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HISTORY 


HANCOCK  COUNTY, 

INDIANA, 


FROM  ITS  EARLIEST  SETTLEMENT  BY  THE'T\\Lli 
FACE,"  IN  i8 18,  DOWN  TO  1 882. 


iLLUSTRATIiD  WITH  ViEWS,   Maps,   ChAUTS,   PlATS, 

Portraits,  Sketches  and  Dia(;rams, 


FIRST   EDITION, 


PRACTICING  ATTORNEY,  GREENFIELD,  IND     EX-COUNTY  AND 

CITY  SUPERINTENDENT,  AND  LATE  PROFESSOR  OF 

LAW  IN  THE  CENTRAL  INDIANA  NORMAL 


KING  &  BINFORD,  PUBLISHERS. 


< ;  li  HEXFIELD,  IN  OLA  X  A : 
Wh.LIAM   MlTCHKLL,   SteAM   HooK    AXO    [oi;    PkiviI.K. 

1SS2. 


Entered,  accoidiiig  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  iSSj,  by 

j.  II.  HIXFOKD. 

In  tlic  OfRce  of  the  Librarian  of  Consrress.  at  Washinsfton.  D.  C. 


PREFACE. 


Nearl}'  forty  years  have  elapsed  since  the  first  newspa- 
per was  established  in  Greenfield,  and  it  is  a  singular 
omission  that  there  has  never  been  a  history  of  the  covintv 
published.  In  this  respect  Hancock  is  behind  her  sister 
counties. 

The  necessity  of  the  work  at  this  time  is  apparent  to  all. 
The  first  settlers,  in  whose  bosoms  are  contained  our 
unwritten  local  history,  are  fast  passing  away,  and  it  is  our 
duty  to  snatch  from  oblivion  those  facts,  figures  and  items 
of  interest  worthy  of  record  ere  it  is  too  late. 

The  sketch  of  Westland  Church  and  school  contained 
herein  was  furnished  by  John  Brown,  an  old  citizen,  and 
the  onlv  man  livino-  who  knew  all  the  facts,  and  in  the 
absence  of  the  records,  which  were  burned,  could  furnish 
the  same,  and  he  is  now  no  more  on  earth,  save  in  mem- 
or}'.  Other  instances  might  be  cited.  Had  the  publication 
of  the  work  been  postponed  a  few  years,  much  of  the 
rarest  and  best  histor}^  of  the  county  would  have  been 
forever  lost.  Besides,  it  is  a  dutv  we  owe  to  the  memory 
of  the  noble  fathers  who  have  cleared  the  forests,  made 
the  roads,  and  prepared  this  fair  land  for  our  habitation,  to 
]-)reserve  a  record  of  their  li\es  and  noble  acts. 

The  plan  of  the  work  is  simple  and  convenient.  The 
reader  is  first  furnished  with  a  bird's-eye  view  of  the 
county,  from  which  he  obtains  a  general  idea  of  the  terri- 
tory to  be  surveyed  and  the  magnitude  of  the  undertaking. 
The  townships  are  then  considered  in  regular  alphabetical 
order,  and  discussed  as  fully  as  practicable,  consistent  with 
the  limits  of  the   work.     Followin<;  these   are  numerous 


VI  PREFACE. 

chapters,  charts,  tables,  essays,  sketches,  biographies  and 
discussions  of  all  matters  of  historical  interest  in  the  county. 

It  has  been  the  constant  aim  of  the  publishers  to  furnish 
a  complete  histor}-  in  every  respect,  including  an  elaborate 
pen  picture  of  the  present.  Portraits  and  personal  sketches 
of  the  prominent  men  of  the  count}-  and  all  the  county 
officers  will  be  found  herein.  The  heavy  tax-payers,  all 
the  business  men  and  officers  are  noted  in  the  proper  place, 
that  our  patrons  may  have  a  book  to  hand  down  to  their 
children  and  grandchildren  that  will  give  them  not  only 
our  past  history,  but  such  a  coni]ilele  view  of  the  present, 
as  we  should  be  happv  to  iiave  of  the  -past,  when  our 
parents  and  grandparents  were  the  pioneers,  county  and 
township  officers,  tax-pavers  and  business  men  of  the  day. 

The  publishers  have  striven  to  give  a  fair  and  impartial 
history,  without  fear  or  favor,  regardless  of  race,  color, 
party,  sect,  or  an\'  other  consideration,  hence  tlie  reader 
will  tind  herein  sketches  and  portraits  of  representative 
men,  past  and  present,  white  and  colored,  rich  and  poor, 
churchmen  and  non-churchmen,  nati\e-born  and  foreign- 
ers, Whigs,  Free-Soilers,  Know-Nothings,  Republicans, 
Democrats  and  Nationals. 

The  publishers  are  vain  enough  to  think  tliat  tlie  book 
will  be  interesting,  not  onlv  as  a  volume  to  be  read,  but  as 
a  work  of  reference  on  all  important  data  connected  with 
the  county.  They  have  endeavored  to  give  their  patrons 
more,  in  ever}-  respect,  than  was  promised  in  the  prospectus. 
The  book  contains  a  hundred  and  Hftv  pages  extra,  twice 
as  many  portraits,  vastly  more  "rule  and  hgure  "  work, 
and  is  fuller  and  better  in  contents  and  mechanical  make-up 
than  was  originall}-  contemplated  or  ever  represented.  In 
making  these  additions,  however,  it  has  delayed  the  deliv- 
ery of  the  work  somewhat,  but,  in  view  of  the  extra  labor 
and  expense  expended  thereon,  they  trust  their  friends  will 
be  satisfied.  To  partial!}^  offset  this  extra  outla}-,  which 
the  publishers  were  scarcely  justifiable  in  making  on  a 
work  with  necessarily  a  small  circulation,  owing  to  the 
limited  territorv,  thev  have  introduced  a  verv  few  adver- 


PREFACE.  Vll 

tisements  in  the  rear  of  the  book,  and  there  only.  Not  a 
cent  has  ever  been  received  or  asked  for  any  notice  in  the 
various  "business  directories  "  herein,  nor  for  any  biogra- 
phy, personal  sketch  or  other  complimentary  remark  about 
any  person  or  propert}',  man  or  matter.  Only  what  follows 
page  536  is  subject  to  the  charge  of  "paid  notice,"  and 
even  that  in  a  few  years  \\\\\  be  valuable  history,  and  appre- 
ciated bv  the  public  as  showing  who  were  some  of  the 
enterprising  business  men  of.  to-day.  The  publishers  em- 
phatically repudiate  an}-  charge  that  may  be  made,  as  is 
often  done  against  county  histories,  that  it  is  made  up  of 
"advertisements''  and  "paid  puffs." 

The  first  steps  looking  torvvard  toward  the  publication 
01  this  work  were  taken  about  a  year  ago  by  King  i&  Har- 
den, the  latter  of  whom  did  most  of  the  canvassing,  and 
aided  materially  in  getting  the  work  under  headway,  when 
he  sold  his  interest,  September  tirst,  to  J.  H.  Binford,  who 
had  previously  been  employed  to  do  the  writing,  since 
which  the  new  tirm  of  King  &  Bintbrd  have  been  the  sole 
proprietors  and  managers,  and  upon  the  former  has 
devohed  largely  the  labor  of  collecting  the  materials  from 
official  and  other  sources. 

In  presenting  this  work  to  the  public  the  publishers  beg 
the  indulgence  of  their  patrons  and  friends  for  any  errors 
that  may  have  crept  in.  The  materials  have  been  collected 
from  various  sources,  at  a  considerable  expenditure  of  time, 
labor  and  patience,  and  the  memories  of  some  of  the  aged 
pioneer  reporters  being  a  little  deficient,  their  accounts 
may  occasionally  differ,  yet  it  is  believed  on  the  whole  to 
be  correct,  more  so  perhaps  than  are  histories  generally, 
vet,  should  the  reader  discover  errors,  as  he  doubtless  will, 
let  him  "pass  them  lightly  o'er,"  for  no  one  regrets  their 
occurrence  more  than  the  writer.  As  to  the  style  of  the 
composition,  it  was  intended  to  be  plain  and  simple  and 
as  free  from  the  diffuse,  labored  and  pompous  as  possible, 
but  is  not  at  all  times  as  far  removed  from  some  of  these 
detects  as  would  have  been  had  the  writer  had  the  time  to 
rczuritc  and  properly   revise,  but   such   was  impossible  in 


Vlll  PREFACE. 

the  limited  time  that  could  be  spared  from  his  other  duties. 
As  to  the  comprehensiveness  of  the  work,  should  any  one 
look  in  vain  for  some  biography  or  early  reminiscence,  let 
such  a  one  remember  that  it  is  impossible  to  crowd  in  a 
single  volume  an  account  of  everything  of  interest  in  a 
county  of  the  size  and  age  of  Hancock.  To  do  so  would 
require  a  half-dozen  such  works  as  this  and  more  labor 
and  expense  than  the  legitimate  patronage  would  warrant, 
hence  it  is  onlv  a  question  of  a  judicious  selection  of  mate- 
rials and  representative  facts.  However,  there  are  a  few 
churches,  individuals,  bands,  lodges  and  other  matters  left 
unnoticed  that  would  have  received  proper  attention,  not- 
withstanding the  amount  of  matter  claiming  admittance, 
had  the  publishers  been  able  to  tind  any  person  sufficiently 
interested  in  perpetuating  their  memory  to  open  the  bolted 
doois  or  furnish  the  necessary  facts,  but  perhaps  "  what  is 
our  loss  is  their  gain/' 

As  to  the  arrangement  ol  the  portraits,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  a  few  mistakes,  it  is  the  best  that  could  be  done 
under  the  circumstances,  consistent  with  an  even  distribu- 
tion of  the  same  and  a  logical  treatment  of  the  subject. 
In  this  respect,  as  in  every  other,  the  publishers  have 
endeavored  to  be  wholly  impartial  and  non-sectional,  hence 
each  township  is  fully  and  fairly  represented,  the  contrast 
being  seldom  greater  than  the  difference  in  size  and  popu- 
lation. 

To  Senator  Ben  Harrison,  State  Superintendent  John 
M.  Bloss,  the  county  officers,  older  citizens  of  the  county, 
and  others  who  have  contributed  materials  and  substantial 
encouragement  to  the  enterprise,  the  publishers  would 
return  their  sincere  thanks  and  make  their  final  bow, 
admitting,  after  all,  that  how  well  they  have  succeeded  is 
for  their  patrons  to  decide,  whose  verdict  is  irrevocable. 

KING  &  BINFORD. 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


I.  VIEWS. 

Pagje. 

Ccnirt  House 36 

School  House 38 

First  Log  Cabin  in  Greenfield 179 

II.  MAPS. 

Hancock  County  in  1S2S 30 

1  lancock  County  in  1S3.! Sy 

Hancock  County  in  1S50 32 

I  lancock  County  in  1S53 34 

III.     CHARTS. 

Distances  and  Post-offices ^4.: 

(Jeneral  Facts  Talnilated 47S 

Local  Facts  Tabulated 482 

IV.     PLATS. 

Blue- River  Township 4<j 

Hrandywine  Township 77 

IJrown  Townsliip SS 

Huck-Creek  Township 113 

Center  Township 141 

(Jreen  Township 20S 

Jackson  Township 231 

"Sugar-Creek  Township 273 

^'ernon  Tow nsh i  p 311 

V.     PORTRAITS. 


Page. 

Anictt,  S.  II 130 

Addison,  John 266 

l?iadlev,  Nelson 40 

Binford,  f.  H 466 

Hohn,  P."T 247 

Harnard,  William  C 305 

I'inford,  Robert 455 

Harrett,  Charles  E 459 

liradley,  Elizabeth,  frontispiece 2 

Carter,  Joseph  J 226 

Chandler.   Morgan 20 

Collins,  Thomas 22q 

Curry,  I.  A 337 

Cass,  Anaretta 221 

Doctors,  Group  of 22 

Dickerson,  S.  T 204 

Downing,  Charles 369 

I'reeman,  B.  F 199 

I'orts,  Joseph 237 

l-"oster,  John 255 

(iroup  of  Doctors 22 

(iroup  of  Superintendents iiS 

( jooding,  Matilda 2S3 

(Jooding,  D.  S 56 

Gooding,  O.  P 512 

(}illum,C.  B 412 

Hart,  A.  T 15S 

Hawk,  James  C 309 

Hill,  Samuel  B 321 

Howard,  N.  P.,  Sen 362 

Harris,  Lee  O 372 

I  larden,  Samuel 402 

Howard,  N.  P.,Jr 415 


PAGli. 


Hough,  AVilliam  R 

Judkins,  Elam  I 

King,  James  K 

Knox,  George  L 

Marsh,  Ephraim 

Marsh,  John  L  

McNamee,  Benjamin 

Martin,  S.  M 

New,  James  A 

Pope,  Aaron 

Pope,  John  H 

Reeves,  B.  F 

Roberts,  N.  H 

Roberts,  Mary  N 

Riley,  J.  W 

Superintendents,  Group  of. 

Smith,  William  P 

Stuart,  T.  G 

Smith,  R.  A 

Smith,  Robert 

Sparks,  William  J 

Smith,  Jonathan 

Trees,  \Villiam 

Troy,  S.  A..    

Tvncr,  Elijah 

Thompson,  William  11.... 

Warrum,  Noble 

Wilson,  Sarah  f 

AVilliams,  Wesley 

Wright,  Henry 

Wright,  William  M 

Wolf,  John 

Walker,  Meredith 


'V 

4i 

SS 

III 
301 
364 
3S. 

«5 

106 

33  > 
420 

494 
iiS 

35^ 

S'.S 

497 

^4 

% 
22S 
263 

220 
268 
34S 
41S 

.397 

5or> 


VI.     DIAGRAMS. 


One,  two,  three  and  four  on  surveying  and  land  descriptions.    4S7-492. 


INDEX. 


Pace. 
47 


Allorncys 

A  Teacher's  Experience 

Arnett,  S.  H 

Addison,  John 

Mien,  Thompson 

Alyea,  James 

Associate  Judges 

Additions  to  Greenfield 

Additions  to  Charlottsville 245 

15ird's-eye  View  of  County 25 

49 

:.:::::     II 

"3 

304 

269 


,S2 
1  29 
265 

59 
407 
3SS 

75 


likie-River  Township. 
r>raiidywine  Township. 

Hrown  Township 

Uuck-Creek  Townsliip. 
15arnard,  William  C. . . . 
l!ohn,P.  J. 


ISinUird,  James  L 64 

Hanks,  J.  P 405 

Kcntlcy,  Thomas  E 40^ 

I'nisiness  Directory  of  (ireenfield  . . .  1S6 

r.radley.  Nelson.." 3j4 

llradlev,  Elizabeth 410 

I'.ottstord,  Clara  1 310 

lieeson,  Amos  C 420 

liinford,  Robert 4155 

l'.arrett,  Charles  E. . .    4'rg 

l!i"to'-d,J.  H ](S5 

lirandy  wine  Brass  Band S5 

I'.lue-Kiver  Township,  Sequel 395 

r.randywine  Township,  Sequel 

IJible  Society   

Buck-Creek  "Township,  Continued 

Hand,  Cornet,  Greenfield     

Hand,  Cornet,  New  Palestine 

Band,  Cornet,  Brandy  wine 

Charts,  General 

Charts,  County 4S2 

County  Fair 4^9 

Cemeteries 428 

Courts 3S4 

Court-house.. 36-3S6 

Commissioners 46 

Circuit  Judges 3Sj 


404 

447 
124 
203 

2^ 

47S 


Commissioners''  Court.. 

Center  Township 

Center  Township,  Continued 

Cut  of  First  Cabin 

Cass,  Anaretta   


3S4-5 
141 


Commmon  Pleas  Court 

Courts  in  Churches  and  Seminary. 

County  Officers 

C[irter,  Joseph  J 

Collins,  Thomas 


Circuit  Court 3S4-391 

Courts  of  Conciliation      "        392 

''  ^.         ^.        .  -^^ 

3S6 

226 
108 

Curry,  Isaiah  A 3^8 

Coffin,  Elihu,   Sen 65 

Collyer,  Wellington 40; 

Chandler,  Morgan 3-T 

Craft,  John   A 2-1 

Chapman,  Joseph. .^21; 

Commandery,  Hancock 421 

Curry's  Chapel,  M,  E 202 

COrnct  Band,  Greenfield 203 

Coinet  Band,  New  Palestine 299 

Center  Church,  Friends 261 

249 


Charlottesville      241; 

Charlottesville  Directory 24S 

CarroUton gi 

Cemeteries  of  Greenfield 17S 

Dennis,  Augustus 66 

l>ow,  Eorenzo 1 22 

Dickerson,  Stephen  T 20^ 

Downing,  Charles -^-'o 


Pag  I'.. 

Dye,  John  E 41  j 

Directory  of  Palestine    290 

Directory  of  Philadelphia 292 

Dunbar," H.J   4-S 

Dunkard  Church 33^ 

Diagrams 48;' 

Daughters  of  Rebecca 104 

Distances,  Table  of 442 

Directory,  Greenfield 1S6 

Derry,  Samuel 170 

Directory,  Offici.al 46 

Exemption  Laws 39^ 

Ex-County  Officers .  484 

Eden  Chapel    85 

Eden  Chapel,  Green  'J'ownsliij) 224 

Eden  Church,  ISaptist 230 

Eureka  Lodge 195 

Eden,  Town  of  223 

Ex-Officurs,  Center  Townsliip 160 

Edwards  I-odge 334 

Freeman,  Benj.  F 30S 

Fort,  Joseph   366 

Foster,  John 410 

Faut,  E.  H       461 

Forkner,  Mark  E 4^2 

Fortville  Church,  M.  E   336 

Friends'  Church,  Charlottesville. , .  .  257 

Friends' Church,  Westland 399 

Friends'  Church,  AVestern  Grove. . .  7^ 

Friends'  Church,  Center   261 

Farmers'  Insurance 399 

Fair,  County 43CJ 

First  Cabin jyy 

Fires  in  Greenfield    182 

Frost,  William    16^ 

Growth  of  County 436 

Gilliam,  C.  B   ...    422 

Gooding,  David  S    451 

Gooding,  O.  1' 463 

Gooding,  Matilda 460 

Greenfield  M.  E.  Church 197 

German  M.  P.  Church 29- 

German  Lutheran  Church 360 

Gilboa  M.  K.  Church 400 

Green  Township  20S 

Greenfield  Cornet  Band   205 

Greenfield,  City  of 172 

Greenfield  Business  Directory 186 

Greenfield  School  Building  " 38 

Green  Township,  Continued 223 

Gem  P.  O   204 

Hall,  H.  H.,  Letter  of i^j 

Hart,Andrew  T ^(^ 

Hawk,  James  C 355 

Harris,  Lee  O 371 

Howard,  N.  P.,  Senior  372 

Hill,  Samuel  B   400 

Harrison  Township 115S 

Harlan,   Stephen 107 

Hopkins,  John  D   126 

Hough,  William  R 3S0 

Howard,  N.  P.,  Jr 41^ 

Hopewell  Church 124 

Hancock  Medical  Society 366 

History  of  Schools "430 

Hancock  County  in  1828 30 

Hancock  County  in  1S32 89 

Hancock  County  in  1S50.   32 

Hancock  County  in  1SS2 34 

Hays,  John '. 161 

Harris,  Mrs.  George 161 

I.  0,0.  F.,  (ireenfield 193 

I.  O.  O.  K.,  Warrington 104 

I.  0.0.  F.,  Charlottesville 269 

I.  O.  O.  F..  Fortville 334 


INDEX. 


II 


I.O.  ().  F.,   McCorilsvilli;    

I.  O.  G.  T   

hiy,  R.  G    

"judkins,  James   

jiulkins.  Eliun  I   

Johns,  Koliison    

Jackson  Township 

Jackson  Township,  Continued.    . .. 

"iMils 

(ackson  Township  Scliools 

"King,  T:imes  K  

Knox,  Gcorsje  L 

Kcenier,  William,  Mobbed 

Landis,  Mrs.  Mary   

l.ick-Creck  Church 

^^arsh,  Jonas   

Marsh,  John  I^   

McXamee.  Benjamin 

Marsh,  Ephraini 

Muth,  Georjre 

Martin,  Samuel  M 

Mason,  James  L 

Milner's  Corner  

Mt.  Olivet  Church 

Mt.  Gillead  Church 

Mt.  Carniel  Cluirch     

Macedonia  Church ; .  . . 

Missionary  Union  Baptist  Church  . 

Mt.  Carmel,  of  Vernon 

McCordsville  M.  E.  Church 

Masons,  (Jreenfield 

Masons,  Charlottesville 

Masons,  AVarrington 

Masons,  Eden 

Masons,  New  Palestine 

Masons,  Fortville       , 

Masons.  McCordsville 

INIanitau  Tribe 

Medical  Profession    

McCordsville   

Methodism  in  Greenfield 

Nameless  Creek  Church 

.New  Palestine  M.  E.  Church 

NiUarjrer.  John    

New,  ]amesA 

Newby,  E.  P   

Nashville 

New  Palestine  Band   , 

-New  Palestine,  Town  of 

■Offutt,  Charles  G   

Odd  Fellows.  Greenfield    

Odd  Fellows.  Warrinijloii    

Odd  F'ellows,  Charlottesville. 

Odd  Fellows,  Fortville 

Odd   Fellows.    McCordsville 

Order  of  Good  Templars 

■Our  Country 

Official  Directory 

Our  Forefathers 

Paris.  Lewis  B 

Post  Offices ...     

Philadelphia  M.  E.  Church 

Pleasant  Grove  M.  E.  Church  .  . . . 

I'leasant  Hill  M.  E.  Church 

Pleasant  View  M.  E.  Church 

Presbyterians 

Papers  of  Greenfield 

Prog^ress  of  Schools 

Prefession ,  Medical 

Porter,  William  H 

Parker,  Georjre  W 

Pope,   Aaron 

l'ope,John    II   

Pierson,  Morris 

Patterson,  Andrew  M 

Probate  Courts 

I'etit  lurv 


P.\GE.  I 

'9+ 


370 
379 
40,? 
-'3' 
245 
39? 
25' 
473 
4" 
16S 
270 


1 1 1 
300 
373 
40S 
419 

457 
223 

.';7 


132 

261 

341 
340 

260 

103 

227 
300 
334 
.335 
333 

354 
3.30 
197 

298 
107 
416 
470 

99 
299 
2S9 
469 
192 
104 
269 
334 
336 
194 

'^ 
343 
171 
36-44^ 
294 
124 
254 
39S 
19s 
440 

430 
354 

86 

I2<) 
306 
406 

349 

93S 
3S5 


Pagk. 

Palestine 289 

Philadelphia 292 

Roberts,  Mrs.  Isaac SC-^ 

Roberts,  N.  H 40S 

Roberts,  Miss  Mary  N 419 

Reeves,  Benjamin  F" 104 

Real  Estate   444 

Roberts  Chapel 225 

Recapitulation,  Green  Townsliip. . .  .  222 

Reedy,  Jerry  and  Son 166 

Railroads 44 

Sug'ar-creek  Township   273 

Sujifar-creek  Township,  Continued  . .  2S9 

Streams      2S 

Shiloah  Church 62 

Sujrar-creek  Church   84 

Su^ar-creek  M.  E.  Church   202 

Synopsis,  Jackson  Township 244 

Synopsis,   Greenfield 184^ 

Streets  and  Walks  in  Greenfield ....  184 

Suicide,  Wm.  Wood 163 

Stuart,  Isaac 162 

Surveyinij 485 

Safe   Robbery   474 

Sequel  to  Brandvwine  Township.. .  .  404 

Sequel  to  Blue-river  Township 49^ 

Shelby,  Joshua  W 12S 

Shultz,  Joseph   F 271 

Smith,  R.  A   350 

Smith,  W.P 351 

Sparks,  Wm.  J   3^7 

Smith,  Jonathan 376 

Smith,  Robert 427 

Stuart,  J.  G 405 

Sample,  James 452 

Slifer,  Jacob 456 

Sardis  Lodge   260 

St.  Thomas  Catholic  Church 339 

Tempeiancein  Blue-river 396 

Temperance  in  Fortville      33^ 

Tyner,  Elijah 58 

Trees,  William 10.1 

Troy,  S.  A 228 

Thomas,  Phineas   108 

Tvner,  James 406 

Thomas,  Hiram 407 

Thompson,  Wm.   II 425 

Township  Trustees 47 

Table  of  Distance 442 

Taverns.  Fir.st. 1S6 

Union,  W.  C.  Temperance .333 

Union   Chapel 125 

United  Brethren loi 

Vernon  Township 310 

Vernon  Township,  Continued 326 

Warrington 98 

Willow  Branch 99 

Wood,  Wm .   S   163 

\Vilson,  Sarah  J 219 

Western  Grove 7.> 

Wcstland 399 

Woodburv,  M.  E.  Church 339 

Wolf's  Mill 395 

Warrum,  Harmon 60 

Wright,  Joseph 131 

Walker,    Meredith 272 

Warrum,  Noble 262 

Williams,  Wesley 267 

Winn,  Joseph 342 

Walpole,  Thomas  D 413 

AVolf,  John 401 

Wright,  Ilenrv 4'<'^ 

Wright,  AVm.  'M 418 

White,  John  H 4.5^' 

Woodbury .332 

Will,  L.  Dow's i.W 

Zion's  Chapel loi 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 
uird's-eye  view  of  county. 
Location,  size,  bounciary,  orgariization,  origin  of  name,  population  in  1S2S  and  iSSj.. 
voters,  condition  of  county  then  and  now  by  comparison  and  contrast,  topography,  soil, 
w-iter,  health,  exports  formerly  and  at  present,  productions  in  bushels,  limber,  gravely 
sand,  streams,  map  of  county  in  1S2S,  origin  and  organization  of  townships,  plat  of 
county  from  iSjo  to  1S53,  first  settlers,  plat  of  county  from  1S53  to  present,  early  inci- 
dents, post-offices  and  villages,  cut  of  court-house,  public  buildings,  cut  of  Greenfield 
school  building,  taxes  for  1S32  and  other  years,  railroads,  papers,  intelligence,  home  of 
prominent  men,  poets  and  politicians,  churches,  loyalty,  official  directory.     25-4S. 

CHAPTER  II, 

nr.ii:-Ri\EK  TOWNSHIP. 
Plat,  origin  of  name,  organization,  changes  in  territorj',  location,  boundary,  si/.u. 
streams,  first  mills,  first  township  settled,  first  log  cabin,  blacksmith,  school-house, 
orchard,  stcri  and  fence,  early  incidents,  first  settlers,  scenery,  soil^  surface,  prosperity, 
educational  and  church  advantages,  mills  and  factories,  roads  and  railroads,  population, 
value  of  real  and  personal  property,  taxes,  heavy  tax  payers,  justices,  physicians,  early 
and  modern  merchants,  ex-trustees,  former  citizens  living  elsewhere,  ex-county  officers, 
exports,  value  of  school  property,  politics  and  population.    49-57. 

CHAPTER  III. 

ULLE-KIVER   TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED. 

Mount  Olivet  Church,  Luse's  tile-factory,  Rule''s  saw-mill,  Elijah  Tyner,  Adam 
Allen's  pioneer  life,  history  of  Shiloah  Church,  James  L.  Binford,  Elihu  Coffin,  Sen., 
personal  sketch  of  Augustus  Dennis,  sketch  ot  the  pioneer  life  of  Harmon  Warruin, 
Western  Grove  Church.     57-76. 

CHAPTER  I\'. 

BRANDYWINE   TOWNSHIP. 

Plat,  origin  of  name,  when  organized  and  of  what  it  consisted,  changes  in  territory, 
location,  boundary  and  size,  streams,  first  and  present  mills,  first  settlers,  topography, 
timber,  roads  and  railroads,  a  few  first  things,  schools,  value  of  school  property,  popu- 
lation, polls  and  politics,  valuation  and  taxation,  heavy  tax-payers,  general  items, 
ex-justices,  trustees,  ex-county  officers,  deaths,  exports.     77-S3. 

CHAPTER  V. 

UK  ANDY  WINE    TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED. 

Carrollton,  Sugar-Creek  Church,  Eden  Chapel,  brass  band,  William  H.  Porter,  M  rs_ 
Isaac  Roberts.     S3-S7. 

CHAPTER  Vr. 

IIROWN    TOWNSHIP. 

Plat,  general  view,  plat  of  county  in  1S32,  explanations,  suggestions  and  historical 
I'acts,  location,  boundary,  size,  timber  and  topography,  streams,  earliest  land  entries,, 
first  settlers,  first  election,  mills,  muley  and  modern,  roads,  railroads,  synopsis,  teachers 
and  schools,  population,  polls,  vote,  vahiation,  taxes  and  tax-payers,  murders,  suicides 
an  1  rem  i-kable  deaths,  township  trustees,  justices  of  the  peace,  ex-county  officers, 
exports,     si-i/'. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


13 


HROWN   TOWNSIIU' — CONTINUED. 

Warrington,  Nashville,  Willow  Hrancli  P.  O.,  Concord  Baptist  Church,  Zion's 
•Chapel,  yi.  E.,  the  United  Brethren,  Christian  Church  at  Warrington,  Free  Masons,  I. 
O.  O.  F.  of  Warrington,  Daughters  of  Rebecca,  sketch  and  portrait  of  15.  F.  Reeves, 
Steplien  Harlan,  John  Nibarger,  Phineas  Thomas,  Thomas  Collins,  Dr.  William  Trees, 
Jonas  Marsh,  sketch  and  portrait  of  Dr.  John  L.  Marsh.     9S-112. 

CHAPTER  VI!I. 

HUCK-CREEK    TOWNSHIP. 

Plat,  name,  changes  in  size,  location,  surface,  soil  and  drainage,  streams,  first  settle- 
ment and  land  entry,  first  settlers,  first  births,  deaths,  marriages,  burials,  suicide, 
preacher,  teacher,  doctor  and  blacksmith,  mills,  merchandising,  cut  of  Superintendents, 
■educational,  synopsis,  roads,  railroad,  population,  vote,  polls,  value  of  real  and  personal 
property,  taxes  and  heavy  tax-payers,  ex-county  officers,  productions,  physicians,  justices 
•  of  the  peace,  township  trustees,  prominent  families,  murder  and  suicide.     113-123. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

BUCK-CREEK   TOWNSHIP — CONTINLliD. 

Hopewell  'M.  E.  Church,  Pleasant  Grove  M.  E.  Church,  Union  Chapel,  John  D.  Hoii- 
Ikins,  Joshua  Shelby,  George  W.  Parker,  S.  H.  Arnett's  biography  and  portrait,  Joseph 
Wright,  Barzilla  G.Jay,  Macedonia  Churcli,  Eorenzo  Dow.     124-140. 

CHAPTER  X. 

CENTER   TOWNSHIP. 

Plat  of  township,  origin  of  name,  changes  in  boundary,  size,  surface,  soil,  drainage 
and  productions,  streams,  first  entry  and  early  settlers,  first  preacher,  birth,  death,  &c., 
mills  and  factories,  roads,  railroads,  educational,  number  and  name  of  houses  and  teach- 
ers, portrait  of  James  K.  King,  value  of  school-houses  and  apparatus,  scholastic  popula- 
tion, township  trustees,  churches,  population,  polls  and  vote,  value  of  real  and  personal 
property,  taxes  and  heavy  tax-payers,  law  and  esquires,  portrait  Andrew  T.  Hart, 
first  settlers  of  Harrison  township,  first  business,  ex-county  officers,  murders,  suicides 
and  remarkable  deaths,  portrait  of  William  Trees,  M.  D.,  exports,  remarks.     141-172. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

CENTER   TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED. 

Greviifie/d,  laid  out  in  1S2S,  size  and  naming  of  town,  report  of  commissioners 
appointed  by  General  Assembly,  outline  of  old  to\yn,  additions  1-23,  cemeteries,  cut  of 
first  cabin  in  town,  early  history,  post-office,  sidewalks,  first  business  bricks,  private 
residences,  other  buildings,  remarks,  big  fires,  incorporation  as  town  and  city,  streets, 
synopsis,  first  doctors,  first  attorneys,  first  business  men,  first  taverns,  business  directory, 
'Citv  officers.     172-igo. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

CENTER   TOWNSHIP— CONTINUED. 

Masonic  Lodge  ioi,I.  O.  O.  F".  135,  Eureka  Lodge  No.  20,  K.  of  P.,  Greenfield 
Lodge  No.  1S4, 1.  O.  G.  T.,  Presbyterian  Church,  Greenfield  Methodism,  portrait  of  Ben- 
jamin Freeman,  Mt.  Gilead  Church,  Curry's  Chapel,  Sugar-Creek  M.  E.  Church,  Mt. 
Carmel  M.  E.  Church,  Greenfield  Cornet  Band,  sketch  and  portrait  of  S.  T.  Dicker- 
son.     101-207. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

GREEN   TOWNSHIP. 

Plat,  name  and  organization,  location,  size  and  boundary,  surface,  soil,  drainage  and 
productions,  streams,  first  land  entries  and  first  settlers,  first  election,  historical  anec- 
dote, a  few  first  things,  mills,  roads,  educational,  township  trustees,  churches,  popula- 
tion and  poll,  value  of  real  and  personal  property,  taxes,  law  and  esquires,  first  business, 
physicians,  ex-county  officers,  prominent  families,  murders  and  fatal  accidents,  portraits 
of  Sarah  Jane  Wilson  and  Anuretta  Cass,  recapitulation.     20S-222. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 


bird"s-eye  view  of  county. 
Location,  size,  boundary,  organization,  origin  of  name,  population  in  1S2S  and  iSSu. 
voters,  condition  of  county  then  and  now  by  comparison  and  contrast,  topography,  soil. 
water,  health,  exports  formerly  and  at  present,  productions  in  bushels,  limber,  gravel,, 
sand,  streams,  map  of  county  in  1S2S,  origin  and  organization  of  townships,  plat  ol 
county  from  1S50  to  1853,  first  settlers,  plat  of  county  from  1S53  to  present,  early  inci- 
dents, post-offices  and  villages,  cut  of  court-house,  public  buildings,  cut  of  Greenfield 
school  building,  taxes  for  1S32  and  other  years,  railroads,  papers,  intelligence,  home  of 
prominent  men,  poets  and  politicians,  churches,  loyalty,  official  directory.     25-4S. 

CHAPTER  II. 

HIA'E-RIVEIi    TOWNSIIIP. 

Plat,  origin  of  name,  organization,  changes  in  territory,  location,  boundary,  size, 
.streams,  first  mills,  first  township  settled,  first  log  cabin,  blacksmith,  school-house, 
orchard,  stcr^  aud  fence,  early  incidents,  first  settlers,  scenery,  soil^  surf.ace,  prosperity, 
educational  and  church  advantages,  mills  and  factories,  roads  and  railroads,  population, 
value  of  real  and  personal  property,  taxes,  heavy  tax  payers,  justices,  physicians,  early 
and  modern  merchants,  ex-trustees,  former  cilizens  living  elsewhere,  ex-county  officers, 
exports,  value  of  school  property,  politics  and  population.     49-57. 

CHAPTER  111. 

BLUE-RIVER   TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED. 

Mount  Olivet  Church,  Luse's  tile-factory.  Rule's  saw-mill,  Elijah  Tvner,  Adam 
Allen's  pioneer  life,  history  of  Shiloah  Church,  James  L.  Binford,  Elihu  Coffin,  Sen., 
personal  sketch  of  Augustus  Dennis,  sketch  of  the  pioneer  life  of  Harmon  Warrum. 
Western  Grove  Church.     57-76. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

nRANDYWINE   TOWNSHIP. 

Plat,  origin  of  name,  when  organized  and  of  what  it  consisted,  changes  in  territory, 
location,  boundary  and  size,  streams,  first  and  present  mills,  first  settlers,  topography ,. 
timber,  roads  and  railroads,  a  few  first  things,  schools,  value  of  school  property,  pojiu- 
lalion,  polls  and  politics,  valuation  and  taxation,  heavy  tax-payers,  general  items, 
ex-justices,  trustees,  ex-county  officers,  deaths,  exports.     77-S3. 

CHAPTER  V. 

BRANDVWINE   TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED. 

Carrollton,  Sugar-Creek  Church,  Eden  Chapel,  brass  band,  William  If.  Porter,  Mrs_ 
Isaac  Roberts.     S3-S7. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

BROWN    TOWNSHIP. 

Plat,  general  view,  plat  of  county  in  1S32,  explanations,  suggestions  and  historical 
facts,  location,  boundary,  size,  timber  and  topography,  streams,  earliest  land  entries,, 
first  settlers,  first  election,  mills,  muley  and  modern,  roads,  railroads,  synopsis,  teachers 
and  schools,  population,  polls,  vote,  valuation,  taxes  and  tax-payers,  murders,  suicides 
an  1  remi-kable  deaths,  township  trustees,  justices  of  tlie  peace,  ex-county  officers. 
exports.     si-</\ 


CONTENTS.  13 

CHAPTER  VII. 

BROWN   TOWNSHIP — CONTIN'UED. 

Warrington,  Nashville,  Willow  Branch  P.  O.,  Concord  Baptist  Church,  Zion's 
■Chapel,  M.  E.,  the  United  Brethren,  Christian  Church  at  Warrington,  Free  Masons,  1. 
■O.  O.  F.  of  Warrington,  Daughters  of  Rebecca,  sketch  and  portrait  of  B.  F.  Reeves, 

Stephen  Harlan,  John  Nibarger,  Phineas  Thomas,  Thomas  Collins,  Dr.  William  Trees, 

Jonas  Marsh,  sketch  and  portrait  of  Dr.  John  L.  Marsh.     9S-112. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

BL'CK-CREEK    TOWNSHIP. 

Plat,  name,  changes  in  size,  location,  surface,  soil  and  drainage,  streams,  first  settle- 
inent  and  land  entry,  first  settlers,  first  births,  deaths,  marriages,  burials,  suicide, 
[ireacher,  teacher,  doctor  and  blacksmith,  mills,  merchandising,  cut  of  Superintendents, 
•educational,  svnopsis,  roads,  railroad,  population,  vote,  polls,  value  of  real  and  personal 
propertv,  taxes  and  heavy  tax-payers,  ex-county  officers,  productions,  physicians,  justices 
■  of  tlie  peace,  township  trustees,  prominent  families,  murder  and  suicide.     1 13-123. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

BUCK-CREEK   TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED. 

Hopewell  M.  E.  Church,  Pleasant  Grove  M.  E.  Church,  Union  Chapel,  John  D.  Hop- 
Ikins,  Joshua  Shelby,  George  W.  Parker,  S.  H.  Arnetfs  biography  and  portrait,  joseiih 
Wright,  Barzilla  G.  Jay,  Macedonia  Church,  Lorenzo  Dow.     124-140. 

CHAPTER  X. 

CENTER   TOWNSHIP. 

Plat  of  township,  origin  of  name,  changes  in  boundary,  size,  surface,  soil,  drainage 
and  productions,  streams,  first  entry  and  early  settlers,  first  preacher,  birth,  death,  &c., 
mills  and  factories,  roads,  railroads,  educational,  number  and  name  of  houses  and  teach- 
ers, portrait  of  James  K.  King,  value  of  school-houses  and  apparatus,  scholastic  popula- 
ition,  township  trustees,  churches,  population,  polls  and  vote,  value  of  real  and  personal 
propertv,  taxes  and  heavy  tax-payers,  law  and  esquires,  portrait  Andrew  T.  Hart. 
first  settlers  of  Harrison  township,  first  business,  ex-county  officers,  murders,  suicides 
and  remarkable  deaths,  portrait  of  William  Trees,  M.  D.,  exports,  remarks.     141-172. 

CHAPTER  XI. 

CENTER   TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED. 

Greenfield,   laid   out   in   1S2S,   size  and  naming  of  town,  report   of  commissioners 

appointed  by  General  Assembly,  outline  of  old  tovyn,  additions  1-23,  cemeteries,  cut  of 

first  cabin  in  town,  early  history,  post-office,  sidewalks,  first  business  bricks,  private 

residences,  other  buildings,  remarks,  big  fires,  incorporation  as  town  and  city,  streets, 

synopsis,  first  doctors,  first  attorneys,  first  business  men,  first  taverns,  business  directory, 

•citv  officers.     172-190. 

CHAPTER  XII. 

CENTER   TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED. 

Masonic  Lodge  ioi,I.  O.  O.  F.  135,  Eureka  Lodge  No.  20,  K.  of  P.,  Greenfield 
Lodge  No.  184,1.  O.  G.  T.,  Presbyterian  Church,  Greenfield  Methodism,  portrait  of  Ben- 
jamin Freeman,  Mt.  Gilead  Church,  Curry's  Chapel,  Sugar-Creek  M.  E.  Church,  Mt. 
Carmel  M.  E.  Church,  Greenfield  Cornet  Band,  sketch  and  portrait  of  S.  T.  Dicker- 
son.     101-207. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

GREEN   TOWNSHIP. 

Plat,  name  and  organization,  location,  size  and  boundary,  surface,  soil,  drainage  and 
productions,  streams,  first  land  entries  and  first  settlers,  first  election,  historical  anec- 
dote, a  few  first  things,  mills,  roads,  educational,  township  trustees,  churches,  popula- 
tion and  poll,  value  of  real  and  personal  property,  taxes,  law  and  esquires,  first  business, 
phvsicians,  ex-county  officers,  prominent  families,  murders  and  fatal  accidents,  portraits 
of  Sarah  Jane  Wilson  and  .Xnaretta  Cass,  recapitulation.     20S-222. 


1 6  CONTENTS. 

Jr.,  Ilcnry  Wright,  James  A.  New,  John  E.  Hye,  portrait  ami  sketcli  of  Win.  Wriglit, 
Dr.  S.  M.  Martin,  Miss  Mary  X.  Roberts,  sl<etch  and  jKirtrait,  Amos  C.  Beeson,  A.  M. 
E.  Church,  Hancock  Commandery  No.  6,  a  bit  of  school  liistory,  William  II.  Thomp- 
son, Joseph  Chapman,  Robert  Smith,  cemeteries  of  the  county.    409-429. 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

GENERAL  TOPICS. 

Progress  of  our  schools,  portrait  of  John  H.  Pope,  growth  and  carlj'  incidents, 
county  fair,  papers  of  Hancock  county,  table  of  distances,  post-offices,  to  grantees  ami 
mortgagees  of  real  estate.  County  Bible  Society,  Greenfield  Christian  Church,  portrait 
of  Jonathan  Smith.    430-449. 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

PERSONAL   SKETCHES    AND    URIEK   WIOORAPHIES. 

Judge  D.  S.  Gooding,  James  S.imple,  sketch  and  portrait  of  Robert  Binford.  Jacob 
Slifer,  John  II.  White,  James  L.  Mason,  H.  J.  Dunbar,  sketch  and  portrait  of  C.  E.  Bar- 
rett, Matilda  Gooding,  Ernst  II.  Faut,  Gen.  O.  P.  Gooding,  autobiography  and  portrait 
of  J.  H.  Binford,  Charles  G.  Oftutt,  L.  P.  Newby,  A.  M.  Patterson,  Judge  Forkner,  J.  K. 
King,  safe  robbery.    450-475. 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

CHARTS   AND   MISCELLANEOUS    MATTERS. 

Key  to  charts  following,  general  cotemporaneous  tabulated  data,  local  cotempora- 
iieous  tabulated  data,  list  of  ex-County  Commissioners,  surveyors.  School  Commissioners, 
School  Examiners  and  County  School  Superintendents,  United  States  rectangular  survey, 
with  diagrams  and  illustrations,  our  poets,  poetry  and  portrait  of  J.  W.  Riley,  Harvest 
Days  of  the  Olden  Time,  by  Lee  O.  Harris,  portrait  of  R.  A.  Smith,  Old  Settlers'  Song, 
by  Samuel  Brooks,  Christ  the  Way,  by  R.  P.  Hill,  An  Apostrophe  to  Death,  by  J.  H. 
Binford,  The  Storm  and  Unforgivcn,  by  Miss  Bottsford,The  Crucifixion,  by  R.  A.  Riley, 
Dr,  J.  G.  Stewart,  portrait  of  Meredith  Walker.    476-506. 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

PATRIOTISM    OF    HANCOCK   COUNTY. 

Introduction,  the  Mexican  soldiers,  three  months  men,  portrait  of  Gen.  O.  P.  (iood- 
ing,  list  of  officers  and  soldiers  of  civil  war,  Morgan  raid  men,  partial  list  of  patrons. 


ERRATA. 


I'uEce  57,  chapter  III.,  slioulcl  be  followed  by  the  subject  of  the  chapter,  ■"  niue-Uiver 
I'ownship — Continued,"  similar  in  style  to  page  124. 

Page  S3,  chapter  V.,  should  be  followed  by  the  caption,  "  I5randywine  Township — 
Continued,"'  of  which  Carrollton  is  only  a  sub-head. 

Page  92,  third  paragraph,  "  niulv  "  should  be  "  muley."' 

Page  9S.  The  manuscript  made  the  subject  of  this  chap'.er,  "  Brown  Township — 
Continued,"  similar  to  page  223. 

On  page  120,  second  line  in  last  paragragh,  total  amount  of  taxes  should  be  $6,463  26 
instead  of  "  $646,326. " 

Page  205,  fourth  line  from  top,  George  Roberts  should  be  Rafferty. 

Page  238,  fourth  line  from  the  list  of  school-houses,  "the  final  vote  in  1S59"  should 
be  in  "  1S49." 

Page  275,  under  streams,  Buck  creek  passes  out  "south"  and  not  "west"  of  the 
north-west  corner. 

Page  312,  fifth  line  from  top  after  "  Marion  county,"  should  be  added  "and  Ham- 
ilton." 

Page  314.  In  last  line  of  the  second  paragraph  from  bottom  the  word  "  Republican  " 
should  be  "  Whig." 

On  page  319,  last  paragraph,  third  line  from  top,  "  1S50"  should  be  "  1S3S." 

On  page  320,  middle  of  first  paragraph,  the  polls  were  "243"  in  iSSo  instead  of 
"582." 

Page  344,  eighth  line,  the  quotation  should  be  "  Afi  aiiie  couiiln','^  and  the  quotation 
in  the  next  line  should  be  "  Meiiif  Deutche  fateflant.'''' 

Page  442,  The  distance  from  Eden  to  Carrollton,  instead  of  "  7,"  should  be  "  i6>^  " 
miles,  and  from  Cleveland  to  Woodbury,  instead  of  "  2)2,"  should  be  "  21 1^',"  and  from 
Carrollton  to  Milner's  Corner,  instead  of  "  2>j,"  should  be  "  21  "  miles. 

Page  470,  third  line  from  bottom,  "  Hendricks  "  should  be  "  Henry." 

Page  471,  second  line,  "  1S72  "  should  be  "  1S65." 

Page  479.  In  the  column  of  important  events  for  1S35,  "  Locofoca "  should  be 
•' Locofoco,"  and  for  1845  the  representatives  should  be  "George  Henry  and  R.  A. 
Riley." 

Page  4S0.     For  iS35  the  representative  first  named  should  be  "J.  H.  White." 

Page  4S7,  third  line,  the  words  "  survey,  or"  should  be  "  surveyor." 


INTRODUCTION. 


After  Christopher  Cohimbus  had  returned  from  inakhig  his 
great  discoveries  which  brought  another  continent  into  exist- 
ence, all  the  enterj^rising  nations  of  Europe  fitted  out  vessels  to 
make  explorations  in  this  land  of  promise,  Spain  sending  her 
men  to  the  Southern,  France  to  the  Northern  and  England  to 
the  Atlantic  Coast  of  North  America.  Their  claims  necessa- 
rily conflicted,  a-s  the  grants  of  Spain  extended  from  the  Gulf  of 
Mexico  to  the  Arctic  Ocean,  France  from  the  Arctic  Ocean  to 
the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  England  passing  over  both  of  these 
from  the  Atlantic  to  the  Pacific. 

Indiana  was  originalh'  claimed  as  a  part  of  Florida,  which 
became  a  Spanish  colony  in  1543.  Northern  Indiana  was 
included  in  the  territory  granted  in  1620  to  the  Plymouth  Com- 
pany by  King  James,  and  was  therefore  claimed  by  Great 
Britain,  but  the  French  possessed  a  superior  claim,  and  retained 
the  territory  by  establishing  settlements  and  fortifications. 
Vincennes  settlement,  the  first  in  what  is  now  Indiana,  was 
made  in  1702,  one  hundred  and  eighty  years  ago.  This  terri- 
tory remained  in  the  possession  of  the  French  until  1763,  the 
close  of  the  memorable  French  and  Indian  war,  when  by  treaty 
it  passed  into  the  hands  of  the  English. 

Indiana  was  at  this  time  inhabited  by  the  great  Miami 
confederacy  of  Indians,  whose  territory  embraced  Indiana  and 
the  greater  portion  of  Ohio,  Illinois,  Michigan  and  Wisconsin. 
Here  the  red  men  of  the  forests  had  held  supreme  control, 
unmolested  in  their  rights  for  many  years,  an  independent 
nation,  commanding  the  respect  of  all  the  neighboring  tribes. 
No  wonder  that  when  they  saw  the  white  man  ad\ancing  and 
taking  possession  of  their  beloved  hunting-grounds  tliat  the 
latent  passions  which  lay  slumbering  in  their  breasts  burst  forth 
with  all  the  fury  of  uncivilized  manhood. 

In  177S  Colonel  George  Rodgers  Clarke,  witli  four  compa- 
nies of  Virginians,  captured  Post  \'incennes,  but  it  was  retaken 


INTRODUCTION. 


19 


by  the  British  in  the  same  year.  In  1779  Colonel  Clarke  again 
recaptured  it.  The  Indians  now  began  their  depredations  on 
the  settlers,  and  a  body  of  men.  under  General  Harmur,  was 
sent  against  them,  which  was  totally  defeated,  in  what  is  now 
Allen  county,  by  the  famous  Indian  Chief,  "Little  Turtle."  In 
1 791  General  Charles  Scott  destroyed  the  Wea  villages  on  the 
Wabash.  After  the  defeat  of  Harmur,  General  St.  Clair  organ- 
ized a  new  force,  which  was  also  defeated  near  the  present  site 
of  Fort  Wayne.  In  1794  General  Wayne  (familiarly  known 
to  the  Indians  as  "Mad  Anthony,  a  man  who  never  slept") 
appeared  against  them,  and  completely  humiliated  the  whole 
confederacy,  moved  on  to  the  confluence  of  the  St.  Mary's  and 
.St.  Joseph  rivers,  and  erected  Fort  Wayne.  This  for  a  time 
ended  the  Indian  troubles. 

In  17S7  the  North-west  territor}-  was  organized,  embracing 
the  present  States  of  Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois,  Michigan,  Wiscon- 
sin and  that  part  of  Minnesota  east  of  the  Missisippi.  In  1800 
Ohio  was  set  apart  as  a  separate  territory,  leaving  the  remainder 
of  the  North-west  territory  to  constitute  Indiana.  Of  this  new 
Inaiana  territory  William  H.  Harrison,  of  Virginia,  was  the  first 
Governor,  and  the  seat  of  government  was  located  at  Vin- 
cennes.  John  Gibson,  of  Pennsylvania,  was  appointed  Secre- 
tary ;  William  Clarke,  Henry  Vanderbourgh  and  John  Griffin 
Territorial  Judges.  The  whole  white  population  then  of  what 
is  now  the  great  State  of  Indiana,  with  her  hundreds  of*  thou- 
sands, was  only  4.875,  but  about  one- fourth  of  the  population 
of  Hancock  county  to-day. 

Indiana  was  first  organized  into  three  counties,  viz:  Knox, 
Randolph  and  St.  Clair.  In  1803  Clark  was  added  and  a  con- 
vention held  at  the  territorial  capital,  composed  of  delegates 
from  the  four  counties. 

The  first  General  Assemblv  met  at  \'incennes  in  1805.  with 
delegates  from  the  above  counties  and  Dearborn,  which  had 
since  been  addeil.  New  counties  have  been  organized  from 
time  to  time,  till  there  are  now  ninetv-twf)  in  the  great 
"Hoosier"'  State.  Governor  Harrison's  address  to  the  first 
legislative  assembly  in  Indiana  was  full  of  patriotism  and  exhor- 
tation to  faithful,  honest  (hit\  .  In;liana  territory  was  divided, 
and  ^Michigan  territory  struck  o'.Y  and  organized  on  the  north 
in  1805. 

In  the  territorial  code,  frame*  1  in  1S07,  we  sec  a  wide  (lifter- 


iN'iuomurioN.  21 

cmr  liom  i>,\\  |)i(-,tiit  l.iw.  Tici^ini,  iniiidci,  jimon  iiiid 
lioi^r-sk'iilin^j  wtic  piiniJiiltlc  liy  dcjitli.  Mim^^linij^litcr  vviis 
piiniHlinldc  accordint;  l<>  I  lie  coiiinioii  l.iw.  Tlio  crimes  of 
l)iir<^lMry  and  lohhciy  vvfif  jitin'i^lialilo  l>y  vvhippiiij^,  rinc,  and 
in  some  casc^  liy  impiisonmcnt  not  cxicodin}^  forty  ycaiH. 
Larceny  vvjis  pnni'^li;dilr  l>y  line  and  vvliip|)inj^.  Forjifcry  by 
line,  dinfrancliisenient  and  slandin;^  in  tiic  |)ill<ii\'  IIo-^-Kteal 
in-j^  Iiy  line  and  wliippin^^. 

In  iSo^  j('lVcrs(.n\  illc,  llic  preHClit  county  f»eal  '>t  (link 
eiinnly,  was  laid  out  at  the  lails  (>\'  the  Oliin  livel'  aceoidin;^'  (i> 
a  plan  proposed  by  President  JeiVerson. 

I'd  ween  llic  years  1805  (lli'l  1S07  Aaron  r.in  1 ,  the  m,in  who 
at  one  time  laeKid  only  one  vote  of  heinj;  President  of  the  I  Miited 
States,  visited  I  he  people  of  the  ( )hio  "Valley  to  ^et  asKistniice 
to  carry  <"il  iii'.  pl;m  ,,  which  were  nndonl)lcd!v  li cisoihihle  to 
the  ( Jeneral  ( io\  ci  nmenl. 

In  iSoj  IlliiioiK  territory  was  cut  from  the  western  |)art  (d' 
Indiana,  comprisin;^  the  territory  west  of  the  Wahash,  from  a 
line  rnnnini^  north  from  Vincennes  to  the  Dominion  of  (',ni;ida, 
and  this  now  rcdni  cil   Indi.ina  to  her  present  limits, 

In  iSio  new  Ironhles  with  the  Indians  commenK-d.  A 
plan  of  (  ampaif^n  was  formed,  which  ended  in  the  ^reat  Indian 
hattlc  of  'Pipi^ei  inoe,  where  (Jeneral  Harrison,  routed  the 
Indians  i\ni\  caused  them  to  sue  for  peace,  hut  the  war  of  rSii 
comin;^^  on  hrouj^'ht  with  it  new  difVicultics  with  the  Indians. 
Many  nnnders  occ  urre(l,  ;ind  I  he  frontier  settlers  wcre  kept  ill 
alarm  nnlll  the  close  of  this  second  war  with  CJreat  llritaill. 
The  f.iinieis  when  working  in  the  (iehls  carrietl  in  I  heir  belts 
revolvers  and  knl\cs.  'The  ^moi  was  laid  on  the  jnonnd  by  a 
driven  slake  to  mark  the  spot.  Men  then  e\pe(tid  lo  be 
atta(d<e(I  at  any  time,  and  were  ready  to  act  on  Ihe  'spur  of  the 
nionien  I . 

In  I'iio  till'  lensus  tables  o|  Indiana  territory  sliowi'd  a 
population  of  24,520;  and  there  wci'c  thirty-three  ^rist-niills, 
fom  teen  saw-mills,  three  horse  mills,  ei{.jhteen  tanneries,  IvJcnly- 
(ii^lil  ilisl'illirics,  three  p(»vvd(r mills,  \,i^(>  looms  anfl  i,'^50 
spin  ninj^j  wheels. 

In  1813  Ihe  seal  of  j^overnmenl  was  removed  tiom  \'in- 
cennes  tr»  Corydon,  the  latter  bein^  a  more  central  point. 

In  u\\.\  Ihr-  territf)ry  was  divided  into  live  districts,  Wash- 
in;^toii    and    Kno\    (onstitutiii;^  oni-,  ^iibson    .and    Warrick  oni-, 


INTRODUCTION.  23 

Harrison  and  Clarke  one,  Jefferson  and  Dearborn  one,  ami 
Franklin  and  Wayne  one,  in  each  of  which  the  voters  were 
empowered  to  elect  a  member  to  the  legislative  council. 

Indiana  adopted  a  constitution  and  %vas  admitted  to  the 
l^nion  in  1S16.  Jonathan  Jennings,  under  the  new  constitution, 
was  elected  first  Governor  of  the  State  over  Thomas  Posev, 
who  had  been  Governo'"  of  the  territory,  the  vote  standing 
5,211  to  3,934.  In  1820  the  site  of  the  present  seat  of  govern- 
ment was  selected  by  commissioners  appointed  by  the  General 
Assembly.  In  1825  the  capital  was  removed  from  Corydon  to 
Indianapolis.  In  1834  the  State  Bank  was  chartered.  In  1842 
imprisonment  for  debt  was  abolished. 

Indiana  has  had  numerous  Indian  wars,  and  forty-four 
treaties  have  been  made  with  the  various  tribes  from  time  to 
time. 

Indiana,  when  the  great  rebellion  threatened  this  countrv 
with  destruction,  came  nobly  to  the  front  with  her  brave  "bovs 
in  blue,"'  from  time  to  time,  to  the  number  of  200,000.  Few 
States  can  say  as  much  ;  and  Hancock  county  was  not  afraid 
to  marshal  her  forces  and  send  them  to  the  front  to  be  trodden 
in  the  dust  by  the  iron  hoof  of  the  war-horse. 

The  first  railroad  in  Indiana  was  built  in  1846,  between 
Madison  and  Indianapolis.  Five  thousand  miles  of  railroad 
are  now  in  operation,  and  others  in  the  process  of  construction. 

In  1 85 1  our  old  constitution  was  abolished,  and  a  new  and 
much  better  one  adopted.  Our  vote  was  as  follows  :  109,319 
for  and  26,755  against  the  same. 

Indiana  now  stands  among  the  leading  States  of  the  Union. 
Her  school  fund  is  larger  by  two  millions  than  any  other  State 
in  the  Union.  Her  manufacturing  resources  are  unbounded, 
her  coal  fields  are  among  the  most  productive,  and  furnish  a 
large  source  of  wealth,  her  water  power  is  excellent,  and 
her  railroads  numerous,  Indianapolis,  -our  capital,  being  the 
greatest  railroad  center  in  the  State,  and  not  surpassed  by  any 
city  in  the  United  States  in  this  respect.  Jeftcrsonville,  New 
Albany  and  South  Bend  are  respectively  noted  for  their  exten- 
sive "  car  works,"  "  glass  works,"  and  "  wagon  f^ictory." 

We  have  seen  Indiana  when  a  forest,  dotted  here  and 
there  by  prairies  which  seemed  like  oases  in  a  desert.  We 
have  seen  noble,  hardy  pioneers  with  their  families  entering 
into   the  country   and,  with   their  glittering  axes,  leveling  the 


24 


INTRODUCTION. 


jj^iant  progeny  of  the  forest.  We  have  seen  Indiana  when  the 
red  men  owned  tlie  soil,  and  when  only  a  cabin  here  and  there 
showed  where  the  march  of  civilization  had  begun.  We  have 
seen  her  in  infancy,  with  a  white  population-  only  one-fourth  as 
large  as  that  of  Hancock  county.  We  have  seen  her  when  the 
savage  red  men  took  the  war-path,  destroyed  her  property, 
murdered  her  children  and  rejoiced  in  the  victory.  But  the 
noble  pioneers  w'ho  settled  this  country  braved  all  these  dangers, 
and  established   their  institutions  of  liberty,  religion  and  truth 


ROBERT  SMITH. 


upon  a  iirm  foundation.  \V"e  see  Indiana  as  she  stands  to-day 
in  all  her  grandeur,  glorying  in  her  powder,  rejoicing  in  her 
resources,  sending  great  men  to  the  various  fields  of  action, 
educating  her  boys  and  girls  without  cost,  and  shedding  the 
glorious  rays  of  truth  and  enlightenment  to  all  her  people. 

May  her  light  still  continue  to  shine  in  the  firmament  as 
brilliantly  as  the  noonday  sun,  and  diffuse  the  blessings  of  lib- 
erty to  all  mankind. 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


CHAPTER  I. 
bird's-eye  view. 


Hancock  county,  Indiana,  is  located  a  little  east  of 
the  geographical  center  of  the  state.  It  is  in  latitude  40" 
north,  and  longitude  86"  west,  of  Greenwich,  or  9°  west 
from  Washington,  and  is  in  townships  fifteen,  sixteen,  and 
seventeen  north,  and  ranges  five,  six,  seven,  and  eight 
east.  In  size  it  is  about  an  average  county  of  the  state, 
being  composed  of  307  sections,  or  square  miles,  and  con- 
taining about  196,480  acres.  It  is  bounded  on  the  west  by 
Marion  and  Hamilton,  on  the  north  by  Madison  and  Ham- 
ilton, on  the  east  b}^  Henr^-  and  Rush,  and  on  the  south  by 
Shelby,  Rush  and  Henry.  It  is  chiefly  bordered,  however, 
by  Marion  on  the  west,  Madison  on  the  north,  Henry  on 
the  east,  and  Shelby  on  the  south.  Hamilton  forms  onh' 
one  mile  of  the  western  boundary  and  four  of  the  northern  ; 
Rush  forms  six  miles  of  the  eastern  and  two  of  .the  south- 
ern, and  Henry  forms  but  one  mile  of  the  southern  bound- 
ary. The  greatest  length  of  the  county  is  nineteen  miles 
east  and  west,  and  its  greatest  width  seventeen  miles  north 
and  south. 

Hancock  county  was  cut  oft'  from  Madison  and  organ- 
ized in  the  vear  1828,  and  named  in  honor  of  John  Han- 
cock, president  of  the  convention  that  adopted  the  immor- 
tal **  Declaration  of  Independence." 


26  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

x\t  the  time  ot'  the  organization  of  the  county  it  con- 
tained but  few  inhabitants,  and  they  were  scattered.  At 
the  first  presidential  election  held  in  the  county,  which 
occurred  November  3,  1828,  the  whole  number  of  votes 
cast  were  loi,  and  now  the  whole  number  is,  according  to 
the  census  of  1880,  4,170.  Then  the  entire  population  of 
the  county  was  about  400;  now  it  is  17,123.  Then  there 
were,  perhaps,  135  children  of  school  age  in  the  county  ; 
now  there  are  5,646.  Then  there  was  but  one  clock  in  the 
county  ;  now  there  is  one  in  nearl}^  every  household.  Then 
there  were  no  broad  fields  of  ijolden  strain,  cut  with  a  self- 
binder  and  threshed  with  a  steam  thresher,  but  only  here 
and  there  a  small  patch  cleared  in  the  green,  cut  with  a 
sickle  and  threshed  with  a  flail.  Then  our  whole  territory 
was  almost  one  unbroken  wilderness,  in  which  were 
numerous  Indians,  wild  deer,  bears,  panthers,  wild  cats, 
rattlesnakes,  wolves,  owls,  turkies,  opossums,  raccoons, 
and  porcupines.  This  condition  of  affairs  has  changed. 
The  Indian  has  bid  adieu  to  his  native  hunting  grounds  ; 
the  church  bell  has  taken  the  place  of  the  warwhoop  ;  the 
poisonous  fanged  serpent,  at  the  sight  of  civilization,  has 
faded  away  as  if  under  the  benign  influence  of  St.  Pat- 
rick. What  changes  have  taken  place  !  The  old  land- 
marks are  nearly  gone  ;  but  few  of  the  early  pioneers, — 
our  grandfathers  and  their  sires, — are  left,  and  they,  one 
by  one,  are  fast  passing  away.  Our  progress,  from  a 
small  beginning  to  our  present  status,  has  cost  untold  toil, 
hardships  and  privations,  not  fully  appreciated  by  the 
youug  of  the  present  generation.  This  book  is  written,  in 
part,  that  their  names,  and  the  trials  they  underwent, 
may,  to  some  extent,  be  perpetuated.  We  shall  show, 
step  by  step,  the  progress  made  decade  after  decade. 
This  chapter  is  only  intended  as  a  bird's-eye  view  of  the 
territory,  preparatory  to  a  more  detailed  account,  in  which 
the  townships  will  be  considered  separately,  and  elaborated 
thoroughly,  when  our  minds  will  be  carried  back  to  the 
brave  pioneers,  to  learn  their  names  and  mode  of  living, 
and  to  follow  them  up  amidst  the  hardships  incident  to  pio- 


KIRD  S-EYE  VIEW. 


27 


neer  life  to  balmier  clays  and  more  pleasant  surroundings 
even  to  the  present  time. 

Hancock  county  is  quite  flat,  there  being  but  tew  hills, 
except  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  water-courses,  and 
several  of  these  have  no  banks  worthy  of  the  name.  Blue 
River  and  Sugar  Creek  have  considerable  banks,  and  Bran- 
dy wine  at  places.  Blue-river  and  Sugar-creek  townships 
are  rolling,  and  somewhat  undulating,  but  the  county,  on 
the  whole,  is  remarkably  level,  and  was  once  considered 
"low  and  wet;"  but  since  it  has  been  so  thoroughly 
drained  by  tile  ditches,  and  good  roads  built,  we  hear  but 
little  complaint  in  that  direction. 

It  is  now  considered  healthful,  and  as  free  from  malaria 
and  miasmatic  diseases  as  any  of  its  border  counties ; 
though  there  was  once  a  great  deal  of  ague  and  fever, 
bilious  fever,  and  considerable  milk-sickness. 

Our  soil,  generally  speaking,  is  exceedingly  fertile  ; 
indeed,  almost  exhaustless  in  resources.  The  black,  low 
grounds,  which  in  the  early  history  of  the  country  were 
considered  almost  worthless,  and  were,  therefore,  the  last 
entered,  are  now,  since  being  drained,  found  to  be  the 
richest  and  most  productive.  The  first  settlements  in  the 
county  were  made  on  the  uplands,  hills  and  knolls,  if  pos- 
sible. Thirty  years  ago,  about  a  hundred  feet  above  Blue 
River,  in  the  midst  of  a  small  field,  there  stood  a  tinv  log 
cabin,  without  roof,  window,  chimney,  or  floor,  vmfmished, 
decaying,  which  the  writer  passed  hundreds  of  times 
when  a  boy,  and  then  learned  that  it  was  begun  long  years 
since  for  a  pioneer  cottage;  but  in  the  "raising,"  there 
being  little  help,  the  proprietor  was  crushed  by  the  falling 
of  a  log  on  nearing  the  gable. 

The  principal  exports  of  the  county  are  wheat,  corn, 
hogs,  cattle,  horses,  oats,  potatoes,  flaxseed,  apples,  hay, 
and  sheep. 

Hancock  county's  first  exports  were  ginseng,  venison- 
hams,  firs,  flax  and  tow  linen. 

The  statistical  returns  of  1880  show  that  our  county 
produced,   on    27,752    acres,    580,207    bushels  wheat:    on 


28  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

37,072  acres,  1,187,328  bushels  corn;  on  1,665  'icres,. 
45,129  bushels  oats.  The  same  3'ear  we  produced 
i6,"752  bushels  Irish  potatoes,  51,160  bushels  flaxseed, 
42,028  bushels  apples,  and  had  in  our  county  5,228 
head  of  horses,  285  head  of  mules,  9,609  head  of  cattle, 
9,340  head  of  sheep,  and  23,400  head  of  hogs  old  enough 
to  fatten.  The  county  was  once  heavily  timbered  with  a 
large  per  cent,  of  the  best  kinds  of  saw  timber,  such  as 
walnut,  poplar,  oak,  ash,  and  cherry.  Walnut  timber  of 
the  finest  quality  w^as  once  not  onl}^  used  for  fencing  and 
fire-wood,  but  was  deadened  and  burned  in  log-heaps,  to 
get  it  out  of  the  way. 

There  are  large  beds  of  sand  and  gravel  in  various 
parts  of  the  county.  At  least  seven  out  of  the  nine  town- 
ships have  sufficient  gravel,  of  good  quality,  to  make  all 
her  roads,  public  and  private,  in  good  order. 

The  county  is  well  watered  with  numerous  streams ,, 
springs  and  wells  of  excellent  limestone  water. 

Blue  River,  the  largest  stream  in  the  county,  a  fine,  clear, 
lasting  mill  stream,  runs  across  the  south-eastern  corner  of 
Blue-river  township,  entering  Shelby  county  just  below^ 
Bacon's  mill.  Its  bottoms  are  broad  and  exceedingly 
fertile. 

Sugar  Creek,  the  next  in  size,  is  a  clear,  rapid,  medium- 
size  mill  stream.  It  rises  in  the  western  part  of  Henry 
county,  near  Elizabeth  Cit}^  enters  Hancock  count}-  wuthin 
a  few  rods  of  the  north-east  corner,  and  runs  in  a  south- 
west direction  to  within  half  a  mile  of  Warrington  ;  thence 
northwest,  dipping  into  the  edge  of  Madison  a  few  rods  ; 
thence  in  a  general  south-westerly  direction  through 
Brown,  Green,  and  across  the  corner  of  Vernon  ;  thence 
through  Center,  Buck-creek,  and  Sugar-creek  townships, 
entering  Shelbv  countv  a  mile  and  a  half  south  of  New 
Palestine. 

Brandywine  Creek,  a  rather  small-sized  mill  .stream, 
rises  in  Brown  township,  about  a  mile  west  of  Warrington, 
and  runs  in  a  south-westerly  direction  through  Brown  and 
Jackson  townships,   and  to   the   central    northern   middle 


HIRD  S-EVE  VIE\\- 


29 


portion  of  Center  township,  four  miles  north  of  Greenfield  ; 
thence  nearly  south  through  Center  and  Brandywine  town- 
ships, entering  Shelby  county  six  miles  south  of  the 
county  seat. 

Buck  Creek,  a  small,  sluggish  stream,  rises  in  Vernon 
township,  about  a  mile  and  a  half  south-west  of  Fortville, 
runs  south-west  through  Buck-creek  township,  across  the 
north-west  corner  of  Sugar-creek  township,  entering 
Marion  count}'  one  mile  south  of  the  south-west  corner  of 
Buck-creek  township. 

Nameless  Creek  is  a  small  stream.  Risino-  in  the  central 
portion  of  Jackson  township,  it  runs  south-west  in  Jack- 
son, and  empties  into  Blue  River  on  the  B.  P.  Butler  farm. 

Six  Mile  Creek  rises  in  Henry  county,  flows  south 
through  Jackson,  past  Charlottesville,  across  the  corner  of 
Rush  county,  entering  Blue-river  township  at  its  central 
eastern  border ;  thence  south-west,  emptving  into  Blue 
river  on  the  Wm.  Cook  farm. 

Little  Brandywine  Creek  rises  near  the  boundary  line 
between  Center  and  Jackson  townships,  runs  south-west, 
and  empties  into  Brandywine  two  miles  south  bv  south- 
east of  Greenfield. 

Little  Sugar  Creek,  a  small,  sluggish  stream,  rises  in 
the  north-west  part  of  Center  township,  and  running  south 
by  south-west,  empties  into  Sugar  Creek. 

Flat  Fork  of  Lick  Creek  rises  in  the  south-east  part  of 
Vernon  township,  runs  north  by  north-w^est,  enters  Ham- 
ilton county  one  mile  west  of  Fortville,  and  empties  into 
Lick  Creek.  These  small  streams  have  all  been  ditched 
and  cleared  out  near  their  heads. 

Swamp  Creek  is  a  su/  goicris  small  stream,  taking  its 
rise  in  Madison  county.  It  runs  nearlv  south,  crossing 
Lick  Creek  in  Madison  countv  and  Sugar-creek  in  Han- 
cock county  ;  crossing  the  National  road  at  the  Robert  H. 
Ross  farm,  and  imallv  losing  itself  in  Brandvwine  Creek. 
This  stream  presents  the  general  appearance  of  the  bed  of 
a  lost  river,  being  from  forty  to  eighty  rods  wide,  filled 
with  decaved  and  decaying  vegetable  matter,  more  or  less 


30 


HISTORY  OF  HANXOCK  COUNTY. 


soft  and  vieldinfr,  and  with  a  tiny,  turbid  stream  nmninir 
through  the  center  thereof. 

Little  Swan  Creek  rises  in  the  south-western  part  of 
Center  township,  runs  south  by  south-west,  crosses  Bran- 
dywine  township,  and  enters  Shelby  county  at  the  south- 
ern extremity  of  the  boundary  line  between  Sugar-creek 
and  Brand vwine  townships. 

There  are  numerous  other  small  streams,  unworthy  of 
notice,  in  yarious  parts  of  the  county. 


Sl'gar-cheek  Town- 
ship. 


Brandywine  Town- 
ship. 


Bt,uE-RivER  Township 


MAP   OF   HANCOCK  COUNTY   IN    1S2S. 


Hancock  county  is  reasonably  well  supplied  with  good 
grayel  road  turnpikes,  there  being  one  hundred  and  eighty 
miles  of  the  same,  104  of  which  are  now  incorporated  and 
pay  taxes,  and  seventy-six  of  which  were  once  taxed,  but 
haye  since  rescinded  their  charters  and  gone  back  to  the 


BIRD  S-EYE  VIEW.  3 1 

public.  These  pikes  are  several  in  number,  and  were  built 
at  an  average  cost  of  $1,200  per  mile,  majcing  a  total  cost 
of  $2 1 6,00a.  Her  public  roads  are  generally  graded,  and 
in  many  places  graveled  by  her  citizens  in  working  out 
their  road  taxes,  and  personal  privileges. 

Hancock  county  originally  consisted  of  three  town- 
ships, to-wit :     Blue-river,  Brandywine,  and  Sugar-creek. 

These  townships  were  organized  in  1828,  at  the  time 
of  the  separation  from  Madison  countv,  and  each  extend- 
ing to  the  countv  line. 

Blue-river  township  was  reduced  in  size  and  located  in 
the  south-east  part  of  the  county  in  183 1,  with  thirty  sec- 
tions. Jackson  township  was  the  name  assigned  to  the 
remainder  of  Blue-river,  and  was  located  in  the  north- 
eastern part  of  the  county,  by  the  commissioners,  in  1831. 

Brandywane  township  was  reduced  to  thirty  sections 
in  the  same  year,  and  located  in  the  central  southern  por- 
tion of  the  county. 

Center  township  was,  in  1831,  located  north  of  Bran- 
dywine township,  extending  three  miles  north  and  south 
and  six  miles  east  and  west,  and  containing  eighteen 
sections. 

Harrison  tow'nship  was  also  organized  in  the  same 
year,  and  composed  of  the  remainder  of  Brandywine  north 
of  Center  to  the  north  line  of  the  county. 

Buck-creek  was  cut  off  from  Sugar-creek  in  183 1,  and 
made  to  extend  from  congressional  line  sixteen  to  the  north 
county  line. 

Green  was  taken  from  the  north  part  of  Jackson  and 
Harrison  in  1832,  and  composed  of  that  part  of  the  county 
north  of  congressional  line  seventeen,  and  consisted  of 
sixty  sections  ;  being  the  same  territory  now  embodied  in 
Brown  and  Green. 

In  the  vear  1833,  Brown  township  was  dissevered  Irom 
Green,  and  made  to  consist  of  thirty  sections,  its  pres- 
ent size. 

In  1835,  Center  township  was  increased  one  tier  oi 
sections,   taken  from  the  northern  part  of   Brandywine. 


32 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


Vernon  township  was  cut  off  from  the  north  part  of  Buck- 
creek  north  of  congressional  line  seventeen,  and  made  to 
consist  of  thirt^'-one  sections. 

Jones  township  was  formed  in  1838,  by  taking  two  tier 
of  sections  from  the  north  part  of  Sugar-creek,  and  a  like 
number  from  the  south  part  of  Buck-creek,  and  composed 
of  twenty-four  sections. 


Vernon. 


BUCK-CKEEK. 


Union. 


Green. 


Brown. 


Harrison. 


Worth. 


Jones. 


Sugar-creek. 


Center. 


Brandywine. 


Jackson. 


Bi.ie-kiver. 


HANCOCK   COUNTY  FllOM    1S50  TO    1S5?. 


Union  township  was  made  up  from  the  eastern  part  ot 
Buck-creek,  the  western  part  of  Harrison,  and  the  south- 
east corner  of  Vernon,  in  1838,  and  composed  of  twenty 
sections. 


BIRD  S-EYE  \IE\V.  33 

Worth  township  was  composed  of  the  north  part  of 
Jackson  and  the  north-east  corner  of  Center,  and  organ- 
ized in  the  year  1850. 

At  the  March  term,  1853,  the  commissioners  divided 
Jones  tow^nship  between  Sugar-creek  and  Buck-creek ; 
Union  township  between  Buck-creek,  Vernon  and  Center  ; 
Worth  township  between  Center  and  Jackson,  and  attached 
Harrison  to  Center ;  thereby  obliterating  Jones,  Union, 
Worth,  and  Harrison,  and  leaving  nine  civil  townships,  as 
we  now  have  them. 

Blue-river  township  is  located  in  the  south-east  corner 
of  the  county  ;  Brown  in  the  north-east ;  Brandywine  in  the 
south  middle  ;  Buck-creek  in  the  west  middle  ;  Center  in 
the  middle  ;  Green  in  the  central  northern  portion  ;  Jack- 
son in  the  eastern  middle  portion ;  Sugar-creek  in  the 
south-west  corner  ;  and  Vernon  in  the  north-west  corner  of 
the  county. 

Thus  it  may  be  seen  that  the  county  is  composed  of 
nine  civil  townships,  arranged  in  three  tiers  of  three  town- 
ships each.  The  eastern  division,  composed  of  Brown, 
Jackson  and  Blue-river,  constitutes  the  lirst  commissioner's 
district ;  Green,  Center  and  Brandywine  the  second ; 
Vernon,  Buck-creek  and  Sugar-creek  the  third  ;  the  pres- 
ent commissioners  of  which  are,  respectively,  Augustus 
Dennis,  Ephraim  Bentley  and  John  Dye. 

