INDIANA.
The Other two companies, L and M, remained at Indianapolis for nearly a
year and then were transferred to the eastern part of Tennessee and united
with the left wing-. The right wing- fought in many of the most severe
eng-agements in the East and was tinally mustered out of service August 7,
1865. Tlie casuahties of these si.x coni[)anies totaled six hundred and five
men. The left wing participated in the battles of Murfreesboro, Missionary
Ridge and in all of the engagements fought by Sherman in his march
through Georgia. While at Savannah the remainuig veterans and recruits
were consolidated with the Eighth Indiana Cavalry. From that city this
regiment followed Sherman north through the Carolinas and was mustered
out at Lexington, North Carolina, July 20, 1865. Franklin county liad at
least one member in Company L, John M. Colescott ; four in Com])any M,
John Batzner, Alfred H. Lawson, Samuel .Spidle and John Stewart. Among
the unassigned recruits were George S. Golden, who was mustered in Sep-
tember 18. 1863. and discharged with his company August 7, 1865.
The Fifty-second Regiment was partially organized at Rushville and
marched to Indianapolis, where it was consolidated with the Fifty-si.xth or
Railroad Regiment. The regimental organization was perfected during the
first week in February, 1862, and on the 9th of that month it appeared before
Fort Henry, Tennessee. Franklin county was well rej^resented in this regi-
ment, having volunteers in Companies B, F, G and H. There were six
privates in Company B. There were seventy-two in Company F, including
fifty-four privates and eighteen commissioned and non-commissioned officers.
A. J. Ross was commissioned captain of this company October 3, 186 r. and
resigned January 19, 1863. Salem M. Shumway was the first lieutenant, re-
signing his commission April 17, 1862. Edward A. Boaz was the first second
lieutenant. John E. Swarts was first sergeant; Charles White. John G.
Cowan, W. H. Houston and S. C. Cramer, sergeants; Early Burk, Orange
Ryan, William E. W^ilson, J. L. Grinstead. Jabez Smith, Louis Gilbert.
George W. Osborn and Thomas D. Monroe, corporals; Lewis Lawrence
and William I. Wilson, musicians ; wagoner, James Pruett. Companv G
had five privates. Company H had forty privates and five non-commissioned
officers. Frederick Deike, of New Trenton, was captain of this company,
and John P. T. Davis, second lieutenant.
The Fifty-seventh Regiment was recruited from the fifth and eleventh
congressional districts, mainly through the efforts of Rev. J. W. T. McMuUen
and Rev. F. A. Hardin. It was mustered into the service November 18,
1861, at Richmond, Indiana. Franklin county had eight men in Company
G of this regiment and all of them enlisted as privates from Fairfield.
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 299
The Sixty-eighth Regiment was recruited in the fourth coiigresbional
district, and organized at Greciislnirij under tlie superintendence of iJenjamin
C. Shaw, formerly major of the Seventh Indiana and heutenant-colonel of
the Sixty-eightli upon its organization. The regiment was mustered into
the service at Indianapolis August 19, 1862, with Edward A. King as colonel,
and at midnight of the same day it started for Louisville, Kentucky. Prac-
tically all of its service was in the South and it was mustered out at Nash-
ville, June 20, 1865. Franklin county had more men in this regiment
than in and other recruited in this county; Brookville at this time had one
hundred five men at the front out of two hundred thirty voters. Three com-
plete companies, officers and privates were recruited in the county, C, G
and H. Edmund Finn was commissioned major of this regiment November
6, 1863, promoted to the rank of lieutenant-colonel November 15, 1863, and
mustered out with the rank of major. Edwin W. High was commissioned
adjutant of the regiment January i, 1864, and mustered out as commissary
sergeant. Three successive quartermasters of this regiment came from
Brookville, namely: Augustus D. Lynch, E. W. Willis and William H. Remy.
Dr. L. W. Hodgkins, of Fairfield, was commissioned assistant surgeon
August 19, 1862. Company A had twelve non-commissioned officers and
privates. Company C was made up entirely from Franklin county. Its com-
missioned officers were as follows : Captains, William 11. Smith and Richard
L. Leeson; first lieutenants, R. L. Leeson, John Reese and John R. Ken-
nedy; second lieutenants, John Reese, Moses H. Kibbe, John Burkhardt and
Isaac C. Worden. Company D had two from this county, John Francis
and Jefferson E. Trimbly. Company G was composed entirely of Franklin
county recruits. The commissioned officers were as follows : Captains,
Lawrence V. C. Lynn and George W. Clayjxjol; first lieutenants, George W.
Claypool. Joseph R. Clarke and Oliver B. Hoisted; second lieutenants,
Austin Webb, Joseph R. Clarke, C. B. Moore and A. R. R\Tnan. Company
H was also composed entirely of Franklin county volunteers. The com-
missioned officers were as follows : Captains, Edmund Finn and F. M.
Wilkinson; first lieutenants, Francis M. Wilkinson, E. H. Case and John
M. Davis; second lieutenants, L. W. Buckingham, E. H. Case and Shadrach
Stringer.
Edwin W. High, of Metamora, was asked by the Sixty-eighth Indiana
Veteran Association to write the history of this regiment, and issued in
1902 a volume of more than four hundred pages covering everv phase of
the career of this regiment. This volume has the reputation of being one
of the best regimental histories ever published in the state and reflects great
30O frank;. IN cocnty, indiaxa.
honor upon its author. Franklin county is glad to claim Mr. High as one
of its sterling citizens, lit was born in Buck's county, Pennsylvania, in 1841,
and removed to Aietamora, Franklin county, Indiana, in 1852. On August
6, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company C, Sixty-eighth Indiana;
app(jinted orderly sergeant on January 3, 1864; appcnnted commissary sergeant
of the regiment on March 18, 1864; promoted to the rank of first lieutenant
and adjutant of the regiment on .May 20, 1864. However, the regiment being
reduced below the number required for the muster of a colonel, he was not
mustered into the rank to which he had been appointed.
In June, 18C4, he was i)]aced on detached duty as a clerk at Chattanooga
and served there until March 4, 1865. Later he was detailed for duty as
clerk in the war department at Washington, I). C, and ordered to rcjiort to
Major-General Steedmau in the held. He was assigned to duty as clerk in
charge of the court-martial records of the district of Etowah, in which
capacity he sensed until June 11, 1865. In 18^6 he accepted a position as
inspector and ganger in the United States internal revenue department, and
in the following year removed to Louisville, Kentucky, to accept a position
in United States service, and was soon given the position of chief of the
registered letter division, Lonisxille postoftice. In :8C8 he began the study
of law^ in the office of Hon. James Speed, attorney-general of the United
States under President Lincoln, which he continued for over three years.
In 1871 he was married to Mary D. Banes, of Metamora, Indiana, who '
died in September, 1890. He was engaged in constant practice as a lawyer
until his death.
The Fourth Cavalry (Seventy-seventh) Regiment was organized at
Indianapolis, Augtist 22, 1862, with Isaac P. Gray as colonel. On the com-
pletion of its organization the aspect of afifairs became so threatening in
Kentucky that the regiment was divided, four companies being sent to Hen-
derson under command of John A. Platter and the remaining companies
to Louisville, whence they were ordered into the interior of Kentucky. The
regiment fought in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alississippi and Alabama,
and engaged in many of the severest engagements of the war. It was
mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, June 29, 1865. Franklin county
had forty-two privates and two officers in Company B of this regiment.
William H. Bracken was commissioned first lieutenant Augxtst 2, 1S62, and
mustered out with this rank with his regiment at the close of the war. John
P. Wilson was commissioned second lieutenant August 2, 1862. and resigned
his commission February 27. 1S63. The non-commissioned officers of Com-
pany B included the following: Henry H. Blackman. sergeant: Hu<^h
FliANKI.IX COCNTY, INDIANA. 3OI
West, (luartcrniaster-ser-^'cant ; Leis^li 11. Hamoiid, Gc-or},'e W. Xeunian and
Ignatius L. Koehler, corporals; Lewis F. Roycr, bupler. There were forty-
two privates in this tumi)any : James .\hhf)tt, John 1'. IJohe, WilHani Baker,
James \V. Bell, William II. Berry, J(jseph M. Clark, John B. Cook. William
Castle, Thomas A. Conle_\-, k(jhert J. Cain, ('"rank I )ietenhach, Charles M.
Davis, Cassins Dearmond, William l'"o.t,de. h'rank I'ox, John Ca.tjle. Henry
Gibcke, Peter (ierher. Jiulson Hayes, Andrew J. Heasom, Henry Hartman.
Ezra Keeler, William Kceler. William 1'. Knight, John Cackcy. (ieorge Mon-
roe, Clinton Misner, Samuel Roe, Henry A. Risk. William W. Rohert.son,
Powell Stant, RoI)ert M. Stoops, William J. Stewart, Obadiali Stevens, John
A. Thalheimer, Parkt-r Tappen, Shelby Utsler. Jf;hn L'tslcr. 1-aiah L'tslcr,
James R. Williams, Louis Wagoner and John C. "S'oung.
The Eighty-third Regiment was organized at Lawrenceburg in Sep-
tember, 1862, with Benjamin J. Spooner as colonel. The organization was
composed of nine companies of volunteers for three years and one company
of drafted men. The latter was discharged from service at the expiration
of nine months from November 15, 1862. Shortly after it was mustered in,
the regiment was sent to Memphis, Tennessee, and during the rest of 1SO2
and until the fall of Vicksburg, July 4, 1863, the regiment was fighting
around that strongliolcl. After the fall of Vicksburg the regiment was tran.s-
ferred to Chattanooga and fought in the great battle at Missionary Ridge,
Novmeber 25, 1863. T'ollowim,'- this ilie regiment went with Sherman in his
campaig-n until he reached Atlanta, and then turned and moved northward
in pursuit of Hood. After driving the rebel commander into northern
Alabama the Eighty-third returned to Atlanta and remained with Sherman
until he reached Savannah. It then followed him northward through the
Carolinas and after the surrender of Lee and Johnson marched to Wash-
ington, D. C, where it participated in the Grand Review, May 23-24. 18^5.
The regiment was mustered out June 3, 1865, after having traveled four
thousand miles by land, eighteen hundred miles on steamboat and four hun-
dred eight-five miles by rail — making- a total of six thoiisand two hundred
eighty-five miles traveled during its term of service. During its career the
regiment was under actual fire for more than two hundred days. Franklin
county had recruits in four companies. D, E, H and K. Company D had
ten nine months' privates from this county: Joseph Doerflein, ^lathew Her-
bert, Bernhard Floelscher, Flenry "Mackc. John Meyrose. Theodore Moor-
mann, Anthony Rahe, Balthasar Roell, Henry Wintering and Frank Zeh.
Company E had one private, Peter H. Huber. Company H had three
privates, Henry Hensler, Lewis Etter and Herman Weighmeier. Company
302 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
K enrolled a total of forty-eight men from this county, including officers and
privates. The officers of this company were as follows : Captain, John M,
Cresswel; first sergeant, Wilbur F. Hilt; second sergeants, William H.
Keeler, John Mixer; corporals, Recompence Carter, Joim \V. Feighan, John
H. Kramer and George W. Abraham; musician, Dennis R. Sizelove;
wagoner, Patrick Dugan. The privates of this company were as follows:
Patrick H. Coleman, Michael Doherty, Aaron C. Fry, James A. Harrell,
Peter Huegel, Michael A. Jacob, Joseph Kopp, Nathan Martin, Frederick
Meyrose, Lyman B. Reynolds, Moses Rariden, Daniel K. Smith, William
Stech, John Siefert, Philip Schwegler, Frank Schlosser, Lewis W. Woodrutt,
Jesse M. Woodruff, Frank Wagoner, Conrad Wagner, George Wilhelm,
Anthony Weber, Frederick Wachsmann and Anthony Wobbe.
The Fifth Cavalry ( Xmetieth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers) was
organized at Indianapolis in August and September, 1862. Four companies
were mustered into the service in August, five in September and three in
October. The companies were divided and several of them were sent to
the southwestern part of the state to keep order and quell any incipient
uprising on the part of the Southern sympathizers. Later, all the companies
of the regiment united at Glasgow, Kentucky, and during the remainder of
their time in service fought in practically all of the Southern states. This
regiment was in twenty-two separate battles, and during the month of
June, 1864, was under fire every day in the month. It actually marched
two thousand four hundred miles and was transported one thousand miles
on water. It captured six hundred forty prisoners, a number equivalent to
more than half of its own enrollment. Of this regiment thirty-four were
killed on the battlefield : thirteen died from wounds : seventy-four died in
the hospital ; one hundred fifteen died in rebel prisons ; seventy-tw'Q were
wounded in action ; four hundred ninety-seven were captured at various
times — making a total casualty list of eight hundred twenty-nine. Franklin
county had two men in Companv C. Sevmore L. Pierce and Austin Mason.
Pierce was mustered in as first sergeant August 5. 1862. promoted to second
lieutenant. May 4, 1863, and commissioned captain March 10, 1864. Austin
Mason, also of Laurel, was mustered in as sergeant August 9. 1S65, and
was mustered out as a private June 15, 1865. William D. Banvick was a
private in Company G.
The One I lundred and Twenty-thirtl Regiment was recruited during
the winter of 1863-64 from the fourth and seventh congressional districts
and rendezvoused at Grecnsburg. It was mustered into service March 9,
1864, with John C. McOuiston as colonel. Nine days later the regiment
FKANKH.N" COLNTY, INDIANA. 3O3
left for Nashville and on llic 4th of April the regiment marched to Charles-
ton, Tennessee, spending twenty days marching from morning until night.
It joined Sherman's army in Georgia and remained with him until after the
fall of Atlanta, when it turned to follow Iluud back into Tennessee. It
was in tlie battle of Xa>h\ iile and was later taken to Washington, D. C.
From that city it was taken by water to Fort Anderson, North Carolina, and
was later sent into the interior of the state to meet General Sherman at
Goldsboro. The regiment was mustered out of the service at Raleigh, North
Carolina, on August 25, 1865. When it reached Indianapolis on Septem-
ber 4 it only had an aggregate of five hundred, rank and file, left out of the
original thousand men. Franklin county had one hundred and thirteen
men in the One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment, divided among Com-
panies A, B, D, E, G, H, I and K. There were four in A, thirteen in B,
eleven in D, five in E, two in G, six in H, twelve in I and sixty-five in K.
The One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Regiment was mustered into the
one-hundred-day service at Indianapolis, May 25, 1864. Franklin county
furnished eighty-six privates and the commissioned oftlccrs for Company H.
The officers were as follows : Captain, Robert Allen ; first lieutenant, William
H. Jones; second lieutenant, Edward D. Waltz. In Terrell's Report (Vol.
VII., p. 361) the statement is made that tlicse men were "supposed"' to be mus-
tered out upon the expiration of their enlistment. According to the records,
Wilson Morrow, of Brookville, was commissioned major of this regiment
on June i, 1864, but for some reason, not disclosed, declined the honor.
This regiment saw service in Tennessee.
The One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Regiment was mustered into the
service at Indianajjolis. June 8, 1864, with George Himiphrey as colonel
This regiment was one of the eight one-hundred-day regiments (numbered
consecutively from the one hundred thirty-second to the one hundred thirty-
ninth, inclusive) which were raised in the summer of 1864. As fast as these
regiments were musrered in they were sent to Nashville, Tennessee, and dur-
ing their three months at the front guarded railroads in Tennessee. Alabama
and Georgia for the purpose of keeping open the lines of communication
used by General Sherman. These regiments all served beyond their one hun-
dred days and then returned to Indianapolis, where they were discharged
from their service. Franklin county had fifty-two privates in Company B
of the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Regiment and all of the commissioned
officers. The officers were as follows : Captains. John Colter and Abner Lee ;
first lieutenants, Allen W. !Monroe, Abner Lee and James Gillespie: second
lieutenants, Abner Lee, James Gillespie and Jacob P. Blazier.
304 FKAXKLIX COUXTY, IXDIAXA.
The One Hundred and Forty-second Regiment was recruited for the
one-year service in July, 1864, most of the companies being from the tenth
congressional district. The regiment was organized and mustered into the
service on November 3, 1864, with John M. Comparet as colonel. It was
sent to Nashville, and later followed Sherman through Georgia as far as
Atlanta, it then returned to 'J"enne>see, fuught in the battle <jf Nashville and
remained on duty at that city until mustered out July 14, 1865. Franklin
county had only two men in this regiment, both being members of Com-
pany I, Corporal Henry Bridge, of Laurel, and Private Jesse Bridge of the
same place. Both were mustered out with their regiment.
The One Hundred and Forty-si.xth Regiment was recruited in the
first, third and fcnirth congressional districts, organized at Indianapolis,
March 3, 1865. and mustered into the service si.x days later with M. C.
Welsh as colonel. It arrived at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, on ^larch ir,
and performed post and guard duty at various places in \'irginia until it was
mustered out of the ser\-ice at Baltimore, August 31, 1865. Franklin county
had fifty-seven pri\ates and non-commissioned officers and four commis-
sioned officers. Thomas C. Shepperd was commissioned quartermaster, Feb-
ruary 24, 1865. Company A had eight privates, as follows: Walker Bacon,
James Baker, Samuel Bartlow, Hickman Dean, Charles Hamnian. \\'illiam
Hamilton, Franklin Smith and James Wilson. Company F had fortv-four
men from Franklin county. John Burkhardt was commissioned captain of
this company March i. 1865, '^^^ surrendered his commission on the 27th
of the following ^Nlay. James A. Rodman was commissioned second lieutenant
of Company F, June i, 1865. Charles Conner and Charles Washburn, both
of Metamora, were made sergeants February i, 1865. Thomas Keeler,
James B. French. William Heineman and Lucius Gates were corporals. The
privates were as follov; : Rollin G. Adams. Henry Butler. Tames Butler. Tames
Buckley, John Castle. A. J. Cameron, Frederick Ellerman. Noah Dare.
George Frederick, John Ferris, Z. L. Ferguson. Amos ^I. Gever. T-'hn Holi-
day, William Holiday, John Hurley. J. C. Howard, George W. John.son,
John Kclley, Clarence LaRue, George Mc\Miinney, Wilson ^IcAnnallv.
Elmore Maguire, James Murray, Lewis Morelock, John ^fcAnnallv, John W.
Pettycrcw, William Roberts, Jonathan Rusing, Simpson !M. Rusing. John
G. Schoke, James I\I. Steward, John S. Steward, William Stephens, Henry
Wolf, George Washingtcm and John A. Wiggans. Companv H had seven
Franklin county recruits, Second Lieutenant Frederick Hallowell and six
privates, John 'M. Jaqucs, Samuel Abercrnmbie, Henrv C. Bearslev. John
A. Liming, John H. Stafford and David Worship.
FRANKLIN' COIJNTY, INDIANA. 305
The One Hundrcd-Forty-sevcnth Regiment was composed of seven
companies from the fifth conj^^rcssional district, two from the eleventh and
one composed of detachments from Benton, Henry and Fayette counties.
These were organized into a regiment at Indianapolis, ^^larch 13, 1865, with
Milton Peden as colonel. It was sent into Virginia, and remained in the
Shenandoah valley until mustered out August 4, 1SO5. Franklin county
had three privates in Company D, William L. Gilmore, James M. Osborn and
John Osborn, all from Metamora. William Feffers, of Fairfield, was a
private in Company E.
The One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment was recruited in the
sixth congressional district and was mustered in at Indianapolis, February
25, 1865, with Nicholas R. Ruckle as colonel. It performed garrison duty in
the central part of Tennessee until it was mustered out of the ser\-ice Sep-
tember 5, 1865. Franklin county had thirty-eight men in this regiment,
distributed among Companies A, B and G. The following twenty-three
privates were in Company A : Wiley Ackman, John W. Boots, Charles Aplin,
William F. Crouch, Charles M. Cole, Benjamin F. Childs, Martin Glaze,
John Gray, John Godfrey, Lewis Gordon, John Jackson, Samuel Kaskey,
Andrew Kirk, Edward Lowey, James S. Monroe, Patrick ^McKinlcy, Lloyd
Rariden, Decatur Simms, Andrew J. Stephenson, Thomas G. Strue, William
Stephenson, William T. Snodgrass. William D. Tomlinson and Lawrence
Willhof. There were four men in Company B, Samuel Danbury, James
Graves, Frederick Ward and John G. Williams. Company G enlisted eleven
Franklin county recruits, as follow : John D. Atkinson, John I. Aijrams,
David H. Abrams, Charles B. Abrams, Peter Bradley, William Craig, James
King, John I\ fills, Joseph Newton and Jones Tobin.
The Nineteenth Battery of Light Artillery was mustered into the
service at Indianapolis, August 5, 1S62, with Samuel J. Flarris as captain.
It immediately joined the Army of the Ohio in Kentucky and took an active
part in driving Bragg out of the state. It fought in numerous engagements
in Kentucky and Tennessee and later followed Sherman to Atlanta. After
the fall of that city, the Nineteenth Battery pursued Hood into northern
Georgia, but rejoined Sherman before he reached Savannah. It remained
with that general until the close of the war, and was mustered out June 10,
1865. Franklin county had a few men in this batter}-.
The Twentieth Indiana Batterv' of Light Artillery was organized at
Indianapolis and mustered into the service, September iq. 1S62, with Frank
A. Rose as captain. This batteiy first saw service in Kentucky and later
moved into Tennessee, where it was given charge of the siege guns at Nash-
(20)
306 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
ville. Later it was employed in guarding railroads and also did much
skirmishing- through Alabama and Georgia. It took part in the final defeat
of Hood's army at Xashville, in Decemljer, 1864. During 1865 it was
stationed at Chattanooga most of the time until it was mustered out June
28, 1865. Franklin county had a few men in this battery.
The Twenty-third Battery of Light Artillery was recruited during the
fall of 1862 and organized at Lidianapolis, Xovember 8, 1862. From that
time until July 4, 1863, the battery was stationed at Indianapolis under the
command of Generals Carrington, Hascall and Wilcox. Its duties consisted
mainly in aiding the guarding of the rebel prisoners. A part of the Ijattery
accompanied the Seventy-lirst Regiment to IMonroe, Sullivan and Green
counties, Indiana, to quell disturbances caused by Knights of the Golden
Circle. Later the battery was sent into Kentucky and after Morgan came
over into Indiana, it was sent after liim to this state. After as^iistiiiLT in his
capture it returned to Indianapolis, where it remained until the fall of 1863.
In 1864 the battery was sent to Georgia and helped Sherman on his famous
march to the sea. After the fall of Atlanta it returned to Tennessee and
in the fall of 1S64 it was taken to \'irginia and from thence to Xortli
Carolina, where it participated in the last engagement between the Xortliern
and Sotithern armies in that state. It was mustered out at Indianapolis,
July 2, 1865. Franklin county had some men in this battery.
It is difficult to tell how many colored troops Franklin county furni>hed
the Union army during the Civil War. The names of three — Harrison
Allen, Nixon C. Cazy and Peter Jones — are listed as being members of the
Eighth Regiment of United States Colored Troops. This regiment included
three hundred twenty-seven colored men, all of whom were enlisted from
Indiana.
In addition to the regiments which have been enumerated as contain-
ing Franklin county volunteers, there w"ere other regiments in the state
which had one or more recruits from this county. A number of men from
this county enlisted in Ohio regiments. W. C. Lynn. Thomas ]\Iarlatt and
T. C. Shepperd enlisted in the Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantn.- as musicians
and were mustered out in 1862. It is interesting to note that the first man
from Franklin county who gave his life for his country was Samuel R.
John, a son of Robert and Martha John of Broolc\-ilIe. He had enlisted in
the Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry- at the opening of the war and was killed
at Middle Fork Bridge in the Rich ^Mountain (Virginia) campaign. John
was clerking in a store in Ohio when the war opened, which accounts for
the fact that he enlisted in an Ohio regiment.
FRANKLIN COLNTY, INDIANA. 307
SOME CIVIL WAR STATISTICS.
In 1862 C C. Binkley, provost marshal for Franklin county, gathered
the data for the following- table of the county. This shov/s the number of
men of militia age in each township, the number of volunteers up to that
time, the number exempted on account of physical disability, number now
in service, number subject to draft and the percent, of volunteers credited
to each township. This table is copied from the Franklin Denwcrat of Sep-
tember 12, 1862.
TOWNSHIPS.
<
Z
ei
Jj
—
0
^i
>
o
u
V
s
Bath 125 30 17 29 108 21
Blooming Grove 120 46 32 44 88 t,^
Brookville 517 278 107 151 410 38
Butler 192 50 24 48 168 22
Fairfield 105 45 24 42 81 34
Highland 274 28 41 26 233 10
Laurel 203 117 24 109 179 38
Metamora 136 109 14 103 122 40
Posey 137 80 25 67 1X2 37
Ray 277 31 24 27 253 9
Salt Creek 130 91 17 88 113 44
Springfield 276 96 37 92 239 29
White Water 213 53 26 51 187 21
2,705 1,054 412 977 2,293
308 FRANKLIN- COCXTV, INDIANA.
THE DRAIT EV TOWNSHIPS IN OCTOBER, 18G2.
Ray Township— Bernard Brune, John H. Kreienbaum, J. Kenry
Rendes, Joseph Freihage, Lewis Stone, Frederick Tormoehle, Joseph Wan-
strath. Bernard (irissehoi), John Roever, John H. Boe.^geman, Henry
Klostermann, Henry Rocll, Casper Gaupel, Abraham liilton, Jacob VVcber,
Mack Schneider, Henry Krenger, Bernard Raab, Joseph Burlage, Antony
Fischeser, Henry H. Blarikc, Christopher Knabe, Frederick Knapman, Jacob
Ruber, Louis Meyer, Bernard Hinnecamp, Henry Boerstead, Otb.niel T.
Biggs, Adam Vierhng, Bernard Grucnkcmeier, Joseph Middendorf, Bernard
Baumer, Flenry Macke, Franz Schcper, Jr., John Bredewater, Thomas E.
Biggs, Antony Hackman, Frederick Meyer, Henry Niemeyer. Frank Rolf us,
George FL Minning, Francis Welilage, John P. Fisse, John Haverkos, Henry
Kruthaup, John B. Sandmann, Wilham Rahe, Vincent Welhng, Frank Raver,
Henry Seigering, Theodore Moormann, Clemens Rosser, Christopher
Schwegman, Herman Waechter, John W. Holmauer, Joseph Ziegchiicyer,
Henry Wintering, John H. Rolfus, Francis :\reyer, William Dwenger.
Highland Township—Henry Stahlniann, Frederick Siebenthaler, George
Chapman, William Mergenthal. George Schiapp, John E. Ripi)erger, Adam
Berg, Stephen Howe, S. M. Riter, Frederick Batzner, John Molte'r. John
Woolver, Washington Howe, John Sefrin. Joseph Bondle, Peter Franzm'ann,
Charles Rupp, Peter Brickner, Eli Parkhurst, James Chapman. Nathan Baker.'
Philip Eschenbach, Pius Geiger, George Huber, Henry Hartman, George
B. Siebenthaler, George Reiter. Jamison Cox, William Prifogle. Godfreid
Siebenthaler, Valentine Boll, Aloyious Fluber, John Geis, WilHam Stewart,
George Pulskamp, Charles Fertig, Andrew Wissel, George Wiwi, John Batz-
ner, Reuban Benton, Henry Bruns, Clinton Annsrron. William Cooley. Her-
man Becker, Frederick Bruns, Flenry Siebenthaler, Peter Grose, Christian
Ellerman, Christopher Ambcrger, Allen McFee, John Stallmann,' Frederick
Feit, Mathias Yagley, Joseph Geis.
White Water Township— Lemuel Sparks. James Hampson. William
Blackburn. Nicholas Stone. Joseph Barrow, George C. Cleaver. George W.
Gant, Moses Smith. Charles Gillc. Ambrose Williams, John F. Hutchinson,
Nathan R. Butcher, John Carter. John S. Hyde. John Hurst, John ^.l. Taques!
John Dale. Frederick Kirk, James Hollowell, John M. Rudicill, V\'illiam
Selves, Adam Rifner. Alfred J. Freeland, Thomas Standsbern-,' William
Jaques. ■ -— _.,
Butler Township— Michael Gehrig. B. Gnienkemeier. Tohn Conrad.
Christian Hessler, F. W. Wittkemper, John Ragan' Lawrence Steno-el. Tohn
FKANKLI.N COUNTY, INDIANA. 3O9
Heggeniann, Charles Wittkcmper, Peter Motsch, William Hassmann, Martin
Krinker, Albert Bruiisniann, John Wirtz, Jacoh Zins, Addison Garrison, J.
M. Jones, Gerhart Alcyer, Israel Cohen, Richard Alilbum.
Bath Township — Edward J. GoiY, James Landon, Asa Acres, Harrison
Mclain, Benjamin Miller, James Moran, Andrew Lockridge, George Rich-
mond, James Dair, Jacob Sites, John W. Smolley, Alexander Young, James
Hetrick, Alexander Tucker. Joseph Wallace.
Springfield Township — Lewis Bolton, Owen Davis, Peter Deannond,
William Seal, Peter Iluth, Jonathan !Miles, James Hiatt, Joseph L. Carson,
George T. McClellan, John L. Riter, Richard O'Byrne, Jacob Gratwohl,
William H. H. Thomas, John Barry.
These men were to report at Indianapolis, October 15, 1S62, and if any
failed to appear they were arrested by the marshal. Drafted men were per-
mitted to volunteer in old regiments or for one year's service. Substitutes
were accepted when they reported to the camp at Indianapolis. The other
townships in the county had furnished their quota and were not subject to
the draft.
QUOTAS .A.ND CREDITS.
The following is a statement of quotas and credits of Franklin county
under calls of February i, March 14, and July 18, 1864, as shown by
Adjutant-General Terrell's Report, December 31, 1864:
.-
Credits
^^ .
so
~
by
"^
— "2
•
:jo
f
"
vort
'y
^
l^
4-1
0
s
«c
~
X w
Kn-
I't
a
r-
!°
m a
'-'
•^
"p
o'5
vi
>>
S=«
ra
b
C ci 3
t s> 0
Or?'
a
C-i
i'i
at
x —
5-^
3
0
5^
o
>■
1
Bath
19
s
21
124
4S
44
9
53
21
32
5
Fairfield ___
i:>
6
14
86
35
48
_,
48
8
36
13
Bp. (irove —
17
7
ir.
93
39
29
_.
7
36
20
16
""3
Laurel
32
13
30
178
75
41
27
5
73
7
66
Posey
20
S
17
99
45
28
15
2
45
6
39
Salt Creek-
19
8
16
97
43
31
12
43
4
39
Metamora __
20
8
19
113
47
30
26
56
56
~~9
BrookviUe _
7S
31
79
480
18S
125
28
35
188
62
126
Springfield _
S7
15
3:.
210
87
74
13
S7
40
47
W^. Water^_
36
14
3B
213
80
60
34
94
21
„__
73
s
Hip-hland __
3fi
14
25
207
85
64
3
"24
91
38
6
Butler
2fi
10
28
170
64
50
13
63
30
33
1
Ray
30
12
29
176
71
47
"24
71
4
Totals
3sr,
154
374
2246
913
671
191
86
948
261
1
6n2
6
41
It will never be known exactly how many Franklin countv men volun-
teered in the Civil War, but it is safe to sav that the countv furnished more
3IO FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA.
than the nine hundred and forty-eight men credited to it by Terrell's Re-
ports. The above table .shows in detail some interesting tacts concerning
the enlistments in the various townships of the county, and is the last table
shown in Terrell's Report. On April 14, 1865, Franklin county was called
upon to furnish one hundred and ninety-two men, but before anything wa.s
done the war had closed.
Franklin county was credited in iS6r with two thousand seven hundred
and five men between the ages of eighteen and forty-five who were subject
to militan,' duty. Of this number, four hundred and twelve were exempt
for disability or other reason, which left two thousand two hundred and
ninety-three subject to the draft. Owing to the fact that many of the men
from Franklin county enlisted in other counties, and even in other states, it
is very difficult to obtain a complete roster of the men from the county in
the Civil War. The original muster rolls are all missing, except that of
Company C, Sixty-eighth Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Ac-
cording to the report of Adjutant-General Terrell, Franklin county fur-
nished nine himdred and forty-eight men for service at the front during the
Civil War. This docs not include those who took part in the Morgan in-
vasion or those who were in the Home Guards organized in the fall of 1863.
RELIEF OF SOLDIERS AND THEIR F.VMILIES.
The outbreak of the rebellion found the national government not only
without an army, but without the means to equip it. Out of this double
deficiency grew an army of citizens who not only needed more care than the
government could give, but who left families dependent upon them needing
help which no government has ever given. Before the first year of the war
had passed, it was apparent that the soldiers would have to de]:)end upon
their local counties for many of the actual necessities of life. There was
particularly a demand for clothing and shoes, and when the first cold weather
struck the soldiers in the fall of 1861 the women of the North began to
prepare and send to the front warm clothing. The efforts' to meet the needs
of the soldiers at the front in the way of clothing, food and medical sup-
plies is one of the most interesting sidelights on the great Civil War. In
addition to the voluntary contributions of citizens, each county and township
in the state raised by taxation sums of money known as bounties and re-
liefs. Franklin county showed its patriotic zeal and devotion to the Union
cause by raising over a quarter of a million of dollars, as is shown bv the
following figures :
FRAXKLIX COUXTY, IXDIAXA. 3II
Raised by the county —
Bounty $244,206.00
Relief 4,074.05
Miscellaneous 5.705-32
$253,985.37
Raised by townships —
Bounty $ 30,000.00
Relief 3,000.00
$33,000.00
Total raised in the county $286,985.37
The mothers, wives and sweethearts of the soldiers who went from
Franklin county sent large quantities of clothing and provisions to the front
during the last three years of the war. Some idea of the nature of these
articles may be gathered from the Christmas boxes of 1861, which were sent
by the women of Mt. Carmcl to the men of the Thirty-seventh Regiment.
The list included the following; 59 woolen blankets. 66 feather pil-
lows, 17 bed sacs, 14 sheets, 8 pillow cases, 6 calico bed gowns, 11 pairs
woolen mittens. 28 pairs sox. J2 cans fruit and 2 cans jelly, 22 pecks dried
apples, I dozen tin plates, 2 dozen tin cups, 3 sets knives and forks, i dozen
spoons; $14 to pay the express on boxes.
An interesting sidelight on the relief in Brookville is disclosed by the
book in the possession of Harry M. Stoops, containing the reports of the re-
lief committee of the town. From the reports it appears that the greatest
amount of relief was given in 1864 and 1865. Subscription papers were cir-
culated asking for assistance, and the following is copied from the head of
one of these papers :
"We, the undersigned, subscribe and pay the sums of monev placed op-
posite our respective names to the relief committee ; said committee to use. pay
out and distril)ute to the benefit and relief of soldiers' families, residents of
the town of Brookville and vicinity, as they in their discretion mav deem must
beneficial." (Dated Februarv' 17, 1864)
This particular paper had donations ranging from Sio to 50 cents, with
twenty-eight subscribers, giving a total of S77.50. The relief' committee in
charge for practically all of 1864 was composed of C. C. Binkley, George F.
Maxwell and John Roberts. They collected not only money, but clothing,
provisions and wood. This committee appointed sub-committees, who inves-
tigated all cases and recommended such relief as they thought should be
312 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
given. In this volume just nicniiuned there are more than one hundred re-
ceipts which read as follows :
"Mr. H. C. Gallion: Let Mrs. have $2 worth of goods
and charge to relief committee." (This was signed by the three members of
the relief committee.)
Other reports show wliere Nathaniel Holmes hauled forty-six loads of
wood to destitute families, for which he received 25 cents a load. Scores of
receipts show where half-bushels of potatoes, turnips, cabbage and apples were
distributed to the needy. It is safe to say that no soldier's family in Brook-
ville suffered for the necessities of life if the relief committee was able to
learn of their destitution. And what was true of Brookville applies equally
to the rest of the county, as is shown by the large amount expended for relief
work.
When the Legislature met in January. 1S65, Governor Morton laid before
it the question of providing relief for the families of soldiers. That body
passed a bill on March 4 assessing a tax of 30 cents on each $100 worth of
property in the state, the proceeds of which was to be applied to soldiers'
families. In accordance with instructions sent out to the county auditors,
August 4, 1865, pursuant to this act, Franklin county reported that there
were one thousand seven hundred and twenty-eight beneficiaries in the county
who would come under the act. This meant that Franklin county had to
raise $13,962.24, the same being raised by taxation, as above stated.
HOME GUARDS.
During the course of the Civil War the Legislature authorized the forma-
tion of local militia companies, which were to be known as Home Guards,
or the Indiana Legion, the latter name being given to it by Adjutant-General
Terrell in his report. Pursuant to the order authorizing the fomiation of local
companies, Franklin county organized a regiment of nine companies in the
fall of 1863. The companies, with their officers, were as follows :
Whitcomb Home Guards — Captain, Robert Allen; first lieutenant, Jus-
tin K. Proctor; second lieutenant, John Blue.
Brookville Guards — Captain. William H. Jones; first lieutenant, James
C. Howland ; second lieutenant, Oscar A. Beeks.
Laurel Guards — Captain. William L. Day ; first lieutenant, William Tuck-
et; second lieutenant, William W. Williams.
Buena Vista Guards — Captain, George W. Phillips; second lieutenant,
William J. Pugh ; second lieutenant, John F. Ryan.
FKANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 3I3
Metamora Legion — Captain, John Colter; first lieutenant, James B. Hol-
land ; second lieutenant, Jacob B. Blazier.
Fairfield Guards — Captains, Zacliariah Ferguson and James A. Mill;
first lieutenants, Charles H. Bassett, James A. Mills and Van Buren Rigor;
second lieutenant, John A. Hughes.
Springfield Guards — Captain, William H. .Schultz; first lieutenant, Sam-
uel T. Bourne; second lieutenant, John W. ^McClure.
State Line Rangers — Captain, George W. Finley ; first lieutenant, Ed-
ward Waltz; second lieutenant, Henry Luring.
Franklin Guards (raised at New Trenton) — Captain, Absalom R. Case;
first lieutenant, William H. Stowe ; second lieutenant, George R. Adair.
morgan's raid.
On Wednesday morning, July 8, 1S63, General Morgan crossed over the
line from Kentucky to Lidiana. He had four thousand mounted men with
him, and for the next five days created more consternation in Indiana than
the state has ever known. It is not the purpose of this paragraph to give in
detail the story of Morgan's raid in Indiana, only in so far as it is concerned
with Franklin county. Morgan first aj)peared before Corydon, and at that
place three volunteers were killed and one mortally wounded. On the after-
noon of the 9th Morgan marched out of Corydon and soon appeared before
Palmyra in the northern part of Harrison county. Here ^Morgan separated
his forces, part going to Greenville, part to Paoli and the rest going forward
to Vienna. His forces came together at Salem at nine o'clock on the morning
of the lOth. From Salem, jMorgan started in an easterly direction, having
found out that it was not prudent to advance toward Indianapolis, as he
had originally intended to do. Some of his men went through Brownstown
and others through Canton and New Philadelphia and spent the nighi at
Lexington in Scott county. On Saturday afternoon, the nth, Alorgan came
in sight of Vernon, but there was too strong a force posted there, so he
passed the town Ijy without making an attempt to capture it. On Saturday
night ]Morgan camped near Dupont, about eight miles southeast of \'ernon.
About four o'clock on the morning of Sunday. July 12. Morgan passed
through Dupont on the way to Versailles in Ripley county. He reached
that place at half-past one o'clock, captured Col. J. H. Cravens with three
hundred militia, and rol)bed the c<uinty treasury of five thousand dollars of
public funds.
It was on this memorable Sunday that Franklin county got its only
first-hand experience of the Civil War. The knowledge that Morgan with
314 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
his band of marauders was in Ripley and Dearborn counties on that day
created the wildest excitement among the citizens of Franklin county. The
gallantry and the alacrity with which the citizen soldiery rushed to arms in
defense of their homes was praiseworthy and commendable in the highest
degree. From early Sunday morning- until Morgan crossed over the line
into Ohio on Monday night, Brookville was in a perfect uproar and prepara-
tions for defense were to be seen on every hand.
The Franklin Democrat, of Brookville, in its issue of July 17, 1863,
gives a graphic description of these few exciting days in the town and coun-
ty: "In our town, with the most generous enthusiasm, the people have hast-
ened to take up arms to drive out the impudent invaders of our soil. With
a zeal and alacrity almost without parallel, they have dropped the sickle and
plow and, rifle in hand, have joined in pursuit of the freebooters. On Sun-
day, learning that the rebels were in the vicinity of Sunman's Station, every
conceivable mode of conveyance was procured to convey our amied citizens
to the locality where it was supposed a collision would take place. In his
march, Morgan is making wholesale work in the way of stealing horses and
his men are mounted on the finest stock in the country. Several of the citi-
zens of this county were relieved of their horses by this freebooter and his
men. Among the citizens of the couflty who contributed horses to Morgan's
cause, against their own will, were John P. Case, of New Trenton, and Dr.
John Cleaver, of Drewersburg. " In addition to robbing the stables, the
marauding band did not hesitate to appropriate any articles which met their
fancy as they rode through the county. According to the best information
obtainable, there were only about ten of Morgan's men in Franklin county.
Two troopers appeared at Oldenburg on Saturday afternoon, and, riding
into the blacksmith shop of J. H. Kessing, they told him they wanted their
horses shod at once. They insisted on having new shoes put on their horses,
but Kessing told them he did not have any, although he did have some hang-
ing from the ceiling of the shop. There were some farmers in the shop, but
the troopers demanded that their horses be shod at once, and told Kessing
that when he had them shod to bring them to the Kuntz saloon fnow the
Kellermann saloon), and they would pay for his work. He shod them and
took them to the saloon, but they immediately jumped upon them and rode
away without offering to pay. They rode off toward St. Marys and met
Dominic Siefert along the road. Siefert had just sold a horse and had the
money in his pocket, but the troopers kindly relieved him of his burden. Be-
fore reaching St. Marys they appeared to have passed over into Dearborn
county, since they are next heard of at New Alsace.
On Sunday, ten of Morgan's men appeared at the home of George Dud-
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 315
ley, about three miles west of St. Peters, and asked to be fed. While Mrs.
Dudley was preparing something for them to eat they visited the barn to look
at Mr. Dudley's horses, but he had heard of their coming and had hidden his
horses in the woods. Not getting any horses, they satisfied themselves by
taking three shirts off the line in the yard. After eating the meal prepared
for them by Mrs. Dudley, the marauders went to the farm of Frank Rosfelt,
in the same township, and took a couple of his horses. They continued on
east, and on the other side of New Trenton met the omnibus going up the
Miami hill and compelled all of the passengers to hand over their money and
valuables. One man from Brookville, Albert Loper, escaped some way or
other, while the others were being relieved of their money, and hid in an
oats field near the road. The omnibus company lost twelve horses.
It was expected that Brookville would be attacked by Morgan, and con-
sequently eveiy effort was made to defend the town. Colonel Clayixjol. of
Connersville, brought to Brookville on Sunday the Fayette Minute Men and
the Ashland Home Guards, numbering, all together, about one hundred and
fifty men. This mounted troup remained in Brookville until Thursdav morn-
ing, and, according to the Franklin Democrat, "carried away with them the
heartfelt wishes of every member of this community for the soldierly bearing
and gentlemanly deportment which characterized the whole troop during their
stay. As an evidence of the manner with which they were treated by our
citizens, the following resolution was unanimously passed by them just prev-
ious to their departure :
" 'Resolved, That the heartfelt thanks of the Fayette Minute Men and
the Ashland Home Guards he hereby tendered to the citizens of Brookville,
for their generous hospitality and kindness during the time that said com-
panies have been quartered in their midst, and that this resolution be pub-
lished in the Democrat and Defender:' '''
HACKLEMAN POST, NO. 64, GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
In the spring of 18S2 a number of veterans of the Civil War residing
in and around Brookville began to agitate the establishment of a post of the
Grand Army of the Republic. Finally twenty-three veterans petitioned the
state organization for a charter, and on April 10. 1882, a charter was granted
to the i^etitioners. The charter was issued to Hackleman Post No. 64. the
name being suggested by those desiring the charter.
It is pertinent in this connection to say something of Pleasant A. Hackle-
man, the only general from Indiana killed in the Civil War. He was born
3l6 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
NoveniI>er 15, 1814, in J'raukliii county, Indiana, and was killed at the battle
of Corinth, on October 3, iN(,j. lie was mustered in May ii, 1861, as
colonel of-the Srxteenth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers for the one-year
service, lie was commissioned colonel May 18, l8'6i, and was mustered
out May 6, 1862, for pronKjtion to the rank of brigadier-general. On May
13, 1862, he was presented with an elegant sword in the presence of his regi-
ment by the enlisted men of the Sixteenth Indiana, lie continued in com-
mand of the reorganized Sixteenth Indiana until his untimely death on the
battleiield.
Hackleman Post was formally organized in the town hall at Brookville
on the evening of April 18, i88j. Dr. J. L. Wooden, the mustering officer
for the state department of the Cirand Army of the Republic, had charge of
the meeting and assisted in the organization. The first ofiicers were as fol-
low: William H. Bracken, conmiander ; William II. Jones, senior vice-com-
mander; John J. Sauers. junior vice-commander; John F. McKee, officer of
the day; James A. Rodman, oflicer of the guard; Thomas C. Sheppard, chap-
lain; Alexander W. Lee, surgeon; Oliver B. Baker, quartermaster; John
Burkhardt, adjutant; Robert J. Cain, quartermaster sergeant; George Mon-
roe, sergeant major.
"The objects of the Grand Army of the Republic are purely fraternal,
and in no way do they conflict or meddle with sect or creed in politics or in
the affairs of society. To preserve and strengthen the fraternal feelings
that bound soldiers together in camp and upon battlefield; to perpetuate the
memory of the history of the beloved dead; to assist such former comrades-
in-arms as in their declining years and from their wounds and hardships
might need hel]) and protection ; to care for the widcnvs and orphans of those
who have fallen: to maintain the allegiance and fidelity of the United States
and permanent respect for the constitution tested and proved upon the battle-
field, and to encourage the spread of uni\ ersal liberty and justice to all men,
are the objects of the Grand Army of the Republic."'
The original charter hanging on the walls of the post room contain the
names of twenty-three petitioners, as follow: John Burkhardt, James A.
Rodman. William H. Bracken. John F. ATcKee, William H. Jones. Oliver
Baker, Alexander W. Lee. Z. S. Hutchinson. Robert J. Cain. Alanson R.
Ryman. Ernest Gagle, John A. Gaines. Lewis Ouillhorst, Thomas C. Shep-
perd, Nathan Davis, George Monroe, John G. Sauers. Adam Thalheimer,
Robert M. Stoops, Josciih R. INisey, Jonathan Parvis, C. B. Smith and Peter
Amrheine. For some reason three of these, C. B. Smith, Peter Amrheine
and Jonathan Parvis, were not present when the post was organized on April
FRANKIJ-V COUNTY, IXDIAXA. 3I7
18. 1882. In fact, the name of Smith does not appear in the roll of mem-
bers at all. Amrhcinc was apparently mustered in sometime in 1884, al-
though the record of the post gives the date as April 18, 1882. Par\-is was
mustered in March 22, 1884.
Of the twenty who were mustered in upon the first organization of the
post, Peter Amrheine is the only one still living. 'I'he present f^fficcrs of
Hacklcman Post are as follow: George S. G(jlden, commander: Thoma?>
B. Thackrey, senior vice-commander: Milton Curry, junior vice-commander;
Oliver G. Templeton. quartermaster: John Cowen, adjutant: John Ferris,
surgeon; George \V. Higgs, chaplain; L'rank Fogel, officer of the day; John
H. Updike, officer of the guard: Afarion Butler, sergeant major; Michael A.
Jacob, quartermaster sergeant: Samuel Thomas, patriotic instructor. The
delegate for the next state encampment is Samuel Thomas, with George \V.
Higgs as alternate.
New members have been added to Hackleman Post from year to vear
until the total membershi]) reached one hundred and fifty-four with the mus-
tering in of Milton Curry, February 21, 1914. The members of the post
who have been taken in since it \\as first established, are as follows: Lewis
Hornung. Frank Wiefifenljach. Joseph Long. Edward D. VVeltey, Jonathan
Parvis, John D. Feiber, Andrew J. Heasom, Robert E. Best, James Williams,
Philip Shuh. Frederick Ulrich, Peter Stoltz, William Cooley, John J. Posey,
Adam Feltz. John Batzner. Levi W. Buckingham. Peter Amrheine, Oliver
Stuart, Simeon Colbank, Elhanan W. Jenkins. James Murch, James E. Wash-
ington, Patrick Grimes. Michael Maley, Edward Eckley. Louis G. Schiesz,
Oliver G. Templeton. James M. Quick. George W. Campbell. Martin V.
Holliday. Joseph A. Bedoll, Samuel R. Baker, William M. Baker. Thomas
W. Butler. Benjamin Schoonover. William H. King. John R. Kennedy. John
V. Swift, Henr}^ Bickel, George W. Davis. Raphael Gall. Charles Samoniel,
Conrad Ries, Frederick Rehme, Daniel Bower, John \\'atler. Richard T.
Stoops, Henry F. Teeters. IVIichael A. Jacobs, Edward H. Morin. George
Bauer, William Afergenthal. John Riester. Jesse M. WoodrutT. John Castle.
John H. Updike, George Koop, John Prei fogel, George F. O'Bryne. Adam
Stock. John McFall, John C. Schocke. Albert Dickman. Shelby Utsler.
George W. Higgs. Andrew J. Isaacs. Henr>^ B. Sauer. Wilbur A. William,
Frank Fogel. John Fruits. F. U. Winans, James G. Clark. George C. Cloud.
Adam Miller, John W. Grimes. John W. Smiestcr. John Sieftert. William
H. Berry, James P. Howe, Charles H. Stant, R. M. Stoops. Jolin Ferris.
George W. Davis. Charles Feary. Thomas J. Swift. John Galhgher. lohn
Grober, William J. Stewart. John Showalter, M. B. Hippard, Andrew ;Metz-
3l8 FRA.N'KI.IX COL'.VTV, INDIANA.
ger, PI. Q.iiosc, CJeorgc .M(jtoii. James K. .Morgan, John Blue, Henry Minck-
ler, AI. L. Hennigh. Wilson MctchtT, IVanklin Ward, Thomas J. Roljinson,
Robert J(jlliff, Samuel Thonia^, Carlton Steward, (Jeorge S. Golden, J. H.
Bossert, David (ienn, T. B. Tliacker)-. ( ieorge W. livans. .Abraham Bossert,
Samuel Walton. William Molidaw Za( liariah Lyon.s, (]. \V. Connair, Libius
Monroe, John Couen, John Roe. II. if. .Miller, James Sammis. S. E. Rose,
Abraham Miller, Junius Abbott, Xathan Duncan, Samuel Travis. Martin \'.
Burgess, George K. Oshorn, Henry M. Scott. Louis C. yiaze. Joel B. Price.
Jacob Reisert, James L. Sims, Charles H. Peterman. Hugh West, Jonathan
Hayward and .Milton Curry.
The Grand .Army ot the Republic post at .Metaniora was establi-hefl in
1884. It was numbered 279 and named the Henry 1). Washburn I'(.»st, in
honor of one ut the \eterans from this county who gave his life for his
country in the Civil War. Since the organization of the post at Metann^ra
there have been forty-three members initiated. Alany of the.>-e have died,
others have transferred their membership to r)ther ])lace>, and still others
have dropped out for various reasons until at the present time there are onlv
a few members left. The complete list of initiated and transferred mem-
bers who have been identified with the ])ost at Metamora are as follows:
Andrew J. Bowman. John R. Dtmlap, William Fields, Geijrge Foster, George
W. Gates, Joseph Hooper, .Alexander W. Lee, Patrick Manlv. Henrv P.
Matthews, James Jones, Simeon F. Ridenour. George W. Riger. Claudiu.s
Shafer, Milton Curry, Elisha Morford, George Alurray. George Phillips. J.
C. Ryman, Charles Hawkins, Thomas Jones, Lynn McWhorter, John E.
Swartz, Harrison Swift, David B. Tuell, Hugh Weston, Charles Wolf,
James Hannefee, Andrew Alley, J. B. High, Edwin W. High. Benjamin
Huddleton, Hobbs, Joseph Scott. Samuel Alorford. W. K. Fletcher,
James G. Swan, O. C. Gordon. Charles White, John Hurley. Alichael Seibel,
Asbury GarF, Peter D. Falser and P. B. Francis.
Besides the Grand Army of the Republic posts at Brookville and Aleta-
niora, there have been local posts at Laurel, Mt. Carmel. and Andersonville.
Deaths and removals have been the caii<;e of all the posts in the county
losing most of their members.
SOLDIKRS' moni;ment.
The soldiers" mommient on the public scpiare at Brookville was finally
completed in February. 1901. The striking feature of the monument is a
large cannon of the howitzer variety, which is set upon a block of cement
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 3I9
six by four feet and >ix feet his^li. Two designs were submitted for the
monument and alter lareful deliberation by the Cf^mmittee, composed of R.
J. Stoops, J. W'atler and L. G. Scbicsz, the design of Dr. Calvin Carter was
selected. Tlie base of the monument was built by Theodore H. Brown
and consists of stone, faced with Portland cement. 'I'he iron bearing of the
cannon was made by Williams (!i Sons and is a remarkalile piece of work.
The bending of the angle irons lia'- been particularly admired. The cannon
which surnicjunts the substantird ])v.'destal was donatetl by the national gov-
ernment. Doctcjr Carter mounled the cannon by means of block and tackle.
In the front of the pedestal is a marble slab with this inscription:
'T am (!_\-ing. but I die for my couiitrv."
Gen. P. A. Ilackleman was the (jnl\ general from
Indiana killed in battle during the Ci\-il War.
Born X(j\-. 15, 1814. Killed at
Corinth, Oct. 3, 1862.
On the side facing the court house is an inscrii)tion which reads:
"J- P- Bohlander, Co. 11, 52 Ind. Inft. B(jrn July 17, 1835.
drowned in Tenn. I\iver, Jan. 7, J 865."
It was the intention of the post when the monument was erected to
place upon the sides of the pedestal the names of all the soldiers from
Franklin county wIkj died during the Civil War. Thus far, however. Bohl-
ander is the only soldier whose name appears on the face of the monument.
SPANISH-AMERICAN AND PHILIPPINE W.\R.S.
Franklin county did not furnish a company during the Spanish-American
War, although there were a number of men from the county who enlisted
elsewhere. Some of these were in the regular army and others in the volun-
teer service. There have been no less than fifteen enlistmeuts in the regular
army since 1898. Augustus Baither enlisted at Indianapolis. February 14,
1898, as a member of Company H, First United States Heavy Artillery, and
was in the service for three years. Most of the time was spent in Florida
and he was mustered out at Fort Barrancas, in that state, February 14. 1901.
Hugo Tettenborn enlisted at Cincinnati. December 16. 1898. and was
mustered in as a private in Company A. Eleventh United States Regiment.
He was in the service for three years and four montlis, ahhough he was
paid for three years and a half. He left New York city in January, 1S99,
320 FRAXKLIX COl.NTY, INDIAXA.
for Cuba and was with his re.ijiment in that i>Ian'i f'jr five weeks. His regi-
ment was then transferred to Prjrto Rico, where he remained f.^r one vcar.
In the sprins^ of 1900 liis re.cjiment was ordered to the Phihppincs and left
New York City April i for San i-Vancisco. The rejjiment was taken to the
Phihppines !)y way of Hontjlulu and spent ei,i;hteen months on the islands of
Leyte and Somar. The rec,Mment was en^ajred in picket and patrol dutv
during all of the time it was on the islands. Only one incident occurred
which was particularly exciting. One night alxnit two o'clock a cannon ball
hit the door of the barracks and the soldiers rushed out. thinking that they
were on the point of being attacked by the savages. They followed the
retreating natives with their guns in hand and soon came across the scared
Filipinos and cannon which had caused all tlie di.sturbance. The cannon
was made out of a large bamboo which had been wound around with hea\y
wire, a fragile piece of ordnance, which did not seem heavy enough to stand
more than one shot at the most. Strange t(j say, the one shot of the cannon
was the only shot fired that night. The Eleventh Regiment was brought
back to the United States by way of Japan and landed in San Francisco on
the 1st of April, 1902. The men were mustered out Aiiril 12. 1902.