Hancock  county  was  first  settled  about  the  year  18 18. 
Previous  to  the  United  States  survey  of  1819,  Andrew 
Evans  and  John  Montgomery,  with  their  families,  and 
Montgomery  McCall,  came  into  this  county,  and  settled  on 
Blue  River.  At  the  same  time,  Piatt  and  James  Mont- 
gomery, brothers  of  John,  and  Isaac  Roberts,  with  their 
families,  and  David  Stephenson,  settled  in  Center  town- 
ship. In  1820,  Elijah  Tyner,  Harmon  Warrum,  Joshua 
Wilson,  and  John  Foster,  with  their  families,  also  settled 
on  Blue  River.  In  1822,  Solomon  Tyner,  John  Osborn, 
and  George  Penwell,  with  their  families,  came  and  settled 
with  the  others  on  the  same  historic  stream.  The  above, 
and  a  tew  others,  were  all  in  the  count\'  at,  and  before,  its 


34 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


organization.  After  this  time  the  immigrants  were  more 
numerous,  the  more  prominent  of  whom  we  will  notice  in 
the  proper  place  in  their  respective  townships. 


1 

Vernon. 

CJreen. 

Brown. 

Blck-creek. 

Center. 

Jackson. 

. 

Sugar-creek. 

Brandywine. 

Blve-river. 

MAP  OF   HANCOCK  COUNTY   FROM    1853   TO   THE   PRESENT. 

Among  the  early  incidents,  which  are  more  numerous 
than  were  the  pioneers  themselves,  we  will  note  the 
followinjj : 

The  first  school-house  in  the  county  was  a  log  one, 
diminutive  in  size,  and  exceedingly  rude  in  architecture, 
erected  near  Elijah  Tyner's  old  place,  on  Blue  River,  in 
the  year  1823. 

The  first  male  teacher  who  taught  in  the  county  was 
Lewis  Tyner. 

Green  township  claims  the  honor  of  furnishing  em- 
ployment to  the  first  female  teacher,  Mrs.    Sarah  Gant. 

In  1818,  the  first  log  cabin  was  built  by  Andrew  Evans. 

In  1824,  Joshua  Wilson  built  the  first  grist  mill,  located 
on  the  banks  of  Blue  River.     This  mill  was  a  small,  one- 


J5IR1)  S-EVE  VIEW 


35 


Story  log  structure,  which,  soon  after  lacing  erected,  was 
sold  to  Henry  Watts,  on  account  of  some  difficulty  about 
the  obstruction  of  water. 

In  the  neighborhood  of  John  Ilinchman's  old  farm,  in 
Center  township,  now  owned  by  Abriim  llackleman,  was 
organized,  in  1820.  by  the  Methodists,  the  first  religious 
societ}'  in  the  count}'. 

The  first  blacksmith  in  the  county  was  Thomas  Phillips, 
who  had  his  shop  on  Blue  River,  in  about  1822. 

Among  the  first  taverns  in  the  county,  was  one  erected 
by  Andrew  Jackson,  near  Greenfield,  in  about  1825. 

Elijah  Tj-ner,  on  Blue  River,  had  the  first  store  in  the 
count}'.     He  was  also  the  first  to  set  out  an  orchard. 

The  first  road  in  the  county  was  an  old  Indian  trail, 
known  as  the  "  Napoleon  Trace,"  which  extended  through 
Blue-river,  Jackson,  and  Green  townships,  crossing  Blue 
River  near  Warrum's  old  home,  and  Sugar  Creek  near 
'Squire  Hatfield's,  at  a  place  known  as  the  "  Stover  Ford," 

When  the  Montgomery s,  McCall,  and  Evans,  first  set- 
tled, they  had  to  go  to  White  Water  to  mill,  where  Con- 
nersville  now  stands,  some  forty  miles  distant. 

McCall,  when  he  first  came  to  the  county,  cleared  a 
few  acres  of  ground  by  yoking  his  oxen  to  the  grubs  and 
pulling  them  out  by  the  roots.  He  then  climbed  up  the 
Surrounding  trees,  and  trimmed  off  the  branches  to  con- 
siderable height,  and  with  them  constructed  a  fence  around 
his  little  patch,  thus  making  the  first  fence  in  the  county. 

It  has  been  said,  in  illustration  of  the  capacity  of  one 
of  the  rude  mills,  erected  in  what  was  then  Vernon  town- 
ship, but  now  Center,  on  Sugar  Creek,  that  Rev.  Wiley 
Pilkenton,  who  was  a  zealous,  long-winded,  old-school 
Baptist,  would  put  in  the  hopper  a  two-bushel  grist  of 
corn,  attend  a  two  days'  camp-meeting,  and  return  in  time 
to  toll  it.  This  mill  was  located  just  above  the  Sugar 
Creek  bridge,  on  the  Noblesville  road.  In  size,  it  was 
about  sixteen  feet  square,  one-storv  high,  constructed  of 
small  logs,  or  poles,  and  covered  with  clapboards.  A 
stranger  was  passing  this  mill,  on  a  certain  occasion,  when 


36 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


he   ^■ociterously   ordered   the   girls  to    '*  hold  that   d d 

thing-  till  I  get  by  !"" 

The  following  are  the  post-offices  and  villages  in  Han- 
cock county  : 

J^ost-officcs. — Westland,  in  Blue-river  township  ;  War- 
rington and  Willow  Brach,  in  Brown  township  ;  Cleve- 
land and  Charlottesville,  in  Jackson  township  ;  McCords- 
ville  and  Woodbury,  in  Vernon  township  ;  Philadelphia 
and  Gem,  in  Sugar-creek  township  ;  Mount  Comfort,  in 
Buck-creek  township ;  Carrollton,  in  Brandywine  town- 
ship ;  Eden  and  Milner's  Corner,  in  Green  township ; 
Binwood,  in  Center  towmship. 

Incorporated  J7//(ig'cs. — Our  incorporated  villages  are: 
Fortville,   in    Vernon    township,    and    New    Palestine,    in 


corirr-iiorsE 


Sugar-creek  township.  Charlottesville  has  been  an  incor- 
porated town  f  )r  a  number  of  years  until  recentlw  when 
her  corporation  was  dissoh'ed,  and  a  receiver  appointed. 


BIRD  S-EYE  VIEW. 


37 


The  public  buildings  of  Hancock  county  consist,  at 
present,  of  a  court-house,  jail  and  sheriff's  residence, 
poor-house,  ninety-two  public  school  buildings,  and  about 
rifty  church  buildings. 

The  present  court-house  was  built  by  Nathan  Craw- 
ford, deceased,  an  old  and  honored  citizen,  in  the  jear 
1854,  upon  a  contract  of  $14,400.  It  is  a  substantial,  con- 
venient, and  commodious  building,  honestly  built  by  an 
honest  man,  and  is,  perhaps,  not  equaled  by  any  public 
building  in  the  state,  at  as  low  a  cost. 

The  poor-house  is  located  on  the  National  road,  two 
and  a  half  miles  east  of  Greenfield,  in  section  thirty-five, 
township  sixteen  north,  and  range  seven  east.  The  build- 
ing is  a  discredit  to  the  county,  being  old  and  dilapidated, 
and  not  at  all  in  harmony  with  the  wealth  and  dignity  of 
our  citizens.  The  superintendent's  residence  is  a  plain, 
old-fashioned,  stor3^-and-a-half  brick,  built  many  years 
since  for  a  private  residence.  The  infirmary  building 
proper  is  a  cheap  frame,  known  by  carpenters  as  a  "  plank 
house,"  built  in  the  rear  of,  and  attached  to,  the  superin- 
tendent's residence.  The  building  is  not  only  cheaply 
constructed,  and  poorly  ventilated,  but  small  and  wholly 
inadequate  to  the  demands  of  the  unfortunate.  A  new 
building  has  been  contemplated  for  several  years  ;  but, 
owing  to  "  hard  times  "  and  "  indebtedness  of  the  county," 
the  matter  has  been  neglected. 

The  county  has  a  very  elegant,  commodious,  and  con- 
venient jail,  and  sheriff's  residence  in  front,  built  upon  a 
contract  of  $32,900  ;  but  costing,  according  to  the  records, 
$75,000,  without  interest,  before  completion.  The  build- 
ing is  a  brick,  with  stone  foundation,  slate  roof,  and  neatly 
finished  inside  and  out.  The  architecture  is  modern,  and 
and  the  work  all  first-class.  The  sheriff's  residence  is 
large,  convenient,  and  finished  in  good  taste.  Considera- 
ble complaint  has  been  made  on  account  of  the  number  of 
escaping  convicts,  who  have  succeeded  in  cutting  and 
breaking  out ;  but  this  is  not  wholly  owing  to  the  weakness 
of  the  jail,  but  more,  perhaps,  to  too  great  leniency  to  the 
inmates. 


38 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


The  public  school  building,  in  Greenfield,  is  an  elegant 
two-story  brick,  with  basement,  stone  foundation,  slate 
roof,  and  ash  linish,  and  will  accommodate  nine  teachers 
and  five  hundred  pupils.  It  was  built  in  the  year  1869  ^^^^ 
1870  by  Harmon  Everett,  upon  a  contract  of  J^20,ooo,  pav- 
able  in  bonds  on  the  corporation  of  the  town  of  Greenfield. 
Everett   took   $10,000   in   bonds    in   part    pavment.       The 


GREENFIELD   GRADED   SCHOOE  BUILDING. 


architects  were  Ennis  and  Hubert,  of  Indianapolis.  The 
school  trustees  were  A.  K.  Branham,  Philander  H.  Boyd, 
and  H.  B.  Wilson,  of  Greenfield.  The  stone  for  the  foun- 
dation were  shipped  from  St.  Paul,  in  Decatur  county. 
The  brick  were  shipped  and  hauled,  in  part,  from 
Knightstown.  The.  ViLiilding  was  begun  in  April,  1869, 
and  the  first  school  wa§ 'taught  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year. 
A  comparison  of  the  taxes,  mode  of  collecting,  prop- 
erty, and  wealth  of  the  county,  in  its  early  history,  with 
the  present,  shows  that  our  growth  has  not  only  been 
steady,  but  rapid.  The  total  taxes  for  1829  were  $703,17. 
The  record  shows  the  followina- : 


BIRD  S-EVE  \'IE\V.  3^ 

May  10,  1S32. 
clerk's  report. 

Sho-ving  the  amount  of  county  revenue  that  the  collector  stands 
charged  zvith  for  the  year  1S32. 

534  polls $262  00 

485  horses 342   50 

172  oxen 43  00 

37  watches 13  50 

1  clock 50 

2  covering  horses c^   t^o 

6,1^33  acres  of  ist  rate  land 36   I3 

10,337  acres  of  3tl  rate  land 30  7 1^^ 

Town  lots 31  6S 

Non-resident  road   tax 10  S3 

Total $713   19^ 

Errors ^6  84 

Balance $656  35^ 

Attest :  Morris  Pierson,   C.  T.  H.  C, 

{County  Treasurer  Hancock  County). 

The  summary  for  the  year  1833  shows  the  total  tax  to 
have  been  $787. 88^,  signed  by  Joseph  Chapman,  C.  II. 
C.  C.  ;  which,  when  interpreted,  means  Clerk  Hancock 
Circuit  Court.  The  report  for  1833  further  shows  616 
polls,  606  horses,  168  oxen,  twenty-three  watches,  and 
two  pleasuring  carriages  ;  being  an  increase  in  one  year  of 
ninety-two  polls,  twenty-one  horses,  and  four  oxen,  and  a 
decrease  of  four  watches  and  one  clock,  there  being  no 
clock  returned  for  the  year  1833. 

The  reader  will  observe,  from  an  examination  of  the 
summary  report  given  above,  that  the  ad  valorem  system 
of  taxation,  now  prevalent,  was  not  then  used  ;  but  a  speci- 
fied tax  was  levied  on  each  article  of  a  certain  class, 
regardless  of  value.  This  system  continued  in  vogue  till 
the  year  1836. 

We  give  below  a  copy  of  the  last  report  under  the  old 
specific  tax  system,  made  in  1835. 

8,878  acres  ist  rate  land 't  3S   S ' 


40  HISTORY  OF  HAN'COCK  COUNTY. 

23,279  acres  2d  rate  land ^9  ^3 

1,345  *^cres    1st    rate    non-resident   land,   on    which 

there  is  a  road  tax  of 5  3"^ 

5,920  acres  of  2d  rate  non-resident  land ^7  7^ 

.$5,851.60,  value  of  town  lots 29  26 

$3,008.00,  value  of  non-resident  lots ^5  04 

709  horses 354  50 

130  oxen 32   :;o 

15  silver  watches 7   :^o 

1  gold  watch 50 

3  composition  watches i    50 

2  brass  clocks i  00 

6  covering  horses 12  00 

6S4  polls 342  00 

Total $925  28 

A  comparison  of  the  two  reports  shows  that  people 
were  increasing  in  numbers  and  wealth,  and.  could  afford 
more  time-pieces,  and  other  luxuries.  In  1835,  ^^'^  ^^^ 
one  gold  watch,  the  first  ever  owned  and  taxed  in  the 
count}' ;  two  brass  clocks,  and  three  composition  watches. 

Under  the  system  of  specific  taxation,  the  following  were 
the  rates  till  1832  :  On  each  poll,  50  cents  ;  on  each  horse, 
37i  cents  ;  on  each  ox,  i8f  cents  ;  on  each  silver  watch, 
25  cents  ;  on  each  gold  watch,  $1.00:  on  stallions,  the  rate 
they  stood  at  per  season  :  for  land,  half  the  rate  of  state 
taxes.  From  1832  to  1834  the  rates  were  :  On  each  poll, 
50  cents  ;  on  town  lots,  |  cent  on  each  $1.00  ;  work  oxen, 
25  cents  ;  horses  over  three  years  old,  50  cents  ;  watches, 
50  cents  :  clocks,  ^i.oo  ;  the  tax  on  every  100  acres  of  first- 
rate  land,  40  cents  :  on  second-rate  land,  30  cents  ;  on 
third-rate  land,  20  cents.  In  the  year  1834,  the  commis- 
sioners adopted  the  following  list  of  rates  :  On  each  poll, 
50  cents  :  on  land,  one-half  the  state  tax  ;  on  each  horse, 
valued  at  over  $10.00,  50  cents  ;  on  each  watch  and  pleas^ 
uring  carriage,  50  cents  ;  on  horses  and  jacks,  the  price  of 
the  season  at  which  they  stand  ;  on  each  yoke  of  oxen  over 
three  j'ears  old,  50  cents  ;  on  each  brass  clock,  50  cents  : 
tavern  license  in  Greenfield,  $15.00:  in  other  parts  of  the 


BIRD  S-EYE  VIEW. 


41 


county,  $10.00;  license  to  vend  wooden  clocks,  $10.00; 
foreign  goods,  $10.00.  These  rates  remained  in  force  for 
two  years,  or  until  the  adoption  of  the  ad  valorem  system, 
in  1836,  when  the  rates  were  fixed  by  the  commissioners 
at  20  cents  on  each  $100  of  real  and  personal  property, 
and  75  cents  on  each  poll. 

Prior  to  the  year  1836,  watches,  clocks  and  carriages 
were  considered  luxuries  in  which  only  the' rich  were  at 
liberty  to  indulge,  and  they  were  corhpelled  to  pay  for  the 
privilege.  Hence,  the  tax  on  a  watch,  though  it  be  ever 
so  old  and  cheap,  was  twenty-five  per  cent  more  than  the 
tax  on  one  hundred  acres  of  the  best  land,  listed  as  "  first- 
rate  ;"  the  tax  on  a  brass  clock,  regardless  of  its  cost 
and  real  worth,  was  just  equal  to  the  tax  on  two  hundred 
and  fifty  acres  of  the  best  land,  or  five  hundred  acres  of 
third-rate  land  ;  and  the  tax  on  a  pleasuring  carriage  was 
equal  to  the  tax  on  one  hundred  and  sixty-six  and  two- 
thirds  acres  of  second-rate  land,  or  two  hundred  and  fifty 
acres  of  third-rate  land.  Again,  the  taxes  on  a  clock  or 
gold  watch  were  equal  to  the  tax  on  two  head  of  horses, 
or  two  hundred  dollars  in  money.  The  policy  of  the  law 
seems  to  have  been  to  discourage  luxuries  by  high  taxa- 
tion, and  to  encourage  the  purchasing  and  owning  of  land 
by  making  the  tax  on  it  low. 

From  the  year  1834  ^^  the  year  1836,  it  cost  one  as 
much  to  obtain  a  license  to  vend  wooden  clocks  or  foreign 
goods  as  it  did  to  pay  the  county  taxes  on  two  thousand 
five  hundred  acres  of  the  best  land,  or  five  thousand  acres 
of  third-rate  land. 

From  the  records  of  the  year  1836,  being  the  first 
under  the  ad  valorem  system,  the  following  report  is 
obtained : 

Number  of  polls  returned,  845 — at  75  cents  each.  .  .  .  .$635   25 
Total  valuation  of  property,  both  real  and  personal, 

$490,710.79 — at  20  cents  on  each  $100  valuation...  .  9S1  42 

For  road  purposes — at  i  cent  on  each  $100  valuation  49  07 

Total  taxes  for  the  year  1836 $1,665   74 

4 


42  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

State  receiver — at  5  cents  on  each  $100 •1'-45  35 

August  20,  1836. 

M.  PiERSOx,  T.  H.  C. 

Let  the  critical  and  curious  reader  compare  the  follow- 
ing figures,  showing  the  taxables  of  the  county  for  1881, 
wdth  the  preceding,  and  contrast  the  difference. 

An  abstract  of  the  assessment  of  property,  real  and 
personal,  in  Hancock  county  for   the  year    1S81, 

shows  the  value  of  land  to  be $4,438,190 

Value  of  improvements 681,195 

Value  of  lands  and  improvements $5,119,385 

Value  of  lots 217,990 

Value  of  improvements 350,105 

Value  of  lots  and  improvements 568,095 

Value  of  personal  property 2,138,390 

Value  of  telegraph ^)455 

Value  of  railroads 394,540 

Total  value  of  taxables $8,226,835 

It  may  be  seen  from  the  above  that  the  value  of  lands 
and  improvements  was  $27.00  per  acre.  The  total  value 
of  taxables  in  the  county  averages  $43.00  per  acre. 
According  to  the  auditor's  report,  the  following  is  a  true 
exhibit  of  the  financial  condition  of  Hancock  county — the 
amount  of  funds  on  hand  June  i,  1881  : 

County  funds 'i'^5'339  3° 

Interest  on  county  bonds i»i94  20 

Liquor  License 100  00 

Fines  from  justices  of  the  peace .     350  54 

Fines  from  county  clerk ^33  55 

Principal  congressional  fund 400  60 

Principal  common  fund 1,069   ^^ 

Redemption  land 45  02 

Congressional  interest  due  other  counties 250  54 

Congressional  interest  due  this  county 788  21 

Township  fund 3»5J^9  27 

Corporation  fund ^'739  97 


BIRD  S-EYE  VIEW 


43 


Dof^  fund So6  91 

Special  school  fund 81893  28 

Local  tuition  fund 5)732  z,^ 

Road  fund -)249  82 

Total  on  hand,  as   per  report  of   county   com- 
missioners     .$42,612   27 

From  other  official  sources  we  learn  that  the  county 
expends,  annually,  over  $40,000  for  school  purposes.  The 
amount  expended  for  the  year  ending  September  i,  1881, 
was  $42,562.83.  Of  this  there  was  expended  for  tuition 
$26,077.07,  and  for  special  fund  $16,485  86. 

In  further  illustration  of  the  growth  of  the  county  and 
her  present  wealth,  it  may  be  noted  that  the  receipts  of 
the  county  for  the  year  ending  May  31,  1881,  were  $169,- 
449.84,  including  a  balance  in  the  treasury,  May  31,  1880, 
of  $51,650.58.  The  expenditures,  including  a  balance  on 
hand  of  $42,612.27,  are  the  same.  Orders  outstanding 
May  31,  1880,  are  reported  at  $695.95;  orders  issued 
within  the  year,  $87,665.54;  orders  redeemed  within  the 
year,  $87,973.50;  orders  outstanding  May  31,  1881, 
$387.99;  county  bonds  outstanding,  $25,000. 

Early  in  the  history  of  our  county,  the  poor  were  left 
to  depend  upon  their  own  resources,  supplemented  by  the 
gratuitous  favors  of  their  friends.  But  now  it  is  other- 
wise. The  poor  and  infirm,  the  sick  and  unfortunate,  who 
are  unable  to  care  for  themselves,  are  provided  for  at  the 
county's  expense.  For  the  year  ending  June  i,  i83j,  the 
orders  issued  by  the  trustees  of  the  different  townships  of 
the  county  amounted  to  $4,601.55.  Of  this  amount  Cen- 
ter township  issued  orders  to  the  extent  of  $2,296.17, 
which  was  the  largest  amount  expended  by  any  one  town- 
ship, and  Blue-river  township  issued  orders  for  the  same 
purpose  to  the  amount  of  $54.25,  being  the  smallest 
amount  expended  by  any  one  township.  The  trustee  of 
Sugar-creek  township  issued  orders  which  foot  up  $92.11, 
being  next  to  Blue-river  township  in  the  ascending  scale. 
The   trustee   of   Jackson    township   issued    orders    to    the 


44  HISTORY  OF  HANXOCK  COUNTY. 

amount  of  ^^719.19,  next  to  Center  township  in  the  descend- 
ing scale. 

The  county  is  reasonably  well  supplied  with  railroads. 
The  Pittsburgh,  Cincinnati  and  St.  Louis  passes  east  and 
west  through  the  central  portion  ;  the  Cleveland,  Colum- 
bus, Cincinnati  and  Indianapolis  (Bee  Line)  crosses  the 
north-western  portion  ;  and  the  Cincinnati,  Hamilton  and 
Indianapolis  (Old  Junction)  crosses  the  south-western  por- 
tion. The  Indianapolis,  Bloomington  and  Western  rail- 
road company  is  now  extending  a  line  across  the  county, 
entering  Buck-creek,  crossing  Center  and  the  north-west 
corner  of  Jackson,  and  out  through  Brown.  This  road 
will  probably  be  completed  early  in  1882.  The  county 
will  then  have  about  fifty-six  miles  of  completed  road. 
Another  road  is  contemplated,  to  extend  north  and  south 
through  the  county,  past  Eden  and  the  Junction,  and 
through  Greenfield  to  Shelbyville.  The  road  is  completed 
to  Anderson,  and  if  sufficient  assistance  is  voted  along  the 
proposed  route,  it  will  be  completed  through  to  Shelby- 
ville. Should  this  road  be  built,  as  projected,  there  will 
not  be  a  township  in  the  county  without  a  railroad  ;  and 
without  it,  all  but  Green  are  partially,  or  wholly,  crossed 
by  roads  completed,  or  being  completed.  The  P.,  C.  and 
St.  L,,  being  the  old  "Indiana  Central,''  has  a  line  of 
about  nineteen  miles  in  the  county;  the  "Junction''  ten; 
the  "  Bee  Line"  nearly  seven  ;  and  the  I.,  B.  and  W.  will 
have  twenty  miles  when  completed. 

We  have  four  papers  now  published  in  the  county  ;  all 
in  Greenfield.  Three  political  news  and  miscellaneous 
weeklies,  and  one  educational  monthlv. 

Our  p'eople  are  generally  industrious,  moral,  thrifty, 
and  intelligent.  There  is  less  illiteracy  in  the  countv  than 
in  the  average  counties  of  the  state.  Accordin<j  to  the 
official  returns,  there  were,  for  the  year  1880,  but  two  per- 
sons between  ten  and  twenty-one  years  of  age  in  the 
county  unable  to  read  and  write  ;  while  in  Madison,  on  the 
north,  there  were  fifty,  in  Hamilton  there  were  thirty-nine, 
and  in  the  state  there  were  two  thousand  and  forty-seven, 


BIRD  S-EYE  VIEW. 


45 


which  number  divided  by  ninety-two,  the  number  of 
counties,  shows  Hancock,  on  that  basis,  to  be  above  an 
average  county.  The  people  are  naturally  very  conserva- 
tive ;  and  it  may  be  recorded  as  a  historical  fact  that  Han- 
cock county  once  bitterl}^  opposed  the  establishment  of 
free  schools,  as  shown  by  the  official  vote,  when  the  ques- 
tion was  submitted  to  the  ballot-box.  Though  our  voting 
population  was  then  comparatively  small,  the  county  stood 
four  hundred  strong  against  the  proposed  establishment  of 
free  schools,  and  one  township  is  said  to  have  cast  but  two 
votes  in  favor  of  the  same.  But  to-day  she  is  not  inferior 
to  adjoining  counties  in  the  support  of  "free  schools,  the 
hope  of  our  country  ;"  and  the  individual  that  would  pub- 
liclv  advocate  their  abolition  would  be  considered,  if  not 
non  combos  mentis,  at  least  a  relic  of  the  dark  ages. 

Hancock  county  is  the  home,  and  has  been  the  resi- 
dence, of  several  prominent  men — politicians,  poets,  and 
educators.  Milton  B.  Hopkins,  late  state  superintendent 
of  public  instrviction,  and  A.  C.  Shortridge,  formerly 
superintendent  of  the  Indianapolis  schools,  and  for  a  time 
president  of  Purdue  University,  were  once  citizens  of  the 
county.  This  is  the  home  of  Judge  David  S.  Gooding,  a 
personal  r;ketch  of  whom  is  given  elsewhere,  and  of  the 
poets  James  i\.  Riley  and  Lee  O.  Harris,  who  have  more 
than  a  state  reputation. 

The  county  is  democratic  by  about  four  hundred  and 
sixty  majorit}'. 

The  churches  principally  represented  are  the  Method- 
ist, Baptist,  Presb3'terian,  Christian,  Friends,  Catholic,  and 
Dunkard.  The  Methodists  are  found  all  over  the  county  ; 
the  Friends  are  principally  in  Blue-river  township  ;  the 
Presbyterians  in  Center  township  ;  and  the  Catholics  in 
Center,  Sugar-creek  and  Vernon  townships. 

Hancock  count}'  is  not  behind  her  sister  counties  in 
loyaltv  and  patriotism  ;  but  has  ever  been  prompt  and 
liberal  in  response  to  the  country's  call.  In  the  war  with 
Mexico  she  furnished  a  full  company,  organized  by  Captain 
James    R.    Bracken,    and   called   into    the  service    of   the 


46  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

United  States  by  the  President,  under  the  act  of  Congress 
approved  May  13,  1846,  at  Madison,  Indiana,  the  phice  of 
general  rendezvous,  on  the  8th  day  of  October,  1847.  In 
the  war  of  the  RebelHon  she  furnished,  in  response  to  the 
various  calls  of  the  President,  nearl}'  twelve  hundred  brave 
boys  in  blue,  many  of  whom  bled  and  died  for  their  coun- 
try's good. 

The  following  is  the 

OFFICIAL  DIRECTORY  FOR  18S1. 

GENERAL    OFFICERS. 

State  Senator Hon.  Simeon  T.  Yancey Fortville. 

Representative  .  .  .Hon.  Morgan  Chandler Greenfield. 

Tud2:e  iSth  Iiidi-)    tt        a  t     1    t-    t^     1  )    tvt        ^      , 

cial  Circuit.       |-   ^^°"-  ^^^'^'  ^-  Forkner j-   New  Casde. 

Prosecuting  Att'y .  L.   P.    Newby Knightstown. 

Bailiff Wm.    K.  Jacobs , Binwood. 

COUNTY    OFFICERS. 

Cl'k  Circ't  Court.  .  Ephraim  Marsh Greenfield. 

Deputy Chas.  E.  Downing Greenfield. 

Auditor Henry  Wright Greenfield. 

Deputy William  Wright Greenfield. 

Recorder John  W.  Ryon Greenfield. 

Deputy Miss  Mary  Roberts. Greenfield. 

Treasurer Isaiah  A.  Curry Greenfield. 

Deputy James  L.  Smith Greenfield. 

Sheriff Wm.  H.  Thompson Greenfield. 

Deputy John  C.  Dudding Greenfield. 

Coroner James  R.  Trees Cleveland  . 

Surveyor W.  Scott  Fries Greenfield. 

County  Attorney.  James  A.  New Greenfield. 

County  vSupt Robert  Alonzo   Smith Greenfield. 

Cowm  issio>iers. 

Augustis  Dennis Westland. 

John  E.  Dye Philadelphia. 


BIRD  S-EYE  VIEW 


47 


Thos.  E.  Bentley Greenfield. 


ATTORNEYS. 


R.  A.  Riley, 
David  S.  Gooding, 
Lemuel  W.  Gooding, 
James  L.  Mason, 
Wm.  R.  Hough, 
Montgomery  Marsh, 
Charles  G.  Oftutt, 
Geoi'ge  Barnett, 
James  A.  New, 
Israel  P.  Poulson, 
James  J.  Walsh, 
S.  A.  Wray, 
John  A.  Hughes, 
W.  S.  Denton, 


R.  A.  Black, 
W.  W.  Cook, 
G.  W.  Duncan, 
Marshall  B.  Gooding, 
William  F.  McBane, 
John  W.  Jones, 
William  H.  Martin, 
John  H.  Binford, 
A.  R.  Hughes, 
Robert  Collins, 
William  M.  Babcock, 
Chas.  E.  Rennecamp, 
L.  H.  Reynolds. 


TOWNSHIP    TRUSTEES. 

Blue-river Thomas  E.  Hill Morristown. 

Brandy  wine Duncan  McDougall CarroUton. 

Brown William  L.  Garriott Warrington. 

Buck-creek Joh^^  C.  Eastes Mt.  Comfort. 

Center Robert  D.  Cooper Greenfield. 

Green Sidney  Moore Eden. 

Jackson James  F.  McClarnon Charlottesville. 

Sugar-Creek William  C.  Barnard Sugar  Creek. 

Vernon Samuel  Arnett Fortville. 

SCHOOL    TRUSTEES. 


city    of    Greoijield. 

Dr.  Samuel  S.  Boots President. 

J.  Ward  Walker Treasurer. 

William  Mitchell Secretary. 

l^o-jJH  of  Fortville. 

Joseph  Bills President. 


48  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

James  B.  Anderson Treasurer. 

J.  W.  Ferrell Secretary. 

TOWNSHIP    ASSESSORS. 

Blue-river Nathan  Newby Wcstland. 

Brandy  wine Theodore  L.   Smith Carrollton. 

Brown Joshua  P.  Harlan Warrinj^^ton. 

Buck-creek Mahlon  Apple Oaklandon. 

Center James  K.  King Greenfield. 

Green William  H.  Warrum Eden. 

Jackson Thomas  E.   Niles Charlottesville. 

Sugar-creek William  A.  Wood Sugar  Creek, 

Vernon Aaron  R.  Chappcll Fortville. 

In  the  foregoing  we  have  endeavored  to  take  a  brief 
general  view  of  the  county  as  to  history,  resources,  and 
other  matters  of  interest,  which  is  intended  to  give  the 
reader  some  idea  of  the  territory  to  be  surveyed  before 
entering  upon  the  work  proper.  This  closes  the  first  chap- 
ter, after  which  we  will  engage  in  more  specific  definite 
work,  and  will  take  up  each  of  the  townships  in  order,  and 
speak  of  them  separately  ;  and  will,  in  the  course  of  the 
work,  give  a  full  detailed  account  of  the  several  points 
mentioned  herein. 


BLUE-RIVER- TOWNSHIP. 


CHAPTER  11, 


Townshij)  Line 


Township 


Township  Line 


i;  North. 


Scale:     Two  miles  to  an  inch. 

MAP  OF  niA'E-RIVER  TOWNSHIP. 

SHOWING    THE   SECTIONS,   TOWNSHII',    .\ND    RANGES  OF    WIIKIl   IT    IS   CONSTITUTED. 


This   township  takes  its   name  from   l^lue   River,    the 
principal  mill  stream  in  the  township.       It  was  ori^anized 


50  HISTORY  OF  HANX'OCK  COUNTY, 

in  1828,  and  composed  of  the  entire  eastern  part  of  the 
county,  what  now  constitutes  the  first  commissioners  dis- 
trict. In  183 1  it  was  reduced  in  size  to  thirty  sections,  its 
present  limits.  It  is  located  in  the  south-eastern  corner  of 
the  county,  and  is  bounded  by  Rush  count}-  on  the  east, 
Shelby  county  on  the  south,  Brandywine  and  Center  town- 
ships on  the  west,  and  Center  and  Jacksan  townships  on 
the  north.  In  extent  it  measures  six  miles  north  and  south 
and  five  miles  east  and  west.  It  is  all  located  in  township 
fifteen  north  and  ranges  seven  and  eight  east ;  two  tiers 
of  sections  on  the  west  are  in  range  seven,  and  three  on 
the  east  are  in  range  eight. 

The  range  line  dividing  the  two  fractional  congressional 
townships,  of  which  this  civil  township  is  composed, 
extends  along  the  center  of  the  road  running  north  and 
south  by  Westland  Post-Oflice. 

The  principal  streams  are  Blue  River,  Six  Mile  Creek 
and  Nameless  Creek.  Blue  River  cuts  off"  the  south-east 
corner  of  the  township,  running  through  four  sections,  and 
receives  from  the  north,  in  section  twenty-nine,  the  waters 
of  Six  Mile  Creek,  and  in  section  thirt\-  the  waters  of 
Nameless  Creek.  Six  Mile  Creek  is  found  in  four  sections 
of  the  south-eastern  part  of  the  count}',  and  Nameless 
Creek  in  five  sections  of  the  central  portion,  entering  the 
central  northern  part  and  emptying  in  the  central  southern 
part.     These  were  once  all  mill  streams. 

The  first  mill  in  the  county  was  a  small  log  structure 
on  Blue  River,  erected  by  Joshua  Wilson  in  1824.  It  was 
situated  above  the  old  Wolf's  mill,  now  Bacon's  mill. 
The  latter  is  the  only  water-mill  now  in  the  township. 

Nameless  Creek  and  Six  Mile  Creek  both  had  at  one 
time  small  sash  saw-mills  and  corn  crackers,  all  of  which 
have  long  since  been  superseded  by  the  modern  inventions 
and  improvements. 

Jesse  Hunt  used  to  run  a  small  saw  and  grist-mill  on 
Six  Mile  Creek,  near  where  the  Kysers  now  live.  The 
writer  from  1850  to  1855  spent  many  a  day  at  this  mill 
while  his  grist  of  corn  was  being  ground,  and  there  saw 
the  first  sawing  by  water-power  of  his  life. 


BLUE-RIVER  TOWNSHIT.  5  I 

John  Hiinniciitt  run  a  small  saw-mill  on  Nameless 
Creek  for  a  number  of  years,  on  what  is  now  the  William 
Brooks  farm.  There  was  also  another  small  mill  fvn-ther 
up  the  creek,  near  Westland  Post-Office. 

Blue-river  was  settled  at  least  ten  years  before  the 
organization  of  the  county. 

In  1818  Andrew  Evans  built  the  tirst  log  cabin  in  the 
township. 

In  1822  Thomas  Philips  had  a  blacksmith  shop  on 
Blue  River. 

In  1823  there  was  built  the  hrst  school-house  in  the 
township,  or  county,  and  Lewis  Tyner  was  the  first  male 
teacher. 

Elijah  Tyner,  in  1824,  erected  the  first  store  of  the 
township,  as  well  as  of  the  county  ;  and  he  continued  to 
do  business  at  the  same  place  until  his  death,  in  1872.  The 
writer's  first  pair  of  boots  came  from  this  store.  Tyner 
was  not  only  a  merchant,  but  an  extensive  farmer,  stock 
raiser,  and  stock  dealer.  For  a  great  many  years  he 
bought  and  drove  nearl}^  all  the  stock  raised  and  sold  in 
that  part  of  the  county,  and  even  in  the  adjoining  portion 
of  Shelby  county.  Tyner  is  also  entitled  to  the  credit  of 
setting  out  the  first  orchard  in  the  county.  He  brought 
the  trees  with  him  from  the  east. 

The  first  fence  in  the  county  was  built  in  this  township. 
The  builder  was  a  man  by  the  name  of  McCall.  It  was  a 
brush  fence,  made  of  the  branches  of  the  trees  which 
McCall  had  climbed  and  trimmed.  McCall  had  previ- 
ously cleared  a  little  spot  by  hitching  his  faithful  "  Buck" 
and  "  Bright"  to  the  grubs  and  "  pulling  them  out  by  the 
roots." 

Among  the  first  settlers  of  this  township  were  Andrew 
Evans,  John  Montgomery,  Montgomery  McCall,  Harmon 
Warrum,  Elijah  and  Solomon  Tyner,  John  Osborn,  Joshua 
Wilson,  George  Penwell,  the  Johnses,  Adamses,  James 
and  Benajah  Binford,  Joseph  Andrews,  John  Brown,  David 
Dodge,  David  Smith,  and  others,  with  their  families,  were 


52  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

among  the  more  prominent  pioneers  of  this  section.     The 
Binfords  came  in  1826. 

The  township  in  its  native  state  presented  some  fine 
scenery  ;  especially  in  the  rich  bottom  lands.  The  primi- 
tive trees  were  grand  and  stately,  and  some  of  them  of 
enormous  size.  There  is  an  oak  now  to  be  seen  on  the 
farm  of  Penn  Binford  that  measured  nine  feet  in  diameter 
and  about  seventy  feet  to  the  first  limb.  It  fell  about  the 
year  1852.  It  is  said,  by  those  who  saw  it,  to  have  been 
large  enough  before  the  falling  off  of  the  bark  to  have 
made  it  possible  to  have  driven  an  ordinary  two-horse 
wagon  and  team  from  the  butt  to  the  first  limb.  The  red- 
bud  skirting  the  streams  in  early  spring  presented  a  bright 
picture  among  the  green  and  luxuriant  foliage.  Pea 
vines  spice-brush,  grape-vines,  and  nettles,  were  common 
everywhere. 

The  surface  in  the  vicinity  of  the  streams  is  somewhat 
hilly  and  undulating,  w^hile  on  the  uplands  it  is  moderately 
level  to  gently  rolling.  The  only  portion  that  may  be  con- 
sidered strictly  level,  is  in  the  north-west  corner.  It  is  the 
dry  est  township  in  the  countv.  It  consists  of  first  and 
second-rate  land,  and  is  well  improved  and  under  good 
cultivation.  Within  its  limits  are  many  prosperous  farm- 
ers, with  fine  residences,  large  barns,  and  good  fences. 

Its  educational  and  church  advantages  are  not  sur- 
passed in  the  county. 

Its  public  schools,  it  having  none  other  at  present,  are 
nine  in  number,  arranged  in  three  tiers  of  three  eacli,  and 
numbered  regularly  from  one  to  nine,  similar  to  the  num- 
bering of  the  sections  in  a  congressional  township.  No.  i 
being  located  in  the  north-east  corner  and  No.  9  in  the 
south-west  corner.  The  teachers,  for  the  present,  are  as 
follows:  District  No.  i,  Pleasantview,  W.  B.  Hill;  Dis- 
trict No.  2,  Temperance  Hall,  W.  E.  Scott;  District  No. 
3,  Jessups,  James  K.  Allen  ;  District  No,  4,  Hopewell, 
Bertha  Scott;  District  No.  5,  Westland,  Jethro  Dennis; 
District  No.  6,  Hardy's  Fork,  Mattie  Cofiield  ;  District  No. 
7,  Handy's,  John  M.  Winslow  ;  Distric  No.  8,  Gates'  Har- 
vey New  ;  District  No.  9,  Shiloh,  Fannv  Da^•is. 


BLUE-RIVER  TOWNSHIP 


53 


The  churches  are  six  in  number,  named  and  located  as 
follows,  to-wit :  Shiloh,  Baptist,  located  in  the  south-west 
corner  of  the  township,  near  Elijah  Tyner's  old  place  ; 
Mt.  Olivet,  Christian  Union,  in  the  central  portion,  near 
the  Newby  farm  ;  Gilboa,  M.  E.  church,  in  the  northern 
central  portion  ;  Westland,  Friends,  in  the  central  portion, 
near  Westland  school-house,  the  voting  precinct ;  Pleas- 
antview.  Friends,  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  town- 
ship, adjoining  Samuel  B.  Hill's  farm  ;  Western  Grove, 
Friends,  in  the  central  western  portion,  on  the  pike  near 
Mahlon  Beeson's  farm. 

The  present  mills  and  factories  of  the  township  are  as 
follows  :  Bacon's  Flouring  Mill,  water-power,  previously 
located  ;  Wiley's  Saw-Mill,  steam-power,  in  the  western 
central  portion  ;  Marsh's  Tile  Factory,  one  mile  west  of 
Westland  P.  O.  ;  Luse's  Tile  Factory,  in  the  central  north- 
ern portion. 

The  roads  in  Blue-river,  like  other  parts  of  the  county, 
were  once  mere  paths  "blazed  out"  through  the  thick 
timber  and  underbrush,  which  presents  quite  a  contrast  to 
its  present  graded  and  graveled  highways.  The  town- 
ship now  has  eight  and  one-half  miles  of  toll  pike  in  addi- 
tion to  her  public  unassessed  roads,  many  of  which  are 
nearly,  or  quite,  equal  to  the  revenue  roads. 

The  township  has  no  railroad  within  its  borders,  but 
has  five  miles  of  the  P.,  C.  and  St.  L.,  the  old  "•  Indiana 
Central,"  on  its  north  line. 

The  entire  population,  white  and  black,  in  1880  was 
1,258.  The  polls  in  1881  were  217,  and  the  scholastic 
population  350. 

The  number  of  acres  assessed  in  the  township  for  1881 
were  18,755,  valued  at  $456,290.  The  improvements  on 
the  same  were  valued  at  $63,840.  The  total  value  of  the 
personal  property  was  put  at  $168,455.  The  total  valua- 
tion of  property,  real  and  personal,  was  $688,585.  The 
full  amount  of  taxes  due  from  the  township  for  the  current 
year  is  $6,540.47. 

Among  the  more  prominent  men  of  the  township   at 


54  HISTORY  OF  IIANX'OCK  COUXTV. 

present,  especially  in  a  linancial  point  of  view,  are  the  fol- 
lowing, each  of  whom  will  pay  taxes  to  the  amount  of  $40 
and  upwards  for  the  year  1881,  to  be  paid  in  1882  : 

Atkinson,  Lurikla 4    ,^   -_ 

Andrews,  Robert  D 6S  80 

Anderson,  James 67   10 

Binford,  Wm.  P.  '."      ,  \    ,^ 

-^  I   J-Z 

Binford,  Robert 78-27 

Binford,  Joseph '"      y     „s^ 

Binford,  VVm.  L ^^  ^^ 

Brooks,  Wm 77-8 

Butler,  Joseph 5^  ^3 

Billman,  Leander 66  -?S 

Brown,  Robert 72   -'6 

Coffi".  N.  D '.'..'.'.'.'.'.'.'..'..'.     60  88 

Caldwell,  J.  M _^^  6^ 

C^^^J^ooh (3^  ^^ 

Eakins,  Levina ^^  o^ 

Gates,  Dayton  II wj    ^^ 

Hendren,  Jerry ^o  3  , 

Hackleman,  Lemuel -^   r  i 

Hill,  Samuel  B..  .  .  i-'S  70 

Hill,ThomasE '.'.'.'.'.'.'.  .'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'..'.     4405 

Harold,  Lemuel =;7  87 

Hunt,  John ■      -^^  ^^ 

HatHeld,  George  H 86  74 

Jessup,  Levi ""'     ^^  ^^ 

Johns,  Robison,  sr 4-?  08 

Moore,  William ^20-1 

New,  William 1 1  =;   i^ 

Pitts,  Samuel  C 42  01 

Pusey,  Jesse  F.  heirs 64  47 

^^^^^^John ■    ■■■      ^6  ^^ 

Roots,  Chas.  P 124  80 

Tyner,  James  M --  ^ 

Tyncr,  Elbert ^3 

Tyner,  Sarah  A g-   -g 

Warrum,  Noble 7'   So 

^«in  Jacob  G '.'.'.'.'.'.'..'.'.'.'..'.      59   xS 

Pittsburgh,  Cincinnati  and  St.  Louis  Ry  Co.  .    464  23 


BLUE-RIVER  TOWNSHIP 


:)0 


At  the  present  time  the  township  has  but  one  justice, — 
Elijah  Tyner, — and  he  is  not  Hkely  to  become  wealthy 
from  the  profits  of  the  office,  notwithstanding  that  he  is 
much  of  a  gentleman  ;  but  he  is  living  in  a  quiet  commu- 
nity of  peaceable  people,  who  patronize  the  courts  onlv  in 
case  of  necessity,  and  hence  are  seldom  engaged  in  pett}' 
lawsuits  and  acrimonious  legal  contests. 

The  township  has  one  located  physician,  in  the  person 
of  Dr.  Oliver  Andrews,  allopathist,  and  son  of  Joseph 
Andrews,  deceased,  one  of  the  pioneers.  Much  of  the 
practice  of  the  township  is  divided  up  between  the  physi- 
cians of  the  surrounding  towns — Greenfield,  Carthage, 
Morristown,  Charlottesville,  and  Cleveland.  Among  the 
physicians  who  practiced  in  the  township  thirty  and  fortv 
3'ears  ago,  were  :  Drs.  Lot  Edwards,  B.  F.  Duncan,  R.  E. 
Barnett,  N.  P.  Howard,  of  Greenfield ;  John  Clark,  Pat- 
terson and  Stratton,  of  Carthage  ;  Whiteside  and  Riddle, 
of  Knightstown  ;  Wolf,  of  Morristown,  and  Edmundson, 
of  Blue-river.  The  latter  was  a  one-armed  man,  located 
on  the  Joseph  Binford  farm,  where  he  also  kept  a  small 
store.  A  few  years  later  Dr.  Newby  held  forth  at  Moore's 
shop,  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  township. 

B.  P.  Butler  is  the  post-master,  and  Thomas  E.  Hill 
trustee. 

Samuel  Heavenridge  built  the  first  store,  at  Westland, 
in  about  the  year  1852.  It  was  a  small  log  structure.  He 
sold  to  Levi  Reece  ;  Reece  to  Ambrose  Miller  and  Henry 
Newby  ;  Miller  &  Newby  to  Calvary  G.  Sample,  who  run 
the  store  for  a  few  years,  and  then  sold  out  at  public  auc- 
tion about  the  beginning  of  the  civil  war.  There  was 
no  store  in  the  place  then  until  Wm.  New  opened  up. 
New  sold  to  Lemuel  Harold  and  Levi  Cloud  ;  Cloud  sold 
his  interest  back  to  Harold,  who  afterward  formed  a 
partnership  with  James  L.  Binford ;  Binford  sold  back 
to  Harold,  and  Harold  to  Binford  Brothers,  who  were 
burned  out  on  the  13th  of  April,  1881,  since  which  time 
there  has  been  no  store  in  the  place.  Joel  Pusey  erected 
a  building  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  township  in  about  the 


56  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

year  1855,  in  which  he  run  a  store  for  a  number  of  years. 

In  poHtics,  Blue-river  is  r-epubhcan  by  about  seventy- 
five  majority,  being  the  only  strictly  republican  township 
in  the  county. 

The  magistrates  of  the  township  from  its  organization 
to  date,  as  near  as  w^e  are  able  to  ascertain,  were  as  follows  : 

John  Osborn Unknown 

Samuel  A.  Hall ^^34 

Richard  Hackleman 1836 

Richard  Hackleman 1840 

Adam  Allen 1848 

Richard  Hackleman 1S51 

James  Sample ^^53 

Richard  Hackleman 1S56 

John  Coffin i^S? 

John  Coffin 1S61 

Thompson  Allen 1865 

Thompson  Allen 1S69 

John  O.  G.  Collins 1869 

Edward  L.  Coffin 1872 

Walter  S.  Luse 1877 

Elijah  Tyner,  present  justice 1S78 

The  following  are  the  ex-township  trustees  since  1859, 
the  date  at  which  thev  were  empowered  with  authority  to 
levy  local  taxes  : 

B.  P.  Buder 1859 

N.  D.  Coffin i860 

James  New 1S63 

Lemuel  Hackleman 1S65 

B.  F.  Luse 1869 

Samuel  B.  Hill 1873 

Lemuel  Hackleman 1^77 

Thomas  E.  Hill 1880 

Of  the  men  who  once  lived  in  the  township,  and  now 
reside  elsewhere,  are  :  The  News,  of  Greenfield  ;  James 
P.  Galbreath,  of  Kansas  ;  the  Binfords,  of  Iowa  ;  Elias 
Marsh,  editor  of  the   Commercial^  Portland,  Jay  county, 


iCiyzrucX^O. 


BLUE-RIV'ER  TOWNSHIP 


57 


Indiana  ;  Amos  Beeson,  editor  of  the  Winchester  younial, 
and  one  of  the  trustees  of  the  northern  prison  ;  Milton 
Hodson,  a  former  partner  of  Beeson's  in  the  yotinial \ 
Prof.  Penn  Hunnicutt,  of  Iowa;  Hon.  Noble  Warrum, 
Dr.  M.  M.  Adams,  and  the  writer,  of  Greenfield  ;  Oliver 
Butler,  attorney,  of  Richmond  ;  James  L.  Binford  and  the 
Tyners,  merchant  and  traders,  of  Morristown  ;  Eli  Gal- 
breath,  attorney,  Pittsburg;  Ephraim  Bentlev,  commis- 
sioner, now  of  Brand3^wine ;  Prof.  Joseph  R.  Hunt,  of 
Indianapolis;  Dr.  Handy,  of  Arkansas;  Mrs.  R.  P.  Hill, 
of  Rush  county,  author  of  a  book  of  poems  ;  Levi  Bin- 
ford,  druggist,  Joseph  Binford,  farmer  and  banker,  John 
Hunnicutt,  carriage-maker,   and  Dr.   Nuby,  of  Carthage. 

Of  the  ex-county  officers  now  residing  in  the  township, 
we  call  to  mind  Ex-Treasurer  George  W.  Hatfield  and 
Ex-County  Surveyor  Calvary  G.  Sample. 

William  New,  of  Greenfield,  was  for  a  number  of  }ears 
commissioner  from  Blue-river,  and  William  Handy  state 
representative. 

The  chief  exports  of  the  township  are  corn,  wheat, 
hogs,  cattle,  horses,  apples,  potatoes,  and  flaxseed. 

The  value,  in  the  judgment  of  the  writer,  of  the  nine 
frame  school-houses  in  this  township  is  $4,500 ;  value  of 
apparatus,  $400 ;  total  value  of  school  property,  $4,900. 

At  the  presidential  election  for  1880,  the  township  was 
republican  by  sixty-eight  majority,  the  vote  standing  as 
follows:  Republican  vote,  175;  Democratic  vote,  107; 
Greenback  vote,  18;  total  vote,  300.  Blue-river  in  1836 
cast  32  votes  ;  in  1840,  38  ;  in  i860,  212. 

The  population  of  the  township  for  1850  was  936  ;  for 
i860,  1,060;  for  1870,  1,125  5  ^or  1880,  1,258. 


CHAPTER  HI. 


Mount  Oi.ivet  Church. 
The    Christian    church    of   Blue-river    township,    now 
known  as  Mt.  Olivet,  was  organized  in  the  year  1838,  by 
5 


58  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUXTV. 

old  Father  Hubbard,  in  what  was  then  known  as  the  Allen 
School-House,  in  district  No.  3.  Among  its  early  preach- 
ers were  Elders  Hubbard,  Epplesizer  and  Jonathan  Line- 
back.  Its  early  members  were  Jonathan  and  Polly  Line- 
back,  Absalom  Dayis  and  wife,  Eli  and  Anna  Risley, 
John  and  Catharine  New,  and  Miss  Lizzie  Miller.  The 
same  church  was  reorganized  in  the  year  1862,  by  Elder 
W.  A.  Gross,  at  what  is  now  called  the  Temperance  Hall 
School-House,  in  district  No.  2,  with  a  few  members, 
prominent  of  whom  were  Jonathan  Lineback  and  wife. 
Nathan  Newby  and  wife,  and  Abraham  Lineback  and  wife. 
The  membership  at  that  time  was  about  fifty-six.  The 
present  building  was  erected  in  187 1,  at  a  cost  of  $1,000. 
It  was  dedicated  in  June,  187 1,  by  Elder  Homer.  A.  H. 
Allison  built  the  church,  and  was  the  first  preacher,  fol- 
lowed by  Elders  John  Biu^ket,  Dayenport,  and  Peter 
Baker.  Some  of  the  present  members  are :  Miles  S. 
Cook  and  wife,  Walter  S.  Luse,  John  Hackleman,  Polly 
Lineback,  and  others,  about  forty  in  number.  Preaching, 
usually,  once  a  month. 

Walter  S.  Luse"s  Tile  Factory 

was  erected  in  1879,  '^^  "^  ^'-"^^  ^^  $2,000.  being  the  second 
in  the  township.  It  manufactures  about  1,500  rods  of 
tile  per  annum.  Has  been  in  operation  eleyen  years. 
Total  amount  manufactured,  16.500. 

Lewis  G.  Rule's  Saw-Mill, 

in  Blue-riye  tovynship,  was  built  in  1879,  '^^  '*•  ^'^^^  of  $1 ,500. 
Capacity,  3,500  feet  per  day.  It  turnishes  work  for  six 
hands,  and  ships  lumber  to  Indianapolis,  Buffalo  and 
Cleyeland.  The  mill  is  in  the  northern  part  of  the  town- 
ship, a  little  south  of  the  National  road. 

Elijah  Tyner. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Abbeyille  Dis- 
trict, South  Carolina,  in  1797.  He  was  the  second  son  of 
the  Rey.  William  Tyner,  a  Baptist  minister,  who  remoyed 


15LUE-RIVER  TOW'XSIIIl'. 


59 


from  South  Carolina  to  Kentucky  in  the   \ear  1802,  and 
from  thence  to   Indiana  in   1805,  near  J^rookville  ;  thence 
to  Decatur  county.     At  the  age  of  twenty-one  Mr.  Tvner 
was  married  to  Martha  McCure,  of  FrankHn  county.      In 
1820  he   came  to  Hancock    countv,  or  the  territory   now 
•comprising  the  county,   which  the  reader  will  remember 
was   not  organized  till   eight  years    afterward  ;  and  eyen 
Madison,  from  which  Hancock  was  struck  off  in  1828,  was 
not  organized  till  1823.     In  1821,  September  19,  he  entered 
eighty    acres   of   land   in    Blue-river  township,   being   the 
third  entry  made  in  the  county.     The  iirst  entr\'  was  made 
August    10,    1821,   by  Harmon   Warrum,   and  the  second 
August  23,  by  James  Tyner.      In  1822  Mr.  Tyner  married 
Mary  Nelson,   who  died  in    1830.      In    1832  he  was  again 
married,  this  time  to  Sarah  Ann  Hollerston.     Mr.  Tyner 
was  one  of  the  staunch  pioneers,  coming  into  the  county 
within  two  years   from   the   first  settlement  made  b\'   the 
"pale-face."     As  a  merchant,  he  was  honest  and  accom- 
modating, and  thereby  gained  the  esteem  of  all  who  knew 
him.     Elsewhere  we  have  shown  that  he  was  not  onh'  a 
pioneer  merchant,  stock-trader  and    farmer,  but  he  was 
the  hrst  in  the  county  to  give  any  attention  to  horticulture, 
having  set  out  an  orchard  in  the  year   1822,  according  to 
the  best  information  now  at  hand.      Mr.  Tyner  also  acted 
as   a  kind  of  common   carrier  between   the   early  settlers 
and  the  market.     As  a  father,  he  was  kind-hearted  and 
gentle.      He  raised  a  large  family,  and  provided  well  for 
them.     As  a  neighbor,  he  was  highly  respected  on  account 
of  his  many  amiable  qualities.      In  politics,  he  was  a  \yiiig 
and  republican,  but  liberal  in  his  views.     He  was  a  Baptist 
in  faith,  but  by  no  means  a  bigot.     He  liberally  supported 
the  church,  and  every  good  cause  found  in  him  a  friend 
and  substantial  encouragement.     His  remains  lie  buried  in 
Shiloh  cemetery,  near  his  home,  where  loving  hands  have 
<^rected  a  stately  monument  to  mark  his  last  resting  place. 

AuAM  Allen's  Pioneer  Life. 
Adam  Allen,  with  his  family,  came  to  Blue-river  town- 


6o  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

ship,  Hancock  county,  Indiana,  in  December,  1827.  He 
moved  into  a  small  log  cabin  covered  with  clapboards  ; 
half  of  the  floor  was  of  rough  slabs  ;  the  front  and  other 
half  was  simply  the  earth  made  smooth  and  pounded  firm. 
The  tire-place  and  chimney  were  very  rude,  made  of  rock, 
mud  and  sticks.  It  would  admit  a  back  log  of  six  or 
seven  feet  in  length.     The  loft  was  made  of  rough  boards. 

There  was  not  then  a  public  road  in  the  township  ;  only 
a  path  "blazed"  through  the  woods  to  a  distant  neigh- 
bor's cabin.  He  had  but  one  neighbor  within  less  than  a 
mile,  and  that  was  James  Wilson,  who  had  settled  two 
years  before  on  the  farm  now  occupied  by  Augustus  Dennis. 

About  1830,  while  a  man  moving  into  the  township 
was  crossing  the  small  stream  that  flows  south,  asked  the 
name  of  the  creek.  Being  told  that  it  had  none,  he  said  : 
-'  It  is  a  '  nameless  creek  f  "  which  name  it  still  retains. 

When  the  Aliens  came,  almost  the  whole  surface  of  the 
earth  was  covered  with  undergrowth,  which  consisted  of 
spice  brush,  pea  vines,  and  coarse  grass.  Cattle  and 
horses  subsisted  on  it  nearly  the  whole  year.  Hogs  fat- 
tened on  the  mast  almost  entirely,  and  were  penned  only 
for  a  few  days  before  killing  time,  and  then  that  they 
might  be  fed  a  little  corn  to  harden  the  lard.  There  was 
an  abundance  of  wild  gooseberries,  plums  and  ginseng. 
"The  latter  I  have  often  gathered,"  says  Thompson  Allen, 
his  son,  "  and  dried  for  market,  which  sold  at  about  twen- 
tv-five  cents  per  pound."  There  were  wolves,  wild  cats, 
turkeys,  and  white  and  black  squirrels  in  great  numbers  ; 
and  in  the  summer  and  fall,  when  the  corn  was  ripening, 
the  daily  employment  of  the  bo3^s  was  to  scare  the  squir- 
rels away  from  the  corn  field. 

Mr.  Allen's  plow  was  of  the  old  wooden  mold-board 
kind.  He  cut  his  wheat  with  a  sickle,  and  either  carried 
or  hauled  it  on  a  sled ;  then  threshed  it  out  with  a  flail  on 
a  dirt  floor.  If  the  wind  was  blowing,  he  would  clean  it 
by  standing  and  slowly  pouring  the  wheat  to.  the  ground 
in  a  small  stream,  letting  the  wind  blow  the  chaft'  away. 


BLUE-RIVEK  TOWNSHIP.  6  I 

If  there  was  no  wind,  then  two  persons  with  a  sheet  woukl 
fan  while  a  third  poured  the  wheat. 

For  several  years  he  had  no  cook  stove  ;  all  the  cook- 
ing was  done  by  the  fire.  The  johnny-cake  board  was  as 
common  then  as  a  tea-kettle  is  now. 

They  had  no  apples,  peaches,  or  tame  fruits,  but  sub- 
.stituted  pumpkins,  and,  of  course,  were  very  familiar  witli 
pumpkin  pies.  Dried  pumpkins  were  laid  up  in  the  fall, 
which  served  for  dessert  when  they  had  companv  or  on 
Sunday  mornings  for  breakfast.  On  one  occasion  Mr. 
Allen  went  out  to  a  mill  on  Flat  Rock,  and  on  his  return 
brought  home  with  him  about  half  a  bushel  of  apples,  the 
first  ever  seen  by  the  children.  The  mother  gave  each  of 
them  an  apple,  and  put  the  rest  away  in  the  loft,  telling 
them  that,  as  she  now  had  some  flour,  they  must  not  touch 
the  apples,  and  she  would  make  some  pies.  That  night 
Thompson  Allen  woke  up,  and  hearing  the  boards  rattle, 
looked  in  the  direction  of  the  apples,  and  presently  saw 
something  white  descending,  which  proved  to  be  one  of 
his  brothers,  who  could  not  refrain  from  the  unfrequent 
temptation  of  satisfying  a  keen  appetite  superinduced  b^- 
that  one  apple. 

The  first  school-house  in  the  north  part  of  the  township 
was  built  on  the  southern  part  of  Noble  Warrum's  farm, 
in  section  six,  township  fifteen.  It  was  made  of  logs,  and 
had  five  corners.  It  was  not  chinked  and  daubed ;  had  no 
windows  and  but  one  door.  A  man  by  the  name  of  San- 
ford  taught  the  first  school  therein.  The  second  school 
was  taught  by  Mr.  McPherson.  One  day  a  boy  had  done 
something  contrary  to  the  "rules,''  and  the  teacher,  to 
punish  him,  made  him  go  outdoors  and  climb  up  in  a  dog- 
wood sapling  ;  he  then  detailed  another  boy  to  stand  at  the 
foot  of  the  bush  and  keep  him  up  there. 

"In  1844,"  sa3's  Thompson  Allen,  "I  commenced 
teaching  school.  The  price  then  was  about  thirty  dollars 
per  term  of  sixty-five  days,  about  ten  dollars  of  it  being 
public  money.  The  law  required  teachers  to  have  cer- 
tificates, but  the  examinations  were  not  verv  rifjid.     Once 


62  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

I  went  to  Greentield  to  get  license.  I  told  the  eK'aminer 
what  I  wanted.  lie  said:  'How  long  will  you  be  in 
town?  Call  before  you  go  home,  and  I  will  have  them 
ready.  I  am  busy  now.'  I  called,  ga^•e  him  fifty  cents, 
his  fee,  and  received  m}-  license,  without  being  asked  a 
single  question. 

The  tirst  man  that  preached  in  the  northern  part  of  the 
township  was  Father  McClain,  the  father-in-law  of  Wes- 
ley Williams,  of  Jackson  township. 

Adam  Allen  was  a  strong,  robust,  honest  and  honora- 
ble man — a  good  representive  of  the  majority  of  the  early 
settlers  of  the  country. 

[We  are  indebted  to  Thompson  Allen,  Esquire,  and 
James  K.  Allen,  teacher,  son  and  grandson  of  the  above,, 
tor  most  of  the  foregoing  facts.] 

History  of  Shiloh  Church. 

On  the  tit'th  Saturday  in  Ma\\  1841,  a  number  of  Bap- 
tists met  at  the  house  of  Richard  Hackleman,  in  the  south- 
western part  of  the  township,  to  consider  the  propriety'  of 
organizing  a  chmxh.  After  some  consultation,  they  agreed 
to  call  a  council  of  brethren,  to  meet  at  the  house  of  Solo- 
mon Tyner  on  the  fourth  Saturday  of  the  next  month. 
At  this  council  there  were  thirteen  persons  present,  and 
they  organized  by  choosing  Elder  McQiuu-v  as  moderator 
and  J.  T.  Price  as  clerk.  After  some  deliberation  the 
council  proceeded  to  adopt  a  constitution.  The  names  of 
the  constituent  members  were  as  follows,  to-wit :  Solo- 
mon Tyner,  John  H.  Caldwell,  John  M.  Duncan,  Jemima 
Tyner,  Nancy  Duncan,  Caroline  Randall,  and  Rosanna 
Caldwell  ;  being  seven  members  in  all,  which  was  increased 
to  fifteen  at  their  next  meeting.  Elder  McQi.uu-v  was  their 
first  pastor.  He  was  one  of  Indiana's  pioneers  :  a  man  of 
unusual  energ}'  and  piety,  and  his  preaching  was  consid- 
ered powerliil  and  impressive.  His  hallowed  influence 
still  sur\ives  in   tiic  hearts  of  nian\-  of  the  brethren. 


BLUE-RIVER  TOWNSHIP,  6^ 

The  following  are  the  pastors  in  order,  and  the  time 
each  served  : 

From  1841  to  18:^2,  Elder  McQiiary. 

From  1853  to  1853,  Elder  Wm.  Baker. 

From  1853  to  1854,  Elder  Elias  Boston. 

From  1854  to  1857,  Elder  Wilson  Thompson. 

From  1857  to  1864,  Elder  J.  G.Jackson. 

From  1864  to  1868,  Elders  J.  S.  Weaver  and  D.  Caudel. 

From  1S68  to  1872,  Elders  G.  S.  Weaver  and  A.  B.  May. 

From  1873  to  1876,  Elders  A.  B.  May  and  Harvey  Wright. 

From  1876  to  1879,  Elders  Harvey  Wright  and  D.  Caudel. 

From  1879  to  1S81,  Elders  D.  Caudel  and  J.  F.  Weaver. 

The  church  continued  to  hold  her  meetings  from  house 
to  house  until  the  3'ear  1854  •  ^^^^  then  erected  a  frame 
building,  30x40  feet,  at  a  cost  of  $800.  The  house  is  on 
the  pike,  just  north  of  Tyner's  old  store,  on  the  south-east 
corner  of  section  26,  township  lit"teen  north,  range  seven 
east.     This  house  is  still  her  place  of  worship. 

Shiloh  hrst  asked  admission,  and  was  received,  into 
the  Lebanon  Association  ;  but  afterward  withdrew,  and, 
for  convenience,  joined  the  \Vhite  Water  Association.  It 
would  be  well  to  state  here  that  Baptist  churches  are  not 
under  the  control  of  a  superior  organization,  but  each 
church  is  independent.  The  association  is  merely  an 
annual  meeting  tor  mutual  correspondence.  One  session 
of  the  Lebanon  Association  and  three  sessions  of  the 
White  Water  Association  have  been  held  with  this  church. 
It  was  here  that  the  Lebanon  Association  was  held  in 
August,  1846,  at  which  time  the  great  question  of  "  Means 
and  anti-Means"  was  discussed.  Some  churches  had 
already  divided,  each  party  sending  messengers,  whose 
seats  were  contested.  It  was  an  exciting  time,  and  party 
spirit  ran  high.  Those  of  the  means  party  claimed  that 
"God  quickens,  regenerates  and  makes  alive  dead  sin- 
ners bv  his  spirit  through  the  written  and  preached  word. 
That  God  has  proposed  salvation  in  the  Gospel  to  the 
world  of  mankind.  That  Jesus  did  not  die  as  man,  but  as 
God."     The  anti-means  party  claimed  that  "  God  quick- 


64  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

ens  the  sinner  by  the  power  of  his  spirit  without  the  aid  or 
instrumentality  of  human  power.  That  the  written  and 
preached  word  is  for  the  instruction  and  comfort  of  God's 
people  after  they  have  been  quickened  by  his  power.  That 
God  has  not  proposed  salvation  to  any  one,  but  has  secured 
the  salvation  of  all  saints  by  the  blood  of  Christ ;  and  that 
repentance  and  remission  of  sins  is  a  gift  of  God,  and  not 
the  act  of  the  creature  by  the  free  volition  of  his  will." 
They  also  held  that  "  Christ  died  as  man  and  not  as  God." 
Other  points  were  discussed,  but  the  foregoing  are  the 
main  ones. 

This  church  is  anti-means,  and  though  at  present  num- 
bering but  thirty  members,  it  is  at  peace  with  mankind, 
and  enjoying  a  reasonable  degree  of  prosperit}-. 

[We  are  indebted  to  W.  N,  Tharp,  a  teacher  and  the 
church  clerk,  for  most  of  the  above  facts.] 

James  L.  Binford 

was  born  October  10,  1787,  in  Prince  George  county,  N. 
C,  and  came  to  Hancock  county  in  1826,  and  was  one  of 
the  first  settlers  of  Blue-river  township.  He  was  married 
to  Mary  Ladd  in  1817,  by  whom  he  had  five  children, 
viz.  :  Robert,  Ann,  Joseph,  Benjamin,  and  William  L. 
Mr.  B.  was  married  a  second  time  to  Jane  Binford,  to 
whom  were  born  one  chfld.  In  politics,  Mr.  B.  was  a 
staunch  whig  ;  and,  notwithstanding  his  father  had  owned 
and  worked  slaves,  he  was  bitterly  opposed  to  the  accursed 
traffic,  and  never  hesitated  to  denounce  it  in  the  strongest 
terms  consistent  with  his  Christian  profession.  When  in 
health  he  was  regular  in  attendance  at  the  place  of  wor- 
ship with  the  Society  of  Friends,  the  church  of  his  choice, 
twice  or  more  per  week. 

Mr.  B.  was  a  very  plain-spoken  man,  yet  kind-hearted, 
and  ever  ready  to  help  the  worthy  poor.  He  was  also 
very  conscientious,  and  although  he  loaned  a  great  deal  of 
money  for  his  time,  he  was  never  known  to  accept  more 
than  six  per  cent,  interest,  nor  usury  in  an}^  form.  By 
industrv,  strict  economv,  and  the  avoidance  of  all  vicious 


BLUE-RIVER  TOWNSHIP,  65 

iind  luxurious  habits,  he  succeeded  in  amassing  a  neat  for- 
tune, and  was  thereby  enabled  to  do  much  for  charitable 
purposes,  and  to  give  each  of  his  five  children  a  quarter  of 
a  section  of  good  land,  and  as  much  more  in  ready  cash. 
He  died  August  19,  1863,  aged  seventy-five  years,  eleven 
months  and  eighteen  days,  and  was  buried  according  to 
the  simple  custom  of  the  Friends  at  the  Walnut  Ridge 
burying-grounds,  in  Rush  county,  Indiana.  His  first  wite 
died  in  1822,  and  was  buried  in  North  Carolina,  and 
his  second  December  14,  1867,  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
nine  years  and  nine  months,  and  was  buried  beside  her 
husband. 

Elihu  Coffin,  Sen. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  a  native  of  Clinton  county, 
Ohio.  Date  of  nativity,  March  31,  1807.  He  was  prin- 
cipally raised  in  North  Carolina  ;  came  to  Milton,  Indiana, 
in  1828  and  remained  till  1831,  when  he  came  to  Hancock 
county,  and  shared  with  the  few  settlers  the  privations  and 
hardships  of  frontier  life.  The  roads  were  to  make,  the 
forests  were  to  clear,  the  wild  animals  to  exterminate,  and 
the  physical  man  to  provide  with  food,  clothing  and  shel- 
ter. The  first  winter  Mr.  Coffin  was  in  the  county  he,  in 
common  with  many  others,  did  without  bread  for  weeks  at 
a  time,  owing  to  the  mills  being  frozen  up  so  that  they 
could  not  grind,  there  being  no  steam  mills  in  those  days. 
They  lived  on  potatoes,  pumpkins,  and  wild  game. 

Mr.  Coffin  has  traveled  quite  a  good  deal,  has  a  reten- 
tive memory,  and  takes  great  pleasure  in  telling  of  the 
sights.  From  1850  to  1852  he  lived  in  Iowa;  thence  he 
wended  his  way  across  the  plains  to  the  gold  regions  of 
California,  where,  for  two  years,  he  had  an  experience 
brighter  in  imagination  than  in  reality.  From  California 
Mr.  C.  returned  to  Iowa,  by  way  of  Panama,  New  York 
and  Chicago.  But  still  not  contented  with  any  point 
vet  visited  between  the  Atlantic  and  Pacific,  save  on  the 
fertile,  salubrious  soil  of  old  Hancock,  he  determined 
to  retrace  his  steps,  and  accordingly,  in  1865,  permanentl\- 


66  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

located  in  Blue-river  towrivship  ;  where,  with  the  wife  of 
his  bosom  and  the  companion  of  his  travels,  he  is  enjoy- 
ing a  peaceful  old  age  ;  and  would,  doubtless,  take  pleas- 
ure in  telling  the  reader  a  hundred  fold  more  than  we  have 
recorded. 

Mr.  C.  is  a  square-built,  muscular  man,  a  good  Mason, 
a  republican,  and  an  orthodox  Friend. 

Personal  Sketch  of  Augustus  Dennis. 

Mr.  Dennis  was  born  in  Virginia  in  June,  1827  ;  came 
to  Hancock  county  in  1844 ;  w^as  married  to  Miss  Jemima 
C.  Tyner  in  October,  1847.  Mr.  D.  was  bred  on  a  farm, 
and  has  given  that  branch  of  industry  his  whole  attention. 
He  came  to  the  county  a  poor  boy,  with  only  twelve  and 
one-half  cents  in  his  pocket,  and  worked  at  eight  dollars 
per  month.  He  now  has  a  good  farm  in  tine  state  of  cul- 
tivation. 

Mr.  D.  is  an  uncompromising  democrat,  3'et  he  accords 
to  others  what  he  asks  for  himself — liberty  to  think  and 
act  for  himself.  He  has  ever  since  early  manhood  been 
identified  with  some  religious  society,  connecting  himself 
fii'st  with  the  Methodists,  and  later  becoming  a  member  of 
the  Friends  Society,  as  it  best  suited  his  opinions  and  con- 
venience, without  the  sacrifice  of  any  vital  principle  taught 
bv  the  church  of  his  first  choice. 

Mr.  D.  was  elected  countv  commissioner  lor  the  first 
commissioner's  district  in  1878  over  Elisha  Earles,  a  wor- 
thy opponent,  by  3,000  majority. 

He  has  always  taken  a  decided  stand  on  the  side  of 
temperance,  both  by  example  and  precept,  and  even  hesi- 
tated to  qualify  as  commissioner,  owing  to  the  relation  of 
the  office  with  the  licensing  of  the  traffic. 

Sketch  of  the  Pioneicr  Life  of  Harmon  Warrum. 
{^l^urnisJicd  by  his  son,  I/o/iorablc  JVobIc    M^arr/tiii.) 

Harmon  Warrum  was  a  Kentuckian  bv  birth,  the  son 
of  an   Enijlishman  who  went  to  Kentuck^•  from  Penns\l- 


BLUE-RIVER  TOWNSHIl'.  67 

vania  in  an  early  day,  and  who  was  recognized  as  an 
expert  w'ith  the  rifle,  and  also  a  proficient  backwoodsman, 
being  constantly  employed  as  scovit  and  trailer.  He  died 
when  the  subject  ot"  the  above  sketch  was  quite  a  child, 
leavinn"  him  in  the  care  of  an  uncle,  whose  name  was 
Thomas  Consley,  on  whom  fell  the  duty  of  educating  him 
for  the  stern  realities  of  frontier  life  which  he  was  destined 
to  experience.  After  arriving  at  majority,  he  became  a 
rather  cool,  self-possessed  man,  endowed  with  great  cour- 
age and  pM^sical  ability.  He  was  quick  to  resent  a  wrong 
and  never  forgot  a  kindness.  He  w'as  an  active,  strong 
man,  having  fouo'ht,  wrestled  and  run  with  both  whites 
and  reds,  but  never  vanquished. 

He  came  to  Indiana  about  the  year  .1807,  and  in  1809 
or  1810  married  a  young  lady  of  English  descent,  who 
had  lately  emigrated  from  Georgia.  Her  name  was  Edith 
Butler.  I  was  born  in  1819,  and  when  about  four  years  of 
age  my  father  moved  to  Hancock  county  (then  a  part  ot 
Madison),  and  settled  on  Blue  River,  in  the  southern  part 
of  the  county,  and  took  a  title  for  the  land  now  owned  and 
occupied  by  Dayton  H.  Gates,  Esq.  This  was  the  lirst 
piece  of  land  entered  in  the  county  :  he  alse  entered  the 
last  piece  situated  on  Swamp  Creek — the  tirst  on  August 
10,  1821,  and  the  last  on  January  16,  1854. 

When  he  first  came  to  Blue-river  it  was  a  dense  wilder- 
ness for  miles  and  miles  ;  no  sound  save  the  rustling  ot  the 
leaves,  the  moaning  of  the  wind,  and  the  angry  voice  of 
the  storm  cloud  ;  no  music  broke  the  calm  stillness  of  the 
summer  air  save  the  buzzing  of  mosquitoes,  the  howling 
of  the  ravenous  wolves,  or  the  fierce  }'ell  of  the  prowling 
panther  :  no  noisv  hum  of  laboring  factories  ;  no  clanking 
hammers  in  dusty  shops.  No,  the  great  work-house  of 
nature,  covered  with  the  blue  canopy  of  heaven,  walled 
in  only  bv  the  horizon,  and  lit  up  by  nature's  lamps,  suf- 
ficed.  Then  we  heard  no  ringing  of  Sabbath  church 
bells;  no  locomotive  whisde.  Had  a  train  of  cars  passed 
through  the  country  at  that  time,  the  pioneers  would  have 
declared  it  haunted. 


68  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY, 

Our  nearest  neighbors,  about  seven  or  eight  miles  dis- 
tant, living  on  Brandywine,  were  the  families  of  Roberts, 
Montgomery  and  Stephenson ;  but  after  awhile  here 
came  the  Tyners  and  Johnses  ;  also,  Penwells,  Watts  and 
Wilsons  to  our  immediate  neighborhood.  But  neighbors 
living  then  at  a  distance  of  eight  or  ten  miles  apart  were 
more  neighborly  than  those  of  to-day  in  adjoining  lots. 
Well,  as  neighbors  kept  coming,  cabins  were  being  put  up 
in  every  direction.  Everything  in  a  bustle,  and  all  at 
work  that  could  work.  The  pioneer  cabin  was  cheaplv 
made  and  easily  constructed.  Ours  was  built  of  round  logs, 
notched  to  lay  closely  together  ;  the  roof  was  of  four-foot 
clapboards,  weighed  down  by  poles  laid  across  each  course 
of  boards  ;  then  there  was  what  was  termed  the  "  eaves 
bearer,"  a  log  laying  parallel  with  the  ends  of  the  cabin, 
and  projecting  about  eighteen  inches  over  the  wall ;  a 
good  splitting  stick  was  selected,  split  through  the  center, 
placed  on  the  ends  of  the  "eaves  bearer,"  and  notched 
for  the  roof  boards  to  butt  against ;  this  was  called  the 
"butting  pole"  ;  a  door-way  was  sawed  out,  and  the  logs 
were  used  as  steps  ;  then  a  window  was  cut,  a  s/'iiglc  open- 
ing ;  we  called  it  a  window  because  it  was  the  largest  hole 
in  the  cabin  to  let  in  the  light ;  it  was  made  by  placing 
.sticks  across  as  a  frame-work,  on  which  a  piece  of  greased 
newspaper  was  placed  ;  through  this  the  light  shone  like 
<lim  moonshine  through  the  room  ;  the  chimney  was  built 
■of  sticks  and  mud,  and  was  called  "  cat  and  clay  chim- 
ney." While  this  rude  hut  was  being  constructed  bv 
father,  mother,  a  hired  hand  from  a  distance,  and  my  old- 
est sister,  the  family  were  living,  with  all  of  their  house- 
hold goods,  in  a  hollow  sycamore  tree. 

After  moving  into  our  new  house,  we  furnished  it  with 
a  couple  of  one-legged  bedsteads,  produced  by  father's 
own  hands  ;  and  he  not  being  a  professional  mechanic, 
they  were,  consequently,  not  so  stylish  as  those  from  the 
factories  of  to-day.  But  I  rested  just  as  easy  on  them  as 
many  do  to-day  on  their  seventy-tive  dollar  bedsteads. 

Then  the  doors  were  of  puncheons   pinned   together. 


HLUE-RIVER  TOWNSHII'.  69 

Such  a  thing  as  a  nail  was  not  to  be  had.  The  hinges 
were  of  wood,  and  the  door-hitch,  a  wooden  catch,  or 
trigger,  which,  when  shut,  was  opened  from  the  outside  by 
pulling  a  string,  one  end  of  which  was  fastened  to  the 
latch,  and  the  other,  passing  througli  a  hole  in  the  door 
above,  hung  outside,  so  that  those  who  wished  could  enter. 
To  lock  the  door,  you  would  pull  the  string  inside.  Hence 
the  stereotyped  expression,  "  the  latch-string  hangs  out." 

Half  the  floor,  which  was  made  of  puncheons  lying 
loosely  across  the  sleepers,  was  not  finished  for  about  a 
year  after  we  moved  into  our  cabin  home.  The  hired  man 
soon  left,  declaring  that  he  would  stay  no  longer  where 
the  air  was  black  with  gnats  and  mosquitoes.  Said  he  : 
•'  If  they  were  the  size  of  me,  I  would  light  them  ;  but 
they  are  just  a  little  too  small  and  too  many  to  keep  com- 
pany with."  T  have  seen  the  air  darkened  by  flies,  gnats, 
and  mosquitoes,  a  number  of  them  weighing  over  a  pound  : 
but  I  can't  say  that  it  would  take  a  small  number. 

The  winters  passed  on  slowly,  but  we  had  always  an 
excellent  supply  of  venison  on  hand.  Being  an  excellent 
marksman,  father's  table  groaned  under  the  abundant  sup- 
ply of  turkies  and  deer  ;  but  it  was  an  impossibility  to  pro- 
cure salt  with  which  to  preserve  the  venison.  It  was  then 
necessarily  taken  through  a  process  called  "jerking." 
This  operation  was  performed  by  cutting  the  fleslw  parts 
of  the  body  of  the  deer,  cross-grained,  into  thin  slices, 
which  were  duly  placed  on  splits  and  hung  inside  of  our 
"cat  and  clay  chimney"  and  garret  to  dry,  after  which 
process  it  would  keep  from  months  to  years.  When  in 
very  great  need  of  salt,  father  would  make  his  way  back 
to  Wayne  county  in  quest  of  that  rare  article.  I  remem- 
ber on  one  occasion,  after  his  journey  of  riding  one  horse 
and  leading  the  other,  on  whose  back  the  salt  was  strap- 
ped, that  when  we  had  removed  the  bag  of  salt,  we 
removed  the  hair  also,  for  the  brine  caused  by  the  melting 
of  the  salt  had  lain  bare  the  sides  of  the  horse. 

The  first  mill  of  the  neighborhood  was  at  Fall  Creek 
Falls,   afterwards  called  Fall  Creek  Mills.     The  distance 


yO  HISTOKV   OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

beiiiL;"  ab  )ut  t\vent\-Hvo  miles,  lather  imui^ined  it  quite  con- 
venient tor  milling".  And  as  he  was  a  skillful  backwoods- 
man, and  had  some  knowledge  of  the  route  and  locality, 
it  was  agreed  that  hi  should  take  his  yoke  of  oxen  and 
the  fore  wheels  of  his  wagon,  and  with  a  "turn  of  corn  '" 
h)r  himself  and  each  of  his  neighbors,  cut  his  may  through 
to  Fall  Creek  Mills.  Preparing  himself  with  ammunition 
and  his  gun,  followed  by  his  trusty  dog,  he  "'blazed""  his 
\va\-  through  the  thick  forest.  And  after  receiving  his 
grinding,  he  started  upon  his  homeward  journey  ;  at  night. 
'"  coralling '"  his  oxen  and  making  his  bed  under  his  cart, 
he  made  his  dog  lie  at  his  feet  as  a  protection  from  the 
wolves.  One  night  the  wolves  approached  where  he  was 
laving,  and  the  poor  dog  kept  crawling  higher  and  higher 
until  he  lay  on  father's  face.  He  awoke  and  frightened 
the  w^olves  away.  When  he  returned  home,  after  being- 
absent  four  or  five  days,  he  was  sure  to  bring  in  some  four 
or  five  pairs  of  venison  hams,  the  same  number  of  deer 
skins,  three  or  four  wald  cats,  and  about  a  dozen  raccoon 
skins.  Those  deer  skins  w^ere  ver\'  useful,  as  I  was 
clothed  almost  entirely  in  buckskin,  dressed  bv  mv  father's 
hand  and  cut  and  sewed  with  whang,  or  thongs,  b\'  the 
hand  of  my  mother.  Father  always  kept  on  hand  from 
six  to  a  dozen  dressed  deer  skins.  And  when  mv  mother 
would  treat  me  to  a  new  pair  of  buckskin  breeches,  I  felt 
very  proud,  and  w^ould  hang  on  to  mv  old  ones  as  long  as 
possible  to  save  my  new^  ones  for  Sundaw  Occasionallv 
I  was  presented  wath  a  buckskin  hunting-shirt,  a  loose  at 
the  bottom  and  tight  at  the  top  arrangement  similar  to  a 
sack  coat,  having  a  cape  wdiich  hung  over  the  shoulders, 
fringed  all  around  by  splitting  the  cape  into  threads  for 
some  two  or  three  inches  from  the  edges,  similar  to  the  fly- 
nets  w^e  cover  horses  with  to-day.  I  have  attended  dances 
where  all  of  the  young  men  were  incased  in  their  buck- 
skin suits.  Then  the  girls  were  neatly  attired  in  plain 
dress.  Little  did  they  care  for  outside  show\  Thev  lived 
for  something  higher  than  an  earthly  fancy,  Thev  looked 
not  after  the  fashions  of  the  day.     Thev  had  pride,  it  is 


bluk;-rivi2r  township.  71 

true,  but  wisdom  too.  Their  pride  was  for  their  home  and 
countr\',  and  they  labored  for  its  upbuikhnir.  They  were 
good  for  the  sake  of  goodness,  and  truer,  better  wives 
were  never  known.  And  in  a  few  years  they  became  ver^• 
attractive  to  me,  especialh'  the  younger  ones.  It  seems 
that  it  did  not  take  as  much  to  beautifv  them  then  as  now. 
I  thought  them  the  most  beautiful  of  God's  creation.  None 
of  those  humps  and  tucks  and  frills,  nor  ribbon  and  lace 
and  birds  tails  placed  on  top  of  their  heads. 

Praver-meetings  were  organized,  to  which  ladies  would 
walk  a  distance  often  of  from  four  to  five  miles  ;  but  the 
meetings  were  held  almost  always  in  the  dav-time.  On 
•one  occasion  it  was  announced  that  the  Rev.  James  Ha- 
vens (father  of  George)  would  preach  at  the  widow 
Smith's  cabin,  on  a  certain  night.  Night  meetings  being 
tew,  I  attended,  as  much  through  curiosity  as  anything 
else,  it  being  a  rare  thing  ^o  hear  preaching  ;  it  was  always 
exhorting.  Some  time  during  service  the  dogs  got  to 
lighting  at  the  door,  causing  considerable  confusion,  which 
soon  subsided  ;  then  the  Rev.  Havens  took  time  to  remark 
that  the  devil  and  the  dogs  always  attended  night  meetings. 

Almost  everv"  pioneer  who  attended  church  on  the  Sab- 
bath, came  with  gun  on  his  shoulder  ;  and  if  a  deer  or 
wolf  crossed  his  track,  and  a  favorable  opportunity  pre- 
sented, he  killed  it.  They  were  wide-awake  and  always 
on  the  lookout.  And  thus  they  were  supplied  with  pro- 
visions. Father  once  killed  three  deers  without,  probably, 
moving  from  his  tracks.  The  way  of  it  was  this  :  Father 
was  out  on  a  hunting  expedition,  walking  through  the 
forest,  gun  on  shoulder,  and  I  was  riding  a  little  distance 
behind,  when  we  suddenly  came  upon  three  good-sized 
deer — one  was  an  old  one,  while  the  others  were  appar- 
ently yearlings — grazing  peacefully  along,  until  the  well- 
known  crack  of  my  father's  rifle  laid  the  old  one  low  ;  the 
fawns  stood  watching  their  mater  in  the  agonies  of  death 
until  father,  twice  reloading,  placed  a  veil  between  them 
and  the  painful  sight — one  falling  dead  on  the  spot,  the 
other  runninij  some  flfty  yards  before  falling.      I  was,  on 


72  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

that  occasion,  on  horseback,  a  very  common  thing,  for  the 
purpose  of  carrying  in  the  game ;  frequently  coming 
loaded  with  a  dozen  turkies.  Usually  in  cool  weather  we 
tore  out  the  entrails  from  the  deer,  and  placing  the  end  of 
a  pole  in  the  body  would  run  it  up  a  tree,  thus  preventing 
the  wolves  from  making  a  meal  of  it ;  and,  if  there  was 
snow  on  the  ground,  we  visited  them  soon,  and,  lashing 
them  together  with  withes,  hitched  them  to  a  horse  and 
dragged  them  home  on  the  snow.  If  there  was  no  snow, 
we  took  them  the  best  way  possible. 

Often  a  bear  would  lurk  forth  and  attack  some  lonely 
pioneer's  hog-psn,  or  poultry-house,  or  sheep-fold.  Father 
kept  his  sheep  in  a  pen  a  little  in  the  rear  of  the  house. 
This  was  to  be  able  to  protect  them  from  the  wolves, 
whose  growls  and  snarls  were  heard  many  times  at  the 
fold.  As  a  surer  way  of  protecting  the  sheep,  father  went 
to  Wayne  county  and  procured-  two  savage  curs.  They 
could  drive  awa}^  or  whip  any  wolf,  but  were  never  able  to 
hold  them  until  assistance  arrived.  From  constant  run- 
ning, dogs  were  taken  with  a  disease  called  the  "slows." 
Father  thought  a  great  deal  of  his  dogs,  but  lost  them. 
One  was  bitten  by  a  rattlesnake  and  died.  It  was  no 
uncommon  thing  to  kill  from  twenty  to  twenty-five  black 
rattlesnakes  in  a  day. 

On  one  occasion  my  father  returned  from  Shelby  (there 
was  no  Shelbyville  then,  there  being  only  a  small  black- 
smith shop  where  it  now  stands),  followed  to  the  house  by 
a  pack  of  wolves. 

Soon  after  Mr.  Penwell  settled  in  our  vicinity.  He 
came  to  father's  house  one  morning  and  solicited  his 
assistance,  telling  him  that  a  large  bear  had  attacked  his 
hogs,  killing  one  and  devouring  it  within  a  stone's-throw 
of  the  house.  They  got  father's  bear  dogs  on  the  trail, 
and  followed  it  as  far  as  the  Big  Swamp,  on  Brandy  wine, 
where  all  trace  of  it  was  lost,  never  getting  sight  of  it 
but  once.  Our  experience  in  backwoods  life  was  full  of 
such  incidents. 

A  large  eagle  had  built  a  nest,  not  far  from  our  house, 


HLUE-RIVER  TOWNSHIl> 


73 


in  a  very  Inrge  sycamore  tree.  After  a  great  many  trials, 
my  father  brought  his  trusty  rifle  and  unerring  aim  to  bear 
upon  this  "monarch  of  the  clouds,"  and  brought  him  to 
the  ground  severely  wounded.  He  was  then  attacked  by 
the  dog,  who  soon  drew  olT  much  the  worse  for  the  wear, 
having  the  skin  ripped  open  at  the  back  and  hanging  down 
on  either  side.  When  at  last  he  yielded,  we  stretched  his 
wings  apart,  to  lind  that  they  were  eleven  and  one-halt 
feet  from  tip  to  tip. 

About  this  time  there  was  a  tanyard,  the  tirst  there  had 
been  in  the  county,  established  a  short  distance  south  of 
Cleveland,  by  a  Mr.  Wood.  To  this  we  went  for  our 
tanned  hog-skin,  with  which  we  soled  our  moccasins.  It 
wore  very  well  ;  but  if  left  too  near  the  hre,  the  soles 
would  curl  up  and  burst  off,  and  were  to  be  tacked  on  every 
morning  ;  so  it  became  necessary  for  us  to  rise  quite  early 
tor  that  as  well  as  for  earning  our  daily  bread,  which  was 
some  times  more  than  half  pumpkins,  meal  being  scarce; 
this  was  called  pumpkin  bread. 

Pumpkins  being  our  only  fruit,  so  to  speak,  we  took 
pains  to  preserve  them.  First,  we  peeled  them,  hung 
some  of  them  on  poles,  placed  some  of  them  in  the  garret, 
and  some  in  the  lower  room,  to  dry.  Frequently  they 
were  boiled,  mashed  fme,  spread  thin  and  smooth  on  a 
board,  and  dried  into  what  was  called  "  pumpkin  leather." 
This  was  reserved  for  use  when  the  pumpkins  were  gone. 
This  was  made  into  delicious  pumpkin  pies. 

The  country  was  new  and  the  people  were  few; 

But  what  there  were,  were  brothers; 
They'd  never  eat  this  savory  meat 

'Til  tliey  shared  it  with  their  brothers. 

The  first  physician  in  my  father's  house  was  an  old 
doctor  from  near  where  Freeport  now  stands,  an  old  and 
venerable  physician  by  name  of  Dr.  Tracy.  The  second 
was  Dr.  Lot  Edwards,  one  of  the  first  doctors  in  Green- 
field. The  settlers  in  those  days  were  principally  their 
6 


74 


HISTORY   OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


own  M.  D.\s,  iisin*:^  roots  and  herbs  instead  of  drug's  and 
liquors.  The  medicinal  properties  ot"  plants  ^vere  learned, 
to  a  large  extent,  from  straggling  Indians,  whom  the  set- 
tlers saw  quite  often,  sometimes  in  small  tribes. 

These  old  pioneers,  when  gathered  together,  were  not 
quarrelling  over  the  political  issues  of  the  day.  They  left 
that  to  those  occupying  the  higher  positions.  They  were 
not  in  the  habit  of  gathering  to  listen  to  flighty  orations, 
but  simply  sitting  around  giving  their  hunting  narrations, 
encounters  with  bears,  strugglings  against  want,  and  suf- 
ferings from  mosquitoes.  The  world  turned  the  same  then 
as  now,  and  turned  just  as  easily,  too.  And  I  firmly 
believe  that  were  our  country  thrown  back  into  a  wild  con- 
dition, where  nature's  handiwork  alone  shone  torth : 
replace  these  smooth,  unbroken  meadows  \vith  mighty 
branching  oaks,  towering  maples  and  spreading  b^ech  : 
let  deer,  with  arched  necks  and  statel}'  step,  their  haughty 
antlers  bowed  as  the}-  graze  from  the  abundance  of  wild 
irrass  lining  the  little  rivulet,  abound ;  let  the  hoarse 
and  angry  growls  of  ever-famished  wolves  be  heard  ;  the 
rustling  of  the  leaves  and  breaking  of  limbs,  over  which 
the  sluggish  bears  are  stalking  ;  together  with  the  life-like 
cry  of  unseen  panthers,  the  howling  of  wild  cats  and  the 
screaming  of  eagles,  and  people  it  with  the  same  people  ot 
to-day,  it  would  go  to  the  dogs,  and  the  people  eventuallv 
starve.  This  arises  from  a  different  kind  of  education. 
Those  pioneers  were  men  of  iron  wills  and  nerves  of  steel. 
They  were  endowed  with  a  knowledge  of  the  differ- 
ence between  right  and  wrong.  Truth  and  honesty 
beamed  from  every  countenance.  They  were  industrious 
as  well  as  adventurous.  Though  they  loved  the  wild  and 
savage  backwoods  life,  they  were  working  for  the  promo- 
tion of  civilization.  They  knew  none  but  the  school  of 
experience.  At  their  touch  the  mighty  monarchs  of  the 
forest  turned  to  dust  and  ashes.  At  their  glance  the  wild 
beast  cowered.  P'or  their  children  and  their  posterity  they 
toiled  and  denied  themselves  the  luxuries  of  civilized  life. 
^'The  latch  string  always  hung  outside  of  the  door,"  so 


I{LUE-KI\'EK  TOWNS  I  IIP 


75 


that  the  \vear\-  pilgrim  of  lite  might  enter.  You  had  but 
to  ask,  and  you  would  recei\e.  Tliey  toiled.  l'he\- 
practiced  self-denial.  For  what?  For  their  children. 
For  the  upbuilding  of  a  civilized  country.  Have  they  not 
achieved  success .''  Look  aroimd  you.  Whence  came 
these  cities  and  towns,  with  their  factories  and  shops  and 
mills  and  beautiful  buildings  and  churches?  Whence 
came  these  lovely  farms,  wit!i  their  orchards  of  luscious 
fruits,  their  fields  of  waving  corn,  their  ripe  meadows,  and 
gem-like  lots  of  golden  wheat?  Had  vou  an  ear  for 
nature's  song,  these  would  Jill  your  ears  with  praises  for 
those  hardy  pioneers,  some  of  whom,  much  to  the  discredit 
of  those  for  \vhom  they  toiled,  are  still  in  the  Held,  a  few 
of  them  barely  keeping  want  from  their  doors.  They 
li\-ed,  as  God  intended  you  and  I  and  every  one  should 
live,  by  the  sweat  of  the  brow,  determined  to  earn  their 
bread  before  eating  it.  Many  of  them,  like  Columbus, 
never  li\ed  to  enjoy  what  they  achie\'ed,  but  we  .hope  are 
repaid  b\'  heavenly  comfort. 

Wksti^kx  Guovii  CiiUKcii. 

This  meeting  was  established  in  the  Eleventh  Month, 
1864. 

The  society  held  its  meetings  for  ten  years  in  a  log 
house  formerly  used  as  a  potter's  shop,  located  a  few  rods 
north  of  the  present  building. 

Prominent  among  its  first  members  were  Elias  Marsh, 
Isaac  Beeson,  John  Hunt,  Elihu  Coffin  and  Mahlon  Beeson. 

The  first  minister  that  ever  preached  in  the  house  was 
x\senith  Clark  (Dr.  Dugan  Clark's  mother),  followed  by 
Luther  B.  Gordon,  Mahlon  Hockett,  Mary  Rogers,  Jane 
Jones,  and  several  others.  The  present  minister  is  Joseph 
O.  Binford. 

The  house  now  in  use  was  built  in  the  year  1874.  ^^ 
is  a  handsome,  substantial  frame  building,  size  36x44, 
erected  at  a  cost  of  $1,400. 

Regular  meetings  are   held  twice   every   week.      The 


76  HISTORY  OF   HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

mid-week  meetin<ijs  occur  on  Fourth  Day  (Wednesday). 
The  monthly  meetings  ahernate  with  Westhind. 

The  organization  is  in  a  health\-,  flourishing  condition. 
Present  membership,  one  hundred  and  sixty-five. 

A  Sabbath-school  in  connection  with  the  church  has 
been  kept  up  the  year  around  ever  since  its  organization. 
Present  superintendent,  Thomas  L.  Marsh.  Average 
attendance,  iiftv. 

The  organization  term  themselves  Friends,  but  are  gen- 
erally known  as  Qiiakers. 


BRANDYWINE  TOWNSHIP. 


CHAPTER  I\' 


Tp. 
.  Line 

14 

'3 

iS 

17 

16 

■5 

In 

^3 

24 

'9 

20 

22 

2b 

25 

30 

-'9 

2S 

1 
27 

Tl 

35 

36 

V 

32 

iT, 

34 

s 


Scale:     Tvjo  viile.i  to  the  inch. 

MAP   OF   UKANDYWINE   TOWNSHIP. 

SHOWING    TIIF.    SECTIONS,    TOWNSIIII'    AND    KANOKS     OK    WHICH    IT    IS    COMPOSED. 

Tm.s  township  takes  it.^;  name  from  Brandywine,  the 
principal  stream  in  the  township.  It  was,  organized  in 
1828,  and  then  consisted  of  the  entire  central  part  of  the 
county,  what  now  constitutes  the  second  commissioner's 
district,  to-wit :  Brandvwine,  Center  and  Green  town- 
ships. In  1831,  it  was  reduced  in  size  to  thirty  sections, 
its  present  length  east  and  \vest  and  one  mile  greater  north 


78  HISTORY  OF  IIANXOCK  COUNTY. 

and  south.  This  reduction  was  made  by  striking  off  Cen- 
ter and  Harrison  townships.  Center  then  consisting  of 
eighteen  sections  and  Harrison  of  the  remainder  north. 
In  1835.  Bi'^^ridywine  tonwship  was  further  reduced  in  size 
one  tier  of  sections,  six  miles  long  on  the  north,  which 
was  added  to  Center.  From  1835  to  the  present  she  has 
remained  unchanged. 

It  is  located  in  the  central  southern  part  of  the  county, 
and  is  bounded  bv  Center  township  on  the  north,  Blue- 
river  on  the  east,  Sugar-creek  on  the  west,  and  Shelby 
coimtv  on  the  south.  In  extent,  it  is  six  miles  east  and 
west  and  four  miles  north  and  south,  being  the  smallest 
township  in  tiie  count}'.  It  is  all  located  in  township  lifteen 
north  and  ranges  six  and  seven  east.  Two  tiers  of  sec- 
tions on  the  west  are  in  range  six,  and  four  on  the  east  are 
in  range  seven.  The  range  line  dividing  the  two  frac- 
tional congressional  townships  of  wdiich  Brandywine  is 
composed,  runs  past  J.  G.  Service's  land,  dividing  the 
farm  of  B.  F.  Wilson. 

The  principal  streams  are  Brandywine  and  Little  Sugar 
Creek.  The  former  enters  the  township  on  the  north  line, 
one  and  one-half  miles  west  of  the  north-cast  corner,  and 
flows  south  b}'  south-west  through  the  township,  passing 
out  through  section  thirty-two  into  Shelby  county.  Little 
Sugar  Creek  is  a  small  stream,  which  rises  in  the  south- 
western part  of  Center  township,  enters  Brandywine  town- 
ship on  tlie  northern  line,  one  mile  east  of  the  north-west 
corner,  and  flows  south  four  miles  to  within  one  mile  of 
the  southern  line ;  thence  south-west,  entering  Shelby 
county  at.  the  south-west  corner  of  the  township.  Both  of 
these  streams  are  small  and  sluggish,  and  not  now  con- 
sidered available  for  water-power  ;  hence  this  township, 
unlike  Blue-ri\'er,  Sugar-creek,  and  others,  intersected  by 
larger  streams,  has  no  water-mills  at  present ;  yet,  in  the 
earl\-  hist()r\'  of  the  countv  there  were  two  small  mills  on 
Branch  wine — one  in  Harrison  township  and  one  in  Bran- 
dywine. 

Tlie   first  grist-mill  in    I)i"ancl\'witie  township  was  louilt 


BRANDY  W I N I-:  T  O  \ V  N  S 11 1 1  • 


79 


by  N.  Swim  in  the  year  1826,  and  located  on  Brandvwinc 
Creek,  in  the  central  part  of  the  township.  Swim  after- 
wards attached  a  small  saw-mill  ;  but  soon  sold  out  to  Geo. 
Troxwell,  who  added  a  tiny  bolt  to  run  b\'  hand.  Trox- 
well  was  a  man  of  considerable  enterprise,  lie  carried  on 
a  hatter  shop  at  the  mill,  and  also  built  a  still-house  near 
by.  The  water  some  times  got  too  low  to  grind,  when  the 
people  patronized  a  small  horse-power  "  coflee-mill "  on 
the  Dickerson  farm,  then  in  Urandywine,  now  Center, 
township. 

William  Wilkins  run  a  saw-mill  in  the  south-east  part 
of  the  township  for  several  years. 

There  is  at  present  no  flouring  mill  in  the  township. 
There  was  one  at  Carrollton  run  for  a  number  of  years, 
but  recently  moved  away. 

In  1856,  II.  and  J.  Comstock  erected  a  steam  sav\'-mill 
in  Carrollton.  It  was  burned  down  a  few  years  since,  and 
was  rebuilt  by  Wm.  Gordon.  It  is  now  owned  and  run  by 
James  Boyce. 

Brandy  wine  township  was  tirst  settled  in  about  1820. 
Isaac  Roberts  and  family  came  in  1819.  Prior  to  which 
there  were  located:  David  Stephenson,  James  Mont- 
gomery, and  a  Mr.  Rambo.  Soon  afterward  came  James 
McKinney,  Jonathan  Potts,  James  Montgomery,  N.  Swim, 
George  Troxvvell,  James  Goodwin,  J.  II.  Anderson, 
Robert  and  James  Smith,  Jacob  and  Joseph  Zumalt,  and 
William  Lucas.  Among  the  oldest  present  residents  of 
the  township  are  :  Mrs.  Isaac  Roberts,  J.  P.  Banks,  John 
Roberts,  William  Thomas,  sen.,  Mrs.  Andis,  Richard 
Milburn,  Wellington  Collier,  and  Alfred  I\)tts. 

This  township  is  rather  level,  with  jiortions  undulating. 
No  swamps.      The  soil  is  good. 

The  township  once  abounded  in  line  timber  in  great 
quantities,  similar  to  that  in  -adjoining  townships.  She 
has  recently  sold  off  her  walnut  and  large  quantities  of 
the  oak. 

Brand\w'ine  has  fourteen  miles  of  toll-i")ike  and  three 


8o  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

miles  ot*  railroad.  The  Cincinnati,  llamilton  and  Indian- 
apolis cuts  off  the  south-west  corner  ot"  the  township. 

The  first  school-teacher  in  the  township  was  Abraham 
Vangilder. 

The  first  birth  was  Mercer  Roberts,  daughter  of  Isaac 
Roberts. 

The  hrst  burial  in  the  township  was  Emily  Roberts. 
The  next,  a  child  of  James  Montgomer}'.  The  latter  in 
1824. 

The  first  man  married  in  the  township  was  Zedric 
Stephens,  who  was  married  in  a  shed  covered  with  brush. 
The  supper  consisted  of  spice-wood  tea,  corn-bread,  veni- 
son and  hominy. 

The  tirst  church  house  was  built  of  logs  and  puncheons, 
by  voluntary  labor,  in  1830,  on  the  farm  of  James  Smith. 
It  was  burned  down  in  1858.  The  first  ministers  were 
Hale,  Horn,  Vangilder,  and  a  blind  man  b}-  the  name  of 
Hays. 

Brandyxtine  township  has  seven  public  school-houses, 
numbered  and  named  as  follows,  and  at  present  supplied 
with  eight  teachers,  w^hose  names  are  set  opposite  the 
respective  numbers  : 

District  No.  I .  .  .  Sugar  Creek Allen   Bottsford. 

District  No.  2.  .  .Cowden's John  F.  Peck. 

District  No.  3.  .  .Pleasant  Hill Henry  W.  Buck. 

District  No.  4.  .    Porter's Vickie  Wilson. 

District  No.  5 .  .  .  Scott's James  White. 

District  No.  6.  .    Lows' Chas.  A.  Reed. 

T-,,.  ^  .   ^  ^T      ^        ^-,         ,,.  (W.  H.  Glasscock. 

District  No.  7  ,  .  .  Carrollton -,  \  n-     r-i  1 

'  (Allie  Cjlasscock. 

The  estimated  value  of  school-houses,  including  seats 
and  the  grounds,  is  $5,000:  value  of  school  apparatus, 
globes,  maps,  etc.,  $200  ;  total  value  of  school  property,  in 
the  judgment  of  the  writer,  $5,200.  Total  number  of  school 
children,  416. 

The  population  of  the  township  in  1880  was  1,216: 
number  of  polls,  207.  The  population  in  1870  was  1,061  : 
in  i860,  986  ;  in  1850,  826. 


BRANDYWINE    TOWNSHIP. 


8l 


The  township  is  democratic  by  about  one  hundred  and 
forty  majority.  At  the  presidential  election  for  1880,  the 
vote  stood  as  follows  :  Democratic  vote,  203  ;  Republican 
vote,  57  ;  Greenback  vote,  22  ;  total  vote,  282. 

This  township  has  15,245  acres  of  taxable  land,  valued 
at  $351,940;  improvements  valued  at  $41,370;  value  of 
lots,  $1,116  ;  improvements  on  same,  $3,245  ;  value  of  per- 
sonal property,  $108,520;  total  value  of  real  and  personal 
property,  $506,235. 

The  township  will  pay,  in  1882,  for  this  year's  taxes. 
$5,717.85.  The  following  will  show  who  pays  $40.00  and 
upwards  of  this  amount : 


Andis,  Isabelle $41   35 

Andis,  J.  R 65  30 

Andis,  Morgan 52  40 

Banks,  J.  P 45   10 

Bentley,  T.  E 60  60 

Comstock,  J.  W 51   35 

Comstock,  Jas.,  heirs..  .  54  00 

Duncan,  Eph 55  45 

Espy,  Paul 5<^  05 

Gates,  Henry 63  75 

Hutchinson,   Smith....  75   S"^ 

Hacklcman,  Abe 49  -^ 

Jeftries,  Uriah 57  4^ 

Low,  Julia  A 53   ID 

Laribee,  F.  W 4^  05 

McDougall,  D.  and  D.  47  55 


Milborn,  Richard .$170 

Milborn,  Leonidas....  48 

Milborn,  Wm.  A 178 

Porter,  W.  H 67 

Porter,  J.  W 67 

Parnell,  James 7-^ 

Pope,  Sarah 45 

Roberts,  John 41 

Randall,  Ed 43 

Service,  J.  G 46 

Smith,  T.L 56 

Thomas,  J.  S 40 

Tyner,  James 63 

White,  J.  Q. 53 

Wilson,  W.F 57 

Wilson,  B.  F 78 


"5 

30 

50 
10 

85 

50 
00 

60 

^S 
80 

95 
00 

80 

3; 
6:; 
6'. 


This  township  has  one  brass  band. 

There  are  three  churches  in  the  township, — one  Chris- 
tian, one  Radicl  Methodist,  and  one  United  Brethren. 

Carrollton,  on.  the  Junction  R.  R.,  is  the  only  village 
in  the  township,  a  full  description  of  which  appears  else- 
where. 

Cowden's  School-house,  in  the  central  northern  part,  is 
the  voting  precinct. 

Duncan  McDouu:all,   a  native    Scotchman,   a  teacher. 


82  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

farmer,  tile  manufacturer,  democrat  and  a  gentleman,  is 
entrusted  with  the  school  interests  of  the  township,  and  the 
care  of  her  poor  in  addition  to  other  minor  matters. 

B.  F.  Wilson  and  T.  \V.  Laribee  preside  over  the 
scales  of  justice  in  this  township.  The  following  are  the 
ex-justices  of  the  township,  with  the  date  of  election,  since 
her  organization,  from  the  best  information  accessible  : 

Benjamin  Spillman 1828     Ahram  Limin<2^ 1856 

Orange  H.  Neff 1830     Mark  Whitaker 1859 

Joseph  Chapman 1831      Abram  Liming 1S60 

Joseph  Thomas 1832     Benjamin  F.  Goble 1S63 

Eleazer  vSnoclgrass.  ......  1836     Alfred  Potts 1865 

Abram  Liming 1842     Andrew  J.  Smith 1868 

G.  Dillard 1842     Geo.  W.  Askin 1867 

Abram  Liming 1847     Alfred  Potts 1870 

Henry  Lemain ^^847     LTriah  Low 1872 

Mark  Whitaker 1849     Ephraim  Ward 1874 

Abram  Liming 1852     John  Q_.  White 1876 

^lark  Whitaker '^^^^      Uriah    Low 1S76 

Tae  followinj^  are  ths  township  trustaes,  with  the  date 
of  their  election,  from  the  time  they  were  empowered  with 
authority  to  lew  local  taxes :  William  Service,  the  father 
of  J.  G.  Service,  was  elected  in  1859,  '^^^  served  for  ten 
years.  Andrew  Wdliamson  was  elected  in  1869,  and 
served  his  township  faithfull}^  till  the  election  of  his  suc- 
cessor. J.  G.  Service  was  elected  in  1874,  '^^^  continued 
till  the  election  of  the  present  trustee. 

William  Wilkins,  ex-county  sheriti',  who  died  in  office 
during  his  second  term,  was  from  this  towfrship, 

William  Thomas,  jun.,  ex-sheritf,  and  James  Tvner, 
ex-commissioner,  are  both  residents  of  the  township. 

It  was  hare  that  Ezekial  Wright,  aged  tvventy-tive,  and 
Thomas  Hughes,  aged  eighteen,  were  instantly  killed  by 
the  falling  of  a  tree,  April  19,  1849.  Mr.  Wright's  onlv 
daughter  is  now  the  wife  of  A.  T.  Brown. 

In  this  township  William  Alvea  was  killed  bv  the  fall- 
inir  of  a  liwib,  in  about  the  vear  1S60. 


BRAND YWINE  TOWNSHIP.  83 

Near  Carrollton,  a  son  of  Henr}-  Carrington  was  killed 
by  the  cars  soon  after  the  railroad  first  passed  through  the 
place. 

The  chief  exports  of  the  township  are  corn,  cattle, 
hogs,  wheat,  horses,  and  flaxseed. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Carrollton. 

This  little  village  is  located  in  the  south-west  part  of 
the  township,  on  the  C,  H.  and  I.  R.  R.,  about  seven 
miles  south-west  of  Greenfield.  The  railroad  gave  the 
station  at  this  point  the  name  of  Reedville,  but  the  town 
has  always  borne  the  name  above. 

It  was  laid  out  bv  Hiram  Comstock,  on  the  25th  of 
February,  1854,  ^^^  consisted  of  twenty-five  lots.  The 
first  and  only  addition  ever  made  to  the  town  was  by  Rev. 
M.  S.  Ragsdale,  in  1870. 

It  contains  a  school-house,  one  church,  one  steam  saw- 
mill, two  merchants,  one  grain  shipping  firm,  two  black- 
smiths, one  wagon-maker,  one  phvsician,  two  carpenters, 
one  painter,  one  postmaster,  one  shoe-maker,  and  one 
barber. 

It  has  a  daily  mail  and  United  States  express. 

The  present  business  men  are  : — 

Merchants —  McrcJiaiits  and  Grain  D'V rs — 

Lucas  &  Son.  I?oi:ixg  &  Huttox. 

Blacksmiths —  Carpenters — 

Thomas  Taylok,  James  Peck, 

Emanuel  Matillo.  W.\r.  Thompsox. 

Wagon  Alaker —  Shoe-maker — 

William  Strope.  Edward  Seacrist. 

Painter —  Physician —  ^ 

\      Joiix  Peck.  |.  \\\  Lakimoiul 


84  HISTORY    OV   IIANCIKK   CtirN'PV, 

liarhcr —  Ii.\/>rcss  Ai;r//^ — 

IKniKK  Wu.i.is.  L.  BouiNc;. 

Posfniastcr — 

John  D.  T.icas. 

Ainono-  tho  tirsi  business  men  dI"  this  little  bury  were  : 
John  Elmore  and  the  tirni  ot'  Andrews  and  Roseberry. 
merchants;  Hiram  Comstock  and  Warren  Kinix,  physi- 
cians ;  Frank  Lucas,  blacksmith  ;  ]Martin  Eakman,  wag'on- 
maker.  and  William  Eskew,  shoe-maker.  The  lirst  post- 
master. ().  II.  P.   McOonald. 

Sic^.ar-Crekek  CiiiRCH  (Christian). 

in  lManil\  wine  township,  located  one  and  one-halt'  miles 
north  ot"  Carrollton.  and  or<]fanized  in  the  vear  1831.  tirst 
met  at  the  private  house  of  William  Thomas,  senior. 

The  tollowing"  were  among  the  original  members : 
William  Thomas,  sen.,  father  of  Ex-Sheriti'  Thomas: 
Elizabeth  Thomas,  Helry  Thomas,  John  liaker,  Elizabeth 
Haker,  William  McConnell  and  wite,  James  and  Margaret 
Anderson,  and  Eleazer  Snodgrass. 

The  tirst  preachers  were  Elders  fohn  Gregg.  D.  Ht^lt, 
and  J.  P.  Banks. 

The  meetings  were  afterwards  held  in  a  log  school- 
house  one  mile  north  o\  Carrollton. 

The  present  house  was  built  in  the  vear  1869,  at  a  cost 
oi  $2, OCX),  and  dedicated  by  O.  A.  Burgess.  Size  of 
house,  38x48. 

The  tollowing  are  the  present  trustees:  John  S. 
Thomas,  Robert  Davis,  and  Henrv  Frv. 

Among  the  more  recent  Elders  were  Arthur  Miller. 
David  Franklin,  Robert  Edmondson.  and  Elder  Bennett. 
The  present  preacher  is  Elder  Coffield. 

This  church  has  a  good  Sunday-school,  organized 
about  1869.  Present  superintendent.  Robert  Williamson. 
Averaije  attendance,  tortv-tive. 


ukandvwine  township.  85 

Eden  Chapel  (United  I^ketiikenj, 

was  organized  in  the  year  1840,  and  located  one  mile  east 
of  Carrollton. 

Among  the  lirst  members  were  George  Muth  and 
family,  Mrs.  Higgenbottom,  John  Elmore  and  wife,  Mrs. 
Hoagland,  and  others. 

The  meetings  of  the  society  were  held  in  George 
Muth's  house  until  1850,  when  a  substantial  frame  house, 
costing  $1,400,  was  built. 

The  first  ministers  were  George  Muth,  Amos  Hanaway 
and  Rev.  Father  Ball. 

About  1866,  they  sold  their  house  to  the  Radical  Meth- 
odists, who  are  still  holding  forth  in  the  same  house,  with 
Rev.  Callahan  as  their  present  minister. 

The  United  Brethren  removed  the  class  to  Carr(jllton 
about  the  year  1879,  ^^^^  held  their  meetings  in  a  small 
building  formerly  the  old  public  school-house.  Present 
minister,  R.ev.  McNew. 

This  church  has  a  prosperous  little  Sunday-school. 
Willard  Low,  Esq.,  superintendent.  There  are  several 
small  Sunday-schools  in  the  school-houses.  In  1866,  the 
Brandywine  Union  Sunday-school  was  organized  at  Cow- 
den's  School-house.  J.  P.  Banks,  superintendent.  Rob- 
ert Williamson  has  been  superintendent  for  about  eight 
years.  There  are  also  Sunday-schools  at  Porter's,  Scott's, 
and  Pleasant  Hill. 

I^RAss  Band. 

The  Brandywine  Township  Brass  Band  was  organized 
October  10,  1880,  with  the  following  members:  Aaron 
W.  Scott,  Edgar  B.  Thomas,  J.  W.  Thomas,  Charles 
Scott,  John  Liming,  Carson  W.  Rush,  Emanuel  Smith, 
Frank  Kinder,  James  Scott,  William  Scott,  John  Gwinn, 
and  Aaron  Alyea.  All  young  men  living  in  the  township. 
Cost  of  instruments,  $146. 

Their  first  teacher  was  Isaac  Davis,  of  Greenfield. 

OfHcers :  Frank  Kinder,  president :  J.  W.  Scott, 
treasurer  :  Charles  Scott,  secretary. 


86  history  of  hancock  county. 

William  H.   Porter. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  May  lo,  1810,  near 
Davton,  Ohio.  He  came  to  Fayette  county  \yith  his 
parents  at  the  age  of  eighteen. 

He  run  on  the  riyer  as  flat  boatman  for  four  years  from 
Kanawha  Salt  Springs,  W.  Va.,  to  New  Orleans,  at  fifty 
cents  per  da3\ 

In  1^32  he  came  to  Hancock  county  and  entered  one 
hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land  in  Brandywine  townshiji. 
where  he  remained  till  his   death,  in  1866. 

His  remains  rest  in  Mt.  Lebanon  cemetery,  near  his 
farm. 

He  was  a  successful,  prosperous  farmer  in  his  time. 

He  raised  three  sons.  J.  W.  and  F.  M.  Porter  are 
both  respectable  citizens  and  prosperous  farmers  in  their 
natiye  township.  William  H.  Porter  is  engaged  in  butch- 
ering in  Greenfleld. 

P/Irs.  Isaac  Roberts. 

This  good  lady,  the  mother  of  John  Roberts,  is  the  old- 
est resident  citizen  in  Brand}' wine  township,  haying  come 
to  the  "new  purchase"  prior  to  the  organization  of  the 
territory  into  Madison  county  and  settled  on  the  farm  now 
owned  by  Marion  Steele. 

She  was  married  in  New  York  just  at  the  close  of  the 
war  of  181 2.  Her  husband  was  a  faithful,  yalient  soldier 
of  said  war.  They  came  through  on  foot,  carrying  their 
effects,  and  crossed  the  Ohio  River  in  an  Indian  canoe. 
They  settled  in  the  dense  forest,  making  a  temporary  room 
by  piling  brush  against  a  large  log  and  covering  it  with 
bark  until  they  could  erect  a  small  pole  cabin. 

There  was  at  that  time  no  roads,  and  not  a  mill  within 
thirty-five  miles.  Beat  hominy,  venison  and  spice-wood 
tea  were  the  chief  eatables. 

During  the  Indian  troubles  following  the  "  Indian  mas- 
sacre "  in  Madison  county,  of  which  this  later  formed  a 
part,  her  husband  and  Mr.  Rambo  went  to  Pendleton,  the 


KRANUYWINE  TOWNSHIP.  87 

count}'  seat  at  that  time,  to  attend  the  trial  and  act  as 
guards.  There  was  great  uneasiness  all  over  the  country 
at  this  time,  the  whites  not  knowing  at  what  time  thev 
might  be  murdered  by  the  justly  indignant  Indians.  These 
two  women  remained  alone  during  their  husbands'  absence 
at  the  trial,  a  lull  account  of  which  will  be  found  further 
on.  During  this  time  one  evening  Mrs.  Roberts,  hearing- 
considerable  noise,  opened  the  door  to  discover  the  trouble, 
when  Mrs.  Rambo,  more  thouo-htful,  bid  her  come  in, 
which  she  did  just  in  time  to  escape  the  jaws  and  chuvs  of 
a  hungry  panther,  which  prowled  around  and  over  the 
cabin  and  against  the  door  till  the  morning  light. 

Mrs.  Roberts  tells  of  another  narrow  escape  from  a 
panther  on  a  certain  occasion  when  she  and  her  little  boy, 
eight  or  ten  years  of  age,  were  in  the  r^'e  patch.  She  was 
laying  up  the  gap,  when  the  little  boy  said,  '"Mother, 
what  is  that  in  the  weeds?"  She,  seeing  that  it  w^as  a 
panther  just  in  the  act  of  springing  on  the  boy,  snatched 
him  from  the  spot,  and,  putting  him  in  front  of  her,  made 
for  the  house  ;  but  it  was  not  so  easy  to  escape  the  cunning 
of  the  blood-thirsty  panther,  which  intercepted  their  path 
in  the  rye  and  sprang  for  the  boy,  who,  being  active, 
barely  succeeded  in  escaping  unhurt.  The  mother,  in 
seeing  the  ferocious  beast  ali'ght  on  the  spot  where  her 
darling  boy  had  just  saved  a  precious  life,  was  so  fright- 
ened that  she  was  unable,  for  some  time,  to  move  from 
the  spot. 


BROWN  TOWNSlilP. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


In     Tp. 


'Pp.  Line 


oi 


Sfn/c:     Tzvo  miles  to  the  inch.  , 

MAP  OF  nuOWN  TOWNSHIP. 

SHOWING  THK  SECTIONS,  TOWNSHIP  AND  KANtJliS  OK  WHICH  IT  IS  COMPOSKD. 

This  township  took  its  name  from  Prior  Brown,  one  of 
the  lirst  settlers.  It  was  organized  and  incorporated  in  the 
year  1833,  '^t  which  time  it  was  struck  oil'  from  Green,  of 
which  it  had  formed  the  eastern  part  for  one  3'ear,  prior  to 
which  it  had  been  a  part  of  Jackson  for  a  similar  time,  and 
preceding  that  a  part  of  Blue-river  for  three  years. 


BROWN    TOWNSHIP. 


89 


Brown  not  being  one  of  the  original  townships,  like 
Blue-river  and  Brandywine,  just  described,  and  Sugar- 
creek,  yet  to  consider,  it  now  becomes  necessary  to  digress 
a  little  and  introduce  a  map  and  explanations,  in  order  to 
make  clear  to  the  mind  of  the  young  reader  the  origin  and 
early  history  of  the  township  now  under  consideration, 
and  of  the  other  non-original  townships  to  follow. 


Green. 


Blck-creek. 


Slgak-ckeek. 


Harrison. 


Center. 


Brandywine. 


[ackson. 


BUE-RIVEK. 


Scale:     Six  mi  lex  to  the  inch. 

HANCOCK   COUNTY   IN    1832 


Explanations^  Siigi^'cstions,  and  Historical  Jurrts. — In 
order  to  comprehend  the  descriptions  of  the  origin  and 
earh"  history  of  the  county  and  several  townships,  the 
reader  should  study  carefulh'  our  outline  maps  and  history 
connected  therewith  ;  also  the  wall  map  published  in  1875 
by  the  senior  member  of  this  firm.  To  show  the  number 
of  the  townships  and  their  exact  size  and  location  by 
maps,  would  require  eight  illustrations.  We  hardly  deem 
it  necessarv  to  give  all  :  but  with  what  we  shall  introduce. 


go  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

together  with  the  printed  history,  the  student  ma}-  easily 
comprehend  the  various  political  changes. 

Let  the  reader  ever  bear  in  mind  that  the  county  con- 
sisted of — 

In  1828,  three  townships — Blue-river,  Brandywine  and 
Sugar-creek. 

In  1831,  seven  tow^nships — Center,  Jackson,  Harrison 
and  Buck-creek  being  added. 

In  1832,  eight  townships — Green  being  added. 

In  1833,  nine  townships — Brown  being  added. 

In  1836,  ten  townships — Vernon  being  added. 

In  1838,  twelve  townships — Jones  and  Union  being- 
added. 

In  1850,  thirteen  townships — Worth  being  added. 

In  1853,  nine  townships — Harrison.  Jones,  Union  and 
Worth  being  annihilated. 

With  this  brief  outline,  in  connection  with  the  maps 
given,  to  w^hich  we  shall  often  refer,  the  reader  mav 
readily  locate  any  and  all  of  the  civil  and  congressional 
townships,  present  and  historical. 

Location^  Boundary ,  Size,,  Topography  Timber,  ete. — 
Brow'n  tow^nship  is  located  in  the  north-east  corner  of 
the  county,  and  is  bounded  bv  Madison  county  on  the 
north,  Henry  on  the  east,  Jackson  township  and  Henrv 
county  on  the  south,  and  Green  township  on  the  w^est.  It 
is  the  only  township  in  the  county  that  is  not  partialh' 
bounded  by  Center. 

In  dimensions,  Brown  is  six  miles  east  and  west  and 
five  miles  north  and  south  ;  and,  consequently,  consists  of 
thirty  sections.  It  is  all  located  in  township  seventeen 
north  and  ranges  seven  and  eight  east,  the  west  tier  of 
sections  being  in  range  seven  and  the  remainder  in  range 
eight  east. 

In  topography,  the  -face  of  the  township  is  mainly- 
level,  though  somewhat  undulating  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
streams:  soil,  limestone  deep,  rich  and  lasting;  subsoil, 
gravel  and  clay. 

It  was  once  heavily  timbered  with  beech,  sugar-maple. 


BROWN  TOWNSHIP 


9' 


oak,  elm,  walnut,  cherry,  and  poplar,  and  especiall\- 
abounded  in  fine  oak.  The  destroying  angel  passed  over 
this  township  and  selected  out  the  fine  walnut  and  poplar 
and  claimed  them  for  his  owrj. 

It  is  almost  wholly  an  agricultural  and  grazing  district. 
The  only  manufactories  in  the  township,  outside  of  the 
flouring  mills,  are  a  saw-mill  and  a  tile  factory. 

Streams. — Sugar  Creek  enters  the  township  at  the 
north-east  corner  and  fiows  south-west  three  and  one-half 
miles  to  the  center  of  section  twenty-one,  and  within  half 
a  mile  of  Warrington  ;  thence  north-west,  dipping  into 
Madison  countv  at  the  north-west  corner  of  section  eight : 
thence  south-west,  passing  out  on  the  west  line  of  the 
township,  one  and  a  half  miles  south  of  the  north-west 
corner,  on  the  west  middle  line  of  section  thirteen. 
Brandywine  rises  west  of  Warrington,  in  section  twenty, 
runs  south  by  south-west  and  passes  out  of  the  township 
one  and  a  half  miles  east  of  the  south-west  corner,  and 
near  the  middle  southern  line  of  section  thirty-one.  Wil- 
low Branch  rises  in  the  Western  central  part  of  the  town- 
ship, in  the  eastern  part  of  section  twenty-four,  and  flows 
south  two  miles  ;  thence  west,  passing  out  a  half  mile 
north  of  the  south-west  corner.  The  Pedee  rises  in  the 
south-east  part  of  the  township,  flows  north-west  four 
miles,  passes  Warrington  on  the  north-east,  and  empties 
into  Suirar  Creek  in  section  seventeen.  Brandvwine,  in 
Brown,  is  a  small,  torpid  stream.  The  flrst  of  these  streams 
once  furnished  limited  water-power  for  "corn-crackers" 
and  "muly  saw-mills,"  but  has  no  mills  on  its  banks 
to-dav.  The  last  two  are  short,  sluggish  brooks,  rising 
in  wet,  marshy  land  and  flowing  through  level  territory. 
are  of  little  use  save  for  drainage. 

Earliest  Land  Entries. — The  flrst  land  entered  in  the 
township  was  on  July  3rd,  1830,  by  Prior  Brown,  being 
the  east  half  of  the  north-east  quarter  of  section  thirty- 
three,  in  township  seventeen  north,  and  in  range  eight 
east.       The  second  entrv  was  made  on  December  2d  o\ 


92  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

the  same  year,  by  Isaac  Davis.  This  hind  was  then  in 
Blue-river  township. 

First  Settlers. — Among  the  first  settlers  of  the  township 
were  :  Prior  Brown,  after  whom  the  township  was  named  : 
John  and  Ezekiel  Morgan,  Geo.  Nance,  Mr.  Davis,  Perry 
Wilson,  Sarah  Baldwin  and  her  family  of  seven  children, 
Morgan  McQviery,  the  Johnses,  Nibargers,  Sparkses, 
Hiatts,  Seth  Walker,  Mosby  Childers,  Stephen  Harlan,  and 
Thomas  Collins.  All  of  whom  are  gone  to  the  happy  hunt- 
ing grounds  bevond  the  rolling  river,  and  with  the  spirit's 
eye  look  with  pleasure  on  the  pleasant  surroundings  of  their 
posterit}',  now^  enjoying  the  fruits  of  their  labors.  At  a 
later  date  came  Alfred  and  Jolm  Thomas  ;  Jonas  Marsh, 
the  father  of  William,  Montgomery,  Ephraim,  and  Dr. 
John  L.  Marsh  :  William  Bussel ;  Aaron  Cass,  grandfather 
of  Annetta  Cass,  murdered  in  Green  township  ;  John  Havs 
and  Joel  Cook,  steady,  prosperous  farmers. 

First  Flection. — The  first  election  in  the  township  was 
in  1834,  held  at  the  residence  of  Barzilla  Rozell.  The 
ballots  were  cast  in  a  hat,  and  covered  with  a  kerchief. 
There  were  no  complaints  of  "  stufting  the  ballot  box  "'  in 
those  halcyon  days. 

Mills ^  ninly  and  modern. — The  first  grist-mill  in  the 
township  was  simply  a  corn-cracker,  built  by  Stephen 
Harlan  in  1835.  '^^""^  located  on  Sugar  Creek,  one  and  one- 
half  miles  north-east  of  Warrington,  near  where  the  Con- 
cord church  now  stands.  This  mill  was  run  successfullv 
tor  several  years,  when  Harlan  abandoned  it  and  erected 
a  new  one  on  a  more  extensive  scale  lower  down  the 
stream  propelled  In-  an  overshot  wheel.  The  older  citi- 
zens declare  that  the  wheel  was  too  large  and  set  too  high 
to  secure  the  proper  fall  for  the  water,  which  in  the  dry 
season  was  low  ;  so  that  on  the  occasion  of  letting  the  water 
into  the  race,  it  passed  down  ver}^  slowly  till  it  came  to  a 
craw-fish  hole,  when  it  suddenh'  disappeared,  to  the  utter 
chagrin  of  tlie  enterprising  miller  and  the  amazement  of 
the  rural  spectators. 

In  about  1852,  Lane  &  Co.  built  a  sash  saw-mill  in  the 


BROWN  TOWN'.sIIIP. 


93 


central  southern  portion  of  the  township,  whicli  tliey  run 
for  a  number  of  years,  wiien  thev  sold  to  Dr.  S.  A.  Troy, 
who  refitted  it  and  kept  it  in  operation  for  two  years,  and 
then  traded  it  off,  and  it  was  moved  away. 

Daniel  Blakely,  in  about  1836,  erected  a  small  saw- 
mill on  Sugar  Creek,  near  Nashville,  which  fed  upon  the 
choice  logs  of  the  vicinity  for  a  number  of  3^ears. 

A  Mr.  Jenkins  built  a  steam  saw-mill  in  the  north-east 
part  of  the  township  in  1850,  and  run  it  for  a  considerable 
length  of  time. 

Harlan  &  Brown,  about  1855,  erected  a  steam  saw- 
mill near  the  old  Harlan  mill,  referred  to  above,  which 
was  successfully  operated  for,  probabh',  ten  years. 

Trees  &  Company  erected  a  steam  circular  saw-mill 
in  Warrington  about  1863,  just  across  the  road  east  from 
where  the  present  flouring  mill  now  stands. 

A  little  west  of  Nashville,  on  the  pike,  Allen  Walton  & 
Brother  built,  about  1868,  the  largest  and  most  successful 
circular  saw-mill  ever  erected  in  the  township,  if  not  in 
the  county,  which  continued  in  operation  till  1879,  when  it 
was  removed. 

I^oads. — This  township  is  reasonab]\'  well  supplied 
with  good  public  roads,  many  of  which  have  been  graded 
and  graveled  by  her  enterprising  citizens.  There  are  in 
the  township  nine  and  three-fourth  miles  of  toll  pike, 
besides  about  six  miles  surrendered  to  the  public.  To 
this  township  belongs  the  credit  of  having  the  first  gra\'el 
road  toll  pike  in  the  county,  built  in  1859,  ^^^  known  as 
the  '•  Knightstown  and  Warrington  Gravel  Road."' 

Railroads. — This  township  has  no  railroad  completed. 
The  I.,  B.  and  W.  are  extending  a  line  through  the 
county,  which  will  pass  through  the  township,  entering  at 
the  S')uth-west  corner  and  passing  out  near  the  central 
middle  line  on  the  east. 

Synopsis. — Brown  township  has  four  churches,  to-wit : 
Baptist,  Methodist  Episcopal,  United  Brethren,  and 
Christian. 


94 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


There  are  three  secret  orders  in  the  township — Masons, 
Odd  Fellows,  and  Daughters  ot'  Rebecca. 

It  has  two  villages, — Warrington  and  Nashville, — and 
two  post-ofilces, — Warrington  and  Willow  Branch.  The 
former  is  the  only  voting  precinct. 

She  has  a  tile  factory,  flour  mill,  saw-mill,  three  pikes, 
one  county  officer,  one  mill  stream,  two  border  counties, 
and  is  democratic  by  about  sixty  majority. 

Teachers  and  Schools. — The  names  and  numbers  of  the 
schools,  and  the  teachers  at  present  employed,  are  as 
follows : 

District  No.  I .  .  .  Sparks Miss  Laughlin. 

District  No,  2 .  .  .  Clifton P.  H.  Copeland. 

District  No.  3.  .  .Garriott W.  P.  Bussel. 

District  No.  4.  .  .-Buchanan S.  N.  Ham. 

District  No.  5.  .  .Warrini^ton M.J.  Scuffle. 

District  No.  6.  .  .Mays Jennie  Kitterman. 

District  No.  7.  .  .Brewer Rose  M.  Thompson. 

District  No.  8.  .  .  Democrat Lucy  Tvlorris. 

District  No.  9.  .  .  Spiceland W.  J.  Thomas. 

Remarks. — These  several  schools  are  numbered  similar 
to  the  numbering  of  the  sections  in  a  congressional  town- 
ship, No.  I  being  found  in  the  north-east  corner  and  No.  9 
in  the  south-west,  there  being  three  tiers  of  houses  of  three 
each.  The  Buchanan  school-house  is  located  in  the 
western  middle  part,  near  J.  N.  Martindales  farm.  The 
senior  member  of  this  lirm  once  swayed  the  green  birch 
with  regal  authority  at  this  point,  and  had  the  honor  of 
having  under  his  instruction  the  future  count}^  clerk, 
Ephraim  Marsh  ;  Dr.  John  L.  Marsh  ;  .  and  13r.  David 
Myers,  since  deceased.  At  the  old  original  Spiceland 
school-house,  Dr.  J.  G.  Stuart,  of  Fortville  ;  Wm.  Sagers, 
and  Montgomery  Marsh,  also  received  his  instruction. 

In  1838,  Montgomer}'  Marsh  attended  a  school  located 
just  north  of  the  Buchanan,  the  building  of  which  w'as 
made  entirely  of  buckeve  logs.  The  teacher  was  David 
McKinse\-,  now  in  the  poor-house  of  this  countw 


BROWN  TOWNSHII' 


95 


Population  (Did  Polh. — The  scholastic  popuhition  of 
Brown  for  1881  is  489.  Polls,  243,  Population  for  1850, 
878;  for  i860,  1,161  ;  1870,  1,329;  for  1880,  1,400. 

Vote. — The  number  of  votes  cast  in  Brown  in  1836 
were  52  ;  in  1840,  1 10  ;  in  i860,  205  ;  in  1870,  235  ;  in  1880, 
328.  Her  vote  for  President  in  1881  stood:  Republican, 
125  ;  democratic,  186;  independent,  17. 

Value  of  Real  and  Personal  Property. — Brown  town- 
ship has  19,248  acres  of  assessed  land,  valued  at  $423,620. 
Her  improvements  on  the  same  are  valued  at  $53,810. 
Value  of  town  lots,  $2,330;  with  improvements  on  the 
same  valued  at  $6,380.  Personal  propert}^  $158,605. 
Total  value  of  real  and  personal  property.  $644,745. 

Taxes. — This  township  is  assessed  for  the  current  year, 
to  be  paid  in  1882,  for  $7,141.45  taxes.  Of  this  amount, 
the  following  men  pay  $40  and  upward,  viz.  : 

Armstrong,  T.  heirs.  .$43  10  Martindale,  J.  N %  70  70 

Armstrong,  Thos.  H.  .  56  75  Martindale,  E.J 44  ^  5 

Bussel,  M.  P 57  70  McDaniel,  J.  A 88  50 

Bridges,  John 61  25  McCray,  S 68  40 

Collins,  R.  J 54  00  McCray,  John 100  15 

Collins,  J.  F 49  95  Mays,  John "^^  '^ 

Cook,  J.  F 6755  Reeves,  B.  F 9190 

Combs,  John 7070  Reeves,  Elijah  heirs.  .  70  So 

Copeland,  Lewis 98  90  Reeves,  Jane S6  75 

Eakins,  W.  S 57  75  Risk  &  Hosier no  90 

Enright,  Robert 42   55  Sparks,  W.  A 4°  ^5 

Forts,  J.  heirs 80  So  Thomas,  M.  J 5^   45 

Foust,  H.  E.  &  J 44   15  Thomas.  John  M 197  85 

Harlan,  S.  heirs 48  55  Trees,  Wm 9^  4^ 

Hamilton,  J ! 47  75  Trees,  J.  R 4.3  7° 

Howrin,  T.  J 62  60  Trees,  J.  W.,  sen 78  25 

Holliday,  F.  heirs 55  60  Thomas.  A.  B 48  05 

Hays,  J.  B 43  9°  Vanderbark,  J.  W.  ...  86  20 

Hays,  Wm.  M 64  25  Wilkinson,  B 49  80 

Hays,  R.  R 58  05  Woods,  Robert 80  00 

Hatfield,  W.  E 64  90  White,  J.  W 42  35 

Johns,  Mat 5°  25 


^6  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

Mtirdcrs,  Suicides^  and  Remarkable  Deaths. — It  was  in 
this  townsliip  that  a  Mr.  Bell,  brother  of  Senator  Bell,  ot' 
Madison  county,  was  eaten  by  the  wolves  in  1838.  His 
body  was  found  by  Mosby  Childers  north-west  of  Nash- 
ville in  a  badly  mutilated  condition.  His  bones,  and  frag- 
ments of  his  clothing  and  pocket-book,  were  picked  up  in 
different  places.     Cause  of  death  never  known. 

In  1832,  a  child  of  Vincent  Cooper  was  frozen  to 
death  on  the  banks  of  Sugar  Creek,  in  this  township.  It 
had  wandered  from  home  and  w^as  lost. 

In  the  earl}'  history  of  the  township  a  man  by  the  name 
of  Tullus  committed  suicide,  by  hanging,  within  one  hun- 
dred yards  of  Warrington. 

In  1856,  William  Mitchell,  a  3'oung  man,  was  killed 
by  horse-racing,  being  thrown  against  a  tree  by  the  horse 
taking  an  opposite  side  of  the  tree  from  what  the  rider 
intended  he  should,  and  supposed  he  would,  take. 

Alfred  Jones'  wife  committed  suicide  in  1875,  ^J  h^i^li'- 
ing  in  a  small  house  near  her  residence.  Cause  unknown. 
Her  husband  was  absent  from  home  at  the  time. 

Tozvuship  Trustees. — The  following  are  the  names  of 
the  township  trustees  from  the  time  they  were  empowered 
with  authority  to  lev}'  taxes,  together  with  the  date  of  their 
appointment : 

Wm.   L.  Garriott iS:;9     J.  \V.  Trees 1S64 

Montp^omerv   Alarsh 186 1      Wm.  Marsh 1S6:; 

B.  F.  Reeves .  1863     Wm.   L.  Garriott 1S7S 

It  will  be  seen  from  the  abo\'e  that  William  Marsii  held 
the  office  of  trustee  for  more  than  a  dozen  years,  and  we 
speak  from  our  own  personal  knowledge  in  testifying  to 
his  earnestness  and  efficiency.  William  L.  Garriott  swa3's 
the  scepter  at  this  date,  being  the  first  and  last  trustee  in 
the  township  under  the  new  regime.  Attorney  Marsh  and 
Esquire  Ree\'es  carried  the  township  safely  through  the 
perilous  times  of  the  civil  war. 

yiistiees  of  the  Peaee. — The  following  are  the  justices 


BROWN  TOWNSHIP.  97 

of  the  peace  for  Brown  township  from  its  organization  to 
the  present  time.  We  copy  from  the  records  since  1840. 
Prior  to  that  time  we  find  no  records  either  in  our  own 
court-house  or  at  Indianapolis  in  the  state  records. 

BarzlUa  Rozell Unknown     Wm.  L.  Garriott 1863 

Seth  Walker 1836     Benjamin  McCarty 1862 

Robert  Eakin 1840     Benjamin  F.  Reeves 1866 

Daniel  Wilkinson 1840     Benjamin  McCarty 1866 

Robert  Eakin 1S45     Alfred  F.  McKinsey 1870 

A.  D.  Childers 1848     Benjamin  F.  Reeves 1870 

Neville  Reeves 1S50     Benjamin  F.  Reeves 1S74 

A.  D.  Childers 1853     H.  B.  Collins 1876 

Robert  Eakin 185:;     Benjamin  F.  Reeves 1878 

A.  D.  Childers 18^7     Joseph  Garriott 1880 

Benjamin  McCarty 18:^8 

Esquires  Reeves  and  Garriott  hold  the  scales  of  justice 
in  Brown  at  present. 

Ex-Cottnty  Officers. — Brown  township,  like  Virginia, 
the  mother  of  Presidents,  has  not  been  wanting  in  furnish- 
ing county  officers. 

Amonfy  these  ex-officers  we  call  to  memory  Ex-Auditor 

o 

Lvsander  Sparks,  one  of  the  pioneers  of  the  township. 
His  father  was  the  tirst  merchant  in  Warrington. 

Captain  Taylor  W.  Thomas,  deceased,  late  resident  of 
Center  township,  was  elected  and  served  as  sheriff  Irom 
Brown. 

Wm.  G.  Caldwell,  one  of  the  staunch  resident  farmers 
of  Brown,  was  the  immediate  predecessor  of  William 
W^ilkins  as  sheriff  of  the  count}'. 

Of  the  ex-commissioners  were  Seth  Walker,  Daniel 
Wilkinson,  and  Nevil  Reeves,  all  honest,  honorable, 
"well-to-do"  farmers. 

Ex-Prosecuting  Attorney  M.  Marsh  and  Ex-County 
Surveyor  James  K.  King  were  both  elected  in  Brown 
township. 

There  may  be  otiiers  :  but  as  there  is  no  record  ot   tin- 


9^  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

residence  of  the  various  county  officers,  it  must  be  taken 
from  memory  and  hearsay,  which  are  not  always  rehable. 
Exports. — The  chief  exports  of  Brown  are  corn,  wheat, 
hogs,  cattle,  horses,  lumber,  and  flaxseed,  with  small 
quantities  of  apples,  potatoes,  and  sheep. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


Warrington 


was  laid  out  near  the  center  of  the  township,  on  the  Fort 
Wayne  State  road,  by  John  Oldham,  on  the  6th  of  Octo- 
ber, 1834,  and  consisted  of  forty-eight  lots.  The  flrst  and 
only  addition  to  the  original  plat  was  made  by  Dr.  Wm. 
Trees  on  the  13th  day  of  April,  1877,  and  consisted  of 
eight  lots. 

Warrington  is  about  tifteen  miles  north-east  of  Green- 
field, on  the  Knightstown  and  Pendleton  turnpike,  the 
extremes  of  which  are  its  shipping  points. 

It  has  no  railroad,  except  in  prospect.  The  I.,  B.  and 
W.,  when  completed,  will  have  a  depot  within  about  one 
and  a  half  miles. 

It  has  two  churches,  three  lodges,  a  school,  flouring 
mill,  two  stores,  a  postoffice,  and  other  essentials  to  a 
small,  village. 

It  has  been  the  voting  precinct  since  1834. 

The  Knightstown  and  Anderson  daih'  stage  passes 
through  Warrington. 

It  has  a  daily  mail,  with  Henry  C.  Garriott  postmaster. 

The  post-office  was  kept  for  many  years  by  Samuel 
Blakely  at  his  private  residence,  between  Warrington  and 
Nashville. 


BROWN  TOWNSHIP 


99 


Among    those   who    did    business    in    earlier    dius   we 
note  : 


General  Merchants — 

John  Sparks, 
Barzilla  Rozell, 
Robert  Eakin, 

James  K.  King, 
furgason  &  goble, 

J.  R.  Trees, 
Seward  &  McComas, 
Trees  &  Marsh, 
Montgomery  Marsh. 


Physicians — 

Logan  Wai.lace. 
William  Trees, 
Aaron  Gregg,    , 
William  Reed, 

C.  C.   LODER. 

Harness  and  Shoe  Maker 
Wesley  Lawyer. 


The  following  are  the  present  business  men  : 


(rcneral  ^Merchants — 
H.  C.  Garriott, 
Tharp  tt  Brother. 

Physicians — 

William  Trees, 
R.  D.  Hanna, 
Elbert  Johnson. 

I  Tn  de  r  taker — 

Wm.  L.  Garriott. 


Boot  and  Shoe  Maker — 
John  Miller. 

Bla  cksm  ith — 

William  Kenyon. 

Harness  Maker — 
Levi  Cook. 

Tile  Manufacturers — 

CoPELAND  &  Garriott. 


Nashville, 

located  two  miles  north-west  of  Warrington,  on  Sugar 
Creek,  was  laid  out  December  30,  1834,  ^y  I^lal<-ely  and 
Kennedy,  and  consisted  of  thirty-two  lots,  most  of  which 
have  been  sold  for  delinquent  taxes. 

The  only  business  now  in  the  place  is  blacksmithing, 
by  Morgan  Whisder. 

In  the  earlv  history  of  the  place,  Elisha  Thornburg 
kept  a  general  store,  followed  b}-  Allen  White  and  others 
for  a  short  time. 

Willow  Branch  P.  O. 

is  located  in  the  south-west  part  of  the  township,  on  the 


TOO  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

Stream  Willow  Branch,  Irom  which  it  derives  its  name. 
The  place  contains  eight  dwellings,  a  store,  blacksmith, 
painter,  plwsician,  post-oflice,  aware-room,  and  a  saw-mill. 

The  first  business  done  in  the  place  was  in  1874,  by  A. 
B.  Thomas,  who  established  a  store  and  accepted  the 
appointment  of  postmaster  for  Willow  Branch,  when  the 
office  was  removed  from  across  the  line  in  Green,  where 
it  had  been  kept  for  a  number  of  years  by  Jonathan  Smith, 
a  farmer  and  merchant. 

The  business  of  this  place  is  done  by  A.  B.  Thomas, 
merchant,  grain  and  implement  dealer  ;  Henry  Kenyon. 
blacksmith  and  carriage  maker  ;  George  Fowler,  painter  ; 
H.  B.  Ryon,  Phvsician  ;  and  Pleasant  Manlove,  proprie- 
tor of  the  saw-mill. 

Mail  tri-weekly.     Bruce  Thomas  postmaster.     Railroad 
"  a-coming,"  to  pass  within  a  half  mile. 

Concord  Baptist  Church 

was  organized  October  29,  1838,  at  the  house  of  Stephen 
Harlan.  Morgan  McQiiery  was  chosen  moderator  and 
Jacob  Parkhurst  clerk,  with  the  following  members  :  Wil- 
liam Sparks,  Jane  Wilkinson,  Hiram  Harlan  and  wife. 
Charity  Wilson,  Jane  Ross,  and  Stephen  Harlan  and  wife. 

The  way  of  life  and  salvation  has  been  definitely 
pointed  out  from  time  to  time  during  the  history  of  the 
church  b^'  the  Ibllowing  Elders,  to-wit :  Daniel  Cunning- 
ham, John  F.  Johnson,  Thomas  Smith,  John  Sparks,  J.  F. 
Collier,  S.  D.  Harlan,  and  T.  S.  Lyons  ;  the  latter  of 
whom  is  the  present  preacher. 

The  lirst  meetings  were  held  in  private  residences  until 
the  existence  of  log  school-houses,  which  accommodated 
the  congregation  for  a  number  of  3'ear.s,  terminating  in 
1855,  when  the  present  frame  building,  thirtv-four  h\ 
thirty-six  feet,  was  erected  and  completed  in  good  st}le, 
and  dedicated  in  1856  by  Elder  John  Sparks. 

The  iirst  trastees  were  Cicero  Wilkinson,  William 
Wright,  and  Jacob  B.  Hamilton. 

This  society  is  of  the  regular  Baptist  taith  and  order. 


i 


BROWN  TOWNSHIP.  Id 

The  White  Water  Association  has  often  held  its  annual 
meetings  at  this  phice. 

Present  membership,  thirty-seven.  Church  clerk,  J. 
P.  Harlan. 

Adjoining  the  church  on  the  east  is  a  cemeter}-,  where 
many  of  the  pioneers  Via  slumbering.  First  interment, 
Caroline  Mays. 

ZiONS  ClIAPEL  M.  E. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  had  a  small  society 
in  the  early  history  of  the  township  near  Nashville. 
Among  the  first  members  were  John  Kenned}'  and  wife, 
Mariah  Wilson,  Samuel  Griffith  and  wife,  Elizabeth 
Walker,  wife  of  Seth  Walker ;  Sarah  Newkirk,  John 
Nibarger,  Sarah  Nibarger,  and  Amanda  Childers. 

This  society  met  at  private  residences  in  the  winter 
time,  and  at  the  log  school-houses  during  the  warm  season, 
until  they  built  a  church  in  1839  '^^  Nashville.  It  was  con- 
structed by  voluntary  labor.  The  chief  contributors  were 
Samuel  Griffith,  John  Kennedy,  Seth  Walker,  Thomas 
Collins,  David  Noble,  Dr.  William  Trees,  and  Thomas 
W.  Collins.  Thev  continued  to  meet  here  till  1856,  at 
which  time  the  building  became  untit  for  use,  and  a  school- 
house  near  by  was  brought  into  service  until  1859,  '"^^  which 
time  this  society  united  with  a  small  organization  at  War- 
rington and  erected  the  present  building,  known  as  Zions 
Chapel,  located  at  a  midwav  point,  being  two  miles  north 
of  Warrington  and  one  and  three-fourth  miles  east  of 
Nashville.  Tiie  Warrington  wing  held  their  meetings  at 
the  house  of  Dr.  William  Trees,  one  of  her  generous  and 
most  liberal  members,  prior  to  the  coalition  with  the  Nash- 
villeites.  This  building  was  biu^ned  in  July  last ;  but  at 
this  date  thev  are  rebuilding  at  an  estimated  cost  of  $1,100. 
Present  minister.  Rev.  John  Thomas. 

The  United  Brethren, 
of  Warrington,  organized  a  meeting  about  1859,  ^^"*^^  wor- 


I02  HISTORY  OK   HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

shiped  in  Zions  Chapel  till  187 1,  at  which  time  they  built 
a  neat,  irood-sized  frame  buildint^  in  Warrinfjton,  at  a  cost 
of  $2,400.  The  new  building  was  dedicated  in  the  same 
year  by  Bishop  Edwards.  The  minister  was  Milo  Baily. 
The  trustees  were  John  W.  Trees,  John  Bridges,  and 
Thomas  Armstrong,  The  present  minister  is  Rev.  Felix. 
Presiding  Elder,  Milton  Wright.  The  membership  is 
numerous.  The  society  is  in  a  flourishing  condition,  and 
has  upon  its  church  rolls  some  of  the  best  and  most  influ- 
ential men  of  the  township. 

Christian  Church,  WARRiNcrrox. 

This  church  was  flrst  organized  near  Elizabeth  City, 
and  was  known  as  the  "  Six-Mile  Church."  It  was  organ- 
ized about  the  year  1838  by  Peter  Rader,  who  was  its  flrst 
pastor.  Haying  quite  a  number  of  the  best  citizens  as 
members,  it  continued  its  usefulness  for  several  years  at  this 
point.  Death  and  removals  having  crippled  it  so  much,  it 
was  discontinued  here  as  a  church  organization  ;  but  sub- 
sequently reorganized  near  Warrington,  where  the  follow- 
ing Elders  preached  occasionally :  Robert  Low%  Drury 
Holt,  John  Walker,  and  Silas  Mawzy  ;  all  of  Rush  count}-. 
The  meetings  at  first  were  held  at  private  houses  and  log 
school-houses  in  the  immediate  neighborhood.  The  soci- 
ety struggled  long  and  hard  to  build  a  house  in  which  to 
worship  ;  but  were  unable  to  accomplish  the  object,  being 
low  in  spirits  and  few  in  numbers,  and,  in  1862,  disorgan- 
ized. In  March,  1877,  the  society  took  fresh  courage,  and 
was  again  established,  or  reorganized,  b}'  Elder  Robert 
Edmonson.  J.  N.  Martindale  and  John  McCray  were 
chosen  Elders,  and  John  Vandyke  and  C.  C.  Loder  dea- 
cons. H.  C.  Garriott,  clerk.  The  church  edifice  is  very 
well  located  in  Warrington  ;  is  a  handsome  frame,  thirty- 
six  b}^  fifty-four  feet,  constructed  at  a  cost  of  $1,650,  and 
will  seat  five  hundred  persons.  It  was  dedicated  Decem- 
ber 25,  1877,  by  Elder  Wiley  Ackman,  who  preached 
for  the  society  two  years,  followed  by  Elder  David  Frank- 


BROWN  TOWNSHIP.  lO,^ 

lin,  who  was  succeeded  by  Elder  Cornelius  Quick,  the 
present  pastor.  The  society  is  in  a  prosperous  condition, 
with  a  membership  of  eighty.  On  the  20th  day  of  March. 
1877,].  N.  Martindale,  John  Vandyke,  and  W.  L.  Gar- 
riott  were  elected  trustees. 

[We  are  indebted  to  W.  L.  Garriott,  Esq.,  of  Warriui^- 
ton,  for  the  above  facts.] 

Free  Masons. 

The  Warrington  Lodge  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons. 
No.  531,  was  chartered  Ma}-  22,  1877,  with  the  following 
officers  :  William  Marsh,  W.  M.  ;  J.  A.  Hamilton,  S.  W.  : 
A.  C.  Walton,  J.  W.  The  charter  members  were,  in  addi- 
tion to  the  above  officers,  Wm.  G.  Caldwell,  F.  M.  Gra- 
ham, John  Vandyke,  Wm.  M.  Haves,  H.  B.  Wilson,  and 
Robert  Blakely.  ' 

The  following  are  the  present  officers  :  Wm.  Marsh, 
W.  M.  ;  J.  A.  Eakin,  S.  W.  ;  J.  A.  McDaniel,  J.  W.  : 
Wm.  Trees,  Treasurer;  J.  D.  Hedrick,  Secretary;  G.  W. 
Coon,  S.  D.  ;  J.  S.  Orr,  J.  D.  ;  F.  M.  Graham,  fylor. 

The  past  masters  of  this  lodge  are  W.  G.  Caldwell. 
William  Marsh,  and  George  W.  Summerville. 