John H. Ertel enlisted, :\Iay 13, 189S. in Company L. Twenty-third
United States regulars, and accompanied his regiment to the Philippines at
once. They landed on the islands in July, 1898, and saw hard service tb.ere
until they were mustered out, Jime 30. 1899, at Jolo. The Twentv-third
Regiment was the third to land on the island and was in the assault upon
Manila, August 13, 1899. Among other engagements which are noted on
the back of the discharge papers of Air. Ertel is the battle of San Pedro
jNIacati, March 4, 1899. This regiment was engaged in constant skirmishing
against the Filippinos on Luzon, Jolo and adjoining islands in the archi-
pelago. Such was the service of Mr. Ertel in the Philip])ines that his captain
wrote on his discharge paper "honest and faithful"' and of "excellent" char-
acter. The Twenty-third Regiment returned to the United States by way
of Japan and landed in San Francisco in August, 1899.
John A. Cook was a member of Troop B, Fifth United States Cavalr\-.
He enlisted September 29, 1898. and was discharged at Utnado. Porto Rico.
April 15, 1899. He served in Culia and Porto Rico. Henry J. Xeuman is
a master gunner in the United States coast artiller>- service and is now sta-
tioned at Fort Worden, W'ashingtoti. He enlisted at Fortress Monroe in
1900 and has been in the regular army ever since. He was stationed at
Honolulu for two years, but the rest of his service has been in the United
States.
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GENERAL HACKLEMAN CABIN.
FRAXKr.IX cor X TV, INDIANA. 32 I
Albert A. Xeunian i^ ii'iw in the United States army in the coast artillery.
He enlisted tliree years n^,<.> and is now stationed at T"<^rt DeSoto, Florida.
Other young men whn ha\e enlisted in the rej,'ular army from this county
within the past two years are as follows: Frank Showaltcr, Joseph Peters,
Dora Lee, fkis Pelser, Ray Jeter, Peter Hall, ITenry DcFausett, John Buclcer,
Daniel Ulrich, Clarence Wilson, C'alvin Wilson and Roswell W'inans. It
has not been possible to t^et the military record of these men.
Edward G. Dudley enlisted at Cincinnati in 1898 as a member of Com-
pany G, First Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Dr. William Squier. now a prac-
ticing physician at Alilton, Indiana, was in the re;.,'ular army during the
Filippino insurrection and saw active service in the Philippines.
A number of Frankdin county boys have served in the navy during the
past few years, but it has not been possil)le to obtain the complete records
of all of them. The names of the following have been found who have s[)ent
at least one term in the navy : Peter Dudley, Arthur IMeeker, Dora Lee, John
Moore, John W. Schebler, Austin Swift and two — Ludwig and W'attcrson —
whose Christian names have not been ascertained. Schebler was accidentally
killed as a result of a fall down a stairway on the battleship "Dixie,"' Novem-
ber 15, 1913. His body was brought to Franklin county and buried at Ham-
burg, November 21, 1913. Schebler had enlisted on July 12, 1907, and upon
the expiration of his first term reinlisted on July 12, 1911. He had served
on the battleships 'Airginia'" and "Dixie," and held the rank of a quarter-
master of the third class at the time of his death.
Peter Dudley enlisted in 1906 and during his first enlistment of four
years traveled 45,456 miles. He enlisted for his third term, ]\Iarch 31. 1915,
and is now in the ninth year of his service in the navy. Dora Lee and John
Moore enlisted at the same time and served for the regular four years. Moore
is now a second class boatman's mate on the "^Montana,'" having previously
served on the "Iowa." Moore has been in the service since October 21, luoS.
Swift, Ludwig and Patterson are still in the navy as far as is known. Frank-
lin county has one graduate of the Xaval Academy at -\nnapolis, Scott Baker,
who served his regular time after graduation. He has been a resident of
Brookville since leaving the service.
As far as is known, there were only six volunteers from Franklin
county in the Spanish-American \^'ar. Three of these. John S. Francis.
Alden Murray and William Woessner, were irom Metamora. Thev were
members of Company F, One Hundred and Sixty-first Regiment of Indiana
Volunteers, and were mustered in June 29, 1808, and mustered out April 30.
(21) ' ■ '
322 FRANKLIN COCNTY, INDIANA.
1899. The other three volunteers from this county were Jesse \V. Ailes, of
Stips' Hill, Irvin Morford, of Andersonville, and Henry Seibel, of Hamburg.
Ailes was mustered in June 27, i^()S; appointed corporal August 23, 1898;
appointed sergeant, December 31, 1.S98: mustered out April 30, 1899. Mor-
ford enlisted June 2y and Seibel (;n July 5, 1898, and both were mustered out
April 30, 1899. Ailes, ^^()rford and Seibel were members of Company H,
One Hundred and Sixty-fir.st Regiment of Indiana Volunteers.
Milford P. Hubbard enlisted in the Twenty-seventh Indiana Battery of
Light Artillery, April 26, 1S98. This battery drilled at Camp Mount, Indi-
anapolis, in the spring of 1898 and later went to Chickaniauga Park, Tennes-
see, where it remained until September. It was then taken to Porto Rico and
remained on that island for thirty-four days. They only had one chance of
engaging in a skirmish and that occurred on the day that the message an-
nouncing the signing of the protocol was received, August 12, 1898. On
this particular day the battery was advancing to make an attack on Juvana,
but just before hostilities began, a courier came with the message that a
protocol had been signed. Thus ended the active service of the Twenty-
third. It was mustered out Xo\eniber 25, iT
CHAPTER XIII.
BANKS AND BANKING.
There were banks in Indiana Territory which had been recognized by
the territorial Legislature and which were continued by the .state after it was
admitted to the Union. The two banks in existence in i8l6 were at Vin-
cennes and Madison and the first session of the Legislature ( Januarv i, 1817)
made extensive changes in the charter of the Vincennes bank and provided
for the division of the state into fourteen districts, with a bank for each
district.
All the branch banks were to be considered dependent on the Vincennes
bank and each branch was to have eleven directors chosen by the stockholders
and three selected by the state. The Madison bank became one of the four-
teen branches and ,of the others which were provided for. onlv three ever
organized under the legislative act. These were at Brookvillc, Corydon and
Vevay.
The Brookville branch, the second to be organized, started out with a
capital stock of thirty-five thousand dollars, furnished by William H. Eads,
Robert John and John Jacolis. This organization was effected in the summer
of 1817 and a substantial bank l)uilding was at once erected in which to carry
on the business. L'n fortunately, no complete records were kept of this bank
and it is not known how much business it transacted or how long it was in
existence. What was known as the aristocratic party of Brookville evidently
controlled the policy of the bank and this may account in part for the opposi-
tion which the bank had to meet. The panic of 1810 struck this bank, as it
did all other hanks of the \\"est. and started it on its downward path. In a
report to the state Legislature during the session of 1821-22. the Brookville
Bank is reported as having been tendered twelve thousand two hundred six-
teen dollars. This was done December 22, 1821. and the supposition is that
the bank accepted it from the state treasurer, D. C. Lane. As has been
stated, the history of the Brookville Bank established in 1S17 is verv obscure,
but it is known that it closed its career during the early part of the twenties.
The building which it occupied is still standing in the town and is now used
as a dwelling house.
324 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
From the closiiijj of the first hank in I5rook\ille, in the early twenties,
to the estahhshment of the first hank after the adoption of the Constitution
of 1851, is a period characterized l)y "wild cat" banks. During the builfling
of the White Water canal throtu;h the county and during the most prosper-
ous part of the canal ])eriorl, there were a number of such banks in the
county, but little is known of their history. There was very little specie in
circulation and nidst of the business done by these banks consisted of buy-
ing and selling notes and commercial paper which they felt they could handle
to a good profit. They issued paper currency, known as "shinplasters." for
sums ranging from six and one-fourth cents to a dollar. Canal scrip was
largely used in Franklin county for nearly twenty years and the manv refer-
ences to "blue dog," "blue pup" and "white dog" indicate the wide use of
this peculiar canine scrip. Banking continued in a more or less haphazard
fashion until 1853, when statutory provisions based upon the new Constitu-
tion provided a solid basis for conservative banking.
THE BROOKXILLE BANK, 1853-63.
The new Constitution adopted in 1851 made a radical change in the
banking business in Indiana, and Brookville was not slow to take advantage
of the provisions governing the establishing of banks. Early in 1853 a num-
ber of the wealthy citizens of Brookville began to agitate the question of
establishing a bank. By the middle of March their capital stock of Sroo,-
000 had all been subscribed, the stock being taken by the following citizens
of the county : Richard Tyner, X. W. Haile, George Holland. X. D. Gallion,
John W. Hitt, James H. Speer, William ^I. ^fcCarty. Abncr McCarty, Enoch
McCarty and Benjamin H. Burton.
The articles of incorporation which were filed designated it as a bank
of deposit as well as discount. While they began with the capital stock of
$100,000, their articles of incorporation allowed them to increase it to
$500,000 should the business of the town and county demand it.
BROOKVILLE NATIONAL BANK, 1 865-79.
The career of the Brookville Bank covered twelve years and was suc-
ceeded on Octol>er 9. 1865. by the Brookville X'ational Bank, which was or-
ganized with a capital stock of Sioo.ooo. in accordance with the narional
banking act. Its first ofticers w ere a? follows : John H. Farquhar. presi-
dent; John G. Adair, vice-president: John W. Hitt. cashier. On March 5,
FRANKLIX COUN'TY, INDIANA. 325
1879, Dr. John J^ rioodw in and Cliarles F. Goodwin became the .-,ole owners
of the hank. The directors of the Ijank at the time of its voluntary liquida-
tion were as follow: William W. Butler, John G. Adair, John Herron,
William Dare, Jacob H. Masters, J(jhn K. Goodwin and Charles F. Gofxlwin.
The officers of the bank were as follow: John d. /\.dair, president: W. W.
Butler, vice-president: John R. Goodwin, cashier; Charles F. Goodwin, as-
sistant cashier. These ofiicers and directors were elected January 17, 1879,
and at the same time a resolution was adopted to reduce the capital stock to
$50,000. However, by the first of March financial conditions were such that
it was impossible for it to make satisfactory dividends on $100,000 capital
stock and it was decided to go into voluntary licpiidation. The fnuihlin
Democrat of March 6. i!^79. says that "It is understood that the closing-
up of the Brookville National Bank will open the way for a private bankin;^
company among our solid men." .\. notice in the same ])a])er the following
week says that the bank is closing up its affairs and that the banking business
will be continued in the same room "by John R. Goodwin & Son, under the
name of The Brookville Bank." The new bank assumed all the obligations
of its predecessor and o])enc(l for business sometime Itetween March 13 and
20, since on the latter date the Franklin Democrat says, "Doctor Goodwin is
as well known as any man in the county; he is perfectly responsible and will
conduct the business of the bank honestly. Charles F. Goodwin is popular
as a bank officer and will give satisfaction in the line of his duties."
THE BROOKVILLE BANK, 1879-I905.
As has been stated the Brookville National Bank could not survive the
hard times of the latter seventies and in 1879 went into voluntary liquidation.
The former owners. Dr. John R. Goodwin and his son, Charles F., closed
up the business of the defunct .National Bank in March and organized what
was called the Brookville Bank, taking the name wdiich had been applied to
the banking institution here that had existed during the decade following
1853. Doctor Goodwin and his son had been connected with the bank for
some years previous to its dissolution in 1879, but the death of the Doctor
the following year brought about a change in the management of the bank.
Upon the death of Doctor Goodwin, Isaac Carter and Dora Wagoner were
employed in the bank. Mr. Carter later became one of the leading lawvers
of Shelbyvillc. while ^Ir. Wagoner became a successful druggist of Terre
Haute. In 1881 John C. .Shirk, who had just graduated from Indiana Uni-
versity, became identified with the bank and on January i, 1884, became a
partner in the bank.
326 FRAXKM.V COUXTV, INDIANA.
For the next twelve years Charles F. Goodwin and John C. Shirk were
the owners of the !)anl< and conducted its business in such a way as to make
it a financial institution of undouhted integrity. L'pon the death of Mr.
Goodwin, January 12. i8»/), .Mr. Shirk and his sister, Mrs. Charles F. Good-
win, formed a partnership and this continued until June 20, 1905, when the
bank was chartered as The National Brook\ille Bank.
THE NATIONAL CKOOKVILLE BANK, I905-I915.
The National Erookville Bank, as has been previously stated, is a suc-
cessor of the Brookville Bank and be',Mn its career Saturday. July i, 1905,
under a charter granted June 20, 1905. The first officers were as follow:
John C. Shirk, president: John P. Goodwin, vice-president; George E. Den-
nett, cashier. These officers, with the addition of M. S. Goodwin and W. D.
Moore, constitute the board of directors. During the ten years of the bank's
existence there has been no change in the officers or board of directors.
The bank began business with a capital stock of $50,000 and continued
with this amount of working capital until March 25. 191 5. At that time
the bank was granted permission by the comptroller of the currencv to in-
crease the capital stock to Si 00,000. During the spring of 19 15 the bank
decided to apply for permission to do a general trust and loan business in
connection with their regular banking. The last Legislature of Indiana
passed an act ^vhich empowers nati(jnal banks to add the so-called trust com-
panies' business to their present activities. Since the passage of this act the
federal reserve board has received a large number of recjuests from national
banks in Indiana that they be permitted to act as trustee, administrator,
registrar of stocks and bonds, and. in general, to do such business as has
heretofore been done only by trust companies. It was to be expected that
the trust companies would register a vigorous objection to this encroach-
ment on their business, but the federal board replies to their protest by say-
ing that the trust companies have no right to complain, since widiin the past
few years they have been doing what amounts to a regular banking business.
The National Brookville Bank applied for and has been granted per-
mission to do a general trtist Imsiness in connection with their regular bank-
ing and are now looking forward to an increased business as result of the
change. This bank is housed in its own stone and pressed-brick building
which was erected in 1890-91 at a cost of $21,500. The stability of the
bank is shown by the fact that its deposits now amount to more than $;30,-
000, with a surplus and undivided profits of $73,000.
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 327
FRANKLIN COLNTY NATIONAL BANK.
The Franklin County National Rank was organized in 1900 with the
following officers: Joseph A. Fries, president; Louis Federman, vice-presi-
dent; Richard S. Taylor, cashier: Frank Geis, Jr., assistant ca=hier. The
original capital stock of $25,000 has been doubled in order to take care of
the constantly increasing Inisiness of the hank. With rleposits of $510,000
and a surplus and undivided profits of $35,000, the bank- stands today as a
good example of safe and conservative business methods.
The Franklin County National Bank has taken advantage of the act of
the late Legislature which permits national banks to engage in loan and trust
business. In order to add this phase of banking to its business it was neces-
sary to obtain permission from the federal reserve board. This has been
granted and the bank is now in a position to engage in a general loan and
trust business. In general terms this means that the bank can now loan
money on mortgage security, a privilege which has heretofore been denied
to national banks.
In 191 2 the bank moved into its own beautiful three-story-building
which was erected at a cost of $35,000. The Knights of Pythias built and
now occupy the third story. The present officers of the bank are as follow :
W. H. Senour, president ; Louis Federman, vice-president ; Richard S. Tay-
lor, cashier; Frank Geis, Jr., assistant cashier. The officials, with the addi-
tion of John W. Brockman, constitute the board of directors.
people's trust COMPANY.
The People's Trust Company was incorporated under the laws of Indi-
ana, January 22, 191 5, with the capital stock of $50,000. There was such
a demand for the stock on ^larch 25, 191 5, that it was soon oversubscribed
and it was increased to $75,000. Within a short time this whole amount of
stock was subscribed, there being one hundred seventy-four stockholders.
The officers of the bank are as follow: Caspar Ritzi. president: James
B. Kidney, vice-president; George E. Mullin, secretary-cashier. The direct-
ors are Caspar Ritzi, James B. Kidney, Herman Walther, M. P. Hubbard,
Frank A. Wright, Frank J. Geis, Charles A. Stinger. J. M. Hamilton and
Harry M. Stoops. The bank opened for business May i, 1915, in the room
formerly occupied by the Franklin County National Bank.
328 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
THE FARMERS AND MERCHANTS BANK.
The Fanners aiu! .Merchants Fiank of Oldenhur;^ was orj^^anizerl as a
private bank March 9, 1909, with a capital sttjck of $12,000. The first
officers have been in active charge of the bank since its orc^anization. namely:
B. J. Kessing, jjresident : F. P.. M(jornian, \ice-j)resiflent : .\. J. Ilackman,
cashier. The directors include the officers and A. A. Hackman, F. J. Raver
and C. L. Johnson. The bank rents the room in which it carrie.s on its busi-
ness. Its last rejjort shows a surjjlus and undivided profits of S3.076.50,
on its capital of $12,000.
THE LAUREL BANK.
The Laurel Bank is the oldest bank in continuous oix-ration in Franklin
county. It was organized as a private bank by W. L. Day, J. J. Reiboldt
and W. O. Bowman on July i. 1893, with a capital stock of $5,000. Two
years later Bowman disposed of his interests to the other two members of
the company, who, in turn, continued the business in ])artnership until 1904.
In that year Reiboldt acquired the sole interest in the bank and has con-
tinued as owner of the bank since that date. On July i, 1905, Mr. Reiboldt
secured a state charter for his bank and during the ten years which have
elapsed since it was made a state bank it has increased in usefulness in the
community which it seeks to serve. As the bank has prospered it has been
found necessary to double the original capital and, according- to the last
statement, has a surplus and undividetl ])rofits of SG.ooo on a capital stock of
$10,000.
FARMERS BANK OF METAMORA.
The Farmers Bank of Metamora was chartered July 10. 191 o. as a
private bank with the following officers: W. X. Gordon, president; J. E.
Jackson, vice-president: H. R. Lennard. cashier. The bank has a capital
of $10,000 and deposits of $80,000. The surplus and undivided profits of
the bank for the past year were $3,000. The bank does general banking
and under the efficient management of its directors it has won the confidence
of the community in which it plays such a pn^minent part.
t ■■
I ■•
' -' L.„
■1
'"4^ ^^^^T^rTlEiSM^^* -..— Vi=iS
NATIONAL BKOOKVILLE BANK (Shirk & Goodwin.)
CHAPTER XIV.
BENENOLF.XT INSTITCTIONS.
The care of the poor and unfortunate is a matter which has concerned
the peoi)le of the county from the hesi^'inninj^ of its histon,'. It is one of the
striking evidences of our Cliristian civiHzation to note the care and protection
which is extended to those who are unahle to provide for themselves. The
history of tlie henevolent institutions of I'rankhn county falls into five periods,
which, for the sake of treatment, will he (grouped into as many different
headings.
1811-1816.
This marks a period from the organization of the county up to the time
when Indiana was admitted to the Union. During this period, the care of the
poor devolved upon officers in each township, who were designated as over-
seers of the poor. From the commissioners' records it appears that these
officers were appointed and held their office for one year. The early records
bear witness to the fact that an effort was made to alleviate such cases of
destitution as were called to the attention o^ the authorities. The first record
of this nature noticed is dated ^lay 15, 18 13, at which time George Cain was
allowed eighteen dollars for hoarding and clothing Abel Perrv. a pauper.
from January i to May i, 1813. At this time the following citizens were
appointed by the commissioners as overseers of the poor: Allen Ramsev,
Lewis Deweese, George Hollingsworth. John Templeton. William Plelm and
Basil Roberts. There appears to have been no change in the management of
poor relief during the territorial period.
1816-18-4.
Upon the adoption of a constitution in 18 16, and the subsequent admis-
sion of the state to the Union on December 1 1 of the same year, the old s)-s-
tem was continued. No statutory provisions wei"e provided by the legisla-
ture, and, consequently, the same method of poor relief prevailed. Each quar-
terly session of the commissioners contains specific appropriations for in-
dividual cases of relief. The allowances made bv the commissioners for the
330 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
caring for the poor varied considerably. At the November session, 1817,
Benjamin Nichols was allowed forty-three dollars and eighty-one and one-
fourth cents for keeping John Lovell, a pauper, from August 13, 181 7, to
the 2 1st of the following month, a period of about five weeks. In February,
1818, the commissioners allowed Robert Dickerson twenty-three dollars and
ninety-three and three-fourths cents for keeping Abel Perry for the six
months previous to December 4, 181 7. These two allowances indicate the
extremes of compensation, and, as will be noted, vary from nearly nine dol-
lars to one dollar per week.
1824- 1 834.
The Legislature of 1844 made i)rovision for a more uniform manage-
ment of the poor and by the act of January 30, of that year, set forth the
following provisions :
"Section i. That tlie commissioners of the several counties shall, at
their first or second session in each and every year, nonn'nate and appoint
two substantial inhabitants of every township within their respective c<junties
to be overseers of the poor of such township.
"Section 2. It shall be the duty of the overseer of the i)Oor everv vear,
to cause all poor persons who have or shall hereafter become a public charge
to be farmed out, on contracts to be made on the first Monday in May
annually in such manner as the said overseers of the poor shall deem best
calculated to promote the general good."
Pursuant to this legislative act, the commissioners of Franklin countv.
on February 9, 1824, appointed two men as "poor masters" in each of the
eight townships into which the county was then divided, as follows : Brook-
ville, David Moore and R. A. Templeton ; Springfield, Richard Keen and
William McDoimald ; Blooming Grove, Benjamin Xowell and \\'illiam Mc-
Coombs; Posey, John Ara|>le and Edward Toner: Highland. Samuel Price
and John H. Rockafellar: White Water, Samuel Rockafellar and Ral]ih
Wildridge; Fairfield. Jacob Duboise and Jacob Barrackman ; Bath. Thomas
Reed and Michael Cline. The records show that the overseers of Brookville
township each received seven dollars for the first si.x months of their appoint-
ment. The compensation of the various overseers was in proportion to the
time spent in the performance of their duties. For ten years the act of 1824
governed the management of the poor in all the counties of the state, but bv
1834 it became apparent that conditions demanded a change and the legis-
lative act of that vear ushered in a new era along benevolent lines.
FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA.
1834-1856.
331
The legislative act of January 23, 1834. authorized "An Asylum for
the Poor of the Counties of Franklin, Fayette and Union." In accordance
with the provisions of this act the commissioners of Franklin coiintv a[>-
pouited James Webb to represent the c(nmly and meet with the representatives
from Fayette and Union. This joint commission met at Fairfield, I-'ranklin
county, on December 26, i8'34, and made the preliminary arranjjcments for
the establishment of the asylum to be used by the three counties. It was
agreed that the expense of maintenance should be pro rated between the
counties in proportion to the voting population. At this time Franklin
county had 1,800 voters, Fayette had 1,555, and Union had 1,279.
On January 27, 1S35, the commissioners of the three counties con-
cluded a contract for the farm of Thomas Clark. This was in Fayette
county and consisted of two hundred eight acres, located in township 13.
range 13. The farm had no buildings, but. according to the commissioners,
had "two good orchards, two good springs, two good wells, is under good
fence and has one hundred acres cleared." The contract price was $2^053,
of which Sr,co3 was to be paid ^larch 9, 1835, and the remainder January
13, 1836. The above report was made to the commissioners of Franklin
county March 3, 1835.
Since there were no buildings on the farm, the first action of the commis-
sioners from the three counties was to provide for the erection of a suitable
building to accommodate the inmates. A brick structure, eighteen l)y forty-
eight feet, was built, the same being ordered August 10, 1835. The bids
for the proposed building were opened on the 12th of the following month,
at which time it appeared that Thomas Lyons. Thomas \\'aters and lesse
Clements .secured the contract for the sum of five hundred dollars, the same
to be completed by the first Monday of Alay, 1S36. The building was com-
pleted during the summer of 1836, and at the Mav meeting of that vear the
commissioners appointed Isaac Gardner, of Union county.^s superintendent
of the asylum. The superintendent was allowed an annual salarv of five hun-
dred dollars, and was given general charge of the asylum, being authorized
"to purchase furniture, bedding, provisions, etc., for the institution." His first
annual report shows an expenditure of $180.8034. From year to year up
to 1856, a total of twenty years, the three counties maintained this joint
asylum, but by the latter year it was felt that better results could be obtained,
at least on the part of Franklin county, by the establishment of a separate
asylum. During this period from 1834 to 1856 Franklin countv continued
332 FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA.
to furnish relief to the i)'jor in tlie various townships, as well as contributing
its share towards the maintenance of the joint asylum.
The appended table shows the expenditures for both county and town-
ship relief duriiii^ this periud. althi.)uj,di there were unlv nine years when a
separate expenditure ajipears for tuwnsliip relief:
1834 $ 429.87 1S47 1 S 850.20
1835 901.26 1848 1,014.05
1836 57100 1849 1,105.24
1837 1,230.71 1850 1,160.07
1S38 811.74 1851 1,257.89
1840 586.76 1832 1,062.20
1841 466.87 1853 1,701.79
1842 80.43 '854 I-479-23
1845 821.33 1855 1,506.92
1846 989.67 1856 2,065.07
There were separate expenditures for the poor of the count\- in three
years: 1S36, $798.64; 1838, $112.21 ; 1841. $75.18. For three years there
was no separate return made to the commissioners, the total amounts for
these three years being as follows: 1839, $1,318.39; 1843, 51,230.71; 1844,
$1,338.61.
The report of the board of directors of the asylum to the commissioners
of Franklin county on ]\Iarch 3, 1856, discloses the following interesting
facts :
Number admitted during past year : 47
Number dismissed 24
Number of deaths 8
Number in asylum February 26, 1856 64
Number from Franklin county 33
Number from Fayette county 17
Number from Union county 12
1856-1915.
During the winter and spring of 1855-56, the commissioners of Frank-
lin, Fayette and Union, having charge of the joint asylum of the three
counties, came to the conclusion that the property held jointlv bv the three
counties should be sold. On April 15, 1856, they made a proposition to the
commissioners of Franklin county, "to sell the farm used now for an asvlum
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 333
of the poor for tlic sum of fifty dollars per acre, one-half to he paid March
10, 1857, and the residue on March lo, 185H, with interest on deferred pay-
ments from day of sale." The Franklin county commissioners accepted a
proposition of the asvlniTi commissioners on June 12, 1856, and agreed at
that time to the sale of the property jointly owned hy l-Vanklin, Fayette and
Union counties. The final aj^reemeiit provifled that Union county should
pay to Franklin one-half of fort\->i.\ dollars per acre of the undivided inter-
est of Franklin county, this amount heinj^ one thousand eight hundred fifty-
eight dollars and twenty-six cents. The three counties were to retain their
possession in the land until March 10, 1857, at which time the agreement
between them was to go into effect.
One June 19, 1856, the commissioners of Franklin county met at the
court house for the purpo.se of locating and purchasing a site for a poor
asylum, and four days later they met in the court house and reported that
they had selected a site. It was in nrookville township, about one mile south-
west of the county seat, and contained a fraction over one hundred and six
acres. This tract of land was owned by \\'illiam and Anna Stringer and
they executed a deed to the county commissioners for this land on .\ugust
13, 1836, for a consideration of five thousand five hundred dollars. On
August 5, of the same vear, the commissioners bought part of a kiln of brick
from David Price for the ])urpose of erecting a suitable building on the new
farm. The plans for the building were drawn by Edwin May. who was
allowed ten dollars for his services. On August 14, 1856, a contract was
let to Edwin May for the construction of the asylum building, the contract
calling for five thousand one hundred and fifty dollars. This building was
so well constructed that it is still standing (1915) and bids fair to render
good service for many years to come.
The last official report of the state board of charities on the Frankhn
county poor asylum is dated Sejjtember 16. 1914. From this excellent report
which, by the way. is compiled by Amos W. Butler, a former resident of
Franklin county, the historian has taken the following facts regarding the
institution at that time :
The present superintendent is George W. Gloshen, whose wife acts as
matron. The farm comprises two hundred acres of land, which is now-
valued at one hundred and fifty dollars per acre. Some of the land is good,
but much of it is unfit for tillage. A four-acre orchard is in poor condition.
The stock on tlie farm included ten head of cattle, three head of horses and
fifty-seven swine. The buildings are three in number. One contains the
superintendent's quarters, women's department, ilining room and kitchen.
334 FRANKLIN COLXTY, INDIANA.
The men's (|iiarters arc in a separate bniUlini:^. The bnildinc^s are old and
poorly planned and are only in fair re])air. There is a cellhouse which is
used for the most incorrigible eases. The buildinfcs arc heated with steam,
lighted with kerosene and under the present manai^ement are kept in as fjood
condition as possible. They are handieappel by an old plant which is diffi-
cult to keep in good condition. The county pays for the help of one man and
one woman and also allows the county physician seventy-five dollars an-
nually for his services.
At the time the report was made there were thirty-six inmates, twenty-
eight men and eight women. One man is epileptic. The sexes occupy sepa-
rate buildings, but eat together. Religious services are not regularly held.
The superintcntlent is paid $630 a year, while his wife is not on a salary.
Repairs for the current year totaled $1.40; salaries, $1,224.75; ^i^ipphcs and
maintenance, $1,175.94; total, $2,402.09.
POOR FARM SlIPERINTENDKNTS.
From 1834 down to 1856, Franklin county was coupled with Union
and Fayette counties in the caring for the unfortunate poor. The records
of the commissioners show that Isaac Gardner, of Union county, was su[)erin-
tendent from 183710 1S40; at tliat date there were fifteen inmate>. William
Rigsbee was superintendent from 1S40 to 1844; Thomas Curry, in 1855 ^""^
a part of 1856, and was succeeded by Samuel Henderson, who was the last
to hold the positicm before the county commenced caring for its paupers.
The list of Franklin county superintendents is as follows: Jacob Bly. Octo-
ber. 1857-1859; John H. I'arrott. iS'59-r)o; Daniel Kyger. iSC 10-64; Elmer
Hiatt, 1864-65; Jo.seph R. Clark. 1865-68; Alfred Deter. iS0>^-j2: Abial
Shaw, 1872-1883; Adam Sottong, 1884; Smith R. Scott, 1885-92; Joseph
Marxer, 1892-1901 ; Atwell J. Shriner, 1901-07; Jacol) ^'oung. 1907-10;
W^illiam Peterson filled out the latter's term of office; George \V. Gloshen,
19 14, and still ser\ing.
children's home.
It was not until the year 1882 that Franklin county had a children's
home, although there had been much agitation toward providing a suitable
home for the children of the poor asylum. An act of the Legislature 1 April
7. 1881) furnished the basis for definite action along this line, and on March
II, 1882, Rev. David R. Moore and some other interested parties appeared
before the coimty commissioners — (Levi \V. Buckingham, Thomas Ap-
FRANKLIN COUXTV, INDIANA. 335
pleton and Edward W'aechter) — and urged u])on them the necessity for im-
mediate action in providing a suitable home for the pauper children of the
county. The commissioners were convinced that somethinjj ou):jht to be
done and appointed a committee, composed of Rev. D. R. Moore, f<ev.
Meinrad Fleischman. J- F. McKec, M. A. Mess and Abail Shaw, "to take
some action as provided by the lej^'islative act of .April 7, i.S'Si, cfiucerning
the care of the pauper children in the f)oor asylum." They were further
instructed to hnd a suitable person to take charge of the children and report
to the commissioners at their next meeting. On April 12. 1S82. the com-
missioners of the proposed children's home reported that they had <lecided
upon ]\Irs. William Hughes as matron, and made the further recommenda-
tion that the old Speer homestead be bought f()r this use. The county com-
mi.ssioners decided to defer acti(jn until their next meeting, and at that time,
June 8, 1882. appointed Missouri Hanna as matron. She was to receive
thirty cents per day for each child under her care, and was to furnish a home
for the children on her own farm in Fairfield township. At this same time
the commissioners directed Superintendent Shaw, of the ])oor asylum, to de-
liver to Miss Hanna all of the children under his charge between the ages of
one and sixteen and on July 10 of the same rear he turned over to her eleven
children. A visiting conmiittee was appointed bv the commissioners, con-
sisting of Rev. D. R. Moore. Mrs. A. J- King and Mrs. Joseph M. \'awter.
The visiting committee made their first report to the county commis-
sioners on December 5, 1882. At that time sixteen children were in charge
of Miss Hanna and eight of them were attending school at Fairfield. The
committee reported that the children were being given the best of attention
and to the best of their knowledge were being cared for in a very satisfactory
manner.
For seven years Alissouri Hanna, assisted by her sister. Sarah A., gave
the pauper children of Franklin county a good home. Each quarterlv report
of the visiting committee to the children's home indicated that the children
were given every possible attention. The following extract from their
report of June 6, 1884, is illustrative of the good opinion which the visiting
committee entertained toward the home : "The home is unquestionablv an
honor to the county and the Misses Hanna have certainlv shown a capabilitv
for the work which challenges all comparison." The Misses Hanna had'
charge of the paujier children until June 6, 1889, when they were transferred
to the new children's home. The visiting committee were at the home in
Fairfield township for the last time on June 4. 1889, and their report to the
county commissioners speaks in glowing terms of the excellent management
336 FRANKLIN COLNTV. INDIANA.
of tlie children (lurin.i,^ the se\cn years while Missouri Ilanna was the inatron.
Their last words on this occa-^ion were: "Well done, gfjod and faithful
servants."
The questi(»n of i)urchasin,c,r a home for the pauper children had been
agitated for some years before 1889. r^n .\pril 5. 1889, the commissif>ners
(Alfred Deeter, Abraham Bossert and J. M. X'awter) took definite steps
towards the establishment of a new children's home for the county. From
the record it seems that there were two considerations which led to the
change. It was maintained by many j)eople that it would be more economical
for the county to own its own home for the j^auper children instearl of
paying a per diem of thirty cents for the care of each child. L'nder the new
arrangement which was entered into with Mrs. Eudrtra TTamlin on .Xpril
5, 1880, she was to receive an animal salary of six hunrlred flollars. On
February 13, 1889, the commissioners bought thirty-two acres adjoining
the poor asylum on the south. This was purchased from Mrs. Cecilia
Wright. William Wright, b'r.-uik Wright. Rachel T.cwis and Leander L.
Lewds for a consideration of h\\: tlujusand dollars. There were other heirs
who had an intere.->t in this farm and it was necessary to get quit-claim deeds
from thein before the count}- liatl a clear title to the land. The interest of
William antl Marv .\. l-ioljcson was satisfied l)y the payment of eighteen
hundred dollars on March 6, 1889. The interest of Frank Wright was
purchased on December 3, 1890, for the sum of eleven hundred eleven dol-
lars and ninety cents. These three separate payments made the children's
home cost the county $7',9ir.90. The farm was well improved with a large
two-story brick house, which had been built by Thomas Robeson, one of the
best constructed barns in the county at that time, as well as other outbuild-
ings.
This same building has been the home of the unfortunate poor since it
was purchased in 1889. ^Ivs. Hamlin continued as matron until October i.
1905, when Mrs. Belle Koerner was appointed. Mrs. Koerner has given
excellent satisfaction, as did her predecessor. There are now (April. 1915)
several children in the home. It is the intent of the state board of charities
that dependent children shall be placed m permanent homes as soon as pos-
sible. Something of this work in Franklin county may be seen when it is
known that in 1910 four children were placed in good homes, one in 191 1.
five in 1912, sixteen in 1913 and se\en in i()i4. According to the statistical
report of the state board of charities for December. 1914. Franklin count}"
paid $1,483.85 for the support of fourteen children for the year previous
to September 14, 19 14.
B
^\'< ; >• I
'^^S^:5^^^^
FRANKLIX COUNTY C:HILDREXS HOME.
r^L^■
1 '-J
FRANKLIN' COUNTY INFIRMARY
FRANKLIX COr-NTY, INDIANA. 337
The general mana;,'cnienr of the institution is in the hands of a board of
children's guardians, which is now composed of the following: Mrs. S. S.
Harrell (president), Mrs. J. C. Siiirk. I'>ank J. Baker, Mrs. J. F. Burdick,
William D. Moore and Mrs. Josephine Fries. It should be mentioned that
Mrs. Harrell has been on the board continuously since her first appointment
on June 9, 1884. She has always taken a very active interest in the welfare
of the institution and no little credit for the success of the children's home
is due to her.
(22)
CHAPTER XV.
SECRET SOCIETIES OK l-KANKI.IN COUXTV.
FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS.
The Masons established tlie first secret society in Franklin county, and
at Brookviile was opened the fourth Masonic lodge in Indiana. As other
fraternities came into existence, they established lodges at various places in
the county, and at the present time there are many different fraternal and
benevolent organizations in the county. In addition, the Catholic population
have a number of societies whose membership is restricted tc) those of the
Catholic faith.
Harmony Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, is really the fourth Ma-
sonic lodge to be organized within the state of Indiana, although it is now
numbered eleven. The first three lodges were \'incenncs (March i, 1809;,
Madison (August 30, 1815) and Charlestown (April, 1816). In the spring
of 1 81 7, sometime prior to May, the resident Alasons of Brookviile met in
private council and decided to petition for dispensation to form a lodge in the
town. At one of their meetings — probably in April — Stephen C. Stephens,
afterward a member of the supreme court of Indiana, was selected to pro-
cure a dispensation from the grand lodge of Ohio. At that time a grand
lodge had not yet been organized in Indiana, the first three lodges oi the
state receiving their dispensations from the grand lodge of Kentucky. The
grand lodge of Indiana dates from January 12, 18 18.
On May 9, 181 7, Henry Brush, grand master of Ohio, issued a dispen-
sation in response to the petitioners from Brookviile and on the 4th of the
following August the grand lodge of Ohio approved the action of the grand
master. The lodge at Brookviile was called Harmony Lodge Xo. 41.
Shortly after high twelve, June 4, 1S17. the gavel sounded for the first
time in a jNIasonic hall in eastern Indiana. Thomas Kelsey, of Hamilton.
Ohio, acted as worshipful master and appointed the following officers pro
tern.: John Sheets, senior warden; .Mexantier R. Meek, junior warden; Jere-
miah Sullivan, secretary-treasurer; W. S. Rose, junior deacon; Thomas Blair,
tyler. The charter members were S. C. Stephens, Luther Hinman. C. Dart,
FRANKLIN COLNTY, INDIANA. 339
Enoch McCarty, Thomas Terrell, Hervey Bates, John Xoblc, George L. Mur-
dock, John Jacobs. John Test. \V. D. Gallion, J. B. Rose and John Winchel.
A lodge of entered apprentices was opened and closed and then a lodge of
past masters was opened. Stephen C. .Stephens was installed as a first wor-
shipful master of Harmony Lorlge. The other officers were as follow: John
Jacob, senior warden; George L. Murdock, junior warden. On June 17,
jjetitions were received from Alartin M. Ray, Xoah Noble, Henry A. Reed,
Enoch D. John and Joseph D. Clements, and these men became the first
initiates of Harmony Lodge No. 41.
The Bible, which cost the lodge six dollars on September 13. 181 7, is
still in the lodge room, although it shows that it has l)een in use for nearly a
century. It is interesting to note some of the other expenses of the lodge in
its early days. During the first six months of its career forty-one dollars
was appropriated for expenses, and of this amount twenty-three dollars was
expended for refreshments.
As has been stated. Harmony lodge was organized under a dispensation
from the grand lodge of Ohio. At a meeting held in Corydon, to cf)nsider
the advisability of establishing a grand lodge for Indiana, this lodge was
represented by S. C. Stephens, who voted against the proposition. Andrew
Wallace represented the local lodge at the session of the Ohio grand lodge,
December 14, 1818, when Harmony was granted its charter. In 18 19. John
B. Rose represented the lodge at Columbus. Ohio, and presented a petition
asking for permission to withdraw from the grand lodge of Ohio for the pur-
pose of affiliating with the grand lodge of Indiana, and the petition was
granted. Although the grand lodge of Indiana was organized January 12,
181 8, it was not until 1820 that Hervey Bates presented a petition from the
members of Harmony lodge to the grand lodge of Indiana praying for a
charter to work under the jurisdiction of the grand lodge of Indiana. The
petition was granted, the lodge was permitted to retain its name, but its num-
ber was changed from 41 to 1 1 on the Indiana register. Thus, although it
was really the fourth lodge organized within the state, it is numbered 1 1 be-
cause it was organized under the grand lodge of Ohio.
The lodge did not always live up to its name, and by 1S47 the harmony
which is supposed to reign in ^Masonic lodges seems to have disappeared.
From the minutes of the lodge it appears that on December 4, 1847. a num-
ber of members presented a petition, asking Harmony lodge to recommend
to the grand master the organization of a new lodge in Brookville to be
known as Elliott lodiJ-e, and the c»fficers to be as follow : George W. Kimble,
worshipful master; O. M. Bartlow, senior warden; Jacob Laforge, junior
340
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
warden; R. M. McCleery, secretary; J. O. St. John, treasurer; Fred La-
forge, senior deacon; J. E. Clark, junior deacon; John Canipl>ell, tyler.
Kimhle was charged with tryin.cj to run the lodge according to his own ideas,
and evidently had enough followers to hring about a division in the lodge.
This petition of the seceders was unanimously granted, and the grand lodge
of Indiana, on Deceniljcr 31, 1847, issued a dispensation for the establish-
ment, in Brookvillc, of Elliott Lodge No. 52. Brookvillc, however, was not
large enough to support two Masonic lodges, and as soon as the members of
the two rival lodges regained their better judgment they began to gradually
get together. The minutes of Elliott Lodge show that its first meeting was
held January 18, 1848, and its last meeting March 19, 1S51. At this last
regular meeting it was unanimously moved that Elliott Lodge surrender its
charter and unite with Harmony Lodge. The latter lodge agreed to assume
all the assets and Hal)ilities of Elliott Lodge, and, after the union, met in the
hall of Elliott Lodge. Since that time Harmony Lodge has allowed no rift
to appear in its ranks and year after year it has gone forward, dispensing
that loving charity which forms the cornerstone of the fraternity.
No other lodge in Indiana can boast of having three governors on its
roll, and James B. Ray, Noah Noble and David Wallace were all made mas-
ter Masons in Hamiony Lodge. No less than three members of the supreme
court of Indiana v^•ere members at Brookvillc, namely : Stephen C. Stephens,
John T. McKinney and Isaac Blackford. James Noble, United States sen-
ator for many years, was also a member of Harmony Lodge. This includes
only a few of the more noted men who have belonged to the local lodge,
and does not make mention of the scores of excellent citizens who took their
first steps in Masonry in Harmony Lodge.
During its career of nearly a century five hundred and fifty-eight men
have been members of Harmony Lodge, with a present active membership of
one hundred and twenty-three. The lodge owns the third story of the Frank-
lin Furniture Company building, the same being dedicated June I, 1904.
The elective officers are as follow: Arthur Glenn Siebert, worshipful
master; G. Wallace Hvde. senior warden; Clarence K. ^Moore. junior war-
den; George E. Dennett, treasurer: John E. iMorton, secretary; Charles B.
Williams, senior deacon; Frank Dennett, junior deacon; Frank A. West,
senior steward; Archie Dugan. junior steward; Frank Winans. tyler.
The following is a list of the worshipful masters of Harmony Lodge
No. II from the date of its organization: S. C. Stephens. 1S17-1S; David
Oliver, 1819; John Jacobs. 1S20-22 ; David Oliver, 1823; John Foster. 1825
John Jacobs, 1826: John Foster, 1827; William R. Morris. 1828: Nath
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 34I
Hammond, 1829; George L. Hogan, 1830; Nath Hammond, 183 1; George
W. Kimble, 1833-34; John Allen, 1835-36; George W. Kimble, 1837; John
Allen, 1838; M. V. Simonson, 1839-40; John Allen, 1841; James £. Wheat,
1842-3-4; James D. Moody, 1844; J. B. Sleeth, 1845; O. W. Bartlow, 1846;
George W. Kimble, 1847; J. B. Sleeth, 1848; H. Hutchinson, 1849; Casper
Fogel, 1850; J\I. Hutchinson, 1S51 ; J. W. Maxwell, 1852; Thomas J. Tyner.
1853; M. Hutchinson, 1854: William R. La Rue, 1855; Thomas J. Tyner,
1856-57; J. F. Rodman, 1858; M. Hutchinson, 1859; William R. La Rue.
i860; J. W. Maxwell. 1861 ; 1862, no election; Fielding Berry, 1863: ^L
Hutchinson. 1864-65; Fielding Berry, 1866; William R. La Rue, 1867; J- V.
Bemusdoffer. 1868-69; Fielding Berry, 1870-71; Casper Fogel, 1872; A. H.
Kaiser, 1873-74; Casper Fogel, 1875; Fielding Berry, 1876; J. R. McMahan.
1877-78; William H. Bracken, 1879; A. H. Kaiser, 1880; John F. McKee,
1881-82; John Dennett, 1883-84; Isaac Carter, 1885-86; John A. Colescott
1887-88; John F. McKee, 1889-90-91 ; John Dennett. 1892; Charles F. Jones,
1893-94; Benjamin F. Winans, 1895-96; John C. Shirk, 1S97-98; George E.
Dennett, 1899-1900; E. W. Showalter, 1901-02; John H. Kimble. 1903-04;
A. Hermansdorfer, 1905-06; Harry B. Smith, 1907; Frank A. \\'est. 1908-
Carl T. Anderson, 1909; Frank L. Llornung, 1910; George E. Mullin. 191 1 ;
Frank Dennett, 1912; Guy H. Hamilton, 1913; Emmet Ferris, 1914; Arthur
G. Seibert, 1915.
Brookville Chapter No. 16. Royal Arch Masons', at Brookville. was or-
ganized by dispensation under date of May 26, 1850, when the officers were:
M. V. Simonson, high priest; M. Hutchinson, king; J. Hinkley, scribe; A.
Caldwell, principal sojourner; F. R. A. Jeter, captain of the host: A. Carter,
royal arch captain ; Levi Ayers, grand master of the third veil : Thomas
Cooper, grand master of the second veil; James H. Spear, grand master of
the first veil ; J. E. Hawser, secretary. The chapter continued in its good
work until 1878, and then "rested" until the reorganization in December,
1881, since which date it has prospered. It now enjoys a membership of
forty-one. It is the only chapter in Franklin county. Its officers (elective)
in 1915 are: Frank L. Hornung, high priest; Frank A. West, king; Harry
B. Smith, scribe; John C. Shirk, treasurer; John E. Morton, secretary; Au-
gust Plennansdorfer. captain of the host: Frank Dennett, principal sojourner;
William R. Osborn. royal arch captain; Jacob Sottong. grand master of the
third veil; Clarence K. Moore, grand master of the second veil; Atwell J.
Shriner, grand master of the first veil; Casj>er Fogel. guard.
Chapter No. 40, Order of the Eastern Star, at Brookrville. was instituted
May 30, 1878. The first officers were: Rev. Thomas B. McClain. worthy
342 FRANKLIN COUNTY. INDIANA.
patron; Jennie D. Speer, worthy matron; Josephine Kaiser, treasurer; Fannie
Morton, secretary; Louisa ALcClain, conductor; Clara King, assistant con-
ductor; Alsie B. J^ole, warder; John Dennett, sentinel. For a number of
years this chapter Hfjurished, and in 1882 had a membership of twenty-two,
but subsequently it disbanded.
Metamora Lodge No. 156, Free and Accepted Masons, located at the
town of Metamora, was org^anized June 6. 1S53, and received its charter Mav
23, 1854. It was formed by S. 1'.. Trembly. Jerome Wiley. J. J. Rhubottom,
William A. Richard, Spencer Wiley, Adonijah Wiley, A. J. Whipple. G. W.
Walker, William ATewhinney and Daniel Dawson. The charter officers were :
Simon Macy, worshipful master; S. B. Trembly, senior warden; James Daw-
son, junior warden; J. J. Rubottom, secretary; A. J. Whipple, treasurvr ; Ad(jn-
ijah Wiley, senior deacon; Archibald Hahn, junior deacon: Francis Lei.>,h.
tyler.
The present membership is thirty-eight. The lodge first met at Odfl
Fellows hall; tlie present meeting place is Masonic hall, second floor of a
stone structure known as Allison store building. Its cost was one thousand
five hundred dollars. The society is aided materially by a ladies' auxiliary.
Order of the Eastern Star. The otificers Selective) in 1915 are: Terrv T.
Gordon, worshipful master; George M. Lennard, senior warden: Xoah Fos-
ter, junior warden; Mack P. Monroe, secretary; Donald M. Gordon, treas-
urer; Clarence ]Maguire, senior deacon; Milton Curry, junior deacon: Lewis
Parvis, tyler.
Andersonville Lodge No. 96, Free and Accepted Masons, at the village
of Andersonville. was organized May 15. 1850. Its charter membership can
not be given at this time, for lack of records. The lodge now enjovs a mem-
bership of sixty-eight, and has for its elective officers in 191 5: Prof. John
S. Moore, worshipful master; Dr. H. C. Metcalf, senior warden: Ed Moore,
junior warden ; F. Wilson Kaler. secretary ; Ed L. Scott, treasurer : Thomas
Day, tyler. A good chapter of the Eastern Star is in connection with this
Masonic lodge. A good hall was Imilt by a stock company formed of the
members immediately after the lodge was instituted. The building is still
used and is valued at eight hundred dollars.
Laurel Lodge No. 447. Free and Accepted Masons, was organized in
1872, with first officers as follows: Samuel Cooper, worshipful master: John
S. Rice, senior warden; Isaac Lockwood. Jr.. junior warden: C. H. Scofield.
secretary: J. C. Burgoyne. tyler. The lodge now has a membership of fiftv-
five and owns its own hall, on the third floor of the public school building.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 343
erected in 1852. Coinvell Cliapter, Order of the Eastern Star, is the ladies'
auxiliary. The blue lodge degrees only are conferred at Laurel.
The elective officers of Lodge No. 447 in 1915 are: C. E. Burgoyne,
worshipful master; John E. Fritz, senior warden; H. A. Dawdy, junior war-
den; J. P. Rockafellar, treasurer; William Hooper, secretary; William C.
Hayes, tyler.
Prior to the organization of this Masonic lodge at Laurel tliere was an-
other. Lodge No. 29, instituted at a very early day in the history of that
town. The lodge, however, was deprived of its charter for violating some
well-known rule of the grand lodge of Lidiana.
Fairfield Lodge No. 98, Free and Accepted Masons, at Fairfield, was
instituted September 28, 1849, by petitioners for dispensation, James Davis.
H. R. Coleman, Augustus ^Miller, James A. Garver, \V. S. Rose, John Lig-
gett, William Hayes, James Hilliard, Rev. W. C. Brooks, William J. Town-
send. James A. Garver was first worsliipful master; Silas Ward, senior war-
den; William Johnston, junior warden. The date of the charter is May 27,
1850. The present memlicrship is thirty-nine. There have l)een one hundred
and ninety-three Masons raised in this lodge since its organization. The
first hall, charter and all records were burned in 1849 or early in 1850.
The present (191 5) elective officers are: Jasper Younts, worshipful
master: H. O. Ward, senior warden: A. F. Glidewell, junior warden; Darlie
Hanna, secretary: H. C. Hanna, treasurer.
INDEPENDENT ORDEk OF ODD FELLOWS.
This strong fraternal society has long been represented in Franklin
county.- The earliest lodge of which the author has been able to obtain any
data is that at Laurel, known as Spartan Lodge No. 24, organized October
20, 1845, with charter members as follows: George R. Warren, Thomas S.
Wright, Adam Shafer, James A. Derbyshire, Henry I. Kerr and John Kirk.
Th.e present nieml)ership is seventy-three. The 191 5 elective officers are:
Fred A. Hermann, noble grand; ]\Iart \\'ormer, vice-grand; C. C. Carder,
secretary; T. P. Rockafellow, treasurer; Lon Masters, James Jinks and F. M.
Russell, trustees.
At Laurel is a fine working lodge of Rebekahs. doing their full share in
the upholding of the lodge. When the lodge was first formed it met in a
one-story frame building, at the northeast corner of Washington and Pearl
streets. Later the members removed to their present lodge rooms, on the
northwest corner of Washington and Pearl streets, a three-story brick struc-
ture, in which thev meet each Saturday evenins:.
344 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
Sherlock Encampment No. 4, at Laurel, was organized June 3, 1846,
with a charter membersliip as follows : J. D. Johnson, G. R. Warner, John
Kirk, J. AI. Hiatt, \V. A. Patterson, John W. Sullivan and Thomas White.
The encampment now has a membership of thirty-five. They occupy Odd
Fellows hall. The 1915 officers are: Hiyh priest, I^'rcd A. Hermann; senior
warden, Mart Warner; junior warden, Willard Chance; treasurer, C. W.
Tague; scribe, F. M. Russell.
Protection Lodge No. 63, at Metamora, was organized Alarch 24, 1849,
with charter members as follows : J. C. Barnes, Peter D. Pelsor, William
Bell, Adam Davis and Cornelius Cam. This lodge was instituted by Special
Deputy Pleasant A. Hackleman. It now has a membership of one hundred
and six and owns its own hall, a brick building. The lodge first met in the
second story of a frame building, immediately east of the present hall.
The 1915 elective officers in the subordinate lodge are: Charles A.
Riley, noble grand; Everet jMurray, vice-grand; J. W. Jackson, treasurer;
Roy Alley, secretary ; E. Alartindale, George Murray and J. C. Gordon, trus-
tees.
The instituting officer of this Odd Fellows lodge was Gen. P. A. Hackle-
man, who was killed during the Civil War. at the battle of Corinth, May 28,
1862, while commanding a division of L'nion soldiers, and was the only
general killed from Lidiana during that conflict. A memorial for him stands
in the courthouse grounds at Brookville. The oldest living member of this
lodge is Alfred Blacklidge.
Peter D. Pelsor was first to represent the order at the grand lodge at
Indianapolis. He walked to and from that city to attend the session of that
grand body. Going or coming, he stopped at a farm house to stay over
night, and when he told them he was an Odd Fellow the family looked upon
him with great suspicion. He also walked to Centerville. Indiana, to pro-
cure the charter of this lodge from the hand of the grand secretary. Lazarus
Noble. It was issued July 11, 1849, ^^^^ ^^e received it in the office of Gov-
ernor Morton on December 22, 1850. Other representatives to grand lodge
from this lodge went on horseback.
Grace Rebekah Lodge, No. 296, the ladies' auxiliary, is in a flourishing
condition.
Purity Lodge No. 194, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at the vil-
lage of Mixersville, was organized Novemlnrr 18, 1857, witli charter mem-
bers as follows : Jolm Samuels. Jesse IMontgomery, Sylvester Browne. Free-
man P. Kimball. Lewis Whiteman and Joseph Retsay.
The lodge now has a membership of forty-seven and owns a frame hall.
FKANKI-IX COUNTY, INDIANA. 345
A good working ladies' auxiliary is in connection with the men's suhxjrdinate
lodge, llie 1915 elective ofikers are: Seymour Vanness, noble grand; Rolla
Wood, vice-grand ; J. T. Rowe, recording secretary ; J. E. Abbcjtt, treasurer ;
C. B. Moore, corresponding secretary.
Scipio Lodge No. 509, at Mt. Carmel, was organized in 1875, with
charter members as follows: T. W. Oliver, A. B. Hodson, W. R. Jenkins,
P. H. Applegate, J. W. Wynn, M. T. Davis and J. M. Smith. The lodge
now has a membership of sixty, with officers as follows: Michael Keen,
noble grand ; Chalmer Lowe, vice-grand ; Harry West, secretary ; A. W.
Lewis, treasurer.
This lodge was first instituted at the village of Scipio. but was removed
to Mt. Carmel in 1882 or 1883. On February 25, 1895, their building was
burned, and they lost their effects, including the charter and lodge records.
Until the following autumn they met in the Masonic lodge room, but in Sep-
tember of that year they were again housed in a building of their own. Their
present building, a wooden structure, was erected in 1905, at a cost of two
thousand dollars.
Cistus Rebekah Lodge No. 209 works in connection with the abo\e lodge.
Penn Lodge No. 30, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Brookville,
was organized February 18, 1846, by Past Grand George R. Warren, assisted
by several Odd Fellows from the lodge at Laurel. The following were the
charter members: Hadley D. Johnson, Moses J. Kelly. Benjamin H. Burton,
John H. Shirk and Hiram Carmichael. Five new members were in waiting
to be initiated after the organization had been perfected. H. D. Johnson,
who withdrew his card from Laurel in order to aid in forming this lodge,
was elected noble grand: M. J. Kelly, vice-grand; J. H. Shirk, secretary;
Hiram Carmichael, treasurer; B. H. Burton, warden; R. P. C. Barwick, in-
side guard; J. D. Howland. conductor.