The  lodge  is  in  a  prosperous  condition,  and  owns  a 
lodge-room  valued  at  $800.  The  total  membership  is 
twenty-five.  Nights  of  meeting  :  Wednesday  evening, 
on  or  before  the  fulling  of  the  moon  in  each  month. 

There  was  a  lodge  of  Masons  in  Warrington  organized 
in  1856,  prior  to  the  above,  which  continued  for  ten  3'ears. 
when  the  lodge-room  was  consumed  by  fire,  the  charter 
surrendered  and  the  organization  discontinued  till  the 
establishment  of  the  above. 

Among  the  first  members  of  the  original  lodge  were 
the  following:  W.  P.  White,  J.  K.  King,  Lysander 
Sparks,  John  Vandyke,  James  McCray,  Moses  Cottrell. 
J.  A.  McDaniel,  Wm.  Marsh,  W.  G.  Caldwell,  Thomas 
Walker,  F.  L.  Seward,  Andrew  Vandyke,  Ananias  Conk- 
lin,  and  James  Daughert}'. 


I04  iiisTOKN   oi"  HANCOCK  (.orN'rv. 

1.  ().  ().  h\  No.  411  ( Wai<i<in(;'1()n). 

This  lodi^i'  dali's  iVom  llic  issuing'  ol  llu'ir  chartrr  Ma\ 
21,   1S7J. 

'i'lu'  cliaitrr  mcnihcrs  wore  William  Tires,  J.  I).  New- 
kirk,  J.  (j.  'J'rees,  Williain  Keiiyon,  and  I  leiiryC  Cjaniott. 

(Jllieers:  R.  K.  Hays,  N.  Cj.  ;  William  Kenyon,  V. 
(x.  ;  John  (i.  Trees,  Secretary  ;  William  Trt>es,  Treasurer. 

"The  total  membership  at  present  is  lortw  It  is  in  i^ood 
condition  financially  and  otherwise.  It  owns  the  room 
where  it  meets,  built  at  a  cost  of  ^1,000.  R(\<^ular  nii^ht 
of  meeting,  Saturday  evening  of  each  week. 

DAiunrncKs  oi-  RiciuacA  (WARKixirro.N). 

1^'riendship  Lodj^-e  No.  i  ^S  of  the  1  )auL;'hti.M-s  of  Re- 
bi'cca  was  organized  in  Warrington  in  iS7|.  Dati'  ol' 
charter,  Dect'mber  16,   1874. 

CharttM"  members:  C.  C.  LodiM",  |ennie  Loder,  W. 
II.  Power,  William  Marsh,  Sarah  Newkirk,  William 
Trees,  Henry  C.  Garriott,  John  Miller,  M.  1..  Miller,  Wil- 
liam Kenyon,  J.  D.  Newkirk,  Matilda  l^'ces,  and  A.  M. 
Smith. 

Tlu>  regular  meeting  of  the  society  occurs  on  Thurs- 
(hiN  on  or  before  the  full  moon  in  each  month.  The  mei't- 
ings  are  lu'ld  in  the  Odd  I<^c>IIo\\s'  hall. 

Bi:N|AiMiN  F.  Ri':i:\i<:s,  l^ls(.j^., 

was  born  in  l>rt)wn  county,  Ohio,  on  the  second  day  of 
Md\ ,  iS^S.  In  the  fall  of  1837  his  parents  mo\ed  to  Rush 
county,  Indiana,  and  three  ^'ears  later  came  to  Hancock 
county  and  settled  on  Iirandywine  Creek,  in  iirown  town- 
shij"),  their  home  being  a  rude  log  cabin  in  the  wilderiu'ss. 
I  lis  lather  had  a  large  famil\-  of  small  children,  and  lu\ 
being  the  oldest,  was  compelled  to  work  out  from  honu'  to 
aid  in  maintaining  the  family. 

By  the  time  he  was  grown  he  hail  obtained,  what  was 
consicU-rinl   in    those   da\'s,   a  iroocl   I'ducation,   and   tausjiit 


BROWN  TOWNSHIP.  Iq:; 

school  in  the  winter  and  worked  at  moulding  brick  in  the 
summer. 

On  the  iirst  day  of  November,  1849,  ^^^  was  married  to 
Caroline  Harlan,  a  daughter  of  Stephen  Harlan,  one  of 
the  first  settlers  of  the  county.  The  result  of  this  union 
was  ten  children — five  girls  and  an  equal  number  of  boys, 
eight  of  whom  are  still  living. 

In  the  summer  of  1863  he  united  with  the  Baptist 
church,  and  is  still  a  member  thereof. 

On  the  25th  of  March,  1873,  he  had  the  misfortune  to 
lose  his  wife,  who  was  a  most  estimable  lady,  and  sincerely 
mourned  by  all  who  knew  her.  On  the  15th  day  of 
August,  1874,  l^c  was  again  married,  choosing  for  his 
companion  Nancy  Garner,  with  whom  he  is  still  happily 
living. 

Mr.  Reeves  is  well-known  throughout  the  count}-,  and 
perhaps  no  man  in  his  township  enjoys  in  a  higher  degree 
the  confidence  and  esteem  of  the  people  ;  and,  as  a  result, 
lie  has  held  many  offices  of  trust.  In  185 1  he  was 
appointed  school  trustee  by  the  county  auditor,  and  in  the 
spring  of  1858  was  elected  township  trustee,  and  again 
elected  in  the  spring  of  1862.  In  the  spring  of  1866  he 
was  elected  justice  of  the  peace,  and  was  re-elected  in 
1870,  1874,  '^"d  1878,  having  served  continuously  for  fifteen 
years  in  that  capacity,  and,  probabl}-,  married  more  peo- 
ple than  any  man  in  the  county.  In  addition  to  his  duties 
as  justice,  Mr.  Reeves  attends  to  a  large  share  of  probate 
business. 

By  his  thrift  and  industry  he  has  secured  to  himself 
one  of  the  best  farms  in  the  county  ;  and  now,  in  the  even- 
ing of  his  days,  surrounded  by  all  the  comforts  of  life,  and 
enjoying  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  all  w^ho  know  him, 
he  can  look  back  over  the  record  of  a  life  well  spent  and 
forward  to  a  crown  well  won. 

Dr.  H.  J.  Reeves,  a  young  physician  of  good  standing 
in  "  Liztown,"  Henry  county,  is  his  son.  Another  son  is 
teaching  school  and  studying  law,  preparatory  to  entering 
the  legal  profession. 

s 


brown  township.  io7 

Stephen  Harlan 

wat^  a  native  of  tlie  old  "Palmetto  State,""  and  dates  his 
earthly  career  back  to  the  tirst  year  ol'  the  present  centurv. 
He  came  to  Hancock  county  in  1834,  ^^^^  settled  in  Brown 
township,  on  the  farm  which  he  entered,  and  where  he 
lived  and  died.  He  was,  consequently,  one  of  the  first 
settlers  in  this  section. 

Mr.  Harlan  was  married,  near  Connersville,  to  a  Miss 
Sparks,  a  tall,  slender,  noble  woman,  still  living  beyond 
her  three  score  and  ten. 

The  first  brick  house  and  the  first  mill  in  the  township 
were  built  and  owned  by  Stephen  Harlan,  who  was  not 
only  an  enterprising,  thrifty  farmer,  but  a  miller  and  mill- 
wright, having  built  two  grist-mills  and  a  saw-mill,  the 
first  in  1835. 

He  was  a  zealous  member  of  the  Baptist  church.  It 
was  at  his  house  that  the  meetings  of  this  societv  in  Brown 
were  first  held. 

This  liberal-hearted,  brave  pioneer  "shuffled  oft'  the 
mortal  coil"  and  bade  adieu  to  earthly  scenes  April  19, 
1877,  and  was  buried  at  the  Concord  Baptist  church 
^mong  his  brethren  in  the  faith. 

John  Nibarger, 

•<i  native  of  the  "Buckeye  State,"  was  born  in  Green  county, 
just  at  the  beginning  of  the  second  war  with  the  mother 
country.  He  emigrated  to  Hancock  county  in  1830  and 
settled  on  Sugar  Creek,  near  the  Concord  Baptist  church, 
in  Brown  township.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Julia  Ann 
Walker  in  1837.  She  dying,  he  was  married  the  second 
time  to  Margaret  Asbury  April  3,  1845  ;  and  a  third  time 
to  Sarah  Mead,  on  P'ebruary  20,  1853.  He  had  three 
children  by  his  second  wife.  He  obtained  all  of  his  wives 
in  sight  of  his  farm. 

Mr.  Nibarger  was  a  consistent  member  of  the  M.  E. 
church,  a  thritty  farmer,  an  exemplary  man,  and  a  good 
'Citizen. 


i08  history  of  hancock  county. 

Phineas  Thomas, 

a  native  of  the  "'Keystone  State,"  began  his  earthly  pil- 
grimage about  the  year  1765.  He  came  to  Kentucky  at 
the  age  of  nineteen,  being  about  the  year  1784,  and  under- 
went the  hardships  of  a  Daniel  Boone  life.  He  lived  in 
a  "block-house,"  with  other  families,  as  a  protection  from 
the  ill-treated,  wily  red  man,  who  encompassed  them  about 
so  closely  that  they  were  compelled  to  place  guards  at  the 
house  while  a  few  of  the  men  worked  in  the  adjoining  field. 

From  Kentuck}^  he  went  to  Ohio,  to  engage  in  the 
United  States  survey,  which  he  followed  till  the  Indians 
became  so  hostile  he  was  compelled  to  decline  further 
employment.  From  Ohio  he  came  to  Rush  county,  just  as 
she  was  first  being  peopled  by  the  "  pale  face,"  where  he 
remained  for  a  few  years  ;  thence  to  Hancock  county, 
Brown  township,  in  1836,  where  he  remained  till  his  death, 
in  about  the  year  1847,  at  the  good  old  age  of  eighty-two.. 
Mr.  Thomas  was  fond  of  frontier  life,  and  was  truly  a 
pioneer  from  first  to  last. 

He  left  four  sons  and  an  equal  number  of  daughters, 
viz.  :  Martha,  Elizabeth,  Margaret,  Nancy,  Alfred,  John 
M.,  David,  Ephraim  and  Taylor  W.  ;  five  of  whom  are 
living  at  this  date,  three  sons  and  two  daughters,  all  use- 
ful, good  citizens. 

Mr.  Thomas  was  a  highly  esteemed  citizen  that  under- 
went the  hardships  incident  to  pioneer  life.  His  remains 
lie  buried  in  the  Pleasant  Hill  cemetery,  on  the  line  between 
Jackson  and  Brown  townships. 

Thomas  Collins, 

of  Brown  township,  was  born  May  9,  1806,  in  Gallia 
county,  Ohio.  He  was  married  in  the  twentieth  year  of  his 
age  to  Miss  Sarah  W.  Bray,  of  the  same  state,  where  he 
remained  for  three  years ;  then,  with  brave  hearts  and 
determined  hands,  they  set  out  to  seek  their  fortune  in  the 
unknown  forest,  and,  in  1829,  stopped  in  Madison  county, 
bought  a  little  farm  and  remained  four  years ;  thence  to- 


BROWN  TOWNSHIP 


109 


Hancock  in  1833,  where,  for  $400,  lie  purchased  one  hun- 
•dred  and  sixty  acres  of  good  hind  in  the  native  green. 
Here  he  toiled  and  endured  the  privations  of  a  pioneer 
till  1834,  when  his  companion  died  and  left  him  in  the 
wild  woods  with  live  little  children  to  care  for.  In  a  short 
time  he  married  Rachel  Blakely,  with  whom  he  shared 
the  fruits  of  industry  for  forty-four  years. 

Mr.  Collins  succeeded  in  raising  a  large  family,  and 
provided  well  for  their  wants.  He  set  off  eleven  children 
with  over  $3,000  each,  and  provided  for  the  widowed 
mother  her  life-time. 

Mr.  Collins  attached  himself  to  the  M.  E.  church  in 
1837,  ^"d  remained  an  earnest,  faithful  member  till  death. 
He  was  ever  a  liberal  supporter  of  church  and  schools, 
:and  read}^  to  lend  a  helping  hand  to  the  advancement  of 
•every  good  cause.     He  died  July  9,  1878. 

William  Trees,  M.  D. 

Dr.  William  Trees,  of  Warrington,  Brown  township, 
Hancock  county,  Indiana,  is  a  native  of  the  "Buckeye 
State,"  born  in  Clermont  county  September  9,  1816  ;  and 
is,  therefore,  able  to  compare  ages  with  the  State  of  Indi- 
ana, and  lose  but  little  by  the  comparison. 

He  emigrated  to  Rush  county,  Indiana,  in  1826,  while 
the  county  was  yet  new,  and  Hancock  count}'  not  known, 
and  studied  medicine  in  Milroy  with  the  well  known  med- 
ical firm  of  Doctors  Day  and  Sharp,  active  physicians  of 
their  time.  He  then  attended  lectures,  and  took  a  course 
'Of  study  and  instruction  in  the  Indiana  Medical  Institute, 
receiving  a  diploma  of  which  the  following  is  a  copy : 

INDIANA     MEDICAL     INSTITUTE. 

(Constituted  February,  1839.) 

Unto  -whom  this  may  cotnc,  greeting: 

Know  ye,  that  Mr.  William  Trees  having  completed  all 
the  requirements  of  this  institution,  and  been  duly  examined 
:according  to  its  regulations  in  the  various  branches  of  medical 
:science,  and  found  to  be  well  qualified  therein, 

We,  therefore,  by  the  power  invested  in  us  by  the  act  of 


no  HISTOliY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

incorpoiatitjii  of  this  bodv,  do  authorize  him  to  practice  niech- 
cinc,  surgery,  and  ol^stetrics,  and  recommend  him  to  the  favor- 
able notice  of  the  profession  and  the  patronage  of  the  pubhc. 

David  A.  Cox.  Prcsidott. 
^V^r.  H.  Martin,  Secretary. 

H.  G.  Sexton,  R.  Robbins, 

R.  T.  Brown,  David  A.  Cox, 

Wm.  H.  AIartin,         I.  Helm, 

Board  of  Examiners. 
Dated  at  Rushville,  May  6,  1S39. 

Dr.  Trees  moved  to  Warrington,  his  present  home, 
June  10,  1841,  where  he  soon  built  up  a  good  practice,  an 
impregnable  character,  and  a  name  that  will  go  down  to 
posterity  loved  and  honored  b}'  all. 

Dr.  Trees  has  been  a  liberal,  consistent,  zealous  mem- 
ber of  the  M.  E.  church 'ever  since  its  organization  in 
Warrington.  As  previouslv  remarked,  it  was  at  his  house 
the  meetings  of  this  society  were  first  held  in  Brown 
township. 

The  Doctor  is  an  intelligent,  social  gentleman,  and 
generally  well  informed. 

Jonas  Marsh, 

a  native  of  the  "Ancient  Dominion,"  was  born  in  Lancas- 
ter county  in  1796.  His  father  moved  to  East  Tennessee 
in  1800.  In  1837  ^^'-  Marsh  came  to  Hancock  coimt}-, 
where  he  remained  till  his  death,  in  March,  1877.  While 
in  Tennessee  he  followed  wagon-making  for  about  ten 
years  ;  but  after  coming  to  Hancock  county  he  successfully 
enijaijed  in  farmini:^. 

Mr.  Marsh  was  married  in  Tennessee  to  a  Miss  Ken- 
nedy, bv  whom  he  had  hve  children  :  George,  Henry, 
Elizabeth,  Rebecca,  and  Mary  Jane  :  the  hrst  of  whom  is 
now  living  in  Missouri,  and  Henry  is  well  known  to  oiu' 
citizens.  By  his  second  wife  (who  was  a  sister  of  the 
Hrst)  he  raised  six  children:  William,  Montgomery,  Ma- 
tilda, Martha,  Ephraim,  and  John  ;  the  latter  three  of 
whom  are  natives  of  the  township,  the  others  are  Tennes- 


HXOWN  'roW.NSIIII'. 


I  I  I 


seeans.  The  youngest  i.-;  a  practicing  physician  :  Ephraim 
is  count}'  clerk  ;  Montgomery  is  one  of  the  older  attorneys 
of  the  county  ;  and  Martha  is  the  wife  of  William  Pratt. 

Mr.  Marsh  was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  the  town- 
ship who  helped  to  clear  the  forests,  make  the  roads,  and 
convert  the  wilderness  into  broad  grain  fields.  Though 
not  a  member  of  any  church  or  secret  order,  he  was  a 
tirm,  honest,  exemplary  man,  unpretentious  and  devoid  of 
deceit.  He  died  on  his  farm.,  and  his  remains  lie  buried  at 
the  McQiiary  graveyard,  near  his  home,  where  loving 
hands  have  placed  a  plain  monument  to  mark  the  tinal 
resting  place  of  his  mortal  remains. 

Dr.  John  L.  Marsh. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Brown  town- 
ship, this  county,  December  27,  1851.  At  the  age  of  eight- 
een he  entered  the  office  of  Dr.  William  Trees  as  a  medi- 


nu.     JOHN     I..     MARSH. 


cal  student.  In  1872  and  1873  he  attended  a  course  of 
lectures  in  the  Louisville  Medical  College.  The  next  year 
he    attended    the     Ohio    Medical    College,    receiving    the 


112  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

degree  of  M.  D.  at  the  close  of  the  term.  He  was  the 
3'oungest  member  of  the  graduating  class,  having  just 
attained  his  twenty-fu'st  3'ear.  After  leaving  college,  in 
1874,  ^^^  located  in  Warrington  and  entered  upon  the  prac- 
tice of  his  chosen  profession.  The  following  year  he  mar- 
ried a  daughter  of  John  W.  Trees.  In  the  spring  of  1877 
he  moved  to  Greenlield,  put  out  his  shingle,  and  entered 
upon  a  lucrative  practice.  In  the  fall  of  1879  ^^^  com- 
menced the  publication  of  a  medical  journal,  which  soon 
gained  an  extended  reputation.  During  the  winter  of 
1880,  1 88 1  he  delivered  a  course  of  lectures  in  the  Indiana 
Eclectic  Medical  College.  In  addition  to  his  professional 
duties,  he  has  contributed  papers  on  scientific  and  medical 
subjects  to  various  journals. 


BUCK-CREEK  TOWNSHIP. 


CHAPTER    VII. 


Tp.  Line 


In  Tp. 


M  M 


*rp.  Line 


2 

' 

6 

1 

3 

1 
4 

3 

II 

12 

7 

i 

s 

9 

10 

M 

«3 

i 

1 

1 

17 

■' 

'5 

»3 

24 

«9 

ao 

31 

22 

a6 

25 

3<' 

i 
i 

29 

28 

27 

35 

36 

1 

V 

32 

33 

34 

17  N' 


16  X 


Scale:     Two  miles  to  the  inch. 

MAP   OF   BVCK-CREEK  TOWNSHIP. 

SHOWING  THE  SECTIONS,  TOWNSHIP  AND  RANGES  OF  WHICH  IT  IS  COMPOSED. 


This  township  took  its  name  from  the  stream  that  flows 
through  it,  which,  in  turn,  is  supposed  to  have  derived  its 


I  14  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

name  from  tlie  numerous  "  l")uck  '"  once  found  on  its  banks. 
It  was  struck  off  from  Sugar-creek  in  1831,  and  then  con- 
sisted of  the  territory  now  embodied  in  botii  15uck-creek 
and  Vernon.  For  five  years  it  consisted  of  sixty-seven 
sections,  when,  in  1836,  it  was  reduced  to  thirty-six  sec- 
lions,  its  present  size,  by  striking  off  the  northern  i^ortion, 
which  took  the  name  of  Vernon.  In  1838,  Buck-creek 
was  still  further  reduced  in  size  (see  map  on  p.  32)  by 
striking  off  two  tiers  of  sections  from  the  south  and  adding 
to  Jones  township  and  one  tier  from  the  remainder  on  the 
east  and  adding  to  Union  township,  leaving  it  diminutive 
in  size,  of  only  twenty  sections,  from  1838  to  1853,  at 
which  time  it  was  restored  to  its  former  size  of  six  miles 
square,  which  it  still  retains.  It  is  located  in  the  central 
western  portion  of  the  county,  and  is  bounded  on  the 
north  by  Marion  county  and  Vernon  township,  on  the 
east  by  Center,  on  the  south  by  Sugar-creek,  and  on  the 
west  by  Marion  county.  It  is  all  located  in  township 
sixteen  north  and  ranges  five  and  six  east.  Township  line 
sixteen  forms  its  southern  boundary  and  seventeen  its 
northern.  Two  tiers  of  sections  are  in  range  five  west 
and  four  in  range  six.  The  range  line  extends  a  half  mile 
west  of  Mt.  Comfort. 

The  surface  in  general  is  \-ery  flat,  the, only  rolling  por- 
tion being  in  the  south-west  corner.  The  surface  being 
low  and  wet,  was  once  rather  uninviting  for  settlement. 
It  was  ver}'  heavily  timbered  with  beecii,  oak,  ash,  elm, 
sugar-maple,  walnut  and  poplar,  and  especially  abounded 
in  fine  burr  oak.  It  has  been  ascertained  since  being 
cleared  and  drained  that  it  is  very  productive.  The  soil  is 
a  black  loam.  The  low  portions  previously  thought  luifit 
for  tillage  prove."?  to  be  the  most  productive. 

S/rca>iis. — Buck-creek,  a  small,  slu<;<j^ish  mill  stream, 
enters  the  township  on  the  north  line,  at  the  north-east  cor- 
ner of  section  five,  and  flows  in  a  general  south  by  south- 
west direction  through  the  center  of  the  township,  a  half 
mile  east  of  Mt.  Comfort,  passing  out  on  the  south  line 
near  the  south-west  corner  of  tlie  township.     This  stream 


lil'CK-CKEKK   TOW  .\-;HI!'.  11^ 

has  no  banks  at  all  in  the  t()an>hi;),  except  tor  about  a 
mile  throu<4"h  the  Fish  tarm,  on  the  south  Hne.  It  has, 
therefore,  been  found  necessary  and  expedient  to  deepen 
the  channel  in  order  to  reclaim  the  o\erllo\ved  land  alonif 
the  stream.  Sugar  Creek,  a  brisk  mill  stream,  the  largest 
in  the  township,  cuts  olT  the  south-east  corner  of  section 
twenty-seven,  and  extends  through  section  thirty-four. 

/vr.sV  Sctllouciil  iDui  Lami  E)ilrv. — This  townsliip  was 
first  settled  about  the  year  1H27,  in  the  southern  portion, 
llie  first  entry  of  land  was  made  in  the  year  1822,  Janu- 
ary 18,  by  George  Worthington,  being  the  south-east  quar- 
ter of  section  thirt3^-four,  in  township  sixteen  north,  in 
range  six  east.  The  second  entry  was  made  bv  John 
Chamberlain,  and  the  third  by  John  Smith. 

First  Settlers. — The  first  settlers  in  tliis  t(nvnship  were 
James  JUirris,  John  Shirley,  Thomas  Craig,  William 
Smith,  William  Arnett,  Obadiah  and  John  Eastes,  J.  A. 
Dunn,  Thomas  Rodgers,  Isaac  Snider,  John  Dance,  Dan- 
iel Skinner,  Archy  Smith,  Benjamin  Percell,  Charles  Fish, 
Landis  Eastes,  ITance  Steel,  and  the  Beechman  family. 
Burris,  Smith,  Rodgers,  and  Dance  were  from  Ohio  ; 
Shirley  and  Craig  were  from  Kentucky  ;  Snider  from  Vir- 
ginia ;  and  Skinner  from  Delaware.  At  a  little  later  date 
came  George  Grist,  Joseph  Wright,  J.  W.  Shelbv.  John 
and  wSamuel  Steel,  John  and  William  Collin-;,  Jacob  Smitli, 
W,  A.  Dunn,  Lawrence  and  O.  O.  II  u-voy,  E,  Sco::Len, 
S.  Arnett,  Owen  Gritlith,  J.  II.  M  ir  V.iy,  J.  W.  Jam  ob^ll,. 
and  the  Barnards  and  Parkers. 

/iirt/is,  J)cat/is,  Marriages,  etc. — The  fu'st  child  boi-n 
in  the  township  was  Permelia  Craig,  tiie  wife  of  O.  O. 
Harvey.  The  second,  Archibald  Smith,  son  of  Jacob 
Smith. 

The  first  death  w^as  Thomas  Rodgers,  buried  at  the 
Scotten  grave3'ard  in  about  1833. 

The  first  burial  at  the  Arnett  graveyard  was  Jennings 
Henderson,  who  was  found  frozen  to  death,  one  mile  iVom 
his  home,  in  1847.       lie  had  gone  to  Greenfield  to  get  his 


Il6  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

gun  repaired,  and  starting  home  late,  night  overtook  him^ 
and  the  next  morning  was  found  dead. 

In  about  1847  James  Burris,  a  very  industrious,  quiet 
man,  and  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  in  the  township,  after 
giving  some  directions  to  his  son,  left  the  house,  and  going 
into  the  woods,  sat  down  by  a  tree  and  opened  the  veins 
in  his  arms  and  bled  to  death. 

The  first  grown  person  buried  in.,  the  Steel  graveyard 
was  a  daughter  of  Hance  Steel.  The  first  in  the  Dunn 
graveyard  was  the  mother  of  William  A.  Dunn.  The 
first  in  the  Millard  graveyard  was  Sarah  Hodges,  a  sister 
of  William  A.  Dunn.  The  first  in  the  Snider  graveyard 
was  the  wife  of  Isaac  Snider.  The  first  in  the  Eastes  grave- 
yard was  Lucinda  Arnett,  wife  of  William  Arnett,  junior. 

The  first  marriage  in  Buck-creek  township  was  that  of 
George  Shirley  and  Fanny  Crump. 

Among  the  first  physicians  were  Doctors  John  H.  San- 
ders, Lyman  Carpenter,  and  J.  W.  Hervey. 

Ebenezer  Scotten  was  the  first  blacksmith  in  the  town- 
ship. George  Grist,  located  near  Mt.  Comfort,  is  the  only 
son  of  Vulcan  following  the  trade  in  the  territory  now 
under  consideration. 

The  first  resident  preacher  was  Stephen  Masters,  and 
the  second  Philip  Thurman.  The  first  postmaster  was 
Robert  Wallace.  The  first  teachers  were  Philip  Masters 
and  a  Mr.  Tisdell. 

The  first  school-house  of  any  kind  built  in  the  town- 
.ship  was  erected  near  Isaac  Snider's,  senior,  in  the  south- 
west part  of  the  township.     It  was  quite  a  rude  afflur. 

Mills. — This  township  being  poorly  supplied  with 
water-power,  her  streams  being  small  and  sluggish,  she 
has  not  been  noted  for  pioneer  water-mills.  The  first  and 
■only  primitive  grist-mill  propelled  by  water-power  was  a 
•small  hominy  mill  on  Buck  Creek,  north,  near  Mt.  Com- 
fort, erected  in  the  year  1854  ^J  William  Eastes,  and  of 
short  duration.  The  next  mill  was  a  steam  corn-cracker 
and  saw-mill  located  west  of  Mt.  Comfort,  about  the  year 
t86o,  built  by  Corbin.       It  burned  down  in  a  few  years. 


BUCK-CREEK  TOWNSHIP. 


117 


and  was  never  rebuilt.  Whitlock  built  a  steam  sash  saw- 
mill in  1863,  which  was  operated  some  four  years,  and 
then  moved  out  of  the  township.  A  steam  saw-mill  erected 
by  McLain  and  Buroaker,  in  1869,  located  one  and  a  half 
miles  east  of  Mt.  Comfort,  was  run  several  years,  when  it 
was  moved  north-west  of  Mt.  Comfort  two  and  one-half 
miles,  where  it  was  operated  a  short  time,  and  where  a 
portion  of  the  mill  and  machinery  still  remain.  Maulden 
and  Hopkins  erected  a  steam  circular  saw-mill  on  the 
south  side  of  the  road,  a  few  rods  east  of  Mt.  Comfort 
school-house,  in  the  year  1874,  which  was  operated  a  few 
years,  when  it  was  burned  ;  but  shortly  rebuilt,  run  about 
two  years,  and  then  removed  to  Oaklandon,  in  Marion 
county.  Ebenezer  Steel  erected  a  large  tile  factory  on  his 
farm,  one  and  one-half  miles  north-east  of  Mt.  Comfort, 
about  the  time  the  ditching  enterprise  first  struck  the 
county,  which  was  kept  in  operation,  doing  an  extensive 
business,  for  a  series  of  years,  or  till  all  the  immediate 
section  of  countr^^  was  thoroughly  drained. 

The  above  are  the  only  mills  of  which  we  have  any 
account,  save  the  two  circular  saw-mills  now  in  operation  ; 
one  of  which  is  known  as  the  Wilson  mill,  being  located 
on  the  Adam  Wilson  farm,  in  the  central  eastern  portion 
of  the  township,  and  the  other  erected  the  present  season 
by  Ebenezer  Steel  on  his  farm,  located  on  the  I.,  B.  and 
W.  R.  R.,  about  a  mile  north-east  of  Mt.  Comfort. 

Merchandising. — From  an  examination  of  the  old  rec- 
ords in  the  auditor's  office,  we  ascertain  that  in  the  year 
1832  John  Eastes  was  licensed,  according  to  law,  to  vend 
merchandise  in  Buck-creek  township.  His  place  of  busi- 
ness was  in  the  southern  portion,  where  he  kept  a  few  staple 
articles  in  accordance  with  the  demands.  There  is  no  rec- 
ord of  further  business  at  this  stand.  The  settlement  soon 
extended  farther  north  in  the  township,  covering  the  north- 
ern portion  as  well  as  the  southern,  which  was  first  set- 
tled, thus  making  it  necessary,  for  convenience,  to  change 
the  place  of  business  to  a  more  central  location.  Thus 
originated  the  first  store  at  Mt.  Comfort,  kept  by  Charles 


BUCK-CREEK  TOWNSHIP.  Up 

Ray  ;  since  which  the  following  firms  have  held  tbrth  from 
time  to  time  :  Robert  Chvirch,  Church  &  Vanlaningham, 
John  N.  Eastes,  Woods  &  Steel,  W.  J.  Woods,  Church  & 
Thomas,  Woods  &  Eastes,  D.  G.  Hanna,  J.  W".  Jay,  and 
Smith  &  ]3ro.  ;  the  latter  of  whom  were  succeeded  by  the 
present  merchant  and  postmaster,  S.  S.  Smith. 

Educational. — This  township  has  nine  frame  school- 
houses,  numbered,  named  and  supplied  with  teachers  for 
the  present  term  as  follows,  to-wit : 

District  No.  i  .  .  .Black  Hawk..  .  .Frank  Tibbctt. 

District  No.  3.  .    Boyd's E.  E.  Stoner. 

District  No.  3.  .  .Offenbacker N.  P.  Whittaker. 

District  No.  4    .    Wallace Robert  Hurley. 

District  No.  5.  .  .Mt.  Comfort.  .  .  .Laura  Dance. 

District  No.  6.  .    Mints William  Whittaker. 

District  No.  7.  .  .Griffith Moses  Bates. 

District  No.  8.  .  .Russel S.  S.  Eastes. 

District  JSTo.  9.  .  .  Burris M.  O.  Snyder. 

These  houses  are  numbered  east  and  west  as  a  bov 
would  drop  hills  of  corn  in  a  row  running  in  the  same 
direction  :  No.  i  being  in  the  north-east  corner  of  the 
township  and  No.  9  in  the  south-west.  The  buildings  are 
all  plain,  medium-sized  frame  houses,  plastered  and  painted 
and  covered  with  shingles,  and  each  consists  of  a  single 
room.  The  greatest  want  in  an  educational  line  at  present, 
perhaps,  is  more  apparatus.  The  nine  school-houses  are 
estimated  worth  $4,000;  apparatus,  $100;  total,  $4,100. 
Total  number  of  school  children,  492.  Township  insti- 
tutes in  this  township  have  generally  been  well  attended, 
interesting  and  profitable  ;  more  so  than  the  average  town- 
ship, owing  to  the  interest  manifested  by  the  trustee  in  the 
matter. 

Synopsis. — This  township  has  four  churches,  viz.  :  two 
United  Brethren  and  two  Methodist  Episcopal ;  one  post- 
oflSce — ^^Mt.  Comfort ;  one  voting  precinct — School-house 
No.  5  ;.two  circular  saw-mills  ;  a  pike  ;  one  county  officer ; 
one  deputy  ;  two  mill   streams  ;   nine  school-houses  ;  one 


I20  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

railroad  ;  live  ex-count}'  officers  ;  one  store  ;  and  a  demo- 
cratic majority,  on  the  vote  for  President  in  1880,  of  twelve. 

I^oads. — Buck-creek  township  has  less  graveled  road 
than  any  other  township  in  the  county,  there  being  only 
three  and  one-half  miles  of  toll  pike  within  her  borders. 
This  is  owing,  no  doubt,  to  her  lack  of  gravel-pits,  being, 
as  previously  remarked,  low  and  wet.  The  roads  are  less 
improved  and  in  worse  condition  in  this  township  than  in 
any  other  in  the  county. 

Railroad. — The  Indiana,  Bloomingtan  and  Western 
Railway  Company  has  just  extended  its  line  through  this 
township  ;  but  have  established  no  station  as  3^et. 

Population. — The  population  of  Buck-creek  for  1850 
was  420;  for  i860,  999;  for  1870,  1,227;  ^o''  1880,  1,460. 
In  i860  there  were  five  colored  persons  and  no  foreigners, 
and  in  1870  there  were  thirty-one  foreigners  and  no  colored. 

Vote  and  Polls. — The  vote  for  i860  was  189;  for  1870, 
217;  and  for  1880,  357.  The  vote  for  President  in  1880 
stood  as  follows  :  Republican,  166  ;  democratic,  178  ;  inde- 
pendent, 13.     Polls  for  1881,  279. 

Value  of  Real  and  Personal  Property. — The  number 
of  acres  of  land  assessed  for  taxes  for  1881  is  22,620,  val- 
ued at  $528,895  ;  improvements  on  the  same,  $37,545  ; 
value  of  personal  property,  $160,830;  total,  $727,270. 

Taxes. — Total  amount  of  taxes  assessed  against  her 
for  1881,  to  be  paid  in  1882,  $646,326.  Of  this  amount, 
the  following  men  pay  $40  and  upward  : 

Arnett,  Jane $56  71  Huntington,  S .$  56  28 

Boyd,  D.  D 48  08  Herr,  Kasper 47  46 

Craig,  Sable 95  00  Parker,  G.  W 5°  54 

Camiibell,  J.  W 44  80  Steel,  Samuel 106  39 

Crump,  C.  F 42  08  Steel,  Ebenezer 151  36 

Duncan,  J.  W 56  38  Steel,  Hance  heirs ....    no  35 

Eastes,  Jolin  C 42  78  Steel,  Frank 243  03 

Fink,  Henry S4  ^o  Stoner,  Daniel 51  86 

Griffith,  Owen 41  45  Smith,  Wm.  sen 168  90 

Hanna,  E.  D 96  24  Sanford,  F.  M 46  72 


BUCK-CREEK  TOWNSHIP.  121 

Ilanna,  T.  J 59  -^S     Thomas,  Ephraiin  ....      68  :;6 

Harvey,  O.  O 49  6 1     Wright,  Joseph 7^  74 

The  levy  for  each  one  hundred  dolhirs  in  this  township 
is  seventy-eight  cents.* 

Ex-Coiinty  Officers .  —  Buck-creek  was  the  home  of 
Bazil  G.  Jay,  ex-county  auditor;  Mordecai  Millard,  ex- 
sheriff;  and  John  Collins,  ex-commissioner;  all  deceased, 
but  green  in  the  memory  of  the  older  citizens.  On  her 
fertile  soil  and  broad  plains  still  flourish  Joshua  W.  Shelby, 
ex-sheriff,  and  Ephraim  Thomas,  ex-commissioner,  prom- 
inent men  well-known  throughout  the  countv. 

Productions. — ^Buck-creek  is  almost  wholl}^  an  agricul- 
tural and  grazing  territory,  there  never  having  been  any 
manufactorfes  in  the  township,  save  a  tile  factory,  saw- 
mill, and  a  hominy  mill,  which  did  only  a  local  business. 
Owing  to  the  great  abundance  of  bvu^r  oak  in  this  section, 
it  is  probable  that  when  the  new^  I.,  B.  and  W.  Railroad  is 
completed  there  wall,  for  a  time,  spring  up  a  lively  trade 
in  lumber  for  staves,  heading,  etc.  There  is  also  an  abun- 
dance of  white  elm  poles,  used  in  making  hubs,  which  will 
probably  be  used. 

Phxsicians. — There  being  no  located  physicians  in  this 
township  at  present,  the  northern  part  of  the  tow^nship,  for 
medical  skill,  call  on  the  ph3'sicians  of  Fortville  and  Mc- 
Cordsville  ;  the  eastern  and  southern  part  go  to  Greenfield 
and  Philadelphia  ;  and  the  western  to  Cumberland  and  the 
above  points.  Dr.  J.  W.  Hervey,  of  Indianapolis,  named 
in  the  foregoing  as  one  of  the  pioneer  ph^'sicians,  still  has 
considerable  practice  among  his  old  friends  in  the  western 
portion  of  the  township.  The  old  citizens  say  that  at  one 
time  nearly  all  the  practice  of  the  towmship  was  done  bv 
tlie  said  Dr.  Hervey  and  the  following  phvsicians  from 
Greenfield,  viz.  :  Drs.  Lot  Edw^ards,  B.  F.  Duncan,  N.  P. 
Howard,  and  R.  E.  Barnett. 


*To  ascertain  the  assessed  valuation  of  a  man's  property,  real  and  personal,  divide 
the  ta.N  by  the  levy,  which  will  give  the  number  of  hundreds. 


122  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

y/(s//ri's  of  the  Peace. — Though  the  people  of  this  sec- 
tion  are  quiet  and  peaceably  disposed,  it  has  been  neces- 
sary, in  compliance  with  law  and  the  needs  of  the  com- 
munity, to  have  disciples  of  Blackstone  to  settle  the  pett}' 
differences  arising  between  people  ;  and  for  this  purpose, 
the  following  justices  of  the  peace  haye  been  appointed 
from  time  to  time  in  and  for  said  township,  to-wit  : 

Alorgan  Briiiegar 1S31  T.  J.  Ilanna 1S60 

Owen  Jarrctt L-iiknown  Joseph  ^Vrio■ht 1S60 

Wyatt  Denney Unknown  \V.  C.  Wray 1864 

Esq.  Peas. Unknown  Allen  Scotten 1S64 

William  Arnett 1S41  Joseph  Wright 1865 

Bazil  G.  Jav 1S41  James  McKean 1867 

William  Arnett 1S45  Joseph  Wright 1869 

John  II.  Murphy 1848  G.  W.  Parker.  .  .• 1872 

John   Eastes 1849  Joseph  Wright ^873 

Mordecai  Millard 1852  G.  W.  Parker 187(3 

R.  A.  Dunn 1853  Edward  Rose 187S 

J.  W.  Shelby 1856  Wm.  McConnell 1880 

Joseph  Wrij^ht 1856 

The  present  acting  judges  of  law  and  equit^^  in  which 
township  officers  have  jurisdiction,  are  Esquires  Rose  and 
McConnell. 

Tozunship  Trustees. — In  the  early  history  of  the  county 
trustees  were  scarcely  more  than  mere  nominal  officers, 
ha\'ing  but  few  duties,  subject  to  yarious  changes.  The 
following  are  the  names  of  those  acting,  with  dates  of 
election,  trom  the  time  their  duties  were  enlarged,  and 
their  powers  so  increased  that  they  could  leyy  a  local  tax  : 

Ephraini   Thomas 18^9     O.  O.  Harvey .  .  1869 

Wm.  L.  Harvey 1863     Wm.  M.  Wright 1876 

Henry  R.  Clayton 1865     John  C.  Eastes 1880 

J.  W\  Shelby 1S67 

Remarks. — ^The  needy  poor  of  this  incorporated  por- 
tion of  the  county  look  to  John  C.  Eastes  for  assistance  in 
the  day  of  adversity  ;  the  farmer  calls  on  him  for  pay  for 


y  KUCK-CREEK  TOWNSHI?'.  12^^ 

his  sheep  killed  by  the  hungry  hounds  ;  and  the  taithful 
teacher  pays  him  a  yisit  at  the  close  of  the  term  (if  neces- 
sity does  not  prompt  an  earlier  call)  to  receiye  remunera- 
tion for  his  seryices. 

F'a  III  flics. — Buck-creek  is  the  home  of  the  Steels,  Park- 
ers. Wrights,  Shelbys,  Easteses,  Dunns,  Smiths,  Harveys, 
Craigs,  Collinses,  Grists,  and  Arnetts  ;  all  prominent,  well- 
known  families. 

It  was  once  the  home  of  Professor  A.  C.  Shortridge, 
ex-superintendent  of  the  Indianapolis  public  schools,  and 
late  president  of  Purdue  Uniyersit}'. 

Upon  her  fruitful  soil  once  trod  the  yeritable  Lorenzo 
Dow,  tlie  "  Qiiaker  Methodist"  itinerant  preacher,  who 
had  more  than  a  national  reputation  for  his  zeal,  industry 
and  peculiarities.  Here  he  entered  land,  a  fuller  account 
of  whom  will  appear  elsewhere. 

Here  liyed,  in  his  peculiar  style,  the  eccentric  John  D. 
Hopkins,  and  still  liyes  the  industrious  Mrs.  Sabie  Craig, 
perhaps  the  most  extensiye,  successful,  industrious,  prac- 
tical lady  farmer  in  the  county. 

Murder  and  Snicidc. — Here  occurred  the  Kenned\- 
tragedy,  in  which  Thomas  Kennedy  killed  his  own  daugh- 
ter, the  wife  of  George  Hudson,  for  which  he  was  sen- 
tenced to  the  penitentiary  for  life  ;  but  was  in  the  course 
(jf  a  few  years,  through  the  intercession  of  his  attorney, 
T.  D.  Walpole,  pardoned,  after  which  he  returned  to  his 
own  neighborhood,  where  he  remained  till  his  death, 
which  occurred  only  a  few  years  since. 

It  was  in  this  township  that  James  Norman  became 
tired  of  terrestial  scenes,  and  determined  to  put  an  end  to 
his  earthh'  pilgrimage,  which  he  accomplished  by  hanging 
himself  in  the  south-east  part  of  the  township,  in  about 
the  year  1861. 

With  this  brief  outline,  we  close  the  general  reyiew  of 
the  township.  A  more  specific  account  of  many  of  the 
matters  mentioned  herein  will  appear  in  the  next  chapter. 


124  HISTORY  OF  HA^■COCK  COUNTY. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

nUCK-CREEK   TOWNSHIP Co)lfilll!cd . 

HoTEWELL  M.  E.  Church 

was  organized  about  the  year  1836,  and  was  originally 
known  as  Sycamore  Chapel.  Among  the  first  members 
were  Thomas  Craig  and  wife,  Hiram  Crump  and  lady, 
John  Cochanhour  and  helpmeet,  Miles  Burris  and  wife, 
Jeremiah  Beach  and  wife,  Obadiah  Eastes  and  lady,  A. 
Cooper  and  family,  and  Mother  Burris. 

The  tirst  ministers  were  Revs.  Edwards,  Landy  Havens,. 
Morrow,  George  Havens,  J.  B.  Birt,  and  Millender,  some 
of  whom  are  still  living  as  \-alient  soldiers  of  the  cross. 

Meetin(>\s  were  originally  held,  before  the  buildinij  of 
the  Sycamore  church,  at  the  private  residences  of  Daniel 
Skinner,  Thomas  Craig,  and  Obadiali  Eastes. 

In  1840,  the  hrst  church  building  was  erected,  and  con- 
tinuously used  till  1863,  when  it  was  burned.  The  society 
was  without  a  place  to  worship  till  1870,  when  it  erected 
the  present  building,  a  neat  frame,  at  a  cost  of  $1,000, 
and  known  as  Hopewell  Chapel. 

This  organization  has  upon  its  church  rolls  but  few 
members,  and  is,  consequently,  not  strong,  and  have 
preaching  only  semi-occasionally. 

Pleasant  Grove  M.  E.  Church 

was  organized  by  Re\'.  C.  Harvey,  in  the  year  1872. 
Among  tlie  tirst  members  were  the  said  Harve}^  and  wife, 
Samuel  S.  Smith  and  wife,  D.  D.  Boyd  and  wife,  William 
Vest,  Jackson  Apple  and  lady,  and  William  Horton  and 
family. 

This  society  had  no  building  in  which  to  meet  for  the 
lirst  two  years  of  its  existence.  In  1874,  it  erected  a  neat, 
handsome  church  building,  at  a  cost  of  $1 ,450.  Dedicated 
by  Dr.  Robison. 


BUCK-CREEK  TOWNSHIP.  1 25 

The  trustees  are  D.  D.  Bovd,  Hamilton  Wellincr,  and 
Samuel  Smith. 

The  first  minister  in  charge  was  Samuel  Lamb,  fol- 
lowed by  Freeman  and  John  Cain  ;  they  by  Freeman  and 
R.  H.  Smith  ;  the  last  of  whom  served  till  1875,  when  the 
Fortville  circuit  was  divided  and  the  Pleasant  Grove 
church  attached  to  the  McCordsville  circuit.  Since  which 
time  the  following  divines  have  led  the  flock:  R.  B. 
Powell,  T.  J.  Elkin,  and  G.  N.  Philipp,  the  last  of  whom 
is  the  present  minister. 

Union  Chapel. 

The  United  Brethren  perfected  an  organization  in 
Buck-creek  township  about  the  year  1856,  and  held  their 
meetings  in  private  residences  and  log  school-houses  till 
the  year  1858.  In  January  of  this  year,  Washington 
McConnell,  Thomas  Preble,  and  Jackson  Price  were 
elected  by  the  Qiiarterly  Conference  as  trustees  to  build  a 
church,  to  be  called  Union  Chapel.  At  this  time,  D. 
Stoner  was  presiding  Elder  and  Thomas  Evans  preacher 
in  charge.  The  circuit  was  called  Pleasant  View,  and 
belonged  to  White  River  Conference. 

The  first  sermon  preached  in  the  building  was  on 
Christmas  evening,  1858.  On  the  following  day  (Christ- 
mas) the  funeral  of  John  Underwood,  senior,  who  donated 
the  ground  on  which  the  church  stood,  was  preached. 

Meetings  have  been  continuously  sustained  since  its 
-organization,  notwithstanding  the  building  was  burned  in 
1880. 

The  circuit  has  been  presided  over  from  time  to  time 
by  the  following  Elders  : 

A.  Kin<,r,  A.  E.  Evans,  J.  Myers. 

A.  Ilaiuvay.  John  Vardeinan.  R.  B.  Beattv, 

Wm.  Nichols,  Hallcck  Floyd,  R.  B.  Beattv, 

W.  Wit,  W.  C.  Day,  Lewis  Crawford. 

D.  O.  Ferrell,  Ilalleck  Floyd,  J.  Pruner, 

Milton  Wright,  M.   Caltrich,  \v.  C.  Day, 

D.  Stoner,  Thomas  Evans,  Alexander  Carrol. 


126  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

C.  Smith.  A.  B.  Darv.  William  Hall. 

P.  S.  Cook,  Alexander  Carrol,  Monroe  Cironeiulike, 

Thomas  Evans.  Amos  Han  way,  T.  II.  Halstead. 

A.  E.  Evans,  D.  Stoner,  J.  M.  Ware, 

D.  Stoner,  Thomas  Evans,  A.  Davis. 
Simon  B.  Irvin,  Henry  K.  ]Muth. 

The  preachers  in  charge  for  the  time  were  William 
Gossett,  Irvin  Cox,  A.  C.  Rice,  I.  Tharp,  and  Henr}- 
Hiiflman.  I.  Tharp  preached  but  one  sermon  till  he  was 
thrown  from  his  sulky  and  had  his  leg  broken,  and  Henry 
Hullman  finished  out  his  term. 

The  present  Elder  is  Milton  M.  Wright,  and  the  minis- 
ter in  charge  F,  M.  Demunbren.  The  charge  is  attached 
to  the  Warrington  circuit. 

The  more  marked  revivals  were  during  F.  Evan's  tirst 
year,  T.  H.  Ilalstead's  ministr3%  and  William  Gossett's 
supervision,  when  there  was  quite  an  ingathering  of  souls. 

This  society  was  doubtless  established  through  the 
instrumentality  of  J.  B.  Collins,  local  preacher,  since  gone 
to  his  long  home,  and  of  precious  memory  to  many. 

[We  are  indebted  for  the  above  facts  to  James  H.  Mur- 
phv,  an  obliging.  Christian  gentleman.] 

John  D.  Hopkins, 
an  exceedin<^lv  eccentric  man,  came  to  Hancock  count\' 
about  the  year  1843,  and  built  a  pole  shanty  in  the  woods 
of  Buck-creek,  about  four  by  seven  feet,  covered  it  with 
dirt,  and  daubed  it  inside  thoroughly  to  the  exclusion  of 
all  light  and  air,  save  at  the  small  entrance,  about  fifteen 
ijiches  wide  and  live  feet  long,  which  was  closed  by  a  sin- 
gle blue  board  called  a  door.  The  furniture  consisted  of  a 
rude  stool,  on  which  he  sat,  made  bv  his  ow^n  hands  ;  a 
primitive  writing  table,  at  which  he  spent  much  of  his  time  ; 
and  a  small  sheet-iron  stove,  which  he  carried  on  his 
shoulder  from  Richmond,  Indiana,  and  at  the  same  time, 
under  his  arm,  the  fancy  door  for  his  contemplated  rustic 
home. 

Mr.  Hopkins  was  a  single  man,  and  li\ed  alone,  not  so 


BUCK-CREEK  TOWNSHII' 


127 


much  from  choice,  perhaps,  as  from  force  of  circum- 
stances. Physically,  he  was  large,  strong,  and  vigorous, 
^veighed  two  hundred  pounds  and  upwards,  of  Horid  com- 
plexion, and  had  sandy  hair,  inclined  to  redness.  Men- 
tally, he  was  truly  stii  grnrr/s,  loved  sport,  courted 
flattery,  inclined  to  poetry,  and  imagined  himself  the 
"  preacher,  poet,  orator  and  philosopher  of  the  age.''  He 
spent  much  of  his  time  in  writing  hymns,  poems,  and 
political  songs,  which  he  would  sing  on  seasonable  occa- 
sions. He  has  been  denominated  a  monomaniac  on  the 
subject  of  religion.  He  termed  himself  a  "good  gather- 
ing preacher,"  and  did  finally  succeed  in  gathering  a  half 
dozen  or  more  joiners  in  the  township  to  his  little  band, 
which  he  termed  '"The  good  gathering  army."  To  this 
little  "army"  he  preached  for  some  time,  composing  his 
own  hymns  and  texts,  never  adopting  anything,  know- 
ingl3%  from  even  the  best  authors.  Of  him  it  may  truh'  be 
said  that  he  was  never  guilty  of  plagiarism.  His  poetr\' 
was  not  classic  nor  polished  b}'  any  means,  nor  was  it 
faultless  in  meter  and  figure  ;  but  was  like  much  of  the 
early  spring  poetry,  mere  doggeral. 

He  courted  a  certain  prominent  young  widow  of  energ^' 
and  means  and  portly  appearance,  and  for  a  time  appar- 
ently received  some  encouragement,  which  prompted  him 
to  compose  a  number  of  songs  expressive  of  his  feelings 
relative  thereto. 

During  the  political  campaigns  he  was  especially  an 
object  of  interest.  For  ten  cents  he  would  make  either  a 
whig  or  democratic  speech,  it  was  immaterial  which.  In- 
deed, for  a  dime  he  would  make  a  public  speech  on  the 
street  on  a  goods-box,  or  an}'  public  place  outside  of  a 
house,  on  any  subject,  political,  religious,  or  scientific,  or 
sing  a  campaign  song,  adapted  to  either  party,  or  sing  a 
"  sabie  song,"  which  was  one  of  his  love  eft'usions.  After 
singing  one  of  his  ballads,  he  would  pass  through  the  au- 
dience and  offer  them  for  sale.  A  single  dime  would  pay 
the  bill  for  the  entire  lot,  which  he  had  been  at  the  trouble 
and  expense  of  having  printed. 


128  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

In  dress  Mr.  H.  was  not  less  odd  than  in  other  respects. 
He  seldom  wore  a  hat,  coat,  or  boots,  save  in  the  coldest 
weather,  and  his  pants  he  had  usually  rolled  up  to  the 
knees.  He  was  exceedingly  strong  and  active,  and  prefer- 
red jumping  a  fence  to  opening  a  gate.  Mr.  Samuel 
Harden  says  that  he  saw  him,  a  few  3'ears  since,  in  Ander- 
son, and  invited  him  home  with  him  for  dinner,  which  he 
accepted,  ate  heartily,  took  his  departure,  and  leaped  over 
the  fence  rather  than  open  the  gdte,  though  it  was  con- 
venient and  in  good  working  order. 

The  last  seen  of  Mr.  H.,  in  Greenhed,  was  about  three 
years  since.  Of  his  present  whereabouts  we  are  not  relia- 
bly informed.  We  heard  that  he  was  located  in  Missouri, 
on  a  <jood  farm  of  his  own,  doino-  well,  which,  if  true,  he 
will  probably  remain  there  for  some  time. 

The  chorus  to  one  of  his  songs  used  to  run  thus  : 

"John  D.  Hopkins  always  remains  the  loiifi^est 
Where  the  pot  boils  the  strongest." 


'  Joshua  Shelby 

is  a  native  of  Union  covmt}-,  Indiana,  and  dates  his  earthh- 
career  to  June  i6,  1815.  He  is  the  oldest  son  of  Joshua 
Shelby,  sen.,  who  came  to  Sugar  Creek  township  in  1835, 
and  died  there  in  1839. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  married  to  Nanc}"  Dunn, 
sister  of  Wm.  A.  Dunn,  in  1839,  ^^'^''O  was  also  an  early 
settler.  He  served  in  the  capacitv  of  trustee  and  justice 
of  the  peace  in  his  township  for  six  years — two  in  the  former 
and  four  in  the  latter.  He  waj  elected  count}'  sheriff  in 
1852,  over  G.  W.  Sample,  a  popular  candidate,  and  after 
serving  thirteen  months,  he  resigned  tor  the  more  congenial, 
healthful  pursuit  of  agriculture.  He  is  a  fearless,  staunch 
democrat ;  but  as  a  whigf  was  elected  to  the  above  office. 

Mr.  Shelbv  and  his  amiable  companion  were  pioneers 
in  the  wild  woods  of  earlv  Buck  Creek,  and,  as  such,  en- 
dured many  ]:>rivations  and  hardships  incident  to  pioneer 


BUCK-CREEK  TOWNSHIP.  I  29 

life.  The  following  are  the  names  of  their  children : 
Catharine  F.,  Samuel  N.,  Sarah  J.,  Lvdia,  Elvira  and 
John  F.,  six  in  all. 

Mr.  Shelb}'  is  not  a  member  of  any  church,  for  reasons 
best  known  to  himself.  Though  rough  in  speech  and  ex- 
terior, he  is  social,  kind-hearted  and  well  disposed. 

George  W.  Parker,  Esq^. 
was  born  November  13,  1842.  He  was  married  to  Marv 
C.  Coleman  (whose  parents  came  from  South  Carolina), 
January  7,  1866.  Mr.  P.  was  elected  to  the  office  of  jus- 
tice of  the  peace  in  1872,  and  held  the  position  for  eight 
years,  with  general  sjrtisfaction  to  his  fellow  citizens.  Mr. 
P.  is  also  a  teacher  of  some  considerable  experience  in  the 
schools  of  his  township,  and  prides  himself  on  being  an 
unflinching  democrat.  Mr.  P.  is  especiallv  possessed  of 
the  distinguishing  characteristics  of  the  famih'  industrv 
and  econom}-,  and  has,  thereby,  succeded  in  accumula- 
ting considerable  means  for  a  young  man,  owning  a  fine 
farm  under  a  good  state  of  cultivation.  The  following 
are  his  children's  names:  Clinton,  Dora  A.,  Mar}'  J., 
and  William  ;  four  in  all . 

Shadrach  H.  Ar.nett 
was  born  September  3,  1819,  in  Franklin  county,  Indiana. 
He  came  to  this  county  with  his  father,  William  Arnett,  in 
1831,  and  settled  in  Buck-creek  township,  where  he  lived, 
bearing  a  good  name,  till  his  death,  which  occurred 
February  13,  1879.  ^^^^  ^''^^^  remains  peacefull}'  rest 
beneath  a  statelv  monument  erected  bv  loviniT  hands. 
The  deceased  was  an  active,  influential  member  of  the 
Masonic  order,  in  which  he  took  the  greatest  deliirht. 
Early  in  life  he  was  a  member  of  the  Baptist  Church  ;  but 
at  the  time  of  his  death  was  not  associated  with  any  relig- 
ious order.  Mr.  A.  filled  credita-bly  the  office  of  trustee 
for  several  years;  and,  also,  that  of  "enrolling  officer" 
during  the  late  civil  war.      Bv  industrv,  good  habits,  and 


BUCK-CKEKK  TOWNSniP.  I3I 

economy,  he  succeeded  in  acquiring  a  large  estate.  In 
appearance  Mr.  A.  was  large,  portly  and  athletic,  weighing 
two  hundred  pounds,  and  of  fair  complexion.  Unto  his 
kind  oversight  were  committed  the  following  children: 
Sarah  A.,  ]Mar\-,  Isabelle,  Elizabeth,  Lucinda,  and  Wil- 
liam H.  His  widow,  still  living,  resides  on  the  old  home- 
stead. 

Joseph  Wright, 

a  distant  relative  of  Ex-Governor  Joseph  Wright,  is  a 
native  of  the  "Keystone  State,"'  beginning  his  earthly 
career  in  1810,  December  27.  He  came  in  early  youth 
with  his  parents  to  Butler  county,  Ohio,  where  he  remained 
a  few  years  ;  thence  to  Wayne  county,  Indiana,  where  he 
remained  till  the  year  1832,  when  he  was  married  to  Eliza- 
beth Stephens,  of  that  county,  and  afterwards  removed  to 
Buck-creek  township,  Hancock  county,  Indiana,  where  he 
has  since  resided.  Mr.  Wright  is  the  father  of  Auditor 
Henry,  and  Deputy  Auditor  William  M.  Wright.  He 
served  in  the  capacity  of  justice  of  the  peace  in  his  town- 
ship tor  twenty  rears.  When  Mr.  W.  first  came  to  the 
townsliip  it  was  one  vast  wilderness,  inhabited  by  wild 
animals  ;  but  b_v  determined  hands  and  a  strong  will  he 
has  succeeded  in  making  a  commendable  transformation. 
x\mid  all  these  changes  and  vicissitudes  of  life  Mr.  W. 
has  been  encouraged  and  strengthened  by  the  companion 
of  his  bosom,  a  noble  woman.  God  bless  her  I  Mr.  W. 
is  an  uncompromising  democrat,  yet  accords  to  others 
what  he  claims  for  himselt",  the  rio'ht  to  vote  his  sentiments. 
He  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  fraternit}',  and  no  good 
brother  ever  knocks  at  his  door  without  receiving  admit- 
tance. Unto  him  were  born  the  following  children  :  John 
W.,  Marv,  Henr\-,  Isom  S.,  Celia,  and  William  M.  ;  all  of 
whom  are  still  living,  save  John  W.  and  Celia. 

Barzii.la  G.  Jay 
\>jfis  a  native  of  North  Carolina,  born  in  1794,  where  he 
lived  till  1837.      ^^   1822   he  was  united  in  the  holy  bonds 


132  HISTORY  OF  HANXOCK  COUNTY.  » 

of  wedlock  to  Miss  Jane  McCullough,  of  the  same  state. 
In  company  with  his  companion  he  emigrated  to  Hancock 
county,  Indiana,  and  settled  in  Buck-creek  township,  in 
1837.  Mr.  J.  was  from  birth  and  education  a  democrat 
unwavering ;  and,  as  such,  was  elected  to  the  office  of 
county  auditor  in  1855,  which  position  he  held  creditably 
and  satisfactorily  for  four  years.  Mr.  Jay  also  served  as 
justice  of  the  peace  for  some  years,  with  credit  to  his  judg- 
ment and  good  sense.  He  was  a  man  of  firm  character, 
"honest  and  conscientious,  and  was  an  influential  member 
of  the  Masonic  order,  by  which  he  was  buried  June  17, 
i860,  at  the  Hodge  cemeter3%  in  Buck-creek  township, 
where,  by  his  side,  the  companion  of  his  life  was  laid  in 
February,  1876.  His  children  were  Eliza  A.,  Mar^-  J., 
Margaret  C,  John  H.,  Martha  A.,  James  W.,  Susan  F., 
and  Amanda  A. 

Macedonia  Church 
•of  United  Brethren  was  organized,  about  the  year  i860,  on 
the  land  of  William  Shaffer,  but  was  afterwards  moved 
farther  south,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  road,  where  it 
now  stands.  The  society  v/as  organized  by  Thomas 
Evans,  followed  by  Rev.  Hanway. 

The  following  were  among  its  flrst  members :  John 
and  Isabelle  Parker,  Isaac  Wilson,  Thomas  Price,  James 
Wilson  and  wife,  William  and  Margaret  Wilson,  Lewis 
Barnard,  Mary  Barnard,  James  Wallace,  Sarah  A.  Wal- 
lace, and  Cynthia  Barnard. 

The  following  are  the  present  trustees  :  John  Parker, 
James  Wilson,  and  Thomas  Price. 

The  society  is  not  very  strong  in  numbers,  and  have 
-services  onl}-  once  a  month.  The  house  is  a  log,  and 
Mdiolly  insutticient  for  the  demands  of  the  audience  and  the 
times,  and  the  society  contemplate  building,  at  an  early 
<late,  a  new  house  near  the  residence  of  G.  W.  Parker. 

Lorenzo  Dow. 

LasL,  but  not  least,  of  the  prominent  men  and  remark- 


BUCK-CREEK  TOWNSHIP 


'33- 


able  characters  of  this  historic  township  is  that  of  the  Rev. 
Lorenzo  Dow.  Not  until  recently,  when  the  dusty  records- 
and  the  earliest  inhabitants  were  being  consulted  for  mate- 
rial out  of  whicli  to  make  this  history,  and  some  of  the 
discoveries  were  made  public  through  the  paper,  was  it. 
known  but  by  a  few  that  this  truly  pious,  eccentric,  and 
remarkable  man  ever  set  foot  on  Hancock's  fertile  soil,  or 
owned  land  within  her  borders  ;  but  such  is  the  the  case. 
A.  T.  Hart  and,  possibly,  others  testify  to  having  heard 
him  preach  in  Greenfield.  R.  A.  Smith  says  his  father 
heard  him  in  Rush  county.  Dow,  in  his  journal  before  us, 
which  we  have  twice  read,  speaks  of  passing  through  the 
"  New  Purchase,"*  and  of  being  next  at  Louisville,  Ky, 

The  "  entry  book  "  in  the  recorder's  office  shows  that 
Lorenzo  Dow,  in  1826,  May  8,  entered  the  north-west 
quarter  of  section  thirty-five,  in  township  sixteen  north,  in 
range  five  east,  containing  one  hundred  and  sixt}-  acres. 
^  This  was  then,  of  course,  a  part  of  Madison  countv.  The 
land  is  now  located  in  the  south-west  part  of  Buck-creek 
township,  section  thirty-five,  of  which  it  forms  a  part, 
being  the  corner  section.  The  land  is  now  owned  b}^ 
Spencer  Huntington,  and  lies  on  the  Marion  countv  line. 
Dow  died  in  Georgetown,  D.  C,  February  2,  1834,  '^"<^^ 
his  second  wife,  Lucv  Dow,  on  the  13th  day  of  Decem- 
ber, 1838,  deeded  the  same  land  to  Hector  H.  Hall,  and 
in  the  deed  says:  "It  is  the  same  land  owned  bv  my 
deceased  husband,  the  Rev.  Lorenzo  Dow,  situated  in, 
Hancock  county." 

It  is  authoritatively  reported  that  Dow  lived  on  his  new 
entr^'  for  a  short  time  ;  and  a  place  is  pointed  out  in  a  cer- 
tain bank,  about  ten  or  twelve  feet  high,  on  the  farm  where 
Dow   dug   a   cave    and  spent    a    portion    of   one    season. 

Auditor  Wright  says  he  has  authority  for  sa\'ing  that  a- 
number  of  children  in  the  vicinity  were  named  Lorenzo 
D.  in  honor  and  memory  of  him,  occasioned  by  said 
residence. 


*This  section  of  country  was  at  that  date  termed  the  "  New  Purchase. 


134  IIISTOIiV  OF   HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

History  is  full  of  apparent  contradictions,  which  are 
often  difficult  to  explain  owini^  to  our  lack  of  suMicient 
information.  I  well  remember  a  <xlarin<>-  contradiction  in 
U.  S.  Mist(iry  which  claimed  my  attention  while  pin^siuno- 
tlie  study.  One  author  stated  that  there  were  one  hun- 
dred of  the  Puritan  Fathers  on  the  May  Flower,  and 
another  asserting  that  she  bore  up  a  precious  cargo  of  one 
hundred  and  one  souls.  Why  this  discrepancy?  I  queried, 
there  being  no  note  of  a  death  ;  and  I  determined  to  look 
it  up.  A  number  of  authors  were  examined  before  I  dis- 
covered the  explanation  which  harmonized  the  statements 
of  the  apparently  conflicting  authors.  The  number  w'as 
one  hundred  on  starting,  but  on  the  wa^'  was  increased  to 
•one  hundred  and  one  ;  and  I  have  since  had  the  pleasure 
of  seeing  the  cradle  in  which  that  extra  pilgrim  w^as  rocked 
on  the  briny  deep.  I  iirst  read  Dow's  journal  in  the  back- 
woods of  Arkansas  about  thirteen  years  ago,  and  then 
obser\'ed  a  little  laughable  contradiction,  which  I  am  still 
unable  to  satisfactorily  explain.  Lorenzo  Dow,  on  page 
212  of  his  "Journal,"  says  he  and  Pegg\'  were  married  on 
September  3,  1804.  Peggy  Dow,  in  her  "Journey  of 
Life,'"  1 2th  edition,  page  610,  sa3'S  that  she  and  Lorenzo 
were  married  late  in  the  evening  on  September  4,  1804. 
The  query  is  how  that  could  be.  Future  generations  in 
Hancock  count}'  may  be  equally  puzzled  over  the  real  cost 
of  our  present  jail  and  sheriff's  residence.  The  records 
sliow  that  it  was  contracted  to  be  built  for  ^32,900.  IVr 
say  that  it  cost  $75,000  ;  but  it  has  otherwise  gone  down  in 
history  as  costing  over  $100,000.  Why  this  discrepancy? 
Possibly  owing  to  adding  interest  to  the  original  cost  in 
one  case  and  not  doing  so  in  the  other. 

After  fully  examining  and  weighing  all  the  evidence, 
parol  and  written,  w^e  are  of  the  opinion  that  the  yeritable 
Lorenzo  Dow  twice  preached  in  Greenfield,  and  entered 
land  in  Hancock  county,  which,  after  his  death,  there 
beinir  no  other  leijal  heirs,  his  wife  deeded  to  said  Hector 
H.  Hall. 

Lorenzo  Dow  was  in  many  respects  a  most  remarkable 


buck-ci<ep:k  towxshii*.  135 

man.  Though  physically  slender  and  frail,  his  indomita- 
ble will  and  wonderful  zeal  spurred  him  on  to  the  accom- 
plishment of  more  work  than  is  seldom  ever  allotted  to 
one  man  to  perform.  ThouL^h  he  was  a  public  preacher 
less  than  forty  years,  it  is  probable  that  more  persons 
heard  the  gospel  from  his  lips  than  from  any  other  divine 
since  the  days  of  Whitfield.  He  traveled  extensi\ely  in 
England  and  Ireland,  and  repeatedly  visited  almost  every 
portion  of  the  United  States.  He  wrote  a  number  of  books 
and  lectures,  and  particularly  a  history  of  his  own  life,  so 
singularly  eventful  and  lull  of  vicissitudes.  He  would 
have  a  thousand  appointments  out  at  one  time.  On  a  cer- 
tain occasion  he  w^as  speaking  from  a  pine  stump,  I  think, 
in  North  Carolina,  when  he  announced  that  in  one  ^•ear 
from  that  day,  at  that  hour,  he  would  (God  permitting) 
preach  from  the  stump  on  which  he  was  standing.  Time 
rolled  on,  and  when  the  appointed  hour  arrived,  notwith- 
standing a  thousand  appointments  were  to  be  hlled  in  the 
meantime  in  accordance  with  promise,  he  was  standing  on 
the  identical  pine  stump  preaching  to  a  large  audience. 

Dow  was  a  Methodist  in  principle,  and  though  not  a 
member,  was  held  in  high  esteem  by  many  who  knew  him 
best  and  acknowledged  his  loyalty  to  truth  and  honest}'  of 
purpose.  He  was  exceedingly  conscientious,  and  though 
very  poor  and  often  wanting  for  the  necessaries  of  life  he 
repeatedly  refused  handsome  sums  of  money  tendered 
him  b}'  his  admiring  hearers  and  children  in  the  gospel  for 
fear  of  its  being  a  stumbling  block  in  his  way,  and  thereb}- 
retarding  the  progress  of  the  gospel.  He  was  ver^^  eccen- 
tric in  dress,  manners,  and  style  of  preaching,  which 
attracted  much  attention,  while  his  shrewdness  and  quick 
discernment  of  character  gave  him  a  wonderful  influence 
over  the  masses  that  daily  assembled  to  hear  him.  Some 
supposed  him  possessed  of  supernatural  powers,  even  to 
the  discernment  of  thought  and  the  "  raising  of  the  devil.'" 
It  is  recorded  of  him  that  at  one  time,  when  he  was  travel- 
ing in  the  south,  he  asked  permission  to  remain  over  night. 
The  woman  of  the  house  informed  him  that,  as  her  hus- 


136  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

band  was  not  at  home,  she  could  not  accommodate  him. 
As  was  unusual  with  him,  he  insisted,  as  there  were  no 
houses  near,  the  countr}-  being  sparsely  settled.  But  she 
positively  refused  till  he  told  her  that  he  was  a  preacher, 
and  would  sleep  in  the  stable,  if  he  could  do  no  better. 
This  infornuition,  together  with  his  long  hair  and  odd 
dress,  suggested  to  her  who  he  was,  and  she  inquired  if  he 
were  not  Lorenzo  Dow.  Being  answered  in  the  affirma- 
tive, she  waived  her  objections  and  decided  that  he  might 
stav  ;  probably  more  out  of  fear  that  evil  might  befall  her 
than  through  any  real  desire  to  have  him  in  the  house. 
Mr,  Dow  put  up  with  her  for  the  night,  and  at  the  usual 
hour  retired  in  a  back  room,  where  he  had  not  long  been 
till  he  heard  a  man  arrive,  whom  he  soon  discovered  was 
not  the  woman's  husband.  A  series  of  jokes  passed 
between  the  two,  which  continued  with  a  good  deal  of 
pleasantry  till  about  midnight,  when  a  rap  at  the  door 
announced  the  arrival  of  the  husband.  Surprise,  alarm, 
and  consternation  followed.  There  was  but  one  door  to 
the  rude  house,  and  at  it  stood  the  husband  seeking  admit- 
tance. To  be  caught  there  at  that  unseasonable  hour  of 
the  night,  without  a  valid  excuse, -would  possibly  create 
suspicion,  and  at  least  secure  him  a  sound  threshing.  To 
escape  seemed  impossible.  Just  at  this  critical  juncture, 
when  the  boasted  ingenuity  of  man  failed,  the  quick  per- 
ception of  woman,  as  in  most  cases  of  emergency,  found 
an  expedient.  Near  the  foot  of  the  bed  stood  a  large  gum 
half  full  of  raw  cotton,  in  which  she  hurriedly  biu'ied  the 
visitor  ;  then,  as  composedly'  and  calm  as  a  June  morning, 
turned  around  and  admitted  her  husband.  But  his  lord- 
ship had  been  to  the  grog-shop,  and,  in  his  own  conceit, 
was  wise  and  wiry.  "  Hush,  hush,''  said  the  wife,  as  the 
husband  blundered  in  and  roared  out:  "Thunder  and 
potatoes,  Mag,  and  why  didn't  you  open  the  door?" 
"  Hush,  my  dear,  hush  I  Lorenzo  Dow  is  in  the  house." 
"  Oh,  blood  and  tobacco  I  and  is  it  Lorenzo  Dow,  the  man* 
who  raises  the  devil?  "  "  Sure  it  is  ;  and  why  don't  you 
be  still?"       "Oh,  by  Saint  Patrick,  he  shall  come  forth^ 


BUCK-CREEK  TOWXSHIl' 


.U 


and  you  shall  see  the  devil  before  you  sleep  I  "  So,  blun- 
dering into  the  bed-room,  Mr.  Dow  was  compelled  to 
come  forth  ;  and  nothing  would  satisfy  the  husband  but 
that  Lorenzo  must  raise  the  devil.  Mr.  Dow  protested, 
and  urged  his  inability  to  perform  such  wonders  ;  but  no 
excuse  would  satisfy  the  determined,  uncompromising  hus- 
band. He  had  heard  that  Dow  could  raise  the  devil,  and 
now,  that  he  had  him  in  his  house,  nothing  would  satisfy 
him  but  that  he  must  do  it.  Finalh',  Mr.  Dow  consented 
on  the  condition  that  his  lordship  "stand  at  the  door  and 
deal  him  a  few  good  thumps  as  he  sluill  pass  forth,  but  not 
so  hard  as  to  break  his  bones."  This  his  lordship  agreed 
to  do,  and  stationed  himself  accordingly.  All  things  now 
read}',  Lorenzo,  taking  the  candle  in  his  hand  and  walking 
up  and  down  in  the  room,  touching  it  quickly  to  tiie  dry 
cotton,  said  :  ^  Come  forth  old  boy  I  "  when  out  jumped 
the  hidden  sinner  all  in  a  blaze,  and  breaking  for  the  door, 
a  l'i\ing  mass  of  fire,  made  good  his  exit ;  but  not  without 
a  sound  blow  over  the  shoulder  from  the  husband's  cudgel. 
The  job  was  now  complete.  Lorenzo  had  raised  the 
devil,  and  the  husband  thought  it  a  supernatural  perform- 
ance b}'  the  eccentric  Yankee  preacher. 

As  a  further  illustration  of  his  influence  over  the  people 
and  their  firm  taith  in  his  supernatural  powers,  we  will  give, 
in  brief,  the  story  of  the  ''Cock  and  the  Dinner  Pot." 
One  night  after  Mr.  Dow  had  retired  to  bed  after  a  hard 
day's  travel  in  Virginia,  a  crowd  assembled  in  the  bar- 
room of  the  inn  to  enjoy  their  revelries,  as  was  the  custom 
in  those  times  in  that  part  of  the  country.  Toward  the 
"wee  small  hours''  of  the  morning  it  was  announced  that 
one  of  the  compan}-  had  lost  his  pocket-book,  and  a  search 
was  immediately  proposed.  Whereupon  the  landlord 
remarked  that  Lorenzo  Dow  was  in  the  house,  and  that  if 
the  money  was  there  he  knew  he  could  find  it.  Accord- 
ingly Lorenzo  was  rudely  called  forth  from  his  warm  bed 
to  try  his  powers  in  finding  the  lost  treasure.  He  first 
inquired  if  any  of  the  party  had  left  since  the  money  was 
lost ;  and  being  informed  in  the  negative,  then  said  Lorenzo 

lO 


138  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUN'JV. 

to  the  landlord:  "Go  and  bring  me  your  large  dinner 
pot.""  This  created  no  little  surprise  ;  but  as  supernatvn'al 
powers  were  uni\ersalh'  conceded,  his  directions  were 
unhesitatingly  obe3'ed,  and  the  pot  was  brought  and  set  in 
the  middle  of  the  room.  "  Now,"'  said  Lorenzo,  "  go  and 
bring  the  old  chicken-cock  from  the  roost."  This  was 
accordingl}-  done,  and  the  pot  was  turned  over  the  cock. 
"Now,"  said  Lorenzo,  "let  the  doors  be  locked  and  the 
lights  e.vtinquished.""  Which  being  done,  he  said  :  "  E\-ery 
person  in  the  room  must  now  rub  his  hands  hard  against 
the  pot,  and  when  the  guiltv  hand  touches  the  cock  will 
crow."  Accordingly  all  came  forward  and  rubbed,  or 
pretended  to  rub,  the  pot;  but  no  cock  crew.  "  Let  the 
candles  now  be  lighted,"  said  Lorenzo;  "there  is  no 
guilty  person  here."  "  If  the  man  e\'er  had  an\'  money 
he  must  have  lost  it  some  place  else.  *"  But  stop,"  said 
Lorenzo,  when  all  things  were  prepared,  "let  us  now 
examine  the  hands.''  This  was  the  essential  part  of  the 
arrangement.  An  examination  was  instituted,  when  it 
was  discovered  that  one  man  had  not  rubbed  against  the 
pot.  The  others'  hands  were  all  black  with  the  soot  of  the 
pot,  as  proof  of  their  innocence.  "There,"  said  Lorenzo, 
pointing  to  the  man  with-  c/ccifi  kaiids,  "there  is  the  man 
who  picked  your  pockets  I  "  The  guilty  one  seeing  his 
detection,  at  once  acknowledged  his  crime,  and  gave  up 
the  money. 

Numerous  other  interesting  circumstances  are  related 
tending  to  show  the  ingenuity  of  the  man  and  his  insight 
into  human  nature,  but  we  will  not  take  time  to  rehearse 
them.  Much  of  the  odditv  and  eccentricity  of  Dow  was 
the  result  of  necessity,  especiallv  that  part  belonging  to 
his  dress  :  much  of  it  was  natural  and  in  accordance  with 
constitutional  make,  and  a  part  was,  doubtless,  designed, 
and  aided  in  the  accomplishment  of  his  great  object  in  life. 
He  lived  to  be  fift3^-seven  years  old,  thirty-nine  of  which 
he  spent  in  the  public  ministry. 

Hancock  county  may  well  be  proud  in  claiming  him 
as   one  of  her  citizens,   and  the  reader  may  reasonably 


BUCK-CREEK  TOWNSHIP 


139 


excuse   the   writer  for   occup^-ing   a   little   extra    space   in 
iL;"i\ing"  this  biographical  sketch. 