On the night of jNIarch 16. 1848. the lodge room, together with the rec-
ords and other property, excepting a few effects, were totally destroyed by
fire. The ownerof the burned building was- induced to rebuild and add a
third story, which was done at an expense of seven hundred and fifty dol-
lars. This room served as the Odd Fellows hall until December 14. 1884,
when fire again visited the hall, burning all save the lodge's seal. etc. After
this fire the present hall was erected. The order now owns two good hall
properties, one over the K. C. Myers drug store on Main street, which is
leased to the Red Men, and the third story of the Trichler block, comer of
Main and Seventh streets. The present value of the- two haUs is nine thou-
346 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
sand two hundred dollars. The Red Men's hall was erected in 1885, and
the Independent Order of Odd Felluws hall, proper, was erected by the
Brookville Encampment, No. 32, in 1891, and in 189S sold to Penn Lodge
No. 30, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
The elective officers of the subordinate lodye in the spring of 19 15 arc
as follows: William R. Osi)orn, noble grand; Walter G. Wilson, vice-grand:
Philander T. McCammon, secretary; Albert N. Logan, treasurer. The trus-
tees are Charles N. Rockwell, Oi)hir W. Klipplc, Willard N. Lacy. Ford H.
Allen, representative to grand lodge. The statistical report of Penn Lodge
from February 18, 1846, to date of January i, 1915, is as follows: Initia-
tions, ^/8<; reinstated, 23; admitted by card, 62; withdrawn by card, 87: ex-
pelled, 6; dropped for nonpayment of dues, 118; deaths. 75; brothers relieverl.
791; widowed families relieved, 84; weeks' benefits paid, 3,617: receipts of
lodge, $65,591.28; expenses of lodge, $25,333.22; dues to grand lodge.
$2,501.78; home ta.x, $784.43; paid for relief of brothers, S15.869.70: paid
for widowed families, $1,099.77; P^i^ for burying dead, $4,161.60; paid for
special relief, $3,622.51 ; total relief, $24,753.58; present membership, 193.
Brookville Encampment No. 32, at Brookville, was instituted December
2, 1852. The first officers chosen were: F. A. R. Jeter, chief patriarch; J. D.
Rowland, high priest; B. H. Burton, senior warden; W. H. McClcery, junior
warden ; C. B. Bentley, scribe ; J. C. Burton, treasurer. The above, together
with George Berry, John F. Hazzard and B. H. Burton, were the charter
members. It is the only encampment in Franklin county, hence has much ter-
ritory from which to draw recruits. It is in a flourishing condition at this
date. Its membership was, in March, 191 5, one hundred anil twenty-seven.
It now meets each first and third Monday of the month, in Odd Fellows hall.
The officers are: Karl Wise, chief patriarch; Albert B. Clark, high priest;
Edward Clark, senior warden ; Chester C. Starkel, jimior warden ; P. T. Mc-
Cammon, scribe; A. N. Logan, treasurer; John Dennett, Joseph L. Seibert
and W. H. IMartin, trustees.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
The Knights of Pythias have a strong lodge at Brookville. known as
Brookville Lodge No. 76, which was instituted July 16, 1S77, with the fol-
lowing charter members and officers : George Ritzi, Scott Hutchinson.
George R. Sheppard, Rolx-rt M. West, Jackson Stivers. John Rothermal. John
Cullins. Gustavus Hartman, Charles N. Davis, William McCIeerv. William
H. Bracken, past chancellor; N. V. Johnson, chancellor commander; T. J.
« FRANKI-IX COUNTY, INDIANA. 347
McCarty, prelate; Thomas C. Shepiiard, keeper of records and seal; William
M. McCleery. master of finance; A. H. King, master of exchequer; Jacob
Smith, master at arms; George Ritzi, inner guard; Scott Hutchinson, outer
guard.
The lodge now has a membership of one hundred and sixty-nine, and
owns its own castle hall, on the third floor of the Franklin County National
Bank building, which was erected in 19 12 at a cost of six thousand dollars.
The trustees of this lodge are H. J. Schneider, H. M. Stoops and R. S. Tay-
lor. A strong, harmonious working auxiliary to the lodge is found in the
Pythian Sisters.
Laurel Lodge No. 74. Knights of Pythias, at Laurel, was organized
April II, 1877, with charter members as follows: B. .\. Smith, A. H. Knott,
C. A. Guyer, S. A. Deweesc, S. A. Gifford, H. V. Reese, D. L. Secrest, Hugh
McCullum, C. C. Ross, N. V. Johnson, D. S. Alzeno, Michael Herrmann,
George \\'oessner. J. T. Anthony, B. F. Lefter, Mason Anthony. Its present
total membership is scAenty. There are no Pythian Sisters, but a lodge will
soon be formed.
The present elective officers of Laurel Lodge are: Roll Wiggins, chan-
cellor commander: D. L. Reese, master of work; Harry Manley, keeper of
records and seals; George F. Herrmann, master of finance; Gilbert Tague,
master of exchequer ; George F. Herrmann, master at arms; Ed Burgdorfer.
inner guard; Thomas W. Reese, outer guard; trustees, August Goehner,
Jesse Reese and John Oglesby.
Metamora Lodge No. 445, Knights of Pythias, located at the town of
Metamora. was organized December 9, 1896, by charter members as follows:
Judson C. Gordon, Francis R. Harder, Herbert A. Dawdy, Ross Clark,
George J. Myers, Henry Koerner, Flenry Smith, James A. Fisher, A. J. Mil-
ler, C. E. Jackson, James ^L Thorpe, Alexander Davidson, Thaddeus [Mur-
ray, Henry Becht, Joseph Davison, T. J. Holmes, Alvin E. Stotts, Christian
H. Thorp, George H. Brown, James Currv. David Swartz, George Swartz.
John Roemer, Henry \X. Hannebaum.
The lodge now has a membership of thirty-five, with elective officers in
1915 as follows: M. P. Moore, chancellor commander; Dewitt Currv, vice-
chancellor ; Johti L. Stewart, prelate ; George R. Foster, keeper of records and
seals; John Alley, inner guard; T. J. Holmes, outer gLiard ; Clyde Anness,
master at arms.
The lodge owns a comfortable hall, thus being independent of other or-
ders of the town.
Blooming Grove Lodge No. 134, Knights of Pythias, was organized at
348 FRANKLIN COUNTY^ INDIANA.
Blooming Grove, January 29, 1886, with twenty-nine charter members, as
follows : M. M. Moore, P. J. Starr, T. R. Moore, VV. D. Moore, W. G. Starr,
T. J. Swift, C. F. Hays, Jacob Metzgar, J. E. Ellis, L. G. Scheisz, J. F. Webb,
J. T. P>rris, J. S. Killen, Perry Miesncr, L. H. Hays, J. W. Griffith, Monroe
Miller, J. K. Wliitney, Peter Stolz, P. D. Harvey, James Sherwfxjd, Henry
Apsley, Ben O. Griffith, J. E. Ouick, S. C. Sliep])ard, J. K. Shejjparcl. W. E.
Jerman. Dan O. Moore and Cliarles 15. Johnson. Of this number, eight still
hold their membership in this lodge. There are now seventy-six members in
the lodge, twenty being deceased. The lodge owns a hall of its own — a frame
building erected over a general storeroom in 1885, and the hall is valued at
five hundred dollars.
The 1915 officers of this lodge are: Charles Pearson, chancellor com-
mander; Herman Kingery, vice-chancellor; Clyde Kelley, prelate; S. T. Mc-
Whortor, master of work; F. H. Moore, keeper of records and seal: Frank
V. Whitney, master of finance ; Henry Ferris, master of exchequer ; Emer-
son White, master at arms ; Harry Anspach, inner guard ; Charles Stewart,
outer guard; J. F. Swift, L. H. Hays, W. L. White, trustees.
The Pythian Sisters have a good lodge in conjunction with this lodge
of Knights of Pythias, established in June, 1S97, with twenty-one charter
members, which now has a membership of ninety-three.
Fairfield Lodge No. no. Knights of P>1:hias, was organized August 30,
1883, and now has a membership of fifty. It meets in its own hall, a two-
story brick building, thirty by sixty feet, erected in 1902, costing four thou-
sand dollars. It is an up-to-date structure in all of its appointments. The
present elective officers are as follows : O. H. Logan, chancellor commander ;
C. R. Dare, vice-chancellor : George W. Groce. prelate ; Charles Gerren, mas-
ter of work ; J. T. Buckley, keeper of records and seals : Darlie Hanna. mas-
ter of finance; H. H. Rose, master of exchequer; Fred Loper, master at
arms; Emmett Smalley, inner guard: Clyde Newkirk, outer guard; William
T. Logan, C. R. Dare and George W. Groce, trustees.
IMPROVED ORDEU OF RED MEN.
Hovannah Tribe No. 208, Improved Order of Red Men. at Anderson-
ville, Posey township, this county, was organized August i, 1895. The orig-
inal officers were: M. A. Kendall, sachem; William M. Moore (deceased),
senior sagamore; E. O. George, junior sagamore; J. S. Cramer, prophet;
R. D. Mitcliell, chief of records; M. J. James, keeper of wampum.
The present membership of the tribe is ninety. Adoption, warrior and
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
349
chief are the degrees worked on in the tribe. The larhes* aii.xih'ary at this
place went down some years a-o. The order first met in tiie oh\ Grand Army
hall, then in Cartmel's hall. About 1900 they bon-ht the old Universalis't
church building, added thereto and now have a comfortable home, valued at
about one thousand two hundred dollars.
The 1915 chiefs are: Ben Abercrombic, .sachem; Silver Reeve, senior
sagamore; Ben F. Stuttle. junior sagamore ; Aaron Hildreth, prophet ; F. Wil-
son Kaler, chief of records ; M. G. James, keeper of wampum.
Miantonomah Tribe No. 162, Improved Order of Red Men, at Meta-
mora, was organized July 6, 1893. with charter meml>ers as follows- Albert
Pierce, Richard Jinks, W. H. Swift, F. S. Swan. C. L. Thorp, Frank Harder.
Samuel Smith. E. F. Allison, Edgar Duggins. Roscoe Tracy, Tames M Roth-
rock, S. O. Jinks. David J. Vail. W. J. Smith, Wilson Morford. Henry
Senour, Thaddeus Murray, J. P. Gordon, Charles H. Blacklidge. Edward
Miller, William Curtis. George J. .Meyers, W. J. Holman, J. H. Miller.
The elective officers of the tribe in 1915 are: Sachem, Everett O. Mur-
ray; prophet, Roscoe Gordon; senior sagamore, James Stephenson: junior
sagamore, John Stephenson; chief of records. W. M. Smith; collector of
wampum, De Witt Curry; keeper of wampum, A. Pierce.
The tribe is a very strong one and work is verv interesting and instruc-
tive. The order meets in a leased hall. Council No. 166, Daughters of Poca-
hontas, a ladies' auxiliary, is worked in connection with the men's lodge, to
the mutual benefit of both organizations.
AN INTERESTING EPISODE.
To the above should be added a good historic item : It was here in Meta-
mora that the first tribe of Improved Order of Red Men, known as Seneca
No. I, was instituted in 1854. And here the first great council fire was kin-
dled in 1855, with five tribes represented, as follows: Seneca No. i, of -Meta-
mora; Chippewa No. 2, of Laurel; Blackhawk No. 3, of Terre Haute; Chero-
kee No. 4, of Edinburg, and Miami No. 5, of Franklin. Hence it will be
seen that Red Men were early in this field.
Winemah Tribe No. 249, Improved Order of Red Men, at Laurel, was
organized al>out 1S99, with between twenty-five and thirty members. It now
enjoys a membership of seventy-three, with elective officers as follows: H.
C. Ward, sachem; ['rank 1\icker, senior sagamore: Earl Hottman. junior
sagamore; H. C. Jones, chief of records; George Goehringer, keeper of wam-
pum; Charles Bloom, prophet. They have their own hall and are now in a
350 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
flourishing condition. The degrees now being worked by this trade are adop-
tion, warrior and chief.
At Brookville tliis order is very strong. Oshawnee Tribe Xo. 220 was
organized April 23, 1896, witli charter members as follows: Dr. George
E. Squier, Dr. M. C. Armstrong, Geijrge M. Fowler, William A. Gagle,
George A. Moorniann, Dr. E. L. Patterson, George A. Metzgcr. Joseph II.
Adams, Charles V. Bradburn, Maynard H. Irwin, Henry Cameron, Charles
E. Winans, Samuel F. Fogel. Charles D. Gregg, Edward C. Burkhart. Wil-
liam E. McKee, Edward Z. Fogel. W. S. Hutchinson, William Buck. J(jhn
W. Young, Edward P. Aletzger, Jehu Butler. J. E. l^'anjuear, James A. Clay-
ton, Elbert H. Woodworth, Charles W. Warne, Henry H. Dunsmorc. Frank
C. Becker, Frank Winans, Charles T. Meyncke, Flenry E. Updike. William
Keeler, Jacob Scherer. Frank W. Bruns, Leslie Kingery, Louis Beuttel. Wil-
liam T. Wright, William M. ]\IcCarty, William Smeister, Ira Wilson, Clinton
K. Roberts, Robert L. Hanna. F^^ight of these charter members are now de-
ceased and fourteen are not members of the order at this date. The tribe
meet in a leased hall, that of the Odd Fellows order. The ladies have a
good auxiliary — a Pocahontas lodge. The Red IMen have a membership of
one hundred and twelve and are doing a thorough, good w^ork in the com-
munity. The elective officers in the spring of 1915 are as follows: Adam
Geis, sachem; ^''alentine Niedenthal, senior sagamore: Ona Clymer, junior
sagamore ; Edward Brown, prophet ; Gus Baither, chief of records : W. J.
Schoonover, keeper of wampum; Adam Geis, degree master; Charles Horn,
Harry Fogel and Charles Lapish, tru.stees.
Owosso Tribe No. 214, Improved Order of Red Men, at Whitcomb,
Brookville township, was organized Deceml>er 27, 1894. by Lewis Hahn. with
charter members as follows: Thomas Lingar, Charles H. Myers. X. H.
Duncan, John R. Gouldie, Edward H. ^Morin, A. T. Updike, Wayne Smollev,
James Goudie. George T. Coates. Charles Linderman. Henrv [Mvers, I. R.
Bright, J. C. Morin, Bert Logan, James Lingar, Joe Murcii, Henry Geiling,
Frank Phenis, W. T. Prifogle. John Flack, S. M., Seal, X'athan Proctor,
Frank Moorman, Charles F. Holliday, P. 'M. Elwell. Sol Hammer, David
Hammer, Charles M. Elliott, I. A. Popper, Charles Saunders, Frank E. Myers,
Lew Linderman, Sherman Miller. Wilbert Rogers, William H. Gates. ^^latt
Steele, M. B. Shocket, William G. Myers, William Gregg, George A. Pri-
fogle, John E. Rogers. Asa Saunders, James Boyce, Bert Quick, Thomas J.
Robinson, .\lbert ^^1. Rogers, Charles Harrop.
The tribe now has a membership of fifty nine. They have owned a build-
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 35 1
ing for about fifteen years, its cost l:>eing afx)ut four hundred and fifty dol-
lars. It was purchased from the old Grange of the township.
The IQ15 elective officers of the tribe are: Henry rjeiling, sachem;
Nathan Proctor, senior sagamore; Alfred Clark, junior sagamore; Allen
Lanning, prophet; Leo Hill, chief of records; M. J. Ui)dike, keeper of wam-
pum; M. P. Elwell, I'recman Stuart and Charles M. Mlliott, trustees.
Lodge No. 90, Daughters of Pocahontas, is a live, active body and a
great aid to the tribe.
FRATEUNAL ORDER OF E.\GI.ES.
The only lodge of this fraternity in Franklin county. White Water \'alley
Aerie No. 1129, is at Brookvillc. It was instituted June J9, 1905, with about
one hundred and twenty-five cliarter members. It now has a membership of
one hundred and two. In the United States this fraternity has a following
of over four hnndreil thousand, and is only about nineteen vears old. The
first officers of the Bro'jkville Aerie were: President. Ona Climer; secretary,
Dora F. Gagle; treasurer, A. O. Cates. 'llie ortlcr cnvns its own ])uildin;,', the
first floor being occupied by the National Theater. They meet the first and
third Mondays in each month. The officers in the spring of 191 5 are as fol-
lows: President, Paul H. Killen ; vice-president, Charles Senefeld ; secretary,
Frank Deutsch; treasurer, John A. Schum ; chaplain, John E. Williams; trus-
tees, R. H. Cook, W. A. Fries, William H. West ; inside guard, Herman
Metzger; outside guard, Albert A. Williams.
BROOKVILLE CAMP NO. 1 4672, MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA.
Brookville Camp No. 14672. Modern Woodmen (jf America was organ-
ized December 12, 1910, with the following charter members: Charles H.
Blacklidge. Arthur O. Cates. Abraham Davis. Harry Rusterholz and Lewis
Schreiner. The officers for tlie current year are as follows : Charles Black-
lidge, venerable consul ; Frank Brake, worthy advisor ; Lewis Schreiner. bank-
er ; Joe Siebert. clerk ; O. L. DeBeck, escort ; Harry Rusterholz. watchman ;
Charles Cooksey, sentry; I. D. Garrigues, physician. The present membership
is fourteen.
CHAPTER XVI
LITERARY CLUBS AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS.
It is an axiom of human nature tliat pc'0[)le arc g^rej^arious and prefer
to mingle together rather than to isolate themselves from the world. There
have heen organizations of people from the earliest times and at the present
time there are literally thousands of different active organizations in the
United States. These include all kinds of cluhs, lahor unions, bene\oIent and
protective societies; organizations for men, for women and for children: or-
ganizations for social purposes, for the working classes, for the rich and poor ;
for Jew and gentile, for all nationalities; in short, there is a club for every
purpose, and for every kind of people.
There have been organizations of one kind or another in Franklin county
for three-quarters of a century. In the days l:)efore the Civil War there were
debating societies and literary clubs scattered over the county. In fact, most
of the organizations up until the past score of years were literary in character.
Brookville College supported two literary societies whose programs, as shown
in the local papers of the day, were of a high literary character. Where there
was one club fifty years ago for the women of Brookville, there are now
nearly a dozen, each doing its own particular work and yet all working to-
ward the same general end. There are some clubs which admit both men
and w^omen to membership, namely, the Saturday Club and the Historical
Society.
JULIA DUMONT SOCIETY.
It was a group of bright girls who were attending Brookville College in
1853 '^^'^10 established an organization which antedated Sorosis by fifteen
years. On December 16, 1853, a group of Brookville girls, wdiose names were
well known in the history of the town, organized the Julia Dumont Society,
naming it thus in honor of one of the leading women educators of the day.
These girls were the Misses Clarkson, Hitt, Holland, Haymond and Price.
Georgiana Plolland, now Mrs. C. C. Binckley, of No. 402 North Delaware
street, Indianapolis, was president of the society during a part of its early
career. Among its members who are still living are Mrs. C. C. Bincklev;
FRANKLIN COLNTV, INDIANA. 353
Mrs. Rowena Pric-e Hamer, of Denver; Mrs. Lee Yaryan, of Richmond; Mrs.
W. H. Bracken and Mrs. S. S. Harrell, of Brookville.
The nienil)ers of the society studied literature and flid not a Httle orifjinal
work themselves. They had a furnished room in the college building in
Brookville equipped with all the furnishings of a modest library, and it was
open to the members at all liours. Young women attending the college from
other points were admitted to membership and in that way the society carried
upon its roll women who became prominent eclucators and writers. Among
the latter, the name of Mrs. I'orcythe W'illson became well known as a poetess
even before she married her poet-husband; the name of Mrs. Mary Bassett
Hussev, a Brookville girl, is also one of the well-remembered members of the
society.
This society did good work for about twenty years and then, as has been
and always will be the case, the girls married and moved away, and the
Julia Dumont Society, one of the first women's literary clubs of the United
States, ceased to e.xist.
MARRIED VVO.MKN"s SOCIAL CLUB.
The oldest active women's organization of Brookville is the Married
Women's Social Club, which was organized November 12. 1900, with thirty-
nine ladies present. The original purpose of the club was "to promote socia-
bility and have a good time generally," and during the fifteen years of its
existence it has fairly lived up to its motto. Although the social side was the
principal object during the earlier career of the club, it has also done some
interesting work along the lines of music, art and civic improvement. It is
federated with the county, district and state federations.
The first officers of the club were as follows: President. INIrs. A. H.
Rockafellar; vice-president, iNlrs. F. W. Hathaway; secretary-treasurer, Mrs.
K. C Meyers. The present officer:^' are as follows : President. Mrs. S. S.
Harrell ; first vice-president. ^Irs. I. M. Bridgeman ; second vice-president,
Mrs. J. E. Morton; secretary-treasurer. Mrs. R. J. Cain.
The original thirty-nine members were ^lesdames J- O. Adams. Charles
Bishop, John liishop. Cliff Bruns. Fred Bruns, Lillie Burkhart. R. J. Cain.
Douglas Case. Ora Case, W. I). Bradt. Ada Dennett. Xora Feicht. Martha
Goodwin. Riise Goudie. S. S. Harrell. Will Heasom. F. \V. Hathaway. M. P.
Hubbard. .Mice flaymond. Charles Hutchinson. M. H. Irwin. John Kimble. G.
Ray King. Frank Masters. Charles Masters. O. M. Meyncke. K. C. Mevers.
Charles Miller. E. L. Patterson, Frank Moorman, L. A. Rockafellar. \V. H.
(23)
354 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
Senour, J. C. Shirk, Dudley Tfinpletcjii, Herman Trichler, H. S. Voorhees,
Ada Holmes, H. P. Smith and Harry Smith.
The membership in 191 5 included forty-two women, which is the Hmit
now provided by the constitution. Twenty-three of the charter members still
belong to the club. The full roster of members for 191 5 is here given:
Mesdames J. O. Adams, I. AI. Bridgeman, John Bishoj), \V. IT. I'rackcn, \V.
D. Bradt, Lillie Burkharl, G. B. Buckingham, Clara Charni, Clinton Case,
R. J. Cain, O. M. Cowing, Elmer Dennett, George Dickson, Martha Goodwin.
N. E. Holmes, ^I. P. Hul^bard. S. S. Harrell, E. W. Hathaway.- M. H. Irwin.
John Kimble, A. N. Logan, Frank S. Masters. Cliarles Masters, J. E. Mor^
ton, Charles Miller. Rose iSIiller, George Mullin, Frank McClure. George
O'Byrne, E. L. Patterson, A. H. Rockafcllar, A. J. Rcifel, J. C. Shirk, Harry
Smith, W. H. Senour, John Scanlon, Herman Trichler and R. S. Taylor.
THE N Y CLUB.
The N Y Club dates its beginning fnjm 1900. at which time the
following young ladies ])andcd themselves together for social purposes: Xelle
Cooley, Nelle Swayne, Laura Swayne, Mable Ryan, Nelle Kimble, May
Berry, Ethel Berry, Edna Harrell. Hallie Harrell. Zella Hutchinson, Edith
Balsley, Winnie Morton. Anna Morton, Bertha Morton, Mar}- Goodwin and
Katherine Winscott.
The first officers of the club included Winnie Morton as President and
Nelle Kimble as secretary-treasurer. The present officers are Katherine Win-
scott, president, and Aubra Ferris, secretary-treasurer. The other active
members in 191 5 include Winnie Morton. Laura Swayne. Gertrude Buckley,
Cora Smith, Bertha Hermansdorfer. Xelle Swayne. Zella Winscott, Glenna
Miller, Adah Masters and IMaude Scanlon.
••'^ ' THE ART CLUB.
The Art Club was organized November 23. 1905. with seven charter
members, namely : Miss H. S. McCready, Mrs. IMinnie }^IcCarty. Miss Jen-
nie Miller, Mrs. Sophia Buckingham. Mrs. Blanche Smith. Mrs. Ethel Crist
and Mrs. Lillie Winans. At the second meeting jMiss Nora Cameron and
Mrs. Bertha Dietz were added. The club was organized with the idea of
mutual improvement and helpfulness among its members. It has given par-
ticular attention to all kinds of fancy work.
The first officers were Miss Salina McCready, president, and Mrs. Min-
nie McCarty, vice-president. The presidents from the time of organization
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 355
down to the present have been as follows: Miss Salina McCready. Mrs. Kate
Sniiester, Mrs. Sophia Bucking^hain, Mrs. Bertha Dietz, Mrs. Minnie McCarty,
Mrs. Ethel Crist, Mrs. Cora Taylor, and Mrs. Ella Lacy, the present incum-
bent. The vice-president for 1915 is Mrs. Mary Harwood; the secretary-
treasurer is ]\liss Alary Moore. The program committee is made up of Mrs.
McCarty, Mrs. Allen and Mrs. Kissel. The list of twenty-five active members
for 1915 follow: Mrs. Jennie Allen, Miss Nora Cameron, Mrs. Flo Clymer,
Mrs. Ethel Crist, Mrs. Mae Croninger, Mrs. Bertha Dietz, Mrs. Mary Har-
wood, Mrs. Rose Hornung. Mrs. Sophia Kissel, Mrs. Ella Lacy, Mrs. Minnie
McCarty, Miss Winnie ^Nlortun, ]Miss Alary Moore, Miss Jennie Miller, Mrs.
Lelia Roberts, Airs. Beiia Ritze, Mrs. Kate Smiester, Mrs. Blanche Smith,
Mrs. Cora Taylor, Mrs. Myrtle Trichler, Airs. Lou E. VanXess, Airs. Lilly
Winans, Airs. Alpha White, Airs. Lou Wise and Airs. Clara Younts. The
five honorary members are Airs. Grace Aloorman, Aliss Adah Alasters, Airs.
Elitha Swartzel, Mrs. Belle Remy and Airs. Marie Ritze. Since its organiza-
tion, ten years ago, only four members have died. Aliss Salina AlcCready,
Mrs. Kate Aloore, Airs. Sophia Buckingham and Airs. Anna Stalcup.
BROOKVILLE STUDY CLUB.
The Brookville Study Club was the outgrowth of the desire on the part
of four women to organize a club for i>urely literary purposes. These women,
Mrs. Dora Seal, Airs. George O'Byrne, Aliss Alargaret Dickson and Airs. S.
S. Harrell, — worked out the plans for the proposed club and on October iS,
1909, invited a small number of women to meet with them and assist in the
organization of the club. The officers elected on this date were as follows :
President, Airs. S. S. Harrell ; vice-president. Airs. I. AI. Bridgeman ; secre-
tary-treasurer, Aliss Alargaret Dickson.
This club is truly what its name indicates and devotes itself exclusively to
literary and general cultural studies. It meets every two weeks from Septem-
ber to June and holds a two-hour afternoon session. The first hour is given
to the presentation of some subject of general interest; the second hour is
devoted to current events and leading questions of the day are discussed both
formally and informally. It is federated with the county and district federa-
tions.
The present officers of the club are as follows : President. Aliss Alar-
garet Dickson; vice-president. Airs. Alattie Aleyers; secretary-treasurer. Airs.
Ainanda Patterson. The members for 191 5 include Airs. Winifred Adams,
Mrs. Alice Bridgeman, Airs. Jennie Buckingham, Airs. Alan,- Cain, Airs. Clara
356 FRANKLIN' COUNTV, INDIANA.
Charni, Mrs. Mae Cliarni, ^fiss Alar^-aret l)ick.son. Mr.s. Annclla I'erris, Mrs.
Sarah Ilarrell. Mrs. Kathryn Kimble, Mrs. Rose Log'an. Mrs. Ola Masters.
Mrs. Mattie Meyers. Mrs. Mary O'Byrne, Mrs. Amamla Patterson, Mrs. Ella
Rockafellar, Mrs. Nora. Senour, Mrs. liallie Showalter aiul Mrs. Bertha
Hermansdorfer. The club has lost three members by death .->ince its orj.(aiiiza-
tion, Mrs. Kate Moore (1910), Miss Margaret McClure (ujii) and Mr>.
Dora Seal (1914).
mothers' club.
The Mothers" Club was formally orijanized October 28, 1909, by fourteen J
women of Brookville. The lirst officers were as fc^llows : President. Mrs.
George Mullen; vice-president. Mrs. Charles Masters; secretary. Mrs. August
Hermansdorfer. The charter members were Mrs. Ottis Adams. Mr>. August
T. Reifel, :Mrs. Alexander Cory, Mrs. M. F. Hubbard, Mrs. Charles Dobyn.^
Mrs. Claire Buckley, Mrs. Will Baker, Mrs. .August Brown, Mrs. John Scan-
Ion. Mrs. ULiarles Masters. INfrs. George Mullen, Mrs. l-^rnest Showalter, Mrs.
Leroy Templeton. and !Mrs. August Hermansdorfer.
The ^Mothers" Club, as its name indicates, seeks to bring into closer rela-
tionship the mothers and the children. It takes a deep interest in the public
schools of the town and has been instrumental in forwarding a better spirit
between the teachers and parents. The present officers are Mrs. August J.
Reifel, president: Mrs. Albert Clark. vice-i)resident ; Airs. G. W. Hyde, secre-
tary. The membership now includes seventeen, as follows : Mrs. Harlev
Castle. Mrs. Albert Clark, Mrs. Claire Buckley. Mrs. x\lexander Cory. Mrs.
Charles Hitchcock, Mrs. M. P. Plubbard. Mrs. G. W. Hyde, Mrs. Roy Kack-
ley, Mrs. John Kissel, Mrs. J. \V. Lucas, Mrs. Charles Masters. Mrs. Frank
Moster. Airs. August J. Reifel. Mrs. John Scanlon, Mrs. Ernest Showalter.
Mrs. John Weber and Mrs. Charles Whiteman,
NEEDLKCRAFT CLUB.
The Xeedlecraft Club came into existence March 12. 1912. at which time
sixteen married women of Brookville organized themselves into a club with
the following officers: President. Mrs. J. H. Briggs, vice-president. Mrs. H.
B. Smith; secretary-treasurer. Mrs. C. E. Case. The charter members were
Mrs. J. H. Briggs. Airs. Richard Brockman. Airs. C. E. Case. Mrs. C. R.
Crane. Airs. Charles Dobyns, Airs. Arthur Ferris. Afrs. W. R. Hubbard. Airs.
M. P. Hubbard. Airs. C. W. Flitchcock. Airs. Frank Aloster. Airs. H. B.
Smith. Mrs. J. V. Scanlon. Airs. Fred Sheppard, Airs. Samuel S^vift. Airs.
Charles \\inscott and Airs. Cr B. Williams.
FKAXKLIX COLWry, INDIANA. 357
This club conil)incs its rei^iilar work with various social diversions. The
name of the club is sufficiently indicative of the character of its work and dur-
ing its career of three years the members have done some very creditable work.
The officers for 191 5 are .Mrs. M. P. Hubbard, president; Mrs. Arthur h'crris.
vice-president; Mrs. C. B. Williruns, secretary-treasurer. The present mem-
bers are Mrs. J. II. Brigqs, Mrs. C. E. Case, Mrs. Arthur I'erris. Mrs. .M. P.
Hubbard. Mrs. J. M. Kimble. Mrs. I'rank Mooter. .Mrs. Charles Smith,
Mrs. H. B. .Smith. Mrs. Samuel Swift, Mrs. J. V. Scanlon. .Mr... C. li. Will-
iams, j\Irs. Charles W'inscott. Mrs. 1-. IT. Miller and Mrs. Clen Siebcrt.
DOMESTIC .SCIENCE CLUI5.
The devotees of the culinary arts in Bro(jkvilIe orijanizcd themselves into
the Brook\ille Domestic Science Club, March 15. 1913. There were twenty
charter members and the constitution limits the membership to that numl>er.
It was organized for mutual lic]i)fulness. intellectual improvement and with
the idea of co-operating with the public schools of Brookville in helping to in-
troduce the study of domestic science in the public schools. By giving an
entertainment in 19 14 the club netted about eighty-hve dollars and this sum
was used to help start the domestic science work in the public schools and also
to provide books along domestic science lines for the public lil)rary. This club
is a progressive organization and has already demonstrated its u.sefulness in
the community. The work consists of demonstrated lessons in cooking and
sewing and the preparation of papers co\ering various phases of domestic
science. It meets on alternate Wednesday afternoons at the homes of the
members.
The first officers were Mrs. Frank S. Masters, president : Mrs. G. E.
Dennett, vice-president; ^Irs. J. K. White, secretary-treasurer. The officers
for 1915 are Mrs. Ella Lacy, president; Mrs. Will Baker, vice-president: Mrs.
Arthur Ferris, secretary-treasurer. The members are as follows : ]Mesdames
Jennis Allen. Ada Baker, ]\Iaude Briggs, Mary Cain, Mae Charni, Ada Den-
nett, Ethel Cri..t. Aubra h^erris. Maymie Hubbard. Ella Lacy, Ola Masters,
Minnie McCarty, Gladys Moster. Cora Pippin. Maude Scanlon, Mabel Shirk,
Blanche Smith, Alpha White, Zella ^\'inscott, and Miss .Margaret Dickson.
PHYSICAL CULTURE CL.ASS.
The Physical Culture Class is not a club in the ordinary sense of the word,
but rather a group of ladies who seek to provide its memljers with phvsical
recreation suitable to their several needs. It was organized in the fall of 1907
35^ FRANKI-IX COUNTY, INDIANA.
as result of the work which had been clone in a physical culture class con-
ducted by Mrs. Florence iJacon in 1906-07. The first woman in Brookville
to give scientific lessons in callisthenics was Mrs. Mary Williams, who con-
ducted a class in Bro<->kvillc during- 1896-97.
The members of the tir.st class (1896-1897) were Mattie Adair, Mrs.
John Bishop, Mrs. Charles Bishop, Mrs. George E. Dennett, Mrs. Martha S.
Goodwin, Mrs. C. A. Haman, Mrs. F. W. Hathaway. Anna Muller, Cora
Colescott, Margaret McClure and Jennie McClure. The present members
are as follows: Mattie Adair, Mrs. John I'.isho]), Mrs. W. D. Bradt, Mrs.
George B. Buckingham, Mrs. ^lason Crist, Mary D. Cain, Mrs. George E.
Dennett, Mrs. M. S. Goodwin, Airs. John Goodwin, Mrs. E. \V. Hathawav,
Mrs. C. A. Haman, IMrs. M. H. Irwin, Mrs. E. L. Priest. Grace Priest. Mrs.
J. C. Shirk, Mrs. Charles Shirk, Ellen Shirk and Cornelia. Shirk. The hon-
orary members include Mrs. J. O. Adams, Mrs. Allen Buchanan and Mrs. J.
E. Eisher.
The class has no officers, but a director is appointed for each meeting who
has general charge of the work for that meeting. The membership is confined
to those who have had work under a trained physical instructor and now in-
cludes eighteen women of Brookville.
The nine clubs which haA-e been discussed thus far restrict their member-
ship to women. There are only two organizations in Brookville which admit
both men and women to membership, namely, the Saturday Club and the His-
torical Society.
women's franchise leagi:e.
The Eranklin County Women's Franchise League was organized Novem-
ber 2, 1912, with the following officers: ]\Irs. S. S. Harrell. county chair-
man; Mrs. George E. ^lullin. president; Mrs. \V. H. Bracken, vice-president;
Mrs. George E. Dennett, secretary; ]\Irs. jMartha Goodwin, treasurer. The
charter members of the League were iMesdames S. S. Harrell, George E.
Mullin, William H. Bracken. George E. Dennett. IMartha Gootlwin. William
Banes, Belle Koerner. M. P. Hubbard, J. IM. Vawter. J. Ottis Adams. Erecl
Miller, C. R. Crane, Frank Masters, Frank Meyers, Rose Loper Miller an<l
R. J. Cain. To this list of charter members have been added the following:
Mrs. L N. McCarty. Emma James. Mrs. Frank Bonwell. ^Irs. Albert Clark.
Mrs. Clair Buckley, Airs. Louis Eederman. Airs. John Goodwin. Mrs. Brad-
way Hudson, Mrs. M. H. Irwin. Airs. Charles Alasters, Mrs. Fred Aliller.
Mrs. William Templeton. Airs. William Pippin. Jennie Aliller. Ida Seal. Airs.
Augustus Baither, Mrs. J. W. Eye and Airs. Louise Schneider.
FRANKLIN COCNTV, INDIANA. 359
This organization is less than three years old and yet it has already done
a wonderful work in creating a feminine sentiment towards woman's suffrage
in the county. Its work from the first has been characterized by dignity anrl
convincing argument and the apical has been to reason rather than to senti-
ment. There is no disposition on the part of the league to resort to militant
methods such as characterized the franchise movement in England, for this
reason the league has been able to do effective work in the county. Xot only
does it advocate enfraiicln'sement of women but it is al-^o taking an active
part in advancing humanitarian measures of all kinds. Its interest in civic
affairs, its advocacy of all general welfare measures and its ready willingness
to lend its support in behalf of all movements which tend to make this county
a better one in which to live, make the Franchise League a potent force in
the life of the county.
The local league was organized by Belle O'Hair, a former resident of
this county and now a teacher in the jmblic schools of Indianapolis. Soon after
the organization was eft'ected a banquet was given to a large number of in-
vited guests. The county chairman, Mrs. Harrell, acted as toastmistress. Rev.
F. L. Priest, of the Methodist church, responded to a toast, "Women in the
Church"; Superintendent A. J. Reifel responded to a toast, "Women in the
Home," and E. W. Showalter, a young business man, to "Women in Busi-
ness." An opening meeting was held at the home of Mrs. W. H. Bracken
and the guests were taken to and from the meeting in automobiles furnished
by friends of the cause. ]\trs. F. E. Badgley, who recently died at ]\Ietamora,
was a valued member of the league and gave a talk on this particular oc-
casion.
The of^cers of the league for 1915 are as follows: Mrs. George E.
Mullin, president; ^Irs. I. X. McCarty. vice-president; Emma James, secre-
tary-treasurer; Mrs. S. S. Harrell, county chairman. The last meeting of the
league before this volume went to press was held in Brookville. Friday, April
16, 1915. in the Library hall. An interesting program was rendered, Avith
Mrs. W. E. Ochiltree, of Connersville, as the main speaker.
THE SATURDAY CLUB.
The Saturday Club of Brookville, like many important organizations,
was a development. Back in the sixties, when Brookville College was flour-
ishing, a few young men and women of literary tastes got together and organ-
ized the Brookville Reading Club. Its chief ambition was to read dramatic
plays and occasionally gi\e a public entertainment in the town hail.
In the fall of 1884 Df- John G. Chafee was sent to Brookville as pastor
360 FRAXKI.IN COUNTY, IXDIAXA.
of the Mcthudisl Iipi.sco[)aI cliurcli. lie was deeply interested in the Chau-
tauqua educatiuiial inovenient, and in 1886 he urj^anized the i5rook\ ille Chau-
tauqua Circle, most of the nienihers of the Br(j(jkville I'ieadin}^ Chih joining
and forming the Chautauqua Cluh. So in reality the Uro(jk\ ille Reading Club
became the Ih-cKjkville Chautauqua (,'lub.
When the four years' Chautau(iua course had been read a number of its
members, not caring to ccjnlinue reading the Chautau(jua course, began to con-
sider some other line of work, and tlie foll<nving jjersons met at the home of
John C. Shirk to talk tlie matter over: C. W. AlcClure, R. M. King, C. I'.
Goodwin and J. C. Shirk. It was tlecided t(j form a new club and to work out
its own pr(jgram. The (iuestinn of a name for the club was di.->cus.-,ed and in-
cidentally the night for meetings. It was thought by those present that Sat-
urday night would suit best. Whereupon R. M. King proposed the name of
Saturday Club, which was adopted.
A second meeting was arranged for one week later, (^n Tue>dav e\en-
ing, September 29, 1890, at the home of J. C. Shirk, to which a number of
persons were invited. This meeting was called to order by J. C. Shirk, and
Rev. W. A. Echols was asked to preside. John C. Shirk and C. W. McClure
were appointed a committee to prepare and present a constitution f(ir the gov-
ernment of the club. The committee presented a constitution, which was
read article by article and, with a number of modifications and changes, was
adopted. C. F. Goodwin and C. \V. IMcClure were appointed a committee to
place in nomination the names of persons for president, vice-president, ^ecre-
tary and treasurer for the coming year. Rev. W. A. Echols was chosen presi-
dent, Mrs. C. F. Jones, vice-president, and J. E. Morton, secretary and treas-
urer. C. W. McClure and J. E. Morton were appointed a committee on mem-
bership. J. C. Shirk. R. M. King and ^liss Hattie Jones were appointed a
committee to arrange for a program and select the time of meeting.
The committee recommended Saturday evening for meetings, but it did
not suit a majority of the members and Tuesday evening was chosen. The
constitution was as follows :
Article i — The circle shall be called the Saturday Club.
Article 2 — The otificers of this club shall be: one president, one vice-
president, one secretary and treasurer, all to be elected .annually at the tirst
regular meeting.
Article 3 — The membership of this club is limited to twenty jjersons.
Article 4 — Any name proposed for nieml^ership shall be held over for one
week before being voted upon.
Article 5 — The election of members shall be bv ballot.
FKANKLIN COL'NTy, IMJIA.N'A. 361
Article 6 — Two negative votes shall reject any application for nicniix;r-
ship in this club.
Article 7 — Absence troiii l'(nir rci^ular nieetinj^s in succession, without
sulhcient excuse, ^Iiall work forfeiture of membership in the club.
Article 8 — Xew menil)ers can be elected to fill any vacancies occasione'l
by forfeiture of menibersliip.
Article 9 — All members shall sign this constitution.
Article 10 — Officers of this club shall perform the duties belonging to
said officers as recognized in general literary societies.
The charter members of the Saturday Club were Mrs. Mary Cain. .Minnie
Cohu, Rev. \V. A. Echols. C. F. Goodwin and wife, C. V. Jones and wife.
Hattie Jones, R. M. King-, C. \V. McClure and wife. Dr. J. E. M.jrton. Ida
Meyers, John Shirk and wife, Minnie Win^cott, Henrietta R. Wer,t.
The committee on pnjgram recommended the >tudy of Cireen's "Short
History of the English People," .\merican authors (six months ). using IJeer's
"American Literature" as a text book, while the remrunder oi the year was
to be given to English authors and current e\ents. The meetings were held
weekly and genuine hard work was done. This form (jf program was fol-
lowed in the succeeding year, after which the club decided to h.jld it> meet-
ings every two weeks, and to have a miscellaneous range of subject>. Some-
times the club took one particular line of work as a majijr subject, with a
varied line of supplementary subjects, including almost every subject in which
the people of a small town are interested.
It was the first organizati(.n in Brookville to make a movement toward
establishing a public library, and four years before a library was established
it had raised a small fund to be used for the library when one should be estab-
lished. Besides the solid literary work wliich tlie club has done, it has been
a social center for its members, and has given several elaborate ban(iuets.
The club has always been prosperous and had a live membership. The
members of 1915 are as follows: I. M. Bridgeman, Mrs. I. M. Bridgeman.
Mrs. Mary D. Cain, Dean Charni. Mrs. Dean Charni. Miss Margaret Dick-
son. Mrs. Martha Goodwin. Mrs. F. \V. Hathaway. C. W. Hitchc(Kk. Mrs.
C. W. Hitchcock. Mrs. N. E. Holmes. Miss Clara Holmes. Mi.ss Bessie Kid-
ney, A. N. Logan. ]\Irs. A. N. Logan. Miss Carrie Logan. K. C. Meyers. Mrs.
K. C. Meyers. Mrs. Geo. E. Mullin. Mrs. G. F. O'Byrnc. Dr. E. L. Patterson.
Mrs. E. L. Patterson. Rev. F. S. Priest. Mrs. F. L. Priest. A. J. Reifel. Mrs.
A. J. Reifel. John C. Shirk. Mrs. J. C. Shirk, H. :^I. Stoops and -Miss Kath-
erine W'inscott.
362 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
BROOKVILLE INDIANA IIISTOKICAL SOCIETY.
The Brookville Indiana Historical Society came into existence as the re-
sult of a desire on the part of many people of Brookville and vicinity to pre-
serve the Little Cedar Baptist church. This little brick building-, located three
miles down the river, was erected in 1812 and is the oldest Iiouse of worship
now standing in Indiana. It had not been used for rej,nilar services for
many years and as a result was fast falling into ruin. 'Ihe BajAiit
congregation, whicli owned it, had long ago ceased to e.xi.st and the proj>erty
was retained in the name of two trustees. J(jhn C. Ellis and George W.
Childers. These two trustees in 190.S offered to turn it over to any organiza-
tion in the ccmnty which would take care of it and it was fur the purpose of
securing possession of this interesting old building that the Brookville Indiana
Historical Society was organized on June 5, 1908. It was incorpf)rate(l under
the laws of the state, thereby allowing it to hold and convey real estate. On
July 17, 1908, the Historical Society, through its trustees, H. M. Stoops,
James B. Kidney and Elmer Dennett, accejjted the building and the two
acres and si.\ty-six sijuare yards on which it is located. The deed for the
property was recorded in the name of the society on April jo, 19 id.
Immediately upon acquiring the property, the society put a new roof on
the building, replaced the old windows and doors and made some imi)rove-
ments upon the interior of tlie building. It is the intention of the society to
utilize the building ultimately as a museum wherein may be kept those things
which will preserve for future generations something of the manner in whicli
the early settlers of this county lived. Thus far the building stands empty
and is used only once a year, one day in summer l>eing given to a celebration
in the historic building, at which time the annual election is held.
The only other property owned by tlie society is the old college Ijell,
which is kept in the lil>rary building. When the old college building was
torn down in 19 12 the bell was sold for old iron. On the day that it was
being hauled through town to the freight house, A. X. Logan chanced to be
passing along the street and immediately decided that he was going to pre-
serve the bell. Mr. Logan found that the bell would bring fifty dollars as
old iron and at once told the junk dealer that he believed he could take a
subscription paper and raise the money. Within a short time the necessary
amount had been raised and sixty-seven donors to the bell fund deserve suit-
able recognition for their service in helping to save the old bell to Brook-
ville.
The first officers of the Historical Society were as follows: President,
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 363
John C. Sliirk; vice-presidents, J. O. Adains, A. H. Rockafellar. Harry
Stoops and Mrs. \V. H. Bracken; secretary, Mrs. S. S. Harrell ; treasurer,
Mrs. F. W. Hathaway. Tliese officers were elected July 17, 1908. at the
little brick church which had that day become the proj)erty of the society.
The annual elections have always been held at the church. The present offi-
cers are : J. C. Shirk, president ; Harry M. Stoops, vice-president : .Amelia
Hornung, secretary; Mrs. V. \V. Hathaway, treasurer; A. J. I'Jeifel. Mrs.
John Kissel and George Dicksun, program committee. The charter mem-
bers were ]\Ir. and Mrs. J. C. Shirk, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cain, Mr. and
Mrs. A. H. Rockafellar, Harry M. Stoops. J. O. Adams. Mrs. Emma Hath-
away, Miss Julia Sharpe, Mrs. Martha Goodwin, Mrs. S. S. Harrell and Mrs.
J. G. Chafee.
PRESENT MEMBERSHIP AND OBJECTS.
The society in 19 15 enrolled one hundred and five members: Mr. and
Mrs. J. C. Shirk. Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Showalter, Mr. and Mrs. I. M. Bridge-
man, Mr. and Mrs. William M. Crist, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Hathaway. Mr.
and Mrs. J. O. Adams. Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Case, Mr. and Mrs. R. M. King.
Mr. and Mrs. M. H. Irwin, Mr. and Mrs. George Mullin, Mr. and Mrs. A.
H. Rockafellar, :Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Morton. Mr. and Mrs. \V. D. Bradt. Mr.
and Mrs. John S. Martin, Mr. and Mrs. G. B. Buckingham, Mr. and Mrs.
E. Ross Petty. Mr. and "Mrs. John H. Bishop, Mr. and^trs. George Dick-
son, Mr. and ^Irs. A. N. Logan, James B. Kidney, Harry ?Sto)ops, Mrs. .\Iol-
lie Cain, IVIrs. S. S. Flarrell. Miss Sallie Hanna, Mrs. J. G.' Chafee. Mrs. W.
H. Bracken, Mrs. J. W. Vawter, Mrs. John-^KS^sel, Mrs.' Pamelia Cooley,
Vina St. John, IMiss Amelia Hornung, Charle;f F. Jones. Amos W. Bvitler,
Mrs. Martha Goodwin, Julia Sharpe, George E. Dennett. Frank West. Mrs.
Walter Baker. William X. Bancs, Mrs. \\'illiam X. Bancs, Jethro Hamilton.
Mrs. Caroline Herron, Jennie ■Miller. ^Tary Butler. ]Mrs. Belle Koerner. Viola
Appleton, William M. Baker. ^Mrs. ^^'illiam M. Baker. Paul Applegate. Lewis
Hornung, Will R. Hubbard, C. F. Robinson. Mrs. Margaret Carter. A. J.
Suhre, J. O. Allen. W. W. Jackson, E. C. Smith, George Personett. Mrs.
George Personett. ]\Trs. John Johns. J. P. Goodwin. 3,[rs. J. P. Goodwin.
Dr. R. L. Hanna. IMrs. R. L. Hanna, Mrs. Samuel Thomas. J. M. Thorpe.
R. L. Head, C. W. Hawkins, A. J. Ailes, A. J. Reifel, J. T. Gordon. Flerman
Trichler, Dr. E. M. Glasser, IMrs. E. M. Glasser, Frank L. Hornung. L A.
Popper, A. Bossert, Mrs. X'annie Shirk, Mrs. Jennie Yar\-an. William X".
Biere, Mrs. William X''. Biere, Wilbur Rogers, Mrs. Wilbur Rogers, George
3^4 FRANKLIN COLNTY, IMJIAXA.
S. Cottnian, Mrs. Rolicrt Cocjk and Laura Swayne. In addition to the one
hundred and rive members ab<ne listed, tlicre liave been twenty-two dropi^ed
for non-payment uf dues and eleven members lost by death. Mo^t of those
who have been dropped have moved away from the county.
The society meets once a month in the basement of the liljrary builfhn).j
at Brookville, and (hn-in^^ tlie ei,t,dit years of its existence has collected no
small amount oi material l)eariii,-- u|)on the early hist(jry of I'ranklin county.
The constitution provides tliat the society shall Ijc divided into lilerarv, his-
torical or biographical, educational, old settlers and natural history sections.
It can be said that the local historical .society is the most active of anv
county historical society in Indiana. Those who have visited other societies
always speak of the interest and enthusiasm manifested by the local or^'-an-
ization. The purpose for which it was organized is clearly set forth in the
constitution, which says that "it shall be devoted to literature and to the col-
lection and preservation of all matters of valuable county history from the
earliest white settlement; personal history of the pioneers and all pronnnent
men and women of the county: all matters of interesting- exi)erience. anec-
dote, adventure and reminiscences of all kinds; morality, religion and edu-
cational interest; agriculture, horticulture, machinery, manufacturers, indus-
tries and industrial progress and other arts, and also to gather and preserve
information as to the natural resources of the county and its alw^riginal and
prehistoric life, its animal and vegetable remains, its native wo(k1s, grains,
grasses, fruits, vegetables, vegetation, animals, birds, reptiles, fishes and other
forms of animal life and any and all matters of interest to the present, or th.at
may be of interest and value to the future generations of our beloved town
and county."
ANTHROPOLOGICAL CLUB.
T:e Anthropological Club of Brookville had a flourishing career for six
years, 1892-98. Organized in September, 1892, for the study of the historv
and development of the races and people of antiquity, it carried forth a pro-
gram for several years which demanded hard work on the part of its mem-
bers. The charter members were A. W. Butler, Dr. J. E. Morton, Dr. S. P.
Stoddard, Rev. Meinard Meischmann. Harry M. Stoops. Miss (iertrude
Quick, Miss H. R. West and Mrs. A. W. Butler. The first officers were as
follow: Dr. J. K. Morton, president; A. W. Butler, secretarv; Rev. M.
Fleischmann. director. During the six years that the club existed several
other members were added, including .Mrs. W. H. Bracken. George Haman,
A. N. Logan, :Mr. and Mrs. J. F. :\fcKee, Miss Elizabeth Berry, Mrs. R. J.
FRANKI.IX COLXTV, INDIANA. 3^3
Cain, Rev. D. L. ("hapiii, A. V. Deitz. Mrs. ( ). M. Meyncke. \)r. E. L. Pat-
terson, \V. H. Sen(.)ur. E. M. 'I'ccijle, II. S. X'oorhecs, Kate W'inscott, Min-
nie Cohn. Ida B. Mc\crs, Rrnest W. Showaltcr, Minnie Chambers and Carrie
Logan.
Some idea of the nature oi the work of this clul) may Ix.- leathered from
the books which it studied. They read and really studied such books as P.rin-
ton's "Races and Peoples," Maspero's "Life in Ancient Lj,''ypt and Assvria."
Mason's "Woman's Share in Primitive Culture," Keane's "Ethnology," Pres-
cott's "Conquest of Mexico" and Tyler's "Anthropolog-y." The club closed
its career in the spring- of i8y<S with the followinc^ officers: President. A. W.
Butler; secretary-treasurer, Minnie Cohu. The immediate causes leading to
the dissolution of the club were the time and study required bv its constitu-
tion and the death and removal of some of its leading- n-iembers.
ladies' .sociai. cll'b of WIIirCOMB.
This club was organized December 2. 1909, with the foIUnving- charter
members: Mrs. Viola Seal, Mrs. Orpha Log-an, Cozette Golden. Mrs. Louise
Watler, Mrs. Ora Updike, Edna Golden. Mrs. Arta Miles, Marv Wallace.
Ida Witt, ]Mrs. Effie Stout and Mrs. Nancy Miles. The first officers were as
follows : Mrs. Laura Seal, president ; Mrs. Louis Watler, vice-president ;
Edna Golden, treasurer; Alary Wallace, secretary.
This club was organized with the idea of giving its members not onlv
the advantages of social intercourse, but at the san-ie time allowing them to en-
gage in general literary and musical work. The club also takes an intelli-
gent interest in the general welfare of the crmimunity and gives its hearty
support to such measures as it believes will raise the standard of living. In
other words, it is not only cultural, but also seeks to be utilitarian as well.
Since the drgahization of the club the following- members have been added :
Mrs. Mattie Lanning, Mrs. Prudence Wallace. Mrs. Susan Alever and Lydia
Jaques. The present officers are as follows: Mrs. Effie Stout, president;
Mary Wallace, vice-president ; Cozette Golden, secretary-treasurer.
SCOT us G.VUL PICTI.
In the year 1892 there (Kxurred in IJrookviile two incidents of great in-i-
portance. One was the completion of the water works system and the other
was the establishment of a society with the fonnidable name. Scotus Gaul
Picti. It was the completion of the water works which suggested to some of
the citizens of the town the organization of tiie society. In the earlv part of
366 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
April it was evident that the water works would Ije completed by the Fourth
oi July and it was proposed to get the society started and celebrate the na-
tional holiday, the completion of the water works and the organization of the
society on the same day.
With this idea in view a meeting was held on April 10, by M. C. Arm-
strong, Herman Trichler, G. R. King, Louis Fedennann and G. Henri Bo-
gart, at which time it was definitely decided to organize some kind of a so-
ciety in Brook\iile. Mr. Trichler, who had been one of the prime movers
in the Order of Cincinnatus, suggested the formation of a similar society, but
taking its framework from Pictish histor}'. Two days later the same men,
with A. L. Baughman and \V. H. Fogel, met, each being loaded down with
books on Pictisli and Scottish history. Mr. P.ogart was selected to write the
ritual, and as soon as it was written and accepted it was decided to formally
institute the first clan of the new fraternity. Clan Ben Grampis No. I,
Scotus Gaul Picti, was instituted in the city hall of Brookville in May, 1892,
with the following officers : Herman Trichler, lord of firth and forth; G. Ray
King, thane of the donjon keep; M. C. xA.rmstrong, earl of lochs and heather;
H. B. Sauers, merlin churl of the pibroch ; A. L. Baughman, wizard of the
northern lights; Louis Federman, warden of the Grampian marshes; G. Henri
Bogart, lord of mounts and valleys; Ben F. Winans. seer of the sacred fire;
William H. Fogel, monarch of the mystic mists; William £. Schoonover,
knight of the castle gate ; John Koeber, keeper of portcullis.
John Koeber had the honor of being the first initiate, followed by thirty-
seven other candidates. The original object of the society was to help cele-
brate the Fourth and the completion of the water works in a fitting manner,
and this was kept in view throughout while the clan was being recruited.
July 4, 1892, was a red letter day in the history of Brookville. The chief
address was made by W. O. Thompson, president of Miami University. On
that day one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven tickets were sold on the
White \\'ater Vallev railroad for Brookville. and other thousands drove to
the town. It was the biggest celebration Brookville ever had up to that time,
and the new society was responsible in a large measure for its success. The
membership increased, and during the following winter a dramatic entertain-
ment, "The Confederate Spy," was given to reimburse the treasury.
The society continued its organization, and in April, 1894, decided to
organize permanently. On the 26th of the month the clan was ordered in-
corporated and at the same time it was decided to move into a permanent
castle tower, the new home being occuj)ied for the first tim.e on May 15, 1894.
At this time a committee w-as appointed, consisting of G. H. Bogart, Herman
FRANKLIN COl'NTY, INDIANA. 367
Trichlcr, C. F. Goodwin, G. Ray King and J. E. Morton, to revise the first
degree and prepare a ritual for tlic seconrl degree. This was done, and the
Picti appeared in all of their historical regalia on July 4, 1894. On that day
the streets of Brookville were crowded with more than ten thousand people.
Upon the reorganization of this fraternity in 1894 the following of-
ficers were elected : Ben. F. W'inans, Kenneth McAlpin ; G. R. King, Bcde
of Buchan ; .\. L. Baughnian, Coluniha of lona; Daniel Bower, Ecgred of
Lindisfarne; John \V. Baker, Ewald of Jedburgh; M. C. Armstrong, Douglas
of the Guard; J. S. M. Baker, bearer of the hazel rood; William H. Fogel,
monarch of the mystic mists; FI. M. McFee, watchman of the outer hall;
Louis Hornung, keeper of the tower. The second degree was given for the
first time September 11, 1894.
"the greatkst town on earth."
Despite the auspicious beginning of the fraternity, it was not destined to
immortality. Organized for the purpose of boosting Brookville, it soon en-
rolled every business and professional man in the town and at the height of its
career had at least two hundred and fifty members. Probably no organiza-
tion ever had such a requirement for eligibility to membership. The con-
stitution says : "Any male citizen of eighteen years of age or over, of good
character, who believes that Brookville is the greatest town on earth, shall be
eligible to membership." The dues were only fifty cents a year, and this
was spent in a riotous, gustatory celebration annually. With an initiation
fee of only fifty cents and annual dues of a similar amount, it may 1^ seen
that the high cost of living was not responsible for the decline of the organ-
ization. According to the testimony of the last Kenneth McAlpin fBen F.
Winans), it died not from financial inanition, but from lack of constitutional
quorums to transact business. During its brief but brilliant career the Picti
received no little newspaper notoriety, and no less a paper than the A't"i' York
Sun printed the entire constitution of the. order ami made, some verv' .flatter-
ing remarks concerning the advisability of towns throughout the United
States copying the example of Brookville. On the theory that the good die
young, the Scotus Gaul Picti was fonnally interred on July 4, 1898, with all
the honors due its honorable life. Its race had been run, its life had brought
happiness to those who gave it birth, and now, like the old canal, it remains
as a sweet memory in the minds of those who loved it.
368 FRAXKr.IX COLXTV, IXUIAXA.
BKOOKVII.rj-. S(KII:tV (;F natural niST(;RY.
There ha\e been an unusual iiuniher of Brookville citizens in the past
wlio have been interested in the sciences and more than one organization of
a scientific nature has been starletl in the town. I'robaljly, the most pre-
tentious of these was the Society of N'atural Flistory. which was organized
in February. 1881. with the following officers : Rev. D. R. M(jore, president;
Charles F. Goodwin, vice-])residcnt ; Amos \V. Butler, recording secretary;
Edgar R. Quick. corresi)onding secretary; John \\. Rehme, treasurer. This
society was organized, as the name indicates, as the outgrowth of a desire
on the part of its members to foster the study of nature in its various forms.
Many of the members of the society had already made considerable collec-
tions and within a short time the tt)wn had a museum of which it might well
be proud. Franklin county, with its mounds, its hills, \allevs and water
courses, with its wonderful display of fossils, with its varied flora and fauna,
presents an attracti\e held for the naturalist.
The local society was organized for real w(jrk and oulv those were
members who had a scientific turn of mind. .As evidence of the earnestness
of their work, they dividetl their membership into groups and made each
group the head of the department. These heads of departments were as
follows: O, M. Meyncke, curator of botany; Rev. D. R. Moore, curator of
conchology ; William I'ederman. curator of entomology: John Shirk, curator
of herpathology ; Edgar R. Quick, curator of mammalogy; Amos W. Butler,
curator of ornithology; Prof. M. E. Smith, curator of geology; Dr. L. D.
Dillman, curator of comparati\e anatomy; Clifford Case, curator of mineral-
ology.
For several years the society did excellent work along the lines which
were planned in the beginning. For two or three winters a free lecture
course was maintained for the town and county, including such men as
Jordan, Eigenman, Druiy, Everman, Jenkins. Gilbert. \\'iley. Ridpath. Loyd.
John M. and Stanley Coulter and many (Others of national reputation. A
hall was fitted u]:) over the room now occu])ied by the Crystal theater and in
this was kept the museum of the society as well. A large amount of ma-
terial was collected during the career of the society and when it di.sbanded
most of it was returned to the donors. The removal of some of the mem-
bers and the increase of membership from the ranks of the non-scientific
caused interest in the society to decline. The last meetings were held in
1890 or i8gi, although several efforts were made to revive the organization.
FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA. 369
Eventually the Anthropological Society was finally organized out of the
remnant of the once thrifty Xatiiral History Society.
ACADEMY OF MU.SIC.
The Academy of jMusic was organizer! in !May, 1895, by Charles F.
Goodwin for the purpose of creating a greater interest in music in Brook-
ville. It was at that time decided to give twelve recitals each year. Ten
of these had been given before the death of Mr. Goodwin, on January 12,
1896. The first recital was held April 12, 1895, at which time eighty per-
sons gathered in the parlors of the Goodwin home and the tenth recital was
held on the last day of that same year.
This society represented twelve ditterent families of Brookville and
vicinity in the beginning, although others were later admitted to membership.
Mr. Goodwin became the first director and after the reorganization of the
society, in the fall of 1896. Oscar J. Ehrgott, a professional musician of
Cincinnati, was chosen director. In the fall of 1896, a chorus of si.xty-five
voices was organized, which contained not only all of Brookville's best talent,
but also members from Laurel, Fairfield and Mt. Carmel. The society con-
tinued to give recitals at intervals for two or three years and then gradually
dwindled away. While it lasted it gave some of the best concerts which the
town has ever had and its passing was sincerely regretted by the true lovers
of music. . -
(24)
, , . ■ CHAPTER XVII.
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
The first schools of Frankhn county were either voluntary schools taught
by some public spirited pioneer or else what was known as a subscription
school. Public schools supported by a state fund did not come into exist-
ence until after tlic adoption of the constitution of 1852. The educational
history of Franklin county before that time was not dissimilar to that of
other counties in the state. As early as 1818 the Legislature of the state made
provision for a seminary fund in the various counties of the state. This was
made necessary because the first constitution of the state, which was, in a
measure, based upon the ordinance of 1787, provided that every si.xteenth
section of land in the state should be set aside for school purposes. This
land was to be sold or, if a purchaser was not found, it was to be rented and
the proceeds from the sale or the rent were to be used for the maintenance of
schools. Unfortunately, much of the school land of Franklin county was poor
land, and the result was that there was not a large amount derived from this
source for school purposes. In addition to the proceeds of the school sections,
the money from' fines, "forfeitures and money collected from winners in
gambling, when the loser was not on hand to claim it, was placed in the
school fund. In the early days of the history of the state lotteries were a
very common thing, and, strange as it may seem, the first university in In-
diana— the university at Vincennes — was put on a sound financial basis by a
lottery scheme, which was authorized by the territorial Legislature.
Since there was but little public money for school purposes, it was not
possible to get teachers without offering them additional compensation. Hence,
for a period of about fhirty-five years, Franklin county had what were known
as subscription schools. Usually the patrons of a school district would build
a rude log schoolhouse and some itinerant pedagogue would be selected to
"conduct school" for periods varying from two to six months, averaging
about three months. The rates of tuition were very low. and the average
compensation of the early teachers of Franklin county verv^ seldom amounted
to more than twenty dollars a month. It is true that the teacher ''toarded
around" for his room and board, so that he was put to very little, if any,
expense.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 371
The teachers were nearly always men, for the reason that in those days
physical prowess was as essential to success in a schoolroom as a well disci-
plined brain. No truer picture of early school days in Indiana has ever been
drawn than may be found in Eggleston's "Hoosier School Master." The
qualifications of the early teachers were very limited, and as late as 1831 the
legislature of Indiana said that "The English language, writing and arith-
metic" should constitute the (|ualifications for a teacher in the schools of the
state. These are the three I\"s of our forefathers and they passed their ex-
amination in "readin,' 'ritin' and 'rithmetic" before a trustee who very fre-
quently was unable to read or write. There were many cases where no e.x-
amination at all was given, this being especially the case with tliose teachers
who derived all of their compensation from subscriptions.
THE EARLY SCHOULHOUSE DESCRIBED.
This article would not be complete without a description of one of those
early log schoolhouses. The building might be as large as the patrons wanted
to make it, but, interesting to note, the legislature provided that the iloor had
to be a foot off of the ground and the ceiling at least eight feet high. As a
matter of fact, however, the roof was frequently used as a ceiling. The in-
terior arrangement was designed with the view of taking advantage of the
one window on either side of the building. This window was made
by removing a log from the side of the building and covering the opening
with sheets of well-greased linen paper. The paper furnished another pur-
pose as well. On it were written the letters of the alphalx-t by some one who
was a good penman, and also the Arabic and Roman notation, as well as
various geometrical figures. Before this window was placed a long, hewn
log, made as smooth as possible, and this was the table at w^hich the boys and
girls sat during their writing lessons. The ritde bench before this equally
rude table was without a back, and, as far as that was concerned, there were
no benches in the school with backs. The pupils sitting at the long table had
their copy before them on the window, and many stories are told of the let-
ters of Jonathan Jennings, the first governor of Indiana, which ser\-ed as
copies for the boys and girls of early Indiana. The two ends of the school-
house were occupied by a door and fireplace, respectively. The fireplace
was from five to ten feet wide, and enough wood was consumed during a
long winter to heat a modem school building of several rooms. As to the
equipment of the rooms and the supplies of the children, there was a great
variance. There was no paper for use for any purpose, except in the copy-
ZT2 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
book, and oftentimes the writing exercise had to be done on a slate- If
paper was used, then the writing was done with a gooscquill pen and with
ink made out of pokeberries, walnut juice or soft maple bark. In order to
make this ink have the proper consistency and permanency, copperas was
used, while the modern blotter was simulated by fine sand sprinkled over the
paper. The paper at that time was all made out of rags and was expensive
in comparison to its cost today. Consequently, it was used as sparingly as
possible, while the slate was considered as indispensable as the spelling book.
There were no dictionaries, no globes, no maps, and in many of the first
schoolhouses there was no blackboard. However, this last deficiency was
soon remedied, since it was necessary to have a blackboard for ciphering.
The course of study and the method of recitation should be briefly no-
ticed. As has been stated, the "three R's" furnished the basis of the educa-
tion which was given in the early schools. There were no classes in school,
as we understand them now. Grading the pupils according to their age or
advancement was unheard of. For many years the pupils held up their hands
when they thought they had their lesson ready to recite, and the teacher
would call them one by one to his seat, and ha\'e them repeat their lesson —
and, what is interesting, they had to memorize their lesson word for word.
There were really as many classes in school as there were pupils.
These schools, supported in part by public funds, but mostly bv private
subscriptions, continued to flourish until after the adoption of the new con-
stitution in 1852. Then there was ushered in a new era in education through-
out the state, although there were many counties which were slow to take ad-
vantage of the provisions of the new law.
JOHN COLLINS, A TEACHER OF FRANKLIN COUNTY IN 1816.
An interesting relic of the old subscription schools of Franklin county is
owned by James Collins, an ex-commissioner of Johnson county, in the shape
of an old document setting forth an agreement between his grandfather, John
Collins, and the patrons of a school district near New Trenton, in Franklin
county. This century-old document is reproduced here with its bad spelling,
quaint language and ambiguous grammar:
"AGREEMENT
"Articles of agreement between John Collins & his Implovers, wit-
nesseth that sd. Collins doth agree to teach an English school for the
term of six months in reading, writing and arithmetick at his own
house and at the rate of four dollars per scholar, the one-half in money,
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 373
the balance in merchantable corn, wheat, pork, beef, or baken, Diliv-
ered at sd. Collins' own house, payment to be made quarterly. The
school is to commence on the first day of April 1816, Saturdays ex-
cepted; and for the purposes within mentioned we the subscribers
have jointly set our names etc etc.
Patrons No. scholars Tuition
Samuel Rockafellar 2 $ 8.00
John H. Rockafellar i 4.00
James Jones i 4.00
Moses Barber 2 8.00
Noah J. Smith ^4 i-CO
Enoch Smith 3 12.00
John M. Conner i^^ 6.00
Jonathan J. Smith ^ i.oo
William S. Smith l 4.00
William Raider 2 S.co
John Hinhgon 2 8.00
Basil Gaither i 4.00
William Smith i 4.00
Nathan Aitcheson 2 8.00
Abner Conner 34 2.00
Joseph Adair I s.\jo
John Adair J^ 2.00
Samuel Thorrington i 4.00
James Coll i 4.00
Richard Manwaring j^ 2.00
Thomas J. Larimore ^ 2.00
Joshua Parvis i 4.00
James Jones 1 4.00
Thomas Manwaring i 4.00
Henr>' Lynes 1 4.00
If every one of these i)atrons paid what they subscribed, the lucky peda-
gogue would have received the staggering amount of S116 for his six months'
work. It is needless to state, however, that he "boarded around," as was tlie
fashion those days, and hence all he made was clear money. It is not knov»-n
how long the "sd." Collins taught in the county.
374 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
NIMROD KERRICK, AN EARLY TEACHER OF I-KANKLIN COUNTY.
One of the most prominent and at the same time one of the most suc-
cessful of the early teachers of the northern part of the county was Nimrod
Kerrick, the father of Mrs. W. H. Bracken, now living in Brookville,
Mr. Kerrick was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, in 1808, came to
Franklin county, Indiana, in 1824, and settled with his parents on a farm
three miles east of Fairfield. His father, Thomas Kerrick, had been a
teacher in Virginia, and, after coming to Indiana, taught for some years in
Decatur county.
Nimrod Kerrick received part of his education in the schools in Vir-
ginia and completed it under the instruction of a Quaker teacher at Dunlaps-
ville. Union county, Indiana. When a young man he began teaching at
Fairfield, and later taught near Blooming Grove. His ability as an instructor
so impressed the people of Blooming Grove township that a number of men
co-oi>erated in building a brick building for him a quarter of a mile east of
Blooming Grove, and in this building he taught subscription schools for ten
years. While teaching in this county he was ordainefl as a local minister in
the Methodist Episcopal church at Blooming Grove. About 1848 he began
teaching in Clarksburg, Decatur county, Indiana, and after teaching there a
few years he joined the Methodist conference. For the next eight years he
preached at Milford, Arlington, IManilla. IMilroy and Liberty. From Liberty
he moved to a farm in W^oodford county, Illinois, and six years later located
in Marshall county, in that state, where he lived for eleven vears. He then
moved to Blooniington. Illinois, where two of his sons had previouslv grad-
uated in the law school of that city. He died there, December 13. 1897. in
his ninetieth year.
Mrs. Bracken has in her possession the papers of her father and among
them is one of the subscription lists which her father drew up and circulated
for his school at Fairfield in the fall of 1837. In order that future genera-
tions of Franklin county may know something of the earlv subscription
schools of the county, this paper is here reproduced from his original copy.
The names of his patrons for the year 1837-38 are also given. It will be
interesting to many of the descendants of these sturdv pioneers.
"Nimrod Kerrick proposes to teach (for five months beginning in No-
vember, 1837) in the town of Fairfield, School District No. 3, Township No.
10 of Range 2 West, for the term of five months. Branches to be tauglit :
Orthography. Reading, ^^■>iting. Arithmetick, English, Grammar and Geog-
raphy. Price of tuition, S3. 33 1/3 per scholar per session of five months.
Proper hours and strick attention will be obser\'ed by said Kerrick.
NIMROD KERRICK.
FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA. 375
"And we, the uiidersij^ned in consiiJeration of the above named [perform-
ance by the said N. Kerrick do a^aee to pay unto him at the expiration of the
term $1.66 2/3 for each scholar according to the number annexed to our sev-
eral names."
The patrons who subscribed to the above agreement were as follows:
Nathaniel Basset, Daniel Landon. Clement Cory, Jonathan Garton. Benja-
min Snowden, Hezekiah Ogden, Jacob Cheney, William Claypool. Jesse
Bennet, William Smith, John C. Cunningham, Thomas Adams, Hudson Gen-
try, James Graham, John Hughes, John Sims, James Hart, James Beans.
William Hays, Mr. Bryson, John McFealy, William Dodd, John Eckman,
Aaron Masters, Mary Garrison, Joseph Alyea, Levi Munson, L. Casterline,
M. H. Wilder, William Galbreth. Mr. Hatcher, Jeremiah Oakes, John Wil-
liams, Gregg Thompson. James Bailey, David Logan, William Muore, Ruth
Bennet, William Logan, Readin Osborn, Elisha Hill. C. R. Cory, Lukin Os-
born, Mr. Galbreath, C. Hall and Joseph Dailey. These forty-six patrons
sent fifty-one pupils to Mr. Kerrick.
FRANKLIN COUNTY ACADEMIES.
During the period from 181 6 to 1852 there were several excellent
schools in the county, which achie^-ed more than a local reputation. The best
known school of the county was the county seminary at Brookville, although
its educational supremacy was not admitted by those who had charge of the
academy at Laurel. Li addition to these two academies there were academ.ies
established at Springfield. ]\It. Carmel and Peoria. It has not been possible
to secure access to the school records of any of these institutions, with the
exception of the county seminary at Brookville.
THE FRANKLIN COUNTY SEMINARY'.
An interesting chapter in the history of education in Franklin county
is contained in a volume which holds the minutes of the meetings of the
trustees of the seminar}' from their first meeting, December 11, 1S30, until
their last meeting, August 6, 1851. During this period of twenty years there
was maintained in the town of Brookville an institution of learning which
attained high rank among the seminaries of Lidiana. From its doors there
went forth men who were destined to make a reputation which was to extend
not only throughout the state, but throughout the nation.
The historian may read between the pages of this interesting old volume
the desires of the people of Franklin county to give their children the ad-
^y6 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
vantages of a good school. During this score of years the seminary trus-
tees made every effort to maintain the school at a high state of efficiency, and,
if it is true that an institution is judged by the men and women which it
sends forth into the world, then it can truly be said that the old seminary
at Brookville was an institution whose record for usefulness should \)c a
source of pride to the descendants of the worthy people who there received
such excellent educational advantages.
The authority for the establishment of the county seminary was based
upon the legislative act of 1827, which provided that the circuit court of such
counties as desired to establish a seminary should appoint three men who
were to be known as the "county seminary trustees." Pursuant to this legis-
lative act the court of Franklin county, in the spring of 182S, appointed
Thomas W. Colescott, Abraham Lee and Lemuel Snow as trustees. This
board was authorized to select a site for a seminary building, sui>erintend the
erection of the same, have general management of all school funds and se-
lect the teachers. On i\Iay 6, 1S28. an order for one hundred and twenty-five
dollars was ordered drawn by the county commissioners in favor of the sem-
inary trustees to pay for lots S<j and 88 in Brookville. The school fund at
this time amounted to six hundred dollars, and the trustees at once con-
tracted with Jacob Irwin for the erection of the seminary building. The
trustees bought lots Sj and 88 in John Allen's plat, from John John, Jr.. the
purchase being concluded and the deed executed June 14. 1829. According
to the records in the recorder's office, these two lots remained in the hands
of the seminary trustees until September 6, 1862, at which time they were
purchased by the town of Brookville for school purposes. By a deed exe-
cuted May 8. 1S88, the two lots, with the buildings thereon, were transferred
by the town of Brookville to John Burkhart, and since that time the building
and lots have been held by private owners.
The record of the meetings of the seminary trustees shows that their
first meeting was held on Saturday, December 11. 1830. with the following-
members present : Joseph 3vleeks, Thomas W. Colescott, David Mount.
Abram Lee, John Wynn, John Davis and William rvIcCleery. The board or-
ganized by electing Joseph Meeks. president; Thomas Colescott. treasurer,
and William McCleen.-, secretary. It appears that two members of the board.
William Sims, Jr.. and William R. ^Morris, had been removed, and the board
elected Richard Tyner and John T. !McKinney to fill these vacancies. A
committee composed of John Wynn, August Jocelyn and John T. McKinney
was appointed to select "some suitable person as a teacher to take charge of
the Franklin County Seminary." On April 2, 183 1, it was reported at a
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. ^-JJ
meeting of the trustees that Rev. Isaac A. Ogden had been examined and
found qualified to act as principal of the seminary. At this time tlie board
ordered the principal to take charge of the seminary as soon as the lower
rooms were prepared, although it is interesting to note that the compensation
which the principal was to receive was left for future arrangement. The
records do not disclose the salary received by the first principal, Rev. Ogden,
who remained only one year. At the June, 1832, meeting of the trustees a
committee was again appointed to select a principal, and nine days later, June
25, one prospective applicant, James Powers, appeared before the committee.
However, he was not considered sufficiently qualified to hold the position,
and the board refused to appoint him as principal. There must have been
considerable doubt on the part of the board concerning the question of se-
lecting a principal, since at this juncture it was ordered "tliat the secretary
cause an advertisement to be inserted in the Liberty Hall and Cincinnati Ga-
zette, advertising for a teacher in the Franklin County Seminary." Evidently
the advertisement was productive of results, for on July 11 of the same year,
James B. Haile appeared and qualified for the position.
Haile continued in charge until the summer of 1834, at which time he
either resigned or was dismissed by the trustees. On April 5, 1834, the trus-
tees allowed Margaret White "to occupy the eastern room in the seminary
as a schoolroom for the term of three months," and it is presumable that she
taught a subscription school for that length of time during the spring and
summer of 1834. At the August meeting of the board, it appears that Haile
had terminated his contract as principal, and the board immediately proceeded
to the selection of a new principal. On September 9 of the same year they
appointed Rev. David M. Stewart, a Presbyterian minister, as principal, and
at the May, 1835, meeting the trustees gave Stewart permission "to reside
with his family in the upper story of the seminar}-." IMr. Stewart reported
to the board, on March 2, 1836, that he could no longer continue as principal.
and on March 25 the trustees announced the appointment of Mason W. Haile
as principal of the seminary, the new principal to take charge of the school
within six weeks from that time. It appears from the records that the at-
tendance thus far had been less than fifty-five, since a resolution, adopted
November 25, 1835, required that whenever the number of scholars shall
amount to fifty-five the principal shall employ an assistant.
During the time INTason \V. Haile was principal of the seminary- he was
ordered to secure an assistant, the trustees feeling that he could not do good
work with as many pupils as were then in attendance. Although the record
does not state whom he hired, there is still living in Brookville at least one
^y8 FRAXKLIX COL'XTV, IXDIAXA.
person, Lucinda Meeks, who was a student in the seminary at the time when
Mr. Haile selected his sister Jane as his assistant. It is interesting to know
that the father of -Miss Meeks was the first president of the seminary trustees.
The trustees ordered suppHes and repairs for the seminary building at
various times. In 1835 api't'i''^^ ^n a!li)\vancc of three dollars and twenty-
five cents for an ax, hucket. l)rooin anrl tin cup. In 18:57 the trustees appro-
priated one dollar for a pair of tongs and shrnxd, an<l at the same time au-
thorized the erection of a cupola upon the seminary, the same to be fur-
nished with a suitable hell. This hell is still doing duty in the belfry of the
Brookville town hall. In the fall of iS'jy the seminary building was "neatly
painted and surronded with substantial board fence, i)ainted in like manner."
By the year 1842 there appears to have been a demand for instruction
in what was then termed natural philosophy. In that year the trustees bought
the following physical apparatus : Electrical machine, air pump, retorts, two
kinds of thermometers, Florence flask, horseshoe magnet, prism, a set of
lenses, lamp and furnace, dropping tube, blow pipe, evaporating dish and two
gas receivers. This apparatus cost eight}'-one dollars and sixty-eight cents.
In 1847 the board of trustees appro[)riated fifty dollars "for the purchase of
mathematical, astronomical. ])hiloso])liical and chemical instruments, and for
the repairs of apparatus now on hand.''
The position of principal does not appear to have been very remunera-
tive, and this fact may account for the difficulty which confronted the trus-
tees in getting good teachers. From the beginning of the seminary, the prin-
cipals derived their salaries from two sources, a fixed sum paid by the trus-
tees and a certain percentage of the tuition fees. Unfortunately, the records
of the trustees do not state the compensation of any one of the teachers, al-
though one principal received as much as fifty-four dollars for a term of
twelve weeks. This appears to have !)een the maximum received from the
trustees, while the tuition fees varied considerably from vear to vear. It
would be interesting to know how many students attended the old seminary-,
but in the minute records of twenty years the attendance is given in only one
instance. The trustees made an investigation as to the attendance during
two terms of twelve weeks each in the school year of 1S3S-39. and found
that the attendance varied from thirty-two to sixty-nine, with a weekly
average of about fifty. It is fair to presume that the attendance during this
year was as large as at any time during the whole history of the seminarv.
The trustees had ordered in 1836 that the principal should hire an assistant
whenever the attendance reached fiftv-five, and vet there are onlv two in-
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 379
Stances noted in the seminary records where an extra teacher was required,
and in both cases it was for a term of twelve weeks.
The length of the school year seems to have been ten months, the first
term beginnint,'- in September and tlie last term ending in the latter part of
July. The only specific reference to the length of the school year is found
in the minutes of May 17, 1845, at which time the board of trustees ordered
that the "academic year shall hereafter be divided into three sessions, as fol-
low: The first session will commence on the first Monday of SqjtemlK-r
and end on the 20th of the following December. The second session will
begin on the first Monday of January and end the 20th of the following
April. The third session will commence on the first Monday of May and end
the last of July."
The names of the first four principals — Isaac A. Ogden, James B. Haile,
David M. Stewart and ]\Iason \V. Ilaik- — have already been given. The
latter named held the position longer than any other man, being the head
of the seminary- for six years. He resigned in IMarch, 1S42, and entered
the mercantile business in Brookvillc. The principals from 1842 to 185 1,
when the seminarv M-as closed, were as follows : William 1. Patterson,
1842-44; Cyrus L. Blanchard, 1S44-45: John R. Goodwin, 1845-47; George
A. Chase, 1847-48; Ilarwood, 1848-49; Oscar F. Fitch. 1849;
George Bent. 1849-30: Ingalls, 1850; F. R. A. Jeter, 1850-51.
In order that future generations may know the official record concern-
ing the closing of the famous old seminary, the historian here inserts in
its entirety the minutes of the last meeting of the seminarv trustees.
"August 6, 1 85 1.
"The board of seminary trustees met: present, ^Messrs. Line, Robeson.
Clark and Abbott.
"It appearing to the satisfaction of the board that a school could not
be maintained in the seminary building without draining more of the seminary
funds than tlie board felt justified in giving, it was resolved to rent the
building and apparatus to the trustees of the Indiana High School, com-
mencing on the day of September. 1851, at such rates as may be
agreed upon. The said trustees of the Indiana High School to give up
possession of the building at any time demanded by this board.
".And the Board adjourned.
"Mason Abbott, Stxretary."
The new constitution of Indiana adopted in 1852 provided for a general
380 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
system of free public schools and consequently all the county seminaries
scattered throughout tlie state were doomed to a speedy dissolution. Some
of them attempted to continue their career as subscription schools, but
within five years the county seminary was a thing of the past. Brookville
looked upon the passing of the old seminary as being a direct blow at the
educational interests of the town and county. Before the old seminary
had fairly breathed its last there was a project on foot to start another
educational institution in Brookville to take the place of the old seminary.
At that time there were two denominations in Brookville, the Methodists
and Presbyterians, both of whom were desirous of being sponsor for an
academy or college of some kind. The Presbyterians were fortunate in
having a well educated ministry, and Rev. R. B. Abbott maintained an ex-
cellent high school in the basement of the Presbyterian church from 1857
to 1865.
This was known as Brookville high school, and for eight years was
maintained by the local Presbyterian church. An interesting advertisement
of this Brookville high school is seen in the Franklin Democrat of February
17, i860:
BROOKVILLE HIGH SCHOOL.
Teachers' Academic Department :
Rev. R. B. Abbott, A. M. Arthur Harlow, A. B.
Mrs. Mary Lynch _Middle Department.
Lorinda Kilgore Primary Department.
Ada Raymond, M. E. I Music Teacher.
Students received at any time and charged with tuition only for the time
of attendance, but no deduction will be made for absence of less than an
entire week.
Tuition Per Week:
Spelling, 1st Reader, 2nd Reader, ist Part Mental Arithmetic 25 cents
3rd Reader, 4th Reader, 2nd Part Mental Arithmetic. 3rd Arith-
metic to Fractions, Primary Grammar, Primary Geography 30 cents
Arithmetic, Grammar. Geography, Ancient History. Rhetoric 40 cents
Algebra, Natural Philosophy, Rhetoric, Physiolog}-, Astronomy 50 cents
Geometry, Trigonometry. Surveying, Mental and [Moral Science,
Latin, Greek, Bookkeeping 60 cents
Music, including use of Piano 90 cents
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 381
The Presbyterians had an academy at Dunlapsville in Union county
which started in the early fifties and which became a stronj^ competitor of
Brookville College later on. The Methodist church of Brookville succeeded
in inducing- the conference to establish a higher institution of learning in
Brookville by assuring the conference that sul'ficient money could be raised
locally to erect a suitable college building. The year following the closing
of the seminary (1851) Brookville College was formally established in
Brookville under the control of the Methodist church. This institution
flourished for a score of years and attracted students from many of the
neighboring counties. The following article on the college is written bv
one of its earliest students and not only gives the facts concerned with its
history, but many interesting side lights on school life in the fifties:
BROOKVILLE COLLEGE.
By Mrs. W. II. Bracken.
For a considerable part of this paper I am indebted to Jennie Miller,
who so kindly loaned me a number of old catalogues of Brookville College
and several letters written to her brother, James Miller, by persons of whom
he had inquired for information concerning teachers and pupils of the early
days of the college's existence, all of which Mr. ]\[iller and his sister collected
and carefully preserved. Mr. Miller and his sister were both pupils in the
college and knew much of its history personally. Also I owe ^Mrs. Goodwin
thanks for the loan of one of the first catalogues ever sent out by Brook-
ville College. From that catalogue I obtained some of the very earliest
history of the college after it was fairly launched on its educational career.
The early residents of Brookville and Franklin county led in every-
thing that was elevating and ennobling. Of course, they took great interest
in education and, as fast as their limited means would permit, established
schools. They hastened to avail themselves of the benefits of the seminaPv-
laws of 1818, and by 1833 they had the Franklin County Seminarv in
operation, and by 1837 the Laurel Academy, the other schools of the county
keeping in touch with the other county schools of the state. The seminar}-,
under able instructors, for a time gave satisfaction, but soon the need of
better and higher institutions of learning became apparent, their necessity'
becoming more and more evident daily. For years the friends of education
insisted upon better educational facilities, but nothing was done until 1S4Q,
when Rev. E. U. Sabin was appointed to the pastorate of the Methodist
Episcopal church in Brookville. Rev. Sabin was soon impressed with the
glaring deficiencies in local educational facilities and became a zealous
382 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
advocate and untiring worker in behalf of a higher institution than the
seminary, which was then doing its best under the circumstances, but faihng
to meet the demand. The friends of education, the Goodwins, Witts, Wel-
lands, Johns, Johnsons, Speers, Prices, Tyners, Lynns, Carmichaels, Ray-
monds, Williams, McCartys, Kemys and many others whose names I do not
now recall, joined Rev. Sabin in advfcating the fonnding of a more advanced
institution that woukl meet the demands. .\s usual. dirficultie> aru<e. What
should it be called? An academy or a college? Should it be denominational
or undenominational? Should it be in the northern or southern part of
town? The name "Brookville College" was finally decided upon. It was
established under the auspices of the Methodist church, and was under
the control of that denomination during its whole career. The contentions
as to where it should be located grew very warm and spirited, and at times
assumed a serious aspect for the new institution.
The contentions were settled by James W. Speer returning from a visit
to his old home in New Jersey and bringing with him a draft of a college
built on an elevation. This, with the financial support of ]\Ir. Speer. decided
the matter of location. The plan first made of the building was shown to
Walter Baker, who. with tiie eye of a practical mechanic, pointed out several
defects and suggested several changes. Mr. Baker took the plans to Cin-
cincinnati and submitted them to the examination of a 'Sir. Bavless. a leading
architect, who heartily approved of the changes suggested by Mr. Baker and
they were adopted. Previous to this, it had been determined to raise the
money to erect the building by subscription, and papers were soon circulated
soliciting donations of any amount. The largest donation received was one
hundred dollars. However, the money was raised somehow, or at least
enough of it to begin the erection of a college building in the spring of
1851 or 1852.
The enterprise was undertaken by men of energy and resolution and
showed healthful jjrogress. even in the first and second vears of its existence,
a sufficient pledge of its ultimate success.
It was designed to furnish every facility for obtaining as thorough a
collegiate education, for both young men and young women, as could be
fumished at that time at any college in the West. The first catalogue, pub-
li.shed for 1851 and 1852, spoke of the beautiful spot on which the college
building was being erected, and also stated that when completed it would be
surpassed by very few college buildings in the West for convenience and
academic purposes.
As soon as the college building was completed, it was the intention to
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 383
build a large domicile on the campus for the residence of the president
and for the accommodation of the boarders in the institution, but that build-
ing was never even begun, though later on a part of the college building
was fitted up and used by the president as a home. For two years, 185 1-
53, the county seminary was used for collegiate purposes. It was capable
of accommodating about one luindrcd fifty pupils.
There were three departments in the college work, the primary, the
academic and the collegiate. The English course required three years and
the classical course four years. Rev. Gilbert M. Dunn, A. M., was the first
president of Brookville College and held the chair of languages and English
literature. Rev. T. A. Goodwin, A. M., was the professor of mathematics
and of mental and moral science; later he became the third president of the
institution. Charles Lochner was professor of vocal and instrumental music;
James Shera was preceptor in primary department. Tuition in the primary
department was two dollars per quarter; in the academic department, three
dollars, and in the collegiate department, five dollars per quarter. Boarding
could be had in good families in Brookville at from one dollar and fifty
cents to two dollars per week.
In the first and second }ears of the existence of tiie college. I find but
two students from outside of Franklin county. These were from Ripley
county, Emily S. Alden and Amos D. Cunningham. It is interesting to
note the course of study and the books used in the college. In the primary
department the following books were used : Eclectic primer, spelling book,
first, second and third readers. Smith's priman^ geography, first book of his-
tory, Pasley's Bible stories of biography, Ray's first and second arithmetic
and second book of histoiy.
In the academic department the course of study included: English gram-
mar, geography, arithmetic, analysis, aids to composition. hi5tor\- of the
United States and jihilisophy. In the collegiate department, algel^ra. ancient
history, bookkeeping, parsing, Latin grammar and botany were studied dur-
ing the first term ; in the second term, modern historv. ])arsing and false
syntax, algebra, botany, natural history. Latin and Greek grammar. The
third term included logic, chemistry, trigonometry', astronomy, Latin and
Greek. In the senior year mental philosophy, geologv*. astrononiA'. Greek
and political economy were carried the first term, while the latter part of the
senior year covered moral philosophy, evidences of Christianity, phvsiologv
and elements of criticism.
My first acquaintance with Brookville College was in October. 18^3.
The walls of the building then were finished to almost the third stor\-. In
384 FRAXKI-IX COrXTY, IXDIAXA.
November of the same year, two rooms were finished on the first floor, and
the school was moved from the seminary to the college building. The first
class was graduated in 1S55. The following were the members 01 that
class: Kate Barbour, of Springfield; Ada Haymond, of Brookville; Georgia
Holland, of Brookville, and Sue Keely, of Brookville. The class of 1S56
had but one member, Rouena Price, of Brookville. The class of 1857 had
two members, Laura V. Hitt and Sallie F. H. Keely. In the class of 1858
were two members, M. Ella O'Byrne, of Springfield, Indiana, and E. M.
Berwick, of Greencastle, Indiana. On November 18, 1857, I was enrolled
as a scholar in Brookville College, and at the end of that year was informed
by the president. George H. Chase, that if I would return the next year anrl
study hard, I might graduate with the class which was one year and one
term ahead of me in the college work. I was very much surprised at the
information, but I came back and went through with the class, though
taking only the English course. The graduating class of 1859, the one to
which I belong, contained ten members, as follows : Hattie N. Binkley,
Sarlton, Ohio; Emma ]M. Chafee, Brookville; R. Jennie Dole, Brookville;
Amelia H. John, Brookville ; P. Anna Kerrick, Liberty ; Nancie V. Lock-
wood, Fayette county; Margaret L. McLean, Springfield; Man' A. Rous,
Vevay, Indiana; Margaret Shaw, Vevay, and Lon M. Williams. Brookville.
This was the largest class ever graduated from the old Brookville College.
and larger than any class graduated from the Bro<:>kville high school until
many years later.
SOME PFRSONAL RECOLLECTIOXS.
I have now reached the point in my paper where I can give you what
I knew personally of the Brookville College, its teachers, its students, and
the friends of the college generally. When I came to the college, Rev.
George A. Chase was president. He was a perfect gentleman, highly
educated for that day, an excellent educator and greatly beloved by us all.
John P. Rous, A. M., was professor of ancient languages; J. H. Stephenson
taught the collegiate department; Rev. "John W. Locke, A. M., was lecturer
on moral science; Joseph Ryrnan, teacher of academic department: ^vlrs.
Chase, Henrietta S. Hay, IM. Ella O'Byrne. teachers in the preparaton,-
department; Rev. Max Huhans. teacher of German; Adolph Links, teacher
of penmanship ; Mrs. Annie L. Rous, teacher piano, guitar and melodeon.
The assistant teachers were Mollie H. Rous. Emma M. Chafee and R. Jennie
Dole.
Strange as it may seem, there were more people living in Broolcville
FRANKLIN" COCNTV, INDIANA. 385
then than now, though probably there were not more than half as many
houses in the town. At that time, when the doors of the houses opened
several people came out. It was a rare thing to find a home with only two
people living in it, and I do not think there was a house in town where one
person lived alone. Quite a number of young people boarded here and
attended college. The homes of Joseph Mecks, Robert John and Benjamin
Remy were full oi Ixjardi^rs and many others accommodated from one to
three boarders. Board and room cost from one dollar and fifty cents to
two dollars per week, and young men could board themselves for sixty cents
a week.
I have lived in Brookville continuously for over forty-six years, and
I have never seen together at one time since those days as many young peo-
ple, congenial and of nearly the same age. We certainly enjoyed ourselves
together. We had plenty of work to do to keep our places in the school, but
we had what seemed to us amply sufficient fun and entertainment. W'e were
all expected to attend church at least once on Sunday, and the old church in
the valley was always well filled. We had a fine Sunday school, too. The
residents of the town were all good to the students. Occasionally, on a
Friday evening, we had what we call a "drop-in." That is, some good
woman would send word to some of the boys that the next Friday evening
her house would be open for all the young people who wished to come.
Then each one of the boys invited a girl and took her to and from the
party. Refreshments were never serv^ed. I never saw a playing card or
heard the word dance mentioned. Yet, somehow, we had lots of fun and the
time for going home came all too soon. At that time, charades, proverbs
and other games were in fashion and we spent the evenings playing them.
There was a reason why refreshments were not served at our parties. So
many of the young people here at that time were non-residents and could
not return the compliment in kind, so the rule "No refreshments" was
adopted and strictly observed. The Widow Price. Joel Price's mother, then
lived just across the river southwest of town, and more than once we were
invited to have a "drop-in" there. That home then was full of fine boys
and girls, or rather young men and women, as most of them were, and it
is needless to say we always had a fine time there.
The Hitts, Hollands, Johns, Remys, Kings, Chafees and other families
opened their homes to us in the same way. There were no bridges then,
either at the paper mill or at the old Stringer ford below town, so in going
to Mrs. Price's we had to cross the river in a skift just below where Wright's
mill is now, and, of course, that added to our enjo^•ment. There was at that
(25)
386 FRANKLIN' COCNTY, INDIANA.
time a dam across the river just about where the east and west forks of
Whitewater came together, and the water being held back by that dam made
a beautiful strip of water from the old White bridge south of town, around
the bend east to the point north where now is the iron bridge on the Carmel
pike. There was no bridge there until several years later. That strip of
water was fine for boat riding and I especially recollect taking a ride several
times up and down that part of the river one beautiful moonlight night
in company with one of the college boys.
The skiffs used then were just large enough for two people to ride in
with safety. I cannot now recall the name of the young man, neither do I
remember one word of our conversation, but I do distinctly rememlx:r the
beautiful moonlight shimmering on the rippling water and the lights and
shadows between the fine old trees that covered the sides of the everlasting
hills. I had a fright that evening that I have never forgotten. We girls
sometimes wore little fancy white aprons with very long wide strings of
the same material tied in a large bow at the back, as a finishing touch to our
make-up. I wore my very prettiest apron that evening with the very
longest strings. As we moved peacefully along just east of where Martin
Weber's residence now stands, I looked back over my shoulder, and Oh!
horrors! I saw what I was sure was a large water snake swimming just
behind and trying to reach the boat. I was dreadfully shocked, but dis-
played remarkable presence of mind, for I neither screamed, fainted nor fell
out of the boat. \\^hat was the use ! The young man's hands were both
busy with the oars. I sat there a few seconds almost frozen with horror,
expecting every second to feel that big snake crawling up my back and over
my shoulder; but it didn't come, so I ventured another look just as the
moon emerged from under a little cloud, and I discovered that the said snake
was one of my apron strings floating full length just luider the water and
waving back and forth with the motion of the boat. I quickly pulled up
the string, squeezed out the water and, for a wonder, said nothing. Even
to this day, although more than a half century has passed, I can shiver
a little when I think of the "snake" that was only my apron string.
We had in connection with our college work, a young men's literary
society. A similar society for young ladies, called the Julia Dumont Society,
organized December 16, 1853. We met in our society room each Friday
just after the close of school. We always had interesting papers, discus-
sions, etc.
The people of Brookville took great interest in the school and were
proud of the college and its success. We had exercises every Friday after-
noon, to which the public was invited and a goodly number of people always
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 387
attended. The exercises consisted of essays, dialogues, declamations and
music. Each of us had to take our turn in these exercises. Each year,
several evening entertainments or exhibitions were given by the pupils and
teachers in the college chapel in the third story of the building. In the
chapel all the commencement exercises, which continued a whole week, were
held. The whole upper story could be thrown into one room, and on every
public occasion it was completely filled with people, every window being
occupied also. A few times I heard the remark that the building was
not entirely safe for such crowds of people, and I was always glad to see the
last person safely down the stairs. However, in 1912, when I saw the men
taking out the big timbers that supported the third floor, I felt sure that all
our ancient fears were entirely groundless.
THE ''college cut-up."
That catalogue of 1857-58 shows that there were just two hundred
pupils enrolled in the school. We had fine teachers in all departments. We
also had the "college cut-up." He is still living, so I'll not mention his
name. He had a few faithful followers who were always ready to help in
any plans for fun that he might introduce. All was innocent fun, with noth-
ing bad about it.
At the beginning of one of the terms while I was a pupil, a nice, quiet,
innocent young man from the country came to the school. Our "cut-ups"
soon discovered that he was a good subject on which to play their jokes,
at least until he found them out. I think they played a great many jokes
on that young man, but I know the particulars of only one. One day they
inquired of him if he had ever gone snipe hunting". He said he never had.
Well, they told him it was great fun and some night they would take him
with them on a snipe-hunting expedition. They informed him that the way
to hunt snipes was to go at night to some island in the river, put one fellow"
at one end of the island to hold a bag open while the other fellows would
go to the other end of the island and drive the snipes right into the bag.
They appointed a night for the hunt, took their victim with them and rowed
across in a skiff to the island selected, placed him at one end of the island,
and left him there. It was a cold night, too. After waiting until he was
nearly frozen, he either concluded that he was the victim of a verj' unpleasant
joke or that the boys had forgotten him. He waded to shore and reached his
boarding house some time between midnight and morning.
Times change and people change with them, but some people change
less than one would think. In those davs we had with us the funnv fellow
388 FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA.
who rocked tlie boat just to hear the j:(irls scream, and he rocked the boat
with the usual result. However, nothing- more serious ever iiappened to any
of the girls than a complete ducking and that happened only a few times.
But to return to the history of Brookville College. For the first seven
years of its existence, it was called "Brookville Female College," and until
the year i860 only young women were graduated. In i860 the first young
man was graduated in a class of seven, B. Milton Remy. After that year
in nearly every graduating class there were young men. The last college
class was graduated in 1S72. The members of that class were as follow:
Sadie Pyke, Kokomo, Indiana; !Mattie Adams, T. H. Barton and H. F.
Showalter, of Brookville. During its twenty years of existence, Brookville
College turned out fifty-nine graduates who have filled or are filling today
positions of trust and res[)oiisil>ilit_\-. During the twenty years the cr>llege had
ten presidents, as follow: Rev. Ciilbert M. Dunn, A. M., 1851-52: O. E.
Fitch, 1852-53; Rev. T. A. Goodwin, D. D., 1853-54; Rev. John \\'. Locke.
D. D., 1855-56; Rev. J. A. Beswick, acting president, half year; Rev. George
A. Chase, A. M., 1856; Augustus D. Lynch, A. M., 1859-61; Rev. David
H. Shei-man, A. M., 1S61-62; Rev. William R. Goodwin, D. D.. 1862-66;
Rev. John H. Martin, D. D., 1860-69; Rev. John P. D. John, D. D.. LL. D.,
1869-72 ; Jason L. Rippetoe, A. ]\I., 1872-73. Each president was assisted
by an able corps of teachers.
Owing to the many educational institutions started in the territorv
from which Brookville College derived its support, and the excellent public
school system of Indiana, it became evident that the college, without an
endowment, must succumb to the inevitable. The quarterly conference of
the Methodist Episcopal church met in Connersville in 1872, and the nn'nistcrs
passed resolutions pledging their labor and influence in its behalf. Its frierids
m Brookville made heroic sacrifices, contributing liberally of their nrivate
means, but their efforts were futile. Jason L. Rippetoe did all he could
under such adverse circumstances and with becoming dignity officiated during
the expiring days of Brookville College.
In 1873 the building was sold to the town for a public school building,
and in 19 12 it was torn down and replaced by the present public school
building. I often think over the happy days I spent in the old college, and
frecjuently ask m\self the question. "Where, oh. where are all those dearly-
loved friends of mv youth?" And echo answers "Where?"
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. jSj
PEORIA ACADEMY.
By Florence S. Gurr.
Peoria i\cadeiny was established in tlie village of that name, in Spring-
field township, Franklin county, Indiana, in 1852. The founder of the
academy and its main insjjiration was William lk-11 Rust, who was born in
Duchess county, New York, in 1815. He moved from New York to Collcj^c
Hill, Ohio, about 1840, and here he met and married Henrietta Lewis. To
this union were born two sons, and while they were small, the wife and
mother died. Shortly alter her death, Mr. Rust moved with his sons to
Peoria, Indiana, and soon began agitating the question of establishing an
institution of learning in the village.
William B. Rust was a highly educated man along many different
lines. It has been said of him that he was at least fifty years ahead of
his time and that his ideas were so advanced he would have been more
appreciated at the present time. He appears to have been a man of some
means, although he did not have enough money to build a building and
establish an academy on his own account. In order to finance his proposed
institution a stock company was organized. Thirty-two public-spirited citi-
zens of Peoria and vicinity took shares with the understanding that Rust
would buy them up as fast as possible. In fact, his school was so successful
that he did buy up most of the shares, while the other stockholders exchanged
their financial interest in the academy for tuition and in this way got the
value of their investment. Rust himself headed the subscription list with
one hundred and fifty dollars, the next largest being only twenty-five dollars
less. The remaining stockholders subscribed for varying amounts down
to five dollars. Among the names of these stockholders mav be mentioned
Joseph Smith, John Heard, William Beard. Jacob Beard, I. S. Crane. James
Urmston, Joseph B. Horton, Peter Heard, Simeon Conn and James H.
Blacker.
The first meeting of the stockholders was held June 19, 18^2, and
organized by selecting William Beard as chairman and I. S. Crane as secre-
tary. After an organization was affected the articles of agreement between
William Rust and tlie stockholders were read. A motion was made and
carried that, in the transfer of the deed, a clause should be inserted securing
to the stockholders and community the right and privilege of anv orthodox
church to use the house for church services forever. While the academy
building was in process of construction Mr. Rust taught for two winters
in the Asbury (]\Iethodist Episcopal) chapel at Peoria. The academy build-
390 FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA.
ing is still standing. It is a two-story brick structure and was built largely
by Joseph B. Horton, who was also a stockholder. Joseph Smith, another
stockholder, superintended its erection. The upper story was used as a
dormitory for the young men who could not obtain rooms in "Stringtown,"
a name given to a row of twelve or fourteen small rooms built back of the
college. Each of these rooms contained a small stove, bed, table and two
chairs. The students boarded themselves, bringing their provisions from
home every week or buying them in the village. The young women lived
in the principal's house, which was immediately south of the academy build-
ing. This was later destroyed by fire and with it the tov\rnship library.
The school year was divided into two terms of three months each, one
in the winter and the other in the spring. At the end of each term there
were special exercises which sometimes included an "exhibition" at Walker
chapel. The late Judge Swift, of Brookville, and his sister, Mrs. Marion
Crosley, were students here about 1858. INlr. Swift has often related that
it was one of his duties to help train the younger students for this "exhibi-
tion." A budget or question box was opened on these occasions and anyone
could put in a question and indicate whom they wanted to answer. A typical
question was, "What letter of the alphabet should a man think of if he
<ioesn't want to get the mitten?" And the person who was asked to solve
the question, having gone tlirough the experience, answered, "Letter B."
And what was taught in this academy? The common school branches,
algebra, rhetoric, geometry, Latin, Greek, and, in fact, all of the regular
collegiate studies. The classes were often called upon to recite and it is
remembered that much time was spent in actual recitations. There was little
time for amusements, but undoubtedly the fift\' to seventy-five young people
who attended this school from 1853 to 1865 did not spend all their time
in study. It is known that the head master himself was a teacher of unusual
ability and a man of great purity and strength of character. His daughter.
Mrs. Halley, of Eldon, Kansas, said of him: "Father's greatest ambition
was to create a desire for higher Christian living in the future of his students.
That they appreciated his eftorts was proven by the beautiful letters he
received long after they had left school." ]\Tr. Rust offered prayer each
morning and followed it with a talk to the students. His words were always
full of good advice and he never neglected to emphasize the need of perse-
verance in their daily lives. He often said that there was something higher
for which to strive than the paltrv- dollar.
Mr. Rust christened his academy Ingleside, and \vhen he was postmaster
of Peoria he succeeded in inducing the United States government to change
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 391
the name of the postoffice at Peoria to Ini^leside, althouj^h it was later again
called Peoria. He continued to teach year after year in Peoria until about
1865 or i866, and tlien moved to Hamilton, Ohio, where he engaged ;n the
tile business. Shortly after moving to Peoria he had married Mary Enyert
Urmston, a daughter of JaniL-s Urmston. To this sec(;nd marriage were born
three children: lames U.. a wholesale grocer of Nashville. Tennessee; Alice
Gertrude, now Mrs. Halley, of Eldon, Kansas; Ida Bell, deceased.
From Hamilton, Ohio, Mr. Rust moved to Elwood, Indiana, where he
established a small school, but it did not prove a success and he soon dis-
continued it. About 1870 he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he lived
until his death in 1901. He was eighty-six years of age at the time he
passed away, but v.-as in remarkable health up until a short time before
his death.
The history of this famous old academy of Franklin county v/ould not
be complete without mentioning the bell which hung in the belfr/ in Ingle-
side. Tradition says it was a wonderful bell, with a clear, strong tone that
could be heard for miles. It has been reported that the clapper was removed
from the bell by Mr. Rust some time after he left Peoria. At least, it disap-
peared and no one knows where it is to be found. The son and daughter of
Mr. Rust doubt whether their father ever took it. Of those who were once
students there are now only a very few living : Squire Beard, Marion Smith,
Mrs. Louise Beard, jMrs. Sarah Dwyer, ^Martin Sater, Theophilus L. Dicker-
son, Clem Conn and John DeArmond.
LAUREL ACADEMY.
There had been an academy at Laurel since 1837 and for many years it
was in no way inferior to the county seminary at Broolcville. The county
seminary was forced to charge tuition rates which would bring it within
the reach of the great mass of the people. As a result, it did not have the
money to hire a sufficient number of teachers and this resulted in the instruc-
tion being inferior to that given in Laurel. At the latter place most of the
children attended a public school, while only the more advanced attended
the academy. In 1852 this was known by the name of the "Laurel Collegiate
High School," and was in charge of Rev. H. B. Hibben.
By 185.2 the institution at Laurel boasted a faculty second to none in
the eastern part of Indiana. There were six teachers, as follows : Rev. H. B.
Hibben, principal and professor of mental and moral sciences ; L. D. Water-
man, Latin, Greek and mathematics; Cornelia Belding, preceptress of the
female department; EmiW Clements, assistant in the female department;
392 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
Mrs. M. M. Conwell, modern languages; Mrs. H. Fingland Hibben, piano
and guitar. With thi.s strong faculty, it is no wonder tliat the school opened
in August of that year with an attendance of one hundred pupils. The
school was well equipped with chemical and philosophical apparatus, globes,
maps and all the necessarv' apparatus and appliances for successful collegiate
instruction. The sessions were twenty-two weeks long and pupils were
admitted at any time upon examination.
The trustees of the Laurel Collegiate High School voted on February
19, 1853, "to change its character by adopting the graded school system
recommended by the superintendent of public instruction." At this time,
the trustees announced that George A. Chase, A. M., had been elected
president of the school to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Rev.
H. B. Hibben. Chase resigned in the summer of 1853 to accept the superin-
tendency of the Shelbyville schools. It would seem from this notice that
this date signifies the end of the old academy at Laurel.
SPRINGFIELD .\CADEMV.
An academy by this name was established at yh. Carmel in the fall of
185 1 and opened its dcx>rs for the first time on December 22, of that year,
with George A. Chase as principal. From all the evidence obtainable, it
appears that this academy was called Springtiekl Academy for the two'vears
of its existence. During the tirst term there were sixty-one pu]iils enrolled
and of this number there were only ^ix under the age of fourteen. The
board of visitors reported at the end of the term that about forty had been
pursuing the higher branches, including algebra, geometn,', astronomy, natural
pholosophy, rhetoric, Latin, etc.
In the Brookvillc Auicncan of .\pril q. 1852, is set forth in an interest-
ing manner the history oi the academy, its course of study, its prosi)ects and
its many advantages to the community in which it is located. Chase was
assisted during the first year by W. C. B. Gaston. The board of visitors
state in their report at the end of the first term that stock must be sold to
provide suitable Iniildings for the infant institution and that Professor Chase
is willing to bear part of the burden in helping to get the academv on its
feet. But the fates were against the little academy. The provisions for
free education made by the new constitution of 1852 made it impossible to
maintain the academies and on June 6, 1853. the Springfield Academv lost
its identity and the school was advertised in the Brookville papers simply
as the Mt. Carmel school. O. F. Fitch appears as the first principal of the
school after the discontinuante of the academv.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 393
In view of the present condition of the town of Mt. Carmel, it is in-
teresting to note what was said of it more than sixty years ago. Jn the
Brookvillc Indiana J.mcrican of Xovember 12, 1852, the editor takes occa-
sion to remark that Mt. (.,'armel "is one of the most pleasant places in which
to reside in the state, and anyone buying or fitting up property there need
have no fear of its ever beconnng valueless. The means of education and
religious privileges are good." But the editor saw t(X) much of the blue
sky and failed to discern the cloud which the new constitution cast over the
academies of Indiana. The academy breathed its last witiiin a year, while
the town can hardly be said to have fulfilled the prediction of the optimistic
-editor of three score years ago.