Since  the  above  was  written,  we  have  received  an 
interesting  letter  trom  Judge  Hector  M.  Ilall,  of  Indian- 
apolis, formerlv  of  this  county,  in  answer  to  a  letter  of 
inquir\'  in  reference  to  A'arious  disputed  points  pertaining 
to  Dow,  which  Ave  insert  in  full. 

''Indianapolis,  November  23,  iSSi. 
'■Messrs.  King  cS:  Binford — 

"  Geiitlc))ie)i :  I  received  your  letter  of  inquirv  in  reference 
to  Lorenzo  Dow,  and  in  reply  I  send  you  a  copy  of  his  will, 
taken  from  the  records  of  New  London  countv,  Connecticut. 

'•  I  bought  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land  from  Lucv 
Dow,  second  wife  of  Lorenzo  Dow.  Peggy  Dow  was  his  first 
wife.  Dow  never  lived  on  the  land,  but  had  twenty  acres 
deadened.  I  had  the  twenty  acres  grubbed  after  I  bought  it, 
the  first  work  done  by  me.  Dow  built  no  mill  that  I  ever  heard 
of.  In  the  same  section  a  man  by  the  name  of  Lawson  lived 
one  winter,  and  slept  in  one  half  of  a  hollow  log.  Lawson 
afterwards  traded  the  land  for  a  saw-mill  on  Sugar  Creek,  near 
Philadelphia,  subsequently  called  Black's  Mill,  I  believe.  Manv 
of  these  books  of  which  you  speak  (L.  Dow's  works)  I  under- 
stood were  in  the  possession  of  John  Givens,  of  Indianapolis, 
now  deceased.  Givens  paid  the  taxes  on  the  land  before  I 
bought  the  same  ot  Lucy  Dow. 

"  *L.  Dow'  was  marked  on  the  beech  trees  near  the  foiu* 
corners  of  the  land.  I  think  it  was  the  onlv  land  owned  b\' 
him  in  the  west  at  the  time  of  his  death.  The  trees  have  all 
since  died  or  been  cut  down. 

'•  I  sold  the  farm  to  Spencer  Huntington  about  eight  vears 
since.  Yours  truly,  H.  H.  Hall." 

We  give  below,  as  a  matter  of  literar}-,  legal  and  his- 
toric interest,  a  copy  of  the  will  above  referred  to,  taken 
•direct  from  the  records  in  Connecticut  more  than  tbrty 
years  ago.  The  will  bears  art  indorsement,  showing  that 
it  was  "  presented  for  record  19th  March,  1834." 

WILL. 

'■  I,  Lorenzo    Dow,  of   Montville,  in    the    county  of   New 


140  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

London,  and  State  of  Connecticut,  considering  the  uncertainty 
of  life,  do  make  and  ordain  this  as  my  hist  "will  and  testament. 
"I  direct,  in  the  first  place,  that  all  mv  just  debts  and  per- 
sonal charges  be  duly  paid  and  discharged,  and  all  the  residuc^ 
of  my  estate,  both  real  and  personal  of  every  nature  and  kind, 
1  gi\e  and  bequeath  unto  my  beloved  wife,  Lucv  Dow.  to  be 
at  her  disposal  as  she  may  think  fit,  including  my  patent  family 
meiiicine;  and  I  do  herebv  constitute  and  appoint  mv  said  wife, 
Lucy  Dow,  sole  executrix  to  this  mv  last  will,  herebv  revoking 
all  former  wills  by  me  made,  and  ratifying  this,  and  this  only, 
as  and  for  my  last  will  and  testament. 

''In   witness   \vhereof,   I   have    hereunto    set  m\    haiul   and 
seal  this  5th  day  of  April,  A.  D.  1S35. 

■'■  Signed,   sealed,  pulilished,  and  performed  by  the  testator 
as  and  for  his  last  will  and  testament. 

"LoRKNzo  Dow.   \Sca/.\ 
"In  presence  of  us,  the  subscribers: 
"Ralph  HuKLBUT, 
"Mariaxn  Dolbeare, 
"  Eeiza  Miller. 

"New  London  County,  ss.: 

"Montyille,  March  14,  1S34. 
"Personally  a])peared  ]Mariann  ]\Iinard,  late  Mariann  Dol- 
beare,  and  being  duly  sworn,  did  depose  and  say  that  she  saw 
Lorenzo  Dow,  the  testator,  sign  the  above  written  will;  that 
she,  as  a  witness,  sul^scribed  her  name  thereto  in  his  presence 
and  in  the  presence  of  Ralph  Ilurlbut  and  Eliza  Miller,  the 
other  witnesses,  and  that  in  her  o2:)inion  the  said  testator  was, 
at  the  time  of  making  said  will,  of  a  soimd  disposing  mind  and 
memory,  and  that  we  saw  him  declare  the  same  to  be  his  last 
will  and  testament. 

"  Sworn  before  me:  Ralph  Hulbut, 

"  Justice  of  the  Peace. 
"Recorded  fnjm  the  original  b}' 

"J.   Is  HAM,  Clerk  y 


I 


CHAPTER  X. 

CENTER    TOWNSHIP. 


Tp.  Li 


In  Tp. 


Tp.  Line 


InTp. 


Pi  H 


2 

I 

6 

5 

4 

3 

2 

II 

12 

7 

S 

9 

10 

II 

14 

13 

iS 

17 

16 

IS 

14 

23 

-'4 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

26 

^5 

30 

29 

28 

-7 

26 

3S 

36 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 

2 

I 

6 

5 

4 

3 

15  N. 

II 

12 

7 

8 

9 

10 

17  X. 


ei 


Scale:     Two  miles  to  the  inch. 

MAP  OV  CENTER  TOWNSHIP. 

SHOWING  TIIF,  SECTIONS,  TOWNSHIP  AND  RANGES  OK  WHICH  IT  IS  CO.MPOSED. 


142 


lII<TORV  OF   HANCOCK  COUNTY 


This  township  cIcriNed  its  name  from  the  central  loca- 
tion which  it  occupied.  Being  partially  bounded  by  all  the 
townships  save  Brown,  it  was  very  appropriateh'  named 
Center.  The  original  Center  township  was  named  -and 
organized  in  the  year  183 1,  just  three  years  alter  the 
organization  of  the  county. 

At  the  date  of  organization  Center  was  composed  of 
eighteen  sections,  being  in  extent  six  miles  east  and  west 
and  three  miles  north  and  south,  and  was,  therefore,  the 
smallest  township  in  the  county.*'  In  the  year  1835  Cen- 
ter township  was  increased  from  eighteen  to  twenty-four 
sections,  bv  taking  one  tier  of  sections  from  the  north  ot~ 
Brandywine  and  adding  to  the  south  of  Center.  This  size 
it  retained  for  eighteen  years,  or  till  the  year  1853,  at 
which  time  Harrison  township  and  a  part  of  Union  and 
Worth  were  added  to  it,  bringing  it  up  to  its  present  size 
of  fifty-foiu"  sections,  and  making  it  by  far  the  h\rgest 
township  in  the  county.  From  1853  to  the  present  there 
has  been  no  change  in  the  geographical  outline  of  the 
township. 

In  extent  it  is  eight  miles  north  and  south  and  seven 
miles  east  and  west,  and  w^ould,  therefore,  contain  fifty-six 
sections  w^ere  it  a  perfect  rectangle  ;  but  the  two  sections 
wanting  in  the  south-east  corner  to  nuike  it  such  belong  to 
Blue-river.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Vernon  and 
Green  townships,  on  the  east  b}*  Jackson  and  Blue-river, 
on  the  south  by  Brandywine  and  Blue-river,  and  on  the 
w'est  by  Sugar-creek  and  Buck-creek.  IL  is  located  in 
townships  fifteen  and  sixteen  north  and  in  ranges  six  and 
seven  east.  Township  line  sixteen  passes  through  the 
court-house,  and  township  line  seventeen  forms  the  northen 
boundar}'.  All  that  portion  south  of  the  court-house  is  in 
township  fifteen  north,  and  the  remainder  of  the  township  • 
in  sixteen  north.  Two  tiers  of  sections  on  the  western 
portion  of  the  towaiship  are  in  range  six  east,  and  the 
remainder  in  seven  east.     Range  line  seven,  wdiich  thus 


*See  map  on  p.  89  for  size  of  Center  from  1S31  to  1S35. 


CENTER   TOWNSIIII'.  I43 

divides  the  township,  is  located  at  the  second  cross  roads 
west  of  Greenlield,  and  divides  the  M.  T.  Willett  farm, 
and  is  found  in  the  center  of  the  first  road  west  of  the  S. 
T.  Dickerson  farm.  ' 

Surface^  Soil^  Drainage^  and  Productions. — The  sur- 
tace  is  generally  level,  and  especially  in  the  central  north- 
ern and  central  eastern  portions  and  se\'eral  sections  north- 
west of  Greenlield.  Along  the  streams  in  places  it  is 
slightly  hill}',  and  for  a  short  distance  back  undulating. 

This  township  once  contained  considerable  third  rate 
land  as  well  as  first  and  second  ;  but  since  being  cleared, 
ditched  and  cut  up  with  good  roads  there  is  reported  but 
little  third  rate  land. 

For  the  last  few  years  much  attention  has  been  given 
to  tile  ditching,  and  under  the  recent  ditch  laws  a  number 
of  public  ditches  have  been  put  through  the  flat,  swampy 
portions,  whereby  hundreds  of  acres  have  been  reclaimed. 

The  chief  productions  are  corn,  wheat,  oats,  flax,  hogs, 
horses,  cattle,  Irish  potatoes,  and  the  products  of  the  forest 
and  factory.  In  1880  she  produced  113,004  bushels  of 
wheat,  163,625  bushels  of  corn,  and  10,740  bushels  of 
oats  ;  being  on  an  averave  per  acre  equal  with  the  best  in 
wheat  and  corn,  and  excelled  in  oats  only  by  Sugar-creek 
and  Blue-river.  For  the  same  vear  she  reported  1,669 
tons  of  hay,  1,140  bushels  of  Irish  potatoes,  and  7,000 
pounds  of  tobacco.  Center  produces  more  tobacco  than 
all  the  rest  of  the  county. 

Streams,  JTaiiics  and  Location. — Sugar  Creek  enters  the 
township  on  the  north  line,  about  one  and  three-fourth 
miles  east  of  the  north-west  corner,  and  flows  south  by 
south-west,  passing  out  through  section  twenty-six,  about 
three  and  a  fourth  miles  north  of  the  south-west  corner. 

Brandywine  enters  the  township  on  the  east  line,  one 
and  one-half  miles  south  of  the  north-east  corner,  flows 
south-west  a  half  mile  ;  then  north-west  one  and  one-half 
miles  ;  thence  south-west  to  the  south-west  corner  of  sec- 
tion sixteen  ;  thence  south,  running  east  of  Greenfield,  and 
passing  out  of  the  township  on  the  John  Ilinchman  farm. 


144  HISTORY  OF  HANXOCK  COUNTY, 

Little  Brandywine  rises  near  the  center  of  section  four- 
teen, in  the  central  eastern  portion  of  the  township,  and 
Hows  south-west  and  empties  into  Big  Brand3'\vine  a  half 
mile  west  of  the  bridge  spanning  it  north-west  and  near 
IIinchman\s  old  residence. 

Little  Sugar  Creek  rises  in  the  south-west  part  of  the 
township  and  flows  south,  passing  out  about  a  mile  east  of 
the  south-west  corner. 

Swamp  Creek,  which  is  simply  a  slough,  enters  the 
township  on  the  east  half  of  the  north  line  of  section  four 
and  flows  nearly  due  south  two  and  one-half  miles,  and  is. 
for  the  time,  lost  in  Brandywine. 

First  E)itry  aiid  Early  Settlers. — The  tirst  entries  of 
land  in  Center  township  were  in  the  south-east  part,  in  sec- 
tions tour  and  nine,  by  Piatt  Montgomery,  Robert  Burton. 
Isaac  Roberts,  and  David  Vangilder.  The  flrst  entry  was 
made  September  12,  182 1,  by  Piatt  Montgomery,  being 
the  east  half  of  the  south-east  quarter  of  section  nine,  in 
township  fifteen  north,  in  range  seven  east,  and  is  now 
owned  by  Levi  Elsberry's  heirs  and  Abram  Hackleman. 
The  second  entry  was  the  eighty-acre  tract  on  which 
Wesley  Addison  lives,  entered  by  Robert  Burton  May  10. 
1822.  The  third  entry,  by  Isaac  Roberts,  on  July  12, 
1822,  forms  a  part  of  the  Marion  Steele  farm.  The  tburth 
was  by  David  Vangilder,  the  west  half  of  the  north-west 
quarter  of  section  nine  aforesaid.  ' 

The  first  settlements  in  this  township  b}'  the  whites  were 
made  about  the  year  1819,  from  one  to  two  miles  south-east 
of  where  Greenfield  now  stands.  Among  the  first  settlers 
were  Piatt  Montgomery,  Corda  Glandon,  Samuel  B.  Jack- 
son ;  Moses,  David,  and  Abraham  Vangilder ;  Jeremiah 
Meek  and  his  two  sons,  Cornwell  and  Josluui ;  John  and 
William  Carr,  Benjamin  Spillman,  Elisha  Chapman,  Jared 
Chapman,  Joseph  and  Henry  Chapman  ;  Morris,  Harry 
and  Ovid  Pierson  ;  John  and  William  Justice,  Lydia  Jones, 
James  Hamilton,  and  John  Wingfield.  Samuel  B.  Jack- 
son was  the  first  tavern-keeper,  holding  fortli  in  a  log 
house  said  to  be  the  same  house  now  standing  s(»uth  of  the 


CENTER  TOWNSHIP. 


H5 


flax  factory.  He  left  the  country  under  a  cloud  of  suspi- 
cion, being  accused  of  killing  one  of  his  guests,  who  was 
traveling  through  the  state  on  the  National  road,  supposed 
to  have  considerable  money,  and  was  never  seen  nor  heard 
of  after  stopping  with  Jackson.  Jeremiah  Meek  is  said  to 
have  been  the  first  settler  in  Greenfield.  Cornwell  Meek 
was  a  stock  trader  and  dry  goods  merchant.  Joshua  Meek 
was  recorder  for  twenty  3'ears.  Joseph  Chapman  was  a 
prominent  public  man,  a  fuller  account  of  whom  appears 
elsewhere.  James  Hamilton  was  a  prosperous  merchant, 
the  father  of  Moses  W.  Hamilton.  John  Wingfield  and 
Benjamin  Spillman  were  two  of  the  donors  of  the  original 
plat  of  Greenfield. 

First  Preacher,  Birth,  Death,  etc. — The  first  preacher 
in  the  township  was  Moses  Vangilder,  a  Methodist 
exhorter.  The  first  physician,  Jared  Chapman.  Jared  C. 
Meek  was  the  first  child  born  in  Greenfield.  The  first  death 
in  Greenfield  was  a  daughter  of  Benjamin  Spillman.  The 
first  blacksmith  was  William  Rice.  The  first  church  was 
the  M.  E.  The  first  grocery  store  was  kept  by  John 
Justice,  and  the  first  general  store  was  kept  by  W.  O.  Ross. 

Mills  a)id  Factories. — The  first  mill  in  the  township  was 
built  in  1825,  by  William  Pierson,  on  Sugar  Creek,  five 
miles  north-west  of  Greenfield.  It  ground  corn  and  wheat, 
and  had  a  bolt  to  run  by  water.  This  mill  burned  down 
in  1846. 

The  next  mill  in  the  territory  under  consideration  was 
built  by  William  Curry,  six  miles  north  by  north-east  of 
Greenfield,  in  the  year  1835,  '^n<^^  "^^'^s  used  to  grind  corn 
and  wheat,  and  had  a  bolt  worked  by  hand. 

Isaac  Willett  built  a  mill  on  Suj^ar  Creek,  near  Cedar 
Grove  church,  four  miles  north-west  of  Greenfield,  in  1838. 
This  was  a  grist-mill  with  a  bolt  to  run  bv  water.  It  con- 
tinued in  operation  till  after  1850. 

The  first  steam  saw-mill  in  the  township  was  built  in 
the  year  1848  by  Captain  J.  R.  Bracken  and  John  Tem- 
plin,  and  located  in  the  eastern  part  of  Greenfield,  a  few 
rods  south-west  of  the  Hancock  Flourinir  Mills.     The  first 


146  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK.  COUNTY. 

engineer  was  Major  A.  K.  Branham.  In  1852,  tlie  weather- 
boarding  and  roof  were  burned  off'.  Tlie  frame  was  saved. 
This  mill  cut  a  quantity  of  the  lumber  for  the  plank  road 
in  1852.     It  was  a  sash  saw-mill, 

Benjamin  Cox  erected,  in  the  southern  part  of  Green- 
field, about  i860,  a  steam  saw-mill,  which  is  still  in  opera- 
tion ;  but  recently  removed  to  the  south-west  part  of  the 
city. 

About  1862,  a  circular  saw-mill  was  erected  south-east 
of  the  old  depot,  which  was  run  a  few  years  and  then 
moved  awa}'.  About  the  same  date  was  erected  a  steam 
circular  saw-mill  about  three  miles  east  of  Greenfield,  on 
the  railroad,  which  did  an  extensive  business  for  a  number 
of  years. 

In  1869  ^-  ^^-  Curtis  &  Bro.  erected  a  steam  saw-mill 
two  and  one-half  miles  from  Greenfield,  on  the  Lysander 
Sparks  farm,  which  was  run  about  three  vears,  when  it 
was  moved  three  and  one-half  miles  north  of  Greenfield, 
on  the  west  side  of  the  Greenfield  and  Pendleton  pike. 
Here  it  was  burned  down  and  rebuilt  in  1878,  where  it  is 
still  in  operation. 

Aaron  Little,  a  few  years  since,  built  a  circular  saw- 
mill six  miles  north-west  of  Greenfield,  which  has  recently 
been  moved  to  Buck-creek. 

The  first  tanyard  in  the  township  was  erected  by  Henr}- 
Chapman,  in  the  bottom  north  of  the  stone  culvert  on  the 
National  road,  in  the  east  part  of  town,  in  the  early  his- 
tory of  the  countN'.  It  did  an  extensive  business  for  the 
time.  Chapman  t^old  to  Samuel  Henry,  who  soon  formed 
a  partnership  with  Nathan  Crawford,  who,  after  running 
it  successfully  for  a  time,  sold  to  A.  T.  Hart.  Hart  con- 
veyed to  Randall  &  Milton.  Randall  sold  to  Milton,  in 
whose  hands  it  went  down.  II.  B.  Wilson,  P.  M.,  run  a 
tanner\-  in  Grecnlield  from  1865  to  1873. 

In  1855  there  was  erected  in  Greenfield,  in  the  south- 
west part,  a  steam  flouring  mill  by  Nathan  Crawford, 
Samuel  Longinaker  and  Freeman  H.  Crawford,  which 
continued   in   successful   operation  till  about    i860,  when  it 


CENTER  TOWNsnif.  I47 

was  burned  down.  After  a  lapse  of  a  few  years  it  was 
rebuilt  by  a  Mr.  Chaney.  It  soon  passed  into  the  hands  of 
Hiram  Woods,  during  whose  ownership  it  was  burned  in 
July,  1869,  and  soon  rebuilt.  It  is  now  owned  and  run  by 
Alexander,  New  &  Boots,  and  has  recently  been  rehtted 
and  supplied  with  the  modern  improvements  and  adapted 
to  the  manufacture  of  the  "  new  process.'' 

In  1872  Joseph  Boots,  J.  B.  Fouch,  and  Samuel  E. 
Gapen  erected  a  steam  flouring  mill,  now  known  as  the 
"Hancock  Mills,"  owned  and  run  at  present  by  Nelson 
Bradley  and  W.  G.  Scott  under  the  firm  name  of  Scott 
&  Co.  Gapen  sold  his  interest  to  the  other  two  partners. 
Boots  and  Fouch.  After  a  time  Fouch  sold  to  Smith  and 
Hogle,  and  they  to  Nelson  Bradley  in  1874.  Boots  con- 
veyed his  interest  to  W.  G.  Scott  in  1878. 

The  steam  planing-mill  and  furniture  factory  of  Wil- 
liams Brothers  &  Hamilton,  located  in  the  south  part  of 
the  city  of  Greenfield,  was  erected  in  1S70,  by  H.  J.  and 
A.  P.  Williams,  and  run  for  a  time,  when  Moses  W.  Ham- 
ilton bouglit  an  interest,  and  the  new  firm  ccmtinues  the 
same  to  this  date. 

In  1876,  the  desk  factor}'  and  planing-mill  of  G.  W. 
Puterbaugh  was  erected  by  A.  E.  Teal  and  George  W. 
Puterbaugh,  in  the  south-west  part  of  the  city,  and  run 
for  three  years  under  the  firm  name  of  Teal  &  Puterbaugh, 
when  Teal  conveyed  to  Puterbaugh,  the  present  proprietor. 

F.  M.  Gilchrist,  in  1876,  built,  in  the  south-east  part  of 
the  city,  a  desk  factory  and  phming-mill,  which  he  oper- 
ated till  1879,  when  he  conve3-ed  to  J.  E.  Brown,  the  pres- 
ent proprietor.  During  the  present  simimer  Brown  was 
burned  out :  but  has  recently  rebuilt,  with  an  addition  of  a 
saw-mill. 

In  1875  Cammack  &  Sons  starred  a  fiax  factory  in  a 
two-story  brick  building  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  cit}-, 
erected  through  the  enterprise  of  William  S.  Wood,  and 
owned  and  controlled  bv  the  Hancock  Manufacturing):  As- 
sociation.  This  factory,  like  nearly  all  others  ever  started 
in  the  countv,  met  with  the  niisfortime  of  beinir  burned  ; 


148  HISTORY  OK  HANCOCK  COL'NTV. 

but  was  soon  rebuilt,  but  not  to  its  former  heii^ht.  It  is 
now  owned  and  controlled  b\'  Henry  L.  Moore  &  Son. 

Gordon  &  Son,  about  1877,  built  a  steam  saw-mill  in  the 
south-west  part  of  Greenfield,  which  is  still  in  operation. 

In  1876  George  Nevvhall  erected  a  steam  saw  and 
planing  mill  south  of  the  railroad,  in  the  west  part  of  town. 
It  run  two  or  three  years,  when  it  met  with  the  common 
fate  of  such  mills,  and  was  never  rebuilt. 

Charles    Cammack    established    a    headin*;   factory  in 

1880,  run  by  steam-power  furnished  by  Puterbaugh's 
engine,  which  did  an  extensive  business  till  the  summer  of 

1881,  when  it  was  stealthil}'  removed  between  two  days  by 
parties  from  Anderson  claiming  ownership  thereto.  Prall 
&  Puterbaugh,  in  the  summer  of  1881,  attached  a  second 
heading  machine,  which  is  doing  a  lively  business. 

In  1868  a  woolen  factorv  was  built  by  Morris  Pierson, 
and  located  south  of  the  railroad,  opposite  the  old  depot, 
and  was  successfully  operated  for  a  time  by  Craig  &  Min- 
ick,  and  then  by  Scofield,  when  it  met  the  common  fate  and 
succumbed  to  the  flames  ;  and,  unfortunately  for  the  farmers 
and  wool-growers  of  the  county,  was  never  rebuilt. 

Roads. — Center  township,  in  her  early  histor\',  had  no 
roads,  but  what  were  used  as  such  were  mere  paths.  The 
first  road  in  the  county  was  the  old  State  road  ;  the  next 
was  the  National  road,  which  was  laid  out  prior  to  the 
location  of  the  town  of  Greenfield.  But  the  first  good 
road,  as  an  improvement  over  the  dirt  and  corduroy,  was 
the  National  plank  road,  built  by  a  company  in  1852. 
Prior  to  the  "  late  unpleasantness  "  there  was  not  a  single 
gravel  road  in  the  township  ;  but  since  that  time  Greenfield 
has  been  made  the  focal  point  from  which  radiate  finished 
gravel  pikes  to  all  the  cardinal,  and  e\'en  sub-cardinal, 
points  of  the  compass.  She  has  at  this  date  twentv  and 
one-half  miles  of  t-)ll  pike  and  fourteen  miles  of  non-toll- 
able, ten  and  one-half  miles  of  which  were  once  corpora- 
tion roads,  but  have  recently  surrendered  their  charters. 
For  a  few  years  after  the  war  a  wonderful  stride  was  taken 
in  the  improvement  of  roads.      Under  the  recent  free  pike 


CENTER  TOWNSHIl' 


[49 


law  two  gravel  pikes  are  now  being  built  in  the  township, 
viz.  :  the  Fortville  pike  and  the  Frost  pike. 

Railroads. — Center  township  has  two  railroads  crossing 
her  territory.  The  P.,  C.  and  St.  L.  has  a  line  seven 
miles  within  and  along  her  borders,  valued  at  $51,310, 
and  pays  a  tax  of  ^^677. 66  in  the  township  and  $180.91  in 
Greenfield.  The  I.,  B.  and  W.  has  a  line  of  seven  and 
one-half  miles,  not  yet  taxed,  now  completed.  Each  road 
has  a  station  in  the  township.  GreenHeld  is  on  the  former, 
and  the  Junction  on  the  latter. 

Educational. — Close  on  the  heels  of  the  iirst  settlers  of 
the  territory  were  the  industrious,  stern  pedagogues  charac- 
teristic of  the  times.  Though  our  forefathers  often  suffered 
for  the  essentials  of  life,  and  had  few  of  the  luxm-ies,  never- 
theless the}'  fain  would  have  at  least  some  of  the  rudiments 
of  an  English  education.  Perhaps  the  first  school  taught 
in  the  township  was  in  a  diminutive  pole  cabin,  which  stood 
on  a  knoll  south  of  the  railroad,  between  the  two  cemeter- 
ies. The  second  stood  on  the  spot  now  occupied  b}'  the 
Vanwie  house,  owned  by  Thomas  Carr  :  the  third  on  or 
near  the  Rardin  ^■acant  lots,  and  north  of  Tindall's  li\-erv 
stable.  The  first  frame  school-house  in  the  town  was  built 
contemporarv  with  the  plank  road  in  1852.  It  was  finallv 
sold  to  the  Catholic  church,  and  now,  enlarged  and 
repaired,  and  located  on  the  old  grounds,  it  forms  their 
place  of  worship.  From  this  time  on  small  frames  began 
to  take  the  place  of  the  rude,  floorless  "  make  shifts"  here- 
tofore occupied  for  school  purposes.  The  writer  once 
heard  the  late  Milton  B.  Hopkins  speak  of  receiving  his 
first  lessons  in  the  English  rudiments  in  one  of  those  primi- 
tive floorless  school-houses  in  this  township  during  an 
exceedingh'  cold  winter. 

x\mong  the  first  "masters"  and  '"school-marms"  of 
the  town  were  Mrs.  L.  vS.  Church,  Caroline  Depu,  ]\rr. 
Co}',  ]Mr.  McCoy  and  a  Mr.  Fisher.  The  first  teacher  in 
the  north  part  of  the  township  (then  Harrison  township) 
was  Joseph  Anderson,  who  held  forth  in  an  old  deserted 
residence  on  William  Martin's  farm.    His  terms  were  rather 


150  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COIXTV. 

high  t'or  the  times,  being  $1.50  per  term  or  quarter,  owing 
to  his  boarding  himself,  being  a  married  man.  His  pay  he 
took  in  money,  trade  and  promises,  and  on  the  hitter  lie 
failed  to  realize  encouragingly. 

JCnnibcr  and  Gallic  of  Houses  and  Tcac/icrs. — The  fol- 
lowing table  will  show  the  names  of  the  public  school- 
houses  and  their  present  occupants  as  instructors  : 

District  No.     I  .  .Shepherd John  II.  White.  vSr. 

District  No.     2.  .  ISlacedonia William  Kiger. 

District  No.     3.  .College  Hill Emma  Parnell. 

District  No.     4.  .Nebraska Oliver  Stoner. 

District  No.     :; .  .Ash  Grove.- Cassius  M.  Currv. 

District  No.     6.  .Independent O.  II.  Tibbett. 

District  No.     7  .  .  Boyd's Mrs.  R.  II.  Craig. 

District  No.     8.  .College  Cornei' O.  P.  Eastes. 

District  No.     9.  . Judkins A.  N.  Rhue. 

District  No.  10.  .Frazier William  Elsberr\'. 

District  No.  II..  Danners Maud  Everett. 

District  No.  13.  .White  Haven V.  H.  Finnell. 

District  No.  13.  .Junction W.  H.  Craig. 

District  No.  14.  .Woodbine E.  W.  Felt. 

District  No.  15  .  .  vSlabtown Iduna  M.  Smith. 

District  No.  16.  .Benevolence Newton  Goble. 

The  city  of  Greenfield  has  two  schools,  one  for  the  col- 
<jred  and  one  for  the  white  children.  The  former  use  a 
rented  room.  The  teachers  for  the  public  school  (lor  a  cut 
and  account  of  the  building  see  page  38)  tor  the  present 
year  are  as  follows,  to-wit : 

Superintendent Prof.  J.  W.  Stout. 

Principal  high  school Miss  Mary  Sparks. 

Room  No.  7 Miss  Ida  Anderson. 

Room  No.  6 Mrs.  Kate  Applegate. 

Room  No.  5 Miss  Mattie  Sparks. 

Room  No.  4 Mis%  Ida  Geary. 

Room  No.  3 Miss  Laura  Pope. 

Room  No.  2 Miss  Eva  Williams. 

Room  No.  I Miss  Anna  Harris. 

Teacher  colored  school C.  B.  Gillim. 


152  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

lvalue  of' School  Houses  and  Apparaliis. — Center  town- 
ship has  sixteen  school-houses,  five  brick  and  eleven  frame, 
valued  at  $9,600,  including  grounds,  furniture  and  out- 
buildings. Her  maps,  charts,  globes  and  othfer  apparatus 
are  valued  at  $400.  Total  value  of  school  property  in  the 
township,  exclusive  of  the  city,  $10,000.  In  Greenfield, 
the  school  realty  is  valued  at  $20,000  and  the  apparatus  at 
$200:  total,  $20,200. 

ScJwhxsiic  PofAiIatioii. — The  scholastic  population  of 
Center,  for  1853,  was  498  ;  for  i860,  752  ;  in  1870,  754  ;  in 
1880,  753.  For  Greenfield,  f'or  the  last  three  decades,  the 
figures  were  respectively  351,  417,  653. 

Tozi'iiship  Trustees. — The  following  are  the  names  of 
the  trustees,  with  the  time  of  their  appointment,  since  1859, 
at  which  time  the  ofHce  assumed  some  dignit\-  and  impor- 
tance : 

John  Foster 1S59     \V^illiain  F.  Pratt 1868 

John  H.  White 1861      S.T.  Dickerson 1S70 

W^illiam  P^rost 1862     James  ^VlcClarnon 1S74 

Robert  Barr 1863     William  Potts 1S7S 

J.  W.  Walker 1864     Robert  D.  Cooper 1880 

Remarks  :  John  Foster,  a  portrait  and  sketch  of  whom 
appear  elsewhere,  had  the  honor  of  being  not  only  the  first 
sheriff' of  the  county,  but  the  first  trustee  also  under  the  new 
regime.  He  was  re-elected,  and  consequently  held  the 
office  for  two  years,  the  term  of  ofhce  for  a  number  of  years 
being  but  one  year.  White,  Frost  and  Barr  each  ruled 
right  royally  for  one  year.  J.  W.  Walker,  S.  T.  Dicker- 
son  and  James  McClarnon  each  looked  after  the  poor  and 
pedagogues  for  four  years.  Robert  D.  Cooper  holds  the 
purse  strings  at  this  date. 

Churches. — Center  towaiship  and  the  city  of  Greenfield 
are  reasonably  well  supplied  with  churches,  the  former 
having  six,  viz.  :  four  Methodist  and  two  l>aptist,  and  the 
latter  one  Methodist  Episcopal,  one  Presbyterian,  one 
Christian,  one  Catholic,  one  Missionary  Baptist,  and  one 
African  Methodist  Episcopal — six  in  all.    Most  of  tiie  build- 


CENTER  TO^\■^■SIIIl• 


153 


ings  are  good  frames,  a  few  are  substantial  bricks  ;  a  more 
specific  account  of  which  will  appear  further  on. 

Popuhition. — An  examination  of  tlie  census  reports  of 
this  townsliip  for  a  few  decades  shows  a  steady,  rapid 
growth.  Only  thirty  years  ago,  or  in  1850,  she  had  a 
population  of  806,  and  nine  of  which  were  colored  ;  ten 
years  later  she  reports  2,529,  and  seventeen  colored,  an 
increase  of  over  200  per  cent.  In  1870  she  had  a  popula- 
tion of  3,464,  and  thirt3'-one  colored.  The  last  census  gave 
her  a  total,  including  Greenfield,  of  4,284,  a  remarkable 
increase  of  5314-  per  cent,  in  thirty  years.  Greenfield,  in 
i860,  just  before  the  civil  war,  had  within  her  corporate 
limits  738  souls  ;  in  1870,  1,173;  in  1880,  2,012. 

Polh  and  Vote. — For  1881,  Center  township  has  395 
polls  and  Greenfield  372.  Last  year  Center  reported  373 
taxable  polls  and  Greenfield  321,  a  handsome  increase  at 
both  points,  and  especiallv  in  Greenfield. 

Center  township,  for  voting  purposes  in  general  elec- 
tions, is  divided  into  two  precincts.  At  the  first  precinct, 
the  court-house,  all  those  citizens  being  legal  voters  of  the 
cit}'  and  township  residing  east  of  State  street  and  the  road 
extending  through  the  township  north  and  south  cast  their 
ballots  :  and  at  the  second  precinct,  a  small  building  across 
the  street  west  from  the  court-house,  those  vote  living  west 
of  the  above  points.  The  total  vote  of  Center  township  for 
i860  was  485  ;  for  1870,  717  ;  for  1880,  1,034,  with  ^  demo- 
cratic majority  of  152  lor  1880,  the  vote  standing:  Demo- 
cratic, 581  ;  republican,  429;  independent,  24. 

Value  of  Real  and  Personal  Property. — Center  township 
being  the  largest  in  the  countv,  reports  32,290  acres  of 
land,  valued  at  $784,465,  and  improvements  on  the  same 
same  valued  at  $120,080,  being  an  average  of  about 
$28.00  per  acre.  The  personal  property  in  Center,  exclu- 
sive of  Greenfield,  is  valued  at  $270,250.  Value  of  tele- 
graph lines  in  Center,  $1,320.  Total  value  of  taxables  in 
Center  township,  $1,167,900. 

Taxes. — Center  township  paid  taxes  to  the  amount  of 
II 


154  HISTORY  OP'  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

$867.83  for  1842,  and  $6,945.66  for  i860  ;  for  1881  she  pays 
the  sum  of  $13,666.64.  The  levy  on  each  $100  is  $1.12. 
Of  this  amount,  levied  in  1881,  to  be  paid  in  1882,  the  fol- 
lowing' men  pay  i\i\y  dollars  and  upwards  : 

Addison,  Wesley •$  82   30  Ha<;cn.  J.  II.,  heirs.  .  .  54  26 

Aniack.  T.,  heirs v    3*-*  Hackleman,  A 5^    13 

IJanks,  A.  J 54  71  Hart  t^  Thayer ^  ^5  9- 

Barnett,   R.  E 65   35  James,  Sylvester 70  90 

Black,  Jerome ^7  ^7  Longinaker,  Letta .  ...  67  31 

Bussell,  William 66  44  Linehack,  J.  T 50   12 

Braddock,  Henry 79  33  Martin,  William 79  96 

Bovd,   P.  K 137  00  Martin,   Sampson 80  98 

Baldwin,   Evaline 7-  -9  R3'on,  J.  W 5^  47 

Boyd,  P.  H 195   78  Roherts,  Thomas 147    14 

Barr,  H.,  heirs 55  44  Rardin,   I.  C ^3-5 

Bradley,  Nelson 66  58  Sehastian,  \\'.  0 106   19 

Bradley,  William 109  69  Swope,  Mary  E 74  60 

Catt,  Jacoh 109  87  Slifer,  Jacoh 161  96 

Citizens'  Bank 90  82  Steel,  ]Marion 98  02 

Duncan,  M.  T ^  77  7^  Sparks,  F.  M 115   11 

Duncan,  J.  M ::^3  66  Smith,  Abner 264  72 

Elsberr}-,  Jackson 141    16  Sears,  William 73  9^ 

Ellis,  Charlotte  A 74  42  vSimmons,  J.  B 62   72 

Forgy,  Marion S-^   50  Tague,  G.  G 71   29 

Finnell,  J.  vS 99   17  Wright,  E.  X 107  72 

Foster,  J.  R 58  23  Willett,  M.  T 81   30 

Frazier,^Villiam 135  57  Walker,  W.  C 84  56 

Gooding,  D.  S 117  60  White,  John  II 79    13 

IIollan<l,  Thomas 62   76  Wiggins,  Charles  A..  .  ^2  62 

Hunt,  Nathan 114  27  Walsh,  Ellen 51   52 

Hamilton  &  Williams.  =^8  97  Wilson,  J.  T 105  08 

Iletlernan,  John 61   8:^  Zike,  William 72   35 

Greenfield  has  in  her  corporate  limits,  other  than  lots, 
251  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $10,645  ;  the  improvements  on 
the  same  are  estimated  at  $13,775  5  ^'^lue  of  lots,  $177,580  ; 
value  of  improvements,  $227,655  ;  value  of  personal  prop- 
erty, $355,690  ;  value  of  railroad  property  in  the  city,  $12,- 
810  ;  value  of  telegraph  lines  in  the  corporate  limits,  $270. 


CENTER  TOWNSHIP.  1^5 

Total  taxables  of  Greentield  are  assessed  at  $785,355  ;  the 
levy  is  $1.49  on  each  $100.  Greenlield  was  assessed  for 
i860,  and  paid  in  1861,  the  tirst  year  that  she  had  a  sepa- 
rate dupHcate,  $2,071.46,  and  in  1870  she  paid  $7,979.24,  a 
comparison  of  which  with  the  present  taxes  shows  a  rapid 
.stride  in  tliis  direction.  The  total  taxes  assessed  ao-ainst 
her  for  1881,  payable  in  1882,  are  $13,039.04.  Of  tliis 
amount  the  following  persons,  partnerships,  and  corpora- 
tions pay  lifty  dollars  and  upwards,  viz.  : 

Adams,  M.  M $  51   91  Hamilton,  M.  W 62  9:; 

Alexander,      New       &  Hamilton  <S:  Williams.  74  9- 

Boots 152   65  Hauck,  J.  J 71    -^6 

Bradley,  Nelson 85  00  Jackson  &  Bro. =>9  60 

Baldwin  &  Pratt 79  S6  Mitchell,  William 147  90 

Banks,  A.  J 121   65  Marsh,  W.  &  P.  A. .  .  .  86  39 

Boyd,       Simmons       &  Moore,  H.  L 1 1 1   90 

Boyd 56  62  Mason,  J.  L 103   i  S 

Boyd,  P.  H 443  05  Morgan,  J.  M 90  40 

l^urdett,  W.  C 234  16  Marsh,  Ephraim 204  40 

'Crawford,  F.  H io7  5S  New,  J.  A 70  07 

■Chandler,  Morgan.  ...      60  38  New,  A.J.  &  J.  A..  .  .  119  9^ 

■Citizens  Bank 474  74  Offiitt,  C.  G 64  94 ' 

Duncan,  George  W..  .      86  So  Paulhis,  M.  L =59  86 

Edwards,  Catharine..  .      66  02  Poulson,  I.  P 76  63 

Furry,  Sanford 60  09  Randall,  G.  T 227  82 

Gant,  Thomas  A 97  3^  Rardin,  John,  heirs.  .  .  58  c;6 

Grose,  E.  B 57  34  Slifer,  Jacob,  Sr 1 10  86 

Gooding,  D.  S 74  35  Swaim,  Reuben 77   ^^ 

Gooding,  Matilda 57  88  Thayer,  H.  B 50  66 

Glidden,  F.  E 73  16  Thayer,  E.  P 66  66 

Greenfield  Banking  Co  226  25  Thayer,  Lee  C 11:;  96 

Hughes,  J.  A 104  94  Williams  Bros.  &  Ham- 

Hart,  A.  T 144  98         ilton 103  4- 

Hart  &  Thayer 106  24  Walsh,  Ellen 5°  9^^ 

Hough,  W.  R 273  98  Walker,  J.  Ward 88  80 

Howard,  N.  P.,  Sr.  ..  .    121   29  Wood,  Frances  J 6950 

Heflernan,  John 6705  Walker  &  Co.,  J.  Ward  7629 

Hinchman  &  Swope..      ^o  ^2 

Remarks. — The  reader  will  observe  that  in  Center  and 


156  HISTORY  OF  lIAXCt)CK  COUNTY. 

Greenfield  we  have  given  in  the  list  of  heavy  ta.\'-payei>r. 
only  the  names  of  those  paving  Hfty  dollars  and  upwards, 
while  in  most  of  the  townships  we  record  those  paying 
ioYtx  dollars  and  upwards.  We  make  this  difference  on 
account  of  the  difference  in  the  levy.  A  man  paying  tifty 
dollars  taxes  in  Greenffeld  is  not  assessed  on  as  mucli  prop- 
ertv  as  one  paying  forty  dollars  in  Buck-creek. 

Laze  (Did  J£sqiiircs. — Older  than  the  history  of  the  county 
is  the  provision  for  the  convenient  adjustment  of  pettv 
difficulties  and  grievances  among  the  citizens  of  a  township 
at  a  trifling  expense  to  the  erring  parties.  ■  The  township 
system  for  promoting  justice  include  two  officers  only — a 
•justice  and  constable  ;  the  former  acts  as  judge  and  clerk, 
and  the  latter  is  tlie  executive  officer,  and  corresponds  to 
the  slieriff'in  his  duties. 

The  ffrst  justices  acting  in  the  territory'  now  under  consid- 
eration were  Benjamin  Spillman,  Lucius  Brown  and  O.  H. 
Neff',  all  of  whom  served  some  time  between  the  organiza- 
tion of  Brandy  wine  township  and  the  formation  of  the 
original  Center  township,  and  hence  were  really  justices 
of  the  peace  in  and  for  Brandy  wine  township.  The  ffrst 
justice  of  the  peace  for  Center  township  proper  after  her 
organization  was  Joseph  Chapman.  W.  O.  Neff'  was 
elected  in  1831,  followed  bv  Jonathan  Dunbar,  elected  in 
1834- 

(jeorgeTaj^uc ^^34  G.  Y.  Atkison 1S4S- 

William  Justice 1S36  Erastiis  Chuicli 1848- 

W.  A.  Franklin 1841  John  Rardiii 1848- 

William   Sebastian 1842  Joseph  Anderson ^^-^9 

William  Ciishman 1843  Jonathan  Tague i8:;o 

Harry  Pierson 1S46  Leonard  Hines  or  Kines..  1850 

Thomas  H.  Fry 1847  Joseph  Matthews 185 1 

The  above,  it  must  be  borne  in  mind,  were  the  justices 
in  Center  proper  during  her  twentv-two  A'cars'  existence 
in  her  original  diminutive  size,  as  shown  ow  page  89. 
During  this  same  time   the   following    persons   served   ia 


CENTER  TOWNSHII'.  157 

Harrison  township,  which  now  forms  the  northern  part  of 
'Center,  viz.  : 

Isaiah  Curry 1831     John  Martin 1845 

WiUiam  Martiiulale 1831     J.  D.  Conway 1848 

_Tohn  ^Martin 1835     John   ATartin 1850 

WiUiani  Martindalc 1835     W.  C.  Walker 1850 

John  Martin 1840     E.  B.  Chittenden 185 1 

J.  D.  Conway 1843 

From  1853,  the  date  of  the  organization  of  Center  town- 
ship into  her  present  size,  the  following  esquires  have  served 
the  people  : 

John  Rardin 1854,  185S  Isaac  Mullen 1870,  1874 

James  B.  Rawlins.  ../...  1854  W.  C.  Walker 1870,  1874 

Joseph  Matthews 1856  George  Barnett.  .  .  .  1874,  1880 

William  J.  Foster 1860  John  W.  Walker.  .  .  1874,  1878 

W.  P.  Cragan i860  James  H.  Thompson 1878 

George  Barnetc.  .  . .  1862,  1870  James  W.  Wilson 1880 

John  Rardin 1S63,  1866 

Remarks :  It  will  be  observed  that  John  Rardin  served 
•one  term  in  the  original  Center  township,  being  elected  in 
1848,  and  went  out  of  office  in  1870.  John  Martin  served 
continuously  for  eighteen  years,  dating  from  1835  to  the 
termination  of  Harrison,  in  which  he  served.  Mr.  Martin 
was  also  elected  in  Center  after  her  accession,  but  declined 
to  serve.  George  Barnett,  Esq.,  served  one  term  in  Sugar- 
creek  township  ;  afterwards,  in  1862,  was  elected  in  Cen- 
ter, and  is  still  holding  forth.  The  present  acting  justices 
of  the  township  are  Esquires  John  W.  Walker,  George 
Barnett  and  James  W.  Wilson,  all  residents  of  the  city. 
James  H.  Thompson  served  about  half  his  term,  when 
trouble  from  shortcomings  in  office  overtook  him,  and  he 
married  a  respectable  lady  of  the  city,  obtained  her  ready 
cash,  and  skipped  the  county,  and  is  now  paying  the  pen- 
alty of  a  wasted  life  in  a  poor-house  in  Southern  Indiana. 
The  amount  of  business  done  by  some  of  the  early  justices 
-was  very  limited   indeed.     The   tirst   justice  in    Harrison 


158 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


township,  Isaiah  Curry,  served  one  year  and  died  :  the 
only  business  coming'  before  him  during;  that  term  was  the 
advertising  of  an  estray. 

It  is  authoritatively  said  of  another  pioneer  justice  of 
this  township,  that  in  rendering  judgment  in  a  case  of 
assault  and  battery,  in  the  absence  of  definite  instructions 
and  a  knowledge  of  the  law,  he  assessed  a  fine  of  so  much 
for  "  assault"  and  so  much  for  "batterv." 


ANDREW    T.    HART. 


F'irsf  Scifh'rs  of  Harrison  Tozi'iis/iip. — William  Cin-ry„ 
for  a  time  county  commissioner,  built  the  first  grist-nfill  in 
the  township.  Joseph  Anderson  was  the  first  school- 
teacher. William  Martindale,  the  second  justice  in  the 
township,  became  eccentric  on  religious  matters,  and  took 
the  name  of  "  Buck  Martindale."  Among  the  other  first 
settlers  were  John  and  David  Kingen,  Richard  Frost,  Johnt 


CENTER  TOWNSHIP. 


159 


CaiT,  John  Johnson,  Jeremiah  Hagan,  John  L.  Garwood, 
Richard  Guymon,  John  Tvlartin,  William  Anderson,  Elijah 
Leary  and  Isaiah  Curr}-.  John  L.  Garwood  was  one  of  the 
jinymen  who  tried  the  Whites  for  the  Indian  murders  on 
Fall  Creek,  near  Pendleton,  in  1824.  The  first  burials  in 
the  Curry  cemetery  were  Allen  Curr}^  and  Lucinda  Sim- 
mons, son  and  daughter  of  William  Curry. 

First  Business. — The  first  business  of  this  section  was 
with  Elijah  Tyner,  of  Blue-river  township,  who  bought  the 
venison  hams,  furs  and  ginseng  of  the  pioneers,  and  sold 
them  a  few  of  the  staple  articles  in  exchange.  Some  of 
the  trading  of  this  section  was  done  at  Indianapolis,  Pen- 
dleton and  Raysville  about  this  time.  The  first  store  in 
Center  township  was  in  Greenfield,  about  the  ^-ear  1826, 
a  fuller  account  of  which  will  appear  further  on.  We  have 
no  knowledge  of  any  store  in  Center  township,  outside  of 
Greenfield,  during  her  entire  history,  other  than  the  one 
now  kept  by  Dr.  George  Tague,  in  the  north-east  part  of 
the  township,  where  the  new  post-office,  Binwood,  is  kept 
by  the  proprietor  of  the  store. 

Ex-Cotinty  Officers. — Center  township,  and  especially 
that  part  of  it  incorporated  as  Greenfield,  like  Virginia,  the. 
"Mother  of  Presidents,"  has  been  truh'  liberal  and  patri- 
otic in  furnishing  her  quota  of  county  officers  to  serve  the 
people. 

This  was  the  heme  of  Lewis  Tyner,  a  pioneer  merchant 
of  Greenfield,  and  the  first  county  clerk,  being  elected  in 
1828.  Here  resided  John  Foster,  the  first  sheriff',  and  after- 
ward representative  for  three  terms  and  county  treasurer, 
Greenfield  was  the  home  of  Joshua  Meek,  the  first  recorder, 
who  filled  the  oflfice  for  twenty-one  years.  Henry  Watts, 
the  first  treasurer,  elected  in  1828,  was  from  Brandywine 
township.  This  was  the  home  of  Elisha  Chapman,  one  of 
the  three  original  commissioners  who  divided  the  countv 
into  townships. 

In  the  little  town  of  Greenfield  resided  Dr.  Leonard 
Bardwell,  the  second  physician  and  the  first  representative 
from  this  countv. 


l6o  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY.     • 

In  Greenfield  li\ed  John  Templin,  ;i  merchant,  and  the 
iirst  auditor,  being  elected  in  1841,  the  first  date  at  which 
the  State  laws  required  that  officer. 

Here  also  lived  Meredith  Gosney,  the  lirst  county  sur- 
veyor and  also  school  commissioner.  He  died  in  Green 
township. 

Here  lived  in  their  day  Thomas  D.  Walpole,  senator 
and  representative  ;  Joseph  Chapman,  representative  and 
clerk  of  the  court ;  Joseph  Matthews  and  John  Alley,  repre- 
sentatives ;  William  Sebastian,  John  T.  Sebastian,  John 
Hager  and  Henr}^  A.  Swope,  county  clerks  ;  Nathan  Craw- 
ford and  Samuel  C.  Duncan,  treasurers  ;  Jonathan  Dunbar, 
Joseph  Anderson,  John  Osborn  and  William  H.  Curry, 
sheriffs  ;  John  Milroy,  Levi  Leary,  Frances  O.  Sears  and 
N.  H.  Roberts,  recorders  ;  Isaac  Willett,  Nathaniel  Henry, 
Abram  Rhue,  William  Curry,  Benjamin  Spillman,  Jacob 
Tague  and  Hiram  Turner,  county  commissioners  ;  George 
Y.  Atkison,  joint  representative,  representative,  and  countv 
clerk;  James  Rutherford,  county  clerk  and  school  exam- 
iner ;  and  Morrison  Pearson,  count}'  treasurer  and  surveyor. 
Still  living  and  residing  among  us  in  the  territory  under 
consideration  are  the  following  w^ell-known,  honorable 
citizens,  ex-officers:  David  S.  Gooding,  probate  judge, 
senator,  representative,  and  prosecuting  attorney  ;  James 
L.  Mason,  senator,  joint  representative,  and  school  exam- 
iner ;  William  R.  Hough,  senator,  district  attorney,  and 
school  examiner  ;  Reuben  A.  Riley,  representative,  prose- 
cuting attorney,  and  school  examiner  ;  John  H.  White,  rep- 
resentative ;  Charles  G.  Offutt,  representative ;  Morgan 
Chandler,  sheriff,  clerk,  and  representative  ;  Jonathan 
Tague,  auditor  ;  A.  C.  Handy,  auditor  and  representative  ; 
A.  T.  Hart,  treasurer;  L.  W.  Gooding,  recorder  and  pros- 
ecuting attorney  ;  William  Mitchell,  recorder  by  appoint- 
ment ;  Jacob  Slifer,  commissioner  ;  William  Fries,  school 
examiner  and  surveyor  ;  James  A.  New,  school  examiner. 

Here,  also,  lived  William  R.  West,  recorder  and  pro- 
bate judge,  now  living  in  Anderson,  and  John  Hinchman, 
countv  commissioner,  who  now  resides  in  Rush  count\'. 


CENTER  TOWNSHIP.  l6l 

Murders^  Suicides  and  Remarkable  Deaths. — In  1833 
John  Hays,  an  ex-sherift'  of  Rush  county,  was  burned  to 
death  at  the  burning  of  the  first  log  jail  in  the  count}-, 
located  on  the  south  part  of  the  public  square.  Hays  kept 
a  boarding-house  on  the  corner  now  occupied  by  Doctor 
Boot's  residence.  He  drank  immoderatel}- ;  became  jeal- 
ous of  one  of  his  male  boarders  ;  reason  and  judgment 
were  dethroned  ;  and  he  determined  to  wreak  out  his  ven- 
geance on  somebody.  Being  indiscriminate  in  his  selec- 
tions, he  entered  the  Milroy  family  and  committed  an 
assault  and  battery,  for  which  he  was  confined  in  jail.  In 
his  account  of  the  matter,  he  said  he  dirked  and  clubbed 
them  as  frogs,  and  they  turned  to  "  Milroys."  Hays  was 
the  only  one  at  the  time  incarcerated  in  the  jail,  which  he 
set  on  fire,  and  was  smothered  and  partially  burned  to  death 
before  the  fire  was  discovered.  From  the  "Illustrated 
Historical  Atlas  of  Rush  County,  Indiana,"  by  J.  H. 
Beers  &  Co.,  we  copv  the  following  :  "The  second  session 
of  the  circuit  court  met  on  the  3rd  da\'  of  October,  1822. 
The  sherift",  John  Hays,  did  not  appear  this  term,  nor  does 
his  name  hereafter  appear  on  the  record  as  officiating  as 
sheriff'.  From  other  sources  it  is  known  that  the  unfortu- 
nate man  became  insane,  wandered  out  to  Hancock  count}', 
was  placed  in  jail  in  Greenfield,  set  fire  to  the  jail,  and 
was  consumed  with  it  ere  he  could  be  rescued.  An  awful 
death  to  die  I "'  But  few  people  remain  to  recall  the  sad 
occurrence. 

Mrs.  Harris,  wife  of  George  Harris,  hung  herself, 
in  March,  1845,  with  a  skein  of  yarn  attached  to  one  of 
the  joists.  She  was  a  woman  in  middle  life,  and  nothing 
definite  is  known  as  to  the  cause  of  the  act.  Strange  as 
it  may  seem,  this  was  done  while  Mr.  H.  was  asleep  in  the 
same  bed  from  which  she  arose  ;  and  he  knew  nothing 
about  it  till  morning,  when  he  awoke  to  find  the  liteless 
form  of  his  wife  cold  in  death.  He  did  not  delay  to  inform 
the  coroner,  but  cut  her  down  at  once,  when  Mr.  Thomas 
B.  Miller,  acting  coroner,  was  informed,  and  proceeded  to 
hold  an  inquest,  and  rendered  a  verdict:      "Came  to  her 


l62  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY, 

death  by  hanging.  Cause  unknown."  This  occurred  on 
Brandvwine  Creek,  on  the  hind  now  owned  b}'  Thomas 
B.  Miller,  in  Center  township,  about  six  miles  north-east 
of  Greenfield. 

Isaac  Stuart  was  born  in  Guilford  county,  North  Caro- 
lina, April  23,  1796.  He  married  Miss  Sarah  Johnson, 
who  was  seven  years  his  junior,  in  liis  native  county, 
December  8,  1822.  In  1829  they  immigrated  to  Indiana, 
and  stopped  one  year  in  Wayne  county  and  a  similar  time 
in  Henr\^  county,  then  removed  to  Rush  county,  six  miles 
south  of  Knightstown,  where  they  remained  until  July  14, 
1835,  when  the}^  made  a  permanent  settlement  in  Harrison 
township,  Hancock  county,  Indiana,  where  he  remained 
until  his  death.  Here,  in  the  green  woods,  he  carved  out  a 
home  and  reared  his  famih',  earning  his  bread  by  the  sweat 
of  his  brow,  never  owing  an}'  man  a  cent.  He  accumu- 
lated some  property,  and  on  the  night  of  December  28, 
1846,  at  eleven  o'clock,  he  was  awakened  by  hearing  some 
one  walking  across  the  room.  Supposing  it  to  be  his  son, 
Dr.  John  G.  Stuart,  who  was  practicing  medicine  at  Char- 
lottesville, and  frequently  stopped  there  when  belated,  he 
told  him  that  the  hired  girl,  Charlotte  Reeves,  was  in  the 
bed.  On  hearing  the  old  gentleman  speak,  James  Wise, 
a  robber,  turned,  and  rushing  upon  Mr.  Stuart,  struck  him 
over  the  head  with  a  large  club  (which  is  still  in  possession 
of  the  family),  felling  him  to  the  floor.  Mr.  Stuart 
attempted  to  grapple  with  him,  when  lie  was  struck  again, 
and  pushed  out  of  the  door,  to  receive  another  blow,  this 
time  from  another  robber,  named  Bodkins,  which  knocked 
him  senseless.  The  two  then  entered  the  house,  and 
demanded  of  Mrs.  Stuart  the  money.  She  gave  them  all 
in  the  house  at  the  time,  about  $125 — eleven  in  paper,  the 
rest  in  silver,  twenty-eight  dollars  being  in  quarters.  After 
Wise  received  the  $128  he  called  for  $1,000  more,  in  reply 
to  which  Mrs.  Stuart  told  him  that  was  all  that  they  had 
about  the  house;  that  Isaac  had  just  loaned  out  $1,000; 
and  that  if  he  wanted  to  kill  her  lie  would  have  to  do  so, 
as  the\-  had  no  more.     Whereupon   he  knocked  her  down 


CENTER  TOWNSHir,  165 

and  beat  her  nearly  to  death,  vainly  attempting  to  compel 
her  to  hand  over  the  $i,ooo  (which  it  was  impossible  for 
her  to  do).  When  the  doctor  arrived  the  next  morning, 
the  first  thing  that  greeted  him  was  the  pigs  licking  up  his 
parents'  blood.  The  neighbors  soon  came  in,  and  organ- 
ized two  searching  parties  of  eleven  each,  and  went  to  the 
houses  ot  the  guilty  parties,  but  failed  to  find  them  at  home. 
The  companies  then  separated,  one  starting  for  Pendleton 
and  one  for  Huntsville.  One  man  was  sent  forward  who 
should  recognize,  speak  to,  and  pass  the  suspected  parties, 
and  give  the  rest  the  signal ;  and  when  near  where  George 
Mingle  now  lives  they  met  Wise  on  horseback.  They 
captured  him,  and  soon  took  Bodkins  also.  On  taking 
them  in  the  presence  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stuart  they  imme- 
diately recognized  them,  although  they  were  blackened 
the  evening  before,  and  they  were  taken  to  Indianapolis 
and  committed  to  jail,  there  being  at  that  time  no  jail  in 
Hancock  county.  Their  trial  came  off  in  February,  1847, 
and  on  the  1 2th  of  February  they  were  sentenced  to  the 
penitentiarv,  Wise  for  twelve  years  and  Bodkins  for  six. 
The  latter  died  in  about  eighteen  months,  and  Wise  was 
pardoned  by  Governor  Joseph  Wright,  on  a  petition  on 
which  the  names  of  the  Stuart  family  were  forged.  Mr. 
Stuart  never  fully  recovered  from  the  injuries,  never  being 
able  afterwards  to  attend  to  business,  and  after  being 
paralyzed  eighteen  months,  during  which  time  he  was  as 
helpless  as  an  infant,  he  died  August  6,  1859.  ^^  '^  ^'^^^ 
request  he  ordered  that  as  he  had  never  owed  anything  in 
life,  all  his  funeral  expenses  should  be  paid  before  he  was 
buried,  which  was  done.  Mrs.  Sarah  Stuart,  whose  injuries 
were  less  severe,  is  still  living  with  relatives,  at  the  age  of 
seventy-eight,  loved  and  respected  by  all  who  know  lier. 

William  S.  Wood  committed  suicide  by  taking  sulphate 
of  morphia  and  chloroform,  at  the  Union  depot,  Indianap- 
olis, September  30,  1875,  '•^i^*^^  thirty-seven  vears.  The 
cause  of  this  sad  occurrence  was  financial  difficulties  and 
large  forgeries,  a  full  account  of  which  were  gi\en  b\-  him 
in   his  dying  statement   and  confession,   published  at  the 


164  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

lime  in  many  of  the  city  and  county  papers  of  the  state. 
On  the  28th,  two  days  before  his  death,  he  took  two  poli- 
cies in  the  Masonic  Mutual  ])enetit,  for  his  children,  to  the 
iimount  of  $5,000,  and  $7,000  in  the  Franklin  for  his  wife 
-and  children,  and  he  had  previously  taken  $2,500  in  the 
Union  Mutual,  or  Northwestern,  of  Milwaukee.  Among 
his  forgeries  last  made  were  his  father's  and  father-in-law's 
names  to  a  note  for  $4,000,  payable  in  the  First  National 
Bank  of  Cambridge  City,  Indiana  ;  and  the  names  of  Pratt 
&  Baldwin,  Marion  Forgy,  J.  W.  Ryon,  and  Thomas 
"Wood  to  a  note  for  $1,000,  which  he  discounted  at  the 
Citizens'  National  Bank  of  Indianapolis.  Of  his  forgeries 
lie  said,  which  was  doubtless  true,  that  he  "  never  intended 
that  any  one  should  know  it  or  have  a  cent  to  pay  tor  him." 
But  the  tinancial  crisis  was  too  severe.  The  shrinkage  of 
values,  the  high  rates  of  interest,  and  the  ditliculties  expe- 
rienced in  borrowing  money  at  anv  rate  drove  him  to 
desperation,  and  for  the  time  dethroned  reason  and  judg- 
ment. Mr.  Wood  was  one  of  the  most  enterprising  citi- 
zens of  the  count}'.  Starting  in  the  grocery  business  in  a 
limited  way  in  Greenfield,  in  1862,  with  but  little  capital, 
lie  had  greatly  extended  his  business  ;  then  in  the  hard- 
Avare  and  implement  trade,  speculating  in  land  and  lots  ; 
^vas  the  prime  mover  in  erecting  the  Citizens'  Bank  (of 
^vhich  P.  H.  Boyd,  John  B.  Simmons,  Abiram  Boyd,  W. 
S.  Wood,  and  I.  P.  Poulson  were  the  stockholders)  ;  he 
built  the  two-storv  brick  in  the  east  part  of  town,  since 
known  as  the  flax  factory,  then  owned  by  the  Greenfield 
Manufacturing  Association,  of  which  he  was  president  at 
the  time  of  his  death.  At  heart  Mr.  W.  was  a  good  man  ;  a 
little  vain,  but  exceedingly  charitable  ;  and  was  one  of  the 
most  liberal  members  of  the  Christian  church.  He  was  at 
the  time  of  his  death  Grand  Chancellor  of  the  Knij^hts  of 
Pythias  for  tiie  state  ;  president  of  the  school  board  in 
Greenfield  ;  superintendent  of  the  Christian  Sunda3'-school  : 
and  an  active,  energetic  man,  who  was  greatly  missed  by 
the  community.  In  person  he  was  square-built,  heavy-set : 
Aveight,  160  pounds;  dark  features  and  dark  hair,  a  keen 


CENTER  TOWNSIIIl'.  I  65 

e\'e,  healthy  and  temperate;  of  nervous,  sanguine  temper- 
ament ;  five  feet  eight  inches  in  height,  quick-motioned 
and  dignified  bearing.  He  left  a  wife,  the  oldest  daughter 
of  William  L.  Garriott,  and  three  children  to  mourn  his 
loss,  and  fight  life's  battles  all  alone,  unaided  by  paternal 

iXuidance  and  a  father's  strong  arm.  Mr.  Wood's  educa- 
te o 

tion  was  limited,  never  having  had  the  opportunity-  of 
attending  school  but  for  a  short  time  ;  but  by  observation, 
quick  perception,  and  a  retentive  memory,  he  had  partially 
made  up  the  loss  :  and  being  of  an  imaginary  turn  of  mind, 
a  fluent  talker,  and  possessed  of  a  strong  voice,  he  was 
considered  a  good  extemporaneous  speaker  on  all  ordinary 
occasions  and  subjects.  The  last  public  speech  he  made 
was  on  Monday  morning,  September  27,  1875,  in  the  col- 
lection room  in  the  public  school  building,  in  GreenfiekL 
Those  who  heard  it  will  remember  it  as  at  least  good  for 
an  extemporaneous  efibrt.  The  writer  knew  him  well,  and 
on  that  Monday  morning,  the  beginning  of  the  school  year, 
had  met  him  a  few  minutes  before  the  time  for  opening, 
and  invited  him,  as  the  president  of  the  board,  to  be  pres- 
ent and  make  a  few  appropriate  remarks  to  the  children  on 
entering  on  their  year's  work,  which  he  accepted,  as  he 
usually  did  sucii  invitations,  on  condition  that  he  found  the 
time.  Little  did  we  think  while  following  him  in  his  speech 
through  the  Elvsian  fields,  and  drinking  deep  of  the  cr^•stal 
tbuntains,  that  he  was  then  contemplating  so  rash  an  act» 
to  be  returned  to  us  in  three  short  days  a  lifeless  form. 

In  this  townt>hip,  about  lour  miles  north-east  of  Green- 
field, lived  William  Frost,  well  known  throughout  the 
county  as  a  local  politician,  thoroughly  posted  in  the  cur- 
rent history  of  the  county,  a  successful  farmer,  an 
unwa\'ering  democrat  and  once  a  trustee  of  Center  town- 
ship, who  came  to  an  untimely  death  by  falling  from  the 
top  of  a  willow  tree,  near  a  cranberry  patch  north  of  town» 
where  he  had  stationed  himself  to  watch  for  a  fox  which 
he  supposed  w^ould  pass  that  way  for  its  place  of  resort. 
On  Friday  morning,  January  19,  1877,  Mr.  Frost,  in 
company   with   William    Martin    and   William    Creviston, 


l66  HIS'lORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

started  out  on  a  tox  hunt.  Frost  being  a  good  marksman, 
it  was  decided  tluit  he  should  take  a  station  near  the  said 
cranberry  patch,  the  fox  rendezvous,  while  his  companions 
should  drive  them  up.  In  order  to  be  unobserwd  liy  the 
fox.  Frost  took  a  stand  in  the  fork  of  an  inclining  willow 
tree,  some  twelve  or  fifteen  feet  from  the  «ri-ound.  Noon 
coming  on,  and  Martin  and  Creviston  being  tired,  finding 
no  fox,  and  supposing  that  Frost  had  left  the  woods,  went 
home.  But  as  Frost  failed  to  return  home  that  evening, 
his  family  became  uneasy,  and  earlv  next  morning  insti- 
tuted a  search.  About  nine  o'clock  he  was  found  dead  in 
the  snow  under  the  tree  where  he  had  stood.  From  the 
scars  on  and  about  his  head,  and  broken  teeth  lying  in  his 
mouth  and  driven  into  his  split  jaw,  it  was  supposed  that 
he  had  relied  too  much  on  a  small  limb,  which  would  strike 
him  abovit  the  shoulders  as  he  stood  in  the  tree,  and  which 
had  broken  and  let  him  fall  to  the  frozen  groimd  head  tore- 
most,  dislocating  his  neck  and  producing  instant  death. 

On  the  evening  of  August  30,  1876,  there  occurred,  in 
the  northern  part  of  Center  township,  just  east  of  the  Junc- 
tion, one  of  the  most  shocking,  horrible  and  diabolical 
tragedies  ever  enacted  in  the  county,  which  resulted  in  the 
murder  of  James  Reedy,  a  cripple,  by  his  father,  Jerry 
Reedy,  in  a  drunken  quarrel  between  the  two  after  return- 
incj  from  Greenfield,  where  thev  had  taken  a  load  of  melons, 
sold  them,  and  partook  freely  of  fire-water,  or  better  called 
dcvi'Ts  water,  which  drowned  reason,  smothered  judgment, 
obliterated  natural  affection,  and  drove  the  actors  to  des- 
peration and  deathly  combat.  In  a  quarrel  about  ""bossing" 
the  household,  each  of  them  claiming  that  high  prerogative, 
the  butt  end  of  a  buggy  whip  was  broken  across  the  head 
of  young  Reedy,  breaking  down  the  bridge  of  his  nose,  and 
two  or  three  flesh  cuts  inflicted  on  the  father,  terminating 
with  a  horrible  death  gash  in  the  skull  of  young  Reedy, 
from  the  edge  of  an  axe  in  the  hands  of  a  crazed,  enraged 
.  and  excited  father.  Accordincj  to  the  statement  of  Mrs. 
James  Reedy,  the  only  witness  of  the  terrible  tragedy,  the 
jiarties  had  returned  from  town  about  four  o'clock,  and  both 


l68  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

declined  to  partake  of  the  supper  prepared  for  them  ;  that 
James  was  lying  on  the  floor  asleep,  when  Jerrv  struck  him 
a  few  licks  with  the  whip  and  told  liim  to  get  up,  which  orig- 
inated the  quarrel  terminating  as  above.  Young  Reed\- 
died  in  a  few  hours,  leaving  a  young  wife  and  an  unborn 
child.  Jerry  Reedy  said  that  while  in  Greenfield  thev 
drank  together,  each  four  glasses  of  whisky ;  that  he 
remembered  nothing  about  using  the  ax  on  his  son,  and 
after  becoming  sober  and  rational,  wept  over  the  act  and 
mourned  the  loss  bitterly.  But  past  acts  he  could  not  recall  ; 
the  life  taken  he  could  not  return  ;  and  notwithstanding  his 
sense  of  shame,  ""rief  and  remorse  of  conscience,  he  must 
suffer  the  penalty  of  an  infracted  law,  and  is  now  serving 
out  a  ten  year's  sentence  in  the  penitentiary  south.  This  is 
the  result  of  giving  wa\'  to  the  first  glass.  Mad  poor  Jerrv 
Reedy  never  begun  the  use  of  intoxicants,  he  might  have 
escaped  the  disgrace  of  being  a  worthless  sot  and  murderer, 
and  have  gone  down  to  his  grave  with  a  clear  conscience 
and  the  approval  of  Heaven.  What  a  grave  commentary 
on  the  common  habit  of  dram  drinking.  Let  the  uncon- 
firmed and  uninitiated  take  warning,  and  "touch  not,  tasie 
not  the  unclean  thing,"  remembering  that  reliable  statistics 
show  that  nine-tenths  of  the  crimes  of  the  civilized  world 
are  the  result  thereof;  that  the  accursed  habit  fills  our  jails, 
penitentiaries  and  alms-houses  of  various  kinds,  and  is 
the  mother  of  pauperism,  illiteracy,  illegitimacy,  crime 
and  high  taxes,  and  produces  untold  toil,  suffering,  and 
despair  by  unnatural  widows  and  helpless  orphans,  left 
unaided  to  fight  life's  battles.  "  Oh  !  that  men  would  con- 
sider, and  heed  wisdom's  ways  ere  it  is  too  late." 

In  this  township,  on  the  fair  grounds,  at  the  south  end 
of  floral-hall,  on  the  morning  of  June  26,  1875,  William 
Keemer  died  of  what  Mark  Twain  denominates  "throat 
trouble."  Tlie  facts  in  the  case  are  too  fresh  in  the  minds 
of  the  peoplo  to  need  much  rehearsing.  Keemer  was  a 
tall,  strong  mulatto  man,  about  twenty-six  years  of  age, 
who  had  committed  a  rape  on  Mrs.  Jerusha  E.  Vaughn. 
wife  of  Mr.  William  Vaughn,  then  of  Blue-river  township, 


CEXTEIi  TOWNSHIP.  1 69 

for  which  he  was  caught  and  phiced  in  the  county  jail  at 
Rushville,  where  he  remained  one  night,  when  fears  were 
entertained  of  \iolence,  and  he  was  removed  to  Greenfield 
after  night,  and  placed  in  the  new  jail.  On  the  following 
morning,  at  half-past  twelve  o'clock,  about  150  masked 
men,  realizing  the  enormity  of  the  crime,  and  tearing  the 
technicalities  and  uncertainties  of  law,  determined  to  take 
the  law  in  their  hands  for  the  time,  and  see  that  justice  was 
speedih'  meted  out.  They  entered  the  jail,  broke  into 
SheriffThomas's  room,  forced  the  keys  from  him,  unlocked 
the  cell  doors,  and  took  their  prisoner  by  force,  placed  him 
in  a  spring-wagon  drawn  by  a  gray  horse,  and  marched  to 
the  place  of  execution,  as  aforesaid.  The  testimony  is  that 
the  wagon  was  backed  up  to  the  fatal  spot  and  a  cotton 
rope  placed  around  his  neck,  when  he  was  asked  if  he  had 
anything  to  sav  ;  in  reply  to  which  he  said:  "Men,  you 
are  doing  a  great  wrong,"  which  he  repeated,  and  the 
wagon  was  driven  out,  and  the  frail  frame  was  left  writhing 
and  dangling  between  the  certainties  of  earth  and  the 
uncertainties  of  the  future,  with  the  dark  waters  of  death 
near  by.  After  life  was  extinct  a  placard  was  pinned  on 
his  bosom,  to  be  read  by  hundreds  the  next  morning,  of 
which  the  following  is  a  copy:  "It  is  the  verdict  of  160 
men  from  Hancock,  Shelby  and  Rush  that  his  life  is  inad- 
equate to  the  demands  of  justice.".  After  life  was  pro- 
nounced extinct  by  one  of  the  city  physicians,  who  was 
present  as  a  spectator,  one  of  the  masked  men  arose  and 
announced  in  slow,  measured  tones  something  like  the 
following:  "Comrades  and  spectators:  The  scene  just 
enacted  was  done  in  no  spirit  of  bravado  or  revenge,  but  to 
^■indicate  in  some  degree  an  outrage  upon  an  innocent, 
unprotected  woman,  and  to  give  protection  and  security  in 
the  future  to  your  wives,  as  well  as  mine.  Now,  if  any 
one,  be  he  officer  or  citizen,  divulge  the  secrets  of  this 
night,  he  shall  surely  suffer  (pointing  to  the  hanging  man) 
in  the  same  way."  The  crowd  then  dispersed.  The  next 
day  an  inquest  was  held,  and  a  verdict  rendered  in  accord- 
ance with  the  above  facts.  The  corpse  was  then  cut  down, 
12 


170  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

placed  on  Frank  Barnett's  old  dra}',  and  taken  to  an  under- 
taking establishment,  and  after  being  gazed  on  by  hundreds 
from  the  county  and  town,  was  taken  that  night,  about 
eleven  o'clock,  and  deposited  in  its  last  resting-place  on 
the  county  farm,  ''unwept,  unhonored  and  unsung."  Not 
being  a  citizen  of  Greenfield,  he  could  not  be  buried  in  the 
new  cemetery  without  the  payment  of  the  required  fee  of 
two  dollars,  and  no  one  was  found  to  ad\ance  the  money  : 
hence,  with  the  box  in  a  wagon  and  *'  Buffalo  ]>ill  "  to  dig 
the  grave,  his  last  remains  were  deposited  as  aforesaid. 
Thus  ended  the  earthly  career  of  William  Keemer.  We 
are  no  apologist  for  mob  law  ;  but  if  it  is  ever  justifiable, 
this  w^as  one  of  those  cases. 

It  was  in  this  township,  about  five  miles  north-east  of 
Greenfield,  that  Samuel  Deny  "came  to  his  death  b}' 
stabs  and  wounds  inflicted  in  and  upon  his  body,  by  a  knife 
or  knives,  by  Harrison  Kingen  and  Lucinda  Kingen,"  on 
the  26th  day  of  July,  1873,  from  which  he  died  on  the  30th. 
It  will  be  remembered  that  the  immediate  cause  of  the 
fatal  aftray  was  a  tiny  gosling,  the  ownership  of  which  was 
in  dispute.  On  the  day  before  the  culmination  of  the 
trouble  Lucinda  Kingen,  wife  of  Harrison  Kingen,  and 
sister  of  Samuel  Derry,  had  gone  to  the  house  of  her 
brother  and  driven  away  the  said  gosling.  This  act  revived 
an  old  feeling  existing  between  the  families,  and  on  the 
Saturday  following  the  three  parties  met  in  the  public 
highway,  near  the  residence  of  said  Derry,  which  resulted 
in  a  fatal  fight,  in  which  it  seems  a  club,  brick  and  knife 
were  freely  used.  While  there  were  several  cuts  on  the 
body  of  Derry,  in  the  opinion  of  the  physicians  the  wound 
in  the  back,  extending  into  the  cavity  of  the  chest,  was  the 
immediate  cause  of  the  death  of  Derry.  A  -post  viortcni 
examination  also  disclosed  the  fact  that  the  stomach  and 
part  of  the  intestines  had  passed  upward  through  the  cut 
in  the  diaphragm  into  the  chest,  and  lay  in  front  of  the 
heart  and  lungs,  rather  on  the  left  side,  where  the  lung  was 
collapsed.  The  coroner's  jvny  returned  a  verdict  in  accord- 
ance with  the  above  facts.     This  was  considered  one  of  the 


LKNTER  'rOWXSIIIP.  I7I 

most  allocking  murders  that  ever  occurred  in  the  township. 
Considering-  the  rehitionship  of  the  tnmilies  and  the  insig- 

-nificant  differences  between  them,  it  was  wholly  unnatural 
and  unaccountable,  and  is  certainly  a  sad  commentary  on 
family  tends  and  petty  strifes.  Hereb}^  two  families  were 
ruined,  and  their  happiness  forever  destroyed. 

It  was  in  this  township,  also,  at  the  Judkins  school- 
house,  that  Theodore  Gant  was  struck  over  the  head  with 
a  wooden  poker  by  his  teacher,  on  March  8,  1870,  which 
resulted  in  his  death  on  the  same  evening. 

There  have   been   a   number  of  other  strange   sudden 

■deaths  in  this  township,  which  we  will  notice  briefly: 
Lewis  B.  Paris  was  found  dead  and  badly  mutilated  on  the 
railroad,  west  of  the  depot,  in  November,  1865  5  supposed 
to  have  been  murdered  and  thrown  on  the  track.  Jesse 
McKinney  was  killed  by  the  cars,   at  the  depot,  in  i860. 