EARLY SCHOOLS OF BROOKVILLE.
It appears that the first school in Brookville was opened in the old log
court house by a man named Dennison. The court house served not only
as a temple of justice, but also as a school house and a place for religious,
services and public meetings of all kinds. No less than thirty pupils received
instruction at the hands of this pioneer teacher, and it is true that much of
his instruction was literally given or rather enforced by his hand. In those
days the use of the rod was felt to be as essential in the management of a good,
school as the spelling book, and the teacher applied the rod regardless of
sex. Before the end of the first school year, Dennison got into aonie sort
of trouble and left the town. The next teacher, a Mr. McLaughlin, taught
in a log building which stood on Fourth street north of the old German
Methodist church. In 181 8 Solomon Allen became the wielder of the birch
and he seems to have been a mathematical prodigy. He taught surveying and
the higher mathematics and for many years was the only teacher of the town.
He built a dwelling and a school house on Fourth street, and in his own
school house conducted subscription schools w'ith great success. He was
followed by a man named Harris, who seems to have been a man of some
literary pretentions. At least he advertised the merits of his school in verse
in the weekly paper of the town. He seems to have been a better poet than
a teacher, since his sojourn in Brookville was very brief. His successor, a
man by the name of Haines, taught in the building where the furniiure
factory is now located. The next teacher, Augustus Jocelyn. was the most
famous of the early teachers of the town. He was a man of much abilitv
and a good teacher, although he held strictly to the old Biblical adage, spare
the rod and soil the child. He seems to have been a sort of jack-of-all-
trades, and could turn his hand with equal facility to teacliing, preaching.
394 FRANKLIN' COLXTV, INDIANA.
doctoring or editing newspapers. He had been a -Methodist preacher in Xew
York before coming to Brookville, and filled the pulpit frequently after
locating here. He taught more terms of the school from 1818 to 1S30 than
any other man, and was undoubtedly the best teacher which the town had
up until the time tlie seminary was established.
The only public school house in Brookville until the seminary was built
in 1833 was a log school house, which was used irregularly, until the land
ofifice was established in Brookville in 1820. This meant a big change in tlie
history of the town in many ways. There were many who began to leave
Brookville and the county for the New Purchase, and within a few years
the former citizens of Brookville were to be found in Greensburg, Conners-
ville, Rushville and the new capital of the state — Indianapolis. As result
of this wholesale migration, there were scores of vacant houses in Brookville,
and they were not all log cabins. There were fine two-stoiy frame houses
which were left by their owners, and a brick house or two was left empty
as result of this migration.
These abandoned houses soon became the sheltering places of .',heep,
hogs and cattle, which roamed the streets of Brookville at will. In order
to secure one of these houses for school purposes, it was only necessary to
drive the live stock out. scrub the floors and put in benches. In this way
the town had much better school facilities than it had previously enjoyed.
The cost of fitting up a house for school purposes was very little. A few
benches made of slabs, a wide blackboard fixed to the wall, a chair for the
teacher and all of the absolutely necessar\' equipment was provided.
In one of these abandoned houses Rev. Jocelyn held forth, although
he frequently taught in one of the upstairs rooms of his own house. In tliose
days there was no license required for the teacher: anvone who had the
required courage could start out with a subscription paper and, if successful
in getting enough patrons, start a school. There was more than one girl
able only to read and write, probably, who would devote a spare room in her
home to school purposes. Here she would gather around her from half to
a dozen children and give them such instruction as she could. There were
often three or four of these little schools running at the same time in the
town. And as the tuition was usually from two to three cents a dav, she
had no difficulty in getting at least enough pupils to keep her busy.
As has been previously stated, these schools were all supported bv
private subscriptions and the most popular teacher always had the largest
school. The person wishing to teach went from house to house with a sub-
scription papr and secured pupils with the promise to give them instructions
FRAN'KLIX COUNTY, INDIANA.
395
in certain branches for a definite length of time. The old subscrijnion
papers show that some economical parents subscribed for one pupil or more,
while others put their names down for only half a pupil. This, of course,
did not mean that they halved their children, but simply that the child
only got to attend school half a day at a time.
These schools turned out better educated boys and girls than might be
thought from the above description of their management. It is true that
they did not cost much and this made it possible for the poorer people to gel
a schooling. It is said that, if parents hafl three children and subscri1)efl for
only one, they would rotate the three children in school so that all
three learned to read and write, although they paid for the tuition of only
one. For instance, when one scholar was subscribed and there were three in
the family, John would go for two or three weeks and then Jane would
take his place, followed by Susan. In this way the tuition of one child
would suffice to give all three children the rudiments of an education.
We have already mentioned six of the early teachers of Brookville :
Dennison, McLaughlin, Allen, Plarris, Haines and Jocelyn. Among others
may be mentioned ^^'ilson Terrel, Barwick, Margaret White and the
Misses Huff and Eliza and Rebecca McClure. Miss White, said to have
been the first woman teacher in Brookville, afterwards married a Farnswortli
and moved to Liberty, where she died in i88S. Other teachers before the
fifties were Clarissa St. John, Catherine Josephine Haile, Isaac John. Joseph
Ryman, Isaac K. Lee, F. C. Cooley, C. S. Blanchard and A. B. Line.
Brookville built only one school house before 1912 and that was the
little brick building which stood on lot 15 of the Amos Butler plat. Jesse
Butler transferred this lot to the inhabitants of school district Xo. ;. Mav 23.
1844, for a consideration of one hundred dollars. This lot lies immediately
west of the old Kimble mill on Eighth street. This was owned by the school
district until it was sold November 8, 1865, by the school trustees of Brook-
ville to George ^Maxwell for five hundred dollars. On this lot was erected
a substantial brick building, which was torn down at the time the grade
was made through Brookville for the railroad.
From 1852 to 1871, when the college closed its career, the public schools
of Brookville were in a rather disorganized condition. The Presb}1:erians
conducted a school in their church for at least half of this period, while the
Methodists patronized the college. Other denominations sent their children
to one or the other of these two schools until the public school got started
in the old seminary building. The town of Brookville bought the seminan-
building in the fall of 1862. and used it for public school purposes until the
college passed out of exis'tence.
396 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
When Brookville College closed its doors in 1873, the town purchased
the college building, and used it continuously from that time down to 1912
as a public school building. The school trustees selected A. \V. Bieghle, of
Laurel, as superintendent in the summer of 1873, and he had charge of the
schools for the following three years. Mr. Bieghle had taught for many
years in the county and was well known as an able and efficient instructor.
During this period of three years there was little or no high school work
done. The attendance during the three years of Bieghle's incumbency
increased from one hundred ninety-eight in 1873 to three hundred sixty his
last year. There were five teachers besides the superintendent, the latter being
compelled to spend practically all of his time in teaching. The school board
charged fifteen dollars tuition annually for those living outside of the incor-
poration.
In the fall of 1876 the board of education selected as suj>crintendent
John E. Morton, who, after being at the head of the schools for five years,
resigned to engage in the practice of dentistry, a profession which he has
followed for the past twenty-five years in Brookville. He was well educated,
a man of wide experience in teaching and had previously had charge of the
schools in Frankfort and Hartford City, Indiana. When Mr. Morton came
to Brookville to take charge of the school he at once planned to grade all the
pupils before the opening of the school year. In order to do this he had
the teachers in their rooms for several days before the opening of the term.
A notice was placed in the paper asking all those who intended entering
school to come to the school house in order to be graded. Superintendent
Morton planned a series of questions which would enable him, with the aid
of his teachers, to determine the grade to which every pupil belonged. Con-
sequently, when school opened September 11, 1876, the pupils were all
graded, the programs were on the blackboard and classes were reciting before
noon of the first day. A start was made in the fall of the same year towards
the organization of a four-year high school course, and in 1S79 a commission
v/as issued to the high school by the state board of education.
Since 1876 may very fittingly be called a new epoch in the history of
the schools of Brookville, it may be interesting to give the names of the
teachers who had charge of the schools. In addition to Superintendent
Morton, there were the following teachers : M. A. Mess, a graduate of Otter-
bein University, later county superintendent; Henry Showalter, of Kokomo,
Indiana; Mrs. Jennie E. Speer. who w^as a sister of Alsie B. Dole, another
one of the teachers ; Kate Davis, who remained about three years ; Ella
Creswell, who taught in the schools here for several vears. Durinsr the
FRANKLIN COLNTV, INDIANA. 397
administration of Superintendent ;Morton the schools were put on a firm
basis and when he retired from the superintendency in 1881, he left the
schools in a very satisfactory condition.
Hubert M. Skitmer came to Brookville in 1880 to take charge of the
high school when he was aljout thirty years of age. He was the eldest son
of Hon. John N. Skinner, of Valparaiso, and his early education had been
acquired in his native city in the college which his father was chiclly instru-
mental in founding. He finished his preparatory and scientific course at the
head of his class and then pursued a thorough classical course at DePauw
University. His first school work was done in the south as professor of
Latin in the Baptist University of Arkansas and subsequently as professor
of belles-lettres and history at Little Rock. Returning north, he married
Emma Ogden and came to Brookville. His first year's work (1S80-81) in
Brookville was under tlic superintendency of Dr. J. E. Morton. When Doctor
Morton retired, Mr. Skinner was promoted to the superintendency, a posi-
tion he filled with satisfaction until the spring of 1S84. when he resigned to
accept the position of deputy state superintendent of public instruction.
In Mr. Skinner's experience as a public school teacher many plans
suggested themselves to him. While practically doing the work of the
superintendent he inaugurated many improvements that are still lifting
teachers to a higher appreciation of their ])osition. He was the first secretary
and manager of the Young People's Reading Circle of Indiana, a state which
still leads all others in meml)ership and influence. He was a regular con-
tributor to the School Journal and frequently addressed institutes and
other bodies on educational topics. In 18S6 he represented Indiana at the
meetings of the state superintendents at Washington and delivered an ad-
dress before that body on "The Purpose, Plan and Progress of Reading
Circle Work of the Country at Large.''
The most notable efforts of 'Sir. Skinner's useful career have been
those given to the preparation of school works to carry forward the spirit
of that address. His outlines for institute work: his plans for the common
school; the study of literature in the common schools: the systematic use
of the dictionary ; the intluence of narcotics and stimulants ; the colonial
history of Indiana ; the noble part borne by Indiana in the Civil War — all
bore the imprint of his thoughtful and systematic arrangement. He pub-
lished a volume of biographical sketches of the state superintendents of
Indiana and a carefully prepared and accurate history of education in the
state. In collaboration with John W. Holcombe, he wrote '"The Life of
398 FRANKLIN COCNTY, INDIANA.
Thomas A. Hendricks." lie also prepared a history of Indiana in chart
form which was pul)lished hy Rand, McXally & Company.
In 1 886 Mr. Skinner went to Chicago to accept a position with the
piibHshint,^ house of A. S. P.arnes & Company. Later he became associated
with the American P.onk Company as head of the reading-circle work of
the company. There was nr) man better fitted for this than he and in a short
time the resuhs of his e.xperience brou.tjht a heavy increase in business to
his company. He also found time to prepare some volumes for the press,
namely: "Readings in Folk Lore," "The Schoolmaster in Literature," and
many books of like character were prepared by him from time to time — a
list too long to enumerate in a sketch of this nature.
Mr. Skinner has retired from the American Book Company and is now
engaged in literary work, fie still makes contributions to educational jour-
nals and other periodicals, ^\'hile connected with the Brookville schools
he made a special study of the educational and historical interests of the place
and published se\eral articles on the subject.
Albert Newton Crecraft, who followed H. M. Skinner as superin-
tendent in 1884, was a native of Ohio. Fresh from Princeton College, Xew
Jersey, he taught his first school in this county at ^Nlt. Carmel in 18S0. The
next year he served as principal of the Fairfield schools. With an attractive
personality, affable, industrious and alert to each child's needs, he was soon
master of the situation. His work so fired the ambitions of a number of his
pupils that they sought a continuation of his services in a subscription term
immediately following the short winter term of public school.
The ne.xt fall. 1882. although scarcely twenty-three years old, he suc-
ceeded to the principalship of the Brookville high school. Before another
autumn came, he returned to Fairfield and brought away as his wife one who
had probably been a source of much inspiration in his excellent work there,
one of his lady assistants of the previous year, Mattie L. Tyner, the talented
daughter of Richard Tyner, a Fairfield merchant.
After serving two years as principal, Mr. Crecraft followed H. M.
Skinner as superintendent of the Brookville schools in 1S84. But he was
not to tarry long in that ])osition. Upon the resignation of ^l. A. Mess as
county school superintendent in the spring of 1886 Mr. Crecraft was selected
to fill the vacancy. This position he held for five years. In 1890 he
purchased the Franklin County Democrat, then edited by Edgar R. Quick.
With the assistance of Will K. Bracken, he conducted this paper a vear until
the close of the term for which he had been elected. During this year he
installed many improvements in his printing apparatus, and more than
FRANKLIN COI'NTY, INDIANA. 399
doubled the circulation of the pa])er. In October of 1891 he sold the
Democrat to the present editor. M. II. Irwin, and bought the Franklin
Democrat. Franklin, Indiana, where he now resides. This paper he still
owns and edits.
Some misgivings as to his health caused Mr. Crecraft to quit school
work, but he has given to the profession a son, Earl, who, inheriting the
talents and personal magnetism of both father and mother, bids fair to
sustain with due credit the name Crecraft among educators.
The rapid promotion of A. N. Crecraft from a village school to the
most important position in the county is proof enough of his ability as an
educator. An indefatigable worker himself, he had little patience with
shams, sluggards or disturijers. Any such were sure of a stern rebuke with
language and means to suit the case. In a commencement essay in 1900 a
graduate of the Brookville high school, who had probably talked with former
pupils of Mr. Crecraft. said, "He was a brilliant and inspiring teacher and
commanded excellent discipline. He did a great deal for the Ijoys and girls
in opening their eyes to the significance of life, and in cultivating an ap-
preciation for nature, art and poetry." The tribute would have been com-
plete if the young writer had added that Mr. Crecraft's life preached the
gospel of hard work and fidelity to duty.
C. W. McClure was superintendent of the Brookville schools for a
period of seven years (18S6-93). He was a good, earnest worker and did
much for the schools. He established weekly teachers' meetings for the
various departments, in which the work was thoroughly discussed, and,
later, monthly meetings, where all the teachers met and the work in
general was talked over. Cases in discipline were discussed as to best
methods for the different i)upils. ^Ir. ^McClure was always just and sympa-
thetic. He made the pupils feel that they had a part in the main argument
of the school. He kept in close touch with all the teachers, the pupils and
the work in every department. While he was superintendent, a junior and
senior literary society, known as the J. S. L. W., was formed. This society
was composed of the members of the junior and senior classes of the high
school. It met every Saturday night at the homes of the students. ^luch
good was gotten from these meetings.
Every year ]Mr. McClure compiled a catalogue of the schools, in which
the course of study was mapped out. The names of all teachers, pupils and
the alumni ap[)eared therein. Every home represented in school received
a catalogue. Mr. ^McClure established mid-year promotions, which were a
great benefit to the school. He was a good citizen, a good school man and a
4CX) FRAN'KLIiV COUNTY, INDIANA.
good man socially. He wa.s one (jf the founders of the Brookville Saturday
Club. He was greatly mis.sed when he took up his work as superintendent
of the Oxford (Ohio) schools.
E. M. Teeple followed C. \V. McClure as superintendent of the
Brookville schools. He came here in ill health and was here about a year
and a half before death claimed him. Mr. Teeple followed Mr. McClure's
methods of management. He was a cultured man and under favorable
conditions would have been capable of doing much good work for the school
had his health permitted.
Noble Harter, who came to the head of the Brookville schools in 1895,
was splendidly equipped for the position. An indefatigable worker, he
spared neither time nur effort in the work of promoting the interest of the
school. A graduate from the Indiana State Normal, also from Indiana
University, he did not attempt to follow wholly the methods of either in his
work. He selected from both institutions the ideas that he could best use
hi working out the plan for his school and, being a man of rare originalitv,
he adapted these to his purpose and supplemented them with valuable no-
tions of his own. He believed the normal method emphasized the reasoning
process too much in the lower grades, and that this was done at the expense
of the memory. He frequently said, "To have a child question evervthing
in school tends to make him sharp minded rather than broad minded."' He
believed the time for conscious analysis came beyond the primarv grades.
In this view he was heartily supported by Dr. W. L. Bryan.
As an organizer, !Mr. Harter had few superiors. His school was so
planned that he had every detail clearly in mind. To him his school, as a
whole, was a force moving to accomplish a certain, definite result. To
attain success, he believed it essential to have complete harmon\- in all its
departments. While not hampering the individuality of the teacher in her
work, he insisted that she should try to see her department in its relation
to the whole school, and shape her work accordingly. ^Ir. Harter believed
in much drill on the formal side of composition work. One composition a
week was required from each pupil. In each grade above the fourth vear
the pupils were rcc|uired to read two books and hand in a written review of
them sometime within the year. He encouraged debates in the grammar
grades and in the high school. He introduced the vertical system of writing
into the schools. He had a small bookcase put in each room and into each
were put the library books best suited to that particular grade. It was
through his influence that a special music teacher was employed. When
sickness rendered him unable to go to the school building, he had his teachers'
FRANKLIN- COUNTY, INDIANA. 4OI
meetings in his home and from there directed his work. He believed that
a superintendent should, to use hi.s own expression, "keep his fin^^er on the
public pulse." Through the liclp of certain reliable citizens he kept himself
informed as to how the school w(jrk was being received in the community.
He invited inspection of the school and met criticism in a fair spirit.
When Herbert S. \''o<)rhees succeeded Mr. Harter as superintendent in
1899, he announced his intention of carrying out the former superintendent's
method for a time, and introducing graduall}- any changes that he desired
to make. This plan prevented confusion and friction. Mr. Voorhees, like
his predecessor, was an untiring worker. "Thoroughness"' was his watch-
word. He succeeded in inspiring the students with the spirit of investi-
gation and research. In The High School News of April 6. 1901, we find
the following about his work : "Every book in Mr. Voorhees' library, every
fact at his commanrl, was at the service of a seeking student. When the
school needed ap])aratus or material it was always forthcoming. If the
fund for the purpose was exhausted, Mr. Voorhees made or bought it."
The above expresses his school spirit. Pie worked with the pupils and made
them feel that their work was worth while. In the short time that he was
superintendent he did much for the advancement of the school. The chan'res
made in the routine work proved to be wise and helpful. Perhaps no other
superintendent of the Brookville schools has been more closely in sympathy
with his teachers than was he. By all means at his command he tried to
help them, and he never failed to express his appreciation of any good work
that they did. The laboratory was frequently open after school hours to the
children of the grades. There by the use of the microscope or by simple ex-
periments he gave life and interest to their nature work. He left the school
in the spring of 1901.
In the history of the Brookville schools, the administration of Supt.
H. Lester Smith deserves strong comments. He came to the position well
equipped in scholarship. He graduated from Indiana University. He filled
the position of principal under Superintendent A^oorhees. He was well ac-
quainted with the policies of the school and the splendid organization of his
predecessors. These policies he continued and added to their efficiency.
Mr. Smith worked out a splendid course of institute work with his
teachers. He was a man of striking personality and splendid leadership,
which made him a potent force in these meetings. His ability as an in-
structor left its influence upon his students and the school itself. He raised
the requirements of the teachers of the school. No person could teach
(26)
402 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
in the school unless he had a twenty-four months' 'license and ninety per cent,
in success.
The school probably took more interest in athletics after Mr. Smith
became superintendent. Tliis interest has never waned. He also aroused,
a greater interest by the parents in the school. He felt that one of the
greatest things lie could do was to arouse an interest in a new building.
While he never realized his ambitions to have a building built under his
administration, he did much in molding public opinion in tliis direction.
He was a strong l^eliever that the teacher's greatest work docs not lie in the
imparting of knowledge, but in the silent influence of a clean, upright life
before the pupil and the cnirnunity. This he succeeded in drilling into his
teachers. It can be said of him, as did Dr. William Lowe Bryan of Dr.
Joseph Swain: "I was able to succeed because of the splendid force of
teachers selected by my predecessor."
Superintendent Smith became connected with the public schools of
Indianapolis after leaving Brookville and later went to the Panama zone to
take charge of the schools there, l^or the past several years he has been
superintendent of the Bloomington ^Indiana) schools and ha^ made an
enviable reputation as one of the leading educators of the state.
J. W. Stott, the successor of H. L. Smith as su])erintendent. believed
thoroughly in effective organization and in natural discipline. Probably no
superintendent had a better working machinery. This was not formal. The
effects of Superintendent Stoit can be seen in the splendid grade and high
school library. The board was very free in assisting him to build up the
library. He also created a book fund in the school. Thus the community
took an active part in the school w(irk. He also, with the aid of the pupils,
added the splendid pictures in the various rooms. They were the best that
could be secured. He, like his predecessor, continued to agitate sentiment
in favor of a new building. Superintendent Stott felt that teachers could
not do their most efficien work unless they mingled with their fellow work-
ers in the state. He was successful in establishing the custom of the teachers
attending the Indiana State Teachers Association. Superintendent Stott.
in common with the splendid list of superintendents, was a man of strong
personality and executive ability. I'he school board recognized his ability
by frequent increases in salary.
A. J. Reifel, the present superintendent of the Brookville schools, has
held this position since H}09. Previous to that time he had served as
superintendent of the Franklin county schools for seven years and during his
incumbency made such a record as to attract the attention of the school
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 4O3
trustees of Brookville. lie has Ijeen no less successful in the administration
of all the duties connected with his position as superintendent of the town
schools. When he took charge of the schools in 1909 the old college building
was still being used for public school purposes. This was replaced in 1912
by the present beautiful and well-arranged building of thirty-three rooms.
The building has the most modern equipment of all kinds, including steel
furniture, hot air heating and a system whereby the air is changed four times
an hour. The original contract for the building called for a brick founda-
tion, but many of the patrons thought that it should be stone. Consequently,
a sufificient amount of money was raised by contributions to provide a stone
foundation. The building cost the town forty thousand dollars.
Since the building has been erected the school has raised money by
means of entertainments and lectures and used it in providing equipmeiu
for domestic science and manual training. Some of the money was used
for electric fixtures, library jmrposes. pictures for the various rooms and
even trees for the yard. Nearly six hundred dollars had been raised in the
last five years for these various purposes, which speaks well for the interest
which the community has in its public school .system.
Prevocational education was introduced several years before the law-
demanded it and now a complete system of vocational work is in operation.
Cooking and sewing are taught the girls by an experienced teacher. Maidie
Schwacke, who is a graduate of Purdue University. Woodworking
and allied arts are taught the l.)oys, as well as courses in scientific agriculture.
One feature of the domestic work is the fact that classes are maintained for
the girls of Brookville who are not in school. During the present year three
classes in cooking for the town girls are given by the regular instructor in
domestic science. In addition, there are classes in sewing and millinery
given for town girls. There has been a total of one hundred aiid se\en
town girls taking the courses in cooking, sewing and millinery during the
year 1914-15-
The high school now enrolls one hundred and eight and the grades two
hundred and ninety-four, making a total enrollment of four hundred and
two for the present (1914-15) year. The high school owns a piano and has
chorus singing each morning under the leadership of the principal. Mr.
Hitchcock. A lecture course is under superv-ision of the high school and
the money obtained from this source is used in adding to the library and
for other general purposes. A healthy interest is taken in athletics and
basket ball and baseball are given every encouragement. During the present
year the high school has had probably the best basket ball team of its career
404 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
and altliou,!:;h it failed to <:^et in tlie state meet, yet it made a very creditable
showing-. The new huildinj,' has a c^ymnasium which is amply large enough
for basket hall and other indoor sport.
A noticeable feature of the Rrookville schools is a splendid «-chool
spirit manifested by the pupils. There is no rowdyism and the general
demeanor of the high school pupils is such as to attract the favorable com-
ment of everv one who visits the school. The school l)oard visits the build-
ing at least once a month and thus keeps in close touch with affairs. The
town has been fortunate in having splendid school boards, men who have
taken a deep interest in the welfare of the school. The present school board
is as follows : President. E. L. Patterson ; secretary. Philip Plartmaii ;
treasurer, E. W. Showalter.
The first class was graduated from high school in 1877 and since that
time three hundred and twenty-four young people have recei\ed diplomas
from the high school. There were no graduates in 1882, 1883 and 1884, due
to the fact that Superintendent Skinner readjusted the course of study in
such a way that there were no graduates for these three years.
GRADUATES OF BROOKVILI.E HIGH SCHOOL 1877-I9I4.
1877 — Mattie Cresswell, Charles Gallion, Clara King.
1878 — Dr. Clififord R. Case, Mary Reynolds. Mary Butler.
1879 — Dessie Derry, Anna Dennett, John L. Masters. William ^I.
Millis, Nannie Roberson, Ciiarles J- Showalter. MolKe Starkle.
1880 — Frank S. Alley, Alice Andress, MoUie Berry, Pet Davis, Charles
E. Dubois, Jennie Whipple.
1881 — J. George x\dair. George Brauchla, Charles Davis.
1885 — Adah Butler, John H. Kimble. Cora Likely.
1886 — Clara Butler. George E. Dennett, IMaggie McClure, Robert M.
King.
1887 — William K. Bracken. Joseph G. Fieber. Frank McClure. Harry
M. Stoops, Rose Starkle.
1888 — Adah Colescott, Bert Haile. ^^linnie F. Winscott. Josephine M.
Bracken. xAlbert V. Gagle, Rose blasters. George L. Wise. ^lary V. Stoops.
1890 — George Haman. ]\rar_y Horming, Edward LaRue. Anna Likely,
Kate Winscott.
1891 — William M. Raker. Julius B. Meyer. Vivian Squier. Cora Wise.
1892 — jMartha E. Bracken. Myrta Hetrick. Herbert S. King, Cora B.
Shepperd. Ernest W. Showalter.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 4O5
1893— Grant W. Baker, August Brown, Will A. Gagle, Lida M. Goble,
Hallie Harrell, Edward P. MeLzger, Willard X. Lacy, James O. Meyer,
Chester C. Starkle, William C. Winans.
1S94 — Blanche B'.-rry, Rolxrt F. Bruns, Grace V. Johnston, Ora R.
Masters, Emma S. Quick, Clara AI. Wood.
1895 — Charles E. xAgnew, Sallie B. Bracken, Arthur J. Calpha, Mary
L. Fieber, Thomas W. Masters, Ella S. Wilson.
1896 — Edith Dennett, Carrie Starkle, Martha O. Stoops, Callie Urm-
ston, Margaret E. Winans.
1897 — Nellie Kimble, Bessie Buckley, Anna Morton, Bertha Morton,
Bayard Quick. John Goodwin, Pearl Gagle.
1898— Dora Gagle, Judge Kidney, Edith Balsley, Ethel Berry, Lon
Bracken, Florence Gagle, Hattie Goble, George Vawter, Perry Colescott,
Mattie Squier.
1899 — Bertha Bruns, Nellie Cullins, Charles Dare, Pearl Kimble,
Blanche Dungan, Alay Klipple. Bertha Mode, Stella O'Byrne, Rozella Pop-
per, Aubra Ritze, ^laggie Smiester, Edna Bossert, Karl Bogart, Ethel Seal.
1900 — May Berry, Sybil Ulrica Bogart, Orthelia F. Busald, \'era A.
Cullins, Scott Dawson, Thomas Dennett, Zella M. Masters, Rubie Popper,
Jacob Philip Sauter, Wade Kerr Templeton, Mary Rupel Trichler, Carl
VVellhausen, Christia FI. Wellhausen, Rachel Davenport Winans.
1901 — Burton McClure. Karl G. Hornung, Amelia Hornung, Esther
Hoover, Scott Monroe, Roscoe Kerr, Delia Bossert.
1902 — William Emmet Blackburn, Guy Bogart, Carrie Belle McClure,
Maude Squier, Nellie Hortense Starkle, Mae Vawter.
1903 — Fanny .Ailes. May O'Byrne, Ruth O'Hair, Mary O'Hair, Han-
nah Popper, Amelia Koeber, Amelia Klipple, Ruth Cochran, Clara ]Mode,
Frank Baker, Edith Cleaver.
1904 — Arthur Hoover, \\'alter Bossert. Harry Senour, Glenna Bruns,
Joe Quick, Grace Seal, Lilian Meyncke, Ruth Fowler, Bertha Armstrong.
J905 — Leroy Metzger, Howard Gordon Koerner, Idyll Bogart, Katie
Ariens, Thomas Hyde, Noah Foster, Henry Gall.
1906 — Camp ]\Ieyer, Anella Fedderman, Clara Hornung, Nelle Klipple.
Merle Updike, Walter Wilson. Adelia Keeler, Lelia Vaness, George Wallace,
William Wiley, Clinton Ludwig.
I9<^7— Reno May Mode, Will Waddcll. Clara Kimble Holmes. Ruby
Gladys Perdiue. Elsie May Farrell, Bessie Leona Colebank, Charles Rav
Smith, Carl F. Ludwig.
1908 — Edna Anderson, Mary Banes. Maude Berg, Zerlev Eradv, Edith
I- -. :• .1 ■ 1
406 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
Buriz, Clinton Case, Bessie Kidney, Paul H. Killen, Gradon H. KJipple, C.
M. Scherer, Winnie Sliafer, James Thoni, Opal VanKirk, I'rank Wise.
1909 — Oscar L. Allen, Gertrude Alaye Bossert, Hazel D. Charni, Elsie
Clark, Harry L. Davis, John W. Elwell, William S. Fedderman. Bertha
Carrie Gagle, Grace Holmes, Ida Henrietta Ludwig. Mollie Rynier, Alfred
C. Senour, Hazel E. Siebert, Harry E. Taylor, Lorena Blanche West.
1910 — Edna Davis, Helen Cloud, Sylvia Stout, Leo Schuck, Mozella
Butler, Pauline Bossert, Mary Bunz, Paul Nierstheimer, Catherine Kremp,
Arthur Popper, Laura Wolber, Pearl Thou.
191 1 — Carrie Baker, Cliarles Fedderman, Flallie Swift, Guy Trickey,
Richard Farrell, Fay Hamilton, Jessie Farrell, Ray Copes. Letha Adams,
Ethel Younts, Charles Powers. Robert WiLson, Hazel Johns. Walter Jackson,
Mabel Gnahn, Roscoe OTiyrne, Lloyd Killen, Anitta Klipple. Kenneth
Hudson, Herbert Smith. Norma Walters, Blanche Wiley, Leo Schuck.
191 2 — Matilda McNichols. Etlgar Keeler, Foss Elwyn, Howard Alley,
Carl Watler, Cora Seal. Freeman Seal, Mabel Seal, Ethel Goudie. Jewel
Frank, Ruth Hainan, Edward Wissel. Herljert Lacy, Carl Hofer, Martha
Higgs, Albert Bates. Roy Milbourne, Ernest Clark. Edna Cleaver, John
Mode, Clae Miller, Fred Charni, Leroy Clark, Merle Ball, Russel Maguire.
1913 — Hazel Fye, Tena Fritz. Madge Ferris, Hazel Fieber. Harriet
Fletcher, Henrietta I^are, Nellie Baker, Bessie Doty, Charles Davis, Cecil
K'endrick, Arthur Sylvester, Alfred Wise. Dorothy Pippin, Clarence Sene-
feld, Helen Johns. Alma Snyder, Norma Winscott, Eva Templeton, Mary
Senour, Frieda Schneider, Ezra Portteus, Clara ]\linckler. Jean McKeown,
Vivian Glidewell, William Higgs.
1914 — Tessie Bierre. Jean Case, Charles Deutch. Rawn English,
Teresa Frey, Edna Geis, Clifford Hoffman, Raymond Hoffman. Ethel
Holmes, Clifford Jinks, Mary Logan, Albert Lindsay, Raymond ^IcCarthv,
Hilda Polhemus, William Rusterholz, Wayne Swartz, Bertha Swift, Elmer
Strohmeir, Cornelia Shirk, .\lgernon Updike, Vera Ball, Albert Bretticher,
Mary Black, Clifford Ashley, Alary Adams.
TEACHERS OF BROOKVILLE.
1873 — High school: A. W. Biegle. Isaac Carter.
1874 — High school : A. W. Biegle, Isaac Carter.
1875 — High school: A. W. Biegle, Isaac Carter.
1876-— High school : J. E. Morton, Henry Shovvalter.
1877 — High school: J. E. ^kTorton, Ernily Hayward.
J ..
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 4O7
1878 — High school: J. E. ]\[orton, Isaac Carter.
1879 — High school: J. E. Morton, Isaac Carter.
1880 — High school: J. E. ^Morton, Hubert M. Skinner.
1881 — High school: Hubert M. Skinner, Emory Smith.
1882 — High scho'jl : Hubert M. Skinner, A. X. Crecraft.
1883 — High school: L. B. Griffin, A. N. Crecraft.
1884 — High school: A. N. Crecraft, L. N. Fouts (one month), H. A.
Buerk, W. A. Williams.
1885— High school: A. X. Crecraft. E. A. Belda.
1886— High school: C. \V. McClure, C. W. Lewis.
1887— High school: C. W. ^IcClure, C. W. Lewis.
1888 — High school: C. \V. McClure, C. \V. Lewis; grade teachers:
Will K. Bracken, Minnie Winscott. Mary Carmichael, Nannie Robeson, May
Lewis and Minnie Cohu.
1889 — High school: C. W. McClure. R. ^M. King; grade teachers:
William E. Schoonover. ]\Iinnie \\'inscott. Josie Bracken, Mary Carmichael,
Nannie Robeson and Minnie Cohu.
1890 — High school: C. \X. ?vIcClure. R. M. King; grade teachers:
William E. Schoono\er, Joseph Fieber. Josie Bracken, Z^Iary Carmichael,
Nannie Robeson. Minnie Cohu and Ida Meyers.
1891 — High school: C. W. McClure. A. M. King; grade teachers:
William E. Schoonover, Nannie Robeson, Ida Meyers, Josie Bracken, Mary
Carmichael, Mary Stoops and ^Minnie Cohu.
1892 — High school: C. W. McClure. Charles Wilson and H. S. Vor-
hees ; grade teachers : William E. Schoonover, Ida Meyers, Kate Winscott,
Rose Starkle, Mary Carmichael. ]\lary V. Stoops and Minnie Cohu.
1893 — High school: E. M. Teeple. H. S. Yorhees: grade teachers:
Albert Deitz, Kate Winscott. Ida Meyers. Rose Starkle, Mary Carmichael,
Mary V. Stoops and Cora Wise.
1894 — High school: E. ^I. Teeple. H. S. Vorhees ; grade teachers:
William Cole. Kate A\"inscott. Ida B. ]\Ieyers, Rose Starkle. ^lary Car-
michael, Mary V. Stoops. Minnie Cohu. A. V. Dietz and Harry "M. Stoops.
1895 — fl'&li school: Noble Harter. H. S. Vorhees. Flarry- M. Stoops:
grade teachers : Sarah A. Cauble. H. S. King. Ida B. Meyers, Minnie Cham-
bers, Kate Winscott. Mary V. Stoops and ^linnie Cohu.
1896 — High school: Noble Harter. H. S. Vorhees; grade teachers:
Minnie Chambers. ^^linnie Cohu. Kate Winscott, Carrie Logan, Ola Hubbard,
Montie Anderson. Mary Stoops and ^lary Carmichael.
1897 — High school: Noble Harter, H. S. Vorhees and Walter Dunn:
408 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
grade teachers: Minnie Chambers, Kate W'inscott, Carrie Logan, Minnie
Cohu, Ola Iliihhard, ^lary Stoops and Alary Carmichael.
1898 — High school; Xoble Ilarter, H. S. \'orhees and Annie G. Scott;
grade teachers: Charles E. Agneu', Carrie Logan, Kate Winscott, Mary
Hornimg, Collie L'rmston, Tillie E. Deerhake.
1899 — High school : H. S. Vorhees, H. Lester Smith and Anna G.
Scott; grade teachers: Charles E. Agnew. Carrie Logan, Mary Carmichael,
Kate Winscott. Mary Hornung, Leona O'Hair, Mary Fieber and Louisa
Vorhees (hnisic).
1900 — High school : H. S. Vorhees, H. L. Smith, and Mable Ryan ;
grade teachers : Carrie Logan, S. G. Lord, Man,' Carmichael, Kate Winscott,
Mary Hornung, Leona O'Hair, Bertha Morton and Louisa Vorhees (music).
1901 — High school: H. L. Smith. F. H. Masters and Mable Ryan;
grade teachers : Carrie Logan, S. G. Lord, Kate Winscott, ]\Iary Hornung,
Leona O'Hair, Bertha Morton and Louisa Vorhees (music).
1902 — High school: II. Lester Smith. N. V. Patterson and Michael
Bossert; grade teachers: S. G. Lord, Carrie Logan, Kate Winscott, Bertha
E. Morton, Bess A. Buckley, Leona O'Hair and Louisa Vorhees (music).
1903 — High school : H. Lester Smith, N. V. Patterson and Michael
Bossert : grade teachers : W. N. Lacy, W. A. Younts, Carrie Logan, Kate
Winscott, Mary Hornung, Bess A. Buckley, Bertha }iIode, and Louia Vor-
hees (music).
1904 — High school: H. Lester Smith. X. V. Patterson and Michael
Bossert ; grade teachers : W. N. Lacy, W. A. Younts, Carrie Logan. Bertha
Mode, ^lary Hornung, Kate Winscott, Bess A. Buckley and Louisa \'or-
hees.
1905 — High school: J. W. Stott, Michael Bossert and Chloe Foster;
grade teachers : W. N. Lacy, W. A. Younts, Carrie Logan, Bertha ^lode,
Mary Hornung. Kate Winscott, Bess A. Buckley and Louisa \''orhees.
1906 — High school: J, W. .Stott, M. Bossert and Chloe Foster; grade
teachers : W. N. Lacy. W. A. Younts, A. N. Logan, Carrie Logan, ^lary
Hornung, Clara Mode, Bertha Anderson.
1907 — High school : J. W. Stott, Michael Bossert and Helen E. Sandi-
son; grade teachers: W. N. Lacy. W. A. Younts. A. X. Logan. Carrie
Logan, Bertha M. Anderson, Clara !Mode, Bess A. Buckley and Maud Jones.
1908 — High school: J. W. Stott. Archie Crawford. Ralph W. Ander-
son ; grade teachers : Willard N. Lacy. W. A. Younts. A. X. Logan. Carrie
Logan, Bertha Anderson, Bess Buckley and Maud Jones ('music).
1909 — High school; A. J. Reifel, Archie Crawford and Earl Glenn;
' , I
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 4O9
grade teachers: W. N. Lacy, J. August Brown, W. A. Younts, A. N.
Logan, Carrie Logan. Edith Cleaver. Clara Mode and Bertha Anderson.
iQio — High school: A. J. Reifel, C. \V. Hitchcock and W. X. Lacy;
grade teachers: Alanson Phillips, Cordelia Keeler, \V. A. Younts, \V. A.
Younts, A. N. Logan, Carrie Logan, Edith Cleaver, Clara Mode, Bertha
Anderson and J. T. Reese.
1911 — High school: A. J. Reifel. C. W. Hitchcock, and W. X. Lac>- ;
grade teachers : Manson H. Phillips, Cordelia Keeler, W. A. Younts, A. X.
Logan, Carrie Logan. Edith Cleaver, Clara IMode, Josephine Rosenmund and
J. T. Reese.
1912 — High school: A. J. Reifel, C. W. Hitchcock. W. X. Lacy and
Clara K. Holmes; grade teacher's: Frank Baker. Cordelia Keeler, \V. A.
Younts, A. X. Logan, Carrie Logan, Edith Cleaver. Kate Winscott and
Josephine Rosenmund.
ipi3_High school: A. J. Reifel, C. W. Hitchcock, W. X. Lacy and
Clara K. Holmes; grade teachers: Maidie Schwacke, A. X'. Logan, Hazel
Siebert, W. A. Younts. Carrie Logan, Edith Cleaver. Kate Winscott, Jose-
phine Rosenmund.
1914— High school: A. J. Reifel, C. W. Hitchcock. \V. X. Lacy,
Clara K. Holmes; grade teachers: Bess Kidney. A. X. Logan, Maidie
Schwacke, Hazel Siebert, W. A. Younts, Ernest Clark. Carrie Logan, Edith
Cleaver, Josephine Rosenmund, Kate Winscott and Ellen Shirk.
SCHOOLS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
As has been stated, the Constitution of 185 1 made provision for a system
of free public schools. It went into effect in November, 1852, and in the
spring of the follovving year Franklin county made an attempt to introduce
free schools. In May, 1853, the various townships of Franklin county voted
upon the question of levying a tax for free schools and the building of
school houses. In Fairfield township, polls were opened in the regular way
and a startling result was disclosed. One vote was cast for a school tax
and seventv-nine against it. In the same township the public-spirited citi-
zens voted against the building of school houses by a majority nf seventy-four
out of seventv-eight votes. This would seem to be pretty conclusive evidence
that the people of Fairfield township did not want to be taxed for school
purposes.
In Brookville township a public meeting was held in the court house
and a resolution was passed favoring both a school and a school-house tax.
1 ■)[
410 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
The Brookiillc American (May 27, 1853), i" speaking? of the meeting at
the court house, said: "Although this was rather a loose and uncertain
way of doing business, yet so general is public opinion in favor of good
schools and a willingness to pay for them, that we suppose the citizens will
heartily co-operate with the trustees to carry out the plans."
In Blooming Grove township the ballot v.as used and the citizens cast
a negative vote for both the school and the school-house tax. There seems
to have been considerable dissatisfaction over the result on the part of those
who favored the schools and steps were taken shortly afterwards to submit
the question again.
If other townships voted on the question at this time, no record has
been found of it. The editor of the American, in the issue above noted,
says, editorially, concerning the movement for free schools: "There is a
reluctance in the public mind to vote a tax on themselves. It is too direct
a matter. They will vote for representatives, year after vear, who will
vote for extravagant expenditures, and saddle heavy taxes on them, but
put the vote direct and few would vote for a tax to pay it."' However, the
people of the county soon began to take a more favorable view of the public
schools and it was only a few years until there were schools all over the
county which had been provided for by taxation.
The general supervision of the schools of the county from id,^T, to
1873 was intrusted to a board of examiners appointed by the commissioners.
This board of three examined all the teachers and had the power to issue
licenses. This arrangement continued until 1S73, when the office of county
superintendent was established. The first three examiners of Franklin
county were Thomas A. Goodwin, R. R. Spencer and J. A. Applegate. The
county superintendents from 1873 down to the present time are as follows:
C R. Cory, 1873-75: A. B. Line, 1875-76; C. R. Cory, 1876-81; M. A.
Mess, 1881-86; A X. Crecraft. 1886-1891; W. H. Senour, 1891-1902; A.
J. Reifel, 1902-09; T. J. McCarty, 1909 to present time.
Brookville is the only commissioned high school in the county, althouo-h
there are seven other schools in the county doing high school work. Two
years' work is done at New Trenton. Bath, Fairfield and Blooming Grove,
while three-year courses are maintained at Mt. Carmel. :Metamora and
Laurel. Agriculture and domestic science are taught in all the schools
of the county. Bath, with two teachers, is the only consolidated school in the
county. The only special teacher outside of the Brookville schools is the
domestic science teacher at Laurel.
There is now a total of one hundred and one teachers in the county,
I :■;■'■. ■'■' '
.1" M
a.'f
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 411
thirty-four males and sixty-seven females. Xinety-one teachers are in the
grades and ten in high school. There are seventy-three school buildings
in the county, seventy in the townships and one each in the towns of Brook-
ville, Laurel and Oldenburg. It is interesting to note that forty years ago
there were ninety-six school houses in the county with a total of one hundred
and eleven teachers — seventy-eight males and thirty-three females.
The following table shows the enumeration and enrollment for 191 4,
as well as the number of teachers in each township. For the purposes of
comparison, the enumeration of 1885 is also given:
Township. Enumeration. Enrollment. Teachers.
1885 1914 iQU 1914
Bath 252 137 129 4
Blooming Grove 359 ^^o 122 4
Brookville 827 466 279 11
Butler 522 296 150 6
Fairfield 260 129 87 3
Highland 7^Z 400 284 10
Laurel 7^7 258 191 8
Metamora 334 152 142 5
Posey 361 165 107 4j
Ray 445 354 218 8
Salt Creek 47^ 205 109 5
Springfield 489 234 184 9
White Water ■- — — 533 3-30 248 10
Incorporated Townships —
Brookville 680 615 370 12
Oldenburg 413 162 152 4
Totals 7.003 4.283 2,763 loi
The first Franklin county teachers' institute was organized on Xovember
20, 1852, and annual sessions have been held from that time. The men
chiefly instrumental in effecting the first organization were T. A. Goodwin.
H. B. Hibben and George A. Chase. A feature of the educational history of
the county is what was known as the county normal. This was started in
1S77 by J. E. ^lorton, superintendent of the Brookville schools, and he had
charge of the county normal up until and including the summer of 18S0. He
was assisted in 1877 and 1878 by Thomas Harrison, of Moores Hill College,
and by Professor Murray in 1879 and 1880. In 1881 the county superin-
412 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
tendent took charj^e of the county normal and it continued under his super-
vision until it was finally discontinued in the summer of 1891. The six
weeks' normal was held at Brookville every year except one, when it was
held at Laurel. These normals were for the purpose of reviewing the teach-
ers in the common school branches and thus better preparing them for their
work in the school room. The attendance varied from year to year, although
there were never less than rtfty teachers in attendance. Since the closing of
the county normal the teachers of the county have been attending the state
normal at Terre Haute, the State University or some of the other institu-
tions of the state. Each year the standard for teachers has risen and better
teachers are to be found in the county now than ever before. It is safe to
say that the standard is as high in Franklin county as in any other county in
the state. With the introduction of vocational training. Superintendent
McCarty has insisted that the law be lived up to in this county. Agriculture
and domestic science are now being taught by all the teachers and. although
it is too soon to estimate tlie value of the work, there can be no doubt that
it is a step in the right direction.
Franklin county has prided itself on its record in the Young People's
Reading Circle work. Every school in the county has a library and nearly
every school buys the books recommended by the reading circle board each
year. Since the time of A. N. Crecraft the county has been in the front rank
of counties which have placed reading circle lx)oks in the public schools.
Another distinctive feature of the educational history of the county is the
township institute, which, under the guidance of the county superintendent,
has been made a great factor for good. The county has an enviable record
for the excellence of its township institutes and those who attend them have
remarked upon their good work. A county institute is held in August of
each year and the teachers of the county take pride in being present every
day. Two instructors are always employed and often a third is added. The
superintendents of Franklin county maintain a close supervision over their
schools and visit every school in the county twice each year. In this way
they are able to note the progress of the schools and suggest methods of
improvement.
The county schools had an exhibit at the World's Fair in Chicago and
also at the St. Louis Exposition in 1904. Creditable exhibits were prepared
for both occasions and at St. Louis Franklin county was awarded a certifi-
cate and a handsome bronze medal for the best exhibit of written work in
the elementary schools of Indiana. Superintendent Reifel had charge of
this exhibit and received many favorable comments on all the work from
the county.
CHAPTER XVIII.
CIIUKCHES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY.
The first house of worship in Franklin county was completed in 1S12
and since that time there have been more than eighty churches erected in
the county. They have been built to accommodate the grov.th of the county
and with the shifting of population many of them have ceased to exist.
More than a score of once-tlourishing congregations have disappeared and
there are many churches now in the county which have services only once a
month. A study of the religious conditions of the county reveals the fact
that the shifting population has had much to do with the decline of most of
the churches of the county. Local conditions often enter into the religious
life of a communit)^ and divisions have arisen in churches in the past which
today seem most trivial. ^lore than one church in Franklin county has
become divided as the result of some petty differencs which today seem very
ridiculous. The use of organs, congregational singing, secret societies and
even personal encounters have been the means of dividing congregations
into two rival camps. No doubt, every church has its liberals and its radi-
cals, but fortunately they do not cause a division in most of the churches.
The Methodists and Baptists entered the field in Franklin county before
the county was organized in 181 1 and for several years had the only churches
of the countv. The Presbyterians entered the county in 1822 and were in
Brcx)kville by 18-I.0. In the latter part of the thirties the great German migra-
tion to this countv began and by the end of that decade there were a number
of Catholic churches organized in the county. - The Catholics settled in
Brookville, Ray. Butler and Flighland townships, principally. The United
Brethren appear in the thirties, as do the German ^Methodists and Lutherans.
The Christians and IJniversalists date their churches from the forties. The
Holiness church, as well as the Nazarenes, are comparatively new in the
field, having come into the county since 1900.
For purposes of reference, a table has been prepared which shov.s the
distribution and location of all the churches of the county. In several
instances more than one denomination has used the same building, so there
have really been more church organizations tlian there have been church
buildings. In order to eive this table the most valtie the exact location of
414 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
each church has Ijcen given. Jf there is more than one section of the same
nirmber in any townshi]), the town and range are also indicated.
Bath Township —
Baptist (Bethlehem chapel), section 22.
Methodist Episcopal (Winchester chapel), section 28.
Preshyterian (Harmony), section 26.
Blooming Grove Township —
Holiness, section 8.
Methodist Episcopal, section 10.
Methodist Episcopal (Ehenezer), section 23.
Methodist Prote.stant (Stone church), section 8.
Nazarene, section 8.
Brookville Township —
Baptist (Little Cedar), section i, township 9, range 3.
Baptist, section 11, township 11, range 13.
Catholic (St. Michael), Brookville.
Catholic (St. Philomena), section i, township 9, range 3.
Christian, Brookville.
Lutheran (St. Thomas), Brookville.
Holiness, Whitcomh.
Methodist Episcopal. Brookville.
Methodist Episcopal (Locke's chapel), section 2, township 9, range 2.
Methodist Episcopal ■ (L'nion), section 13, township 9, range 2.
Methodist Episcopal (W'est Fork), section 3, township 11, range 13.
Methodist Episcopal (German), Brookville.
Methodist Protestant. Brookville.
Presbyterian. Brookville.
Presbyterian (Mound), section 3, township 8, range 2.
United Brethren, section 9, township 11, range 13.
L^nited Brethren (Center chapel), section 10, township 11, range 13.
Butler Township —
Catholic (St. Philomena), section 21.
Catholic (St. ]Mary), section 5.
Holiness, section 28.
Methodist Episcopal (Butler chapel), section 2^.
Methodist Episcopal (Abbott's chapel), section 24.
Methodist Episcopal (Hickory chapel), section 24.
Methodist Episcopal (Providence meeting house), section 14.
United Brethren, section 28.
(■ ■. •!
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 4^.
Fairfield Township —
Baptist, Fairfield.
Methodist Episcojjal. Fairfield.
Presbyterian, I'"airfield.
United Brethr£n (I'Vanklin chapel), section 26.
Universalist, Fairfield.
Highland Township —
Catholic (Holy (iuardian .Kngel), Cedar Grove.
Catholic (St. Peter's), St. Peters.
Evangelical Protestant (Trinity), section 16.
Evangelical Protestant, section 27.
p:vangelical Lutheran (St. Peters), section 17.
Evangelical Lutheran, section 25.
Methodist Episcopal, section 27.
Union church, Cedar Grove.
Laurel Township —
Catholic (St. Raphael), Laurel.
Christian, Laurel.
Lutheran (German), Laurel.
Methodist Episcopal, Laurel.
Methodist Protestant (Bethel chai^el), section 24.
Presbyterian, Laurel.
United Brethren, Laurel.
Metamora Township —
Baptist, section 5.
Christian, Metamora.
Methodist Episcopal (Cupp's chapel), section 2.
Methodist Episcopal (Elm Grove), section 7.
Methodist Episcopal ( ^NIcKendrie). section 27.
Methodist Episcopal. Metamora.
Presbyterian, ^letamora.
Posey Townshii) —
Christian, Andersonville.
Methodist Episcopal (Wesley chapel), section 25.
Union church (Bruit's chapel). Buena Msta.
United Brethren, Andersonville.
Universalist. Andersonville.
Ray Townshiji —
Catholic (St. John the Evangelist), Enochsburg.
4l6 FRANKLIN' COVS'IY, INDIANA,
Catholic ( Urccs ehiipclj, section 9.
Catholic (Holy Family), Oldenburg.
Catholic (Jnimacnlate Conception), Olrlenhiirg'.
Lutheran (St. Ann's), Huntersville.
Salt Creek Townshif) —
Catholic (St. .Anne), flainhurg.
Christian, Stips' Hill.
Lutheran (German), Peppertown.
Methodist Rpiscopal (^Stips' Hill chapel), section 5.
Springfiejd Township —
Baptist (Big Cedar), section 18.
Methodist Episcopal (Center), section 19.
Methodist Episcopal (Asbury), section 23.
Methodist Episcopal, Mt. Carmel.
Methodist Episcopal, Springfield, section 3.
Presbyteriai>, Mt. Carniel.
Universalist, Mt. Carmel.
White Water Township —
Baptist (Johnson's Fork), section 26.
Methodist Episcopal (Wesley chapel), section 10.
Methodist Episcopal (Zion), section 16.
Methodist Episcopal, Xew Trenton.
Presbyterian, section 13.
United Bretliren (Otwel! chapel), section 25.
United Bretliren, Rockdale.
TABUL.\R VIEW OF THE FRANKLIN COUNTY CHURCHES.
There ha\e been no less than eighty-eight diti'erent congregations which
have existed in Franklin county during the century of its existence. The
Protestants are represented by at least twelve different denominations, while
the Catholics all belong to the Church of Rome. The Catholics have about
three thousand members and the ^Methodists, who are second in numbers,
enrolled seventeen hundred in 19 14. Xo otlier Protestant denomination has
over four hundred members. The following table shows the number of
active and discontinued churches of the various denominations in the countv.
The churches will be discussed in the order in which they are given in this
table
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GIOUMAX FJTIIEUAN ('lirUCH. I'.ltOOKVI I.U:.
1821 l)v tlie >[etboaiNts. sold to the rresbytcriiuis. niul Inter to the raitlienms
or.i) r.uooKvii.i.i: si:.minauy.
First Public School Buikliii;; iu Brookville.
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 4I7
Denomination. Active. Discon- Mem-
tinued. bership.
Methodist Ei)isc(jpal 18 12 1,706
Methodist Protestant o 4 o
German Mcthotli^t o r o
Baptist o 8 o
Presbyterian 4 3 130
Christian 4 i 340
Lutheran 4 2
United Brethren 2 2 125
Universalist i 2 32
Nazarene i o 15
Hohness i o 25
Catholic II I 3.000
It will be noted in the above table that the denominations with no active
churches are not listed as having members, although there undoubtedly are
many Baptist and ^fethodist Protestants, as well as German Methodists in the
county. These statistics have been ascertained from church records and in-
quiry from memliers of the various denominations. Of course, there are other
denominations re])resented in the county, but they do not have church organi-
zations. About half a century ago there were a number of Christians (Xew
Lights) in Metamora township in the vicinity of Elm Grove. They held
services in a log school house at Elm Grove. Jonathan Alley was the best
known minister of this church in the county. Another denomination which
has sought to obtain a foothold in this county is that of the Reorganized
Church of the Latter-Day Saints of Jesus Christ. There were a number of
members in the vicinity of Xew Trenton and in igo6 there was regular preach-
ing by Elder C. E. Harp in that \illage. In 1888 the local newspapers make
mention of the fact that the "Ancient Brethren" (Dunkards) "'are holding
services two miles and a half east of Brookville, and that they are in charge of
Elder Cripe. of Laurel." The Holiness society has come into the county
within the past few years and has confined its activities to three center.s.
Oak Forest, Whitcomb and at the old stone church two miles west of Bloom-
ing Grove. In the summer of 19 14 they held a series of meetings at Whit-
comb. which were attended by thousands of people. They have boug^ht a lot
at \\ hitcomb anfl intend to erect a house of worship. In Blooming Grove
township the Holiness people Iiave become separated into two branches, one
being called the Xazarenes and the other retained the old name. Thev wor-
(27)
4i8
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
ship in the h'ttle f)](l stone church in section 8 of Blooming Grove township,
which was formerly the property of the Methodist Protestants.
METirODISM I.\ I-KAXKLIN COUNTY.
The Methodist church is the strongest Protestant denomination in the
county and was one of the first to estabhsh churches. For more than a hun-
dred years Methodism has flourished in FrankHn county and during this
time at least thirty different churches have been established by this denomina-
tion. Eighteen of these churches still maintain an active organization and
have regular services. There is only one indejiendcnt charge in the county
and that is at Brookville. The other seventeen churches are divided among
five circuits, namely: Brookville. [•"airfield. Laurel, Metamora and Mt. Car-
mel. The following table shows the main facts of these churches as set forth
in the conference report of 1914:
ACTIVE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES.
Societies. Ministers.. Members.
Brookville F. L. Priest 335
Brookville circuit H. M. Elwyn 318
West Fork ^ 70
Union 55
New Trenton 102
Center 43
Elm Grove 48
Fairfield circuit O. Polhemus 321
Fairfield 181
Bath 140
Laurel circuit H. S. Taylor 200
Laurel
Wesley Chapel __
Metamora circuit E. F. Lewis 354
Blooming Grove 135
Cupp's Chapel 39
Ebenezer 36
Metamora 144
Mt. Carmel circuit L. D. Park 178
Mt. Carmel 56
Wesley 55
Springfield 49
Asbury 18
Value of
Property.
$16,000
7,000
11,900
8,ooo
ii.;oo
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 419
Wesley chapel was attached to the Laurel circuit in 191 3, but the 1914
conference detached it, although the church is still served by the minister of
the Laurel circuit. After the 1914 conference had placed Columbia in the
Laurel circuit, it was ftjund that the latter con.cjregation could not support a
minister, and Wesley chapel, of Posey township, was again attached to the
Laurel circuit.
DISCONTINUED METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES.
There have been no less than eleven churches of this denomination which
have ceased to e.xist as independent congregations. These churches, with their
location, are set forth in the following table:
Locke Chapel — Brookville township, section 2, township 9, range 2 west.
Abbott's Chapel — Butler township, section 24.
Oak Forest — Butler township, section 28.
Hickory Chapel — Butler township, section 24.
Providence Chapel — Butler township, section 14.
Butler Chapel, Butler township, section 28.
McKendrie — Metamora township, section 29.
Cedar Grove — Town of Cedar Grove.
Stipp's Hill — Salt Creek township, section 2.
Zion — White Water township, section 16'.
Franklin— Highland township, section 27.
In the discussion of the Methodist Episcopal churches of the county
they will be treated in the order in which they appear in the above tables.
Every effort has been made to get complete data on all active as well as dis-
continued churches, but there are some concerning which ven,- little informa-
tion has been obtained.
METHODISM IN BROOKVILLE.
The first provisions made by the Methodists for worshiping in this vicin-
ity was in 1806, when the White Water circuit of the Mad River district of
the Ohio conference was formed, extending from Lawrenceburg, Indiana, to
Dayton, Ohio.
In 1809 Rev. Ilezekiah Shaw, belonging to the Ohio conference, held
services at the house of Eli Adams on the "school section,'' two miles above
town, which resulted in the formation of the first class organized within a
radius of twenty or thirty miles of Brookville. It was composed of Jacob and
420 FRANKLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA.
Hannah Bloyd, Betty and Margaret Brij^gs. David and Mary Bell. Charity
Adams. Rachel Stoops and Joseph Williams. Jacob Bloyd, residing two
miles above Fairfield, was chosen leader. Shortly afterward it was moved to
the West fork and remained there until 1816. When Samnel r.oodwin moved
to Brookville the class was moved to his home and he was appointed leader, in
which capacity he continued to act till his death, in 1857.
The class on the West fork w as greatly reduced by emigration and later
classes were formed at Carmichael's, west of the Boundary hill, at Brooks',
on the East fork, and at Smith's, now known as Ebenezer, three miles above
town. The W^hite Water circuit belonged to the Ohio conference until 1824,
except during a short interval, when it was a part of the Indiana district of
the Missouri conference. In the .same year (1824) the Illinois conference was
organized and the \"\'hite Water circuit transferred to the Madison district
of that conference, the district comprising about the same territory later oc-
cupied by the Southeast Indiana conference. In 1825 one presiding elder and
nine preachers administered to the spiritual wants of the district, while at
present (1915) there is one district superintendent and 114 preachers re-
quired. In 1832 the Indiana conference was organized and in 1S35 ^^^ ^^^
Brookville circuit mentioned for the first time.
The Methodists of Brookville worshipped in private dv.-ellings and the
court house for many years, slowly increasing in numbers.
An interesting history of the first ■Methodist class-room in Brookville
was written several years ago by the late Rev. T. A. Goodwin, a son of Sam-
uel Goodwin, one of the first class leaders.
"The history of the class-rooms runs back to the dark age — the dark
age of Brookville. The original class-room, the north one, was built for a
dwelling about 1820, a single room about eighteen feet square. An old-fa<^h-
ioned chimney, with a huge fireplace, occupied much of the south end. When
the New Purchase o])€ned to settlers about that time, there was a complete
hegira from Brookville. Lawyers, doctors, preachers, merchants and me-
chanics left almost in troops. They settled in Rushville. Connersville. Cen-
terville. Greensburg. Shelbyville and Indianapolis, and, of course, thev left
their houses behind them. Some of these were the most pretentious and pala-
tial residences then in the state; others were only medium, and some onlv the
one-roomed frame or log dwelling. The to-be clas.s-room was one of the
latter. In one respect all these deserted houses fared alike. Thev could not be
sold at any price, and there were few left to rent them: hence in a short time
the palace of Governor Ray. as well as the one-storied frame house, became
— FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 421
the shelter for large flocks of sheep and herds of .hogs.that. roamed over tlie
commons.
"My first recollectitjn of the old class-room was bcinj? sent to it after
some 'sheep-saftron,' an invaluable medicine for measles. For several years
my father's sint,de room was used for prayer-meetings and class-meetings —
the class on Siuulay mornings and the prayer-meetings on Thursday even-
ings. To this was added, very frequently, preaching services, when the pre-
siding elder, on his way from Madison to Fort Wayne, would stop for the
night or some one going from Ohi(j to the New Purchase did the same. We
were prepared for these occasions by keeping in the yard a dozen or more_
benches made of slabs, with legs driven into one-and-a-half-inch auger-holes,
which were carried in when the meeting time came. This was no little ta.x
upon my mother; but she and her sister, Mrs. Robert John, bore it cheerfully,
though it always involved the scrubbing of the floor after the meeting, where
some pious tobacco-user had defiled it. One evening — it must have been
about 1823 — after the congregation had retired, it was discovere<l that some
brute had discharged his filth against the whitewashed wall and the clock -
nearly to the ceiling. They knew the wretch; butit.would have done ivj good
to remonstrate, though my father's first impulse was to 'take it out of his
hide' after the fashion of the period. I remember Itow bitterly jny mother
cried, at the same time begging my father to say nothing about it to anyone,
but after the next Sunday's class-meeting to close the house to all meetings
forever. .
"The following day my father was gone from his shop longer than
usual. When he came back he informed us that he had bought a clai>s-room.
and that it would be ready for occu])ancy by Sunday. It was that sheep-cote.
He bought only the house and the ground it stood upon — not over twenty
feet sc[uare. My recollection is that he paid twenty-five dollars in cash for it
— a sum of money which implied more labor than ten times that sum would
today. It was deeded to him and he held the title until his death. Soon after
his death the heirs deeded it to the church. ; ;::
"This is the early history of the old jiart of the class-rooms. And now
who shall say that that stream of tobacco-filth running down the white wall
and besmearing the old clock-case almost its whole length was not providen-
tial? It was a very frowning Providence, I remember. The property was
immediately repaired and renovated. One or two of my father's apprentices
carried the slab seats from our yard to the class-room, where some of them
remained and did service for more than twenty years. The sheep were driven
out, and the old-fashioned split scrub-broom was vigorously applied. Class
422 FRANKLIN COL'NTY, INDIANA.
was held on the following Sunday and every Sunday thereafter until it was
finally abandoned in 1883. It did not need to be announced in the papers —
there was none then, but everyone in town knew all about it before Sunday.
Such an enterprise, one involving such an outlay of money and muscle, could
not be concealed in what Brookville was then.
"The class having increaseil in numbers by 1828, one room would not
hold them, for every Methodist attended class in tho^e days. Additional
ground was bouglit on the south of this for another room of the same size.
The chimney was torn down and the two rooms were separated by folding-
doors, usually thrown open for prayer-meetings. This was deeded to the
church and built by subscription. The class-rooms were frequently used for
school purposes. There was no public school house in Brookville until the
seminary was built in the early thirties."
METHODISTS OF BROOKVILLE.
About 1820 an agitation was begun for the erection of a house of worship
and on October 7, 1821, Amos Butler deeded to Samuel Goodwin and William
Sims, Jr., trustees of the meeting house in Brookville, and to their successors,
for the use of the Alethodist society, lots 64 and 65, Amos Butler plat of the
town of Brookville, upon which was erected the brick church in \vhich the
Lutherans now worship. This, the first church erected in Broolcville, was
dedicated some time in 1822, and was occupied by the Methodists until 1840.
when the church on Mill street, now the Christian church, was built.
For the erection of this second church Samuel Goodwin and lames
Speer each gave five hundred dollars ( the ground the church stands on being
part of ATr. Goodwin's subscription) ; John W. Hitt and Robert John, three
hundred dollars each; George Holland, two hundred dollars; Joseph Meeks
and R. P. C. Barwick, fifty dollars each. A committee was sent to solicit
donations in Blooming Grove, Springfield and Fairfield townships. Laurel
contributed some, but it was slow work, the committee often onlv securing
ten or fifteen dollars, and several calls would have to be made on the parties
to collect it.
The contract for the erection of the church was let to a Mr. Bacon, and
a man by the name of Speer laid the foundation. It w'as said that the con-
tractor lost money on the church. When completed it cost two thousand one
hundred dollars, of which the trustees, Messrs. Barwick, Sleeks. Johns. Good-
win and Hitt, paid the greater part. Rev. Allen Wiley was presiding elder
and Rev. James Jones, pastor in charge at the time.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 423
We transcribe the followincj from the old church Bible under date of
June 26, 1840, and supposed to have been written by Robert John, father of
J. P. D. John, ex-president of DePauw L'niversity : "Today services com-
menced in the new Centenary church (this name being in letters over the door
in front) in the following order: Prayer meeting at 9 o'clock a. m., led by
Rev. James Jones. Lesson, Kings 8, 22-61. First hymn, No. 174, Methodist
hymn book, 'Prayer is Appointed to Convey,' tune, Windham ; preaching at 1 1
o'clock a. m., by Rev. James Jones, from John 9-6; [this was the first sermon
preached in the new church]. Preaching at 4 o'clock by Rev. James Conwell
from Romans 2 7."
This church was built by the Methodists in 1839-40 and was used in the
congregation until 1884, when they moved into their present building. With-
in a year after moving into the new church the Alethodists sold their old
church to Joseph Urmston, who used it for a skating rink. In the spring of
1886 a Christian minister (locally known as a Campbellite) held a revival in
the town hall at P)rookville and as a result of his efYorts gained enough con-
verts to establish an independent congregation. The old Methodist church
was bought by the Christian church from Mr. Urmston and it has remained
the property of that denomination ever since.
The first services in the new ^Methodist church were held in the chapel
March 2, 1884, although the formal dedication did not occur until the i ^th
of the following June, The dedicatory sermon was preached by Bishop
Thomas Bowman, who took for his sermon the text, "It is more blessed to
give, than to receive." This text was peculiarly appropriate in view of the
fact that there was still four thousand dollars to be raised to clear the church
debt. Before the services were closed the money was raised and the church
started out in its new building free of debt. It had cost nine thousand
dollars, of which sum the women of the church raised about three thousand.
The yearly report in 1884 showed that the church had a total of two hundred
and thirty members. During the past thirty years various improvements
have been made to the church in the way of adding to its convenience and
comfort. A pipe organ was installed during the pastorate of lohn W. Dun-
can, his wife being the first organist. A parsonage, built while James E.
Fisher was pastor of the church, is located immediately east of the church and
cost about six thousand dollars.
The present pastor. Rev. F. L. Priest, assumed charge of the church in
September, 191 1. The Sunday school superintendent is John C. Shirk, under
whose administration the membership of the Sunday school has increased to
424 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
two hundred and seven. 'J'he church membership is three hundred and thirty-
five, or an increase of ten per cent, under the present pastor.
The hst of pastors of the Brookville Methodist church from 1806 to
the present time is as follows: 1806-7, Thomas Hallon and Silas Payne;
1807-8, Joseph Williams : 1808-9. Hector Sanford and Moses Crume; 1809-10,
Thomas Nelson and Samuel II. Thompson; 1810-11, Moses Crume: 1811-12.
Robert M. Finley : 181.2-13. John Strange: 1813-14, David Sharp: 1814-15.
William Hunt: 1815-16. Daniel Fraley ; 1816-17, Benjamin Lawrence;
1817-18. William- Hunt: 1818-19, Allen Wiley and Zachariah Ojnnell ;
1819-20, Arthur W. Elliott and Samuel Brown; 1820-21, James Jones: 1821-
22, Allen Wiley and James T. Wells; 1822-23, Russel Bif^low and George
Gatch; 1823-24. J(.)hn Everhart and Levi White; 1824-25, Peter Stevens and
Nehemiah B. Griffiths: 1825-26, James Havens; 1826-27. James Haven> and
John T. Johnson; 1827-28, Thomas Hitt and James Scott; 1828-29. James L.
Thompson; 1829-30, James Havens; 1830-31. ]\[ichael Taylor and Isaac
Kimble; 1831-32, John W. McReynolds and William Daily; 1832-33. Jose])h
Tarkington and Hiram Griggs: 1833-34, Charles Bonner and John Robbins ;
1834-33. John W. -McReynolds anrl William M. Daily.
In 1835 the Brookville circuit was organized anrl it continued to be
served as such until it was made an independent charge, in 1848. 1835-36.
Boyd Phelps and IM. L. Ree^•es; 1836-37, Isaac Kelso, H. S. Dane supplied:
1837-38, J. T. Robe and H. S. Dane; 1838-39. James Jones and Lysander
Wiley, 1839-40, James Jones and F. A. Conwell ; 1840-41. W. \\'. Hibben
and C. B. Davidson: 1841-42. \\'. W. Hibben. James Hill and Landy Havens:
1842-43. Miltaiades :\Iillcr and O. H. P. Ash; 1843-44. Miltiades ^[iller and
Samuel P. Crawford; 1844-45. R. H. Robinson and G. H. McLaughlin;
1845-56. Joseph Tarkington and H. McLaughlin: 1846-47. Joseph Tar-
kington and Thomas C. Crawford; 1847-48, Williamson Terrell and J.
Whiteman.
In 1848 Brookville was deemed large enough to support a resident
minister and has continued as an independent station since that time. 1848-
49. Williamson Terrell; 1849-51. E. H. Sabin : 1851-52. William Fraley.
The Southeast Indiana Conference met in September. 1852. at Rushville.
This conference had been organized by the general conference of the church
in the same year. The following ministers are those who have been stationed
at Brookville since that year; 1852-54. Thomas Eddy; 1854-55. E. D. Long:
1855-56, Hiram Gilmore ; 1856-57, James E. Lathrop ; 1857-58. Samuel
Langdon; 1858-59. E. G. Tucker (health failed and he resigned); 1859-60.
John W. Mellender; 1860-61. W. W. Snider: 1861-63. J-'^mes Crawford:
WESLKY ClIAI'KL. MKTIIODIST KriSCOI'Af,.
Built ill l.s;]-!, IJeiiiudeietl iu 1.'375.
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WHITCOMB M. E. CHURCH.
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2TH0DIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. BROOKVILLE.
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HARMONY CHURCH, BATH TOWNSHIP.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 425
1863-64, T. N. Ralston; i86 4.-65, Giles C. Smith; 1865-67, Charles Tinsley;
1867-70, Thomas IF. f.ynch ; 1870-72. Martin C. Wells: 1872-74, William H.
Harrison; 1874-77, .A. .\'. .Marlatt ; 1877-80, Thomas B. McClain ; 1880-81,
William TT. Harrison; 1881-84, E- -H. Campbell; 1884-86, John G. Chafee;
1886-87, Thomas R. McClain ; 1S87-92, John W. Duncan; 1892-97, Enoch
H. Wood; 1897-02, John H. Carnes; 1902-06, George Cochran-; 1906-1 r,
James E. Eisher; 1911, l^'eldinr; L. Priest, present pastor.
EROOKVILl.E CIRCUIT.
This circuit has five churches. West I'ork. Union fWhitcomh), New
Trenton, Center (Palestine or Wynn) and Elm Grove. The minister in
charge of the circuit. Rev. H. M. Elwyn, resides in Brookville and preaches
in each church every other Sunday, alternating between morning, afternoon
and evening services. Each church has Sunday school the year round with
exception of Center and Elm Grove, which have Sunday school only during
the summer season. This circuit had a total of three hundred and eighteen
members, with property valued at seveft thousand dollars, according to the
conference report.
West Eork church has a brick building, located on the banks of White
Water, about three miles west of Brookville. It was esta1)lished in the sev-
enties and has always been attached to the Brookville circuit. The Union
church, or Whitcoml). as it is locally known, is located hi Brookville town-
ship, in the village of \\'hitcomb. In an old moth-eaten Bible, which still
lies on the pulpit, is written some interesting facts which have been given the
historian by George S. Golden. The old Bible says the church was built in
1861 and dedicated the same year l)y the Rev. Dr. John W. Keeley. of
Brookville. who was assisted by the circuit pastor. Rev. J. W. Winchester.
However, meetings had been conducted for three or four years previous to
this time in an old log house which ser\ed the double purpcjse of a school
building and a house of worship. .A.s soon as the congregation numbered
twentv-five souls the courageous little band decided to Iniild the building just
mentioned. Fifteen new members were added to the church in the fall of the
same year the church was dedicated. The acre of ground on which the
church was erected was donated by \\'illiam Cumins and some of the forest
trees which surrounded the little church in 1S61 still lend their grateful shade
to the worshippers. The first board of trustees was composed of William
Tucker, E. S. Adams, John McCoy. John Greenley and John J. Kennedy.
The trustees in 191 5 are Royal Updike. Oliver Miles and George S. Golden.
426 FRANKLIN COINTV, INDIANA.
The church at New Trenton \\a- l)f>rn in the tavern of Thomas Man-
warring and, strange as it may seem to the present generation, religious
services were held in the har-room of the tavern. Tt may Ije literally tnie
that IManwarring sold whiskey and at the same time was active in religious
affairs. It must he rememhcrefl that in those days the selling of whiskey was
not incom[)atiblc w ith nienihcrship in the church and that our good old fore-
fathers drank whiskey with as much religious fervor as they sang songs of
praise. The tavern of Manwarring served as a house of worship as late as
1835, and it is reported on good authority that Rev. Thomas .A.. Goodwin
preached the last sermon in it to the clinking of the glasses over the har. In
1835 a Methodist church was erected in the village of Xew Trenton, due
largely to the enterprise of Benjamin Smitli. Righly years have passed since
that time, and today this church boasts oi more than a hundred members.
The Center church, usually called Palestine, is located in Springfield
township, near the Brookville townshi]) line, one mile north of the village of
Palestine. This church was establish.ed in the sixties and has been in con-
tinuous existence down to the present time.
The Elm (irove church is located in ]\lctamora township, on Pipe creek,
in section 7, about two miles southeast of Aletamora. This church was estab-
lished in the early part of the seventies, immediately after Abl>ott's chapel,
two miles to the south in Cutler township was abandoned. A building was
completed in 1874 and services have been regularly held from that vear down
to the present time. For several years the church has been attached to the
Brookville circuit. An active membership of nearly fiftv insures the church
a sufficiently large congregation for effective work in the communitv.
FAIRFIELD CIRCUIT.
There are only two churches on the Fairfield circuit, one at the town
of Fairfield and the other at Colter's Corner, in Bath t<iwnship. Although
the circuit has only two churches, yet it has a total membership second only
in numbers to the Metamora circuit. The Fairfield church was organized in the
early days and has maintained an organization down to the ])resent time.
W^ith one hundred and eighty members, the church has the largest member-
ship of any church in the county with exception of the town of Broolcville.
The present pastor is Rev. Oscar Pcjlhemus.
The Bath ^lethodist church at Colter's Corner was organized about i860
under the leadership of Grover Laird. A building was erected two or three
years later and Rev. Montgomery became the first pastor. The church has
V^OXX V^V'tlX^ll X'WX XWi^xiC/X o
History of Franklin County, Indiana (1915)
Reifel's history, on p. 427, in the second full paragraph under "LAUREL Circuit," lists
stained glass memorial windows in the Methodist Episcopal church at Laurel. One he lists as
"Martha Elizabeth Taylor Brown." Below is a photo of the window, clearly saying "Mother
Elizabeth Taylor Brown," not "Martha Elizabeth Taylor Brown,"
The window was given to the church by Thomas Brown (bom 1 848) in memory of his
mother, Elizabeth Taylor Brown (1807-1896), who was bora in North Thoresby, Lincolnshire,
England, and is buried in Laurel Cemetery. She was the widow of Thomas Brown ( 1 804- 1871).
Please put this correction in your copy of Reifel's book.
Jay Brown Wright, Ph.D.
416 Brooklea Drive
Fayetteville, NY 13066-1404
December 2007
FRANKLIN COCNTV, INDIANA. 427
also been known as Winchester chapel, in honor of a minister of the church
by that name. Rev. Polhemus, the present pastor, has built up the con«,'rega-
tion until there are now one hundred and forty members enrolled.
LAUREL CIRCUIT.
The Laurel circuit was chan;];ed by tlie conference of 1914 to include
Laurel and Columbia in Fayette county. Before that time Wesley chapel, in
Posey township, had been attached to the Laurel circuit. However, the church
at Columbia could not pay the pastor and Wesley chapel was again attached
to the Laurel circuit. Rev. M. S. Taylor has charge of this circuit.
The Methodist Episcopal church at Laurel dates back to an early class
of which James Conwell was tlie head and leader. At first the society wor-
shiped in a little log church which stood in the cemetery. This was the church
built by Benjamin Maple about 1820. In 1S31 they built a brick building
one and a fourth miles above the village of Laurel, near Mr. Conwell's home.
This was known as "Bocum church." They next worshiped in the old Pres-
byterian church until the completion of their present story-and-a-half brick
edifice, which was finished in 1846. It was dedicated. November i, 1846. by
Bishop Hamline. In 1907 the old church, which was evidently a well-built
structure, was overhauled and ren;odeled. A modern heating plant, new cir-
cular seats, a fully equipped basement for the work of the Ladies' Aid So-
ciety, with all modern kitchen equipments, was made in a substantial manner.
The expense was about two thousand seven hundred dollars. The interior
w^as all made new ; stained glass memorial windows bearing the following
inscriptions were provided at that time : "Elizabeth Hun^ingc-r." "Rev. J. L.
Brown and wife," (the then pastor and his wife), "Sunday School." "Ei>-
worth League," "John T. Wilson, Julius C. Burgoyne, Isaac \\'eir, Richard
M. Day, Trustees." "Xewton Grant," "James Shea and family," "Martha
Elizabeth Taylor Brown," "Father and Mother." by Sarah Clements : "Amos
M. Council," "Mrs. Catherine Reiboldt" (now living and eighty-eight years
of age).
The church at Laurel was a station by itself from 1882 to 1910 and
then for tW'O or three years had Columbia addecl to its work. In 1913 Col-
umbia was cut off and W^esley chapel, Posey township, was added and one
pastor serves the two charges now. The present membership is two hundred
and the Sunday school has a membership of about one hundred.
The pastor's record having been lost, it is impossible to give the list
complete. It is known that Rev. James Havens was the pastor first stationed
428 FRANKLIX COUNTY, IXUIAXA.
at Laurel after the cluircli was dedicated in 1846. He held a revival and
added three hundred to hi> church; in 185 1 Rev. John McColIough had a
second great revival at which many more were added. Rev. John Sullivan
was among the earlier pastors. The present pastor is f<ev. M. S. Taylor, who
has been pastor at Laurel on tw(j occasions. The present value of the church
property is seven thousand eight lunidred dollars, including the parsonage
that was built many years ago.
Wesley chapel is situated ('our miles west and one mile south of Laurel,
near old Bull Town, in Posey township. It is a small frame building answer-
ing well the purposes of the Methodists at that point. The building at Wesley
chapel formerly stood at .\ndersonvilIe. but was mo\ed to its [iresent location
many years ago.
META.MORA CIRCUIT.
Metamora circuit includes the churches of Blooming r,rove, Cupp's
chapel, F.benezer and Aktaniora. This circuit has a total meml)ership of
three hundred and fifty-four and is now served by Kev. E. ¥. Lewis.
In the village of Blooming Grove there was formed one of the early
Methodist Episcopal churches of the county. A class met at the homes of
William and Charles Harvc}-. \\'illia:!n Smith, at David (ilenn's and later at a
school house. Finally a Ijrick building was erected and services have been
held regularly since that time. In 1869 a large, handsome church edifice was
erected in the village of Blooming Grove and the old building became the
township hall. Jr.st north of the village is the old burying ground where
repose the dust of many pioneers. The present membership is one hundred
and thirty-five.
Cupp's chapel is located in section 2 of Metamora township, near the Salt
Creek township line. It was so named in honor of Joseph and Reljecca Cupp,
who deeded (September 19, 1S73), to the trustees of the church the lot on
which the building now stands. They also gave sufficient land for cemetery
purposes. A comfortable frame Inn'lding was erected at once and from that
time forward the church has been a useful factor in the life of the commun-
ity which it seeks to serve. Services are now held every Sundav and a
flourishing Sunday school is maintained the year round.
Ebenezer church formerly stood near the southern line of Blooming
Grove township, in section 23. A log church was erected here before 1820
and became the center of Methodist activities early in the history of the
county. Rev. T. A. Goodwin, the late well-known minister of this denomina-
tion, wrote manv vears ago :
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 429
"The Ebenezer church was probaljly fifty years ago Cthis was said in
1880) the strongest MethcxJist society in eastern Indiana, in point of weahh
and general stanchng; at least I have no knowledge of any community which
was its equal. The house was a little log house, using cliarcoal in a hearth in
the middle of the church for heating purposes; hut there were few places in
Indiana then and there are not many now that can present such a set of men
as Thomas Smith, Thomas Slaughter, Richard and Isaac Clements. Caj)!.
Thomas Webb, David Genn, Daniel Skinner, Blacklidgc Lynn and several
others whose names I cannot recall. .\s a class they were educated alx)ve the
average of their day and they were stalwart Christians as well as model
farmers and citizens. The fathers all .sleep, as well as most of their children,
here and there an old man, like Da\id Slaughter and William Lynn, remain-
ing as representatives of the second generation."
In later years the Ebenezer congregation built a frame Imuse of worship
across the line in Rrookville township. The church has declined, along with
•the other rural churches of the county, and now has only thirty-six members.
Today (1915) there is a cemetery where stood the little old log church.
The building was removed and a large church was erected, though not on the
same ground. The old burial place contains the remains of nianv who figured
in the early church of that locality. The fir.st Sabbath school in the town-
ship was organized at this ])lace. with Thomas Smith as superintendent: this
was early in 1822. In 1S19 Charles Hardy had taught his famous singing
school here.
The Methodist Episcopal church at the town of Metamora traces its
history back to the early days of Franklin county, when Allen Wilev and
John Strange were riding the Methodist circuits of the White Water valley.
The first meeting place was at the house of W^illiani Gordon and later at a
log meeting house which was built on the farm of Mr. Gordon. At one date
the society met at the wagon shop of Mr. Kennedy in the village, and there a
memorable revival sprung up in 1840 under the preaching of Rev. James
Conwell and Joseph Barwick. In 1843 o^ i'^44 ^ frame church, called "Wat-
coot," was erected in the cemetery, near the village of Metamora. In 18^3 a
better church building was erected in the village. It now has one hundred and
forty-four members, the third largest Methodist congregation in the county.
MT. CARMEL CIRCUIT.
There are four churches on this circuit, namely: Mt. Carmel. \\'esley.
Springfield and Asbury. all being located in Springfield and White Water
430 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
townships. This circuit has a total ineml)er.ship of one hundred and seventy-
eight and is now in charge of Rev. L. D. Park, who makes his home at Mt.
Carmel.
The Mt. Carmel church had a society descending from a pioneer clas.s,
of wliich John Clcndening was the First leader. Tlie old Stewart homestead,
north of Mt. Carmel, was the headquarters for the class for many years, but
in 1850 a house of worship was erected in Mt. Carmel. The records of the
church give as members in those early days the following: John Clendening.
Sr., and wife, Xancy ; Isaac W'amsley and wife. Rachel: Ely James and wife,
Susan; Reuben Pheli)s : Thomas Keen, a local preacher; Thomas Gregg and
wife, Nixon Olive and others. When the society was moved to the church
above mentioned, the principal members were .X'i.xon Stewart. Jacob Larens,
Caleb Seal, the Clarksons and a few whcjse names have been forgotten with
the flight of years. There are now fifty-si.x memljers.
Wesley chapel, in section 10 of White Water township, was l>ui]t in the
forties and remodeled and rededicated September 26, 1875. by Rev. Dr.
Moore, of Cincinnati. Ohio, and Alonzo Murphy, the regular pastor. Lpon
the occasion last mentioned there was raised by v(jluntary subscription the
amount of si.x hundred and ninety-seven dollars. It was donated by the fol-
lowing: Lemuel Sparks, one hundred dollars: Hannah Heron, one hundred
dollars: Jacob Conrey, John Sparks, Elizabeth H\de, each fifty dollars; Will-
iam Whitehead, Cassa Mitchell. Rev. A. Murpliy, George S. Golden. Mrs.
M. L. Davis, each twenty-five dollars ; Ezra Portteus. Samuel Walling, Will-
iam Lowes, John Dixon, George Willson. Thomas Willev. R. E. Bums. L.
Gregg, C. Merrill, ^Liry Truitt, J. W. Bess. G. S. Ladson. Mary A. Cofield.
W. H. Black, each ten dollars; \\'illiam Laird, Mary Conrey, A. Raridon.
W. Storms, F. Fossett, .\. Cooj>er, Isaac Lame, Thomas Xesbet. Daniel
Baughman. Sarah Wilson. W. W. Lowes. Mrs. M. J. Baughman. David
Portteus, each fi\e dollars. Donations of one dollar each were received from
J. M. Johnson, Mahlon Stokes, H. Greatbatch, John Follick. W. J. ^^'aItz,
G, S. Larue, John Lowes, James Fossett. Jane Stevens. Clara Johnson,
Elizabeth Portteus. M. J. McClellan. Cary Conrey. A. Colinder, Jeanette
Whitehead and Mrs. M. A. Holden.
This church now has a membership of fifty-five.
The Springfield church is not located at the old village by that name,
but about a mile and a half east, half way between the site of the former
village of Springfield and the town of Raymond. The congregation has a
substantial brick building and, with fifty members, is strong enough to be a
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 43 1
factor in the religious life of the community. It has been attached to the
Mt...Carmel circuit for many years.
Asbnry Methodist Episcoijal church, located two miles northeast of
Mt. Carniel, was orc^anized in 1840 by Rev. James Jones, who raised eight
hundred dollars with which to erect a house of worship. An old log schcK»l
house had been built on the same ground in i8'20 and had been used for Ixjth
school and church purposes. ,\sbury was named for the good bishop of the
church and was first represented by such men as Arthur Cunningham, Jacob
Gates, William M. Baird, their wives and families. Among the numerous
early-day revivals, two are spoken of as being wonderful in their power and
influence — those of 1844 and 1860. Early ministers on this circuit were Revs.
James Jones, John and George Winchester, Joseph Parkington and G. \V.
Wilson. There are now eighteen memljers.
Locke chapel, in the northeastern part of Brookville township, was
organized and a chapel erected in i860. The society flouri.^hed ahjut forty
years and in 1900 the building was converted into a dwelling. It was situated
_on the Fairfield circuit. Among the prominent members were George
O'Byrne, Maria O'Byrne, John Smith. Hannah Smith, Mrs. William Carman.
Mr. William Carman, John Carman and wife, Abner Sering and wife. George
Templeton and wife.
Abbott's chapel.
~ One of the earliest Methodist churches in Franklin county was located in
"the northern part of Butler township, in section 24. The members of the
church in that vicinity erected a large building of hewed poplar logs in the
latter part of the thirties and named it Abbott's chapel, after the preacher
who was instrumental in organizing the first congregation. The building
'was later weather boarded. The land on which the church was erected was
donated by Samuel Alley, one of the principal members. While the building
was being raised ^Ir. Alley boarded all of the laborers and contributed gen-
erously of his time and means to the church from the beginning. The church
was about sixty by thirty feet and at that time was probably the largest
church building in the county. Services were held regularly until about 1874
and then, on account of the removal of many of the members, it was decided
to discontinue the organization. The building remained standing unused for
many years and was finally torn down and today the massive logs out of
which it was built are in a barn on the farm of Lafayette Jones in Butler
township. Part of the lumber was used in building a rostrum in the Elm
Grove school house. Owing to the shifting of i>opulation the greater portion
432
FRAXKLIX COrXTY, IXDIAXA.
of the memhers of this congregation attached themselves hiter to the Elm
Grove church in Metamora township. Among the ministers of Abbott's
chapel may be nienti(;ned the following; Revs. Abbott. William Younts.
Isaac Turner, Othniel iind Will Bruner. Richardson, X. F. Tower. William
M'orrow. John W. Dole, George Havens. Orlando Havens. Williani-on Ter-
rell and Pennell. .\moug the early members of the church may be mentioned
John Cragan and family. James Ray and wife, Rolx-rt Holland and wife.
Isaac Coolev and family. Thomas Biggs and wife. Richard Jackson and wife.
Ambrose Mannering and family, Henry Cooley and family. Samuel Alley and
wife, Thomas Alley and wife. David .\lley and wife. Joseph Alley and wife.
The Oak Forest church was Kjcated in section 20, on the road between
the old town of Franklin and Oak Forest. Here the Methodists uorshipiicd
for many years in a small frame Ijuilding, but. due to deaths and removals,
the congregation was disbanded a few years ago.
Hickory chapel was located on Walnut fork, in section 24 of Butler
township. The building was erected in 1878 by John McCurdy. John Kile
and Jacob Colver and se\eral others who helped to cut the logs frotn which it
was constructed. The logs were of hickory — hence its name. Hickory chapel.
It was used for church jnirposes until about 1888, then converted into a re.-i-
dence, and manv vears later burned. Church services, Sunday schfK)l and
public schocjl were all held in this pioneer building. In 1885 there was a three
months' term of public school taught there by George Alley. Among the
pastors who preached there are recalled Revs. Samuel Foster. Towers, Spicer.
John Green and Storkes.
About 1842 there was a small log church built in Butler township, sec-
tion 14. township 10 north, range 12 east. Later it was converted into a
dwelling. This was styled Providence chapel. A few deserted graves now
mark the spot where it stood.
Butler chapel was first organized as an independent congregation in
section 28 of Butler township, about the center of the section. Later, another
building was erected by this congregation in the northern part of this same
section, near the village of Oak Forest. It has long since been discontinued.
' McKendrie church was located in the extreme northeastern comer of
Metamora township. It was the center of Methodist activity for many years,
but, like manv other rural churches of the county, has been abandoned on ac-
count of the deaths of its members, removals and the shifting of population.
The first hewed log church built is still standing and sen-ices are held in it
once each year.
Cedar Grove church has long since been discontinued. The first house of
FRANKLIN" COUNTY, INDIANA. 433
worship erected in Cedar Grove was built by the members of all churches
then living in the village and was free for the use of all orthodox churches.
The Methodists erected the first house of worship in Salt Creek town-
ship in the nearly seventies. It was a rude log structure and stood in the
little village of Stips' Hill. It was used for several year> and then torn down
to make way for a frame building which is still standing. This church is
now numbered among those which have closed their doors.
Zion church was a flourishing congregatirm in section 16 of White Water
township for many years. A church was built and dedicated January 8,
1 87 1, at a time when there were only six male meml)ers in the congregation.
Immediately after the dedication of the church Rev. S. H. Whitmore con-
ducted a revival which resulted in llie addition of twenty-two members. It
should be mentioned that services had been held for three years previous to
the building of the church in a school house in that vicinity.
In Highland township what was called Franklin meeting house was built
of logs. It was situated west of where the village of South Gate stands. It
was built by the early pioneers of that neighlx)rhood.
METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCHES.
What is known as the "Stone church," five miles northeast of the town
of Laurel, in section 6 of Glcjoming Grove township, is a very small structure
erected by the Methodist Protestant denomination about 1877, in the Sher-
wood neighborhood. Amos Xeptune was a leading factor in organizing this
church society, and it is believed that Rev. Joseph Williams was the first
pastor in charge. At first the old-fashioned log church served their purpose,
but it was finally burned and in about 1877 the present stone building was
erected. The society went down many years ago and the Holiness wing of
the Methodist church got control of the building, and used it until recently,
since which time the same class of religionists, but now styled the Xazarenes.
occupy it and have within the last few months hired a pastor, who lives on a
farm near by the church. The society is not a strong one in point of mem-
bership.
The Methodist Protestants built a church in section 24 of Laurel town-
ship in 1866-67, which thev called Bethel. Services were held here more or
less regularly until 1886, when the building was burned to the ground. Mil-
ton Curry later bought the farm on which the church stood and built a dwell-
ing house on the foundation of the old church.
(28)
',..1-
434 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
At the town of Laurel the Methodist Prr>testants maintained a church
from 1888 until within the past few years, since which no services have heen
held. They formerly worshipped in what is now the Christian church build-
ing, but litigaticjn arose and a mort^a-^t held by the (Jhristian church finally
took the little frame church jjroperty. Then the Methodist Protestant people
hauled in a large frame church Iniilding from one of the southern townships
of this county, and in that they continued to worship from 1893 until the
society disbanded. The church was a very old weather-beaten building,
erected about 1850; it is a very large structure, but is fast going to decav. An
ornamental semi-circle u\) in its front gable has carved in the wood, "M. P.
Church, 1893."
At Brook\ille. some time in the forties, there was organized a ^^ethodist
Protestant church. In about 1850 they built a small brick church on James
street, east from the public sfpiare. In this the county courts were held after
the burning of the court house. 1-V)r such use it was put fluring 1852-53. till
better quarters could be secured by the county.
GERM.\N METHODISTS.
At one time there was a church of the German Methodist denomination
located at Brookville. As early as 1845 the people of this faith were wor-
shipping in a private house where a class was held. In 1847. desiring a house
of their own in which to hold meetings, they commenced the agitation for a
building. In May, 1848. lot number 27. in Allen's ])latting of the town, was
donated by Isaac Price and wife to the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal
church "heretofore apjK)inted l)y the Society of Germans connected with said
church" and a church was erected on Fourth street the following year. It
was, however, not fully completed for several years. In the winter of 1S49
Dr. O. F. Fitch taught public school in this building, and in 1850 e.x-Governor
Cumback occupied it as a school room. During the erection of the court
house, court was held in it. The first presiding elder was Rev. John Kiesling
and the first pastor was Rev. Conrad Muth. The congregation was com-
posed of the following, with possibly a few more members : The Heidrons.
Hamans, Houcks, Latins. Roofs, Batzners, Messes. Snu'ths. Rittengers,
Sniders. Conrads, Trichlers. Metzgers, W'altzs, Rowes. Poppes. and Mrs.
Rosa Linck. Deaths and removals weakened the society until finally. alx)ut
1865, it disbanded. In i8g6 the church building was sold, before it should
be desecrated by being used for other than religious uses. So it was that
Mrs. Amelia Ilaman purchased it and kindly permitted other denominations
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 435
with no building of their own to use it. Subsef|uently it was sold Cin 1896)
to the United Brethren church, which now <Kcupies it.
BAPTIST CHURCHES.
Beyond any doubt the rtr.st church organized witliin the present limits
of Franklin county was the Little Cedar Grove Baptist church, which was
formed just prior to i<So6, nearly all authorities agree, and none place it later
than 1806. The church building was erected in 181 2, as is indicated by the
inscription on the brick building, which is still standing, and is the proj)erty
of the Franklin County Historical Society. The following is the remarkable
history of this, the pioneer church of the county, and among the very first
within the state.
LITTLE CEDAR BAPTIST CHURCH.
Overlooking White Water river, there stands, three miles south of Brrxjk-
ville. a quaint, old-fashioned l)rick church and high in the western gable of
this .old structure may still be plainly seen the date — 1812. This is not only
the first Baptist church erected in Indiana, but one of the first in the Missis-
sippi valley.
It is known that as early as 1805 there was a society of Baptists in south-
eastern Indiana in the vicinity of where Brookville now stands. This is
supjjosed by many to be the first Protestant society established in Indiana.
In those very early years there were no church buildings, and the religious
services were held in the rude cabins of the settlers. Tradition has it. how-
ever, that there was a log meeting house erected about 1806 on ihe Hackle-
man farm, three miles south of Brookville. This meeting place was known
as Little Cedar, taking its name from a creek that flows nearby. Men of
rare merit served at Little Cedar from time to time. The Rev. Tyner and
William DeWeese were two men of rare worth, whose names were long as
ointment poured upon the troubled souls of their community.
Rev. DeWeese was a quaint, old-fashioned man, of kindly demeanor,
and was not opposed to having a bit of fun at times. A characteristic story is
told of him in regard to a young coujjle whom he actually married before
they knew it. He performed a large number of marriage ceremonies, but this
particular one has been handed down to the succeeding generations as being
«MJe out of the ordinary.
It is said that one time he was driving his ox team to mill, when he was
met by a young man (in horseback, with a young woman on the same horse
43^ FRAXKLIX COL'XTY, INDIANA.
behind him. The youns; man hailcfl the ox-driver and said : "Mr. DeWeese,
we are going to your house to be married. Can you go hack?" "Have you
got a hcense?" said the preacher. The hcense was produced. He examined
it a moment, then, looking at tht-m as they sat on the horse. — her arm en-
circling his waist, — said: "So you want to be married, do you? Both of
you?" Roth nodded assent. "Then I pronf>unce you man and wife. Go
home now; you are married.'' .Anrl struck his ox team a crack with his whip
and drove on to mill. And "man and wife" were at first dumbfounded at the
suddenness of tlie ceremony, but soon recovered from their surprise and went
on their way rejoicing — married sure enough.
The church was built of brick which were molderl anrl burnt at the side
of the church. It is plain and rectangular, planned like a dry go<jds box, more
for use than for beauty. It contains a gallery, supported by strong cohimns
of ash, which on their octagonal surfaces still bear the ax-marks of the pio-
neer builders. The jndpit is large, high, s(|uare and plain, and is placed
against the center of the north wall. The wooflwork is all unpaintefl and un-
varni.shed. time having given it a l>eautiful brown color. Originally there
were two stairways to the gallery, and the building wa- heated by burning
charcoal on a hearth in the center of the Hoor. in front of the pulpit. The
seats are high-backed and old-fashioned, decorated by many letters and names,
rudely carved by the pocket knives of Ijoys. who have grown up to manhood,
chosen their different wa_\s and finally laid down life's burdens and gone away
to God. The building has three doorways, opening to the east, south and
west, with aisles running from each to the center of the room. Outside,
high up in the western gal)le, is the date of the building. i8r2. West of the
church, on a high point, running out between Little Cedar creek and the
lowest river terrace, is the old graveyard. It is filled with sunken, nameless
graves, only a few low, rude headstones and one tall gray tablet remaining.
This stone bears the following rnscriptfon. beautiful in simplicity:
Sacred to the memory of
Elizabeth,
wife of
William Tyner,
who departed this life
August 2d, iSio.
Aged 30 years and 3 days.
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 437
That the bnilditig of this old church was in contemplation in iSC. is
evident from the old record book. But there is a little lej,'end in rej,'ard to its
origin, which was related to me several years ago and is as follows: In
those long-g'me days, those of the Baptist faith would meet at the houses of
the different memljers and join in praise and prayer. But they became some-
what careless of their duties, and one day, after long forbearance, they were
sternly reminded of negligence somewhere, for along came the great earth-
quake of i8'ii. the most severe ever experienced in the history of our little
valley. The earth trembled and vibrated, while the water in the river plashed
from shore to shore as if its bed was a trough that was being rocked,
and the tree tops waved like heads of barley in a June wind. The peo-
ple, with a sudden and awful sense of scare, ran to and fro. called prayer
meetings, exhorted each other to good deeds and repented of their sins as if
the judgment day was at hand. They met together in solemn conclave, and
made covenant with the .'-Mmighty (just as if man could not trust God and
He must be bribed to be good to the race) that if He would send no more of
those terrible earthquakes, they would build him a church. But I wish to
doubt the foregoing story and to prove that it was more in love than in fear
that they reared the buildings, so I will turn to the records themselves. The
book is made of heavy unruled paper, once white, now yellow with age. The
covering is of leather, soft as velvet to the touch, with the edges turned neatly
under, and it has been carefully lined with plain white paper glued smoothly
and tightly to the leather, and the whole sewed together with strong cord.
Lift it carefully, for its age is more than three-score years and ten. Open it,
and the first words which greet the eye. in large, graceful, bold letters are
these: '^ames Tyner was born August the 17th, 1770." Then follow faded
letters in another hand (tired hand, it. too. is faded now and rested), record-
ing that this is "The Little Cedar Grove church book." The first leaves of the
books are missing, and the date of the first complete minutes is October 5,
1806.
The records cover a period of twent>^-four years, and on October 5. 1806,
the members of the church agreed to erect a meeting house, and at the next
meeting, one month later. John AlilhoUand and Conrad Saylor were ap-
pointed to secure the title of two acres of land purchased of William Wilson,
and it is agreed that we meet at John Milholland's until we get our meeting
house built. Also at this meeting a "petition was presented and received from
a body of members in the Big Bottom, to constitute them a church."
The two acres of land purchased of William Wilson are the lots on
which the church and old cemeterv, with its one sentinel gravestone, are now
II ( N
43^ FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
located, Init there were a number of changes made before the position was
finally settled. And "the IxkIv (jf members in the Big Fiottoin" ( now Eliza-
bethtown, Ohio, and vicinity) seem to liave been the "arm" of the society,
which withdrew from it and became a separate church; for. during the rise
and progress of this Little Cedar Grove church, it had many "arms" reaching
out in all directicjns. There was one on the West fork of the W'liite Water,
one at a place known as Mt. Happy, one on Indian creek, another on Joseph
Hanna's creek, and still another on Dry fork, which became separate churches
between 1806 and 18 10. After these many other arms grew out. as neighljor-
hoods become more thickly i)opulatecl. One on Dig Cedar creek, "in the
neighborhood of Brother Joab St(jut :" f)ne on the West fork, "in the New
Purchase;" one called Xew Ho])e and many others.
After November i, 1806. nothing of interest occurs in the minutes until
February 7. 1807. on whicli day is recorded a subscription for the minister,
and to Brother Tyner is given three days' work by each of the following
named members: John Milholland. Conrad Saylor and William G. Eads.
while Henry Eads. Aljraham llackleman and John Saylor each ga\e two days
work. On May 2, 1807. Eli Stringer was admitted intc) the church by letter,
and then followed a long series of minutes, consisting of little more than
dates of meetings and admissions of members, among whom were John
Tyner "and Fannie, his wife," and James Tyner. Catherine Blades. Mary
Jack, Jonathan and Mary Gillim. Abraham and Eunice Lee, Jacob and Sarah
Youngblood and Jahez Winshi]>.
The year 1810 seems to have been a year of prosperity ior the church,
since in that year, twenty-four new members were added, on X'ovember 3.
It is at this time that the congregation reconsidered the building of the meet-
ing-house. Nothing definite was decided upon until March 2, 181 1, a portion
of the record. On that date it was agreed that "we move our meeting-house
(it was not then Iniilt ) on a piece of ground purchased of William Tyner,
said ground or land lying in northwest corner of cpiarter section said Tyner
now lives on. Appointed a committee to meet on Friday of this month on
said piece of land, to procure a title and lay out said piece of land for the use
of the Little Cedar Grove church, and to devise a plan to build the meeting-
house. The committee are Conrad Saylor. W'illiam G. Eads. Abraham
Hackleman. John Hall and James Tyner." This committee had the privilege
of selecting two different sites and finally chose a site on the bank of the river
"at the ford which crosses to go over to John Halls." The said committee
decided to build a meeting-house with hewed logs and the size to be twentv-
two by forty feet with a room for a gallery. This site, however, was not
■ ' "• ^'"1 ' ■*■■
FRANK I.I X COINTY, INDIANA. 439
satisfactory to the church and at the next meeting it was moved to reconsider
the matter. A second site was ch(jsen at the foot of the hill near the first
place chosen, hut again the congregation refused to give its assent to the re-
port of the committee. Like the charm that never works until the third time,
it was the third site chosen which proved to l)e the one on which the church
was to be built. This was finally decided on June 29, 181 1, and on that date
Conrad Saylnr was authorized to employ hands to aid him in making and
baking the brick. The material for these bricks was kneaded by driving o.xen
around in it. On .\ugust 3, 181 1, Conrad Saylor, William Kad' and .\bra-
ham Hacklenian were appointed to confirm a contract between the church and
Enoch McCarty for the land purchased of Enoch McCarty, on which the
church was to be built. Evidently the building had not commencefl before
November 2, 181 r, since on that date a number of men were api>r>inted "to
superintend the whole business" as regards the building of the meeting-house.
Just wdien this building was started and when completed does not appear,
although it was in a sufficient stage of completion on .Vugust i. 18 12, that the
congregation met in* it for the first time. The members paid their subscri[>-
tions in money, corn, pork and produce of all kinds and it does not take much
stretching of the imagination to sec the two workman, Thomas Carter, the
carpenter, and Thomas Winscott. the mason, going home Saturday night with
their weekly wages in the shape of cabbage and coonskins. So much energy
was expended by the meml>ers in building the church that- they seemed to have
taken sort of a religious rest for a couple years afterwards. At least it was
not until June 4, 1814, that any new members were taken in. In the fall of
that year Luther Hinman was received into the church before it was found
out that he was a Mason. Upon the discovery that he belonged to a secret
society he was promptly expelled and his faithful wife at once withdrew with
him. However, Hinman was such a good citizen and excellent man that his
expulsion cau.sed not a little trouble in the church. Quietly, but persistently,
he applied year after year to be reinstated in the church and finally, probably
because they admired his evident desire to be again in the fold of the church,
his name was again entered on the church roll. Others who belonged to the
Masons were expelled, l)ut they. too. were reinstated.
By 1830 the congregation had become very strong and flourishing, no
less than one hundred and sixty members having been taken in since the
church was organized. This church has been practically discontinued since
the Civil War. although occasional services were held during the seventies.
In 1908 the Brookville Historical Society acquired possession of the building
and intends to utilize it eventuallv as a memorial buildin"- and museum.
440 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
The last available statistics on the Baptist churches of Franklin county
gives the meinhcrship of the four churches in existence in 1831. The Brook-
ville American in its issue of .\ugust 14, 1913, gives the membership statistics
for 1831 as follows: Big Cedar. 171 ; Little Cedar, 1/9; l-'airfield, :^- \ Indian
Creek, 135.
As early as 1806 Baptist preachers called at Fairfield settlement and
preached, but no society was organized until that of the Fairfield Regular
Baptist church, June 2j, 1818, with twenty-five members. Being a branch of
New Hope church, the society worshipped in the meeting-house on the oUl
school section. Elders Dcweese, Tyner. Oldham, Wilson Thompson, Horn-
ady and Thomas were among the early preachers. In 1825 the society pur-
chased a lot and erected their church, which was constantly in use by the Bafn
tist people and others until near the eighties, when an«jther building was [)ro-
vided. Death, removals and general changes in religious sentiment in the
community caused the church to go dcnvn and the remaining Baptists of the
community worship with other denominations.
Bethlehem Baptist church was in Bath township in section 22 near Caleb
Barnum's old place. It was organized as a branch of old Indian Creek Bap-
tist church, but has not been in existence for many years.
At Metamora there was also a sprinkling of Baptists and there Revs.
William Wilson and Elder John Baker frequently preached this doctrine, and
of the latter, it is related that he was "lengthy in his remarks.''
Another pioneer church of the Baptist faith was the one situated in
White Water township, about one mile south of present Drewersburg. Its
name was the Johnson's Fork Baptist church, a remnant of which societv still
remained in the early eighties. In 1882 the old-fashioned log church building
was standing as a monument of those far-away years. The manv graves
nearby had inscriptions on the head-stones such as Saters. Golds. Stalcups,
Bentons. Russells, Stanburys. all of that faith.
In section 5 of Metamora township on the bank of \\'hite Water, was a
Baptist church which was swept away by the flood of 1847. ^t was a brick
building and had been in use for several years. The history of this church
seems to have disappeared as completely as did the church and to be equally
as hard to locate.
BIG CEDAR GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The early history of this church was written several years ago bv John
P. Brady, who was the recording secretary of the church for fortv vears.
The following account of the early church is taken from his own record :
^^
W'^
11 it i^ i I
BIG CEDAR GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 44I
"Immediately after the constitution, in September, 181 7, the church or-
ganized for business l)y the appointment of Elder DeWeese as moderator.
The first items of business were to appoint Jonathan Stout as writing clerk
and Job Stout as deacon. Arran.i^ements were also made to call upon Elder
Lewis DeWeese and William Tyner for ministerial supply. The business
meetings of tlie church were arranged for the second .Saturflay in each
month at eleven o'clock A. M., which has been carried out with slight ex-
ceptions since. One month after the organization the church met and ap-
pointed Jabez W'inship, moderator. At the same time Charity Merrill, Re-
becca Glisson, Peggy Blue and Sarah Jones were received by letter. On this
same day Da\id Shirk was appointed deacon and Samuel Shirk, singing
clerk.
"Joab Stout was received into the church on October 12. 1821, and
liberated to e.xercise a gift \\itliin bounds of the church, Se[jtember 13, 1823.
David Shirk was ordained to the ministry at the same time, while Joab Stout
was ordained December 13, 1828. The church enjoyed the services of Elder
Stout from the time of his ordination up to February 8, 1851. when he
resigned his pastorate, took a letter of dismissal and removed to Decatur
county, Indiana. D. H. Drummond served part of the time with Stout as
pastor. Elder George Harlan followed David Shirk as pastor of the church
and continued in charge until 1854. Elder Jeremiah Whitnev was received
in the church on December 13, 1851. and died on December 18. 1854, while
absent on ministerial duties.
"In addition to those already named, the church enjoyed, from time to
time, the labors of Elder John Sparks, William Sparks. D. H. Drummond,
J. C. Perrin, S. D. Harlan, T. S. Lines, A. L. Thurston, E. D. Thomas, J.
Kingham and others, who made calls occasionally.
"The first church services were held in a log school house which stood
near the site of the present brick house. The latter was built about
1838 and is still in use. The pioneer church is located about a mile east of
Whitcomb and stands on section 18 of Springfield townshi]). The brick for
the building was made on the Shirk farm adjoining the church."
The church prospered from year to year until dissensions began to
creep into the congregation. There were many things which entered into
the separation of the church, and. like all religious controversies, there are
two sides to the story. Erom the conflicting rejwrts which have been handed
through the years, it appears that the facts in the case are substantially as
follows :
Some time in the forties a minister from Kentucky, Wilson Thomp-
442 FRANKLIN COTNTY, INDIANA.
son by name, preached several sermons for the Big Cedar congregation, and
he appears to have been the first one to sow the seeds of chscord in the
church. Gradually there arose two divisions in the church, one a liberal ele-
ment and the other more or less radical. Questions of church discipline and
management, of music in the church, of Sabbath schools and of an educated
ministry were the most important factors in bringing about the ultimate
separation.
Those who believed that it was not necessary for a minister to have
any education were caljed Hardshells, or Anti-means, while the other faction
were known as the Missionary Baptists, or Means. About ]^Gj the two fac-
tions became so estranged that it seemed complete separation must ensue.