John  Tacket  was  killed  in  1863,  a  few  rods  east  of  the 
depot,  by  the  cars  striking  him  in  the  head.  He  was  stand- 
ing beside  the  track,  leaning  too  far  over.  John  Crush 
was  killed,  it  is  thought  intentionall}-,  in  a  similar  manner, 

-on  July  29,  1875.  Henry  H.  Baxter,  a  shoemaker,  fell 
dead  at  the  Dunbar  corner,  April  13,  1872.  He  left  in 
1852,  and  had  returned  on  a  visit.  W.  F.  Barnard  was 
killed  in  November,  1878,  on  the  Washington  Duncan 
farm,  b}'  a  pole  falling  on  his  head  at  a  barn  raising. 
David  T.  Davis's  daughter  committed  suicide  by  drowning 

In  Brandywine,  near  her  home,  a  few  years  since.  A  Mr. 
Johnson,  in  the  early  history  of  the  county,  drowned  him- 

;self  in  a  pond  north-east  of  the  Junction.     Henrj^  Ford,  an 

"elderly  man,  dropped  dead  in  the  woods,  in  the  presence 
of  Sylvanus  Campbell  and  David  Deshong,  December  26, 
1876.  In  February,  1869,  a  man  by  the  name  of  Cham- 
bers was  killed  at  the  Brandywine  bridge,  by  his  head 
striking  against  the  top  thereof.  On  the  15th  of  October, 
1873,  a  man  whose  name  w^as  unknown  was  killed  in  the 
same  manner  and  place.  Shortly  after,  perhaps  in  1874,  *^ 
brakeman  was  killed  at  the  depot  in  Greenfield  by  his  head 

-Striking  the  projecting  roof. 


172  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

Exports. — The  exports  of  this  township  and  town  are 
mainly  the  products  o{  the  farm,  forest  and  factory,  and 
consists  of  corn,  cattle,  hogs,  horses,  flaxseed,  flax-tow, 
staves,  heading,  school  desks,  lumber,  potatoes,  butter, 
efr<rs,  hay,  wool  and  furniture. 

Remarks . — With  this  general  view  of  the  tcnYnshij-)  we 
close  the  present  chapter.  Many  of  the  points  herein 
merely  allude'd  to  will  receive  more  attention  in  the  next 
chapter,  entitled  "Center  Township — Continued."  and. 
also  further  on  in  the  book. 


CHAPTER  XL 

CENTER    TOWNSHIP Co)lt/)niC(I. 

Greenfield. 

Greenfield,  the  county-seat,  metropolis,  and  only  city  in- 
the  county,  w^as  laid  out  in  June,  1828,  by  five  commis- 
sioners, appointed  for  that  purpose  by  the  legislature  of 
1827  and  1828.  The  original  plat  consisted  of  sixty  acres, 
owmed  and  donated  by  Cornwell  Meek,  Benjamin  Spill- 
man,  and  John  Wingfield.  The  town  was  named  by  the 
first  three  commissioners  of  the  county,  viz.  :  Samuel  ^'an- 
gilder,  Elisha  Chapman,  and  John  Hunter. 

The  instructions  by  the  legislature  to  the  said  commis- 
sioners were  to  locate  the  seat  of  justice  of  Hancock  county 
on  the  National  road,  midw'ay  between  the  east  and  west 
lines  of  the  county.  It  is  said  upon  reasonably  good 
authority  that  Cornw^ell  Meek  and  Benjamin  Spillman' 
measured  the  count}'  from  east  to  west  with  a  string,  in 
order  to  ascertain  the  center  thereof,  and  future  location  of 
the  prospective  county-seat. 

In  order  to  settle  a  disputed  point  relative  to  the  method 
by  which  the  count^'  acquired  title  to  said  original  plat  of 


CENTER  TOWNSIIIl' 


iS 


«ixty  acres,  we  produce  an  abstract  from  the  old  original 
commissioners'  record,  embod3'ing  the  report  of  said  five 
state  commissioners  : 

'•At  a  special  term  of  the  board  ot  county  commissioners  of 
the  county  of  Hancock,  met  at  the  house  of  Samuel  B.  Jackson, 
in  the  said  county,  on  the  7th  of  April,  1828,  it  is  ordered  bv 
the  board  *[that]  a  report  returned  to  the  board  of  county  com- 
missioners of  Hancock  county  by  the  honorable  board — the 
James  Smock,  Thomas  Jvlartin,  James  Anderson,  Levi  Jessup, 
[and]  Richard  Blackledge,  commissioners  appointed  by  the 
state  legislature  of  Indiana,  to  meet  at  the  house  of  Samuel  B. 
Jackson,  in  said  county,  for  the  purpose  of  locating  the  seat  of 
justice  in  and  for  Hancock  county,  aforesaid,  is  [be]  received 
bv  said  board  [of  countv  commissioners]  as  is  specified  in  the 
same,  [report  aforesaid]  and  ordered  to  be  filed  by  the  clerk  of 
said  board,  [of  county  commissioners]  spread  on  record,  as 
follows,  to-wit  : 

'•  '  Indiana,  to-wit  : 
*' '  Hancock  couxtv. 

'•  '  Pursuant  to  an  act  of  the  general  assembly  of  the  state  of 
Indiana,  approved  December  24,  A.  D.  1827,  James  Smock, 
Thomas  Martin  and  Levi  Jessup,  three  of  the  commissioners 
appointed  bv  the  aforesaid,  met  at  the  house  of  Samuel  B.  Jack- 
son, in  said  county  of  Hancock,  on  IVIonday,  tlie  7th  da}-  of 
April,  A.  D.  1S28,  and  after  being  sworn  as  the  law  directed, 
proceeded  on  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  our  appointment. 
On  Tuesdav,  the  Sth  dav  of  April,  John  Anderson  appeared, 
and  was  sworn  as  commissioner  appointed  by  the  act  atoresaid  ; 
and  on  the  same  dav  Richard  Blackledge  appe;ired,  and  was 
sworn  as  a  commissioner  appointed  as  aforesaid  ;  and  after 
examining  the  several  sites  shown  to  us,  and  duly  considering 
all  the  donations  ofiered,  we  have  unanimously  agreed  to  accept 
a  donation  of  sixty  acres  of  land  donated  by  Corn  well  ^leek, 
John  Wingfield  and  Benjamin  Spillman,  bounded  as  follows, 
to-wit  :  Beginning  on  the  line  dividing  sections  thirty-two  and 
thirtv-tliree.  in  township  sixteen  north,  range  seven  east,  where 


*The  words  and  phrases   in   brackets  are  supplied   bv  the  aiitlior,  lo  complete  the 
prainmatical  constraction  an  1  make  sense. 


174  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

the  National  road  crosses  said  line;  then  a  running  north  thirty 
rods  from  the  north  side  of  said  road,  and  the  same  distance 
south  from  the  south  side  of  said  road;  thence  west  on  lines 
parallel  with  said  road  one  hundred  and  sixty  rods,  to  the  open 
line  of  section  five  north  and  south,  to  contain  sixty  acres,  which: 
we  have  selected  as  a  permanent  seat  of  justice  for  the  county 
of  Hancock.  And  it  is  further  agreed  and  allowed  by  us,  that 
the  donors  aforesaid  be  allowed  every  fourth  block  in  that  part 
of  town  respectively  donated  by  them,  in  manner  following, 
to-wit  :  JohnWingfield  and  Benjamin  Spillman  to  be  entitled: 
to  every  fourth  block,  the  county  commissioners  having  first 
choice,  and  that  Cornwell  Meek  be  allowed  every  fourth  block 
on  that  part  of  town  donated  by  him,  the  said  Cornwell  Meek: 
to  have  the  first  choice  in  the  first  four  blocks,  and  afterwards- 
for  the  county  commissioners  to  have  the  first  choice.  And  it 
is  further  agreed  by  us,  that  the  donors  aforesaid  be  allowed  to- 
remove  buildings,  rails,  boards,  and  board-timber  already  sawed 
off*  which  may  be  included  in  their  respective  donations;  and 
we  have  further  received  donations  by  subscriptions  amounting 
in  cash  and  labor  and  lumber  to  I265  ;  and  furthermore,  we- 
have  taken  bonds  on  the  donors  aforesaid  for  the  conveyance- 
of  the  land  above  described,  which,  with  the  paper  containing 
the  subscriptions  aforesaid,  is  submitted  to  the  county  commis- 
sioners. 

"'James  Smock, 

•"Thomas  Martin, 

" '  Levi  Jessup, 

"  'John  Anderson, 

'"Richard  Blackledge.' 

"  It  is  ordered  by  the  board  [that]  the  seat'  of  justice  of 
Hancock  county  shall  be  known  and  designated  [by]  the  name 
and  title  of  '  Greenfield,  the  seat  of  justice  of  Hancock  county.' 

"  It  is  ordered  by  the  board  that  Jared  Chapman,  agent  of 
Hancock  county,  be  and  is  hereby  invested,  and  is  hereby 
authorized,  to  make  and  form  a  plat  for  the  further  instruction 
of  the  board  of  commissioners,  to  lay  oft'  the  town  of  Greenfield 
into  lots,  and  that  he  present  the  same  to  the  next  term  for 
inspection. 

"It  is  ordered  by  the  board  that  the  said  agent  shall  adver- 
tise at  least  in  sixty  handbills,  and  shall  distribute  the  same,  the 


CENTER  TOWNSHIP.  I  75 

terms  of  sale  to  be  as  follows,  to-\vlt  :  One-fourth  of  the  pur- 
chase money  down,  and  the  balance  in  three  equal  annual  pa}'- 
nients. 

"  It  is  ordered  by  the  board  that  the  said  agent  shall  survey 
and  lay  out  the  aforesaid  town  into  blocks  against  the  first  Sat- 
urday of  June  next ;  and  that  the  commissioners  and  donors  do 
meet  on  the  same  day,  and  make  choice  agreeable  to  the  report 
made  by  the  board  of  state  commissioners  to  the  county  com- 
missioners, May  !^,  1828. 

"  Samuel  Vangildek, 
"  Elisha  Chapman, 
"John  Hunter." 

The  original  plat,  it  will  be  observed  from  the  above 
report,  was  just  sixty  rods  wide,  extending  thirty  rods  on 
either  side  of  the  National  road,  and  a  half  mile  in  length. 
The  original  plat  consisted  of  a  public  square  and  thirty- 
four  blocks,  divided  into  one  hundred  and  sixty-one  lots. 

It  may  be  of  some  interest  to  the  young  to  know^  not 
only  the  size,  but  the  boundaries  of  said  original  plat.  The 
east  line  thereof  runs  just  west  of  Martin  Lineback's  resi- 
dence and  Morgan  Chandler's  property.  Benjamin  T. 
Rains  resides  on  the  north-east  corner  lot.  The  north  line 
extends  along  the  alley  south  of  Dr.  Martin's  residence, 
and  forms  the  north  line  of  the  Catholic  church.  Thomas 
Carr,  Sr.,  resides  on  the  north-west  corner,  and  John  Ryon 
on  a  central  west  lot.  The  south  line  of  the  old  plat  forms 
the  north  line  of  the  old  seminar}-  lot,  and  runs  just  south 
of  Nelson  Bradley's  residence. 

Additions. — From  time  to  time  a  number  of  additions 
have  been  made  to  Greenfield  and  the  original  plat,  num- 
bering more  than  a  score  in  all.  The  first  addition  was 
made  by  Edward  K.  Hart,  a  brother  of  A.  T.  Hart,  on 
March  4,  1839,  '^"^^  consisted  of  twelve  blocks,  fifty-six 
in-lots  and  twelve  out-lots,  and  lies  south  of  the  old  plat 
and  east  of  State  street,  except  one  tier  of  lots,  which  lies 
on  the  west. 

The  second  addition  was  made  by  Morris  Pierson,  on 
the  14th  of  April,  1853,  and  consisted  of  six  blocks,  divided 


176  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

into  lifty-iour  lots,  located  about  the  old  seminary,  which 
it  surrounds,  except  on  the  nortli. 

The  third  addition  was  made  by  Meek  &  Hart,  on  the 
23rd  of  Jul}^,  1853,  and  consisted  of  four  blocks,  fifty-one 
in-lots  and  twelve  out-lots,  located  north  of  the  western 
portion  of  the  old  plat.  The  writer's  residence  is  in  this 
addition. 

The  fourth  addition  was  made  by  Morris  Pierson,  being 
his  second  addition  to  the  town,  on  the  28th  of  Februar}-, 
1854,  and  consisted  of  twenty-three  in-lots  and  four  out- 
lots,  located  due  south  of  Pierson's  first  addition,  and 
extending  the  whole  length  thereof. 

The  fifth  addition  was  made  by  the  railroad  company', 
on  the  28th  of  July,  1854,  '^^^^  ^^  located  in  the  south-west 
corner  of  the  original  plat,  and  west  of  Pierson's  first  addi- 
tion, and  consisted  of  three  blocks  and  fifteen  lots,  the 
third  block  not  being  divided  into  lots. 

The  sixth  addition  was  made  by  Captain  James  R. 
Bracken  ;  said  addition  declared  null  and  void. 

The  seventh  addidon  was  made  by  Fletcher  &  McCarty, 
on  the  24th  of  December,  i860,  and  consisted  of  eighteen 
lots,  located  west  of  the  old  addition  and  north  of  the 
National  road. 

The  eiirhth  addition  was  made  bv  Nelson  Bradlev,  on 
the  23rd  of  September,  1867,  and  consisted  of  eleven  blocks 
and  fortv-four  large  lots,  located  east  of  North  State  street 
and  north  of  the  old  town  plat. 

The  ninth  addition  was  made  by  Benjamin  Elder,  on 
the  20th  of  April,  1870,  and  consisted  of  thirteen  blocks 
and  ninetv-two  lots,  located  nortli-west  of  the  old  plat  and 
w'est  of  Meek  &  Hart's  addition. 

The  tenth  addition  was  made  by  Thomas  Snow,  on  the 
19th  of  August,  1870,  and  consisted  of  fifteen  lots,  located 
on  the  west  side  of  North  State  street. 

The  eleventh  addition  wiis  made  by  Wood,  Pratt  & 
]5aldvvin,  on  the  5th  of  June,  1871,  and  consisted  of  seven 
blocks  and  fifty-six  lots,  located  east  of  the  old  plat  and 
north  of  the  National  road. 


CENTER  TOWNSHIP.  I  77 

The  twelfth  addition  was  made  by  William  C.  Burdett, 
on  the  2nd  of  July,  187 1,  and  consisted  of  forty-seven  lots, 
located  west  of  Elder's  addition. 

The  thirteenth  addition  was  made  by  Wood,  Pratt  & 
Baldwin,  being  their  second  addition,  on  the  28th  of  Octo- 
ber, 1 87 1,  and  consisted  of  nine  blocks  and  seventy-eight 
lots,  located  north  of  their  first  additioir  and  east  of  Brad- 
ley's addition. 

The  fourteenth  addition  was  made  by  Wood,  Pratt  & 
Baldwin,  and  called  their  first  addition  of  out-lots,  on 
August  30,  187 1,  and  consisted  of  seven  out-lots  of  various 
sizes,  from  one  to  seven  acres  each,  and  located  east  of 
their  first  addition. 

The  fifteenth  addition  was  made  by  William  Teal,  on 
the  17th  of  October,  1871,  and  consisted  of  twentv-four 
lots,  located  west  of  Burdett's  addition. 

The  sixteenth  addition  was  made  b}'  Wood,  Pratt  & 
Baldwin,  on  the  26th  of  October,  1872,  and  known  as  their 
second  addition  of  out-lots,  and  consisted  of  four  out-lots  of 
several  acres  each,  located  east  of  Hart's  addition. 

The  seventeenth  addition  was  made  by  John  Ilinchman, 
on  the  2nd  of  June,  1873,  and  consisted  of  ten  lots,  located 
north  of  Fletcher  &  McCarty's  addition. 

The  eighteenth  addition,  known  as  Stewart's  addition, 
was  made  by  Ithamer  Stewart,  on  the  3rd  of  July,  1873, 
and  consisted  of  four  blocks  and  twenty-eight  lots,  located 
in  the  west  part  of  town,  south  of  the  National  road. 

The  nineteenth  addition,  known  as  O'Donnells'  addi- 
tion, was  made  by  O'Donnell  &  Brother,  on  the  28th  of 
May,  1874,  '^^^^  consisted  of  twent^'-one  lots,  located  in  tlie 
south-west  part  of  town. 

The  twentieth  addition  was  made  b\'  Wm.  S.  Woods, 
and  known  as  Woods'  addition,  on  the  12th  of  May,  1875, 
and  consisted  of  thirty-seven  lots,  located  south  of  the 
National  road,  in  the  east  part  of  town. 

The  twent\--first  addition  was  made  by  John  Ilincli- 
man,  and  known  as  Hinchman's  second  addition,  on  the 
2nd  of  June,  1875,  and  locatad  between  the  school-house 


178  HISTOKV  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTV. 

lot  and  the  National  road,  and  consisted  of  ten  lots,  the 
central  two  of  which  the  city  council  bought  and  appro- 
priated as  a  street. 

The  twenty-second  addition  was  made  by  Morgan 
Chandler,  on  the  4th  of  June,  1875,  and  consisted  of  five 
lots,  located  south  of  the  National  road  and  east  of  the 
old  town  plat. 

The  twenty-third  and  last  addition  \vas  made  by  Wm. 
C.  Burdett,  and  known  as  his  second  addition,  on  the  loth 
of  October,  1877,  and  consisted  of  twenty  lots,  located  in 
the  north-west  part  of  town,  north  of  Teal's  addition.* 

Ccrnctcj'ics. — Greenfield  has  two  cemeteries,  and  has 
had  none  others.  The  first,  now  known  as  the  "Old 
cemetery,"  was  donated  to  Hancock  county  by  Andrew 
P.  Jackson,  May  9,  1843,  and  located  south-east  of  the 
original  plat  of  the  town  of  Greenfield.  It  is  not  very 
large,  and,  consequently,  has  been  about  full  for  several 
years.  The  first  burial  here  was  Docia  Spillman,  a  daugh- 
ter of  Benjamin  Spillman,  who  died  in  September,  1828, 
aged  fourteen  3'ears.  Here  lie  slumbering  the  men  who 
cleared  the  forests,  and  established  the  little  county-seat 
that  should  become  the  future  city  of  Greenfield.  Here  lies 
buried  much  of  the  early  history  of  Greenfield  and  the 
country  surrounding.  Here,  beneath  moss-covered  mon- 
uments, lie  the  business  men  and  their  companions  of  forty 
and  fifty  years  ago.  Dear  to  the  memory-  of  many  is  this 
sacred  spot,  around  which  clusters  fond  memories  and  hal- 
lowed associations  of  other  days.  Sacred,  solemn  place  ! 
Stranger,  step  gently  over  her  unmarked  graves — 

"  Some  mute,  inglorious  Milton  here  may  rest, 
Some  Cromwell  guiltless  of  his  country's  blood." 

Mow  down  the  briers  ;  pluck  up  the  weeds  ;  fill  up  the 
sunken  graves  ;  repair  tiie  broken  down  fences  ;  strew  flow- 
ers over  the  graves  ;  and  let  not  the  immortal  spirits  view 


*The  iiiUlilions  in  cvcrv  ciise,  except  the  first,  bear  the  niiin:  of  the  proprietor. 
The  ordinal  numbers,  from  one  to  twenty-three,  of  the  additions  we  liave  given  to  show 
the  order  in  wliitli  thev  were  made. 


CENTER  TOWNSHir 


79 


the  ungrateful  neglect  of  their  mortal  remains.  In  1868, 
March  3,  the  county  commissioners  deeded  the  Old  cem- 
etery to  the  city  of  Greenfield,  which  now  has  the  man- 
agement and  control  of  the  same. 

The  New  cemetery  was  purchased  by  the  city  of  Green- 
field, April  28,  1863,  for  $450,  and  surveyed  and  entered 
of  record  the  30th  day  of  June,  1865,  and  consisted  of  a 
little  over  six  acres  It  is  located  in  the  south-east  part  of 
the  city,  due  south  of  the  Old  cemetery.  It  is  laid  out 
into  blocks,  lots,  streets  and  alleys,  with  a  circle  in  the 
centre.  It  has  four  blocks  and  four  hundred  and  twenty- 
one  lots.  The  south-east  block  is  only  partially  divided 
into  lots,  but  left  for  a  common  burying-ground.  It  has  a 
drive  wa}^  around  it,  and  across  it  at  right  angles,  and  is 
reached  by  a  well  graded  and  graveled  street.  The  plan 
of  the  grounds  is  good  ;  but  the  drives,  or  streets,  are 
unmade,  and  the  grounds  unkept,  save  in  a  careless,  par- 
simonious manner  unbecoming  the  dignity  of  the  city. 


I-IKST   LOG   CABIN    IN    (iUEEN FIELD. 


Early  History. — The  land  from  which  Greenfield  was 
carved  was  entered  in  1826  and  '27  by  the  donors  aforesaid. 
The  town  was  laid  out  in  the  woods  by  Jared  Chapman, 
the  county  agent,  who  was  authorized  to  sell  and  convey  on 
behalf  of  the  county  all  unreserved  lots.  The  first  lot  sold 
was  to  John  Anderson,  the  deed  bearing  date  of  June  4, 
1828.  The  first  to  settle  on  the  town  site  were  Cornwell 
Meek,   Morris  Pierson,  Dr.   Lot  Edwards,  William  Carr, 


l8o  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

and  Lewis  Tyner.  The  first  business  house  in  Greenfield 
was  built  by  John  Justice,  some  time  prior  to  the  or<:C'^rii- 
zation  of  the  city.  It  was  a  primitive  structure,  made  by 
settling"  posts  in  the  ground,  and  weather-boarding  and 
covering  with  clapboards.  The  first  tVame  building  was 
erected  in  1830,  b\^  Benjamin  Spillman.  The  first  dwell- 
ings, like  the  stores,  were  also  cheap,  rude  structures, 
made  of  poles,  and  the  better  ones  of  hewed  logs.  A 
few  years  later  saw-mills  became  more  plentiful  and  con- 
venient, when  small  frames  superseded  the  primitive  cabin. 
The  first  frame  of  any  note  was  built  by  James  Hamil- 
ton (Moses  W.  Hamilton's  father)  as  a  two-story  tavern 
stand,  located  near  where  the  Guymon  house  now  stands. 
The  next  was  erected  b}-  Jonathan  Dunbar  on  the  oppo- 
site side  of  the  street,  and  is  a  part  of  the  Walsh  property. 
A  little  later  was  erected  the  Gooding  corner,  a  portion  of 
the  lumber  of  which  was  sawed  by  hand  with  a  whipsaw. 
This  building  was  used  as  a  tavern,  and  was  the  finest 
frame  of  the  town  at  the  time.  East  of  it,  on  the  north- 
west corner  of  the  public  square,  was  a  pond  trom  three  to 
five  feet  deep,  used  by  travelers  to  wash  ofi^"  their  horses. 
It  w-as  afterwards  drained  by  a  blind  ditch,  passing  out 
north-east  under  Hart  &  Thayer's  store. 

The  first  courts  were  held  in  a  log  house  located  a  lit- 
tle south  of  the  Gooding  corner.  The  papers  were  kept 
in  boxes  and  barrels,  and  stowed  away  miscellaneoush'. 
without  much,  if  anv,  classification. 

Postofficc. — The  amount  of  postal  matter  at  that  date 
was  verv  limited,  scarcely  sufiicient  to  justify  the  keeping 
of  an  oflice  ;  indeed,  it  is  said  that  for  a  time  while  Joseph 
Chapman  was  working  for  "  Uncle  Sam  "  as  jiostmaster  he 
carried  the  postoflice  and  its  contents  in  his  hat,  as  a  con- 
venience to  the  public  and  himself.  There  need  have  been 
no  complaint  of  "posting  bills,"  crowding,  loud  talking 
and  smoking  in  the  postofiice  in  those  halcyon  days. 

Sidczvalks.. — The  sidewalks  up  to  this  date  were  gen- 
erally made,  if  at  all,  bv  placing  boards  and  plank  either 
cross  or  lengthwise.      Even  up  to  the  time  of  the  civil  war. 


CENTER  TOWNSHIP.  l8l 

twenty  years  ago,  there  were  but  few  brick  sidewalks,  and 
no  gravel.  It  is  said  that  Dr.  N.  P.  Howard  made  the 
llrst  brick  sidewalk  in  the  town.  » 

First  Business  Bricks. — The  hrst  business  brick  in  the 
town  was  built  by  Hugh  Wooster  and  Cornwell  Meek, 
recently  torn  down  b}' Thomas  Randall,  and  known  as  the 
Edwards  drug  store.  The  next,  perhaps,  was  the  Wil- 
liams brick,  recently  removed  by  Williams  and  Crawford, 
and  built  bv  Meredith  Gosne}'.  The  Walker  corner,  at  a 
little  later  date,  was  built  by  Wooster  and  Templin. 

Private  Residences. — About  this  date  a  few  good  resi- 
dences were  erected.  Among  the  first  was  a  two-story 
frame  bv  Dr.  Lot  Edwards.  Later  the  A.  J.  Banks  resi- 
dence, built  bv  A.  M.  Patterson;  the  P.  H.  Boyd  resi- 
dence, built  and  owned  bv  Dr.  B.  F.  Duncan  ;  the  A.  T. 
Hart  residence,  built  bv  Cornwell  Meek  ;  the  Dr.  N.  P. 
Howard,  senior,  residence,  built  by  T.  D.  Walpole. 

Other  Buildings. — At  the  time  of  the  building  of  the 
Banks  brick  bv  Patterson,  he  also  erected  the  two-stor}- 
frame  on  the  corner,  south,  used  as  a  stove  store.  Patter- 
son used  it  as  a  hatter  shop.  The  Christian  church,  the 
oldest  church  building  in  tovv'n,  was  built  about  this  time, 
long  before  the  building  of  the  court-house,  and  was  used 
for  about  two  years  as  a  court-room.  The  county  semi- 
nary was  built  in  1842,  and  a  frame  on  the  Catholic  church 
lot  in  1852.  The  court-house  and  jNIasonic  hall  were 
erected  in  1854. 

Remarks. — The  plank  road  was  built  in  1852  and  the 
railroad  about  1853.  Let  the  reader,  in  imagination,  go 
back  to  1854,  '^  very  important  era  in  our  histor}-,  and  take 
a  view  of  Greenfield.  All  the  buildings  mentioned  above 
were  built  during,  or  prior  to,  that  date,  and  most  of  them 
standino-.  There  were  then  two  churches — the  Christian 
and  Methodist ;  the  latter  was  not  the  present  brick,  but  a 
frame  due  south,  now  used  as  a  residence  ;  the  Masonic 
hall  was  then  new — the  largest  and  grandest  building  in 
town  ;  the  Catholic  church  building  was  then  used  as  a 
school-house  ;  the  most  of  the  business  houses  then  were 


1 82  IILSTORV  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTV. 

tVames  :  the  streets  and  sidewalks  only   partially   i^'raded, 
and  none  of  them  graveled. 

F'frcs. — x\bout  1839,  ^^^'^  ^"'^  tiend  fought  furiously  with 
Greenfield,  destroying  all  the  business  portion  on  the  north 
side  of  Main  street  between  the  tavern,  located  about 
where  the  Guymon  house  now  stands,  and  State  street. 
Several  business  men  lost  all  their  stock,  A.  T.  Hart  being 
one  of  them. 

Previous  to  the  building  of  the  Walker  corner,  Joseph 
Chapman  erected  a  three-story  frame  hotel  (or  tavern,  as 
such  buildings  were  tlien  called),  on  the  corner  now  occu- 
pied bv  said  Walker  brick,  in  which  Elijah  Knight  was 
keeping  tavern,  and  controlling  a  large  frame  stable,  both 
■of  which  were  burned,  and  about  fifteen  horses  were  lost. 

In  1857  another  frightful  fire  raged  in  the  town,  destroy- 
\nQ.  all  the  buildings  between  Dr.  Howard's  residence  and 
the  Walker  corner. 

AmoniT  the  other  fires  from  time  to  time  we  note  the 
complete  destruction  thereby  of  two  flouring  mills,  two 
planing  mills,  one  flax  mill,  one 'extensive  pump  factory,  a 
woolen  factory,  a  ware-house,  a  stable  containing  lour 
horses,  and  several  dwellings  of  more  or  less  value. 

It  will  be  seen  that  Greenfield  has  had  a  full  share  of 
fires  for  the  time,  sufficient  at  least  to  give  her  liberal  citi- 
zens a  reasonable  warning  to  provide  ample  protection. 
Greenfield  to-day  is  unprepared  for  a  big  fire,  like  some 
that  have  visited  her  in  the  past,  and  is  liable  at  any  time  to 
sustain  a  loss  many  times  greater  than  the  cost  of  an 
engine,  cisterns,  and  other  means  of  protection  ;  but  we 
trust  that  she  will  not  be  "  penny  wise  and  pound  foolish  " 
always.  History  is  of  little  practical  use  save  as  it  teaches 
us  lessons  for  the  future  ;  and  judging  from  the  past  history 
of  our  county-seat,  we  can't  be  too  careful  in  providing  a 
defense  for  the  frightful  fire  fiend. 

Incorporation  as  Tozun  and  City. — Greenfield  was  incor- 
porated as  a  town  in  1854,  and  grew  gradually,  yet  slowly, 
till  1867,  when  it  took  a  stride  forward  and  improved  rap- 
idlv  in  buildings  and  graveled  streets,  and  increased  pro- 


184  HISTORY   OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

portionatclv  in  population.  She  was  incorporated  as  a  city 
in  1876,  with  a  popuhition  of  2,023. 

Local io)i. — It  is  handsomely  located  on  the  west  side  of 
Brandywine  Creek,  and  trom  its  location  admits  of  easy 
drainage,  and  is  laid  out  with  broad  and  commodious 
streets  at  right  angles,  which  afford  an  open  view. 

Streets  ami  Sidewalks. — Prior  to  tlie  close  of  the  war 
there  were  few,  if  an}-,  graveled  streets  in  Greentield  : 
after  that  for  a  few  years  there  was  considerable  graveling 
done,  and  but  little  grading.  In  1876,  after  the  incorpor- 
ation as  a  city,*  she  begun  in  earnest  the  grading  and  grav- 
eling of  streets  and  sidewalks,  and  continued  the  same 
with  unabated  energy  to  the  present.  The  first  street  thus 
made  was  Pennsylvania,  by  John  R.  Johnson,  contractor. 
North  State  street  was  next  made,  b}'  Thomas  B.  Miller, 
contractor  ;  then  Fourth  street  and  Bradley  street,  b}'  Com- 
stock ;  followed  by  Walnut  street.  South  State  street, 
South  Pennsylvania  street.  Mechanic  and  Main  streets, 
besides  a  number  of  alleys,  by  Faurot  &  Brown,  contrac- 
tors. The  sidewalks  were  in  all  these  cases  graded  and 
graveled  at  the  same  time.  The  most  extensive  improve- 
ment of  the  time  was  the  grading  and  graveling  of  Main 
street,  the  paving  of  her  sidewalks,  and  bouldering  of  her 
gutters,  the  present  season. 

Synopsis. — Greenfield  now  has  many  handsome  resi- 
dences, commodious  business  houses,  and  good  public 
buildings,  constructed  in  modern  style.  Outside  of  the 
county  buildings,  she  has  two  substantial  bank  buildings 
and  banks,  three  brick  churches  and  one  frame  ;  one  large 
two-story  brick  school-house,  with  slate -roof  and  stone 
foundation  ;  two  flouring  mills,  three  planing  mills,  one 
furniture  factory,  a  flax  factory,  a  heading  factor}-,  three 
saw-mills,  an  iron  roof  factory,  one  railroad,  telegraph  and 
express  lines,  three  printing  presses,  four  papers ;  lodges 
of  Masons,  Odd  Fellows,  Knights  of  Pythias,  Red  Men, 


*Under  town  laws  streets  are  built  out  of  the  coininon  fuiul,  wliile  in  a  city  llit 
improvements  arc  paid  for  by  the  abutters  on  the  street. 


CENTER  TOWNSHIP.  185 

Good  Templars  ;  also,  merchants,  grocerymen,  druggists, 
saloonists,  mechanics,  doctors,  lawyers,  preachers,  teach- 
ers, editors,  poets,  eight  pikes,  and  twenty-three  additions, 
covering  an  area  of  one  square  mile. 

First  Doctors. — The  tirst  practitioners  of  the  healing 
art  were  Drs.  Lot  Edwards,  Leonard  Bardwell,  Jared 
Chapman,  B.  F.  Duncan,  Simon  Alters,  Hiram  Comstock, 
R.  E.  Barnett  and  N.  P.  Howard,  two  of  whom  are  still 
holding  forth  in  Greenfield. 

First  Attorneys. — At  the  first  term  of  court,  on  the  24th 
of  March,  1828,  there  were  admitted  to  the  bar,  on  motion, 
Calvin  Fletcher,  Henr\^  Gregg,  Marinus  Willett  and 
Charles  H.  V^erder ;  the  most  of  whom,  however,  were 
non-residents.  In  1846,  the  attorneys  were :  David  M. 
C.  Lane,  J.  H.  WilHams,  T.  D.  Walpole  and  David  S. 
Gooding. 

Remarks. — At  this  date,  1846,  which  was  prior  to  the 
time  of  the  railroad,  the  Dayton  and  Indianapolis  stage 
passed  daily  east  and  west  through  Greenfield.  John 
Templin  &  Co.  and  A.  T.  Hart  &  Co.  were  the  principal 
merchants.     William  Sebastian  was  postmaster. 

First  Business  Men  of  Greenfield. — Among  the  first 
settlers  and  business  men  of  Greenfield  were  John  Justice, 
who  had  the  first  grocerv  store,  some  time  prior  to  1828  ; 
O.  M.  Ross,  who  had  the  first  general  store,  also  prior  to 
1828  ;  William  and  Lewis  Tvner  had  a  store  in  1828  ;  and 
the  following  men  were  subsequently  licensed  to  vend 
merchandise,  as  shown  by  the  old  records  in  the  auditor's 
office,  viz.  :  James  Parker,  James  Hart,  A.  H.  Freeman, 
Jared  Chapman,  Samuel  Duncan,  Joseph  Chapman,  Nathan 
Crawford,  E.  &  R.  Tyner,  John  Mongle,  James  Hamilton 
(father  of  Moses  W.  Hamilton),  E.  &  D.  Troxwell,  Sam- 
uel C.  Duncan,  Robert  Wilson,  John  Harris,  C.  S.  Perkins, 
Joseph  Andrews,  John  White  (not  Hon.  John  H.),  Eli 
Gapen,  Joseph  Stallord,  Dunbar  &  Clark,  T.  W.  Smart, 
William  Bussell  (not  the  present  William  B.),  Burton  «& 
Co.,  Milroy  &  Clark,  Calvin  McRay,  Tyner  &  Chittenden, 
W.  H.  Curry  and  A.  T.  Hart.  All  of  the  abo\'e  were 
13 


1 86 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


licensed  previous  to  1834.  A.  T,  Hart,  the  last  named  of 
the  above,  was  licensed  in  1833.  After  this  date  we  will 
note  only  a  few,  viz.  :  George  Tague  (father  of  Jonathan 
and  G.  G.),  Cornwell  Meek,  Wooster  »&  Wood,  and  Foley 
&  Gooding. 

First  TavcDis. — Prior  to  1828,  the  date  of  the  establish- 
ment of  the  count3'-seat,  S.  B.  Jackson  and  Jeremiah  Meek 
supplied  the  wants  of  the  traveling  community  at  their 
ta\-erns  and  stables,  the  former  holding  forth  in  the  bottom, 
■near  Brandywine,  and  the  latter  in  Greentield.  We  have 
no  record  of  their  being  licensed.  John  Branden  was  the 
first  licensed  tavern-keeper  ;  he  held  forth  on  the  Gooding 
corner,  followed  by  James  Hart,  then  Asa  Gooding,  at  the 
same  stand.  Elijah  Knight  held  forth  in  a  three-story 
frame,  about  the  same  time,  on  the  opposite  corner. 

All  of  the  above  did  business  some  time  prior  to  1840. 
We  could  trace  the  subject  up  to  1852,  the  date  of  the  new 
constitution,  at  which  time  the  license  law  for  merchandis- 
ing and  tavern-keeping  ceased,  but  we  deem  it  inexpedi- 
ent. From  then  on  we  have  no  official  records  to  instruct 
us,  but  must  depend  on  living  witnesses  mostly. 

BUSINESS   DUtECTORY   OF   GREENFIELD. 


Merchants — 

Hart  &  Thayer, 

J.  Ward  Walker  cS:  Co., 

William  C.  Burdett, 

Jackson  &  Brc, 

Lee  C.  Thayer. 

Druggists — 

F.  H.  Crawford, 
E.  B.  Grose, 
V.  L.  Earley. 

Druggists  and  Grocers — 
Boyd,  Hinchman  &  Co. 
Georjje  F.  Hammel. 


Banks — 

Greenfield  Banking  Co. — 
Nelson  Bradley,  presi- 
dent ;  Morgan  Chand- 
ler, cashier. 
Citizens'  Bank — P.  H. 
Boyd,  president  ;  J.  B. 
Simmons,  cashier. 

Real  Estate  Agents — 
John  A.  Hughes, 
Myers  &  Alexander, 
George  W.  Duncan, 
J.  H.  Binford. 


CENTKR  TOWNSHIP. 


187 


J^oan  Agents — 

John  A.  Iliio-hcs, 
John  II.  Binford. 
George  \V.  Duncan. 

Grain  Mcrclia)its — 
M.  W.  Hamilton. 
William  Marsh. 

•Grocers — 

J.J.  Hauck. 
T.  A.  Gant. 
Sanford  Fiirrv, 
W.  S.  Gant, 
G.  F.  Hauck, 
Ct-  D-  Hughes, 
Alexander  &  vSon, 
Richard  Hagen, 
Alexander,  New  &  Boots. 

JIarness  Makers — 
S.  E.  Gapen, 
J.  M.  Dalrvmple. 

Agrieiiltural  J iiiplenicnts — 
A.J.Banks, 
Baldwin  &  Pratt, 
D.  H.  Goble. 
Corcoran  iC  Wilson. 

Jeivelers — 

F.  E.  Glidden, 
L.  A.  Davis. 

Sutchers — 

W.  H.  Porter, 
Cook  &  Dennis. 

Hardxvarc  Dealers — 
A.J.  Banks, 
Baldwin  &  Pratt. 


Sexi'ing  Machine  Agents — 
Sidney  LaRuc, 
Roland  LaRue, 
L.  Voung, 
Thomas  O'Donnell. 

Millers— 

Alexander,  New  &.  Boots. 
Scott  &  Co. 

Private  Banking — 
John  A.  Hughes. 

Railroad  Agent — 

Moses  W.  Hamilton. 

Telegraph   Operators — 
William  H.  Scott, 
Marion  Philpot. 

Hotel  Keeper — 
Jackson  Wills. 

Brick  jMasons — 
S.  S.  Spangler, 
A.  N.  Fitz, 
N.  Meek, 
A.  Keeley, 
T.Johnson, 
S.  Wysong, 

Launderer — 

Harry  Spangler. 

Fire  Insurance  Agents — 
John  A.  Hughes, 
E.  I.  Judkins, 
A.  R.  Hughes, 
W.  C.  Burdett, 
A.  V.  Orr, 
Ira  Collins, 
T.  H.  Binford. 


1 88 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


Iron  Roojing — 

Smith,  Johnson  tS:  Co. 

Sinitlis  and   Wagvn  Makc?'s — 
Walker  &  Morford, 
Lnieback  &  Ban", 
Huston  &  King, 
S.  W.  Wray. 

Smith  and  Macli'uiist — 
J.  R.  Abbott. 

Blacksmith — 

WiUiani  Xewhall. 

lioot  and  Shoe  Dealer — 
G.  T.  Randall. 

Hoot  and  Shoemakers — 
G.  W.  Dove, 
Millikan  &  Beecher, 
M.  S.  Walker, 
W.  C.  Eskevv. 

Undertakers — 

Williams  Bros.&  Hamilton 
Corcoran  &  Lantz, 
Trucblood  &  Alford. 

Carpenters — 

Cochran  &  Flippo, 
J.J.  Walker  &  Son, 
H.  C.  Hunt, 
S.  O.  Shumway, 
Samuel  Tulley, 
John  Cofficld, 

A.  J.  Heron, 
Benjamin  Price, 
Lace  &  Everett, 
J.  Roland, 

B.  Raines. 


Saloon  Keepers — 

W.  G.  Richie, 
J.  T.  Farmer, . 

R.  J.  Scott, 
J.  Hanley, 

M.  Carey, 

A.  Hafner, 
Jesse  Roberts. 

Ph  vs  icians — 

R.  E.  Barnett, 

Ho  ward, Mar  ti  n  &Ho  ward 

J.  A.  Hall. 

E.  I.  Judkins, 

M.  M.  Adams, 

S.  S.  Boots, 

L.  A.  Vawter, 

O.  M.  Edwards, 

J.  W.  Selman, 

J.  Francis. 

Bngffy  and  Carriage I}.ealcr.-^ 
J.  M.  Morgan. 

Stoves  and  Ti)ixvare — 

Knight  &  Kirk  Bros.,. 
A.J.  lianks. 

Tailors — 

E.  E.  Skinner, 
P.  W.  Naughton. 

Bakers  and  Restaurateurs — 
John  Bohm, 
James  Demaree. 

Painters — ■ 

L.  M.  Rouyer, 
E.  G.  Rouyer, 
T.J.Orr, 
J.  A.  Meek.  ' 


CENTER  TOWNSHIP 


189 


"VVniliam  jVIeel'C. 
Frank  Crawford, 
E.  Goble. 

Sione  Dealers — 

Farout  &  Brown. 
John  B.  Chappius. 

Luviber  ^/erchants — 
Gordon  &  Son, 
B.  Cox, 
jj.  E.  Brown. 

Lumber  and  Coal — 

E.  W.  Wood. 

Planing-  Mills — 

Williams  Bros.&  Hamilton 
G.  W .  Puterbaugh, 
J.  E.  Brown. 

Driven-  Well  Men— 
George  Reece, 
Carter  &  Hudson. 

Heading  ractory — 

Prall  cS:  Puterl)augh. 

Desk  Factory — 

G.  W.  Puterbaugh, 
Williams  Bros.&  Hamilton 

Carriage  JSTakers — 

W.  E.  Harris, 

Lineback-&  Barr. 

S.  W.  Wray. 
Piano  and  Organ  Agents — 

F.  E.  Glidden, 
Thomas  Mitchell. 

Furniture  Factory — 

Williams  Bros. &  Hamilton 


Dentists — 

E.  B.  Howard, 
R.  A.  Hamilton. 

Dress  -  Makers — 

Mrs.  Sallie  Ferren, 
Mrs.  L.  Stratton, 
Mrs.  Anna  Bourgett, 
Mrs.  J.  A.  Watson, 
Miss  Josie  Alford, 
Miss  Maggie  Galbreath, 
Mrs.  Rosa  Powers. 

AFiUiners — 

Airs.  Sallie  Ferren, 
Mrs.  J.  J.  Carter, 
Miss  lona  Williams, 
Miss  Emma  Lineback, 
Miss    Alice    Carter;     also 
assistant  book-keeper. 

Plasterers — 
E.  Gear}', 
J.  Norman, 
M.  Pratt, 
Williavii  W.  Webb. 

Draymen — 

Jcjhn  R.  Johnson, 
B.  F.  Barnett. 

Roof  Painters — 

Brown,  Morris  &  Co. 
Farbers — 

George   L.  Knox, 

Lewis  Young, 

Gus  Suess. 
Flour  and  Feed  Store — 

George  Baker. 

A  uctionecr — 

R.  P.  Brown. 


190 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


lAvery  and  Sale  Stables — 
J.  M.  Morgan, 

A.  C.  Gambrel. 

Peed  Stable — 

John  E.  Tindall. 

Photographer — 
W.  T.  Webb. 

Street  and  (Ditch  Contractors- 
Farout  &  Brown. 

Preachers — 

J.  F.  Rhoades. 
J.  H.  Hawk, 
W.  K.  Williams, 
J.  B.  Sparks, 
W.  S.  Campbell. 

Gunsmith — 

B.  T.  Rains. 

JPlax  Pactory — 

Henrv  L.  Moore  &  Son. 


Dealers  in  Nursery  Sfock- 
J.  K. Ilenby, 
R.  P.  Brown. 

^^CAVs  Stand — 
Lea  Sullivan. 

Printers — 

William  Mitchell, 
R.  J.  Strickland, 
Republican  Company. 

Sign  Painters — 
James  Meek. 
E.  G.  Rou}er, 
L.  M.  Rouyer, 

Paper  Hangers — 
James  Meek, 
E.  G.  Rouyer, 
Frank  Crawford. 

Teachers — 

See  page  i  ^o. 


CITY    OFFICERS. 

Mayor — William  J.  Sparks.  ^[arshal — W.  W.  Ragan. 

Clerk— ^.  C.  Boyden.  Attor?iey—W .  H.  Martin. 

Treasurer — James  A.  Flippo.      Engineer — J.  D.  Williams. 

Conncihnvn. 

F.  E.  Gliddcn,  Samuel  Gordon, 

Enos  Geary,  P.  H.  Boyd, 

J.  C.  Alexander,  J.  II.  Bragg. 


CENTER  TOWNSHIP.  I9I 

CHAPTER  XII. 
CENTER  TOWNSHIP —  Continued, 

Masonic  Lodge,  No.  ioi. 

February  14,  1849,  ^^^^  dispensation  was  issued  by  Elzur 
Deming,  Grand  Master,  and  A.  W.  Morris,  Secretary,  to 
the  brethren  at  Greenfield.  The  following  are  the  original 
officers  and  members  under  said  dispensation :  James 
Rutherford,  W.  M.  ;  Harry  Pierson,  S.  W.  ;  J.  R.  Bracken, 
J.  W.  ;  George  Tague,  Orlando  Craine,  James  Shipman, 
Nathan  D.  Coffin  and  Morris  Pierson,  members.  The  first 
initiation  was  that  of  Dr.  R.  E.  Barnett.  A  charter  was 
granted  to  Lodge  No.  loi,  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  on  the 
28th  of  May,  1850.  The  lodge  was  organized  under  the 
charter  on  the  20th  of  the  following  June.  The  officers 
were  :  James  Rutherford,  W.  M.  ;  Harry  Pierson,  S.  W.  ; 
J.  R.  Bracken,  J.  W.  ;  Morris  Pierson,  Treasurer ;  John 
Templin,  Secretary  ;  R.  E.  Barnett,  S.  D.  ;  Jonathan  Ralls, 
J.  D.  ;  E.  D.  Chittenden,  Tyler. 

Prior  to  1854  ^^  lodge  had  no  building  of  their  own, 
but  held  forth  for  a  time  in  the  old  seminary  building. 
During  this  year  the  lodge,  having  grown  in  size  and 
wealth,  began  the  erection  of  a  handsome  three-story  brick 
building,  the  most  commodious  in  the  town.  The  corner 
stone  was  laid  with  appropriate  ceremonies  by  Deputy 
Grand  Master  Elijah  Nevvlin,  on  the  15th  of  August,  1854. 

The  present  officers  are  :  George  W.  Dove,  W.  M.  ; 
W.  S.  Fries,  S.  W.  ;  Lee  O.  Harris,  J.  W.  ;  Nelson  Brad- 
ley, Treasurer  ;  S.  E.  Duncan,  Secretar}- ;  Ephraim  Marsh, 
S.  D.  ;  M.  F.  Williams,  J.  D.  ;  Benjamin  Price,  Tyler; 
William  F.  Pratt,  Steward ;  Joseph  Baldwin,  Steward. 
The  present  trustees  are  Ephraim  Marsh,  F.  E.  Glidden, 
and  S.  W.  Barnett. 

From  the  date  of  organization  to  the  present  this  lodge 
has  initiated  two  hundred  and  three  members.  The  mem- 
bership at  this  date  is  about   seventy.     The  lodge  is  in 


192 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


good  working  order,  out  of  debt,  and  owns  desirable  prop- 
erty worth  $6,000.  It  has  expended  for  charitable  pur- 
purposes  $2,000.  Their  regular  communications  occur  on 
Tuesday  evenings  on  or  previous  to  the  full  moon  of  each 
month. 

I.  O.  O.  F.,  No.   135. 

Greenfield  Lodge,  No.  135,  I.  O.  O.  F.  was  instituted 
July  26,  1853.  The  lodge  was  organized  in  the  old  court- 
house ;  afterwards  removed  to  the  third  story  of  the  Walker 
block ;  from  there  to  the  county  seminary,  where,  for 
several  years,  the  lodge  prospered  ;  but  preferring  a  more 
central  location,  the  trustees  sold  the  seminary  and  took 
a  lease  on  a  new  hall  in  Howard's  block.  In  the  course 
of  time  the  increase  of  membership,  added  to  the  desire  on 
the  part  of  many  to  have  a  hall  of  their  own,  caused  the 
lodge  to  instruct  their  trustees  to  contract  with  William  C. 
Burdett  for  a  third  story  on  his  new  brick  in  which  to  hold 
its  meetings.  Since  1876  the  lodge  has  occupied  its  own 
spacious  hall,  which  is  conveniently  arranged,  neatly  fur- 
nished, and  affords  a  pleasant  retreat  for  its  large  mem- 
bership. 

The  following  officers  conducted  the  instituting  cere- 
monies in  the  organization  of  the  lodge,  viz.  :  Theodore 
P.  Haughey,  Deputy  Grand  Master  ;  Past  Grand  Cam- 
eron, G.  W.  ;  Fred.  Bragg,  Grand  Secretary;  A.  Cotton, 
Grand  Treasurer ;  W.  N.  Lumis,  G.  M. 

The  following  were  the  charter  members :  N.  P. 
Howard,  George  Armstrong,  M.  W.  Hamilton,  Simon 
Thomas,  and  John  R.  Boston. 

The  following  members  were  initiated  on  the  first  even- 
ing, viz.  ;  Robert  A.  Barr,  M.  G.  Falconbury,  Benjamin 
Deem,  Eli  Ballenger,  James  II.  Leary,  Benjamin  Miller, 
John  D.  Barnett,  and  Chelton  Banks. 

The  first  election  of  officers  resulted  as  follows,  to-wit : 
George  Armstrong,  N.  G.  ;  N.  P.  Howard,  V.  G.  ;  John 
D.  Barnett,  Secretar\' ;  Jonathan  Dunbar,  Treasurer. 

This  lodge  had  received   up  to   the   first  of  Januar\', 


CENTER  TOWNSHIP.  I93 

1877,  $10,122.75.  The  lodge  is  out  of  debt,  in  good 
working  order,  with  money  in  the  treasury. 

This  lodge  has  been  called  on  to  mourn  the  loss  of 
twenty-one  members,  to-wit :  Robert  A.  Barr,  W.  R. 
Barrett,  Benjamin  Deem,  Henry  R.  Hanna,  Jacob  Drake, 
W.  E.  Hart,  William  Wilkins,  John  D.  Barnett,  John 
Osborn,  Ezra  Fountain,  Willard  Low,  Jonathan  Dunbar, 
B.  W.  Cooper,  Joseph  Conner,  Nathan  Crawford,  Enoch 
Leachman,  Henry  A.  Swope,  John  H.  Bentley,  Henry 
R.  Clayton,  Frederick  Hammel,  and  John  D.  Barr. 

The  present  officers  are  as  follows:  T.  J.  Bodkins, 
Noble  Grand  ;  A.  J.  Herron,  Vice  Grand  ;  W.  T.  Snider, 
Recording  Secretary,  C.  T.  Cochran,  Permanent  Secre- 
tary ;  H.  J.  Williams,  Treasurer.  Encampment  officers — 
M.  L.  Paullus,  Chief  Patriarch;  Q.  D.  Hughes,  High 
Priest;  I.  C.  Rardin,  Junior  Warden  ;  James  A.  Flippo, 
Senior  Warden  ;  W.  T.  Snider,  Scribe  ;  N.  P.  Howard, 
Treasurer. 

Eureka  Lodge,  No.  20,  K.  of  P. 

was  instituted  Februar}-  29,  1872.  The  following  were  the 
first  officers  and  charter  members,  viz.  :  R.  E.  Barnett, 
V.  P.  ;  W.  S.  Wood,  W.  C.  ;  H.  J.  Williams,  V.  C.  ; 
Ephrpaim  Marsh,  R.  S.  ;  J.  A.  New,  F.  S.  ;  E.  Geary,  B.  : 
E.  P.  Thayer,  G.  ;  S.  W.  Barnett,  L  S.  ;  W.  F.  Pratt,  O. 
S.  ;  Joseph  Baldwin,  Milton  Peden,  G.  W.  Dove,  J.  J. 
Pratt,  A.  P.  Williams,  Q.  D.  Hughes,  J.  D.  Vannyes, 
John  W.  Ryon,  B.  L.  Gant,  Calvin  Sowder,  Jackson 
Wills,  and  Marion  Forgey. 

This  lodire  was  or<xanized  and  held  forth  till  1880  in  the 
three-stor\'  brick  on  the  corner  of  Main  and  State  streets, 
when  thev  removed  to  Furry's  block,  on  West  Main 
street,  where  thev  have  a  commodious  room  con\eniently 
arranjjed. 

The  present  officers  are:     S.  W.   Barnett,  P.   C.  ;  Lee 

Sulfivan,  C.  C.  ;  W.   W.   Butts,  V.   C.  ;   H.   Snow,  

Prelate;  E.  Geary,  K.  of  R.  and  S.  ;  Charles  Cammack, 
I^L  of  L.  ;  John  S.  Huntsinger,  ^L  of  C.  ;  L.  Morford,  U. 


'94 


IIIsrORY  OF   HANCOCK  COUNTY'. 


of  A.  ;  A.  Everett,  O.  G.  ;  Thomas  Bodkins,  I.  G.  The 
membership  at  this  date  is  twent^'-eight. 

Greenfield  Lod(;e,  No.  184,  I.  O.  G.  T. 

was  organized  on  the  27th  day  of  February,  1879,  with 
the  following  officers  installed  for  the  tirst  quarter :  W. 
C.  T.,  F.  E.  Glidden  ;  W.  V.  T.,  Kate  Applegate  ;  W.  C, 
George  W.  Duncan  ;  W.  S.,  James  J.  Walsh  ;  W.  A.  S., 
William  J.  Barrett;  W.  T.,  Samuel  E.  Duncan;  W.  M., 
William  J.  Sparks;  W.  D.  M.,  Clara  New;  W.  I.  G., 
Annie  Wright ;  W.  O.  G.,  John  Wright;  R.  H.  S.,  Miss 
Mattie  Hall ;  L.  H.  S.  Lenna  Banks  ;  P.  W.  C.  T.,  John 
W.  Jones  ;  tirst  representative  to  the  Grand  Lodge,  John 
A.  Dobbins;  last  representative,  Mrs.  J.  F.  Rhoades. 

The  present  corps  of  officers  are  :  W.  C.  T.,  John  A, 
Dobbins;  W.  P.  C.  T.,  George  W.  Duncan;  W.  V.  T., 
Miss  Annie  Williams  ;  W.  S.,  William  W.  Ragan  ;  W.  F. 
S.,  WiHiam  W.  Matthews  ;  W.  T.,  Noah  W.  Carr ;  W. 
M.,  John  ?Iaithre  ;  I.  S.  G.,  Samuel  C.  Hutton  ;  R.  H. 
S.,  Mrs.  J.  F.  Rhoades  ;  L.  H.  S.,  Mrs.  W.  K.  Williams  ; 
W.  C,  W.  K.  Williams  ;  Trustees,  John  A.  Dobbins,  J.  F. 
Rhoades  and  Thomas  E.  Johnson. 

The  lodge  organized  with  forty-nine  members,  and  the 
average  attendance  for  each  year  since  its  organization 
has  been  fortv-five.  The  lodge  meets  on  Monday  evening 
of  each  week.  Lodge  hall,  third  story,  over  Walker's 
store,  in  the  citv  of  Greentield,  Indiana.  The  tirst  Good 
Templars  lodge  of  Greenfield  was  organized  about  the 
year  1869,  by  Sister  Jackson,  of  Jeffersonville,  and  known 
as  the  Good  Templars  of  Greentield,  No.  194.  Among 
the  lirst  members  of  this  lodge  were  L.  E.  Rumrill,  J.  A. 
Dobbins,  G.  W.  Duncan,  J.  A.  New,  Mrs.  Anna  Oflutt, 
Mrs.  Lou  Scott,  Miss  Hattie  Havens,  S.  M.  Shumway, 
S.  M.  Walker,  and  G.  W.  Dove.  The  lodge  met  and 
orsranized  over  Randall's  store,  and  continued  in  success- 
ful  oper;:.tion  tor  a  time,  and  linall}'  declined  and  surren- 
dered her  charter. 


center  township.  i95 

The  Presbyterian  Church 

of  Greenfield  was  organized  July  30,  1855.  The  plans  for 
the  organization  of  this  church  were  conceived  and  com- 
pleted in  the  house  where  R.  P.  Brown  now  lives.  Dr. 
B.  F.  Duncan  and  John  Wilson  were  watching  by  the  bed- 
side of  a  sick  friend,  near  the  hour  of  midnight,  when  the 
idea  was  conceived  and  arrangements  were  made.  Among 
those  who  petitioned  the  Indianapolis  Presbytery  for  this 
church  were  Mrs.  T.  D.  Walpole,  Dr.  B.  F.  Duncan, 
John  Foster,  Captain  J.  R.  Bracken,  John  A.  Richey, 
Alexander  Crocket,  and  Gen.  John'^Milroy.  The  request 
was  granted,  and  the  committee  to  organize  consisted  of 
the  following  eminent  divines,  viz.  :  David  Monfort, 
David  Stephenson,  and  Colonel  James  Blake.  The  com- 
mittee, on  the  date  aforesaid,  met  in  the  old  M.  E.  church, 
on  south  State  street,  and  perfected  an  organization,  and 
received  the  following  members  into  full  communion,  viz.  : 
Gen.  John  Milro}^  Dr.  B.  F.  Duncan,  John  A.  Richey, 
Alexander  and  Elizabeth  Crocket,  Mrs.  Martha  Meek, 
Hugh  Gambrel  and  wife,  John  Foster  and  wife.  Misses 
Nancy  P.  and  Mary  J.  Crocket,  Ellen  Sturk,  Miss  Isabel 
Clency,  and  Samuel  and  Mary  Creveston.  Of  the  four- 
teen who  petitioned  for  this  church,  only  three  are  living, 
to-wit:  Mrs.  T.  D.  Walpole,  Mrs.  J.  T.  Lineback,  and 
Mrs.  J.  C.  Meek.  And  only  two  are  living  of  the  seven- 
teen who  united  with  the  church  at  its  organization,  viz  : 
Mrs.  J.  T.  Lineback  and  Mrs.  J.  C.  Meek. 

The  followino^  are  the  ministers  who  have  served  this 
church  from  the  date  of  its  organization  to  the  present, 
with  the  date  of  appointment  and  time  served  : 

Appointtd.  Served. 

Rev.  David  Monfort 1S55 3  years. 

Rev.  William  Sickles ^'^59 ^  year. 

Rev.  I.  T.  Iddings 1S60 2  years. 

Rev.  M.  H.  Shockley 1S62 i^  years. 

Rev.  Abbottt 1S65 6  months. 

Rev.  Isaac  W.  Monfort 1S66 4  years. 


196  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

Rev.  Ebeii  Muse 1S71 6  months. 

Rev.  John  Dixon 1S72 4  montns. 

Rev.  J.  B.  Logan 1873 10  months. 

Rev.  C.  T.  White 1874 2  years. 

Rev.  J.  B.  Lowery 1S77 i  year. 

Rev.  L.  L.  Larimorc 1878 2  years. 

Rev.  Jameison 1880 5  montlis. 

Rev.  J.  H.  Hawk 1880 13  months. 


The  founder  and  nrst  minister  of  this  churcli,  Re\'. 
David  Monfort,  was  a  remarkable  man,  of  great  spiritual- 
ity, positive  in  character,  and  beloved  by  all  who  knew 
him.  He  is  said  not  to  have  been  a  profound  preacher,  but 
a  volumnious  talker,  tender-hearted,  sympathetic,  of  good 
executive  abilit3',  and  a  line  judge  of  human  nature.  He 
received  into  the  church  one  hundred  and  twelve  mem- 
bers. He  is  still  remembered  as  the  founder  of  a  day 
school,  that  was  conducted  in  the  Masonic  hall  tor  eight 
3^ears.  At  this  date  the  public  schools  of  Indiana  were  in 
their  infancy,  and  of  little  force  ;  but  this  school,  under  the 
management  of  Monfort,  assumed  a  high  standard  in  point 
of  education. 

The  total  number  of  members  received  into  the  com- 
munion of  the  Presb^'terian  church  of  Greentield  from  the 
date  of  its  organization,  in  1855,  to  the  present  was  about 
four  hundred.  Present  membership,  one  hundred.  The 
cljinxh  worshiped  in  the  Masonic  hall  for  thirteen  3'ears, 
and  has  worshiped  in  the  present  building  for  fourteen 
years.  Their  building  is  a  handsome,  substantial  brick, 
44x76  feet,  and  a  gallery  capable  of  seating  one  hundred 
and  twenty-live  adults.  The  whole  church  will  seat  six 
hundred  persons.  It  was  dedicated  on  the  27th  of  Decem- 
ber, 1868,  by  Rev.  Robert  Sloss,  assisted  b\'  Dr.  Monfort. 
of  Cincinnati.  Cost  of  building,  $10,500.  At  the  close 
of  the  services  on  the  day  of  dedication,  there  were  sub- 
scribed $3,097  to  complete  the  building.  The  present 
pastor  is  Rev.  J.  II.  Hawk,  the  last,  but  by  no  means  the 
least,  of  the  shepherds  of  the  flock.      Mr.   Hawk  is  an 


CENTER  TOWNSHIP.  1 97 

extempore  speaker,  a  good  conversationalist,  and  has  suc- 
ceeded in  adding  a  goodly  number  to  the  church. 

There  is  in  connection  with  this  chvnxh  one  of  the  best 
Sunday-schools  in  the  count}'.  It  was  organized  cotem- 
porarv  with  the  church,  starting  out  with  tburteen  adults 
and  children  all  told.  Rev.  David  Monfort  was  the  first 
superintendent,  Dr.  B.  F.  Duncan  assistant,  and  Joseph 
Mathers  secretary'.  In  1857  Robert  Hall,  recentl}-  of  Cam- 
bridge City,  was  elected  superintendent,  and  Dr.  E.  I. 
Judkins  secretary-.  In  1861  Dr.  R.  E.  Barnett  was  elected 
superintendent,  and  the  secretary's  book  shows  that  on  the 
same  day  $106  were  raised  to  pa}'  the  prizes  due  the 
school — a  very  respectable  sum  to  raise  in  a  Sunday-school 
more  than  twenty  3'ears  ago  simply  for  prizes.  Dr.  Bar- 
nett continued  to  serve  in  this  capacity  for  sixteen  consecu- 
tive 3'ears,  with  credit  to  himself  and  honor  to  the  school. 
Q;  D.  Hughes  served  as  secretary  for  fourteen  years  con- 
stant and  faithful.  The  infant  class  of  this  school  is  under 
the  efficient  instruction  and  oversight  of  Miss  Sue  Wilson, 
assistant  postmaster,  who  has  had  charge  of  the  babies  for 
more  than  a  dozen  years.  Her  class  swarms  semi-annu- 
ally, sending  ofi'  new  colonies  to  be  directed  by  others. 
This  school  has  enjoyed  nearly  fourteen  hundred  Sabbaths, 
or  about  four  vears  of  Sunday-school  instruction.  H.  B. 
Wilson,  our  present  postmaster,  has  been  an  efficient  and 
faithful  bible  school  teacher  a  greater  portion  of  that  time. 
In  1864,  the  school  had  enrolled  one  hundred  and  fifty-six 
scholars,  and  the  growth  has  been  steady  to  the  present 
date.  R.  E.  Barnett  is  now  superintendent  and  George 
Wilson  secretar}'. 

Greenfield  Methodism. 

The  early  histor^^  of  Methodism  in  Greenfield  and 
vicinity  can  only  be  given  in  an  incomplete  and  fragment- 
ary form.  The  first  class  known  was  organized  in  a  cabin 
which  stood  near  the  present  residence  of  Wesle\'  Addison. 

Some  of  the  earliest  settlers  of  Greenfield  were  Meth- 


1^8  HISTOKV  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTV. 

odists,  among  whom  mav  be  nam^'d  the  iamili(\s  of  Abram, 
Samuel  and  Moses  Vangilder  ;  Major  Stephens  and  Jere- 
miah Meek;  and  a  little  later  James  Parks,  John  Rardin. 
Jacob  Tague,  Dr.  Lot  Edwards,  Richard  Guymon,  and 
others.  The  earliest  settlers  found  the  Methodist  itinerant 
wending  his  wav  through  the  almost  unbroken  forest 
searching  for  the  lost  sheep  of  the  House  of  Israel,  carr}'- 
ing  with  him  the  Word  of  Life,  at  as  early  a  date  as  1828. 
As  earlv  as  1830  Greenfield  became  the  headquarters  of  a 
circuit,  with  a  large  number  of  appointments  scattered 
widely,  which  were  supplied  with  preaching  once  in  four 
weeks.  Since  that  time  frequent  changes  have  occurred 
in  the  boundaries  of  the  circuit  as  the  population  increased, 
and  as  the  growth  of  the  church  demanded,  until  the 
spring  of  1878,  when  Greenfield  became  a  station.  The 
names  of  all  the  pastors  cannot  be  given  prior  to  1837,  ^or 
can  the  order  of  their  pastorate  since  tliat  time  be  given 
with  certainty  in  every  case. 

The  followinef  are  the  names  and  date  of  service,  as 
nearly  as  can  be  given:  Rev.  James  Havens  and  Rev. 
Tarkington  were  the  first  preachers  in  charge  :  then  Rev. 

Swang ;  Bradley,    in    1837;  J-    B.    Burt,  in    1838; 

Frank  Richmond  and  Charles  Morrow,  1839  ^^  1840: 
George  Havens,  in   1840;  John  L.   Smith,  in    1841  :  J.  S. 

Donaldson,  in   1842  ;  McNally,  appointed  in  1843, 

died  during  the  year,  and  the  year  was  completed  b}' ■ 

Manlv  ;  Joseph  Barnick,  in  1844  ;  George  W.  Bowers,  two 

years  ; Beasly,  two  3'ears  ;  J.  W.   Smith,  one  year  ; 

J.  M.  Mershon,  one  year;  Eli  Rammel,  one  year;  Frank 
Richmond,  appointed  in  1852,  died  during  the  year,  and 
Elisha  Earl,  a  well-known  local  preacher,  was  appointed 
to  fill  the  vacancy;  S.  M.  Campbell,  one  year;  J.  R. 
Davis,  one  year ;  C.  C.  Cooper,  died  while  in  charge,  and 
Elisha  Earl  completed  the  year;  J.  S.  McCarty,  one  and 
one-half  years  ;  William  Anderson,  two  years  ;  Michael 
Black,  one  year  ;  John  Hill,  two  years  ;  J.  W.  White,  one 
year ;  George  W.  Bowers,  three  years  ;  Charles  Martin- 
dale,  two  years  ;  H.  J.  Lacy,  three  years  ;  George  Havens, 


200  HISTORY  OF  HANX'OCK  COUNTY. 

three  years;  L.  R.  Streeter,  five  months;  I.  G.  Brown, 
seven  months;  Y.  B.  Meredith,  one  year;  J.  F.  Rhoades 
is  now  completing  his  third  year  as  pastor. 

Among  the  class-leaders  of  the  church  are  George  W. 
Dove,  Jonathan  Tague,  C.  W.  Gant,  and  O.  M.  Edwards. 
This  office  is  about  the  same  as  that  of  deacons  or  elders 
in  some  other  churches. 

The  society  was  without  a  house  of  worship  for  a  long 
time  ;  but  through  courtesy  of  public  officials,  used  a  log 
school-house,  on  North  State  street,  and  the  old  log  court- 
house, on  the  north-west  corner  of  State  and  South  streets, 
south  of  the  Gooding  corner,  and  afterwards  in  the  first 
brick  court-house.  In  1841  a  church  w^as  erected  on  the 
west  side  of  South  State  street,  south  of  and  near  the  rail- 
road. This  building  is  now  occupied  for  a  dwelling.  The 
growth  of  the  society  and  surrounding  circumstances 
demanded  better  accommodation  for  religious  worship, 
and  accordingh',  under  the  efficient  leadership  of  Rev. 
George  W.  Bowers,  the  present  structure  was  begun  in  the 
year  1866,  and  completed  in  1867  and  dedicated  free  of 
debt  by  the  lamented  Dr.  T.  M.  Eddy.  The  building  is  a 
plain,  comfortable  brick,  40x72  feet.  In  1878,  the  church 
was  repaired  and  greatly  improved  in  appearance,  and 
provided  with  gas  fixtures,  which  lights  the  large  audi- 
ence-room completely.  The  work  was  done  vmder  the 
pastorate  of  Rev.  Y.  B.  Meredith.  The  church  has  owned 
four  parsonages.  The  first  parsonage  stood  on  East  North 
street.  The  second  one  stood  on  the  east  side  of  State 
street,  just  north  of  the  railroad.  About  twenty-three 
years  ago  the  parsonage  on  West  Main  street,  now  owned 
by  E.  P.  Thayer,  was  purchased,  and  sold  in  1875.  T^'^^ 
present  one  is  a  large,  substantial,  handsome  two-story 
building  adjoining  the  church  building.  It  was  erected  in 
1876,  under  the  direction  of  Nelson  Bradley,  J.  Ward 
Walker  and  A.  P.  Williams,  and  is  valued  at  $2,000. 
The  value  of  the  church  and  parsonage  is  estimated  at 
$10,500.  The  membership  of  the  church  is  about  two 
himdred.       More  than    sixty    of  this    number  have  been 


CENTER  TOWNSHIP.  20I 

added  within  the  last  two  years  under  J.  F.  Rhoades' 
pastorate.  Every  department  of  the  church  is  in  tine 
working  condition.  The  society  has  not  been  in  debt  for 
a  number  of  years.  There  is  a  hirge  and  prosperous  Sun- 
day-school attached,  with  an  average  attendance  of  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty.  Collection,  from  two  to  five  dol- 
lars per  Sabbath.  Nelson  Bradley  superintendent  and 
Eddie  Thayer  secretary. 


Mt.  Gilead  Church  (Baptist). 

On  the  15th  day  of  August,  1827,  a  few  individuals  of 
the  Baptist  faith  met  to  discuss  the  propriety  of  adopting 
a  constitution  and  establishing  a  place  of  worship,  which 
resulted  in  a  decision  to  extend  a  cordial  invitation  to 
John  Caldwell  and  brethren,  of  Blue-river  township,  and 
Abram  Smock  and  brethren,  of  Bethel  church,  to  "  come 
over  into  Macedonia''  and  lend  a  helping  hand.  Accord- 
ingly, on  the  19th  day  of  August  there  was  a  meeting  at 
the  house  of  Mr.  Samuel  Jackson,  with  the  ministers  and 
members  aforesaid  present ;  and  after  preaching  by  Elders 
Smock  and  Caldwell,  followed  b}-  an  investigation  of  the 
faith  of  the  prospective  members,  they  were  constituted 
into  a  church,  to  be  named  and  known  as  Brandx'wine 
church.  The  following  persons  were  received  into  mem- 
bership, and  given  the  right  hand  of  fellowship,  viz.  : 
Samuel  and  Rachel  Jackson,  Benjamin  and  Jane  Spill- 
man,  and  James  and  Elizabeth  Reeves.  The  church  bore 
the  name  of  Brandywine  till  the  2nd  Saturday  of  Aucfust, 
1838,  at  which  time  the  members  gave  it  the  name  of  Mt. 
Gilead,  by  which  it  is  known  to  this  day. 

The  following  have  been  moderators,  viz.  :     Benjamin 

Spillman,    Elders  McQiuxry,  Thomas  Martin,   C. 

Hood,  T.  Martin,  William  Baker,  David  Caudel,  

Zion,  G.  S.  Weaver,  William  H.  Curtis  ;  the  last  of  whom 
is  the  moderator  at  this  date. 

This  church  is  located  four  miles  north-west  of  Green- 
14 


202  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

Held,  on  the  Noblesville  road,  on  the  west  side,  in  a  small 
grove.  The  buildinijf  is  an  old  frame,  antique  in  style  and 
void  of  paint. 


Curry's  Chapel  (Mkthodist  Ki'iscoi'Ai.), 

is  located  about  tive  miles  n(;rth-east  of  Greenfield. 
Methodist  meetings  in  this  neighborhood  were  first  held 
about  1830  ;  but  not  till  1834  "^^^^  there  a  permanent  organ- 
ization, and  meetings  were  held  for  a  time  at  the  private 
residences  of  Moses  Vangilder,  James  Park,  and  others, 
till  1843,  when  a  log  meeting-house  was  erected  near  h\ 
where  the  present  frame  now  stands.  At  that  date,  and 
until  within  the  last  few  years,  this  charge  belonged  to  the 
Greenfield  circuit.  In  1866,  the  old  log  was  superseded 
by  a  neat  frame,  costing  $1,300.  It  was  dedicated  by  J. 
W.  T.  McMullen.  The  first  pastor  was  Rev.  Barwick. 
The  first  class-leader  was  William  Martindale.  The  pres- 
ent pastor  is  Rev.  H.  Woolpert.  A  Sunday-school  is  sus- 
tained durinir  the  summer  season. 


vSuGAR  Creek  M.  E.  Cm  licn, 

located  five  miles  north-west  of  Greenfield,  on  tiie  banks 
of  Sugar  Creek,  was  organized  in  the  year  1838.  Among 
the  first  members  were  James  Gant,  Jeremiah  Gant,  John 
Alexander,  II.  Hunt,  Robert  Wilson,  and  Thomas  Smith. 
In  1840  they  erected  a  log  church,  prior  to  which  time  they 
had  no  regular  place  of  meeting.  In  this  log  house  they 
held  forth  and  prospered  till  1872,  when  they  erected  tlie 
present  neat  frame,  at  a  cost  of  $1,000..  Among  the 
shepherds  who  have  fed  the  flock  at  this  point  were  John 
Burt,  George  Havens,  John  Millender,  G.  W.  Bowers, 
and  Emerson  and  Beasley.  The  first  trustees  were  John 
Alexander,  Ilezekiah  Hunt,  and  Robert  Wilson.  This 
charge  is  now  attached  to  the  Philadelphia  circuit.  The 
present  minister  is  H.  Woolpert. 


CKNTKR  'roWNSHIl'.  20,^ 

Mr.  Carmel  M.  E.  Church, 

in  the  north-west  corner  of  Center  township,  on  the  hanks 
of  Suijfiir  Creek,  was  oru^anized  ahout  1838,  in  a  loi;- 
school-house  near  where  tlie  j^resent  house  stands.  Among 
the  first  members  were  Owen  and  Andrew  Jarrett,  Martha 
Svvope,  WiUiam  and  l^olly  Jones,  John  AUev,  Rile\'  Tay- 
h)r,  John  and  Nancy  Lewis,  Samuel  Henry  and  wile,  and 
Martha  Chapman,  wife  of  Hon.  Joseph  Chapman.  This 
organization  moved  quietly  along  with  reasonable  success 
till  1850,  when,  under  the  ministration  of  Eli  Rammel,  a 
remarkable  revival  was  had,  in  which  over  one  hundred 
were  added  to  the  membership  of  the  church.  In  1853, 
the  society  had  so  grown  in  size  and  means  that  it  decided 
on  the  building  of  a  house,  which  resulted  in  the  erection 
of  the  present  frame,  by  Henry  L.  Moore,  at  a  cost  ot' 
$8o3,  and  is  now  attached  to  the  Philadelphia  circuit. 

Greenfield  Cornet  Band 

was  organized   in    1865,   from   a   remnant  of   a   band   that 

-existed  during  the  war,  and  prospered  till    1874,  when  it 

was  reorganized  and  equipped,  with  considerable  change 

in  the  membership.     There  having  been  no  record  kept  of 

the  organization,  we  are  unable  to  give  the  names  of  tin' 

members,  with  anv  degree  of  certainty,  during  her  earlv 

•existence.      The  following  are  the  names  of  the  present 

•organization,  viz.  :     Isaac  R.  Davis,  Thomas  Carr,  John 

Davis,  Charles  Davis,  Abijah  Davis,  Penn  Bidgood,  Gea- 

tano    Ponti,    Qiiinn  Johnson,    Frank    Barr,    and   Charles 

Carter.     The  members  are  \iniformed,  and  supplied  witii 

good  instruments,   at  a  cost  of  $250,  and   a  band  wagon 

worth  $600. 

SlEI'HEN    T.    DiCKERSON. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  October  27,  1830. 
•one  mile  east  of  Fountaintown,  Shelby  county,  Indiana, 
where  he  remained  with  his  father  on  the  old  homestead 


CENTER  TOVN'NSHII' 


^05 


till  the  date  of  his  marriage  with  Nancv  Wiggins,  of  Han- 
cock county,  in  the  twentv-second  xenr  of  his  age. 

Mr.  D.  engaged  in  the  stock  trade  at  the  age  of  eighteen 
with  George  Roberts.  Their  first  speculation  was  in  sheep, 
purchased  north  of  Greenfield,  of  Harlan  Reeves  and 
others  in  that  neighborhood,  at  lifty  cents  per  head  for  the 
choice  of  the  flock.  His  next  trade  was  with  Hugh  Woos- 
ter,  of  Greenfield,  of  whom  he  purchased  fifteen  large, 
choice  steers,  at  $15  each.  When  they  were  turned  out 
of  the  large  woods  pasture,  on  the  farm  now  owned  by 
John  T.  Lineback,  to  drive  to  town,  thev  bounded  ofl' 
through  the  woods  and  brush  and  over  the  logs  at  such  a 
rate  that  Mr.  D.  got  completelv  lost,  and  came  on  to 
Greenfield  to  await  results.  In  the  course  of  an  hour  Mr. 
Wooster  put  in  an  appearance  with  the  cattle,  telling 
Dickerson  that  he  was  not  worth  a  "continental  copper" 
to  drive  stock,  or  he  could  get  through  the  brusli  fast 
enough  to  keep  up  with  an  old  man  like  him.  Mr.  D.  has 
been  in  the  stock  trade  in  Hancock  county  for  thirtv-three 
3'ears,  and  has  probably  bought  and  sold  more  stock  than 
an}'  other  man  in  the  county  ;  and  we  mav  add,  has  always 
enjoyed  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  his  customers  and 
the  public  generally.  He  also  filled  the  office  of  trustee 
of  Center  township  for  two  consecutive  terms,  during 
which  he  took  great  interest  in  the  schools,  and  encouraged 
both  pupil  and  teacher  bv  frequent  \isits. 

Mr.  D.  is  a  liberal,  jmblic-spirited  man.  and  has  taken 
great  interest  in  organizing  pike  companies,  and  encour- 
aging the  citizens  of  the  county  to  construct  good  gravel 
roads,  to  which  he  has  always  been  a  liberal  subscriber. 
It  was  through  his  management  that  the  Greenfield  and 
New  Palestine  gravel  road  was  completed,  which  was 
probably  the  most  difficult  road  of  the  kind  ever  made  in 
the  county,  owing  to  the  distance  to  which  the  gravel  had 
to  be  hauled,  being  cm  an  average  of  more  than  two  miles. 
Mr.  D.  also  organized  the  Center  and  Brandvwine  Pike 
Company,  and  was  one  of  its  most  liberal  subscribers. 

He  was  one  of  the  first  children  born  on  Brand\'wine, 


206  HISTORY  OF  HAN'COCK  COUNTY*. 

and,  consequently,  has  seen  a  good  deal  of  pioneer  life- 
He  says  that  the  first  apple  that  he  ever  saw  growing  was 
in  the  orchard  of  James  Smith,  about  five  miles  south  of 
Greenfield.  He  recollects  the  first  frame  house,  sawed 
boards  and  painting,  in  the  neighborhood.  It  was  on  the 
farm  of  Robert  P.  Brown,  built  by  the  late  Jacob  Fogle- 
song.  When  Mr.  D.  first  saw  Greenfield,  there  were  but 
two  houses  south  of  Main  street ;  one,  he  thinks,  was  Mr. 
Oftutt's  and  the  other  was  near  where  Mr.  Paullus"'  new 
residence  now  stands.  The  first  public  gathering  which 
he  recollects  attending  was  "muster,"  on  "muster  day," 
at  James  Goodwin's  residence,  now  owned  by  John  Richey, 
of  Brandywine  township.  He  attended  school  on  Hominy 
Ridge,  and  was  one  of  the  boys  that  helped  to  cany  Jack- 
son Porter  on  a  rail  to  Brandywine  before  he  would  "  come 
down"  with  the  cider,  apples  and  ginger-bread.  Mr.  D^ 
says  he  well  recollects  when  there  were  more  still-houses 
in  Brandywine  township,  Hancock  county,  and  Van  Buren 
township,  Shelby  county,  than  there  were  school-houses  ; 
and  that  it  was  a  very  common  thing  for  the  neighbors  to 
send  to  the  still-houses  for  beer,  and  use  it  in  the  place  of 
milk  to  drink.  But  notwithstanding  the  evils  of  that  day, 
the  young  folks  had  their  sport  and  amusement  of  many 
kinds.  In  the  fall  and  winter  seasons  there  would  be  a 
wood-chopping  and  quilting  in  the  neighborhood  about 
once  a  week,  and  a  dance  at  night.  Then  there  were  the 
apple  bees,  pumpkin  peelings,  flax  pullings.  and  corn- 
huskings — all  sources  of  amusement.  When  the  Mt. 
Leban(m  church  was  organized,  a  great  number  of  the 
voung  joined,  and  held  out  faithful  for  a  season  ;  but  when 
the  time  for  parties  arrived,  no  small  number  would  per- 
sist in  dancing,  greatly  against  the  rules  laid  down  b}'  old 
Fathers  Muth  and  Havens,  the  clerical  advisers  of  that 
time.  Mr,  D.  well  remembers  seeing  one  young  fellow 
arraiirned  before  one  of  the  old  fathers,  charged  with  the 
sin  of  dancing.  His  reply  to  which  not  being  satisfactory, 
he  was  told  that  it  would  not  be  tolerated.  "Then,"  said 
the  voungster,   "take  mv  name  oft'  the   church  book.      I 


CENTER  TOWNSHIP.  207 

only  intended  to  join  through  the  sickly  season/'  Mr.  D. 
is  in  harmony  with  the  doctrines  of  the  Christian  Church, 
and  has  ever  been  liberal  in  the  support  of  the  same.  He 
is  a  democrat  in  principle,  though  not  dogmatic  in  his 
views,  and  was  alwavs  opposed  to  slavery.  Mr.  D.  is 
president  of  the  New  Palestine  gravel  road,  and  has 
several  times  served  as  president  of  the  Hancock  Agricul- 
tural Society,  and  has  ever  been  an  enterprising,  ener- 
tretic  citizen. 


InTp. 


Tp.  Line 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


GREEN    TOWNSHir 


a  K 


,.. 

' 

S 

9 

10 

II 

iS 

17 

16 

>5 

14 

=4 

:. 

20 

21 

23 

23 

^5 

3^5 

29 

2S 

27 

26 

3^^ 

3> 

32 

33 

' — ■ 

34 

35 

17  N 


17  X 


Scale:     Tivo  miles  to  the  inch. 

MAP   OF  GREEX  TOWNSHIP. 

SHOWING  THE  SECTIONS,  TOWNSHIP  AND  RANGES  OF  WHICH  IT  IS  COMPOSED. 


JTanic  and  Organization. — This  township  took  its  name 
trom  John  Green,  the  tlrst  settler,  or  at  least  one  of  the 
tirst  settlers  thereot'.  It  was  orijanized  in  1832.  and  then 
consisted  ol'  sixty  sections,  the  same  territory  now  embod- 
ied in  Brown  and  Green,     It  was  taken  from  the  north 


GREEN  TOWNSHIP.  2O9 

part  of  Harrison  and  Jackson,  which  in  183 1  extended  to 
the  north  line  of  the  county,  their  southern  boundary 
being  the  same  as  shown  on  map,  page  89.  In  1833 
Brown  was  taken  from  the  east  part  of  the  original  Green 
township,  leaving  it  composed  of  thirty  sections,  the  pres- 
ent size.* 

Location^  Size.  Buu)idar\\  etc. — Green  township  is 
located  in  the  central  northern  portion  of  the  county,  and 
in  extent  is  five  miles  north  and  south  and  six  miles  east 
and  west,  being  uniform  in  size  with  Brown  and  Blue- 
river.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Madison  county,  on 
the  east  bv  Brown  township,  on  the  south  by  Jackson  and 
Center,  and  on  the  west  by  Vernon.  It  is  located  in 
township  seventeen  north  and  in  ranges  six  and  seven 
east.  The  west  tier  of  sections  is  in  range  six  east,  and 
the  remainder  in  range  seven  east.  The  range  line  runs 
one  mile  west  of  Eden,  and  forms  the  east  line  of  Thomas 
McClarnon"s  farm. 

Surface.,  Soil.  Drainage,  and  Productions. — The  sur- 
face is  generally  level  and  slightly  undulating,  with  the 
exception  of  a  small  portion  bordering  along  Sugar  Creek. 
The  greater  portion  of  the  soil  is  a  black  loam,  rich  and 
productive,  and  portions  of  the  uplands  a  good  clay,  both 
red  and  blue.  There  is  but  very  little  third-rate  land  in 
the  township  at  this  date,  since  the  recent  attention  given 
to  tile  draining  and  public  ditching.  The  chief  produc- 
tions are  hogs,  cattle,  wheat,  corn,  horses,  oats,  flaxseed. 
and  Irish  potatoes.  She  has  no  factories,  and  owing  to 
her  distance  from  the  railroad  heretofore,  she  has  not 
drawn  so  heavilv  on  her  forests  as  her  sister  townships 
have  done.  In  i83o  she  produced  from  3.094  acres.  52.598 
bushels  of  wheat :  from  'ct^Z^-  acres,  92,796  bushels  of 
corn  ;  from  349  acres,  8,027  bushels  of  oats  ;  being  about 
an  average  township  of  the  county.  For  the  same  year 
she  reported  753  tons  of  hay.  266  bushels  of  Irish  potatoes, 
and  905  lbs.  of  tobacco. 


*F<)r  a  fuller  historv  «>f  the  organization  and  bounJar'.ei  see  pages  31  and  90. 


2IO  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

Streams.  —  Sugar  Creek*  takes  a  general  diagonal 
course  across  the  township.  It  enters  on  the  east  line,  one 
and  one-half  miles  south  of  the  north-east  corner,  and 
runs  one  mile  north-west ;  thence  two  miles  south-west 
into  section  twent3'-two,  in  the  middle  tier  of  sections  ; 
thence  in  a  general  westerly  course,  passing  Eden  on  the 
north,  through  sections  twentj'-one,  twenty  and  nineteen 
to  the  center  of  section  twenty-four  ;  thence  in  a  south  by 
south-west  course,  passing  out  of  the  township  at  the  north- 
west corner  of  section  thirty-six. 

A  small  stream  rises  on  the  south  line  of  section  thirty- 
two,  runs  north  by  north-west,  and  flows  into  Sugar  Creek 
on  the  west  line  of  section  nineteen. 

Swamp  Creek  extends  through  sections  thirt3'-two  and 
twenty-nine,  and  enters  Sugar  Creek  near  the  center  of 
section  twenty. 

First  Laud  E)itrics  and  First  Settlers. — The  first  land 
entered  in  Green  township  was  by  William  Shortridge,  on 
the  26th  day  of  May,  1829,  being  the  northeast  quarter  of 
section  nineteen,  township  seventeen  north,  in  range  seven 
east,  lying  north  of  Eden.  John  Green  and  Andrew  Jack- 
son made  entries  a  little  later  in  the  same  year. 

The  first  settlers  were  John  Green,  from  whom  the 
township  was  named ;  William  Rickard,  Miles  Walker, 
Thomas  Dorson,  John  Hanger,  Vincent  Cooper,  John  L. 
Alford,  Abraham  Rhue,  Robert  Walker  (father  of  Rev. 
Miles  Walker),  Thomas  L.  Fuqua,  and  John  Denney  ;  all 
of  whom  settled  prior  to  1833.  Afterwards  came  Jona- 
than Ilorniday,  Isaiah  and  Jesse  Jackson,  John  Forgy, 
Willliam  Thomas  ;  Joseph,  William  and  Jesse  Roberts  ; 
Jacob  and  William  Amack,  James  Walker,  Edward  Bar- 
rett ;  George  Henry,  associate  judge ;  Samuel  Henry, 
William  Galbreath,  and  John  Myers.  Most  of  the  above 
have  long  since  bid  adieu  to  terrestrial  scenes  ;  but  are  still 
green  in  the  memory  of  many  of  the  older  citizens  who 
will  read  these  names.     Manv  of  them  we  are  unable  to 


*To  locate   the  streams   accurately,  observe  our  section   map  at   the  head  of  tliis 
•hapter. 


GREEN  TOWNSHIP.  211 

learn  much  about,  except  that  they  were  representative 
pioneer  men,  modest,  unassuming,  never  aspiring  to  office, 
industi"ious,  hardy  and  hospitable.  Their  names  are 
doubtless  written  in  the  Lambs  Book  of  Life,  and  are  now 
found  in  the  history  of  the  county,  to  be  handed  down  to 
the  third  and  fourth  generations,  and  remembered  as  the 
forerunners  of  a  brighter  civilization.  There  are  doubtless 
others  who  might,  with  propriety-,  be  placed  in  the  list ; 
but  to  name  all  would  be  tedious. 

First  Election,  etc. — At  the  first  election  held  in  Green 
in  her  original  size,  as  shown  on  page  89,  there  were  but 
nine  votes  cast.  The  election  was  held  at  the  residence  of 
Morgan  McQiiary.  The  first  election  in  Green  after 
Brown  was  struck  off  was  held  at  the  residence  of  John 
Hanger.  The  votes  were  cast  in  a  hat,  and  covered  with 
a  kerchief.  We  hear  of  no  complaints  and  serious  charges 
of  stuffing  the  ballot-boxes  in  those  primitive  days. 

Historical  Anecdote.  —  In  June,  1833,  Rev.  Miles 
Walker,  John  Walker  and  Vincent  Cooper,  caught  thirteen 
young  wolves,  about  the  size  of  a  six  months'  cur  dog,  in 
the  hollow  of  a  log.  They  brought  the  scalps  to  Greenfield, 
and  the  county  gave  them  a  credit  of  fift}-  cents  per  scalp 
on  their  taxes,  and  the  state  paid  a  reward  of  the  same 
amount  in  money.  Before  they  could  avail  themselves  of 
the  bounty  of  either  state  or  county,  however,  they  had  to 
comply  with  the  law  requiring  them  to  take  an  "  iron-clad  " 
oath  that  they  had  never  raised  a  female  wolf",  nor  owned 
a  male  dog  part  wolf,  for  the  last  ten  years.  The  policy 
of  this  requirement  was  to  prevent  citizens  raising  wolves 
for  their  scalps,  and  the  reward  obtained  therefor.  Wolves 
were  numerous  at  this  early  date,  and  ver\'  destructive  to 
sheep,  and  especially  to  lambs  and  pigs,  insomuch  that  it 
was  impossible  to  raise  them  without  penning. 

A  jFczu  First  T/ii)ig's. — The  first  preacher  in  Green 
township  was  Stephen  Masters,  one  of  the  pioneer  preach- 
ers of  the  county,  who  is  reported  iis  the  first  and  one  of 
the  first  in  all  the  north-western  portions  of  the  countv. 
The  first  teacher  was  Miss  Eliza  Moore.     The  first  phvsi- 


212  HISTORY  OP'  IIAN'COCK  COUNTY. 

cian  was  Paul  Moore.  The  first  death  was  that  of  Samuel 
Walker,  buried  at  the  Baptist  church,  in  the  west  part  of 
the  township  ;  being  the  lirst  burial  also.  The  hrst  road 
was  the  blazed  route  Irom  Greenfield  to  Pendleton,  the 
county-seat  of  Madison  count}-.  The  first  miller  was 
George  Mason.  The  first  school  was  near  Eden.  The 
first  church  building  was  by  the  Baptists.  The  first  church 
organization  was  by  the  Methodists.  The  first  merchant 
was  George  Henry,  father  of  Attorney  Charles  Henry,  of 
Anderson.  The  first  post-office  was  at  Eden.  The  first 
tanners  were  Dudley  Eakes  and  J.  Price. 

Mills. — In  1835  George  Mason  had  erected  the  first 
water-mill,  grist  and  saw  mill  combined,  in  the  township, 
located  on  Sujjar  Creek,  north-east  of  Eden.  Indeed,  it 
was  the  first  mill  of  any  kind  in  the  township. 

In  1836  William  Beeson  erected  the  second  water-mill 
in  the  tow-nship.  It  was  located  about  two  and  one-half 
miles  east  of  Eden,  and  cracked  corn  and  scratched  logs 
for  several  years. 

Subsequently  Bragg  &  Guy  built  the  first  steam  sash 
saw-mill  in  the  township,  near  Eden.  It  was  traded  and 
sold  several  times,  burned  down  in  1856,  rebuilt  by  Sam- 
uel Archer,  and  finally  moved  away. 

Dr.  Samuel  A.  Troy,  in  1865,  put  in  operation  a  circu- 
lar saw  mill,  three  miles  east  of  Eden,  operated  it  for  a 
time,  and  then  sold  to  Trueblood  &  Barrett.  Barrett  sold 
to  Walker,  and  the  new  firm,  Trueblood  &  Walker,  moved 
it  on  the  Henry  land,  south-west  of  Eden.  It  was  then 
run  for  a  time  bv  Cooper  &  Roberts,  and  finally  moved 
away. 

A  steam  saw-mill  was  operated  on  H.  B.  Wilson's  farm, 
three  miles  east  of  Eden,  for  a  few  years.  It  was  moved 
away  about  1878.  , 

About  1873,  a  steam  saw-mill  was  set  in  operation  at 
Milner's  Corner,  bv  W^alton,  Rule  &  Milner,  which 
required  about  eighteen  months  to  devour  the  saw  timber  in 
that  \icinity,  when  it  dejxirted.  A  steam  saw-mill  was  built 
at  Eden,  by  C.  Mingle,  about  1875,  and  is  still  in  operation. 


GREEN  TOWNSHIP.  213 

Stephen  V.  Tucker  erected  a  steam  saw-mill  at  Mil- 
ner's  Corner  in  1880,  which  is  still  running. 

There  are  no  factories  nor  flouring  mills  in  the  town- 
ship ;  though  there  is  a  good  opening  for  both,  and  espe- 
cially should  the  North  and  South  railroad  come  through. 
as  contemplated. 

I^oads. — Green  township  has  twelve  miles  of  toll  pike, 
and  ten  miles  the  charter  to  which  has  been  surrendered. 
The  Greenfield  and  Pendleton  pike  extends  across  the 
township  from  north  to  south.  There  is  a  line  extending 
from  Eden  to  Warringotn  ;  one  from  Eden  to  McCords- 
ville  ;  another  from  Eden  to  Fortville  ;  and  one  from  Eden 
to  Milner's  Corner.  The  last  three  lines  do  not  extend  to 
Eden  directly,  but  intersect  the  North  and  South  pike, 
near  thereto,  so  that  the  several  points  mentioned  are 
reached  by  pike. 

Green  is  the  onh-  township  in  the  count}'  without  a  rail- 
road, and  she  recentl}'  voted  $10,000  to  the  prospective 
Anderson  and  Shelbvville  road,  which,  it  is  thouirht,  will 
pass  through  Eden. 

Educaiional.  — " 'Tis  education  forms  the  common 
mind  ;  as  the  twig  is  bent  the  tree  is  inclined.''  The  first 
settlers,  though  void  of  a  finished  literary  and  classic  edu- 
cation, and  not  even  possessing  the  rudiments  in  many 
cases,  yet  they  began  early  to  give  some  attention  to  the 
education  of  their  children,  and  small  schools  were  sus- 
tained in  the  winter  months  in  the  more  thicklv  settled 
neighborhoods  where  enough  children  could  be  gotten 
together  to  constitute  a  school,  and  a  teacher  could  be 
secured  to  teach  the  young  idea  to  shoot  at  from  twenty  to 
forty  dollars  per  quarter  and  "found,"  or  "board  round." 
Among  the  first  "school-masters"  and  "  school-marms  " 
of  this  section  were  Miss  Eliza  Moore,  a  relative  of  the 
present  resident  Moores  of  tlie  township  ;  George  Henry, 
afterwards  associate  judge  and  representative ;  David 
McKinsey,  a  faithful,  efficient  instructor  for  the  time,  but 
now  among  the  unfortunates  faring  in  the  county  infirmary  ; 
and  Sanford  and  Jehu  Lewis,  brother  pedagogues.     The 


214  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

lirst  school-house  was  buiU  in  1836,  and  located  a  short 
distance  north-east  ot"  Eden.  It  was  one  of  those  primi- 
tive "educational  institutions"  made  wholh^  of  saplin<^s 
and  split  boards,  without  paint,  putty,  glass,  iron,  or  mod- 
ern patent  fixtures  of  any  kind.  Soon  after  this  there  was 
one  of  a  similar  kind  in  the  north-east  part  of  the  township. 

Green,  however,  like  other  townships  outside  of  Cen- 
ter, was  opposed  to  the  establishment  of  free  schools.  In 
the  vote  of  the  county  on  the  free  school  question  in  1848. 
she  cast  seventy-five  votes  for  "free  school"  and  ninety- 
one  votes  for  "  no  school";  and  in  1849  ^^^^  ^'^^'^^  stood, 
*'free  school,"  forty-five;  "no  school,"  one  hundred. 

The  following  table  will  show  the  names  of  the  public 
.school-houses  in  Green  and  the  present  instructors  : 

District  No.  i.  .  .New  Hope Wilson  Dobbins. 

District  No.  2  .  .  .  Cass J-  H.  Barrett. 

District  No.  3.  .    Christ W.  S.  Porter. 

District  No.  4.  .  .Walker's W.  W.  Stanley. 

District  No.  5.  .  .Eden J.  W.  Ryckman. 

District  No.  6.  .  .Ferrell Rena  Wilson. 

District  No.  7.  .  .Crane  Pond.  .  .  .Charles  H.  Shank. 

District  No.  8.  .  .Michigan J.  E.  White. 

District  No.  9.  .  .California Howard  E.  Barrett. 

District  No.  10.  .  .Purdue Lafayette  Trittipo. 

Green  township  has  ten  small  frame  school-houses, 
valued  at,  including  grounds,  furniture  and  outbuilding, 
$4,000.  Her  maps,  charts,  globes  and  other  school  appa- 
ratus are  valued  at  $100.  Total  value  of  school  property- 
in  the  township,  $4,100. 

There  has  been  a  gradual,  steady  decline  in  the  num- 
ber of  school  children  in  this  township  since  1853,  the  first 
enumeration.  The  enumeration  for  1853  was  474;  for 
i860,  406  ;  for  1870,  388  ;  for  1880,  384  ;  and  for  1881,  353  ; 
a  decrease  of  121  in  the  last  twenty-eight  years. 

Township  Trustees. — The  following  list  shows  the 
names  of  the  trustees  and  their  date  of  appointment  from 
1859,  ^^  which  time  they  were  empowered  by  law  to  lev\- 


GREEN  TOWNSHIP.  21^ 

a  local  tuition  tax,  and  the  office   assumed  some  ditrnitv 
and  significance  : 

Meredith  Gosney 1859     Andrew  H.  Barrett 1869 

Edward  Valentine 1S61  William  L.  McKinsey..  .  .  1874 

Joseph   Barrett 1865      Sidney  Moore ". 1880 

Edward  Valentine 1866 

Remarks  :  Meredith  Gosney,  who  figures  extensivelv 
in  the  early  history  of  the  township,  was  the  first  trustee 
under  the  improved  school  law.  He  held  the  office  for 
two  terms  of  one  year  each.  Edward  Valentine  carried 
the  township  through  the  perilous  times  of  the  civil  war, 
being  four  times  elected.  Andrew  PI.  Barrett  was  the 
first  trustee  who  had  the  opportunit}'  of  voting  for  countv 
superintendent  of  schools.  We  have  dipped  salt  with 
"Andy  "'  more  than  once.  May  he  live  long  and  prosper. 
William  L.  McKinsey  held  the  office  longer  than  any  other 
trustee  who  has  filled  the  place.  Sidney  Moore  looks  after 
the  poor  and  pedagogues  at  this  date. 

Churches. — This  township,  for  reasons  unknown  to  the 
writer,  is  not  as  bountifully  supplied  with  good  buildings 
especially  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  the  author  of  all 
good  as  her  sister  townships  ;  but  possibly  what  she  lacks 
in  numbers  she  makes  up  in  the  efficiencv  of  the  few. 
Green  reports  three  church  buildings,  viz.  :  Two  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  and  one  Christian.  But  it  must  be  borne 
in  mind  that  Green  has  no  saloons  or  billiard  halls,  and, 
perhaps,  less  evil  to  counteract. 

Population  and  Poll. — An  examination  of  the  United 
States  census  reports  for  the  past  few  decades  shows  a 
slow  growth  for  a  time,  and  recendy  a  decline  in  the  pop- 
ulation. The  report  for  1850  gives  her  1,019  souls;  for 
i860,  1,076  ;  for  1870,  1,177  ;  ''^nd  for  1880,  1,166  ;  a  growth 
in  twenty  years  of  one  hundred  and  fifty-eight  and  then  a 
decline  in  the  last  ten  years  of  eleven,  for  which  we  are 
scarcely  able  to  account,  considering  her  steadv  irrowth 
m  wealth,   good  roads,   and    other   improvements.       But 


2l6  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

there  is  a  great  tendency  among  the  young  in  this  fast  age 
to  leave  the  monotony  of  the  country  and  seek  the  town 
and  city.  The  railroad  enthusiast  would  make  an  argu- 
ment in  favor  of  railroads  out  of  the  circumstance  :  and, 
indeed,  it  is  rather  a  singular  circumstance,  if  such  it  may 
be  called,  that  the  only  township  without  a  railroad  should 
be  the  onlv  one  declining  in  population.  The  stickler  for 
plain  dress,  rather  than  frivolous  fashions,  would  say  that 
it  is  owing  to  her  having  no  dress-making  establishments 
and  milliner  shops.  The  falling  off  in  numbers  seems  not 
to  have  been  among  the  men  and  boys  for  the  last  ten  years. 
There  was  only  a  loss  of  four  school  children  during  the 
decade,  while  there  was  an  increase  of  thirty-one  taxable 
polls,  the  numbers  standing  thus  :  Taxable  polls  for  1870, 
190;  for  1880,  221  ;  and  for  1881,  231  ;  showing  an  increase 
of  forty-one  taxable  polls  in  eleven  years.  But  we  will 
state  the  facts  and  figures,  and  leave  the  reader  to  draw 
his  own  conclusions.  The  polls  in  Green  for  1840  were 
130;  in  1850,  149;  in  i860,  178. 

Vo/c\ — Green  township  for  i860  cast  184  votes  ;  for 
1870,  229;  for  1880,  286;  with  a  democratic  majorty  of 
fifty-four  for  1880.  The  vote  stood:  Democratic,  170; 
republican,  116.     The  voting  precinct  is  Eden. 

Value  of  Real  and  Pasonal  Property. — Green  town- 
ship is  assessed  on  19,194  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $372,- 
iio,  and  improvements  on  the  same  valued  at  $101,050, 
being  an  average  of  about  $25  per  acre.  Value  of  lots, 
$1,625;  value  of  improvements  on  same,  $9,120.  Value 
of  personal  property,  $129,670.  Total  value  of  taxables, 
$613,595.  The  total  value  of  taxables  for  1839  ^^''^^  $60,- 
930,  less  than  one-tenth  of  the  amount  for  1881. 

Taxes. — Green  township  paid  taxes  to  the  amount  of 
$599.19  in  1842,  $836.18  in  1850,  $3,465.52  in  i860, 
$5,652.34  in  1870,  and  the  levy  for  1881,  to  be  paid  in 
1882,  is  $6,528.44  ;  an  examination  of  w^hich  shows  a  rapid 
grow^th  in  taxation.  The  levy  on  each  $100  is  ninety-four 
cents. 

The  following  list  shows  the  heavy  tax-payers  in  Green 


GREEN  TOWNSHIP.  217 

township  ;   being  a   complete   showing  of  those   who   will 
pay  $40  taxes  and  upward  in  1882  : 

Alford,  John $  41   38  Jarrctt,  Xcri $  63  78 

Alford,  S.  L 41   00  Keller,  E.  E 100  83 

Barrett,  E.  H 53  32  Keller,  J.  W 61   34 

Barrett,  William,  heirs  66  79  Keller,  J.  M 8315 

Barrett,  Isaac  S 54  95  McCarty,  J.  P 60  22 

Boots,  Joseph 44  37  Mingle,  Adam 43  ^9 

Barnard,  R.   Y 1:^2  43  Moore,  P.  J.,  heirs.  ...  71   91 

Baity,  D.    H 64  03  Martindale,  J.  N 50  43 

Biilett,  G.  A 40  GO  Olvey,  L.  D ^2  63 

Collins,  William 47  72  Piper,  J.  M 58  86 

Crist,  John 67  97  Ryon,  J.  S 4°  35 

Cupp,  Peter 43  77  Roherts,  Leander 9^*   ^7 

Cass,  James  F 84  48  Smith,  Jonathan 47  34 

Franks,  M.  L 61   69  Trueblood,  J.  M 44  39 

Franks.  G.  P 41   5 1  Troy,  C.  H 74  65 

Henry,   Samuel 65   20  Wilson,  H.  B 82  69 

Hunt,  Jehu 104  54  Wilson,  Archibald.  ...  62  90 

Jackson.  John 55   57  ^^^ilson,  William 70  06 

Lazv  and  Esqtiircs. — The  policy  of  our  law  is  to  bring 
justice  near  the  door  of  every  man,  to  offer  an  opportunity 
for  the  convenient  adjustment  of  petty  grievances  at  the 
least  possible  expense  to  the  people.  For  this  purpose 
Indiana,  following  in  the  wake  of  the  English  custom, 
wisely  embodied  in  her  constitution  a  provision  for  the 
election  in  each  township  of  a  competent  number  of  jus- 
tices of  the  peace,  who  shall  continue  in  office  four  years. 
These  officers  are  empowered  to  act  in  both  a  ministerial 
and  judicial  capacity.  Miiiistcriallx.  in  preserving  the 
peace,  yudicially,  as  when  he  convicts  for  an  offense. 
In  the  prosecution  of  said  policy,  the  following  men  have 
tilled  the  otffce  of  justice  of  the  peace  for  a  time,  being 
elected  at  the  dates  set  opposite  their  names  : 

John  L.  Alford 1^33  Miles  Walker 1850 

Andrew  J.  Hatfield  .  Unknown  Michael  Copper 181^3 

John  Furgason Unknown  Wm.  Cook.  .  .  1S58,  1862,  i866 

15 


2l8  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

Elijah  S.  Cooper.  .  .  1S41,  1S46     R.  M.  Fuqua 1863 

James  Jones 1843     Isaac  Barrett 1867 

\V.  R.  Ferrell,  J.  M.  Truebloocl 

1846,  1855,  1859,  187S  1869,  1873,  1877 

John  Price V.  ......  184S     W.  T.   Hamilton .  1870 

M.  M.  Acldington 1848     William  Collins 1880 

William  Barrett.  .  .  .  1849,  1854 

Remarks :  John  L.  Altord  was  the  first  justice  in  the 
township.  Twelve  of  the  above  number  served  one  term 
each.  Elijah  S.  Cooper  and  William  Barrett  filled  the 
office  for  eight  years  each.  William  Cook  and  J.  M. 
Trueblood  were  each  three  times  elected.  W.  R.  Ferrell, 
who  was  first  elected  thirty-five  years  ago,  is  now  on  his 
fourth  term.  Ferrell  and  William  Collins  preside  at  the 
scales  of  justice  in  the  township  at  this  date.  About  half 
of  the  above  have  bid  adieu  to  earthly  courts,  to  appear  at 
the  bar  Divine  before  the  Judge  Supreme  of  all  the  earth. 

J^/rsi  Busmcss. — The  first  business  of  this  section  was 
done  at  Pendleton,  where  the  pioneers  went  to  exchange 
their  lurs,  ginseng,  venison,  and  porkers,  for  a  few  of  the 
staple  articles.  For  milling  they  went  to  Fall  Creek. 
The  first  stores  in  the  township  were  at  Eden,  a  central 
point  for  the  first  settlements.  Among  the  first  merchants 
were  George  Henry,  C.  &J.  Lewis,  J.  &  E.  McPherson, 
J.  A.  Alford,  the  "Squire,"  and  Hiram  Barrett.  Later 
were  Brandt  &  Fry  and  Barrett  &  Co.  Very  early  in  the 
history  of  the  township  Dudley  Fakes  run  a  tannery  in  the 
south-west  part  of  the  township,  on  Leander  Roberts's 
farm.  His  vats  consisted  of  large  troughs  made  of  walnut. 
Later  John  Price  had  a  tannery  in  Eden.  In  1850  Spea- 
gle  carried  on  a  blacksmith  shop  in  the  eastern  part  of  the 
township.  Jonathan  Smith  opened  a  store  at  Willow 
Branch  in  1853,  and  was  the  first  postmaster  on  the  estab- 
lishing of  the  post-office  in  1854. 

Physicians. — The  first  settlers  of  Green,  in  case  of 
serious  sickness,  called  for  aid  on  the  medical  talent  of 
Pendleton  and  Greenfield.     The  first  resident  physician 


GREEN  TOWNSHIP,  219 

was  Paul  Moore,  followed  by  William  Loder,  Jones  & 
Edwards  (the  latter  of  whom  is  now  holding  forth  in 
Greenheld),  and  J.  J.  Carter. 

Ex-County  Officers. — This  was  the  home  of  George 
Henry,  associate  judge,  county  surveyor,  and  representa- 
tive. Here  lived  Andrew  T,  Hatfield,  representative  : 
Elijah  S.  Cooper,  county  treasurer;  Samuel  Archer, 
sheriff;  and  Robison  Jarrett,  commissioner.  Jonathan 
Smith,  ex-commissioner,  is  still  among  the  living. 

Prominent  Families^ — This  is  the  home  of  the  Barretts, 
Ferrells,  Mingles,  Walkers,  Robertses,  Wilsons,  Jarretts, 
Alfords,  Coopers,  Henrys,  Moores,  Crists,  Troys,  Collins, 
Kellers,  Barnards,  Franks,  Cooks,  Smiths,  McKinseys, 
Bait\-s,  Truebloods,  McClarnons,  and  Olveys. 

Murders  and  Fatal  Accidents. — In,  or  about,  1831,  two 
men,  who  were  from  Madison  county,  camped  out  in  the 
woods,  and  built  a  hre  beside  a  dead  tree,  as  a  protection 
against  the  wolves,  and  retired  for  the  night,  during  which 
the  tree  set  on  fire  fell  on  one  of  them.  The  other  built  a 
,  pen  around  him,  to  prevent  his  being  devoured  by  the 
wolves,  while  he  procured  assistance  to  remove  the  log 
from  the  body. 

Michael  Crist,  father  of  John  and  George,  was  found 
dead  in  the  public  highway,  near  the  Crist  school-house, 
April  26,  1876.     Aged  eighty-five  years. 

On  the  8th  of  May,  1877,  William  Cook,  Esquire, 
was  found  dead  in  the  woods  beside  a  log,  near  where  he 
had  been  cutting  wood. 

A  boy  by  the  name  of  Johnson  was  killed  at  the 
Cooper  saw-mill,  a  few  years  since,  by  a  saw-log  rolling 
over  him. 

The  most  foul,  atrocious,  diabolical  and  unnatural  mur- 
der that  we  are  called  upon  to  record  in  the  history  of  the 
county  was  perpetrated,  on  the  night  of  June  7th,  1878,  in 
Green  township,  on  the  persons  of  Mrs.  Sarah  Jane  Wil- 
-son,  aged  forty-three  years,  widow  of  the  late  Woodford 
Wilson,  and  her  little  niece,  Anaretta  Cass,  aged  six  years. 
'The  strange,  sad  news  of  this  atrocious   double  murder 


220 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


soon  spread  throughout  the  county,  and  before  noon  of  the* 
next  day  hundreds  of  people  could  be  seen  rapidly  making" 
their  way  to  the  sad  scene,  and  surrounding  the  house 
were  hundreds  more,  filled  with  anguish  and  anger  at  what 
had  transpired.  By  whom  and  just  how  this  scene  was 
enacted,  has  never  been  legally  determined.  The  plain 
facts  in  the  case  are  about  as  follows  :     Mrs.  Wilson  and 


SAKAII  JANE   WII.SOX. 


her  little  niece  lived  alone  on  her  farm,  about  two  miles 
east  of  Eden.  They  were  at  peace  with  the  world,  having 
harmed  no  one,  and  anticipated  no  trouble  or  personal 
violence  from  anv  bod}',  and  had  only  taken  the  usual  pre- 
caution of  locking  the  doors  and  windows,  not  deeming  it 
necessary  to  go  to  the  trouble  and  expense  of  having  addi- 
tional company  to  stay  with  them  of  nights.  Next  morn- 
inuf  Mrs.  Wilson  was  found  dead,  Iving  on  her  face  on  the 


GREEN  TOWNSHIP. 


22  I 


I 


floor  in  the  sitting-room,  in  her  night  clothes,  partially  cov- 
ered with  a  thin  comfort.  Anaretta  was  found  on  the  floor 
near  the  door  of  their  bedroom,  lying  almost  naked.  The 
bodies  were  examined  by  good  physicians,  which  devel- 
oped the  fact  that  they  had  come  to  their  deaths  by  stran- 
gulation from  pressure  of  the  thumb  and  Angers  of  the 
left  hand  of  a  man,  the  marks  of  the  ends  of  the  fingers 


ANARETTA   CASS. 


being  plainly  visible  on  either  side  of  the  trachea.  It  is 
left  to  circumstantial  evidence,  theor}-  and  reason  to  deter- 
mine the  cause  and  manner  of  this  double  -crime.  It  is 
supposed  that  the  party,  or  parties,  by  some  means  gained 
entrance  to  the  rear  of  the  house,  committed  the  rash  act, 
and  made  his,  or  their,  exit  at  the  front  door,  breakinir  a 
glass  beside  the  door  in  passing  out.  The  theory  is  sup- 
ported by  the  fact  that  the  broken  pieces  of  glass  were 


222  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

found  on  the  porch  and  none  on  the  inside  of  the  room. 
Considerable  effort  was  made  to  discover  the  guilt}'  parties, 
but  to  no  avail.  Time  and  eternity  may  develop  the  facts, 
but  as  yet  it  is  shrouded  in  mystery.  We  only  know  that 
two  innocent  lives  were  violently  and  suddenly  plunged 
into  eternity  by  some  hellish  fiend  in  human  form.  Who 
can  look  at  the  portraits  of  the  innocent  ^'ictims,  and  con- 
template the  atrocity  of  the  crime,  without  feelings  of 
holy  indignation? 

Recapitulation. — Green  township  contains  thirty  sec- 
tions and  19,194  acres;  has  one  mill  stream,  two  smaller 
streams,  one  border  county,  four  border  townships,  two 
steam  saw-mills,  ten  school-houses,  three  church  buildings, 
four  churches,  one  lodge,  one  village,  two  post-offices, 
five  pikes,  one  prospective  railroad,  1,166  inhabitants,  353 
school  children,  231  polls,  286  voters,  $4,100  worth  of 
school  property,  $131,260  worth  of  personal  property, 
$9,115  w^orth  of  lots  and  improvements,  $473,220  worth  ot~ 
land  and  improvements,  177  male  dogs,  two  (?)  female 
dogs,  $613,595  worth  of  taxable  property,  thirty-seven 
men  who  pay  over  $40  taxes  each,  fifteen  ex-justices,  two 
acting  justices,  six  ex-trustees  since  1859,  ^^-^  ex-county 
officers,  one  living  ex-county  officer,  a  fertile  soil,  several 
hundred  acres  unditched,  an  abundance  of  saw  timber,  no 
want  of  rail  timber  ;  a  limited  amount  of  fish,  squirrels, 
quails  and  rabbits  ;  a  healthful  climate,  three  physicians,  a 
republican  trustee,  no  saloons,  no  billiard  halls,  a  moral 
community,  a  declining  population,  an  increasing  valua- 
tion, and  a  democratic  majority  of  eight}'. 


GREEN  TOWNSHIP. 


223 


CHAPTER   XIV. 

GREEN    TOWNSHIP CoutluHCd. 

Eden. 

The  modern  Eden,  once  known  as  Lewisburg,  was 
laid  out  on  the  21st  of  August,  1835,  by — the  records  fail 
to  show  whom,  but  the  older  citizens  say  by  Alford — and 
consisted  of  thirty-five  lots.  The  first  and  only  addition 
to  this  date  was  made  by  Levi  Archer,  on  the  26th  of 
April,  1871,  with  seventeen  lots.  It  is  a  small  village,  on 
the  south  bank  of  Sugar  Creek,  near  the  center  of  the 
township,  eight  miles  north  of  Greenfield  and  seven  south 
of  Pendleton,  on  the  pike.  It  has  one  church,  a  district 
school,  a  pleasant  location;  a  post-office,  with  mail  tri- 
weekly, L.  A.  Riggs,  postmaster  ;  and  the  following  busi- 
ness men,  to-wit : 


XTerchants — 

L.  A.  Riggs, 
Joseph  Canohan. 

Painter  and  Carriage  Maker 
E.  P.  Lawrence. 

Steam  Saiv-Mill — 
B.  F.  Moore. 

Wagon  JMakers — 
B.  J.  Jackson, 
A.  H.  Barrett. 

Boot  and  Shoe  JMakers — 
Trueblood  &  Jarrett. 


Physicians — 

John  A.  Justice, 
W.  A.  Justice. 

Undertaker — 

J.  M.  Trueblood. 

Carpenter — 

A.  J.  Popink. 

Bla  cks  m  ith  s — 
A.  J.  Taylor, 
Henry  Curtis, 
Green  Osborn  (a  little  east 
of  town). 


Milner's  Corner. 

The  second  post-ofllce  in  the  township  is  known  as  Mil- 
ner's  Corner,  located  in  the  central  eastern  part  of  the 
township,  on  the  line  between  Green  and  Brown,     It  is 


224  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

about  thirteen  miles  north-east  of  Greenfield,  and  derived 
its  name  from  James  Milner,  in  1850.  There  has  never 
been  a  plat  of  the  place  made  and  recorded,  and,  conse- 
quently, no  additions. 

The  first  store  at  this  point  was  kept  by  David  McKin- 
sey,  an  ex  school-teacher,  followed  by  John  Dawson, 
Henry  Milner,  Nimrod  Davis,  Joseph  Decamp,  Caldwell 
&  Keller,  William  and  Joseph  Bills,  S.  A.  Troy,  Tague  & 
Brother,  and  W.  Vanzant.  The  present  merchant  is 
Charles  H.  Troy.  The  post-oflSce  was  established  in 
1868  ;  the  first  postmaster  was  Nimrod  Davis  ;  the  present 
•employee  of  Uncle  Sam  is  Charles  H.  Troy.  The  pre- 
vious physicians  were  D.  H.  Myers,  S.  A.  Tro}-,  George 
Williams,  and  Charles  Pratt;  the  present  physician  is  S. 
A.  Tro}^  The  blacksmiths  are  Vandyke  and  Manning  ; 
the  wood-workmen  are  Josiah  Long  and  Joel  Manning. 
It  has  a  steam  saw-mill,  owned  b}-  L.  Tucker,  previously 
mentioned  ;  capacity,  five  thousand  feet  per  day  ;  employs 
four  hands.     Mail  tri-weekl}^ 

Eden  Chapel  (M.  E.) 

The  first  meetings  of  this  order,  in  the  early  history  of 
the  township,  were  held  near  Eden,  in  the  private  dwell- 
ings of  Blackburn,  Thomas  Dorson,  Robert  Walker,  and 
Robison  Jarrett.  The  first  ministers  were  Stephen  Mas- 
ters and  James  Vess.  The  first  itinerant  minister  was 
Rev.  Donaldson,  followed  by  Revs.  John  Leach  and 
Frank  Richmond.  In  1838,  the  society  erected  a  log 
house  at  Eden,  near  where  the  present  Irame  stands,  in 
the  east  part  of  town.  Here  it  held  forth  till  about  i860, 
when  it  erected  the  present  building,  a  commodious  frame, 
at  a  cost  of  $1,500.  It  was  dedicated  by  Rev.  John 
McCart}-.  Near  by  is  a  cemetery,  where  slumber  many 
loved  ones  that  have  died  in  the  faith,  and  arc  now  mem- 
bers of  the  church  triumphant.  The  first  burial  here  was 
Enos  Jarrett.  The  present  minister  is  Rev.  John  S. 
McCarty.     The   society  is  in  a   fiourishing  condition.     A 


GREEN  TOWNSHIP.  225 

very  interesting  rev-ival  has  recently  been  experienced, 
which  has  added  a  goodly  number  to  the  church  roll. 
This  charge  formerly  belonged  to  the  Greenfield  circuit, 
and  was  supplied  by  the  Greenfield  minister. 

Roberts  Chapel. 

In  an  early  day  there  was  an  M.  E.  church  building 
and  organization  in  the  Roberts  neighborhood,  south-west 
of  Eden,  called  the  Roberts  Chapel.  The  first  members 
are  dead.  Some  lost  their  zeal,  others  found  it  about  as 
convenient  to  worship  at  other  points,  and  the  organization 
went  down  and  the  membership  was  scatterea. 

Regular  Baptist  Church. 

While  the  Methodists  had  the  first  society  in  this  town- 
ship, the  Baptists  built  the  first  church  house.  It  was  a 
small  log,  eighteen  by  twent}-  feet,  erected  in  1830,  and 
located  one  and  one-half  miles  west  of  Eden,  near  the 
line  between  Green  and  Vernon  townships.  Elder  Morgan 
McQuery  organized  the  society,  and  preached  there  for 
several  years,  followed  by  Charles  McCarty  and  others, 
when  the  organization  moved  to  Vernon  township.  The 
old  graveyard  near  by  still  remains  to  mark  the  place  of 
the  first  church  in  Green  township,  as  well  as  a  number  of 
the  first  burials.  The  first  interment  in  this  loneh^  spot 
was  Samuel  Walker. 

Lick  Creek  Christian  Church 

is  located  in  the  north-west  part  of  the  township.  Benja- 
min Legg,  John  II.  Huston,  Snodgrass,  Joseph  Winn  and 
Lawson  Fuqua  were  among  the  first  members.  Elders 
David  Franklin  and  W.  F.  Ackman  were  for  a  time  its 
ministers.  Elder  J.  W.  Ferrell  preached  there  nineteen 
nights  during  a  revival,  and  had  nineteen  accessions. 
The  building  is  a  good  frame,  the  church  is  in  a  pros- 
perous condition,  and  a  lively  Sunday-school  is  sustained 


226 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


in  connection  with  it.  Several  of  the  most  prominent  and 
influential  persons  of  the  vicinity  are  members  of  this 
church,  and  throw  their  influence  on  the  side  of  truth, 
morality  and  Christianit}'. 

Dr.  Joseph  J.  Carter 

was  born  in  Green  county.  East  Tennessee,  March  7, 
1823.  He  came  with  his  parents  to  Wayne  county,  Indi- 
ana, in  1829,  thence  to  Madison  county  in  1830,  when  the 
countrv  was   new   and  the  forests  unbroken.       There  he 


labored  on  the  farm  with  his  father  and  brothers  till  he 
arrived  at  majority,  when  he  be<^an  the  study  of  medicine  at 
Pendleton,  the  county  seat,  with  Dr.  Thomas  Jones.  After 
takini^  a  course  of  study,  he  located  at  Eden  and  began 
the  practice  of  medicine  with  Dr.  William  S.  Loder.  As- 
piring to  loftier  attainments,  and  a  fuller  understanding  of 
the  abstruse  mysteries  of  materia  mcdica,  he  determined 
on  a  regular  college  course  of  reading  and  lectures,  and 
consequently  had  the  honor  of  graduating  at  the  Cincin- 
nati Medical  College  in  the  spring  of  1856. 

In    i860,  April    i7tli,   he   was  joined  in  marriage  with 


GREEN  TOWNSHIP.  227 

Miss  Sarah  J.  Smith,  with  whom  lie  lived  happily  to  the 
day  of  his  death.  He  was  a  consistent  member  of  the 
M.  E.  Church  for  more  than  forty  years.  During  his  long 
and  extensive  practice,  he  made  hosts  of  friends  and  but 
few  enemies.  He  was  a  man  of  noble  impulses,  generous 
and  hospitable,  in  whom  the  people  had  the  fullest  confi- 
dence. He  died  on  the  29th  of  January,  1879,  ^^e^"  ^  very 
short  illness,  in  his  fifty-sixth  year,  leaving  the  companion 
of  his  bosom  and  two  promising  boys  to  mourn  his 
untimely  death. 

In  the  death  of  Dr.  Carter  the  community  lost  an 
attentive,  skillful  physician,  the  church  a  faithful  member, 
and  the  famih'  a  kind  husband  and  an  indulgent  father. 

His  family  now  reside  in  Greenfield  ;  the  boys  are  young 
men,  the  older  of  whom  will  graduate  at  the  Indianapolis 
Medical  College  shortly. 

Eden  Lodge,  No.  477,  F.  A.  M., 

was  chartered  May  26,  1874.  The  charter  members  were 
L.  H.  Riggs,  E.  S.  Bragg,  G.  Morrison,  A.  H.  True- 
blood,  D.  H.  Alford,  T.  T.  Barrett,  Samuel  Alford,  J.  W. 
Green,  G.  W.  Hopkins,  and  A.  W.  Powell.  The  lodge 
has  never  been  large,  but  is  healthy  and  prosperous,  with 
a  present  membership  of  twenty-four.  The  present  officers 
are  :  D.  H.  Beaty,  W.  M.  ;  W.  A.  Justice,  S.  W.  ;  H.  B. 
Wilson,  J.  W.  ;  A.  H.  Trueblood,  S.  D.  ;  John  Crist,  J. 
D.  ;  Isaac  S.  Barrett,  Treasurer  ;  A.  H.  Barrett,  Secretary  ; 
J.  W.  Anderson,  T^^ler ;  Samuel  Alford  and  J.  M.  True- 
blood,  Stewards.  Its  meetings  occur  on  Saturday  even- 
ing on  or  before  the  full  ot  the  moon  of  each  month. 

Center  Grove  M.  E.  Church. 

In  1845,  the  Episcopal  Methodists  organized  a  class 
three  miles  east  of  Eden.  Their  meetings  were  held  for 
a  time  at  the  Barrett  scliool-house.  As  the  society 
increased  in  strength  and  numbers,  it  determined  on  a 
place  of  worship  under  its  own  control,  which  resulted  in 


228 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


the  building,",  in  1854.  ^^^'  '^  convenient  frame,  at  a  cost  ot 
$1,200,  which  was  recently  fully  repaired  and  put  in  good 
order,  and  dedicated  by  Rev.  Frank  Harding.  The 
present  preacher  is  Rev.  II.  Woolpert.  They  have  reg- 
ular services.  There  is  no  graveyard  in  connection  with 
the  church  property,  but  they  use  one  located  north,  on 
the  banks  of  Sugar  Creek,  where  the  mortal  remains  of 
the  late  lamented  murdered  Mrs.  Wilson  and  her  niece 
were  buried. 

Dr.  Samuel  A.  Trov 

was  born  at  Batavia,  Clermont  county,  Ohio,  August  27, 
1827,  and  is,  consequent! v,  in  his  tifty-tifth  year.  He  was 
left  an  orphan  at  the  earlv  age  of  ten  years.     The  family 


being  poor,  he  was  at  once  thrown  on  his  own  resources. 
He  learned  the  trade  of  cabinet-maker ;  came  to  Ander- 
son, Madison  county,  in  the  spring  of  1847  ;  thence  to 
New  Columbus,  where  he  continued  to  work  at  his  trade  ; 
and  in  April,  1849,  was  married  to  Elizabeth,  daughter  of 
Abner  Corv.  He  then  moved  to  York,  in  Delaware 
countv.  where  he  began  the  studv  of  medicine  with  Dr. 


230  HISTORY  OF  HA>XOCK  COUXTV. 

John  Horn.  His  wife  died  shortly  after,  when  he  again 
moved  to  New  Columbus,  and  continued  his  studies  with 
Dr.  Weyman.  In  1854  ^^^  ^^^^^  '^  second  time  married  : 
this  time  to  Martha  Manning.  He  then  attended  a  course 
of  lectures  at  the  Cincinnati  Eclectic  Medical  College  ; 
then  returned  and  located  near  Bunker  Hill,  this  county; 
thence  to  Cleveland,  where  he  formed  a  profitable  partner- 
ship with  Dr.  Amos  Bundy,  which  continued  for  five  years  : 
thence  to  his  farm  in  Green  township,  where  he  practiced 
for  several  years.  He  was  a  candidate  for  representative 
before  the  democratic  nominating  convention  in  1868,  and 
was  deteated  bv  the  Hon.  Noble  Warrum  bv  three  votes 
onl}-.  In  1870  he  moved  to  Fortville,  and  was  the  prime 
mover  in  organizing  the  Fortville  band,  which,  in  honor 
of  its  founder,  was  named  the  "Troy  Band."  While 
there  he  w'as  in  partnership  wdth  Drs.  Stuart  and  Yancy. 
The  Dr.  is  now  located  at  Milner's  Corner,  where  he  has 
an  extensive  and  lucrative  practice. 

Eden  Church  (Baptist) 

was  organized  at  the  Crist  school-house  on  the  second 
Sunday  in  April,  187 1.  On  the  day  of  organization,  after 
praise  and  prayer  by  the  brethren.  Elder  Gavin  Morrison 
was  chosen  moderator,  and  G.  W.  Hopkins  clerk.  Elder 
M.  Lummis,  of  Kentucky,  aided  in  establishing  this 
church.  The  following  are  the  original  members  :  G.  W. 
and  Henrietta  Hopkins,  Gavin  Morrison  and  wafe,  Wil- 
liam Lummis,  S.  F.  Baker,  Ira  and  Jane  Shafer.  This 
society  has  never  been  large,  and  consequent!}'  unable  to 
erect  a  place  of  worship  of  its  own.  It  has  had  no  reg- 
ular pastor  for  several  years. 


T[).  Line 


In  Tp. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

JACKSON    TOWNSHIP 


a        w 


Tp.  Line 


I 

6 

S 

4 

3 

2 

12 

7 

s 

9 

10 

II 

13 

iS 

17 

16 

'^ 

14 

24 

•9 

20 

21 

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23 

25 

30 

29 

2S 

27 

26 

36 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 

17N. 


16  N 


Scale:     Two  miles  to  the  inch, 

MAP  OF  JACKSON  TOWNSHIP. 

SHOWING  THE  SECTIONS,  TOWNSHIP  AND  RANGES  OF  WHICH  IT  IS  COMPOSED. 

JVamc  and  Organization. — This  township  took  its  name 
from  "Old  Hickory,"  President  of  the  United  States,  at 


232  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

the  time  of  the  formation  of  the  township.  It  was  organ- 
ized in  1831,  at  which  time  it  was  struck  oft'  from  the 
north  part  of  Blue-river,  having  its  present  southern 
boundary  and  extending  to  the  Madison  county  line  on  the 
north,  and  consequently  embodied  the  same  territory  now 
included  in  Jackson  and  Brown.  In  1832  Green  was 
tbrmed,  embodying  the  territory  now  included  in  Brown 
and  Green.  In  1833  Brown  was  formed  from  the  east 
part  of  Green.  Hence,  from  183 1  to  1832  Madison  county 
formed  the  northern  boundary  of  Jackson,  and  from  1832 
to  1833  Green  formed  said  boundary.  From  1833  to  1850 
Brown,  Harrison  and  Green  constituted  said  boundary. 
From  1850  to  1853  Worth  and  Harrison  formed  her  north- 
ern boundary.  Since  1853  there  has  been  no  change  in 
her  boundaries. 

Location^  J^oiDidivy,  Size,  cfc. — It  is  located  in  the 
central  eastern  part  of  the  county,  and  is  bounded  on  the 
north  by  Brown  and  Green  townships,  on  the  east  by 
Henry  county,  on  the  south  by  Rush  count}'  and  Blue- 
river  township,  and  on  the  west  by  Center  township.  In 
extent  it  is  six  miles  square,  and  hence  contains  thirty-six 
square  miles.  It  lies  in  township  sixteen  north,  and  is  in 
ranges  seven  and  eight  east,  one  tier  of  sections  on  the 
west  being  in  range  seven  east  and  the  remainder  in  eight 
east.  The  range  line  runs  past  Brown's  Chapel,  Leamon's 
Corner  and  Bunker  Hill. 

Surface,  Soil,  Drainage,  and  Prodt:cfions. — The  sur- 
face for  the  most  part  is  quite  level ;  especialh'  in  the  north- 
eastern, central  southern,  and  central  western  portions. 
Alono;  Six  Mile,  Nameless  and  Brandvwine  creeks  there 
are  occasionally  low  banks,  and  a  somewhat  hilly  and 
undulating  surface  for  a  short  distance  therefrom. 

The  soil  in  the  creek  bottoms  is  a  loose  brown  or  black 
loam,  rich  and  productive.  On  the  level  upland  may  be 
seen  a  limited  soil  with  a  subsoil  of  red  or  white  cla}'-, 
excellent  for  grass  and  meadow  and  fair  to  good  for  the 
ordinary  cereals. 

There  has  been  considerable  tile  ditching  put  in  by  the 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP.  233 

enterprising  farmers  of  this  township  since  the  close  of  the 
American  civil  war,  by  which  no  small  amount  of  land 
has  been  greatly  improved  and  reclaimed. 

The  chief  productions  are  stock  and  grain,  viz.  :  Hogs, 
cattle,  corn,  wheat,  horses,  sheep,  flaxseed,  and  oats  ;  to 
which  may  be  added  small  quantities  of  potatoes,  grass, 
hav,  apples,  butter,  eggs,  and  chickens.  In  1880,  Jack- 
son township  produced,  on  4,050  acres,  72,905  bushels  of 
wheat ;  on  4,782  acres,  88,805  bushels  of  corn  ;  on  380 
acres,  7,600  bushels  of  oats  ;  and  on  544  acres,  1,088  tons 
of  ha}'. 

Streams. — Brand3'wine  Creek  enters  the  tow'nship  on 
the  north  line,  two  and  one-half  miles  east  of  the  north- 
west corner,  in  section  five,  and  runs  south-west  to  near 
the  center  of  section  seven  ;  thence  north-w^est  about  a 
mile  ;  thence  in  a  south-west  course,  passing  out  of  the 
township  on  the  west  line  in  section  tw^elve,  about  one  and 
one-fourth  miles  south  of  the  north-west  corner. 

Six  Mile  Creek  enters  the  township  on  the  east  side, 
one  mile  south  of  the  north-east  corner,  takes  a  general 
south  course,  passes  on  the  w^est  and  near  Charlottesville, 
and  leaves  the  township  near  the  south-west  corner  of 
section  thirty-five. 

Nameless  Creek  rises  in  section  sixteen,  near  the  cen- 
ter of  the  tow^nship,  runs  south-west  about  three  miles  to 
the  east  side  of  section  twenty-five  ;  thence  south  by  south- 
east, passing  out  of  the  township  one  and  a  half  miles 
east  of  the  south-west  corner. 

Willow  Branch  has  onl}-  one  mile  of  its  course  in  Jack- 
son, all  found  in  section  one,  in  the  north-west  corner, 
where  it  flows  into  Brandy  wine. 

First  Land  Entry  and  Original  Settlers. — The  first  land 
entered  in  Jackson  township  was  by  William  Oldham,  on 
the  20th  of  November,  1824,  being  the  north-west  quarter 
of  the  north-w'est  quarter  of  section  twenty-three,  in  town- 
ship sixteen  north,  in  range  eight  east.  The  second  entr\- 
was  by  Thomas  Ramsey,  on  the  21st  of  Julv,  1825. 

Among  the  first  settlers  were  William  Oldham,  John 
16 


234  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUXTV. 

Forts,  John  Catt,  Bazil  Meek,  David  Templeton,  Samuel 
and  John  Dilhi,  James  and  Benjamin  Forts,  ]Mr.  Lackey, 
John  and  James  Sample,  Andrew  Jackson,  Santbrd  Pritch- 
ard,  Samuel  Thompson,  Absalom  Davis,  James  Vanme- 
ter,  James  Bartlow,  Henry  Woods,  David  Longinaker, 
Valentine  Slifer,  John  Magart,  Thomas  Ramsey,  and  John 
Shields.  At  a  little  later  date  came  John  Burris,  Joseph 
Hall,  John  Thompson,  J.  P.  Fole}',  Jacob  Slifer,  John 
Parks,  the  Barretts,  Hatfields,  John  Bevil,  William  Wolt\ 
Jacob  Brooks,  Richard  Earles,  Samuel  Smith,  and  John 
Stephens. 

The  naming  of  the  above  will  call  to  the  minds  of 
manv  of  our  readers  fond  recollections  of  earlier  days, 
when  the}'  received  the  counsel  and  instruction  of  these 
hardy  pioneers,  most  of  whom  have  gone  to  the  happy 
hunting  grounds,  no  more  to  undergo  the  privations  and 
hardships  incident  to  pioneer  life.  They  are  gone,  forever 
p'one  !  No  more  their  forms  shall  we  behold  I  But  their 
works  live  after  them.  They  labored  long  and  well,  and 
we  have  entered  into  their  labors.  The}'  sowed  seed  that 
shall  bring  forth  fruit  many  years  hence.  Their  children 
and  children's  children  now  rise  up  and  call  them  blessed. 
Long  may  their  names  live  fresh  and  green  in  the  hearts 
of  their  legatees. 

A  Fczv  First  Things. — The  tirst  church  was  b}'  the  New 
Lights  :  the  tirst  school  teacher  was  Leartus  Thomas  :  the 
first  miller  was  John  Forts  ;  the  first  landlady  was  Mrs. 
Landis,  recently  deceased ;  Mr.  Lackey  sold  the  first 
whisky  ;  David  Johnson  was  the  first  merchant :  the  first 
road  was  the  old  State  road  ;  the  first  county  road  in  the 
township  was  viewed  by  Daniel  Priddy,  David  Heimer 
and  Jacob  Slifer ;  Isaac  Barrett,  about  1840  and  later,  cul- 
tivated a  nursery  at  Charlottesville,  and  later  in  the  north- 
east part  of  Center  township  ;  Abram  Huntington  had  a 
blacksmith  shop  in  the  north-west  part  of  the  township 
prior  to  1840,  where  he  forged  bolts  in  Vulcan  style  for 
several  years. 

Mills  and  Factories. — The  first  water  mill  in  Jackson 


JACKSON  TowNsmr.  235 

township  was  built  by  Jolm  Forts,  in  about  the  yeiir  1827, 
and  located  on  Six  Mile,  one  mile  north  of  Charlottesville. 
It  was  a  genuine  "•  corn  cracker,"  of  the  primitive  pattern. 

Some  time  prior  to  1833,  David  Longinaker  built  a 
water  sash  saw-mill  on  Six  Mile,  about  a  mile  abo\'e  the 
Forts  corn  cracker.  It  was  run  b}'  different  parties,  and 
finally  had  steam  power  attached. 

In  about  1855,  a  steam  sash  saw-mill  was  put  in  opera- 
tion on  Henderson  McKown's  farm,  four  miles  north  of 
Cleveland.  It  was  run  for  several  years,  then  moved  on 
Joseph  Iliggins'  land,  and  was  recently  moved  away. 

Walton  &:  Rule  erected  a  steam  circular  saw-mill  at 
Leamon's  Corner,  about  the  year  i860.  It  was  run  for 
some  time,  then  moved  to  Cleveland,  afterward  to  Eden, 
where  it  is  still  in  operation. 

James  R.  Bracken,  afterwards  captain  of  a  compan^• 
from  this  county  in  the  Mexican  war,  erected  a  tanner}' 
about  a  half  mile  north-west  of  the  Pleasant  Hill  M.  E. 
church,  about  the  year  1844,  where  he  made  the  leather 
for  the  farmers'  "  horse-hide  collars,"  "  dog-skin  gloves  " 
and  *•  cow-hide  shoes,"  for  a  few^  years,  when  it  went  down. 

In  1869,  T.  L.  Marsh  &  Draper  erected  a  tile  factory 
in  the  central  western  part  of  the  township,  which  was 
run  ibr  a  few  years,  when  Marsh  sold  to  Draper,  who  is 
still  manufacturing. 

jRoads. — The  first  road  in  this  township  was  an  old  trail 
extending  across  the  new  purchase,  known  at  the  time  of 
the  formation  of  the  townshif)  as  the  State  Road,  and  later 
-on  as  the  old  State  road,  built  many  years  prior  to  the 
National  road,  which  was  the  second  in  the  township. 
The  third  was  called  a  county  road,  laid  out  in  1835,  and 
extended  from  the  Longinaker  saw-mill,  two  miles  north  of 
Charlottesville,  on  the  count}'  line,  to  *Charleston,  on  Sugar 
Creek,  in  Green  township,  where  Mrs.  Wilson  and  niece 
are  buried.      This   road  was   a  continuation  of  a  Henrv 


*In  the  early  history  of  Hancock  county,  a  town  was  laid  out  in  Green  township. 
just  north  of  II.  B.  Wilson's  farm,  and  named  Charleston.  Xo  record  Tvas  ever  made 
-of  tlic  plat,  and  the  town  was  a  failure. 


236  HISTORY  OF  IIANX'OCK  COUNTY. 

county  road,  extending'  tVom  Knightstown  to  the  said 
Longinaker  saw-mill.  Nearly  all  the  roads  in  this  part  ot~ 
the  state,  prior  to  1835,  run  from  one  business  point  to 
another,  regardless  of  "land  lines."  None  of  the  early 
roads  corresponded  with  the  cardinal  points  of  the  com- 
pass. As  the  settlements  began  to  increase  in  number, 
short  routes  were  blazed  out  to  suit  the  convenience  of  the 
settlers.  There  are  no  toll  pikes  in  the  township  at  this 
date.  There  are  fifteen  miles  of  pike  that  have  been 
returned  to  the  districts,  and  their  charters  cancelled.  We 
are  unable  to  state  just  how  much  graveling  has  been  done 
in  working  out  the  road  taxes  and  personal  privileges  ;  but 
considerable,  we  are  assured.  The  National  road  passes 
through  this  township,  a  distance  of  six  miles,  no  portion 
of  which  is  graveled,  and  there  is  no  other  road  in  the 
county  that  so  much  needs  it  at  this  time.  It  is  really  an 
eyesore  and  a  discredit  to  the  county.  If  the  road  can  not 
be  built  in  any  other  wa}',  we  would  suggest  to  the  liberal 
citizens  along  the  line  its  construction  under  the  free  gravel 
road  law  of  March  3,  1877,  as  amended  March  i,  1881, 
which  will  exempt  their  land  from  taxation  in  purchasing'^ 
the  toll  roads  of  the  countv,  under  the  act  concerning  the 
purchase  of  toll  roads,  and  providing  for  their  mainte- 
nance as  free  roads,  approved  April  9,  1881.  Her  citizens 
will  then  have  something  of  value  to  themselves,  tangible 
and  convenient  in  lieu  of  their  money  and  taxes  for  tVee 
roads. 

Railroads. — The  P.,  C.  and  St.  L.  has  a  line  of  six 
miles  on  the  southern  boundary  of  the  township,  on  which 
the  company  has  two  stations,  ^'iz.  :  Charlottesville  and 
Cleveland.  The  I.,  B.  and  W.  crosses  the  north-west 
corner  of  the  township.  Construction  trains  are  passing' 
over  the  line,  but  no  stations  are  yet  established. 

Jidiicalioiial. — The  first  schools  in  this  township  were 
"pay  schools,"  taught  by  itinerant  school-masters,  about 
the  year  1833.  They  were  not  the  most  efiicient  teach- 
ers by  any  means ;  indeed,  they  made  no  claims  to 
greater  knowledge  than  was  necessary  to  teach  reading,^ 


238  HISTORY  OF  HAN'COCK  COUNTY. 

writing,  and  ""ciphering  to  the  double  rule  of  three."* 
There  were  citizens  of  the  township  better  qualified,  that 
could  have  taught  better  schools  tlian  many  of  these  tramp 
teachers,  but  the  pay  did  not  justify,  and  besides  they  were- 
not  naturally  so  disposed  ;  and  hence  the  grave  responsi- 
bilit}'  was  shifted  to  the  shoulders  of  the  professionals,  who- 
taught  from  Castle  Garden  to  the  Gulf.  Schools  were 
sustained  but  three  months  in  a  ^-ear,  or  a  quarter  of  thir- 
teen weeks.  As  the  township  increased  in  numbers  and 
wealth,  the  interest  in  education  was  found  to  keep  pace, 
and  schools  were  sustained  for  a  greater  length  of  time,  at 
increased  pay,  which  commanded  better  teachers. 

In  the  vote  on  the  free  school  question  in  1848,  to 
decide  whether  the  state  should  adopt  a  free  school  sys- 
tem, Jackson  voted  against  the  proposed  change,  her  vote 
standing:  "  Free  school,"  loi  ;  "no  school,"  114.  But 
Jackson  has  the  honor  of  being  more  progressive,  on  this, 
question  especially,  than  the  majority  of  her  sister  town- 
ships, as  may  be  seen  by  comparing  her  vote  in  1848  with 
that  of  said  townships,  and  with  her  own  in  1849,  '^'^'l^ei^ 
she  voted  for  the  proposed  system,  her  vote  standing: 
"Free  school,"  108;  "no  school,"  105;  being  one  of  the 
three  that  voted  for  free  schools  in  the  final  vote  in  1859. 
This  township  has  two  brick  and  ten  frame  school-houses, 
numbered,  named,  and  supplied  with  teachers  for  the 
present  school  year,  or  term  at  least,  as  follows,  to-wit : 

District  No.  I  .  .  Conklin Sadie  Homer. 

District  No.  2  .  .  Simmons Ella  Biissel. 

District  No.  3.  .Bunker  Hill Lizzie  G.  Smitii. 

District  No.  4.  .  Leanion's  Corner  .William  AI.  Lewis. 

District  No.  ^.  .Center     Ora  Staley. 

District  No.  O.  .  Loudenback Fannie  Pierce. 

District  No.  7    ..Vddison J.  P.  Julian. 

r>w-  .  •    .  X-        Q      r'l        1       1  (Geor<j;e  Wilson. 

District  Ao.     o.  .Lleveland -^,       /?.     t^  . 

(Lynthia  r  ries. 

District  Nt).     9.  .Brown's  Chapel. .  Geor<je  Burnett. 

District  No.  10.  .  Extra No  school. 

District  No.  11..  Extra A.  E.  Lewis. 

\S.  C.  Staley. 


District  No.  12.  .Charlottesville 


/Jennie  Willis. 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP.  239 

These  twelve  houses  are  estimated  to  be  worth  $8,000, 
including  the  grounds,  furniture  and  out-buildings.  The 
apparatus  is  estimated  at  $100.  Total  value,  $8,100. 
The  above  figures  includes  the  Charlottesville  house, 
which  belongs  to  a  company,  and  is  estimated  at  $3,000. 
One  of  the  serious  needs  of  this  township  is  more  and  bet- 
ter apparatus,  and  a  fuller  appreciation  of  the  importance 
of  the  same  by  the  school  officers  and  teachers,  that  said 
apparatus  may  be  properly  cared  for  after  it  is  purchased 
and  placed  in  the  buildings  ;  that  the  maps  may  not  be 
taken  for  window  curtains  and  the  globes  for  foot-balls. 
Charlottesville  for  man}-  years,  and  until  recently,  was  a 
separate  corporation  for  school  purposes. 

School  Trustees. — The  following  are  the  names  of  the 
trustees  from  the  time  the}'  were  empowered  with  author- 
itv  to  levy  local  taxes,  and  the  office  assumed  some  dignit}^ 
and  importance  to  the  people  : 

Burd  Lacy ^§59  J'^mes  B.  Clark 1S71 

David  Priddy 1863  A.  V.  B.  Sample 1S74 

Philip  Stinger 1S67  Henderson  McKown  ....  1878 

George  W.  Williams 1869  James  F.  McClarnon 1880 

Remarks :  Burd  Lac}'  and  David  Pridd}'  held  the 
office  four  terms  each  in  succession.  James  B.  Clark  was 
the  first  trustee  under  the  improved  school  law  of  1873, 
and  the  first  in  the  township  that  voted  for  county  superin- 
tendent of  schools.  A.  V.  B.  Sample  filled  the  office  for 
two  terms  of  two  years  each.  Philip  Stinger,  George 
Williams  and  Henderson  McKown  each  served  two  years. 
James  F.  McClarnon  looks  after  the  poor,  educational  and 
financial  interests  of  the  township  at  this  date. 

Cy/?^rc/^c5.— Jackson  township  has  seven  churches,  rep- 
resenting five  denominations,  to-wit :  Three  Methodist 
Episcopal,  one  Protestant  Methodist,  a  ^Missionary  Bap- 
tist, a  Christian,  and  one  Friends  ;  a  fuller  account  of  which 
will  appear  further  on. 

Population. — An  examination  of  the  census  reports  of 


240  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

this  township  for  a  few  decades  shows  the  followini;^,  to-wit : 
Popuhition  for  1850,  677.  The  popuhition  of  Worth 
township,  the  greater  portion  of  which  is  now  included  in 
Jackson,  was,  for  the  same  year,  718.  We  therefore  con- 
clude that  a  fair  estimate  for  the  territory  now  included  in 
the  corporate  limits  of  Jackson  township  would  be  1,300 
for  the  year  1850.  In  i860,  the  reports  give  her  1,680;  in 
1870,  1,849  '  ^^  1880,  1,928.  An  examination  of  the  above 
shows  a  steady,  natin^al  growth  in  population,  which 
speaks  well  for  the  township  as  a  whole.  Charlottesville, 
in  i860,  had  190  souls  ;  in  1870,  414.  Cleveland,  in  i860, 
had  112;  in  1870,  118.  We  have  no  official  report  of 
either  of  these  towns  for  1880  separate  and  distinct  from 
the  total  of  the  township  ;  but  from  personal  knowledge 
would  sa}'  that  the  former  has  about  held  her  own,  while 
the  latter  has  lost,  and  can  not  compare  in  numbers,  wealth 
or  appearance  with  her  static  quo  ante  bclluni. 

Polls  and  Vote. — The  polls  for  Jackson  in  1840  were 
176;  in  i860,  273;  in  1880,  326;  in  1881,  345.  Her  vote 
for  1840  was  178;  for  i860,  331  ;  for  1870,  371  ;  for  1880, 
445.  Her  last  vote  for  President  was  as  follows,  to-wit: 
Republican*'  214  :  democratic,  210  ;  independent,  21.  Jack- 
son has  two  voting  precincts — one  at  Cleveland  and  the 
second  at  school-house  No.  5. 

Value  of  Real  and  Personal  Property. — This  town- 
ship reports  22,170  acres  of  land  assessed  at  $547,020.  and 
improvements  on  the  same  valued  at  $74,505,  being  an 
average  of  about  $28.00  per  acre  ;  the  personal  property 
in  Jackson,  exclusive  of  Charlottesville,  is  valued  at  $220,- 
750;  value  of  telegraph,  $680;  value  of  the  P.,  C.  and 
St.  L.  railway  line  in  Jackson,  $14,450  ;  \'alue  of  lots, 
$985  ;  value  of  improvements,  $3,475  ;  making  a  total 
valuation  for  taxation  of  $861,865,  exclusive  of  Charlottes- 
ville, which  is  assessed  on  eighty-three  acres  of  land 
valued  at  $2,320,  with  improvements  on  the  same  valued 
at  $3,280:  value  of  lots,  $7,445  ;  impro\-ements,  $21,180; 
personal  property,  $55,315  :  telegraph,  $75  :  railroad, 
$3 ■'785  ;  total  valuation,  $93,400.     The  grand  total  valua- 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP.  24 1 

tion  of  real   and  personal  property  in  Jackson,  including 
Charlottesville,  is  $955,465  for  1881. 

Taxes. — Jackson  township  paid  taxes  to  the  amount  of 
$953-97  ^^  1840  on  $157,204  worth  of  property,  and 
$5,258.63  for  i860  on  $612,030  worth  of  property;  for 
1870,  $8,376.93  on  $769,380  worth  of  property  ;  for  188 1 
she  pays  the  sum  of  $8,514,  including  Charlottesville.  Of 
this  amount  the  following  men  are  assessed  $40  or  more 
for  188 1,  to  be  paid  in  1882  : 

Addison,  John $  61   20  Shiinions,  N.  D $  87  oS 

Braddock,  Addle  B.  .  .  9S  60  Shumoiis,  J.  S ^4  94 

Braddock,  N.  W 94  98  Smith,  Anthony 98  84 

Boyer,   Samuel 55    12  Scott,  George 4°  58 

Barrett,  Edward 54  3^  Scott,  E.  H 73  66 

Barrett.  E.  A 45  52  Scott,  Robert 69  68 

Deny,  Joel 43  26  Slifer,  Jacob,  Sen 44  80 

Earl,  Elisha 83  80  Smith,  Richard 1 1 1    12 

Evans,  Joseph 51   50  Thomas,  W.  M 49  94 

Fort,  Martin,  heirs.  ..  .  42  60  Thomas,  James,  Sen  .  .  44  72 

Fort,  C.  H 72   38  Thomas,  David 5 ^   84 

Glasscock,  John S^    S^  Thomas,  L.  B 5^  38 

Loudenback,  J.  A.  . . .  45  08  Vanderbark,  J.  W.  .  .  .  45  32 

Loudenback,  Henry..  91   40  Vanmeter,  James 45    12 

Low,  J.  D 44  64  Walker,  ]\Icredith.  .  .  .  109  80 

]McClarnon,  David..  .  .  61   52  Warrum,  Noble 194  64 

Oldham,  William 42  60  Williams,  Wesley 175  40 

Rock,  Charles 197  68  Williams,  A.  E.  &  C  .  .  4612 

Roland.  Chapman.  ...  41   28  Williams,  S.  F 64  02 

Simmons,  J.   B 316  60  Williams,  Thomas.  ...  s6  74 

Simmons,  W.  II 84  78 

In  Charlottes\'ille  the  following  pay  $40  and  upwards  : 
P.  J.  Bohn,  $72.38;  J.  A.  Craft,  $122.82.  Bohn  and 
Craft  have  recently  moved  out  of  the  corporation  to  their 
tarnis. 

The   lew   is  eightN-  cents  on   the  $100  in   both  Jackson 
and  Charlottesville. 

Lazi'  (Dili  I£squircs. — Jackson  township  has  always  been 


242  -        HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

well    supplied    with    justices,    as    the    following    array    of 
names,  with  the  date  of  election,  will  show  : 

Basil  Meek 1831  Ellison  Addison 1S59 

Samuel  Thompson.  Unknown  W.  M.  L.  Cox i860 

David  Templcton 1833  William  Brooks 1862 

Robert  McCorkle,  Cyrus  Leamon 1864,  1872 

1834.  1838,  1842,  1849,  1S5+  G.  J.  T.  DiUa 1864 

Henry  Kinder 1841  James  McClarnon. 1865 

Edward  Barrett 1845  J^^^"  ^-  Scott 1866 

James  P.  Foley 1846  G.  W.  Landis..  1867,  1872,  1876 

G.  Y.  Atkinson 1848  Elijah  C.  Reeves.  .  .  1868,  1872 

John  A.  Craft 1849,  1856  Lafayette  Stephens 1869 

John   Stephens 1850  Ira  Bevil 1870,  1874,  1S78 

Andrew  Pauley ....  1855,  i860  John  W.  Wales 1876 

Thomas  M.  Bidgood 1858  John  E.  Leamon 1880 

John  Reeves 1859  William  R.  Williams 1880 

Remarks  :  The  last  two  named  persons  are  the  present 
acting  justices  of  the  township.  Basil  Meek  was  the  first 
justice  in  the  township.  Samuel  Thompson,  the  date  of 
whose  election  we  have  given  "  unknown,''  owing  to  there 
being  no  record  of  the  matter,  was  most  probably  elected  in 
183 1  or  1832.  Robert  McCorkle  gave  such  general  satis- 
taction  to  litiffants  and  those  interested,  that  he  was  five 
times  honored  with  the  votes  of  his  constituents.  Ira  Bevil 
and  G.  W.  Landis  were  each  three  times  clothed  with  judi- 
cial powers.  John  A.  Craft,  Andrew  Pauley,  Cyrus 
Leamon  and  Elijah  C.  Reeves  were  each  three  times  called 
into  the  forum,  and  invested  with  legal  authority  to  hear 
and  try  all  causes  over  which  such  courts  have  jurisdiction. 
Many  of  the  above  have  been  solicited  longer  to  preside, 
but  declined  in  favor  of  private  life,  ''choosing  rather  to 
suder  affliction  with  the  people  of  God,  than  enjoy  the 
pleasures  of  sin  for  a  season."  Perhaps,  in  listening  so 
often  to  the  gaseous,  bombastic  eflusions  of  the  tyro  in  the 
legal  fraternity,  they  had  come  to  agree  with  Wirt,  in  his 
sentiment  that  "  Thero  is  a  great  deal  of  law  learning  that 
is  drv,  dark,  cold   and   rexolting  ;   an  old  feudal   castle  in 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP.  243 

perfect  preservation."  Or  it  may  be  that  they  too  often 
have  seen  the  verification  of  the  old  proverb:  "Laws 
catch  flies,  but  let  hornets  go  free." 