Revs. Thurston and Kingham became the leaders of t!ie Hardshells and S.
P. Roberts, Ira Stout and John B. L'pdike, of the Missionaries. Joab Stout
became pastor of the Missionary branch in 1869. Now the question arose as
to the control of the church property. Both sides claimed the right to manage
the church property and it was not settled until after the question was taken
into court in 1871. The leaders of the Hardshell.s — John P. Bradv, Samuel
Goudie and John W. Smalley — represented one group, and Ira Stout. Sam-
uel P. Roberts and John B. Updike were representatives of the Missionary
branch. A compromise was finally effected whereby each division of the
church was to have the use of the building half the time. The Missionary
branch were to have the second and fourth Saturdays and Sundays and tlie
Hardshells the first and third Saturdays and Sundays. This agreement was
to remain in force until April, 1872, at which time it was to be renewed.
The factions hatl their own woodsheds, although both used the same stoves
to heat the church. The Missionary group used an organ, hauling it to the
church on their day for services and hauling it away each Sunday. This was
done for two or three years and then the Hardshells allowed it to remain in
the church. 1"hey had Sunday, school and were advocates of an educated
ministry. Joab Stout ser\-ed the Missionaries for two years (1869-71) as
pastor, and was succeeded by H. B. RujMi (1871-77).
The pastors of the Missionary branch of Big Cedar church have been
as follows: Rev. John E. McCoy, March. 1877 to December, 1888; from
January. 1888. to January. 1890. the pulpit was supplied by Rev. F. M.
Chamberlain and other ministers: Rev. G. W. Bowers' pastorate began in
January, 1890, and ended in December. 1890: Rev. John E. ]\IcCov was
again called as pastor in January. i89r. his pastorate being ended bv death.
July 24, 1891 ; Rev. H. B. Rupe's second pastorate began in September. 1891.
and ended November. 1892:^ from December, 1802, until January. 1894, I. C.
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 443
Tedford. a student of Franklin College, acted as pastor of the church; from
June, 1894, until September, 1894, R. R. G. Hodge preached for the church;
at the September meeting he was formally called as pastor and continued his
work until December, 1896: in May, 1897, Rev. Chesley Holmes began
preaching for the church, and in December of this year he was called to
serve as pastor of the church for the year ending in December, 1898. and
continued as pastor until December. 1899: on October 7, 1900, Rev. John
Howard was called as pastor for the remainder of this year. At the request
of the church he continued his work until December, 1901, when the last
regular meeting was held by the church.
John Kingham and .\. L. Thurston continued to ser\e tlie fTardshells
as long as they lived, .\fter the death of Elder Kingham, Elder Thurston
continued in charge alone until his death, in 1898. Elder A. ^[. Hackleman
served the church from 1900 to 1904. He was followed by Elder E. \V.
Harlan, who, in turn, was succeeded in 1907 by the present pastor. Elder
E.- W. Harlan.
The old members on both sides have long since pas.=ed to their reward
and the once flourishing congregation is now only a memory. The children
of those sturdy pioneers have moved away and the memhership of both fac-
tions is but a fraction of what it was formerly. The Missionaries have very
few left and no longer employ a pastor. The Hardshells have service once
a month. The old graveyard adjoining the church is kept in good condition
and here sleej) the remains of scores of worthy men and women who were
once members of the Big Cedar Grove Baptist church.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES.
The Presbyterian church at Brookville properly dates from 1839, al-
though as early as 1809 the few Presbyterians were served occasionally by
Rev. Samuel Baldridge, who had charge of churches at Harrison, Lawrence-
burg and Dunlapsville. For a period of twenty-five years. 18 15 to 1840, the
scattered members of this church had no place of worship in Brookville.
During the time. Revs. Baldridge, Robinson, Dickey, Piatt and Barton, and
possibly a few more, preached occasionally in the town.
In 1 8 18 Judge William B. Laughlin visited the presbytery at Cincinnati
and asked that some one be appointed to visit Brookville and organize a
church. Rev. Joshua L. Wilson was appointed and in May of 1818 organized
a Presbyterian church in the court house. In 1820 and 1821 an effort was
made to erect a church near the pre.sent site of the Catholic church., but after
444 FRANKMN COUNTY, INDIANA.
a lot had been secured and i)art of the material on the ground, the enterprise
failed and the society soon disl)anded. Xi>thing further was done until
August 8. 1839, when Revs. John \V. Scott, \V. W. Robinson and William
Graham began a series of protracted meetings that resulted in the formation
of a church made up of seventeen members, four of whom were received on
certificate and thirteen on examination. The names of these charter mem-
bers were: John and ?\Iary Cam])bell. AI. \V. Haile, Hannah Adams, Mary
Hewitt, Jane AlcGinnis. Mary Welch, Emeline Reniy, Rliza Jane Remy,
Nancy May Smith, Racliel \\V)ods, Xaomi Campbell, William McCleery,
George and Jeanctte May Smith and Elizabeth Shawcross. The first com-
munion was administered on August 11, 1839.
At a meeting of the meniliers and friends of the Presbyterian church at
Brookville on December 2, 1839. it was resolved "That it is expedient to make
an effort to have stated Presbyterian preaching."" It was agreed at this time
to invite William J. Pattison, a licentiate of the Madison presbytery, to supply
the local church. Mr. Patterson accepted the invitation and served as a sup-
ply, preaching his first sermon in Brookville on the last Sabbath in January,
1840.
On September 5, 1840, there was held a congregational meeting and by a
unanimous vote Re\'. William J. Patterson was duly called to the pastorate of
the Brookville Presbyterian church. Fie accepted the call and was ordained
at a special meeting of the presbytery held in Brookville. November 18.
1840, and installed later on the same day. This meeting on the date just
mentioned was the first Presljyterian meeting held in Brookville, if not the
first ever held in White \\'ater valley.
It will be noticed that there have been about twenty years when the
church did not have a regularly ordained minister. During much of this
time services were conducted by licentiates. The complete list of ministers
and pastors here given has been compiled from the original church records by
Dr. J. E. Morton.
MINISTERS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, BROOKVILLE.
William J. Patterson, Se])tember 5, 1840 — January i, 1846.
John Gilcrist, May 3, 1846 — May I, 1847.
Ludlow D. Potter. November 12, 1847 — November i, 1853.
Allen McFarland, September i, 1854 — March 16, 1856.
J. W. Monfort, September 15. 1S56 — April 16, 1857.
Russell B. Ab'bott, July i, 1857 — August 11, 1865.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 445
J. M. Drake, August 30, 1865 — May 24, 1867.
John H. Link, A'lay 24, 1869 — September 11, 1869.
William A. Hutchinson, September 17, 1869 — June 28, 1870.
J. C. Burt, Octoljer 5, 187 1 — September i, 1873.
Jerome A. Williams, April 19, 1875 — May 2, 1878.
David R. Moore, May 26, 1878— April 16, 1886.
S. J. McElwee. November 24, i8Sr^-June 8. 1887.
E. H. Adriance, September 10, 1887 — .\pril i, 1890.
William A. Echols, May 12, 1890 — July 15, 1891.
E. Smith Miller, August i. 1891 — April 30. 1892.
Dwight L. Chapin, June 2, 1894 — February 27, 1896.
G. J. Donnell, April G. i8'99 — April 5, 1900.
George W. Applegate. ^lay 26, 1902 — June 19, 1904.
Joseph M. Wright, July 20, 1905 — Sejnember 24, 1907.
J. S. Stevenson, March 6, 1910 — October 24. 19 11.
F. B. Stearns, November i, 19 14.
In 1840, when the Methodist Episcopal church erected their new building
(now the Christian church building), the Presbyterians purchased the old
Methodist building and occupied it until the erection of the present Presby-
terian building. 1852-1855. The basement was fitted up some years prior to
the main edifice and used for school purposes. Rev. Abbott organized the
Brookville high school and conducted it in the church from 1857 to 1863.
The present pastor. Rev. F. B. Stearns, preaches twice a month, dividing his
time between Caml)ridge City and Brookville. The present membership is
about forty. The church is fortunate in owning a portion of the block on
which the church stands, which part runs to Main street, and on which are
two good business houses owned by the church.
MOUND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This church should be styled a mission church of the congregation at
Brookville. During its whole career its property was vested in the name of
the church at Brookville, while its services were always conducted by the
ministers of the mother congregation. A building was erected on the Brook-
ville-Cedar Grove pike, about four miles south of Brookville, in 1883. How-
ever, services had been held by the Presbyterians in the Little Cedar church
for some years previous to this. It seems that there was some disagreement
between the Presbyterians and the Baptists concerning the use of the church
by the former and this resulted in the building of the ^lound church about
a mile below Little Cedar.
44^ FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
The deed for the transfer of the fifteen-hundrechhs of an acre in section
ID, township 8, range 2 west, from Jacob and Ellen Harvey to the church was
recorded March 8, 1883, the consideration being only tive dollars. The church
was built in the spring of that year and dedicated on June i, with appropriate
services by Rev. David R. Moore, the pastor of the Brookville Presbyterian
church. This was never an independent congregation, since all those who
attended there were regularly enrolled as members of the Brookville church.
The synod had no control over it and did not recognize it in any way as an
independent church. It was served during its whole career by the pastors from
Brookville up until the pastorate of Cieorgc W. A])plegate ( 190J-1904J, who
was the last minister to hold services there.
During this score of years services were held there on Sunday afternoon
at irregular intervals, but by 1904 there were so few members residing in the
vicinity that Rev. Wright, at that time the pastor of Brookville, discontinued
services there altogether. The church stood idle until 19 10 and on July 9,
of that year. Charles Samoniel bought it from the trustees of the Brookville
Presbyterian church for the sum of^three hundred dollars. It is now used
as a fishing camp.
Harmony Presljyterian church, l<x'ated in Bath township, was organized
May 26, 1837. by Rev. Archibald Craig, with charter members as follow
Henry .Schultz, Elizabeth Schultz, Emily .Miller, George Black, William
Ferguson, Mary I'^erguson, William Webb, Catherine Webl), Mary Spiers
John Schultz, Xanry Telford, Ezra L. Bourne. Cyntha Bourne. William Cregg
Mary Gregg, Eleanor Abbott, David Black, David Robertson. Patience
Bourne, Lucy Crocker, Thankful , Joseph Welch. James Hannali
Elizabeth Hannah, Robert Spiers, Mary Spiers, Mary Welch. Susan Black
and Jane Allen. The society now has a membership of si.xty-five.
The church first worshipped in a frame building, standing a few rods
south of the present cement church building. Before the building oi a regular
church home, many services were held and a large number of sermons were
preached in private houses and barns. Harmony and Mt. Carmel churches
were branches of Bath church, located on the count\'^line I)etween Franklin
and Union counties. The four acti\e Presbyterian churches in Franklin
county today are the ones at Brookxille. Mt. Carmel, Harmony and Drewers-
burg.
The following have faithfully served as ];)astors of the Harmony church :
Archibald Craig, Ellis Howell, John W. Scott. David Swing, C. H. Raymond,
William Rodgers, J. M. Wampler, W. W. Colmary. J. P. Englestrom. Frank
Grandstaff, \^'illiam H. Sands, J. \\\ Royer, F. G. Stevenson, F. F. Dobson.
N. C. Shirey, M. Baer, B. W. Jones and William J. Frazier, the present pastor.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 447
The Mt. Carmel Presbyterian church, at -Mt. Carniel, in Springfield town-
ship, was organized at the home oi Ximrod Brackney, in 1824, by Rev. John
Thompson, assisted by his two sons. Revs. W'iHiam and James. Rev. Will-
iam Thompson was the ruithr^r of "The Land and the Book." The charter
members were: J<jseph Goudie. who died September 19. 1879. aged eighty-
four; Catherine Webb, who died Se])teml)er 16. 1879, aged ninety-one: Mrs.
Sarah James, who died in 1881 : Mrs. Susan ( Milspaugh) Hinds, who died in
1892. Tlie following served as elders: James (ir.udie, John Cummins. Peter
B. Milspaugh, Charles Hasson. .Andrew Fveed. Samuel Sering.
The present membership of the church is eighty-six. The first church
building was a brick erected in Mt. Carmel, in 1828. The second was erected
in 1870, and a third a few feet south of the old brick which is still standing.
The pastors have been as follows: Revs, .\rchibald Craig, from 1828 to
1834; Samuel B. Smith, from 18.^4 to 1837: Francis Monf(;rt. 1837 to 1846;
J. A. L Lowes, 1846-47: James C.ilclirist, 1848-60: P. H. GoUaday. i8<>o-64;
H. W. Guthrie. 1865-68: J. B. Atkins. 1868-71: A. S. Thompson. 1871-73;
G. D. Parker. 1873-75 : M.E. McKillip. 1875-80: W. H. Moore. 1881-83; J. P.
Engstrom. 1884-86; H. F. Olmstead. 1886-90: A. O. Raber. 1891-94: James
Hale, 1895-96: J. M. Montgomery. 1896-CJ8; W. W. Montgomery. 1898. part
of the year; J. M. Boltun, 1899-1902: G. W. Applegate, 1902-04; R. C. Hart-
man, 1904-07: B. S. Jones, 1908-10: C. L. Herald, Ph. D. from August. 1910
until present date — 19 15, and still pastor.
There is a Presbyterian church one mile north of Drewersburg in White
Water township, which building was formerly owned by the Baptist .Kssocia-
tion, who purchased the property in 1854. In September. 1876. Mrs. Eliza-
eth Sater ])ought the property— land and building — and gave it to the Mt.
Carmel Presbvterian church. In 188 1 the old building was torn down and
replaced by a beautiful little frame building, which was dedicated January 8.
1882. It cost one thousand three hundred sixteen dollars and forty-three
cents and all but one hundred and sixty dollars raised by dedication day and
paid. This is still standing and used as a place of worship. The same
ministers preach at Mt. Carmel and Drewersburg. -^
What was known as Bath Presbyterian church in Fairfield township, was
organized in 1822. The members were scattered over a large neighborhood.
common alike to Union and FrankliTi counties. The original building was in
Union county, about two and one-half miles northeast of Fairfield. It was
finished in 1825. At one time this was the strongest church in the Presby-
tery. Two hundred and thirty-four members were received into its fellow-
ship, and two hundred and thirty-one were baptized. Among its early min-
(Mil
44® FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
isters were Revs. Isaac X. 0,^flen, Thomas A. Hughes, ArchihaUl Craig,
David B. Kted. James B. Gilchrist. L. D. Potter, D. D. McKee and John
Gilchrist.
In 1857 the organization was removed to FairfieUl. where a new church
was erected. In 1H74 this church received a hequest of one thtjusand dollars
from A. W. DuBois, of I-'airfield. deceased. This was to be e.Kpenfled in
restoring the building as a house of worship, and it was so expended. It was
re-dedicated July 18. JP'/^. when several members were present who had
united with the church fifty years l)efore that date, and yet the record says
not one of the charier members were then living. The church is U'iW dis-
continued.
At Metamora Presl)yterianisin flourished for a time but not for many
years has the denomination been in existence. In 1845 I'^^^'- J'^hn Gilchrist
made this place a stopi)ing place and preached alKnit once a month, in the
afternoon. Previous to this there had been irregular services a numl>er of
years. After Rev. Ciilchrist left Brookville there was no preaching until Rev.
Ludlow D. Potter began his labors in Brookville and Bath. In 1849 Mr.
Potter began regular services once each month. .\t the autumn meeting of
the White Water presbytery in 1850. the church at Metamora asked to be ad-
mitted to that body, and the request was granted. The original members
were then recorded as: John Gartner and wife; Mrs. Maria Banes. Jonathan
Thomas, Gilbert Van Camp, Margaret \^'atson, Isabella Watson. Mary
Cooley, Mary Ann Bell. Elizabeth Beler, Emeline Thomas. That year the
Avidow of David Mount donated a lot and a building was erected, and dedi-
cated in 185 1, by Rev. Dr. J. W. Scott. The old building still stands and is
used as a public hall.
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The oldest organization of the Christian denomination in Franklin
county is the one located at .Metamora, formed July 18, 1841 — almost three-
quarters of a century ago. The charter members -ivere as follow: Arnold
Murray, Hannah Lamb, Catherine Pond, H. B. Martindale. (ieorge Stewart,
John Garrett, Archibald Hahn. Levi Sherwood. John Thomas, Sarah Murray,
Hugh M. Davis, Jesse W'ashburn, Eliza ]\lartindale. Sampson Jones. John
Mormann, T. H. Conner. Marinda Pliggs. Thomas H. Pond, William Lamb,
Henry Pond, Nancy Pond, David Clark, Sarah Jane Pond, Hannah Hawkins.
William Wheeler, Mrs. Van Camp, Mrs. Senour. None of the charter mem-
•4'
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 449
bers are now living; Over five hmiclred names have been recorded on the
rolls of this society. The membership is now eighty-five.
The first btiikling used for church purposes was the upper room of a
large frame building located about two hundred feet east from the present
church edifice. There the organization was perfected in July, 1841. The
present building, dedicated by L. L. Carpenter, January i, 1872, cost about
three thousand dollars. It is in size thirty by fifty-eight feet. The furnish-
ings cost an additional five hundred dollars.
The following have served as pastors at Metamora : Revs. Manning
Smith, W. F. Parker. William H. Kerr, Rogers, J. P. Hadley. W.
G. Irvin, J. M. Land, L. E. Brown, VV. W. Witmer, Omer Hufford. D. W.
Campbell, FI. S. Riggs. I. N. Teeter, William Kraft, J. V. CfX)mbs, C. C.
Cline, Drash. B. F. Cato, L. A. Winn, Allen Wilson, W. Jones. D.
W. Milligan, E. L. Frazicr. E. W. Akerman and Walter Crawley, t!ie present
pastor. It is interesting to ncjte that .Mexander Campbell visited Metamora
and preached two sermons to the local congregation.
BROOKVILLE.
The first attempt to organize a Christian church in Brookville may
be dated from Monday, November 25, 1850. On that date Alexander
Campbell came from Rushville and preached in the building now owned
by the Christian church, then owned by the Methodist Episcopal church.
Then Knowls Shaw held a meeting in the courthouse in 1866 and organized
a church with twenty-five or thirty members. They rented the German
Methodist building, now owned by the United Brethren, for fifty dollars
a year. Here Rev. Thomas J. Murdock preached for a year or two, but
the congregation was not strong enough to keep up. The building was
given up, although the members met at private homes for a while.
The present Christian church at Brookville was established in May,
1886, by J. H. O. Smith, state evangelist, with charter members as fol-
low: Dr. William Munnell, Mrs. Dr. Stodard, "Robert Henry, :\rr. and
Mrs. Austin, John Dennett, Lucretia Dennett, Ed O'Hair, Caroline O'Hair,
Keturah Templeton. R. D. Templeton, Wylie Templeton and Scott Tem-
pleton.
Rev. Smith conducted a series of meetings from April 9 to May 18,
1886. and during this time received ninety-three into the church by im-
mersion and about thirty others renewed their membership bv letter. In
(29)
>■; V
-<M-.. .
450 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
June the tnistees of the new organized church purchased the old Methodist
building-, and on July 25 the church was dedicated by Rev. J. H. O. Smith
with appropriate services. He was assisted by Rev. J. B. Chafee, of the
local Methodist church, Elder Foster, of Indianapolis, and Elder James
Oakshett, of Brookvillc. This same building had been dedicated by the
Methodist cliurch June 28. 1840, and there were twelve people i)resent at the
dedication in 1886 who had attenderl the one forty-six years before.
The church has had a steady crrowtli from the time of its reorganization
in 1886. Regular services are Iield every Sabbath by the pastor and a Sun-
day school has been maintained from the be^n'nning.
The pastors from 1886 to 1915 are as follows: W. A. Fo=ter, July,
1886, to January, 18S8; S. F. Chandler, Februan.^ 1888, to September. 1888;
Hunter McDonald, September, 1888, to September, 1889; William Kraft,
October, 1889, to January, 1892; W. F. Ackman. April, 1892. to April, 1893;
William Kraft, March, 1894, to September. 1896: H. C. Patterson, summer
of 1897; Gilbert Jones, January, 1899, to September, 1900: Alex McMillin,
April, 1901, to October, 1902: W. D. Star, 1905 to 1907; J. W. Jones. March.
1907, to April, 1909; D. L. Milligan.May. 1910. to July, 1910: E. J. Cain.
May, 191 1, to September, 1912; E. W. Akman, Decemlier, 1912, to Decem-
ber. 191 3; W. T. Crawley, present pastor.
I LAUREL.
The Christian church at I.aurcl was organized by Elder O. F. McHargue,
March 31, 1888, with charter members as follows: E. C. Chafee, Mrs. Inez
Chafee, IMrs. M. J. O'Hair, Mrs. Lizzie Groves, Mrs. A. R. Bosley. Gertrude
James, Melis.sa Anderson, Curtis Gardner. John W. Plough. Luella Stephens,
Charles Stephens. George W. Weir. Adonijah Wiley. Belle. Zella. Gussie and
John OTIair. Florence Manley. ^tinnie Goehner, Amelia Herman, Anna and
Julia Henuan, Flora Manley. Nannie and Lizzie McDonald. John F. Morgan.
Thomas A. Clark, John W. Clark, Milton H. Clark, Martha J. Clark, Phoebe
Clark and J. H. Groves.
The present membership is sixty-five. Among the faithful pastors are
the following: O. F. McHague, H. S. Riggs, D. W. Campbell. John Beekey.
D. J. Miller, L. A. Moore, W. O. Moore, L. A. Winn. J. A. Jones. E. J.
Cain, D. T. Weaver and Omer Hufford.
At first, meetings were held in Gififord's hall (Red ^^fen's hall^. then in
the old Lutheran church, and still later in a school building. Next the old
Presbyterian church was purchased and remodeled and is still in use. It is
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 45 1
valued at about two thousand dollars. Sendees are held every other week
and a flourishing- Sahbath school is carried on each Lord's day. Many a man
and woman has g-one forth from this society prepared to battle in life.
In Metamora township, more than eig-hty-five years ago, a church was
established by the New Light society — a forerunner of the Christian church
— which was situated at Elm Grove. There primitive services were con-
ducted and much excitement prevailed; some of the worshipers had what
was termed the "jerks." such as described by Edward Eggleston in his "Cir-
cuit Rider." They had great mental excitement. People used to come from
far and near out of mere curiosity, even from Brookville. This society ex-
isted until about 1850
It is related of this society that about seventy years ago at a big monthly
meeting they had a number to baptize, and marched to the Trace branch,
where a big flood had recently washed out a basin in the stream's bed on
either side of the creek. A foot-log extended to the drift. John Dillard
walked out on the log to observe the ceremony of baptism. The log turned
over with him and he floundered in the depths of the v/ater which splashed the
shore. As he came out of the water a brotb.cr extended to him the "right
hand of fellowship," believing he was a newly baptized convert. It greatly
entertained the assembled crowd and amused the man of God in the water
who was performing the ceremony so that he had to turn his face from the
throng assembled on the banks.
ANDERSONVILLE.
About 1S55 William Pruett, the proprietor of the village of Buena Vista,
in Salt Creek township, erected at his own expense a church building in his
town. He let all denominations have it and it was sometimes used bv the
Methodists, and later by the Christian church. Still later this denomination
built a place of worship of their own, and the old chapel went to ruin. The
Christian people still maintain a good congregation in the place.
The Christian church at Andersonville was organized in 1846 by Henry
R. Pritchard, with charter members as follows: James Anderson and wife,
George Jones and wife, Xed Farthing and wife, Samuel Watson and ^^lorgan
Hunt and wife. The present total membership is sixty. A church building
was erected in 1855 — a frame structure still standing and in use. The fol-
lowing have faithfully served as pastors of this church: Revs. Henrv R.
Pritchard. Franklin Thomas. J. P. Orr. J. E. Taylor. I. X. Teeter. O. F.
McHague, L. D. ^^IcGowan, W. D. Willonghby. F. D. Muse. Dr. I. W. Rav-
■•1 r.
r. '
I ^,, I
452 . FRANKLIN COUNTV, INDIANA.
burn, W. T. Sellers, Frank Thomas, C. C. Cline. W. B. Shemian, W. O.
Moore, A. H. Moore, J. Morris, S. S. Offutt, David Campbell, D. R. Camp-
bell, H. W. Edwards and F. Wilson Kaler.
Another congregation is had in Laurel township, known as Sanes Creek
church, the data of which is not at liand.
At Buena Vista there are now two Christian churches — one split off
from the other on account of church music, so it is reported. Thi.s division
occurred about two years ago, in 19 13, and one branch purchased a resi-
dence, which they have converted into a church building, in which they hold
regular services at this time.
LUtllERAN CIIURCHE.S.
The Evangelical Protestant Trinity Congregation, in the southwest cor-
ner of section 16 of Highland township, was organized March 28. 1H48. by
Rev. Wier, with members as follows : Peter Reidinger. Hcnriech Wolber,
Johannes Gesell, Herman Frederick Doebbeling, Philip L. fjesell. Jacob Ge-
sell, William Klemme. Herman Wolber, Pliilip Gesell. Frederick Minne-
mann, Balthasar Berg, Heinrich Hahn. Jacob W. Jacobson, Philip Kratz,
Johann Frederick- Precht, Johan Heinrich Ellermann and Johan WOlbcr.
The present voting membership is seventeen and the communicant mem-
bership of those baptized is one hundred and twenty. Since 1882, one hun-
dred and ten infants have been baptized. Since 1884 about eighty-five voung
people have received catechetical instructions and have been confimied mem-
bers of the Evangelical Lutheran church. Thirty persons have been buried
from the congregation. This church belongs to the Ohio synod. The same
pastor serving here also serves a church in Dearborn county, the total salary
being five hundred and twenty-five dollars.
The congregation worshipped in a log church until the autumn of 1893.
and then built its present building, a brick structure. The cornerstone was
laid in August, 1893. The seating capacity is one hundred and fifty. Its
value is two thousand dollars. The parsonage Ts valued at eighteen hundred
dollars. Both German and English languages are taught and spoken in
church and Sunday school.
The following have served as pastors: Rev. Wier (1848). followed bv
Revs. Jones, Meisner, Links. ^leisner the second time, C. Althott. 1881-1903;
J. C. Einfalt, 1904-09; Fred Ihrig. 1909-10: A. C. Kleinlein, 1910-12. The
present pastor, Rev. G. A. Spring, has been sen-ing since December, 19 12.
The parent church of the above society was organized in 1838 as the
FRANKLIN COirXTY, INDIANA. 453
Evangelical Protestant St. Peters church. In that year they IxAight forty
acres and built a small lo^'- church. In 1868 a j,'0<jd I)rick Jjuildin;,' was erected.
The congreti^'ation has kept up its existence through all these years.
The old Lutheran church building at Laurel stanrls totally deserted,
probably the most in positive dilapidation and decay of any of the old church
buildings in the county today. The few Lutherans in the vicinity have either
united with other clnirches in Laurel or attend the Lutheran church at Bro<'jk-
ville.
ST. THOMAS EVANGELICAL PROTESTANT LUTHERA.N.
Shortly after the GeiTtians began to settle in Brookville they took steps
toward the organizaition of the Lutheran church. In the early forties meet-
ings were held in the town hall and Presbyterian church, ministers coming
from Hamilton, Cincinnati and Klemme's Corner. The formal organization
took place July 6, 1848. In 1848 the Lutherans bought the Presbyterian
church, and on Septeml^er 17 of the same year it was dedicated as a Lutheran
church by Rev. Alvis Anker, assisted by Rev. Porter, of Cincinnati. Rev.
Anker continued as pastor for one year and was then succeeded by Rev. Dr.
Herman Blecken, who was a physician as well as a minister, and sen-ed his
flock in this double capacity from 1849 ^o ^Sji- He was succeeded by Rev.
Henry Cordier, who instructed and confirmed the first catechetical class in
the church at Brookville. This class was as follows: Thomas Stang. John
G. Stang, William Vogle, Fred Starkel, Fred Ulrich, IMartin Baxner. Wil-
liam ElleiTtian, Christian Hofer. Christina Ilofer. Christina Reidenbach,
Marie Nestheimer, Marie Grimme, Anna EUerman, Louisa V'eith, Louisa
Schmerle and Maria Muller.
Under the influence and guidance of Rev. Blecken the first school for
Lutheran and Catholic children was started. The first classes were held in a
small frame house built on the bank of the canal back of Mrs. Wilhelm's con-
fectionery store. Later the school held forth in the little brick schoolhouse
which stood on the lot in the rear of Master's new hardware store. This
building stood there until a railroad was built through Brookville. and after
that the pupils attended school in the old seminary building.
While Dr. C. C. Thomas was pastor T 1868-70) the old papers and rec-
ords of the church were destroyed and he wrote in the new^ church record as
much as he could gather up concerning the material in the old records. It
was during his ministry that the first parsonage was acquired. It is still
standing on Franklin avenue and is now occupied by Mr. Brooks. In 1868
the first organ was put in the church. In 1872 the church was remodeled
454 FRAN'KLI.V COVSTY, IXDIAXA.
and at that time its name was changed from Orthodox Lutheran to Evangel-
ical Protestant Lutheran. Between 18S5 and 1888 the cluirch was aj,'ain 're-
paired and remodeled ; a new floor, seats, stained glass windows and doors
were added. The financial condition of the church was never ver>- strong;
the record sliows that Rev. C. A. J. Cramer recei^•cd only six hundred and
sixty-five dollars for his three-year service. Fortunately' Rev. Cramer re-
ceived somcthino- for his services at Klemme's Corner, since he sen-ed that
church during- the same three years and lived there. In 1902 the present par-
sonage was built.
The first members of the Brookville church included the following:
George Ulrich. Ernest Dantrich. Conrad Metzger. George W^iedner. George
Stang, John Rumple. Daniel Starkel, Louis Feddermann, Freri Scheibe, Got-
lieb Kiescler, John Henrici, Jacob Knerr, George Schlapp. Daniel Devcning,
Peter Spitzfaden, Zachariah and Adam Fogel, the Finks, Ritzis, Hoefles an"d
many others.
The church has hatl twenty-one pastors during its career of sixty-seven
years. Some of these ministers married Brookville girls, among them being
Cordier, who married a Miss ilerlie; C. C. Wagoner, who married .Mart-
Kieseler; Gustave Michelmann, who married Lizzie Klemme. The complete
list of pastors is as follows: Revs. Alvis .^Vnker, 1848-49; Herman Blecken.
1849-51 ; Henry Cordier, 1851-56; Kuch. 1856-57; Tumnler, 1857-60: Rich-
ter, 1860-61; Arnold. 1861-64; Kiesel, 1864; Nestmann. 1864-67; C. C.
Thomas, 1S68-70: O. G. Heinish. 1870-72: Gustave Bochert, 1872-76; Joseph
Schmatzel, 1S76-85; C. A. J. Cramer, 1885-8S; C. G. Wagner, 1889-91 : Paul
Schmidt, 1891-95; Wellhausen. 1895-97; Gustave Michelmann. 1897-1900:
Gilbert, 1900-03; X. S. Luz. 1903-05: Joseph L. Schatz. iqo;-i2: Max
Braunersreuther, 1913-14; Jacob Flegler, 1015.
They have rented their parsonage to the Christian minister. Rev.
Crawley. The interior of this historic old brick church, surrounded by
many score of graves and a numi.er of the old-fashioned tombs, is. indeed,
beautiful. The carpeting, organ and all furnishings go toward makino- a
very attractive place for worship.
ST. John's evangelical protestant Lutheran church.
In 1837 the first Lutheran church was established in Huntersville. at
which time a log church was erected. The present church building was dedi-
cated August 5, i860, and has been in continuous use down to the present
time. In 1912 the church celebrated its diamond anniversarv. The first pas-
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 455
tors were Rev. Bauernieistcr, who remained a year, and was followed by
Rev. Brant. Rev. H. Stediiig- has been the pastor for the past twelve years.
This is the largest Lutheran church in the county. It has a membership of
over two hundred.
At Peppertown, Salt Creek township, in the center of a large German
community, a log church was built in 1S50, under the pastorate of Rev.
Jones. A lot was offered them for thirty-five dollars by John S. Scott, but
they were too poor to pay that sum, and later purchased one at twelve dol-
lars. On this they erected a log church, borrowing fifty dollars from the
German friends at Huntcrsville in order to finish the building. Among the
leaders were John Koerner! A. Pepper, N. Heineman, H. Koch and C. Pouchs.
This log house served the cong-regation until 1875, when a brick building was
erected at a cost of four tliousand dollars. Rev. William Younts was the first
pastor, and served the church many years. Joseph Schniatzel was pastor from
1875 to 1885. The society is still flourishing and is served by pastors from
other points at the present time. The church has been completely over-
hauled. The interior has been dcorated ver\- artistically. The church is
built over an old graveyard.
UNITED BRETHREN CHURCHES.
The first church organized in Posey township was the United Brethren,
about 1830, by Rev. John ]\Iorgan and Rev. Aaron Farmer, known as the
"United Brethren in Christ." The society grew in numbers and was a potent
factor for good in the community' many years. It built a neat frame church
building. As early as 1880 no less than nine preachers had gone forth from
this congregation as heralds of the cross. Some of these are men of note,
holding responsible positions in the great work entrusted to the churches of
their choice, including the United Brethren, Methodist Episcopal and Chris-
tian churches. This church is still a working force in the community, or
rather the successor to the above, as it was re<Trganized in 1S47. It now
has a membership of seventy-six and owns property in Andersonville valued
at about eight hundred dollars. Among the pastors here may be named Revs.
O. \V. \\'hitecotton. Planson. Wattering. Brock, Shaw. i\Ioody, Seelig, I. T.
Osborn, N. G. Gray, Burchard, and the present pastor, Rev. A. B. Grubbs.
The Oak Forest church still has occasional services in the building which
they sold a few years ago to James Stewart. He allow^s them to use the
building free of charsfe.
i, 1 1 ' '!■
456 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
OTWELL CHAPEL.
Otwell Chapel is the only United Brethren church ever orji^anized in
White Water townsliij). It is nearly two miles southeast of Dreuersijurg. It
is named in honor of the two men, E. Otto and W. Hollowell, wlio donated
the land on which to build the church. The name is a curious compound of
the names of the two donors — Ot-well.
At Brookville and vicinity occasional preaching' commenced aljout 1893
by a United Brethren preacher of this conference, and in 1896 the clas.i that
had just Ixien formed purchased the old German Methodist church building.
Since then there has been occasional, though by no means regular, stated
preaching- services. The church has never had a large memljcrship. Many
resided in the country, and by removals and deaths the class has Ijeen <le-
creased until it now has but a!x)Ut eighteen members. K'ev. John Seelig. now
of Dublin, was prominent in the work of this class. The first minister was
Rev. John Jackson, wdio was pastor at the date of buying the building. He
never lived in Brookville, but on a small farm in the country, near the town.
Then came Rev. John Seelig, who was succeeded by Rev. Golden, after whicli
came Rev. McCarty. At the time of the flood of 1913 Rew Levi was pastor.
Since then the work has been in charge of Rev. Bray, who in fact has charge
of nearly all the United Bretliren churches in the county, including the one at
Oak Forest, and the one west of Brookville, near the \\'est P'ork Mcth'xli>t
Episcopal church. Of recent years there has not been regular service in any
of these churches. Usually (mce a month services are held in all the l.'nited
Brethren churches of the county. Rev. Bray manages to hold services oc-
casionally in each of the churches in the county, and thus keeps alive a small
class in the neighborhoods in which they are located. There is no resident
pastor in the county at this date.
The United Brethren srxriety built a log church on Snail creek near the
western line of that township. This church is still standing an<l is occasionally
used for services, although the congregation h5"s recently erected a new
church about a mile dow-n Snail creek. The congregation bought a frame
schoolhouse in Bath townsliip, tore it down and set it up at its present site
in Brookville township. The old church was called Liberty church, while
the new building is known as Center chapel. There was a cemetery- at the
old church, but there has never been one established at the new site. This
church is served by the pastor in charge of the United Brethren church in
Brookville.
One of the first United Brethren churches to organize in the West was
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 457
that is known as Old l-'ranklin chapel, located three miles southeast of Fair-
field. About 1819 Jacob Antrim and John I-'etterhoff bc^an to i)reach in the
w-estern part of the Wayne Purchase. Their first regular preacliiny place in
the White Water valley was at the house of Henry hVy on Templeton's creek.
Mr. Fry had been a member of this church in the East. Throuj,^h hi.s influ-
ence, Bishop Krumler was induced to attempt the organization of a church
here. A class was established at the home of Mr. PVy, camp meetings were
frequently held in the grove and in due time a place for worship was pro-
vied. This church was dedicated by Rev. Michael Bathenburg on Mav 31.
1831. The builing was made of brick burned on the ground and generous
donations allowed the pioneer church to be buiU and furnished. The i)rer-ent
pastor is Rev. W. T. Sanders, of Muncie, Indiana, who preaches everv two
weeks.--
On Saturday, May 30. 19 14, memorial services were held at two o'clock
in the afternoon, that being the eighty-third anniversary of the church. .\
fine program was had and the attendance was very large.
The Christian Endeavor Society of Franklin church was organized .Au-
gust 4, 1912. by C. F:. Hunt, the pastor. Its first officers were: Roy V.
Davis, president : Orris Davis, vice-president; Anna Anthony, secretary'; J'jhn
N. Norman, treasurer. The program coinniittee was Minnie Burke. The
membership committee, wdth Irene Linkei as chairman, was Susie Brauchia,
Pearl Bockover, Mabel Brauchia, Walter Sawer. Charles Bockover and Elsie
Howell. The charter members were as follows: Rev. C. E. Hunt (honorary
founder). Anna Anthony, Clara Linkei. Roy V. Davis, Walter Sawer, Mur-
ray O. Spenney, George O. Davis, Loretta Norman, Anna Leman. Bessie
MuUin. Levi Mullin. John H. Norman, T. B. Thackery. .\llison Bockover.
Jr., Sanniel Lemar. Edith Templeton, T. F. Thackery, Nora Davis, W. E.
Thackery, Asa Davis, Irene Linkle, Laura P. Anthony, Coleman, Delia M.
Anthony. Oliver Linkei, Mary Thackery, Elsie Newell. Minnie Burke, Elsie
Brown, I£va Thackeiy. Altha Thackery, Gertrude Watterson. Rev. E. B. Cun-
ningham. Herbert R. Thackery, Francis Linkei, LanTly Lemar, Ralph Martin,
Herschel Martin. Edgar Shaffer. Everett Watterson, Harry Watterson.
The present officers are: President. Mary Thackery; vice-president.
Olive Linkei; secretary, Delia Anthony; assistant secretary. Irene Linkei:
treasurer, Orris Davis; program committee. Eva Thackery.
On May 18, 1913. Anna .Anthony and Clara Linkei were elected as dele-
gates to go to Anderson, Indiana, to attend the twenty-first annual Christian
Endeavor convention on June 10. 11 and 12. On June 14. 1914, Irene Linkei
and Elsie Howell were elected delegates to the Young People's Societv of
I f
458 FRANKLIN' COLXTY, INDIANA.
Christian Endeavor trnivcntion to be held at the First United Brethren
church, Marion, Inth'ana.
The report of the Sunday school connected with Franklin United Breth-
ren church for the twenty-seven Sundays in 191 5 was as follows: Members
enrolled, 71; avera,!:,''e attendance per Sunday, 38; total amount in treasury,
$14.50; total amount of missionary money, S4.20; average collection per
Sunday, 54 cents; number on Cradle Roll, 22; money taken, 17 cents; number
in home department. 17; money collected, 80 cents. The collection the first
Sunday of each month is given to missions.
One special feature of Old Franklin church is the care taken of the
cemetery near the church. It is an old burying ground and has Ix-en kept in
the best condition, and is said by many to be the best country cemetery
grounds in all Indiana. Here the little mounrls are kept sacred. The return
of each ^femorial-day occasion finds the grounds and the graves in order,
and the Decoration-day services have come to be of great interest, all of
which bespeaks well for the Christian spirit of the community in which this
quiet city of the dead is located. The beginning of the decoration. of sol-
diers' graves at this point was in May, 188S. when Henry H. Miller walked
across the field from the farm known as the Samuel Howell place and placed
flags on the graves. In 18S9 the old soldiers of the neighborhood met and
appointed a committee and arranged to meet on Saturday following the na-
tional day and decorate the graves. The old war veterans gave interesting
and pathetic talks. But the congregation kept increasing until it was neces-
sary to procure better talent for speakers. In 1895 ^^e services were con-
ducted in conjunction with the annual meeting of the church. The same
speaker addressed the people both Saturday and Sunday. The speaker was
Doctor Bell. Since then the annual speakers have been as follow: 1896,
J. T. Roberts: 1897, Rev. Weekly: 1898, J. E. Shaimon: 1899. Dr. W. R.
Funk; 1900. Rev. Mathews: 1901, Rev. D. O. Darling; 1902. Rev. Brook:
,1903, Rev. J. E. Shannon; 1904. Rev. Brook; 1905, Rev. C. Parker; 1906,
Rev. Gable: 1907, Rev. Brook: 1908. Rev. Alonzo Myer; 1909. Bishop Car-
ter; 1910, J. F. Reynolds; 19TI, Rev. J. E. Shannon: 1912, Rev. C. L. D.
Brain: 1913. Rev. Ida Cunningham; 1914. Rev. W. O. Fries.
At present there are buried in this cemetery^ nine Civil war soldiers and
one soldier of the War of 18 12. Two "unknown" graves are also dec-
orated.
Another church of this denomination was organized in the extreme
western part of Brookville tov^mship, where a small chapel was erected and
a class held for manv vears, btit was finallv dissolved.
FRANKLIN' COLNTY, INDIANA. 459
THE UNIVEKSALIST CHURCH.
The first Universalist church in FrankHn county was orj^anized at Fair-
field August 20, 1848, ahliough as early as 1841 a few meniljcrs of tliis de-
nomination had engaged the services of Rev. Henry Gifford to preach for
them "one sermon in each month on the Sabbath at a salary of thirty-six dol-
lars per annum." Before the church was formally organized two other min-
isters served the small congregation at Fairfield. Rev. W. Y. Enimctt fol-
lowed Rev. Gifford at the same salary and labored for two years and three
months. He was succeeded by Rev. C. Crane, who served the congregation
for nine months, for which he received a salary of eighteen dollar-;. Rev. W.
C. Brooks was called in 1847 ^"^ was the pastor when the church was finally
organized on August 20, 1848.
Rev. Brooks preached one sermon a month for two years and a half
and was paid fifty dollars a year for his services. His third year he preached
twice a month and was paid seventy-five dollars for the year. In January.
1849, the society bought a lot of William ^Moore, of Fairfield, fur which ihcy
paid one hundred dollars, and in the spring of the same year the building of
a church was begun. It was finished and dedicated in June, 1850, the dedi-
catory sermon was preached by Rev. Henry Gifford. This church cost two
thousand dollars and all of the money was raised by voluntary contributions.
The church was burned down several years ago. The charter members v.ere
Hezekiah Ogden, Lydia Ogden, Air. and Mrs. Thomas Thomas. James Bar-
rickman, Thomas Hayward, George Fish, Daniel St. John, Harrison Buckles,
James Wright, Daniel Landon, Henry Flusted and Caroline Buckles.
The list of ministers as given in the records of the church is as follows:
W. C. Brooks, 1847-51 ; C. F. Wait, 1852-53; W. B. Linck, 1853-55: W. W.
Curry, 1855-56; B. B. Bennett, 1856-57; W. C. Brooks, 1859-60; A. Gage,
1860-61; J. D. H. Corwine, 1861-63; Marion Crosley, 1863-66; Jacob V»'.
Crosley, 1866-67; E. Case, 1867-70; Frank 5^vans, 1870-73; R. N. John,
1873-75; ^lary T. Clark, 1880-S1 ; H. A. Alcrrill, 1881-83: I. B. Grandy.
1891-93; McCord, 1894-95; Sarah L. Stoner, 1S97-98; Edna McDonald
preached a few times during 1897; ]\Iarion Crosley, 189S-99: according- to
the minute record of the church, the last sermon was preached by I. B. Grandy
in August, 1899.
Another Universalist church was one of the earliest organizations in
Posey township, in the neighborhood of Andersonville, but there are no facts
as to it further than that it had an existence a few years, and, like most of this
denomination, was unable to survive.
460 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
At Mt. Carmel another Universalist church sprang into existence Sep-
temljer 15, 1850. M. V. Sinionson, an ardent believer in salvation for all
mankind, donated a substantial brick edifice which he erected, partly for his
own use and partly for church uses, with the understanding that when he was
through with the toils and trials of life, the entire proi>erty should go to
the church of his choice. Rev. J(jnes and his wife, who is also a minister,
have served the church at .Mt. Carmel for the past several years.
MORAVIAN MISSIONARIES IN BROOKVILLE.
Few people e\er heard of the two .M(.»ravian missionaries who passed
through Franklin county in the spring of 1801, and cam|jcd for a few days
on the site of the present town of Brookville. It is true that they left no
impress upon the life of the count\ , and yet their trip u]) tlie White Water
is not without interest to the students of the county's hi.-^tory.
The two missionaries in rpiestion were traveling northward to locate a
mission on the banks of White river near the present site (if Anderson. They
left Cincinnati on .April 14, iSoi, and, according to the diary which they
kept, reached Franklin count}' about ten days later. The part of their ac-
count which falls within the pur\iew of this article begins on April 24, and
is as follows :
"In the morning early one of our white people shot a large deer of
which we (&) our India-is received a share. When all had breakfasted
we started. At noon we passed a large Indian camp ground ( & ) al3<jut
3 P. M. we finally, safely reached the forks. Here our journey by water
came to an end & everything was unloaded from the canoes. ^Ir. Harper
& the other white man now l)id us a friendly fareweH. They wished us
God's blessing & hastened home with the canoes. \\'e at once built a hut
of bark for our things ( &' ) put them under shelter in this dry ])lace. Then
pitching our tent we thanked the Lord that we had come thus far. with his
assistance. Now we still had a distance of 100 miles by land before us
(&) we did not yet know how we would accomplish it. Our messenger
had not yet returned but we trusted the Lord that we would find ways 1 &.)
means so that we would at last reach the place of our destination. The
White W^ater creek separates here into two arms, the one from the west &
the other from the north. Between these arms or forks we encamped on
a stretch of land through which the trail to Woapicamikunk passes, quite
near our camp. Quite near there is a fine bottom where our cows find a
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 4^1
great quantity of grass. W'c marie ourselves as comfortable as possible
(&) awaited with anxiety the return of our messenger.
"25th. — A shot was heard early in the morning (&:) our Indian breth-
ren at once returned it 'several times. ' SoOn after a young, painted Indian
arrived. He was encamped only a mile from us CS:) belongs to the ^ame
family as that of our messenger, the head of which had gone for us to
Woapicamikunk.
"Sunday 26th. — The entire heathen family today visited us. During
the afternoon Br. Kluge held a service, after which our Indians asked us
whether they couUl give some flour to the wife of our messenger because
they have had no bread for a whole year; living in the woods, they have only
meat. Not only did we allow this but also gave some of ours, for which they
were very thankful.
:-- - "27th. — Our Indian brethren went hunting (&) we. white people,
made use of the fine weather for unpacking our camp clothes. At the same
time we anxiously awaited the return of our messenger from Woapicami-
kunk. In the evening Br. Joshua told us that this Indian family, of which
the head had gone as a messenger, had offered their horse, if during the
absence of the messenger, we wished to continue our journey, so as not to
remain the whole time at one place. She also offered herself, with her
children, to carry anything in order to help our advance. We considered
the matter with our Indian brethren. They were all in favor of it so that
we could move on. We accepted the voluntary offer of these heathen (&)
decided to make a beginning next day.
"28th. — They brought a hor.se to our camp (&) just as we were busy
packing, a strong bay horse came running, as if by accident, from the woods,
without anyone being with it. The Indian brethren recognized it as an
Indian horse. Without knowing to whom it belonged we caught it at once
(&) loaded it also. In this way we now had two horses, with which ue
transported a good part of our things for five miles. Late at night the
Indian brethren returned with the horses (&) brought us the unpleasant
news that the messenger had returned from Woapicamikunk. but had
brought no horses for our journey. He had found neither the chiefs nor
the Indians at home. The former had gone to Fort Vincent to make a treaty
(&) the latter have not yet returned from the hunt. He said further that
he had sent our tobacco down the river to the other Indian towns, yet he did
not know whether we would receive help, because he thought the Indians
were also not at home. This news was ver>- depressing (&) we were
not a little worried about our journey, because we were in the w'oods where
462 FRAXKLIX. COLXTY, INDIANA.
no help could he hnmd. Hut as we had befjun to move we continued our
journey in the hope that our Lord would not forsake us."
These four days ( .\pril 24-28; seemed to have been spent somewhere
upon the ridge separating the forks of White Water, but the e.\act location
will never be known. It should be added, in conclusion, that the missionaries
finally reached their destination on the banks of White river near Anderson
and maintained a mission there for about five years.
ST MICHAEL '.S CATHOLIC CHURCH.
St. Michael's church, of Brookville, has the largest membership of any
church in the county, and the most valuable church property. However, it
is not the oldest church in the county. A few Catholics came to Brookville
as early as 1838, and were regularly visited by the Rev. Joseph Ferneding. of
New Alsace, Indiana. When he left the diocese in 1842, he reported the
condition of his missions to the bishop, mentioning Brookville as having
fourteen families, but no church. About 1844 Kev. William Engeln began
visiting the Catholic families regularly each month, and held di\ine services
in private houses. Michael Schrank and Melchior Witt were among the
pioneer members of the church, and services were usually held in the home
of the former by the visiting -priest. It was in the following year that the
church bought its first jiroperty. The court records at Brookville show that
on January 2},. 1845, ^ ^ot with a small brick building thereon was purchased
for the sum of fi\e hundred dollars. This building was fitted up for the first
Catholic church of Brookville. This site is now occupied by the present
church building.
From this time the congregation was regularly attended by the priests
who resided at St. Peter's, St. Leon and St. Mary's of' the Rocks. In 1850
an addition to the church grounds was purchased, and eight years later the
present St. ^lichael's church was erected under the direction of the Rev.
Januarius Weisenberger. He was a man of great energy and zeal and had
the good will and assistance of his parishioners in this great undertaking.
Something of the magnitude of the task which faced him may be understood
when it is known that there were then only about fortv families in the con-
gregation. The original cost of the church was ten thou.sand dollars, and
thus it will be seen that the building of the edifice must have meant great
sacrifices for the loyal members of the church. However, the congregation
continued to increase and within a comparatively short time the church was
enabled to purchase additional ground and make other improvements.
FRANKLIN Cf)lIN'TY, INDIANA. 463
In 1863 the Rev. G, f f. Ostlangcnberj^er became the first resident priest.
Previous to his assumint^ charjje the congregation had purchased a frame
residence north of the church for a parsonage. As s<K>n as Father Ostlan-
genberger was installed he began to hasten the completion of the church
building, and within a short time opened a parochial school under the direc-
tion of the \'eneral)le Sisters of OldenlHirg, who have had charge of the
school down to the present time. During his inciiml>ency he purchased a
cemetery at the north end of the town.
In 1868 leather Ostlangenberger resigned and took charge of a parish
near Covington, Kentucky, where he remained until his death. June 4, 1S85.
He was succeeded by the Rev. Meinracl Flei.schmann. who remained here
for twenty-nine years. In the year following his assumption of the charge,
he purchased two lots near the church, on which a school building was
erected in 1S73. Father Fleischmann purchased and installed the l>eautiful
altars and bells in the church and built the brick parsonage at a cost of four
thousand dollars. Fie was a man of wonderful energy and enthusiasm and
worked with great success for the welfare of the parish. When he was
transferred, in 1897, to a larger field of labor, the congregation, then num-
bering about one hundred forty families, was entirely free of debt. During
his long pastorate he watched faithfully over his flock and the congregation
prospered. -
Rev. Anthony Schenk followed Father Fleischmann and, as he was a
very zealous man for the work of God, he accomplished great things for
his parish. In 1902 he rebuilt St. Michael's church at a cost of twenty-five
thousand dollars. He saw that the growing congregation could no lunger
be accommodated and, be it said to his zeal and credit, it is the finest cb.urch
edifice in the county. He assisted generously with his own means in the
remodeling of the church. During his pastorate the chapel in St. Michael's
cemetery was erected through the munificence of Mrs. Mary A. Benusee.
Father Schenk had other plans in view, but death claimed this pious and zeal-
ous priest, on March 21, 1910. As he had not provided a monument for him-
self the congregation, in greateful remembrance,, erected one to his memorv.
Rev. Andrew Schaaf, who had been the pastor of the church at Posey-
ville, Indiana, for fifteen years, succeeded Father Schenk upon the latter's
death. He at once took up the work left by his Avorthy predecessor and to
the best of his ability followed in his worthy footsteps. His first thought
was to pay ott the remaining debt on the church, which was less than three
-thousand dollars. In 191 2 he rebuilt St. ^Michael's school, which was made
necessary on account of the increasing number of children in the parish. It
464 FRANKLIN COirNTY, INDIANA.
is a modern building in .every respect and was erected at a cost of seventeen
thousand dollars. He has taken a great interest in the cemetery of the
church, and in 191 i purchased from William Smiester four acres, for which
he paid two thousand dcjllars. Another addition was made to the ceme-
tery in 1913 at a cost of seven hundred and fifty dollars, so that the ceme-
tery now contains a total of nine acres.
Father Schaaf has also made extensive improvements to the church.
The fact that the congregation, after having raised twenty-five thousand
dollars or the rebuilding of St. Michael's church in less than ten years, from
1902-1912, has since then raised an additional fifteen thousand dollars for
improvements above the regular current expenses, speaks well for the gen-
erosity of the parishioners of St. Michael's church. The membership in
191 5 embraced two hundred and seventy families of eleven hundred ancl
seventy souls. There were one hundred and eighty-seven pupils in the
parochial school during the year 1914-15. Tuition is free in the St. Michael's
school for all Catholic children, as all e.xpenses for its maintenance are paid
out of the church treasury.
CATHOLIC SOCIETIES OF ST. MICHAEL's PARISH.
The Catholic church provides a number of societies for the benefit of
her members. There are societies for the children, separate organizations
for the young people, societies for the married as well as the unmarried
women and societies for men of different ages. Practically all of the mem-
bership of St. Michael's is found in one or the other of the several societies
under the auspices of the church.
GUARDIAN ANGEL SOCIETY.
)
All children of the parish under the age of twelve are included in the
Guardian Angel Society. This includes the children of both sexes and at
the time of their solemn communion the girls become eligible to membership
in the Young Ladies" Sodality, while the boys may join the Young Men's
Sodality.
YOUNG ladies' SODALITY.
The membership of the Young Ladies' Sodality includes the young un-
married ladies of the parish. They receive holy communion in a body on
the second Sunda}- of each month. The membership now includes one hun-
W7-
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ST. MICHAEL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH. SCHOOL AXD PRIEST'S RESIDE.NCE,
X
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. .-..^ . ^ - ■ ...■-.—
FIRST CATHOLIC CHURCH IX BROOKVILLE.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 465
dred and sixteen girls. Tlie officers for the current year are as follow:
Ella Dudley, president: Edith Peters, vice-president; Hilda Kochler, secre-
tary; Mary Ritzi. treasurer; Pauline Fehlinger and Antonetta Weber, coun-
cillors.
YOUNG men's sodality.
The Young IMen's Sodality society includes the young men of the parish
and now has a membership of ninety. They receive holy communion on the
fourth Sunday of each month. The officers for the current year are as fol-
low: David Senefekl, president: Edwin Baker, vice-president; John Ritzi,
secretary-treasurer; Leo Selm and PJerbert Geis, councillors.
THE HOLY ROSARY SOCIETY.
The Society of the Holy Rosary includes the married ladies of the
parish and now has a membership of one hundred and forty-three. They
receive holy communion on the first Sunday of each month and hold con-
ference after vespers on the same day. The present officers are as follow :
Mrs. Albert Ferris, president; Mrs. F. J. Baker, vice-president, and Mrs.
William Baudenditle, secretary-treasurer.
ST. Michael's society.
The membership of the St. Michael's Society includes the men of the
parish. They receive holy communion on the third Sunday of each month
and hold meeting after high mass of the same day. They now have fifty-
two members. The officers for the current year are as follow: Tvl. A.
Jacobs, president; Michael Gartner, vice-president; FIenr}J Gagle, secretary;
William Burkhart, treasurer.
ST. Peter's benevolent society.
The St. Peter's Benevolent Society (incorporated) is made up of the
men of the parish and holds a regular meeting on the second Sunday of each
month. The society now has a membership of one hundred and fifteen.
The present officers are as follows: Frank Geis, Sr., president; Otto Roth,
vice-president; Henry Gagle and Louis Aulbach, secretaries, and William
Burkhart, treasurer.
(30) ■ -.
.11. • ! ■
466 FRANKLIN COUXTY, INDIANA.
THIRD ORDF.U OF ST. FR.\NCI.S.
The Third Order of St. Francis is restricted to the unmarried women
of the parish. They receive holy cr.nimnnioti on the third Sunday of each
month. They now have a membership of twenty-five.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS.
Brookville Council Xo. loio, Knights of Columbus, was organized
May 14, 1905, with a class of forty-four candidates, namely: Lewis J.
Ariens, Anthony J. Biltz, Frank J. Baker, John F. Burdick, Robert Clauier,
Ray J. Dudley, Joseph F. Dudley, Joseph C. Dudley, John L. Dietz, \'alen-
tine Eckerle, Flenry Eckerle, F"rederick Eckerle, Harry Fries, Joseph A.
Fries, Jr., Carl Gagle, George A. Geis, William M. Geis, Frank J. Geis,
Alexander M. Hall, William Haubold, August Hackman, Joseph Hannan,
John Haman, Michael A. Jacob, Frank L. Klotz, Henry J. Meyer, ^Matthew
, Phelan, Albert Riedman, Frederick J. Riedman. Otto J. Roth, Charles G.
Reifel, Rev. Anthony Schenk, Jacob J. Schuck, Anthony J. Suhre, Joseph
P. Samoniel, John Stenger, Albert R. Stenger, Edward F. Stenger, Francis
J. Tulley, Martin Weber, Ferdinand Werst and ^lichael William.s. The
first degree was conferred by the Connersville Council, the second by the
Cincinnati Council and the third by the Richmond Council. There were sev-
eral hundred visiting members of the Knights in Brookville on that Sunday,
including the Rushville Council, which attended in a body. At the close of
the installation a banquet was given in the town hall for the new members
and their visiting brothers. Doctor Averdick, of Covington, Kentuck\-,
acted as toastmaster. During the banquet Anna ^lollaun sang "I Wait for
Thee," Mrs. George Geis sang "Sing Me to Sleep," and Mrs. F. J. Geis fur-
nished the piano music.
The first officers of the local council were as follow : Frank Tulley,
grand knight; Mathew Phelan, deputy grand knight; Frank J. Baker, chan-
cellor; Harry Fries, recording secretary; John Burdick, financial secretary-;
Frank J. Geis, treasurer; William Haubold, lecturer; Edward Stenger. ad-
vocate; Joseph C. Dudley, warden; Albert Riedman, inside guard: Ray J.
Dudley, outside guard ; Rev. A. A. Schenk, chaplain ; trustees. Otto Roth, one
year, Joseph F. Dudley, two years, and William Geis, three years. The
officers for the current year are as follow: Harn,' Fogel. grand knight;
Otto Roth, deputy grand knight; Thomas H. Feltz. recorder; Joseph P.
Samoniel, financial secretary; Frank Geis, Jr., treasurer; Joseph F. Dudley,
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 467
Pius C. Selm and Hugo Tettenborn, trustees. The council meets tlie second
and fourth Thursdays of each montli in their hall in the Carter building.
ST. Mary's of t>ie rocks, st. mary's.
By far the greater majority of the farmers of Butler township are rpem-
bers of the Catholic church, for the most part descendants of Germans who
emigrated to this country in the early forties of the last century. The
original settlers, not a few of whom are still living, realizing their spiritual
needs, begin at once to erect a suitable house of worship.
In 1844 the original Catholic community, numbering but fourteen fam-
ilies, built a log church on a hill overlooking the picturesque valley of Pipe
creek. The congregation was at that time in charge of Rev. William
Engeln, who resided at St. Peter's. The church was dedicated the same year
under the title of St. :Mary"s of the Rocks, and twelve years later received
its first resident pastor in the person of the Rev. Januarius Weissenberger.
In the year 1859 Father Weissenberger, seeing that the small log church
could no longer accommodate the growing congregation, began the erection
of the present large brick church. In December of the same year he was
succeeded by the Rev. John P. Gillig, under whose pastorate the new church
was completed. It was blessed by Bishop de St. Palais on September 8,
1862. Father Gillig departed in June, 1863, and was followed by the Rev.
Leo Osredkar. O. S. F., residing at St. Peter's. The next resident priest
was the Rev. Joseph Kaufmann. who was stationed here from 1866 till
1868. He was succeeded by the Rev. A. Nonnenmacher, 1S6S till 1871,
who built the present priest's residence of eight rooms. The Rev. Joseph
Roesch was the pastor from 1871 to 1873 and the Rev. John M. Gabriel from
January to August, 1874. The Rev. I. H. Girolt's pastorate extended from
1874 to 1888; his successor, the Rev. Martin Andres, was pastor from 1S8S
to 1902. He was followed by the Rev. C. P. Baron, 1902 to 1906. In
May, 1906, the church was destroyed by fire of unknown origin, nothing
but the walls remaining. His successor. Father E. J. Zirkelbach. in the same
year began the rebuilding of the church and, thanks to his energy and zeal,
succeeded in completing the new church, after spending more than twenty
thousand dollars in its construction. The new church is the pride of the
people of the parish, now numbering seventy-five families, who may well
point to it as a monument of their self-sacrificing charity and perseverance
in erecting so beautiful a temple of worship.
The present pastor, Rev. L. Weishaar, under w^hose guidance the des-
■l :<■<']
468 FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA.
tinies of the parish have been directed since October 12, 1907, has added a
number of needed improvements to the church, school and residence from
time to time. In 1910 a new school building was erected, at a cost of more
than four thousand dollars. The building is large and spacious and ample
for the accommodation of the children.
Father Weishaar was born in the city of Chicago, March 13, 1876, and
is the second youngest of a family of fifteen children. He was educated in
the parochial schools of Chicago and at the age of thirteen entered the Jesuit
College of that city. lie also spent three years in a college near Kirkwood,
Missouri, and completed his theological training in the seminary at St. Mein-
rad, Spencer county, Indiana, where he was ordained in 1904. His first
charge was in St. Patrick's church. Terre Haute, Indiana, where he remained
as assistant pastor for eighteen months. Ill health necessitated a change of
climate, and in the fall of 1905 he went to southern California, where he re-
mained for nearly a year, doing missionary work among the Indians and
Mexicans. Upon his return to Indiana in 1906, he took charge of St. Mark's
and missions in Perry county, in the southern part of the state. He remained
there until 1907, when he became pastor of St. Mary's of the Rocks.
ST. PHILOMEXA CHURCH, OAK FOREST.
There have been two churches of this name in Franklin count>', the first
one being located in Brookville township, on Wolf creek, about three miles
southwest of the town of Brookville. The first St. Philomena was organ-
ized in the early forties and by 1844 the congregation was worshipping in a
log church. The church was attended by the priest from Brookville, and as
the years went by the membership increased to such numbers that it was
deemed advisable to build a new church.
This was about 1S70 and it was at this time that the second Philomena
came into existence. The desire for a new building was communicated to
the Bishop at Vincennes, and after carefully examining the situation, he finally
selected a new site, the one now occupied by St. Philomena at Oak Forest
The Bishop felt that the location in Butler township was for the best interest
of the church and its subsequent history has revealed the wisdom of his
choice. The church at the new site was, of course, called St Philomena,
since the Bishop ordered that the members who had attended the little log
church in Brookville township must ally themselves with the church to be
established at Oak Forest. There were, unfortunately, some who were not
resigned to the wish of the Bishop and, at the same time the church was
FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA. 469
being erected at Oak Forest, started to build a large brick church on the old
site on Wolf creek. Of the fifty-seven families who composed the old
congregation in Brookvillc township, forty decided to build a new church on
the old site, despite the orders of the Bishop.
Seventeen families composed the little congregation which erected the
first building at Oak Forest. The bell in the church was dedicated and
blessed January 15, 1871, and high mass was read at that time by Father
Nonnemacher. The church was not quite completed at the time, but was
finished during the summer of 1871. The congregation has increased and
now embraces about forty families. The church has never had a resident
pastor, but has always been attached to the church at St. Mary's of the
Rocks. In 1908 Rev. L. Weishaar remodeled the church, spending about
four thousand dollars in beautifying it. In 1913 a splendid pipe organ was
installed and the church is now second to none of its size in the state in
beauty and complete equipment.
ST. PPIILOMENA CHURCH, BROOKVILLE TOWNSHIP.
In the early forties a number of Catholic families in the vicinity of
section i, township 9, range 3, organized a church on the banks of Wolf
creek, about three miles southwest of Brookville. A log church was erected
and services were held there continuously^ until 1874. While Rev. Janaurius
Weisenberger was pastor of the church definite steps were taken toward the
acquisition of a lot on which to erect a new building. On December 8. 1858,
the trustees of St. Philomena, as the church was called from the beginning,
bought a tract of land on the site above mentioned and there they erected a
log building. A school building was erected just south of the church. The
trustees in charge of the church and school were John Senefeld, Conrad
Honecker and Conrad Huth.
By the first part of the seventies the congregation had so increased in
membership and material prosperity that they felt justified in erecting a new
church. Owing to tlie proximity of St. ^Michael's church at Brookville and
St. Mary's church at Haymond. there was some opposition to the erection
of the proposed church at the old site. The Bishop refused to give his per-
mission for the erection of the church on the old site, yet despite his refusal
forty families resolved to go ahead and build on the old site. Plans for
the building were drawn up by Michael A. Jacob, who is still living in Brook-
ville. When the building was completed, in 1874, the Bishop, of course,
refused to dedicate it inasmuch as it had been erected without his consent.
470 FRANKLIN COUNTY, IXDtANA.
Consequently, it was never used for the purpose for which it was designed.
It was a substantial brick building, thirty-three by sixty-six by twenty-two
feet and had a steeple ninety-six feet in height. It remained unused until it
was torn down in 1906.
ST. Peter's church, st. peter's.
A few Cathfjlic families settled in Highland township, near St. Peter's,
as early as 1834 and in 1837 began to erect a little log church, which was
dedicated as St. Peter's by Bishop Brute, in 1838. This little church was
attended by the Rev. Joseph Ferneding, of New Alsace, until 1842, when he
left the diocese in 1842 and reported to the Bishop the condition of his mis-
sions, mentioning St. Peter's as having sixty acres of land and ninety fam-
ilies. From 1842 to 1844 Revs. [Michael O'Rourk and Charles Oppermann,
resident priests of Dover, attended the church. In 1844 the Rev. William
Engeln became the first resident priest of St. Peter's and remained in charge
until 1854. During his time the brick church and residence were built, which
are substantial buildings to this day. In 1853 Bishop dc St. Palais dedi-
cated the church. From 1854 to 1859 the congregation was attended from
Oldenburg by the Rev. Joseph Rudolf and at times from St. Leon by the
Rev. Henry Koering. In 1859 the Rev. Leo Osredkar came to St. Peter's
and remained till his death, ]\Iay 4, 1882. During his long pastorate of
twenty-three years the brick school was erected, the church neatly furnished
and many improvements made. The congregation prospered and, due to his
kind disposition, he was held in high esteem by all the members of his con-
gregation.
After his death, the Rev. William Kemper took charge and remained
until 1886. During his pastorate the new residence was erected. When
he resigned, in 1886, the Rev. Ferdinand Hundt was assigned to St. Peter's,
but, owing to opposition to him in the congregation, he left in 1S89. The
congregation was then without a resident priest until January, 1891, when
the Rev. Joseph A. Fleishman was assigned to St. Peter's. He remained
there for seventeen years and during his long pastorate he made manv im-
provements, such as frescoing the church, installing new pews, providing
beautiful stained glass windows and enlarging the sacristy. He resigned in
1908, owing to ill health, and died at Vincennes in 1910. When he left the
congregation, the church was free of debt, as he was a man of great zeal and
hard work. He was succeeded in 1908 by the Rev. Charles A. \\'agoner,
who remained till 1912, when, owing to ill health, he resigned, to the great
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 471
sorrow of his parishioners. He was succeeded by the present pastor, the
Rev. Wilham Wack.
The churcli census of iQi-i f^ives St. Peter's one hundred and twenty
families, of five huiidred thirty-five souls, and a school attendance of eighty
pupils. The church buildings are all in good repair and well furnished.
ST. ANNE CHURCH, HAMBURG.
About 1868 Wesley Alartin, who owned a large tract of land in Salt
Creek township, Franklin county, Indiana, laid out the present village of
Hamburg. He offered to donate five acres of land provided a church would
be built at once.
There were in the neighborhood about thirty-five Catholic families.
These had been attending the Holy Family church at Oldenburg. The dis-
tance was rather great, the roads were bad and when Salt creek was high
they were impassable. The Catholic farmers came together and decided to
accept Martin's offer. Bishop M. de St. Palais gladly consented to the
erection of the church. The Franciscan Fathers of Oldenburg directed the
work. In the spring of 1869 the corner stone was laid and in the same
year, on October 19, the church was dedicated. The church is of brick,
measuring in the interior eiglity-three by fifty-three feet, with a height of
thirty-three feet in the clear. Other Catholic settlers then came, mostly
Germans, and in a few years the congregation numbered about ninety fam-
ilies. In the last two decades, however, there has been a slight decrease.
At present there are about eighteen families, of four hundred and twenty-
five souls, belonging to the parish. The church property is free of debt.
"Twenty-five thousand dollars is not a too high estimate of the value of the
property.
In 1876 a commodious two-story brick rectory was built, at the cost of
about three thousand five hundred dollars ready for occupancy, and since
then the congregation has had a resident pastor. Prior to that time the
parish was taken care of by the Franciscan Fathers of Oldenburg. The
names of the Fathers that appear most frequently in the records are as fol-
low : Revs. Bonaventure Hammer. Louis Haverbeck, Clement Steinkamp,
Dionysius Abarth, Eberhard and Gabriel Lipps.
Rev. Gabriel Lipps, under whose direction the rectory was built, became
the first resident pastor in 1876. He remained until 1S79, and was suc-
ceeded by Rev. Paul Alf, from 1879 to 1880; Rev. Eberhard. 1880-82; Rev.
Qcment Steinkamp. 1882-S3: Rev. Beda Oldegering, 1883-84. All the
Fathers mentioned above are Franciscans.
472 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
In February, 1884, the congregation came in charge of the secular
priests. Rev. Matthew A. GilHg was pastor from 1884 to 1890. He was
followed by Rev. John Schoentrup. After a few weeks, however, Father
Schoentrup had to resign on account of ill health. He died shortly after-
ward and was buried in the parish cemetery. Rev. Frank Xeuhoffer was
pastor from 1890 to 1S97; Rev. A. Dannenhoffer, 1898-99; Rev. John
Scheefers, 1899-1910. Father Scheeiers, zealous priest, made many im-
provements. He purchased new pews and a good organ. Besides, he
greatly reduced the heavy debt that had been a burden to the congregation.
In June, 1910, Rev. George G. Eorries, the present pastor, took charge of
the parish.
Many years prior to the building of the church, a log building had been
erected, which served as a school house and was considered a branch of the
parochial schools at Oldenburg. In 1873 ^ one-story brick school building,
fifty by thirty feet, containing two school rooms, was built. Two secular
teachers had charge until 187S. In that year a two-story frame house was
purchased to serve as a residence for the Sisters. Since then tlie Fran-
ciscan Sisters of Oldenburg have taught the schools. The present enroll-
ment of pupils is eighty-eight. The parish cemeter\- is about a half mile
to the northeast from the church. The ground for it was donated in 18^39
by Bernard H. Luesche and wife. In 19 12 the members of the congregation
took it upon themselves to improve the road to the cemetery with crushed
stones. In 1914 additional ground was purchased and an ornamental fence
and gate put around it. The parish has five prosperous societies: St.
Joachim, for the men ; St. Anna, for the women ; St. Sebastian for the young
men, and the Guardian Angel Society, for both children and adults.
The congregation has given to the Catholic church three priests. Rev.
Peter Alcantara Welling and Rev. Theodosius Meyer, both of whom belong
to the Franciscan order, and Rev. John Haskamp, of the diocese of Indian-
apolis. The present councillors of the parish are FIenr\' Effing, Bernard
Leising, John Usimer and Frank Ricke. The statistics for the year 19 14
showed fifteen baptisms, ten fimerals and five marriages.
CHURCH OF HOLY F.\MILY, OLDENBURG.
In the year 1837 the German Catholic pioneers of Oldenburg and
vicinity were formed into a congregation by the Rev. Joseph Ferneding and
immediately erected a log church. Until 1844 they were occasionally visited
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 473
by the Rev. J. Fernecling, the Rev. K. Schniederjans, the Rev. C. Oppermann
and the Rev. Alph. Munschina.
On October 29, i8'4-i, the Rev Francis Joseph Rudolph, a native of
Alsace, was installed as resident pastor. Filled with true missionary zeal,
he built a small school and immediately started a subscription for the purpose
of building a large stone church. His own name headed the list with a very
generous amount from his own patrimony.
On September 8, 1S46, the corner stone was laid and on April 14, 1850,
the new church was consecrated in honor of the Floly Family. The church
built, Father Rudolph secured the services of the Rev. F. X. VVeninger, S. J.,
for a ten-day mission. This was Father Weninger's first mission in the
United States.
Father Rudolph now turned his attention to the obtaining of more com-
petent teachers for his schools at Oldenburg and the other missions, which
he regularly attended. With this end in view, he made a trip to Europe in
1850. He applied in many places and succeeded at last in obtaining the
consent of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, in Vienna, to "settle
at Oldenburg and take charge of the schools. The Rev. Mother Teresa
arrived at Oldenburg, January 6, 1851, and laid the foundations of that
community which has been, and continues to be. such a great power for good
in this and many other dioceses of the United States.
The church built in 1848 soon proved to be too small for the congrega-
tion, which had now increased to one hundred fifteen families. Accord'ingh',
on the 20th day of May, 1861. the corner stone for the present splendid church
was laid by tlie Very Rev. Augustus Bessonies, and was solemnlv consecrated
by Bishop de St. Palais, assisted by Bishop Carroll, of Covington, on De-
cember 14, 1862. The church is one hundred sixty-five feet long bv sixt>--
five feet wide, forty- four feet high from floor to ceiling, and has a' seating
capacity of one thousand. It is built of red brick, manufactured at Olden"^
burg, and is surmounted by a beautiful, tapering steeple one hundred eight}--
seven feet high, the highest church tower in Franklin county.
After the death of Rev. F. J. Rudolph in 1866, the Franciscan Fathers
of the Province of St. John tlie Baptist, Cincinnati, took charge of the con-
gregation at the request of Bishop Palais.
The following is a complete list of Franciscan pastors: Rev. N. Wach-
ter. 1866-69; Rev. P. Louis ITaverbeck and P. Dennis Abarth 1869-79- P
Peter B. Englert. 1879-S2; P. Pius Nichaus. 1882-85; P. Anthanasius Linge-
mann. 1885-90; P. Luke Gottoeboede, from January. 1890, to September,
474 FRAN'KLIN' COUNTY, INDIANA.
1891; P. David Kersting, 1891-1900: P. Chryso>tom Theobald, 1900-03; P.
David Kersting, 1903.
To give a complete account of the faithful work and many improve-
ments made by each of these zealous pastors and their many able assistants,
would take us far beyond the limits of this sketch. Sutihce it to say that
they have ever been untiring in their efforts to foster and cultivate the true
Catholic spirit and sturdy piety which Father Rudolph, by word and example,
instilled into his congregation. And while cultivating the spiritual, they
have not neglected the temporal. In 1868 a new two-story school was built,
containing four large classrooms. It has an attendance of about one hun-
dred seventy-live children, taught by the Sisters of St. Francis. There are
two hundred families embraced in the congregation. Other improvements
on church and school have l)een added from time to time to the amount of
thirty-two thousand dollars.
In September, 1912, the congregation celebrated the diamond jubilee
of its foundation and the golden ju!)ilee of the present cbnrcli. The Right
Rev. Bishops Chatard and Chartrand and very many of the clergy, secular
and regular, graced tlie occasion with their presence. A masterly sermon
was delivered by the Very Rev. Anthony Scheideler, vicar-general. In
anticipation of this celebration, the church was refrescoed, a marble com-
munion rail installed and other improvements made, costing thirty-five hun-
dred dollars.
The Holy Family cemetery is a beautiful spot of consecrated ground,
containing about five acres, and the pride and faith of the parish is manifested
in keeping it in faultless order. The school, church and premises are in the
best of repair and present a scene of thrift and care and general prosperitv.
CATHOLIC KNIGHTS OF a:MERICA (sT. JOSEPH BR.VNCH.)
The branch of the Catholic Knights of America, at Oldenburg, was
given the number 693. It was organized several years ago and now has a
membership of about forty. The members meet in the town hall on the first
Sunday in each month. Mortality insurance is the chief object of this
order, and policies are issued in amounts from two hundred and fifty dollars
up to three thousand dollars each. The only such lodges in Franklin count}'
are located at Brookville and Oldenburg.
The 1915 otificers are: FVank Flodder, president: J. H. Wittenburg,
recording secretary; A. J. Hackmann. financial secretary- and treasurer.
:(t) r»
FRANKLIN COTNTV, INDIANA. 475
KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN.
The Catholic order known as the Knights of St. John is in existence
at Oldenburg, and is no where else represented in this county. It was organ-
ized January 12, 1893. with charter members as follows: Rev. Tred Ilernz-
man, chaplain; Hy W'ittenburg. first lieutenant; John Lamping, John Rohe,
Clem Fischer, F. W. Pence, Frank Geisting, Benj. J. Ressing, Joseph B.
Mollaun, John Huerman. A. Kleinmeyer, Louis Ferry, August Haverkos,
Henry Schmidt, John B. Gehring, second lieutenant, Peter Pistner. John
Wessling, II. H. Kessing, Alois Springman.
The lodge, which is known as St. Joseph's Commandery Xo. 220. had
a membership in February, 1915. of fifty-eight. When the lodge was first
organized it met in the basement of the school house, but now the Knights
have a hall over Blank's store, to which place they moved in ^^lay, 1913. with
a lease of ten years on the place. The uniform rank (militar}') is the prin-
cipal feature of the order. In this there are now twenty-five members, active,
and a few more retired. There is also a ladies' auxiliary of thirtv-Uvc mem-
bers, of which !Mrs. Joseph Freihage is the president.
The officers in the spring of 1915. were: President, F. W. Peine; .6rst
vice-president, Harry ]\Iollaun; second \ ice-president, John Struewing; re-
corder and corresponding secretary. F. J. Hoelker ; financial secretary, Joseph
Wittenburg; treasurer, Theodore Heidlage.
The militarv' officers are: Captain. Harry Mollaun; first lieutenant.
Joseph Wittenburg; second lieutenant. Joseph W. Gehrung; first sergeant,
Theodore Heidlage; clerk, George Obermeyer.
CONVENT OF THE IMM.\CULATE CONCEPTION, OLDENBURG.
"I was glad at the things that were said unto me : We will go into the
house of the Lord." — Ps. 121, i.
The energetic, soul-loving founder of the Oldenburg Community of
Sisters of St. Francis was the Rev. Francis Joseph Rudolf, of sainted mem-
ory, a native of Strassburg, Alsace. In 1S42, in recognition of his holy zeal,
he was appointed to the United States missions, where, after two vears, he
was put in charge of the Oldenburg primitive mission.
By the most cordial approval of the Bishop of Vincennes, Rt. Rev.
Maurice de St. Palais. Father Rudolf secured the Holy See's (Pope Pius IX)
consent to and sanction of his heart's desire, the foundation of a convent
at Oldenburg for the Christian education of vouth.
476 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
The mother superior of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis
in Vienna, Austria, proposed the American Oldenburg mission to her Sisters
for consideration and choice. Brave, noble Sister Teresa answered the call
most heroically and arrived in Oldenburg, January 6, 185 1.
Three postulants were awaiting Mother Teresa's arrival to relinquish
themselves unreservedly to her care and guidance. God's blessings rested
visibly upon the community. Despite the numerous privations, hardships
and sufferings of untold poverty and trials, members came in numbers and
the work of self-sanctitication and education of the young went on apace
under God's providence and blessing.
In 1854 Mother Teresa opened an orphanage, and eleven orphaned little
ones became its tirst inmates. From this time on till the diocesan orphanage
was established, the Oldenburg Sisters, irrespective of their own dire pov-
erty, cared for their loved orphans most devotedly. The following year the
Sisters took charge of their first mission school, at Dover, Indiana. Three
other missions were accepted this same year.
Man proposes and God disposes. On January 23, 1857, the prosperous,
happy, little community, alas! was forced to witness the total destruction of
their loved convent, chapel and school. A few hours' devastating fire re-
duced to a heap of ruins the material conquests of six years' unabated toil
and economy. Nothing daunted, however, the courageous band took up
the work anew with unbounded trust in Divine Providence. Generous dona-
tions poured in from various sources, and by November 19, of the same year,
the Sisters were again sheltered, now within new convent walls. In 1858
the corner stone of the chapel was laid, and anon blessings inundated the
community. On September 27, 1869, however, God called gentle Mother
Teresa to her eternal reward. Ardent ^Mother Antonia took up the devoted
work, and continued the happily entrusted charge most successfully till her
death, March 23, 1872. The third superior-general, humble ]^Iother
Michaela, governed the community for twelve years, until called by death,
April 9, 1884. The unanimous choice of the community- then selected the
present superior, ^Mother Olivia, under whose able guidance the devoted com-
munity continues most blessed in the Lord.
The Oldenburg community now nmnbers over six hundred Sisters, hav-
ing charge of academies and parochial schools in seventy-eight missions in
the states of Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Ohio and Kentucky.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 477
ACADEMY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, OLDENBURG.
The Academy of llie Immaculate Conception at Oldenburg, under the
entire control of the Sisters of St. Francis, was chartered by an act of the
General Assembly of the state of Indiana, April 8, 1885. It is accredited
by the state board of education, and affiliated with the University of Cin-
cinnati and with the Catholic University of America.
The academy is situated in the pleasant little town of Oldenburg, near
the southwestern border of Franklin county. An excellent turnpike of four
miles connects Oldenburg with Batesville, the nearest railroad station on the
Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis division of the Big Four route.
The buildings constituting the academy are models of architectural
skill and foresight, and are replete with all that modern science holds out
to the world by way of school equipments and educational aids. The main
building is a four-story-and-basement, fireproof structure, and contains the
various halls, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, dormitories, lavatories and
private rooms. The Immaculate Conception chapel is a gem of art and
beauty. St. Cecilia's hall is equipped with a large auditorium and contains
the music department of twenty-four rooms. To promote the literary work
of the institution, a fine library, containing standard works of the best
authors in English, French, German and Spanish, is at the disposal of the
students.
The course of study embraces everything which can conduce to the
acquisition of a solid and accomplished education. The courses include
college preparation, academic, business, domestic science, music and art. The
complete laboratory and science rooms are noted possessions of the academ.y.
Each year adds to the apparatus and to the attractions of the academy gymna-
sium. Lessons in physical culture form part of the regular routine.
The Academy Alumnae Association meets annually at the loved alma
mater in grateful, loving acknowledgment of the truly refined education re-
ceived there. Here they receive a new impetus to continue to practice vigor-
ously the wholesome lessons instilled by their ahiia mater, while under her
excellent system of discipline and instruction.
"In thy comeliness and thy beauty, go forth, proceed prosperously and
reign."
HOLY GUARDIAN ANGEL CHURCH, CEDAR GROVTE.
The Catholics living in and near Cedar Grove attended church at St.
Peter's, St. Leon and Brookville up to the year 1872. By that time their
478 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
members had increased to twenty families, and they felt able to support a
church of their own. Consequently they organized the church of the Holy
Guardian Angel, under the direction of the Rev. .Meinrad Fleischmann, of
Brookville. He conducted the first service in Cedar Grove at the home of
Philip Eschenbach, in November, 1872.
A meeting was held after the services on this occasion and a building
committee appointed, consisting of Philip Eschenbach, Jacob Meyer, Philip
Riester and G. Felig. Three acres of ground were purchased by the com-
mittee and a brick church, thirty by sixty feet, was erected. This building
has served as a school since the building of the present church in 1894.
The corner stone was laid on Septeml)er 8, 1873, ^^Y ^^^ Very Rev.
Scheideler, Rev. H. Sieberts and the pastor. On the third Sunday in Janu-
ary, 1874, divine services were held for the first time in the new church.
In the fall of 1874 the Rev. Joseph Fleischmann came to Brookville as assist-
ant and took charge of the promising little congregation at Cedar Grove,
which had by that time increased to thirty families. In 1877 the church
erected a parochial school, to provide instruction for the children of the
parish. Father Fleischmann continued to attend the church with marked
success until iSS'j. In that year he was transferred to a larger field of labor
in Dubois county, Indiana. He was succeeded on June 24, 1S83, by the Rev.
Harmon Tegeder, who ministered to his people until his death, November
24, 1886. As soon as he took charge of the church he began the erection of
a handsome parsonage, but shortly after its completion he was called to his
reward. For the next two years the Rev. A. Koesters and Rev. George
Loesch had charge of the churxrh at Cedar Grove, being follow^ed, on August
15, 188S, by the Rev. P. S. Mesker. As the parish was constantly growing,
it became apparent that a larger church was necessary. In 1894 the erection
of a building was begun and it was ready for the dedicatory services by the
Right Rev. F. S. Chatard, on August 11, 1895. This church is a credit to
the able and enterprising pastor, to the loyal and generous congregation and
to the town in which it is located. An interesting article covering the growth
of the church of the Guardian Angel appeared in the Brookville Democrat,
August 8, 1895.
Father IVIesker remained in charge until 1906. when, upon the death of
Father Rudolph at Connersville. he was transferred to the latter city, a well-
deserved promotion in view of the good work he had accomplished at Cedar
Grove. He was succeeded by the Rev. Charles Clever, who at once took
up the good work. As he is a man of great zeal, he has accomplished a great
deal for his people in a spiritual way. In 19 12 he purchased an addition
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 479
of three acres immediately west of the church and school. Father Clever,
who is much cstcemd by liis good people, now has a congregation of about
seventy-five families, numbering about four hundred souls. He has a fine
church, a good school building, a comfortable residence, and si.x acres of
ground on which there is very little indebtedness.
CATHOLIC ORDER OF FORESTERS.
On March 28, 1915, the Catholic Order of Foresters established a sub-
ordinate court at Cedar Grove. Twenty-four members were initiated and
the new court promises to be a great success.
. ■ ' ST. John's church.
The German Catliolics began to settle in Ray township in the middle of
the thirties. The early history of the church at Enochsburg is rather ob-
scure, although it is known from "Die Chronik des Vater Rudolf" that he
was serving the congregation at Enochsburg in October, 1844. Father
Rudolf mentions in his chronicle that he dedicated the church at Enochs-
burg on December 22, 1844. From accounts handed down it is known
that this was a log church and it is further known that it was a mission
attached to the Oldenburg parish. It continued to be served from the Olden-
burg church until 1862. when Rev. Lawrence Oesterling, a Franciscan priest,
became the first resident pastor.
As early as 1853 the church had built a small stone school building,
thirty by thirty-five feet in size. Immediately after this was completed it
was decided to erect a stone church and it was completed and dedicated in
1856. The church is built of dressed gray limestone and is fifty by one
hundred and five feet. It has a spire one hundred and thirty-five feet in
height and in the tower are three bells. ^lany improvements have been
made in the church since it was erected and especially during the pastorate
of Father Pfeiffer (1882-99), who frescoed the church, installed new
altars, purchased new statues, put a slate roof on the church, installed an
organ and made many extensive improvements in the grounds surrounding
the church property.
Following Father Oesterling, in 1868, was Rev. ^Michael Heck, who
remained until 1879. During his pastorate a brick residence of eight rooms
was erected and in 1872 he had the satisfaction of dedicating a school build-
ing for the children of the parish. He secured the Venerable Sisters of
4^ FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA.
Oldenburg as teachers and from that time down to the present a flourishing
school has been maintained. During the current year, 1914-15, there were
seventy-seven children enrolled in the school.
Father Heck was removed in 1879 to a larger field of labor and re-
mained at his new post, St. Wendel, Posey county, Indiana, until his death,
in 1899. Rev. John Stolz followed Father Heck, but remained only a few-
months. Rev. J. W. Kemper became the permanent pastor of the church in
1879 and remained until 1S82. Rev. James Pfeiffer was in charge of the
church from 1882 until 1889, this being the longest pastorate of any priest
at Enochburg. He was transferred in 1899 to St. Wendel, Posey county,
Indiana, and was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Haas, who remained ten years.
In 1909 Rev. Plenry Verst became pastor and continued to minister to the
people of the parish until July, 1914, when the present pastor, Rev. Mathias
Schmitz, assumed the charge. The official census for 1914 gives St. John's
church a membership of three hundred and seventy souls. It should be men-
tioned that while the church is usually associated with Franklin county, it
really stands in Decatur county, being just over the line. The residence
stands on the Franklin-Decatur line, while the school house stands in Frank-
lin county.
DREES CHAPEL.
One of the most interesting Catholic chapels in the state is located along
the roadside about half a mile southeast of Oldenburg. This quaint little
chapel owes its existence to Siegfried Koehler, a very pious and devout Cath-
olis, who came from Germany and settled in the vicinity of Oldenburg. On
his voyage to this country the ship in which he chanced to be a passenger was
caught in a heavy storm and for a time it looked as if it would be destroyed.
With death facing him 'Mr. Koehler made a vow that if he were spared that
he would build a chapel in honor of the Mater Dolorosa. His life was spared,
but when he finally got located in Franklin county he was so poor that he
could not fulfill his vow for several years. As soon as he was able he
secured a statue of the Mater Dolorosa, which he kept in his own house
until it finally found its present resting place in the little chapel. By 1871
Mr. Koehler had saved enough money, which, with donations from charitable
friends and neighbors, enabled him to build a small brick shrine, sixteen feet
square and twelve feet in height. Mr. Koehler was sacristan to Rev. Rudolf
and his successors as long as he lived.
The statue of the IMater Dolorosa which had been in his own house
for several years was noAv transferred to the chapel and here it still remains.
FRANKLIN COUNTV, INDIANA. 481
The statue is protected by a railing and in front of the railing is placed the
step on which devout Catholics pay their devotions to the Sorrowful Mother.
The roof projects several feet in order to protect the inside of the chapel.
The building is placed about two hundred feet from the road on the top of
a small eminence and is a well chosen place for those seeking seclusion for
private devotions. The chapel is frequently visited by residents of Olden-
burg and by parties spending their summer vacations there. Great praise is
due to the Sisters of St. Francis for their services in cleaning and decorating
the altar of their beloved ^Mother. ^Most of the expenses are borne by the
Sisters, although donations are frequently made by those who have been
relieved of their troubles as result of a visit to the Sorrowful Mother.
The chapel was built on the corner of Mr. Koehler's farm, who sold to
Frederick Drees. The latter owned the farm for many years and the chapel
has been known as the Drees Chapel ever since he became the owner of the
farm on which it is located. After the death of Mr. Drees, Joseph Schmidt
became the owner of the farm and he, in turn, deeded it a few years ago to
his son, Leo, the present owner. All of these men have shown commendable
zeal in keeping the shrine in good repair. The chapel was dedicated in 1871
by Rev. Bonaventure Hammer, O. F. M.
ST. Raphael's church, laurel.
A few Irish Catholic families settled at Laurel while the canal was
being built and up to 185S were regularly visited by a priest from Shelby-
ville. From 1858 to 1874 the mission was in charge of a priest from Con-
nersville. During most of this time mass had been said at the home of Will-
iam Early. In 1869 a church was erected, Edward Zacharias being the
prime mover in the building of the new^ church. It is a handsome little
frame building, well finished on the interior, and cost fifteen hundred dol-
lars. From 1874 to 1883 Rev. Joseph Fleischmann, of Broolcville. con-
ducted regular services here. The priest from Cedar Grove had charge of
the mission from 1883 to 1906, and since the latter year the little congrega-
tion has been served by the priest from Cambridge City.
(31)
CHAPTER XIX.
NEWSPAPERS OF FRAXKLIX COUNTY.
It is impossible to write the history of a newspaper without having its
complete files, and the fact that complete files of the Franklin county news-
papers have not been preserved renders it impossible to write a complete his-
tory of the county papers. Fortunately, there are bound volumes of the
Democrat and American for many years, as well as one interesting volume
containing incomplete files of the Inquirer, Franklin Repository and first
issues of the Indiana American. The following files of Franklin county
papers are found in the recorder's office in the court house :
BOUND VOLUMES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY NEWSPAPERS.
There is one bound volume of newspapers which contains fugitive issues
of the Brookville Inquirer, the Franklin Repository and the Indiana American.
There is one issue of the Brookville Inquirer, Saturday, October 23, 1S24
(No. 20, Vol. VI, Whole Xo. 332). The editors were D. W. and C. W.
Hutchen. The next paper in this old volume is the Franklin Repository of
October 31, 1826 (Vol. i, No. 53). There are a few issues of this in 1826, a
few in 1827, and several in 182S. the last one being dated November 19, 1828.
This is followed by Vol. l. No. i, of the Brookville Inquirer of January 4,
.1833, which is continued by its editor, C. W. Hutchen, until June 21, 1S33;
the issue is complete between those dates (Januaiy 4 — June 21, 1833). C. F.
Clarkson's Indiana American, Vol. i, No. 29, is the next paper in this bound
volume and the remainder of the volume contains a complete file of the Amer-
ican for the rest of 1833.
The files of the Democrat are complete from 1868 down to the present
time. There are two other bound volumes of the Democrat : the complete
year of 1853 and one volume, ^lay 31, 1861 — August 7, 1863.
There are many years missing from the files of the American. The
first issue of the American, as well as the remaining for that year (1833),
are in the miscellaneous volume above mentioned. Seven bound volumes con-
tain practically all of the issues from May 3. 1834, to the close of 1853.
There are no more issues of the American (or its Civil- War namesake, the
.1 \ ■ ,.l '7
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 483
National Defender) until 1870. The files of the paper are complete from
that year down to the present time.
In addition to the files of the Broolcvillc papers, there are two bound
volumes of the Laurel Reviexv (1887-88).
This chapter has been compiled with reference to the copies of papers
which have been examined, and if there is any doubt concerning the names
of editors, dates of papers or changes of ownership, it is so indicated in the
text.
THE FIRST PAPERS.
The first chapter in the newspaper history of Franklin county covers the
period from 18 15 to 1830. From all indications there seems to be no ques-
tion but that the various papers of this period were printed on the same press.
It is not known when the first paper in Brookville was issued. But a notice
in the commissioners' record of February 2, 18 15, would seem to indicate
that a paper was in existence here at that time. On that date the com-
missioners ordered the payment of one dollar and twenty-five cents to "the
printer for the insertion of the advertisement for the sale of the court house."
Unfortunately, the record does not state to whom this was paid or tell whether
the paper was published in Brookville or some neighboring town. The infer-
ence is, however, that it was paid to a local printer, and it seems that this
printer was a man by the name of Ogle.
The best information concerning this pioneer newspaper man of Frank-
lin county is found in a letter of C. F. Clarkson to L. L. Burke, dated June
4, 1888. Apropos of this first paper, Clarkson has the following to say:
"The first paper started in Brookville was commenced sometime in the year
1815 by a man by the name of Ogle. I have never seen a copy of his paper
after a thorough search and inquiry for it during the twenty-one years which
.1 published a paper in Brookville. Nor was I able to learn anything of the
history of the publisher. The paper, as well as the publisher, was ephemeral,
as eighteen years afterwards no citizen of Brookville could tell how long it
was published or what became of the publisher. It was called the Plain
Dealer." Clarkson is also authority for the statement that a paper by the
same name was established in October, 181 6. by Bethuel F. Morris and John
Scott. The exact date of the first issue by the new proprietors is unknown,
although the twenty-first number was dated March 25, 1817". Morris &
Scott continued to publish this paper at more or less regular interv'als until
1820, although sometime before February 12, 1820, they changed its name
to the Brookville Enquirer and I ndiaiia Telegraph, and later in the same 3'ear
484 FRANKLIN COL'NTY, INDIANA.
they disposed of it to D. W. and C. W. Hutchcn. This date is more or less
problematical and is given on the authority of Clarkson. The historian has
seen one copy of the paper published by the Hutchen brothers, the same being
known as the Brookville Inquirer and dated Saturday, October 23, 1824 (Vol.
VI, No. 20, Whole No. 332). However, their paper seems to have been
called the Franklin Rep-uhlican at one time. Just when the Hutchen brothers
obtained the paper or at what time they began calling' it the Inquirer is not
known. In this issue of Octoljcr 23, 1824, the editors of the Inquirer say,
editorially, that "Great exertions are being made to establish another print-
ing office in this place and no doubt it has been suggested to the people as
absolutely necessary. A word is sufficient — we can do all the business for
this place and as much more." It has not been ascertained who the courageous
printer was, but from the fact that Augustus Jocelyn established the Franklin
Repository in October, 1825, there might be reason to suspect that he was
the printer in question.
In the Inquirer of October 23, 1824, there is an announcement, dated
October 7, 1824. which shows that on the latter date the partnership between
Robert John and I. N. Hanna, known by the firm name of Robert John &
Company, was dissolved. John & Company had cliarge of the Inquirer, it is
thought, but whether they sold it to J. W. Scott or the Hutchen brothers, is
not known. It is more than likely that Scott purchased a paper from them.
but, according to the best information, Scott stole the money witli which to
make the purchase and shortly afterwards disappeared from Brookville. It
is probable that Rev. Augustus Jocelyn, the ^Methodist minister, was the next
man to take charge of the paper.
The first issue of Jocelyn's paper which has been seen is dated October
31, 1826 (Vol. I, No. 53). This would put the first issue in October, 1825.
The last issue of the Repository on file in the recorder's office is dated Novem-
ber 19, 1828, although it is certain that it was published a year or so after
that time. On September 11, 1827, Jocelyn started an advertisement in his
paper in which he ofifered his newspaper for sale, saying that ill health was
the reason for his desire to retire from the business.
Sometime in 1828 or 1829, Reverend Jocelyn gave his paper the agricul-
tural title. The Brookinlle Western Agriculturist, and. no doubt, felt that the
new name would bring it more support. But he reckoned in vain. Fifteen
years had now elapsed since Ogle had started the first paper in Brookville,
and the presumption is that the seven different owners had published their
respective papers under various nanies on the same press.
The next chapter in the history of Franklin county newspapers is fea-
FRANKLIN COUNTY, IJiDlANA. 485
tured by an entire absence of any paper whatever. The failure of the Meth-
odist preacher to make a success of a paper must have seemed conclusive
proof to any prospective newspaper men that it was impossible to make a
success of a paper in Franklin county. In January, 1820, Jocelyn sold the
press and type of his defunct paper to Milton Gregg', who promptly hauled
them out of town, not caring- to rush in where a preached had failed. The
press, which had been doing duty in Brookville for fifteen years, was taken to
Lawrenceburg and in that flourishing town Gregg started the Western States-
man. It may be noted in passing that this press was what was known as a
Ramage pattern, and was probably brought direct from Philadelphia to Brook-
ville in 181 5.
From 1830 to 1833 there was no paper published in Franklin county,
although, in November, 1832, C. F. Clarkson issued a prospectus in which
he stated that he intended to start a paper at Brookville to be known as the
Indiana American. However, C. W. Hutchen issued his prospectus for the
Brookville Enquirer at about the same time and Clarkson, after investigating
the field, decided that the county could not support tv/o papers, since it was
apparent that Flutchen was determined to establish the paper. Consequently
the next paper in the county was established by the same Hutchen who had
been connected with the Plain Dealer in 1820.
The first issue of the Brookville Enquirer was on January 4, 1833. By
the following July, Hutchen, who was not managing the paper to the satis-
faction of the owners, William Seal & Company, evidently so incurred the dis-
pleasure of his employers that they were willing to sell out to Clarkson.
Clarkson had been publishing the JVestern Statesman at Lawrenceburg, and
had disposed of his paper to D. Symnes, Major, with the intention of either
buying out Hutchen at Brookville or starting another paper in the town. In
July, 1833, Clarkson finally succeeded in securing possession of the Brookville
Enquirer, and No. 29, Vol. i, dated July 19, 1833, contains Clarkson's "Salu-
tatory."
Upon securing possession of the Enquirer from Hutchen, in 1833, Clark-
son immediately changed its name to the Indiana American and continued it
under this title until 1853, at which time he disposed of it to Rev. Thomas A.
Goodwin.
Editor Goodwin was not a newspaper man, although a very forceful
writer. While the paper had previously been Whig in politics, Goodwin
made an effort to put out an independent, non-political sheet. Goodwin had
a sarcastic way of saying things and his paper stirred up no little amount
of discussion. In addition to publishing the American, Goodwin issued a
486 FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA.
temperance sheet for a short time with the striking heading, The Temperance
Spontoon. After the presidential election of 1856, Goodwin moved his news-
paper plant to Indianapolis, the transfer taking place April 2, 1857. The
Franklin Democrat, April 3, 1857, says "The Indiana American has moved
to Indianapolis; the press left yesterday." There seems to have been a paper
established in Brookville to take the place of the American, but its name, as
well as its editor, has been swallowed up in oblivion.
The Brookville American was revived in 1B58 by Foster & Hunter, but
the firm was dissolved within a few weeks, Hunter disposing of his interest in
the paper to his partner. Foster seemed to have difficulty in keeping the
paper going and, after a fevered and fitful existence, it suspended publication
in February, 1861. Foster met with many discouragements during his brief
career with the paper and several issues of hia paper were issued in the Demo-
crat office because of his illness and inability to take charge of his press.
The Democrat was the only paper in the county until August, i86i, when
Charles A. Bingham and U. V. Kyger purcha.sed the plant of the American
from Foster and established Tlie National Defender. This paper, as the
name indicates, was a stanch supporter of the administration of President
Lincoln and bitterly assailed the opposition to the progress of the Civil War
as voiced in the columns of the Democrat. Kyger disposed of his interest
in the paper, in 1S64, to Richard Swift, of Blooming Grove, and at the same
time the name of the paper was changed to the Brookville American. Within
a year Bingham became the sole owner of the paper and continued as such
until he issued the last number of the Indiana American, November 3, 1871.
From that time until January 4, 1872, the press of the paper stood idle. On
the latter date, Milton L. Wilson, who had purchased the plant of Bigham,
issued the first number of the Brookville American, and called it Vol. [,
No. I. Wilson had been formerly connected with a paper at Newark, Ohio,
and came to Brookville with a reputation as a practical newspaper man.
However, for reasons which have not been discovered, he did not succeed.
and on October 11, 1872, he issued his last number of the paper. In this
number he announced that he had sold it to Capt. William A. Bcasley and
the new owner took immediate possession, his name appearing as owner and
editor in the issue of October 18, 1872. It is to be noted that he made a
slight change in the name of the paper, and during his connection with it
he called it the Brookville Weekly American. In the issue of November 15,
1872, the owners appear as W. A. Beasley & Company, and they continued as
managers and editor? until the last issue, February 21, 1873.
M. C. Price became the next owner and editor of the paper and made
r. FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 487
his bow on February 28, 1873. On October 30, 1873, Price returned to the
old name of The BruokviUc American. Price was not a printer, and ad-
mitted this fact in his first issue, su it is not to be wondered that he retained
the paper only a short time. His career ended with the issue of November
27, 1873, at which time he announced that C. W. Stivers, a practical news-
paperman of Liberty, Indiana, had taken over the management of the paper.
Stivers brought with him from Liberty A. M. Dawson, an experienced
printer as well as a local writer. Dawson was entrusted with the mechanical
execution and business management of the paper, and also served as local
editor. The second issue of the paper under the new management (Decem-
ber-11, 1873) states that Stivers is editor and proprietor, while Dawson is
local editor and publisher. Just how the two men divided the mechanical
and editorial management of the paper, the historian leaves an experienced
newspaper man to figure out.
Stivers issued his last number June 24, 1874, and in the issue of that
date. said: "I have sold the American newspaper and job printing office to
A. M. Dawson, to whom belonged the credit for making the paper what it has
been for .the past six months. Our successor, Mr. Dawson, we recommend
as a gentleman in every way worthy of confidence and respect. He is a prac-
tical printer, a pointed and peerless writer, and will make the American all
that the Republicans of Franklin county could desire." Dawson continued
in charge of the paper a few montlis. when he disposed of it to J. Stivers and
brother. These gentlemen terminated their connection with the American
with the issue of September 6, 1877.
William H. Green followed the Stivers Brothers as owner and editor of
the American, and issued his first paper September 13, 1877. Green appears
to have been a successful new'spaper man and for eleven years safely piloted
the paper in a strongly Democratic county. With his last issue, of April 5.
1888, Green announced that, on account of his ill health, he had sold his
paper.
The new owner, Louis L. Burke, was a practical printer from Wash-
ington, D. C., and introduced himself to the reading public of Franklin
county with his issue of April 12. 1888. Burke changed the size of his paper
on August 17, 1893, to a six-column quarto, and this size has been maintained
ever since. Burke was connected with the paper as editor and owner until
December 29, 1904, when he disposed of it to E. C. Hancock. Burke later
located in Worthington and lived there until his death. Hancock issued his
first number on January 5, 1905, and his last number on April 15, 1909. He
was compelled to retire from the paper on account of failing eyesight. He
■> '
,fif ■!■
488 FRANKLIX COUNTY, INDIANA.
rested for about two years and was then connected for about a year and a
half with a paper at Ashtabula, Ohio. His eyes aj^ain soon compelled him
to give up his work. Later he was business manager of the Muncie Chronicle.
Since the first of 1915 he has been editor and business manager of the Ashta-
bula (Ohio) Beacon.
I. M. Bridgeman, the present owner and editor, who bought the paper
from Hancock, issued his first number April 22, 1909. Before assuming the
management of the paper, ]Mr. Bridgman had been engaged in banking and
educational work. Fifteen years of his life had been spent as a teacher in
the public schools of Indiana and Illinois.
THE people's friend.
The People's Friend was a Democratic paper started by Hutchen &
Berry in 1836, and was very probably established for the purpose of advo-
cating the election of Van Buren. The history of this paper is difficult to
trace, since there are no definite records concerning its existence. It is known
from a fugitive copy, dated January 6, 1837, that William West and James
Wright were the publishers and William D. Pattee, the printer. In accord-
ance with the custom of that day, it carried a striking motto at its head and
the optimistic words, "Era of Good Feeling — Dawn of a Better Day," were
intended to cheer its readers. In the issue mentioned, it is stated that '"this
is the last number which will be printed of this size." In further explanation
of the proposed enlargement of the paper, the editors say, "We had stopped
for that purpose before, but bad roads prevented our getting the necessarv-
material. We cannot say when the next paper will be issued, but it will be
as soon as possible, and. after that, regularly."
According- to the best information obtainable, it appears that when The
People's Friend appeared after its proposed increase in size, it was called the
Franklin Democrat.
The Franklin Democrat was established December 7, 1838, by James
Seal, Jr., and Charles T. Cake. This partnership continued imtil sometime in
May, 1839, when Seal bought out the interest of his partner in the paper
and became the sole proprietor. Seal continued to publish the paper until
December 11, 1840, when he sold it to Charles Riley and John S. Glisson.
The new firm continued its publication until June, 1842, at which time Glisson
disposed of his interest in the paper to John S. Williams. On November 3,
1843, Henry Berry, Jr., and Benjamin H. West purchased the paper of Rilev
& Williams, the new owners continung ts publication until May 26, 1848.
■;-.!/
FRANKLIN COUNTY, INDIANA. 489
At this date Nelson Abbott purchased West's interest, and in March, 1849,
Abbott secured the interest of Berry. The latter continued as sole owner
and editor of the paper until February 2:2, 1852, at which time the newspaper
plant was almost totally destroyed by fire, entailing a lo?s of three hundred and
fifty dollars. It was on this same day that the court house, as well as many
buildings on the west side of Main street, was burned. In the Brookville
American of P"ebruary 2^, 1852, is noted the following interesting letter:
"American Ofifice,
"Brookville, Ind., Feb. 25, 1852.
"Dear Mr. Berry: In the absence of Mr. Abbott, I tender to you the
free use of my office, materials and press, arid such other aid as you may
need in publishing the Franklin Donocrat until Mr. Abbott's return. And
to him also until he shall be able to procure other materials for its publication.
"Yours respectfully,
"C. F. Clarkson,
"Editor of Brookville American."
At the time of the fire, Abbott was in Indianapolis and Henry Berry had
charge of the Deniocrat during his absence. The kind invitation of the editor
of the American was replied to in the following manner:
"Brookville, Ind., Feb. 25, 1S52.
"Dear Sir:
"Your kind note of this instant is received in which you profTer the free
use of your ofifice, materials, press and such other aid as may be needed in
publishing the Franklin Democrat, until Mr. Abbott shall be able to procure
other materials for its publication. The offer is worthy of a generous heart
and may, for ought I know, be accepted on the return of ]^.Ir. Abbott. It is
impossible to publish a paper this week, the work done being all knocked into
pi, and the outside of the Democrat printed and lost in the fire.
"Respectfully yours,
"H. Berry, Jr.,
"Acting Editor of Franklin Democrat."
In this same issue of the American, Clarkson makes an appeal to the sub-
scribers of the Democrat to pay their arrears at once in order that the editor
may be able to re-establish his paper at the earliest possible moment. "We
are not prepared to ask anything in the shape of c! arity. Such acts towards
490 FRANKLIN- COUNTY, INDIANA.
him might cramp his iiulei;ciulcncc a.-> an editor : but \vc ask that ample justice
be done him in the payment of the last farthing. Three or four hundred
dollars will be needed by him to purchase a new press and other materials to
issue his paper." On July 2, 185-', the Dnnccrat issued its first number
following the fire, with Cyrus B. i'-cntley as editor. It wi'.s continued under
the same management without internn'ssion until August, 1S63. when Bentley
sold it to Nathan T. Carr. Bentley sold the paper on account of being elected
county auditor, an office which he held from 1863 to 1871. Carr retained the
management of the paper until the winter of 1866, \vhen Bentley agan Ijecamc
the owner. On February 5, 1S60, Bentley sold the paper to \Villiam Roiic^on
and William B. IMaddock, the new owners conducting it until Ai'.srust 9, 1872.
At this date John Brady became its os^ner and editor, and he contirued to issue
it regularly until October 30, 1873. ^-^" ^h'* <^^^^ he says: "With the present
number of the Democrat my connection wiLh it ceases. I have sold the office
to Cyrus B. Bentley, who will hereaft-r control it. If during my connection
hwit the Democrat I have said or done anything for which I am borry, I am
indeed very glad of it, and, in conclusion, please allow me to subscribe myself,
most affectionately, yours, like thunder."
Bentley continued to publish the paper until his death. Jure 6, 1882. In
the issue of June 29, 1882. it was aimounced that it had been sold to George
Downey, a son of Judge Downey, of Rising Sun, and Edgar R. Quick, a son
of Dr. John H. Quick, of Erookville. The new owners issued their first
number July 6, 18S2, and stated iii their opening issue that, "as in the past,
the Democrat will in the future be Democratic in all things, devoted to the
cause and ever watchful of the best interests of town and countv. generailv."
On December 20, 1883, Downey announced his retirement frcm the proper
and added in his valedictory that he intended to return to the practice of law.
Quick issued his first number on December 27, 1883. and conckided his con-
nection with the paper with the issue of June 20, 1889. Ir. this issue he
announces that he has sold the paper to A. X. Crecraft and that the latter
intends to instal William K. Bracken as editor and manager of the paper.
The new owner had been connected with the schools of Franklin countv for
many years and during part of this time was county superintendent. \\'ith
his second issue, June 27. 1889, he increased the size of tlie paper to a si.x-
column quarto.
Octoher 31, 1891. it again changed ownership, the consideration being
six thousand dollars, since which time ]M. H. Irvvin. who was born and reared
at Fairfield, has been its editor and publisher, having published it for a longer
number of years than any of his predecessors. The name was changed from
6576 I
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