Ex-Cotmty  Officer's. — ^Jackson  township  has  furnished  a 
goodly  number  of  brave  men,  willing  to  spend  and  be 
spent  for  their  country's  good.  Here  lived,  in  their  day, 
the  following  representative  men :  Jacob  Huntington, 
treasurer ;  James  P.  Foley,  representative  ;  Basil  Meek, 
the  third  sheriff  of  the  county  ;  Richard  Williams  and  Jor- 
dan Lacy,  commissioners.  Among  the  living  we  call  to 
mind,  Noble  Warrum,  revenue  collector  and  representa- 
tive ;  John  Addison,  representative  and  commissioner  ;  John 
Barrett,  treasurer  in  1850 ;  George  W.  Sample,  sheriff  in 
1872  by  appointment;  John  R.  Reeves,  recorder  in  1870 ; 
J.  H.  Landis,  surveyor;  John  S.  Lewis  and  Jacob  Slifer, 
senior,  commissioners.  The  majority  of  the  county  othcers 
of  this  township,  in  contrast  with  the  most  of  her  sister 
townships,  are  still  living.  Green  has  but  one  living  ex- 
county  officer. 

This  is  the  home  of  several  prominent  families  tliat 
have  grown  up  with  the  township,  and  become  fully  identi- 
fied with  her  interests  ;  liberal,  public  spirited  citizens,  ever 
ready  to  encourage  any  enterprise  tending  to  propagate 
truth  and  promote  virtue.  For  a  fair  list  of  such  citizens, 
to  save,  recording  here,  see  our  roll  of  patrons  for  Jackson 
township  on  the  closing  pages. 

Murders^  Suicides,  and  Ranarkahlc  Deaths. — Under 
the  above  topic  we  have  but  little  to  add  for  this  township, 
and  we  are  glad  of  the  fact.  It  is  always  a  painful  duty 
to  be  called  upon  to  record  such  sudden,  sad  departures. 
Life  is  a  treasure  ;  to  live  is  sweet ;  and  that  anv  should 
adopt  the  beautiful  meter,  but  false  sentiment  of  Campbell, 
is  sad  : 

"Count  o'er  the  joys  thhic  hours  have  seen  ; 
Count  o'er  the  days  from  an<^uish  free  ; 
And  know,  whatever  thou  liast  l)een. 
'Tis  s{;nietliin;4  better  not  to  he."" 


244 


HISTORY  OF  HANXOCK  COUNTY 


Better  by  far  to  adopt  the  sentiment  of  Milton,  and  abide 
our  time  in  patience  : 

*•  Xor  love  thy  life,  nor  hate  ;  but  whilst  thou  livcst. 
Live  well  ;  how  lonti^,  how  short,  permit  to  Heaven." 

Anthony  Maxwell  committed  suicide  by  hangings,  in 
tlie  hollow  between  Cleveland  and  the  railroad  station, 
about  the  year  1833.  He  was  a  married  man,  aged  thirty, 
very  tall.     He  was  buried  at  Gilboa. 

James  Steele  was  killed  in  Januar}-,  1838,  by  the  falling 
of  a  tree. 

In  1875,  Frank  Smith  committed  suicide  by  hanging, 
with  a  leather  strap,  in  his  barn.     Cause  unknown. 

William  Guy,  a  brakeman  on  the  P.,  C.  and  St.  L. 
R.  R.,  kicked  a  boy  by  the  name  of  Weaver  off  the  cars 
while  in  motion,  at  Charlottesville,  which  killed  him.  A 
trial  was  had  at  Greenfield,  in  which  the  brakeman  came 
clear. 

Exports. — ^The  chief  exports  of  Jackson  township  are 
corn,  wheat,  hogs,  cattle,  horses,  oats,  potatoes,  flaxseed, 
lumber,  fruits,  and  the  products  of  the  hennery  and  dair\'. 

Synopsis. — Jackson  township,  a  namesake  of  Andrew 
Jackson,  the  seventh  president,  organized  in  1831,  contains 
thirty-six  sections,  has  four  border  townships  and  two 
border  counties,  one  mill  stream,  three  smaller  streams, 
two  railroads,  eight  miles  of  railroad  line,  two  stations,  ten 
frame  school-houses,  two  brick  school-houses,  fourteen 
teachers,  1^8,000  invested  in  school-houses  and  $100  in 
apparatus,  six  hundred  and  fifty-eight  school  children, 
seven  ex-trustees  since  1859,  seven  church  buildings,  tive 
denominations,  three  political  parties,  three  hundred  and 
forty-five  polls,  a  population  of  1,928,  four  hundred  and 
forty-five  voters,  two  voting  precincts,  22,254  '^^I'es  of 
land,  valued  at  $549,540;  improvements  worth  $77,785: 
value  of  town  lots,  $8,430;  yalue  of  improvements  on 
them,  $24,655  ;  value  of  telegraph  line,  $755  ;  value  of 
railroads,  $18,235  5  gi'^md  total,  $955,265  ;  has  one  hundred 
and  seventv-five  male  dogs,  ten  temale  dogs,   one  tile  fac- 


JACKSON  TOWNSHII'.  245 

tory,  no  mills,  two  villages,  two  post-offices,  fortv-four 
men  who  pay  $40  or  upwards  of  taxes,  twenty-four  ex- 
justices,  two  acting  justices,  thirteen  ex-count}'  officers, 
eight  living ;  fifteen  miles  of  public  pike,  no  toll  pike, 
two  express  offices,  two  telegraph  offices,  a  democratic 
trustee,  a  republican  assessor,  an  increasing  population,  a 
fertile  soil  and  enterprising  inhabitants. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

JACKSON  TOWNSHIP — Coutinucd. 

Charlottesville 

is  located  on  the  National  road,  eight  miles  east  of  Green- 
tield,  on  the  east  bank  of  Six  Mile  Creek.  It  is  pleas- 
antly located  in  a  beautiful  country.  It  has  about  four 
hundred  and  hfty  inhabitants.  It  has  a  good  school- 
house,  built  by  a  compan}' at  a  cost  of  $3,500;  a  daily 
mail,  telegraph  and  express  offices,  and  other  conveniences 
suitable  to  a  town  of  its  size.  It  vs^as  laid  out  by  David 
Templeton,  and  hied  of  record  the  first  of  June,  1830, 
with  tifty-six  lots. 

The  first  addition  was  made  by  James  P.  Foley,  on  the 
2ist  of  Febrvuuy,  1854,*  "^^^  consisted  of  four  blocks  and 
fifty-eight  lots,  located  south  of  the  old  plat. 

The  second  addition  was  made  on  the  8th  of  February, 
1869,  by  F.  Smith,  and  consisted  of  twentj'-eight  lots, 
located  north  of  the  old  plat. 

The  third  addition  was  made  by  Frank  Smith,  on  the 
8th  day  of  February,  1869,  known  as  his  second  addition, 
and  consisted  of  five  lots,  located  south  of  the  National 
road  and  east  of  the  old  plat. 


*The  dates  given  of  the  niakiiig  of  the  various  additions  are  tlic  dates  of  record- 
iiijj,  which  completes  the  legal  steps  to  constitute  an  addition. 


246  HISTOliY  OK   HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

The   fourth   addition  was   made  by  Walker,  on 

the  9th  of  February,  1869,  and  consisted  of  five  lots, 
located  in  the  north-west  corner  of  the  town. 

The  tifth  addition  was  made  by Chandler,  on 

the  8th  of  February,  1869,  '^"^  consisted  of  four  lots. 
located  between  the  old  town  plat  and  the  creek. 

The  sixth  addition  was  made  by  Watson,  on 

the  8th  of  February',  1869,  and  consisted  of  nineteen  lots. 
located  east  ol  the  old  plat  and  Foley's  addition. 

The  seventh  addition  was  made  b}'  Philip  Stinger,  on 
the  lirst  of  March,  1869,  and  consisted  of  four  lots,  located 
east  of  the  old  plat  and  north  of  the  National  road. 

The  eia'hth  addition  was  made  bv Earl,  on  the 

14th  of  June,  1869,  and  consisted  of  four  blocks  and 
twentv  lots,  known  as  Earl's  first  addition,  located  east  of 
the  old  plat  and  Stinger's  addition,  and  north  of  the 
National  road. 

The  ninth  and  last  addition,  known  as  Earl's  second 
addition,  was  made  by  Earl,  on  the  9th  of  February,  1870. 
and  consisted  of  three  blocks,  fifteen  lots,  and  a  school 
block,  located  east  and  adjoining  his  first  addition.  The 
present  brick  school-house  is  on  this  addition. 

The  land  from  which  Charlottesville  was  carved  was 
entered  by  Josiah  Vanmeter,  The  town  was  laid  out  in 
the  woods  by  David  Templeton,  in  1830.  The  first  to  set- 
tle in  Charlottesville  was  Michael  Hendricks,  moved  from 
Henry  county  by  Lewis  Davis  ;  followed  b}-  Sibbetts,  who 
kept  the  first  tavern.  Thomas  Lackey  kept  the  iirst 
saloon,  or  "grocery,"  as  then  termed.  The  following 
were  among  the  general  merchants  from  time  to  time: 
David  Johnson,  John  Haers  &  15ro.,  David  Templeton. 
James  P.  Foley,  Richard  Probasco,  William  Thornburgh, 
Hutton  &•  Overman,  Cyrus  Overman,  J.  A.  Craft,  and  P. 
J.  Bohn. 

The  first  business  houses  and  dwellings  were  small  pole 
buildings,  followed  by  more  stately  hewed  log  structures, 
in  turn  superseded  by  small  frames  after  the  location  of 
the  water-power  saw-mills  on  Six  Mile.     Later  still  better 


248 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


houses,    in   harmony   with    the    times    and    means    of    her 

citizens. 

At  present  a  portion  of  the  town  extends  over  the  line 

into  Rush  county,  whicli  forms  two   miles  of  the   southern 

boundary  of  Jackson  tow^nship.     The   railroad  is  on  the 

line,  or  about  so.     The  saw^-mill  and  the  Friends  church, 

though  belonging  to  Charlottesyille,  are  in  Rush  county. 


BUSINESS    DIRECTOR V   OF   CHAREOTTESYILLE. 


McrcJiants — 

Walker  <&  Conklin, 
Lafayette  Griffith, 
Grass  &  Hatfield. 

Grocei's — 

Philip  Stinger, 
W.  H.  H.  Rock, 
John  Roland. 

Grain  Dealers — 

William  Thornburgh, 
Enoch  Pearson, 
J.  E.  Hatfield. 

Druggists — 

W.  H.  H.  Rock, 
John  Roland. 

Physicians — 

Daniel  Grass, 
George  Dailey, 
William  Cox, 
Thomas  B.  Hammer, 
J.  E.  Wright. 

Wagon  l\faker — 
Henry  Kinder. 

Tinner — 

William  Niles. 


SJi  oe  ni  akc  rs — 

Joseph  Shultz, 
Jerry  Goddard, 
Daniel  Burk. 

J)  lacks  ni  iths — 

Frederick  &  Hammer, 
John  S.  Thomas, 
W.  M.  L.  Cox. 

Plasterers — 

Thomas  Niles, 
Charles  Niles. 
William  Caldwell. 

Milliners — 

Adaline  Owens, 
Achea  Wilkison. 

Carpenters — 
James  Pratt, 
William  Rail, 
Madison  Davis, 
Samuel  Grass. 


Agricidtural  I?np.  Dealer— 
John  S.  Thomas. 

Livery-stable  Proprietor — 
John  T.  Girty. 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP.  249 

Hardzvarc  Dealer —  A'.  R.  Ao't  and  Operator — 

R.  C.  Nilcs.  J.  E^  Hatfield. 

Harness-Maker —  Wheat  Fan  Manufacturer — 

John  McGraw.  Isaiah  Rhoades. 

J/usic  Dealer —  Preachers — 

B.  F.  Stinger.  Airs.  Amy  Fulghum, 


Rev.  I.  N.  Rlioades. 


Postmaster — 

Joseph  Shultz. 


Cleveland 

is  located  six  miles  east  of  Greenfield,  on  the  National 
road,  near  the  P.,  C.  and  St.  L.  R.  R.  It  was  laid  out 
on  the  8th  of  July,  1834,  by  E.  Wood.  The  original  plat 
consists  of  sixty-four  lots.  It  was  originally  called  Port- 
land, and  went  by  that  name  till  about  1855. 

Before  the  railroad  was  built,  when  the  traveling  was 
done  by  stage,  and  moving  to  the  west  and  returning  was 
by  wagons,  Portland  was  a  thriving  little  place,  which  not 
only  afforded  accommodations  for  the  weary  traveler,  but 
supplied  a  considerable  scope  of  countr}-  with  the  staple 
dry  goods  and  groceries.  For  a  number  of  years  the 
Dayton  and  Indianapolis  stage  passed  east  and  west  daily 
through  this  little  burg.  And  there  were  for  several  years 
two  good-sized  taverns  in  the  place,  one  on  either  side 
of  the  road.  Remnants  of  the  same  still  remain  as  a 
memento  of  brighter  da3's. 

We  are  in  favor  of  railroads  ;  tliev  are  a  blessinii'  to  anv 
country  as  a  whole,  but  their  tendency  is  toward  central- 
ization, the  building  up  of  the  cities,  capitals  and  counts- 
seats,  and  the  dwarfing  of  towns,  taverns  and  travelers' 
inns;  a  verification  of  Christ's  declaration  that  "To  him 
that  hath,  more  shall  be  given ;  and  to  him  that  hath  not, 
shall  be  taken  away  even  that  which  he  hath." 

Cleveland  now  has  one  good  frame  M.  E.  church 
building,  a  two-room  frame  district  school-house,  post- 
17 


250  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COIN'TV. 

office,    express    and   telenranli    otlices.    and   the    followinLi 
business  men  : 

Mcrcha?iis —  Grocer — 

j.  E.  Thomas  &  Bro.  Miss  Emma  ^\.  l>i(l<;(>()(l. 

Physicians —  Carpenters — 

jM.  M.  Hess.  Winilekl  Lane. 

Dr.  Trees.  John  II.  Scott. 

BlacksviitJi —  Waoou -Maker — 

Nathan  M.  Dugal.  Rohert  II.  Ross. 

Painter —  SJioe  ajid  Boot  Maker — 

Joseph  R.  Kintler.  Ira   Bevil,  Esq. 

Grain  Dealer —  Railroad  Ag  t  aiid  Operator— 

G.  W.  Hatfield.  Oliver  H.  Reese. 

Post  in  i  stress — 

Miss  Emma  A.  Bid<roo(l. 


The  saw-mill  recenth'  run  at  this  place  has  been 
removed. 

Dr.  S.  A.  Troy,  of  Milner's  Corner,  and  Dr.  Amos 
Bundy,  deceased,  once  held  forth  as  the  physicians  of  this 
place. 

Leamon's  Corner 

is  the  name  of  a  post-office  sustained  lor  a  number  of 
years  in  the  central  western  portion  of  Jackson  township. 
The  office  was  discontinued  in  the  summer  of  1881.  The 
name  took  its  origin  from  the  Leamun  family,  on  whose 
lands  the  Lcamon  school-house,  the  tirst  in  the  township, 
and  the  post-office  were  built.  There  was  never  a  plat, 
and  consequently  no  additions  to  the  place.  For  a  few 
years  past,  and  until  recently,  there  was  a  small  store,  a 
saw-mill,  a  post-office  and  a  blacksmith  shop  at  Leamon's 
Corner;  but  they  all  served  their  day,  and  in  time  were 
moved  away. 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP.  25  I 

Jackson  To\\'NSHir  Schools. 

Tiie  first  school  taught  in  this  township,  was  by  Rob- 
ert Santord,  in  a  log  house  on  the  old  State  road,  on  the 
land  now  owned  by  Noble  Warrum.  James  Loehr  taught 
the  second  school  in  the  township,  in  a  house  near  the 
National  road,  on  the  land  now  owned  bv  Noble  Warrum. 
The  third  school  was  taught  by  Robert  Sanford,  in  a 
house  on  or  near  the  National  road  on  the  land  now  owned 
by  John  Thompson.  A  school  was  taught  in  this  same 
house  by  a  man  by  the  name  of  Goldsmith. 

The  first  house  built  in  the  township  for  school  pur- 
poses was  the  Leamon  school-house,  which  took  its  name 
from  the  fact  of  its  being  built  on  the  lands  of  William 
Leamon.  Edward  R.  Sample  taught  the  first  school  that 
was  taught  in  the  house.  As  a  compensation  for  his 
services,  he  received  thirt}'-six  dollars  I'or  a  term  of  thir- 
teen weeks,  he  boarding  himself.  The  house  was  a  log 
structure,  about  eighteen  b}-  twenty-four  feet,  heated  bv  a 
huge  fire-place,  and  lighted  by  a  flight  of  oiled  paper  that 
extended  along  the  entire  south  side  of  the  buildino-.  The 
ceiling  and  roof  were  made  of  clapboards,  and  the  scholars 
using  for  seats  the  soft  side  of  a  lind  sapling,  split  open, 
into  which  four  pins  were  driven  for  legs.  Several  terms 
of  school  were  taught  in  this  house  bv  Burd  Lacy,  A.  T. 
Hatfield,  George  W.  Sample,  William  Sager  and  others, 
the  wages  never  being  more  than  from  thirty  to  thirtv-six 
dollars  for  a  term  of  thirteen  weeks,  the  teacher  eitlier 
boarding  himself  or  boarding  around  among  the  scholars, 
which  practice  was  ver}'  common  in  those  daA's. 

The  next  house  built  in  the  township  for  school  pur- 
poses was  on  the  south-east  corner  of  the  lands  of  Andrew 
Jackson,  north  of  Charlottesville,  on  the  banks  of  Six 
Mile  creek.  Jesse  Leonard  was  one  of  the  principal 
teachers  at  that  point. 

The  next  house  built  in  the  township  was  about  one 
mile  north  and  one-fourth  of  a  mile  east  of  Cleveland,  on 
ihe   land   now   owned   bv  Elisha   Earl.      This  house   was 


252  HISTORY  OF  HANX'OCK  COUNTY. 

called  "Backwoods  College/'  being  built  right  in  a  thick 
woods.  Those  most  prominent  in  the  building  of  this 
house  were  John  Parkhurst,  Abraham  Craft  and  John 
Sample.  It  was  a  hewed  log  house,  about  twenty-four  by 
twenty-eight  feet,  well  lighted,  and  nicely  ceiled  overhead. 
This  school  was  largely  attended.  John  A.  Craft  taught 
the  first  school  in  the  house,  and  was  succeeded  by  James 
Sample,  Thompson  Allen,  C.  G.  Sample,  H.  H.  Ayres, 
and  a  man  b}-  the  name  of  Miller,  who,  by  the  wa}',  was 
quite  a  poet. 

The  next  school-house  built  in  the  township  was  in  the 
town  of  Charlottesville,  in  the  south-west  part  of  the  town, 
right  on  the  steep  banks  of  Six  Mile  Creek.  I  know  but 
little  of  the  earh^  pedagogues  at  this  place. 

Before  the  free  school  law  was  passed,  schools  were 
taught  in  different  parts  of  the  township  b}'  Nathan  Fish, 
Dr.  Nichols,  John  Mclntire,  li.  H.  Ayres,  John  H.  Scott,. 
George  W.  Sample,  Burd  Lacy,  George  W.  Hatfield, 
Milton  Heath,  Catharine  Stephens,  Penelope  Heath  and 
William  Sager. 

When  the  free  school  law  went  into  effect,  David  P. 
Pridd}',  George  W.  Sample  and  William  Leamon  were 
elected  first  trustees,  and  they,  together  with  Allen  T. 
Hatfield  as  clerk,  constituted  the  first  board  o*'  township 
trustees. 

Under  their  administration  the  first  nine  houses  were 
located.  Soon  after  the  location  had  been  decided  upon,. 
George  W.  Sample  was  appointed  route  agent  on  the 
P.,  C.  and  St.  L.  R.  R.,  and  resigned  the  ofiice  of  trustee 
to  enter  upon  the  duties  of  route  agent.  Elisha  Earl  was 
appointed  to  fill  the  vacancy,  and  the  houses  were  built  as 
the  first  board  had  located  them.  At  the  expiration  of 
William  Leamon's  term  of  office,  Daniel  Crane  was  elected 
a  member  of  the  board  of  trustees.  When  the  law  was 
amended  so  as  to  have  but  one  trustee,  instead  of  three, 
J5urd  Lacy  was  elected  and  served  one  or  two  terms. 
David  P.  Priddy  was  next  elected  for  several  terms  in 
succession.     He  was  in  ofiice  when  the  county  treasurer's. 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP.  253 

office  was  robbed,  and  had  deposited  in  the  safe  a  consid- 
erable amount  of  the  common  school  and  township  funds, 
and  this  was  also  taken.  Mr.  Priddy  made  good  the  loss 
to  the  township.  Right  here  I  cannot  forbear  saying  that, 
in  my  opinion,  this  was  wrong.  His  successors  in  office,  in 
their  regular  order,  were  Philip  Stinger,  George  W.  Wil- 
liams, James  B.  Clark,  A.  V.  B.  Sample,  J.  H.  McKown 
and  James  F.  McClarnon. 

School-house  number  ten,  or  extra,  was  built  on  the 
lands  of  George  W.  Sample,  in  the  year  1859.  ^-  ^-  ■^• 
Sample  taught  the  first  school  in  the  house,  and  it  was 
here  that  some  of  the  best  teachers  in  the  township  received 
their  start.  The  Addison  school-house  was  built  a  tew 
3-ears  later,  and  was  numbered  seven,  it  taking  the  number 
of  the  Charlottesville  school,  Charlottesville  having  become 
an  incorporated  town,  managing  its  own  school  fund. 

Number  eleven,  or  the  first  brick  house  built  in  the 
township,  was  on  the  larm  of  Burd  Lacy,  and  was  erected 
by  A.  V.  B.  Sample  during  his  term  of  office  as  trustee. 

The  second  brick,  or  Leamon's  Corner  school-house, 
was  built  by  James  F.  McClarnon.  J.  H.  McKown  was 
the  contractor  on  both  houses,  and  thev  are  an  honor  to 
the  township,  and  reflect  much  credit  on  the  contractor. 

Among  those  who  have  figured  largely  as  teachers  in 
the  common  schools  of  this  township  are  T.  W.  Hatfield, 
William  M.  Lewis,  A.  V.  B.  Sample,  J.  H.  Landis,  Dr. 
A.  B.  Bundy,  J.  N.  Sample,  A.  E.  Sample,  E.  W.  Smith, 
Ancil  Clark,  E.  A.  Lewis,  George  Burnett,  Channing 
Staley,  Eva  Brosius,  George  W.  Williams,  R.  H.  Warrum, 
Vint.  A.  Smith,  Ed.  Scott,  Edwin  Braddock,  Wallace 
A.  Simmons  and  John  E.  Leamon.  A.  V.  B.  Sample  is 
the  veteran  teacher  of  the  township,  he  ha\'ing  taught  a 
little  more  than  one  hundred  months,  and  served  three 
3'ears  as  school  examiner  of  the  county. 

The  educational  interest  of  the  township  is  good,  and 
our  home  teachers  will  compare  favorablv  with  those  of 
•  any  other  township  in  the  county  or  state. 

A.  \'.  B.  Sample. 


254  history  of  ha^x'ock  county. 

Pleasant  Hill  Church  (M.  E.) 

In  1835,  Moses  Braddock  opened  the  doors  of  his 
dwelling  to  receive  the  itinerant  ministry.  During  this; 
year  Benjamin  Cooper,  a  superannuated  minister  of  the- 
Ohio  conference,  moved  into  the  neighborhood  and  com- 
menced preacliing  the  gospel.  In  the  same  year  came 
Alfred  Thomas.  In  1836,  F.  C.  Holliday  and  John  F. 
Truslow  were  preachers  in  charge  of  the  Knightstown 
circuit,  to  which  Pleasant  Hill  belonged  at  that  time.  In 
1837,  ^'  ^-  Hibben  and  James  Hill  were  ministers,  dur- 
ing which  time  a  small  class  of  twelve  members  was. 
formed,  viz.  :  Polly  Burris,  Margaret  Braddock,  Nancy 
Braddock,  Barbar}-  Braddock,  Benjamin  Cooper,  Nanc}^ 
Cooper,  Alfred  Thomas,  Jane  Thomas,  John  M.  Thomas, 
Matilda  Thomas,  and  David  and  Marv  Thomas.  Alfred 
Thomas  was  the  first  steward  and  David  Thomas  the  first 
class-leader. 

In  1838,  the  members  and  neighbors,  by  voluntary- 
labor,  built  a  log  house  for  the  purpose  of  holding  worship 
and  school.  This  house  was  a  rude  aftair  indeed.  The 
seats  were  split  poles,  and  the  fireplace  would  take  in 
wood  six  feet  in  length.  Along  the  north  side  was  a  nar- 
row window,  with  oiled  paper  for  light.  In  1839,  -^-  -^• 
Berr}^  preached  the  first  sermon  in  the  house.  Isaac  Bar- 
rett taught  the  first  school  in  the  same.  In  1840,  George 
Havens  and  Greenley  McLaughlin  were  on  the  afore- 
said circuit.  In  1841,  D.  F.  Straight  and  D.  W.  Bowls 
were  appointed  on  the  charge.  At  the  close  of  this  vear 
Pleasant  Hill  was  placed  on  the  Greenfield  circuit. 

In  1852,  under  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Francis  M.  Rich- 
mond, a  new  house  was  erected  at  a  cost  of  $1,000.  The 
house  was  dedicated  by  Rev.  Richmond,  the  preacher  in 
charge,  a  noble  man  of  God. 

The  first  trustees  were  John  Jones,  George  Fisk,  Elisha 
Earls,  John  M.  Thomas,  and  David  Thomas.  The  pres- 
ent trustees  are  the  said  John  JM.  and  I)a\id  Thomas, 
Robert  ISIcClarnon,  Henry  McComas,  and  L.  B.  l^homas.. 


256  HISTORY  OF  HAN'COCK  COUNTY, 

The  present  preacher  is  I.  N.  Rhoades.  A  Sunday-school 
was  opened  in  this  church  in  1839J  ^Y  I^'i"^'i<^^  Thomas, 
and  has  been  kept  up  in  the  summer  and  fall  ever  since. 


Baptist  and  Nevv^  Light. 

In  the  early  history  of  the  township  the  Baptists  held 
meetings  regularly  for  a  time  in  the  north-west  part  of  the 
township,  at  the  house  of  Silas  Huntington.  The  pastors 
were  Revs.  Dilla  and  Cunningham. 

About  the  same  time  the  New  Light  society  built  a  log 
meeting-house  in  the  north-east  part  of  the  township,  and 
held  forth  for  several  years. 

Both  of  these  denominations  have  gone  down,  and  we 
have  been  unable  to  get  a  full  history  thereof. 


Charlottesville  M.  E.  Church. 

The  first  meetings  by  this  society  were  held  in  a  school- 
house  just  south  of  town,  on  the  banks  of  Six  Mile.  The 
first  class-meeting  was  in  1850.  The  preachers  in  charge 
at  that  time  were  Stout  and  Kinman.  The  present  build- 
ing was  erected  in  the  year  1855,  and  services  have  been 
sustained  ever  since.  The  building  is  a  good  frame,  and 
will  seat  three  hundred  and  fifty  persons.  Some  of  the 
best  citizens  of  Charlottesville  belong  to  this  branch  of  the 
church  militant,  and  are  willing  workers  in  propagating 
truth  and  virtue.  Present  preacher,  1.  N.  Rhoades.  Serv- 
ices semi-monthly.  The  present  class-leaders  are  John  T. 
Hatfield  and  A.  T.  Foley. 

The  Methodists  at  this  point  were  enterprising  in  Sun- 
day-school work,  having  organized  a  school  about  1848, 
being  prior  to  the  establishment  of  a  church.  Tlie  first 
superintendent  was  James  P.  Foley,  followed  in  succession 
by  Edward  Raymond,  John  A.  Craft,  Anthonv  Fort, 
Samuel  Hall,  Mr.  Stanton,  Asa  Allison,  Martin  Fort, 
Henry  Carroll,  A.  T.  Foley,  iVndrew  Overton,  Joseph 
Shultz,  James  B.  vSparks,  C\"rus   0\'erman,  John   T.    Hat- 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP.  257 

field,  and  Thomas  W.  Hatfield.  The  present  superintend- 
ent is  John  T.  Hatfield.  The  school  is  in  good  condition, 
and  regular  and  prompt  in  attendance. 

Charlottesville  Meeting  (Friends) 

was  "  set  up  "  some  time  after  the  civil  war.  It  is  a  branch 
of  the  Walnut  Ridge  Meeting,  four  miles  south  thereof. 
William  Thornburgh,  Joel  Cox,  Henry  Bundy  and  John 
Taylor  were  earl}^  members,  and  still  belong  to  the  flock. 
Mrs.  Amy  Fulghum  is  the  present  preacher.  The  house  is 
located  in  the  south  part  of  town,  just  across  the  railroad, 
and  is,  consequently,  in  Rush  county  ;  but  as  the  member- 
ship mostly  reside  in  Charlottesville,  and  the  church  is 
really  a  part  thereof,  we  think  it  proper  to  give  it  at  least 
a  passing  notice.  The  house  is  a  plain  frame,  capable  of 
seating  two  hundred  and  fifty  persons.  The  membership 
is  not  numerous  nor  wealthy,  but  pious  and  practical,  and 
generally  found  in  attendance  not  only  on  First  Day,  but 
at  the  "mid-week  meetings."  Some  of  the  best  temper- 
ance meetings  ever  held  in  Charlottesville  were  in  this 
meeting-house. 

A  Bible  school  was  organized  in  this  church  cotem- 
porar}'  with  its  establishment,  which  has  been  successfully 
sustained  ever  since.  While  the  school  does  not  have  as 
much  form  as  many  others,  it  succeeds  in  doing  solid  work 
in  a  quiet  wav. 

Six  Mile  Church  (M.  E.) 

was  organized  about  the  year  1838,  and  located  two  miles 
north  of  Charlottesville.  The  building  was  a  small  frame, 
which  cost  about  seventy  dollars  in  money  and  a  hand- 
some donation  in  labor.  It  was  dedicated  by  Rev.  John 
Burt.  The  first  preachers  were  said  John  Burt  and  Kelly, 
Havens,  Beemer,  McMahan,  Statler,  and  Layton.  The 
first  members  were  Henry  Woods  and  wife,  Benjamin 
Fort  and  wife,  Ann  Probasco,  William  Oldham  and  wife, 
Rolla   Ramsey   and   wife,  James   Lakin   and  wife,    Isaac 


258  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

Hill  and  wife,  Reuben  Loudenback  and  wife,  Anthony 
Fort  and  wife,  Andrew  Jackson  and  James  P.  Foley  and 
wives,  and  Miss  Oldham,  now  Mrs.  P.  J.  Bohn. 

This  church  has  long  since  gone  down,  and  the  old 
building  lias  been  removed  ;  but  the  old  graveyard  still 
remains  to  mark  the  place  dear  to  many.  Among  the  tirst 
burials  here  were  Sarah  Foley,  daughter  of  John  P.  Foley  ; 
John  Bartlow  and  Mary  E.  I5ohn.  Beneath  the  green 
grass  and  the  encroaching  wild  briers  of  this  lonely  spot 
rest  the  mortal  remains  of  several  whose  faces  were  once 
familiar  to  the  older  citizens. 

The  hrst  trustees  of  Six  Mile  church  were  Benjamin 
Fort,  Rolla  Ramsey,  Andrew  Jackson,  Anthony  Fort, 
and  William  Oldham. 

In  an  earlv  day  Henry  Woods  and  James  P.  Fole\- 
became  bitter  enemies,  and  tinallv  had  a  frightful  light. 
Shorth'  after  which  there  was  a  protracted  meeting  held 
at  a  school-house,  one  mile  north  of  Charlottesville,  at 
which  those  two  parties  were  in  attendance,  and  were 
alike  convicted  and  went  to  the  mourners'  bench.  Neither 
knew  that  the  other  was  there.  At  about  the  same  time 
both  were  converted  and  professed  religion.  The  two 
arose  about  the  same  time,  and  seeing  each  other,  each 
embraced  the  other  in  his  arms,  both  claiming  to  be  in  the 
wrong  in  their  difficulty.  From  that  dav  until  death  these 
parties  were  warm,  faithful  friends,  and  members  of  the 
M.  E.  church,  and  died  in  the  faith. 

Namei  ESS  Creek  Christian  Church 

was  organized  September  8,  1839,  ^y  Elders  John  Walker 
and  Peter  Reader,  at  the  house  of  Daniel  Priddy.  Among 
the  hrst  members  were  Aaron  Powell,  Elizabeth  Powell, 
Sisson  Siddle,  Lemuel  Perrine,  and  Charlotte  Tygart. 
The  hrst  clerk  was  Sisson  Siddle.  The  hrst  deacons, 
elected  May  8,  1841,  were  Aaron  Powell  and  Meredith 
Walker.  The  lirst  elders,  appointed  in  August,  1842, 
were    Peter  Furman,  Jordon    Lac\-,    and   Sanniel    Smith. 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP.     "  259 

The  first  house  was  erected  in  1841,  and  known  as  Name- 
less Creek  church.  The  second  house  was  built  in  1852, 
and  was  named  "Union  Meeting-house."  Prior  to  the 
building  of  the  church  house,  meetings  were  held  at  the 
private  residences  of  Daniel  Priddy,  Peter  Furman,  and 
John  Street.  At  this  date  there  are  about  three  hundred 
names  on  the  church  roll.  David  Franklin  has  been  the 
regular  minister  ever  since  1844. 

This  church  is  located  about  three-fourths  of  a  mile 
north  of  the  center  of  the  township,  and  school-house 
nurnber  five,  known  as  Center. 


Brown's  Chapel  (M.  P). 

In  the  year  1838,  the  Revs.  Joseph  Williams,  James 

Bedson,  and Hannafield  held  a  camp-meeting  and 

organized  a  society  in  the  neighborhood  of  Wesley  Wil- 
liams's, in  Jackson  township.  Soon  after  a  log  church 
was  built  and  occupied  with  varied  success  till  1861,  when 
the  old  log  church  became  unfit  for  a  place  of  meeting. 
Some  of  the  members  having  moved  away  and  others 
died,  an  organization  was  effected  of  the  remaining  num- 
ber by  the  Rev.  D.  S.  Welling,  in  the  school-house  on 
Robert  Smith's  farm,  who,  with  W^illiam  Leamon,  James 
M.  Clark  and  William  Williams,  were  elected  trustees. 
Revs.  Harvey  Collins,  Thomas  Shipp  and  S.  M.  Lowden 
were  among  the  successive  pastors.  In  1868,  Thomas 
Shipp  was  again  pastor,  and  Robert  Smith,  J.  M.  Clark, 
C.  G.  Sample,  John  N.  Leamon  and  Peter  Crider  were 
the  trustees.  During  this  year  the  house  of  worship, 
known  as  Brown's  Chapel,  was  built  by  J.  B.  Clark,  and 
dedicated  in  October  by  George  Brown,  D.  D.  There  has 
been  a  regular  succession  of  pastors  ever  since.  Rev.  J. 
S.  Sellers  is  the  present  preacher.  Robert  Smith,  William 
Crider,  Thomas  Williams,  W.  Slifer  and  C.  Gibbs  are  the 
trustees.  This  house  is  located  one  mile  north  of  the 
National  road,  and  a  mile  east  of  the  west  line  of  the  town- 
ship, near  school-hcnise  number  nine. 


26o  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

Saudis  Lodge,  No.  253,  F,  A.  M. 

The  above-named  lodge  was  organized  under  dispensa- 
tion, January  25,  i860.  The  names  of  the  charter  members 
are  as  follows  :  John  A.  Craft,  Richard  Probasco,  Joseph 
Loudenback,  J.  N.  Chandler,  Dr.  A.  B.  Bundy,  Ellison 
Williams,  Thomas  M.  Bidgood,  George  W.  Sample,  John 
Shipman,  John  Thompson,  Jr.,  William  W.  Thornburgh, 
Albert  White,  Joseph  J.  Butler,  Joseph  R.  Hunt,  John 
Hunt,  Samuel  B.  Hill,  Edward  Butler,  Temple  Stewart, 
Andrew  Pauley,  Ambrose  Miller,  Thomas  Conklin,  S.  A. 
Hall,  C.  E.  Allison,  William  Cook,  Joshua  Moore  and 
John  Kiser. 

The  dispensation  authorized  the  foregoing  Masons  to 
meet  in  the  town  of  Charlottesville,  Indiana,  in  the  second 
story  of  a  building  on  the  north  side  of  Main  street,  the 
iirst  stor}'  of  which  was  occupied  by  John  A.  Craft  as  a 
dry  goods  store.  John  A.  Craft  was  the  first  worshipful 
master,  Samuel  B.  Hill  was  the  first  senior  warden,  and 

C.  E.  Allison  was  the  first  junior  warden. 

The  lodge  continued  to  meet  and  work  under  this  dis- 
pensation until  the  29th  day  of  May,  i860,  when,  at  the 
annual  communication  of  the  grand  lodge,  a  charter  was 
granted,  and  Sardis  Lodge,  No.  253,  was  duly  constituted, 
and  took  her  place  among  the  sister  lodges  of  the  state. 

For  a  number  of  years  the  lodge  continued  to  meet  and 
work  in  the  room  where  it  was  first  organized  ;  but  when 
John  A.  Craft  built  his  new  business  room  on  the  south 
side  of  the  street,  a  lodge  room  was  fitted  up  in  the  second 
stor}'  of  it,  and  furnished  in  the  very  best  of  style,  and  the 
lodge  changed  to  more  comfortable  quarters.  Here  it 
continued  to  meet  and  work  until  the  2nd  day  of  June,  A. 

D.  1878,  when  the  building  and  ever3'thing  pertaining  to 
the  lodge,  except  the  records,  was  destroyed  by  fire. 

There  being  no  room  in  the  town  that  could  be  obtained, 
suitable  for  lodge  purposes,  and  the  membership  feeling 
that  they  were  unable  to  build,  surrendered  their  charter 
on  the  20th  dav  of  December,  1878.  to  tiie  most  worship- 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP.  26 1 

fill  grand  master,  Robert  Van  Valzah,  who  appointed 
A.  V,  B.  Sample  his  special  deputy  to  settle  up  the  busi- 
ness of  the  lodge,  and  Sardis  lodge  became  a  thing  of  the 
past. 

Thomas  B.  Wilkinson  was  the  first  who  applied  for  and 
received  the  degree  of  Masonry  in  this  lodge,  and  Elijah 
C.  Reeves  and  A.  V.  B.  Sample  were  the  next. 

Among  those  who  filled  the  station  of  worshipful  mas- 
ter in  the  lodge  are  John  A.  Craft,  A.  V.  B.  Sample,  Jesse 
Leaky  and  I.  B.  Smith. 

From  the  issuing  of  the  dispensation  to  the  surrender- 
ing of  the  charter,  this  lodge  never  lost  but  two  members 
by  death,  to-wit :  Andrew  Pauley  and  Thomas  Conklin, 
both  of  whom  were  buried  with  masonic  honors  in  the 
Simmons  cemetery,  one  on  the  anniversary  of  St.  John, 
the  Baptist,  and  the  other  on  the  anniversary  of  St.  John„ 
the  Evangelist. 

Center  Church  (Friends), 

in  Jackson  township,  was  established  in  1878.  Meetings 
were  first  held  at  the  school-house  at  Leamon's  Corner. 
The  building  is  a  neat  frame,  erected  in  1879,  '^^  '^  ^^'^^  ^^ 
^^500.  It  is  located  in  section  twent3'-four,  in  the  west  part 
of  the  township.  The  first  trustees  were  Joseph  O.  Bin- 
lord,  Aaron  White  and  John  S.  Lewis.  Among  those 
who  have  preached  here  are  J.  O.  Binford,  M.  M.  Bin- 
ford  and  Winbern  Kearns. 

The  society  is  young  and  small.  The  house  will  seat 
about  two  hundred  persons.  Ex-county  commissioner 
John  S.  Lewis  is  a  member  of  this  organization. 

Missionary  Union  Baptist  Church 

was  organized  July  19,  1852,  at  Pleasant  Hill,  about  three 
miles  north  of  Leamon's  Corner.  The  first  house  of  w^or- 
ship  was  erected  about  two  miles  east  of  the  "  corner," 
in  1856.  The  present  house  was  erected  in  1878.  It 
stands  about  one  mile  west  of  the  "corner." 


262  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

The  church  is  in  good  condition,  with  a  present  mem- 
bersliip  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-six.  Within  the  past 
ten  years  six  clergymen  have  officiated  here,  and 
ten  within  the  last  twenty  years.  The  present  minister  is 
Elder  W.  K.  Williams,  who  preaches  once  a  month.  A 
weekly  prayer  meeting  has  been  sustained  for  over  three 
years  without  cessation. 

The  tirst  pastor  of  the  church  was  Elder  Michael 
White,  who  acted  as  moderator  at  the  time  of  its  organi- 
zation. Elder  A,  Dana  was  present.  Anthony  C.  Bram- 
mer  was  the  first  church  clerk. 

Amonij  the  orifjinal  members  are  the  following  :  Wil- 
liam  and  Elizabeth  Brammer,  Samuel  E.  and  Sarah 
Wilson,  James  Brammer,  John  O.  and  Julia  A.  Moore. 
John  O.  Moore  is  still  living,  and  resides  within  a  half 
mile  of  the  church. 

The  members  of  this  organization  sustain  an  interesting 
Sabbath-school,  with  an  average  attendance  of  fifty.  Ben- 
jamin Clift,  A.  C.  Dudding  and  S.  W.  Felt  have  officiated 
as  superintendents,  the  latter  of  whom  is  the  present 
incumbent.     The  school  is  in  a  prosperous  condition. 


Hon.  Noble  War  rum 

was  born  July  8,  1818,  in  Wa^me  county,  Indiana.  When 
he  was  but  a  small  boy,  he  moved  with  his  father  to  Han- 
cock county,  and  settled  on  Blue  River.  At  the  early 
age  of  fourteen,  Noble  Warrum  left  home  to  embark  in 
the  busines  of  life,  having  nothing  to  rely  upon  but  an 
undaunted  energy,  a  spirit  of  enterprise — which  he  pos- 
sessed by  nature — and  a  resolution  to  practice  industry 
and  frugalit3^  He  selected  agriculture  as  his  pursuit,  to 
which  vocation  he  still  adheres.  His  success  as  a  farmer 
show  that  he  must  have  exercised  a  discriminating  judg- 
ment in  directing  his  operations,  and  practiced  habitual 
promptness  in  executing  them. 

Mr.  Warrum's  educational  advantages  were  very  lim- 
ited.      He    attended    only  the    old-fashioned   log  school- 


264  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

houses,  and  even  that  assistance  was  aftbrded  him  only 
for  the  space  of  nine  months.  Having  from  early  age  an 
ardent  desire  for  knowledge,  he  seized  all  opportunities 
and  improved  every  means  of  mental  development,  ;ind 
thus,  by  reading,  by  reflecting,  and  by  the  study  of  human 
nature,  has  been  enabled  to  do  much  for  the  culture  of  a 
mind  by  nature  strong  and  active.  In  the  strictest  sense, 
he  may  be  said  to  be  a  self-made  man.  Eminently  of  a 
practical  turn  of  mind,  he  has  never  made  any  department 
of  literature  a  special  study. 

During  his  whole  life  Mr.  Warrum  has  been  a  resident 
of  Hancock  county.  In  1839,  ^^^  ^^''^^  appointed  county 
collector,  an  office  now  substituted  by  that  of  county  treas- 
urer. He  received  this  appointment  from  the  county  com- 
missioners before  he  was  of  age,  and  entered  upon  its 
duties  in  1840,  when  bareh'  eligible.  At  the  expiration  of 
the  four  years'  term  of  office,  he  was  elected  county 
assessor  by  a  large  majorit}'.  In  i860,  he  received  the 
unanimous  nomination  of  his  party  for  representative  of 
the  county  to  the  legislature,  and  was  elected  by  about 
one  hundred  majority  over  the  part}'  vote.  Since  then  he 
has  served  two  terms  in  the  same  responsible  position. 
As  a  representative,  he  was  not  only  watchful  and  atten- 
tive to  the  interests  of  his  own  constituents,  but  always 
evinced  an  earnest  desire  to  promote  those  of  the  state  at 
lar<je.  He  won  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  his  constitu- 
ents  by  his  fidelity  ;  and  his  sound  judgment,  conservative 
views,  and  independent  disposition,  made  him  a  valuable 
representative.  Since  1856,  Mr.  W.  has  been  connected 
with  the  Masonic  fraternity.  His  religious  belief  is  the 
universal  salvation.  In  politics  he  has  always  been  a  dem- 
ocrat of  the  Jefferson  and  Jackson  school. 

Mr.  Warrum  has  married  three  times.  First,  to  Miss 
Rosa  Ann,  daughter  of  Richard  Williams,  of  Hancock 
county,  Indiana,  February  16,  1842.  Mrs.  Warrum  died 
August  27,  1862,  leaving  one  son,  Richard  H.  Warrum. 
In  April,  1863,  he  married  Miss  Maria  A.  Wood,  daugh- 
ter of  Rev.  Wytteel  A.  Wood,  an  emigrant  from  Virginia. 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP.  265 

She  died  December  27,  1873,  leaving  three  sons,  Noble, 
Henry  and  Mack,  and  one  daughter,  Rosa  Ann.  On 
December  19,  1877,  ^^^  married  Miss  Mary  Jane,  daughter 
of  Abner  Cor}-,  late  of  Madison  county. 

In  stature,  Mr.  Warrum  is  a  litde  above  the  medium 
size.  He  possesses  a  strong  constitution,  cheerful  and 
vivacious  spirits,  and  a  kind  and  hospitable  disposition. 


John  Addison, 

commissioner  of  Hancock  county,  was  born  in  Preble 
count}',  Ohio,  January  22,  1820.  He  is  the  son  of  John 
and  Sarah  Addison,  formerly  of  Randolph  countv.  North 
Carolina.  His  father  removed  to  Indiana  in  1827,  and 
located  in  Rush  county,  where  young  Addison  labored 
with  untiring  zeal  in  clearing  the  forests  and  tilling  the 
soil.  During  the  whiter  he  attended  the  common  schools 
of  the  county,  where  he  obtained  the  only  schooling  he 
ever  enjoyed.  He  remained  with  his  parents  until  lie  was 
twenty-one  years  of  age,  when  he  was  married ;  and 
receiving  the  gift  of  a  small  tract  of  land  from  his  father, 
he  moved  on  it  and  began  his  exertions  for  an  independent 
living.  On  January  17,  1854,  he  removed  trom  Rush  to 
Hancock  county,  and  purchased  a  farm  in  Jackson  town- 
ship, where  he  now  resides.  In  the  autumn  of  1861  he 
was  elected  treasurer  of  Hancock  count\%  a  position  in 
which  he  distinguished  himself  by  efficient  and  careful 
attention  to  his  duties.  In  1868,  he  was  again  called  to 
the  duties  of  official  lite,  being  chosen  a  representative  to 
the  state  legislature.  Again,  in  the  fall  of  1874  he  was 
placed  on  the  board  of  county  commissioners,  and  served 
as  such  for  six  years. 

Mr.  Addison  has  always  contributed  liberally  to  the 
various  public  enterprises  of  his  county.  He  aids  and 
encourages  county  and  district  fairs,  and  takes  great  inter- 
est in  improvements  in  stock  raising  and  agriculture.  He 
has  been  a  faithful  member  of  the  Christian  church  since 
18 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP.  267 

1840.  He  is  now,  and  al\v;u-s  has  been,  a  steadfast  dem- 
ocrat, casting  his  tirst  presidential  vote  for  James  K.  Polk. 
He  was  first  married  to  Miss  Nancy  Hall,  davighter  of 
Curtis  Hall,  of  Henry  count}',  Indiana,  on  the  13th  of 
February,  1840.  She  died  November  24,  1866,  and  he 
was  married  the  second  time  to  Miss  Ellen  Jane  Coltrain, 
of  Henr}'  county,  Indiana,  on  the  9th  day  of  January, 
186S.  He  is  the  father  of  ten  children — nine  by  his  first 
wife  and  one  by  his  second.  Mr.  A.  is  now  enjoying  pri- 
vate life  on  his  farm  in  Jackson  township. 

Wesley  Williams 

was  born  in  Indiana  Territorv,  in  what  is  now  Franklin 
countv,  in  1811,  May  12th.  In  the  following  3'ear  he 
removed  with  his  parents,  Joseph  II.  and  Charity  Williams, 
to  Wavne  county,  Indiana,  where  he  was  raised.  Mr.  W. 
was  converted  and  joined  the  M.  E.  Church  at  the  early  age 
of  fifteen,  and  has  been  a  faithful,  consistent  member  ever 
since  ;  a  greater  portion  of  which  time  he  has  been  a  class- 
leader,  and  always  a  faithful  worker  in  the  cause  of  the 
church  and  Christianity. 

He  was  married  in  the  year  1834  ^^  Catharine  Harden, 
who  is  also  a  consistent  member  of  the  same  religious 
denomination. 

In  1837,  ^f^'-  Williams,  with  his  wife  and  one  child, 
moved  to  Jackson  township,  and  settled  in  the  woods  in  a 
log  cabin  ;  stuck  a  pole  in  a  hollow  stump,  to  which  he  tied 
his  horses,  having  no  other  stable  for  two  months.  Here 
he  worked  hard  and  lived  hard  to  secure  a  starting  point, 
and  by  patient  industry  and  strict  economy,  he  has  gained 
a  competence  amply  sufficient  to  support  him  and  the  wife 
of  his  bosom  in  their  declining  years  ;  indeed,  Mr.  W.  is 
one  of  the  heavy  tax-payers  of  the  township,  as  a  reference 
to  our  list  will  show. 

To  Mr.  W.  were  born  eight  children,  five  of  whom  are 
living,  married  and  doing  well.  See  his  portrait  in  another 
part  of  this  book. 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP.  269 

Philip  J.  Bohn 

was  born  in  Adams  county,  Pennsylvania.  His  parents 
were  of  German  ancestry-.  He  came  to  Indiana  in  the 
spring  of  1839,  '^"^  during  the  following  fall  came  to 
Charlottesville.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  he  entered 
ii  shop  as  an  apprentice  in  the  carriage  and  wagon  making 
Ijusiness.  He  next  engaged  in  carpentering  for  a  season. 
In  the  year  1863,  he  began  the  dry  goods  business  in 
C^harlottesville,  and  for  full  eighteen  years  he  occupied  the 
same  room  at  the  same  business.  Sixteen  years  of  this 
time  he  was  sole  proprietor.  On  the  4th  of  February, 
1881,  he  sold  out  his  stock  of  goods  to  Messrs.  Walker  & 
Conklin,  the  present  proprietors.  Mr.  Bohn  has  lately 
moved  out  on  his  farm,  just  west  of  town,  and  erected  a 
handsome  two-story  frame  dwelling,  where  he  proposes  to 
look  after  his  farming  interests,  and  spend  the  remainder  of 
his  days  in  the  quiet,  healthful  seclusion  of  rural  pursuits. 

In  1856,  Mr.  Bohn  was  married  to  a  daughter  of  Wil- 
liam Oldham,  one  of  the  first  settlers,  with  whom  he  is 
-Still  happily  living. 

Charlottesville  Lodge,  No.  277,  I.  O.  O.  F., 

was  instituted  January  3,  1867,  by  E.  H.  Barry,  at  Char- 
lottesville, Indiana.  Amonjj  the  charter  members  were: 
John  R.  Johnson,  Joseph  Evans,  Drure  Holt,  W.  S.John- 
son, Abraham  Miller,  W.  S.  Hill,  Thompson  B.  Burtch, 
R.  B.  White  and  George  Chandler. 

The  present  officers  are  :  Lee  M.  Rock,  N.  G.  ;  John 
T.  Hatfield,  V.  G.  ;J.  E.  Hatfield,  Secretary  ;John  Thomas, 
Treasurer  ;  James  Pratt,  permanent  Secretary  ;  Thomas 
E.  Niles,  D.  D.  M.  G. 

This  lodge  is  financially  in  good  circumstances,  owning 
ii  hall  of  its  own,  over  Roland's  drug  store,  where  the 
members  meet  each  Saturday  evening.  The  lodge  is  out 
of  debt,  and  its  property  is  worth  $1,000.  Present  mem- 
"bership,  thirty-three. 


270  history  of  hancock  county. 

Mrs.  Mary  Landis 

was  born  in  Warren  county,  Ohio,  in  1802.  She  was; 
married  the  first  time  in  1825,  in  Fayette  county,  and  in 
March,  1830,  came  to  Charlottesville,  being  one  of  the- 
first  settlers  in  the  place.  Mrs.  Landis  and  her  first  hus- 
band kept  the  first  "tavern"  in  Charlottesville  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  traveling  public.  The  moving 
westward  at  that  time,  and  for  several  succeeding  years, 
was  so  great  that  Mrs.  Landis  in  one  instance  counted 
ninety  wagons — prairie  schooners — in  sight  at  one  time. 
Often  hundreds  passed  by  daily. 

In  1834,  Mrs.  L.  was  left  a  widow,  and  went  to  Lafay- 
ette to  reside  with  some  relations,  where  she  met  George 
W.  Landis,  to  whom  she  was  married  in  1836.  The  two 
made  one  soon  came  to  Charlottesville,  and  at  once  set 
about  erecting  the  building  for  an  inn,  in  which  Mrs.  Lan- 
dis recently  died. 

In  1870,  Mr.  Landis  died,  since  which  time,  to  the  date 
of  her  death,  she  resided  at  the  old  stand  with  her  only 
boys.  Esquire  George  W.  Landis,  and  J.  H.  Landis,  ex- 
county  surveyor.  Mrs.  Landis  was  for  a  time  a  member 
of  the  Lutheran  church  in  Charlottesville,  till  it  went  down. 
She  then  joined  the  M.  E.  Church. 

Mrs.  Landis  was  truly  one  of  the  pioneer  women,  and 
in  her  declining  years  took  great  pleasure  in  reiterating 
early  reminiscences  of  Charlottesville  and  vicinity.  Mrs. 
L.  was  well  acquainted  with  David  Templeton,  who  laid 
out  Charlottesville  ;  with  William  Oldham,  still  living,  who 
entered  the  first  land  in  the  township.  Also,  with  Charles 
White,  Andrew  Jackson,  William  Woods  ct  al.  of  the 
early  settlers  previously  mentioned. 

Mrs.  Landis's  sons,  G.  W.  and  J.  II.,  arc  the  oldest 
native-born  residents  in  Charlottesville. 

On  the  9th  day  of  January,  1882,  Mrs.  L.  was  called 
from  works  to  rewards,  and  her  mortal  remains  quietly 
repose  in  the  old  Six  Mile  cemetery. 


JACKSON  TOWNSHIP.  27 1 

John  A.  Craft 

was  born  in  Trumbull  county,  Ohio,  September  i,  1824. 
At  the  age  of  twelve  he  came  to  Hancock  county,  and 
located  in  Jackson  township,  where  he  has  since  resided. 
Young  Cralt,  at  the  age  of  twenty,  learned  the  trade  of 
plane  maker  of  Peter  Probasco,  father  of  Henry  Pro- 
basco,  of  Cincinnati,  at  which  business  he  worked  in  said 
city  during  the  years  of  1846  and  1847,  after  which  he 
came  to  Charlottesville  and  carried  on  the  same  business 
in  the  building  which  then  stood  on  the  ground  now  occu- 
pied by  the  Craft  store.  In  1857,  Mr.  Craft  left  Char- 
lottesville and  located  on  his  farm,  a  short  distance  north  ; 
but  not  succeeding  as  he  desired,  and  health  failing,  he 
returned  in  1864  and  became  a  member  of  the  firm  of 
Rock,  Morris  &  Craft,  dealers  in  dry  goods  and  groceries. 
In  1849,  ^^''  ^-  ^^''^^  married  to  Miss  Eliza  A.  Fries, 
daucfhter  of  the  late  Daniel  Fries.  During  the  rebellion 
Mr.  C.  entered  the  Union  army,  was  promoted  to  captain, 
and  served  with  credit  to  himself  and  covmtry  until  his 
health  failed,  when  he  returned  home,  and  for  months  was 
not  expected  to  live.  Mr.  C.  and  wife  have  a  family  of 
two  girls  and  a  boy  to  cheer  them  along  the  journey  of 
life.  For  several  years  he  was  justice  of  the  peace,  and 
has  ever  been  a  staunch  republican  and  good  citizen. 
In  the  fall  of  1881  Mr.  C.  retired  from  business  and  moved 
on  his  farm,  where  he  is  now  enjoying  the  quiet  seclusion 
and  healthful  duties  of  rural  pursuits. 


John  F.  Shultz, 

postmaster  in  Charlottesville,  was  born  in  York  county, 
Pennsylvania,  December  25,  1825.  His  ancestors  were 
of  Dutch  extraction.  Mr.  S.  came  to  Charlottesville  in 
1857,  where  he  has  since  resided.  He  is  a  boot  and  shoe 
maker  by  trade,  and  for  a  number  of  years  has  followed 
that  business.     The  building  in  which  the  post-oflice  is 


272  HISTORY  OF  HAN'COCK  COUNTY. 

located,  and  in  which  Mr.  Shidtz  has  his  shop,  was  built 
by  him  in  1859. 

Mr.  S.  has  been  twice  married.  First,  to  Margaret 
Dungan,  in  1858,  by  whom  he  had  three  children,  none  of 
whom  are  living.  The  second  time  to  Miss  Margaret 
Brown,  in  1878.  Mrs.  Shultz  is  well-known  in  Green- 
field as  Miss  Maggie  Brown,  a  former  teacher  in  the 
Greenfield  graded  schools  under  the  superintendency  of 
the  writer. 

Mr.  Shultz  is  a  consistent  member  of  the  M.  E.  church, 
a  Mason  in  good  standing,  and  an  unwavering  republican. 

Meredith  Walker. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Wilkes  county, 
North  Carolina,  December  10,  1814.  He  moved  with  his 
father  to  Rush  county,  Indiana,  at  the  age  of  fifteen, 
where  he  lived  until  the  year  1837,  ^^  which  time  he  moved 
to  Jackson  township,  this  county,  where  he  resided  until 
the  date  of  his  death,  which  occurred  on  the  loth  day  of 
January,  1882,  at  the  age  of  sixty-seven.  In  early  life 
Mr.  W.  became  a  member  of  the  Christian  Church,  and 
continued  a  consistent  member  the  remainder  of  his  life. 
Having  carried  a  clear  conscience  void  of  offense  to  God 
and  man,  he  expressed  his  willingness  to  die,  and  said  he 
had  no  fears  of  death.  Mr.  W.  was  a  republican  till  the 
later  years  of  his  life,  when  he  became  an  independent. 
He  was  an  industrious,  progressive  farmer,  and  succeeded 
in  amassing  a  handsome  amount  of  property.  Physically, 
he  was  a  large,  square  built,  robust,  broad-shouldered 
man,  with  dark  eyes  and  hair,  high  cheek  bones,  and  a 
firm  countenance,  denoting  a  power  and  will  to  act. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

SUGAR-CREEK    TOWNSHIP. 


Tp.  Line 


InTp. 


Tp.  Line 


2 

I 

6 

5 

4 

3 

11 

12 

7 

S 

9 

10 

H 

'3 

iS 

'7 

16 

'5 

23 

24 

19 

20 

21 

22 

26 

25 

30 

29 

2S 

27 

35 

36 

3' 

3-! 

33 

34 

ijX 


rt 


Scale:     Ttuo  miles  to  the  inch. 

MAP   OF   SUGAR-CREEK  TOWNSHIP. 

SHOWING  THE  SECTIONS,  TOWNSHIP  AND  RANGES  OF  WHICH  IT  IS  COMPOSED. 

^atnc  and  Organization. — This  township  took  its  name 
from  Sugar  Creek,  the  principal  stream  in  the  township. 


274  HISTORY  OF  HAN'COCK  COUNTY. 

It  war>  organized  in  1828,  at  the  date  of  the  organization 
of  the  county,  being  one  of  the  three  original  townships, 
and  at  that  date  included  all  the  western  portion  of  the 
county  that  now  constitutes  the  third  commissioner's  dis- 
trict, viz.  :  Sugar-creek,  Buck-creek  and  Vernon.  In 
1831,  it  was  reduced  in  size  to  thirty-six  sections,  its  pres- 
ent dimensions.  In  1838,  it  was  still  further  reduced  by 
striking  off  two  sections  from  the  north  part,  which  consti- 
tuted the  south  half  of  Jones  township  from  1838  to  1853. 
In  1853,  the  commissioners  abolished  Jones  township,  and 
Sugar-creek  again  resumed  her  former  size  of  thirty-six 
sections,  which  size  and  outline  she  has  retained  to  this 
date. 

Location^  Size,  Boimdarics,  etc. — Sugar-creek  town- 
ship is  located  in  the  south-west  part  of  the  county,  and  in 
extent  is  six  miles  square,  being  uniform  in  size  with  Jack- 
son and  Buck-creek  townships.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north 
b}'  Buck-creek,  on  the  east  by  Center  and  Brandywine, 
on  the  south  by  Shelby  county,  and  on  the  west  by  Marion 
county.  It  is  located  in  township  fifteen  north,  and  in 
ranijes  five  and  six  east.  The  west  two  tiers  of  sections 
are  in  range  five  east,  and  the  remainder  in  range  six 
east.  The  range  line  runs  one  and  a  half  miles  west  of 
Palestine,  and  forms  the  east  line  of  the  Schramm  farm, 
and  the  west  line  of  Rev.  W.  Nichols's  farm. 

Surface,  So//,  Drainage  a)id  Productions. — The  surface 
is  level  and  slightly  rolling,  except  along  Sugar  Creek, 
which  is  hilly  and  broken.  The  soil  is  generally  black 
loam,  exceedingly  fertile  and  exhaustless  in  resources. 
At  this  date  there  is  really  no  third-rate  land  in  the  town- 
ship, and  but  a  limited  portion  of  second-rate,  since  it  has 
been  so  thoroughly  ditched.  No  other  township  in  the 
county  has  given  so  much  attention  to  drainage  as  Sugar- 
creek.  Lonjj  before  tile  ditchinij  was  thouirht  of  in  Hancock 
county,  the  enterprising,  industrious  German  farmers  of 
this  township  had  elevated  their  farms  from  two  to  five  feet 
by  sinking  blind  wooden  ditches  and  large  open  ditches 
through  most  of  the  low,  black  lands  ;  and  since  the  intro- 


SUGAR-CREEK  TOWNSHIP.  275 

duction  of  tile,  these  same  close  calculating,  practical 
farmers,  have  not  been  behind  in  their  use.  The  chief 
productions  are  corn,  wheat,  hogs,  cattle,  barley,  oats,  flax- 
seed, horses,  and  Irish  potatoes.  Sugar-creek  produces 
more  barley  than  all  the  rest  of  the  county. 

This  township  gives  especial  attention  to  wheat,  and 
has  a  greater  per  cent,  of  its  lands  thus  cultivated  than 
any  other  township  in  the  county,  and  her  average  per 
acre  is  equal  to  the  best.  In  1880,  from  5,443  acres,  she 
produced  97,974  bushels  of  wheat ;  from  4,530  acres  she 
produced  145,670  bushels  of  corn  ;  from  816  acres,  she 
produced  16,320  bushels  of  oats.  The  same  year  she 
reports  501  tons  of  hay  and  2,900  bushels  of  Irish  potatoes, 
being  the  poorest  report  for  hay,  and  the  best  of  Irish 
potatoes  in  the  county. 

Streams. — Sugar  Creek  enters  the  township  near  the 
north-east  corner,  on  the  north  line,  and  runs  west  of  Phil- 
adelphia and  east  of  Palestine,  passing  out  of  the  township 
near  the  south-west  corner  of  section  thirty-two,  on  the 
central  southern  line. 

Buck  Creek  enters  the  township  a  half  mile  east  of  the 
north-west  corner,  and  takes  a  south  by  south-west  course, 
passing  out  on  the  west  line,  one  and  one-fourth  miles  west 
of  the  north-west  corner. 

First  Land  Entries  and  First  Settlers. — The  first  land 
entry  in  Sugar-creek  township  was  by  George  Worthing- 
ton,  on  the  i8th  day  of  January,  1822,  being  the  north 
half  of  the  north-east  quarter,  and  the  north-west  quarter 
of  section  three,  in  township  fifteen  north,  in  range  six 
east.  The  second  entry  was  made  by  Jacob  Murnan,  in 
1823. 

Among  the  first  settlers  were  Jacob  Jones,  Amos  Dick- 
ison,  Jonathan  Evans,  Samuel  Cones,  Jacob  Murnan, 
George  Williams,  Thomas  and  Richard  Leachman,  George 
Robison,  Reuben  Barnard,  father  of  William  C.  Barnard; 
David  McNamee,  Benjamin  McNamee's  father  ;  Andrew 
Magahey,  John  Delany,  William  True,  J.  A.  Leonard, 
John  D\-e,  Mr.  Weston,  Jacob  Schramm,  Albert  Lange, 


276  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

Mr.  Heftermeier,  Andrew  Fink,  Anton  Wishmeier,  Anton 
Kirkhot^',  Christian  Schildmeier,  A.  and  J.  Hudson,  Wil- 
liam Brown,  Mr.  Trevis,  and  many  others. 

The  reading  of  the  above  names  will  call  to  mind  in  a 
number  of  our  readers,  many  who  have  long  since  bid 
farewell  to  mortal  scenes,  and  entered  upon  an  inheritance 
"•immortal,  incorruptible,  and  that  fadeth  not  away." 
Personall}-  we  knew  but  few  of  them,  and  have  been 
unable  to  write  a  sketch  of  each,  but  we  are  assured  upon 
good  authority  that  all  of  them  are  worth}'  of  the  notice 
given,  being  modest,  unassuming,  practical  pioneer  men, 
seldom  aspiring  to  office  or  honors,  but  ever  industrious, 
hardy  and  hospitable.  Others  there  mav  be  equal)}' 
worthy,  whose  names  are  not  found  here,  owing  to  the 
frailty  of  the  memory  of  man  ;  but  if  such  be  the  case,  let 
their  friends  rest  assured  that  in  that  great,  unerring,  una- 
bridged history,  kept  by  the  recording  angel,  in  which  is 
recorded  all  the  acts  of  mankind,  their  names  will  be 
found  written  in  perfect  order. 

A  Fcu)  First  Things. — The  lirst  church  was  the  M.  E.  ; 
the  first  teachers,  Samuel  Valentine  and  Eliza  Barnard  ; 
first  preacher.  Rev.  Hawes  ;  first  physician.  Dr.  Kellogg; 
first  miller,  Stephen  Bellus  ;  first  merchant,  John  Delany  ; 
first  grocer,  Amos  Dickison  ;  first  post-office.  Sugar  Creek, 
at  Palestine  ;  first  postmaster,  Amos  Dickison  ;  first  black- 
smith, Reuben  Barnard  ;  first  school,  near  Palestine  ;  first 
tanner,  John  E.  Bailey  ;  first  roads,  Brookville  and  old 
State  roads  ;  first  death,  Mr.  Mattox  ;  first  railroad,  the 
Indiana  Central ;  first  village,  Philadelphia. 

Historical  Anecdote :  The  said  John  Delaney  sold 
goods  in  the  south-west  part  of  the  township,  on  the 
Brookville  State  road.  He  sold  his  goods  at  a  good  profit. 
When  asked  what  per  cent,  he  made,  he  replied  that  he 
was  not  a  scholar,  and  knew  nothing  about  per  cent.  ;  but 
when  he  bought  goods  for  one  dollar  and  sold  them  for 
two,  he  didn't  think  he  lost  anvthing. 

Afilh  (Did  Factories. — The  first  mill  in  the  township  was 
a   small  water  mill,  erected  some  time  prior  to   1S28,  b\' 


SUGAR-CREEK  TOWNSHIP 


277 


Stephen  Belliis,  on  Sugar  Creek,  about  two  miles  north  of 
Palestine.  It  was  both  a  grist  and  saw  mill  in  a  small 
way,  and  continued  in  operation,  passing  through  several 
hands,  till  about  1872,  when  the  dam  washed  out  and  the 
mill  went  down.  Among  those  who  owned  this  first  mill 
after  Bellus  sold  out  were  Amos  Dickison,  Mvron  Brown, 
Uriah  Emmons,  George  Kingery  and  Lewis  Burke. 
Burke  died,  and  his  heirs  run  the  mill  for  a  few  years,  till 
it  met  with  the  fate  aforesaid,  and  succumbed  to  the  ele- 
ments. 

In  1832,  Black  &  Bro.  erected  the  second  water  mill  in 
the  township.  It  was  a  small  saw-mill,  located  on  Sugar 
Creek,  about  one  mile  south  of  Philadelphia.  It  run  for  a 
number  of  years. 

Lewis  Burke,  in  an  early  day,  erected  a  water  saw-mill 
on  Sugar  Creek,  north  by  north-east  of  Palestine,  and 
below  the  Bellus  mill.  The  Burke  mill  is  still  in  operation. 
It  is  a  saw-mill,  and  unlike  most  ear]\'  water  mills,  never 
did  any  grinding. 

In  about  1850,  Kelley  &  Bro.  erected  thj  first  steam 
saw-mill  in  the  township.  It  was  located  about  a  mile 
west  of  Philadelphia,  and  run  for  a  few  \-ears.  then  moved 
aw  a}'. 

In  1857,  Thomas  Tuttle  had  erected  a  steam  flouring 
and  saw-mill,  combined,  located  about  two  miles  south- 
vv-est  of  Palestine,  and  operated  for  a  number  of  years. 

In  1856,  James  B.  Conover  built  a  steam  saw-mill  about 
a  quarter  of  a  mile  west  of  Sugar  Creek,  on  the  National 
road.  It  passed  through  several  hands,  and  was  moved 
awa}'  in  1859. 

In  1855  or  '56,  W.  W,  Matthews  erected  a  steam  saw- 
mill in  the  central  northern  part  of  the  township,  whith 
was  run  by  Matthews  &  Reed  some  four  years,  and  then 
removed. 

In  1856,  a  two-story  steam  flouring  mill  was  erected  in 
Palestine,  by  Gates  r/  a/.,  at  a  cost  of  $5,000,  with  three 
run  of  stone.  Gates  operated  it  for  about  nine  years  and 
sold  to  Scott  &  Davis,  and  they  to  Joseph  Conner.     The 


278  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

mill  lias  been  put  in  good  repair  by  the  present  proprietor, 
A.  P.  Ilogle,  who  has  added  new  machinery  and  the  mod- 
ern improvements. 

Rufiis  Black,  a  few  years  since,  put  in  operation  a 
steam  circular  saw  mill  at  Philadelphia,  which  is  still  run- 
ning and  doing  an  extensive  business. 

The  mills  now  in  operation  in  Sugar-creek  township 
are  six  in  number,  viz.  :  The  Burke  saw-mill,  the  Hogle 
flouring  mill,  the  Black  saw-mill  ;  the  Stutsman  mill,  near 
Gem;  the  Gesler  steam  saw-mill,  in  Palestine;  and  the 
steam  grist-mill  in  Philadelphia.  The  Stutsman  saw-mill 
was  built  in  187 1  by  Nicholas  Stutsman.  It  burned  down 
in  1879,  but  was  immediately  rebuilt,  with  a  planer 
attached,  and  put  in  good  running  order. 

At  the  earh'  date  of  1832,  Reuben  Barnard,  lather  of 
Trustee  William  C.  Barnard,  carried  on  a  blacksmith  shop 
on  his  farm,  in  the  south-west  corner  of  the  township. 

In  1845,  John  E.  Baity  opened  a  tanyard  on  the  Mc- 
Namee  t'arm.  He  did  a  local  business,  furnished  a  market 
for  oak  bark,  had  about  twenty  vats,  and  operated  for 
foijp*  vears. 

In  1847,  Alexander  Ogle  started  a  small  tannery  in  a 
log  house  near  Philadelphia,  which  he  operated  for  a  num- 
ber of  vears  after  the  Baity  tannery  had  ceased. 

Thomas  Swift  also  carried  on  a  tanyard  near  Palestine 
soon  after  the  going  down  of  the  Baity  tannery. 

The  first  tile  factor}^  was  erected  in  1855,  on  Jacob 
Schramm's  farm,  and  was  operated  for  about  four  years 
by  Weaver. 

The  next  tile  factory  was  erected  on  the  Reasoner  farm, 
by  Wicker  &  Brother.  It  has  changed  hands  a  number 
of  times,  but  is  still  in  operation. 

In  1869,  Shellhouse,  Spurry  &  Armstrong  erected  a 
tile  factory  two  miles  east  of  Palestine,  which  is  now  in 
operation  by  Freeman  &  Reasoner. 

Roads. — Sugar-creek-  township  in  her  early  histor^^ 
much  like  her  sister  townships,  had  no  roads  worthy  of 
the  name,  but  mere  paths,  pointed  out  by  the  blazed  trees. 


SUGAR-CREEK  TOWNSHIP.  279 

meandering  through  the  thick  forest.  The  first  roads  in 
the  township  were  the  Brookville  and  old  State  roads. 
The  next  was  the  National  road.  The  Brookville  road 
run  through  Palestine,  diagonally  through  the  township, 
on  a  bee  line  from  Brookv^ille  to  Indianapolis.  The  old 
State  road  crossed  the  northern  part  of  the  township,  pass- 
ing through  Philadelphia.  Prior  to  the  late  civil  war 
there  was  not  a  single  (gravel  road  in  the  township.  But 
since  that  time  there  has  been  sixteen  and  one-half  miles 
of  toll  pike  built  by  companies,  besides  considerable 
graveling  done  in  working  out  road  taxes  and  personal 
privileges. 

Railroads. — Sugar-creek  township  has  two  railroads 
crossing  her  territory-.  The  P.,  C.  and  St.  L.  has  six 
miles  running  through  the  northern  tier  of  sections  ;  the 
Cincinnati,  Hamilton  and  Indianapolis  road  passes  through 
the  south-west  part  a  distance  of  seven  miles  ;  making 
a  total  of  thirteen  miles  in  the  township,  valued  at  $170,- 
025.  Telegraph  lines  extend  along  each  of  the  roads,  the 
total  valuation  of  which  is  $2,235.  T'he  Pan-Handle  has 
two  stations  in  the  township — Philadelphia  and  Gem.  Pal- 
estine is  the  only  one  on  the  Junction. 

Educatio)ial. — The  first  school-houses  in  this  township 
were  pole  cabins,  covered  with  clapboards,  suppled  with 
*'  cat  and  clay"  chimneys  and  puncheon  floors.  The  first 
three  were  located  at  nearly  the  same  time  :  one  near  New- 
Palestine,  one  at  Philadelphia,  and  one  in  the  German  set- 
tlement, near  the  center  of  the  township.  The  first  teachers 
were  Samuel  Valentine,  Richard  Lindsey,  Eliza  Barnard 
and  Mr.  Barnard.  These  teachers,  like  others  at  this  date, 
were  employed  by  the  quarter,  of  thirteen  weeks,  at  from 
thirty  to  thirty-six  dollars  and  "found" — /.  <?.,  they  boarded 
around  among  the  patrons.  As  the  township  filled  up,  and 
new  settlements  were  made,  additional  schools  were  estab- 
lished and  better  houses  erected, -in  accordance  with  the 
demands  of  the  times,  until  at  present  she  compares  favor- 
ably with  the  older  and  earlier  settled  townships.     The 


28o  HISTORY  OF  HAN'COCK  COUNTY. 

tbllowinii  are  the  numbers  and  names  of  the  houses  and  the 
teachers  employed  therein  at  this  date : 


„.      .   ^  ^T  TJi  -1    1  1    1  •  (Charles  Rennccamp, 

District  No.  I .  .1  hiladelphia.  .    -^^^^j^,;^  ^^.^.^,^^_ 

District  No.  2.  .Brown Ella  Bottsford. 

District  No.  3 J.  W.  Jones. 

District  No.  4 CM.  Carr. 

District  No.  5..  .Caraway's W.  B.  Bottsford. 

District  No.  6 N.  P.  Brandenburg. 

(W.  A.  Wood, 
District  No.  7.  .Palestine -'Roscoe  Anderson, 

(Jennie  Buchel. 
District  No.  8 *B.  F.  Ewbank. 


These  eight  houses — seven  frame  and  one  brick — are 
vakied  at  $4,500 ;  apparatus,  $150.  This  is  exclusive  of 
the  German  school,  sustained"  by  private  enterprise,  and 
located  in  the  central  western  part  of  the  township.  The 
number  of  school  children  in  the  township  under  consid- 
eration in  1853  was  554;  in  i860,  712;  in  1870,  690;  in 
1881,  704.  An  examination  of  which  shows  a  fluctuating 
scholastic  population  not  easily  accounted  for.  Why  there 
should  be  a  less  number  of  school  children  in  1870  than  in 
i860,  let  the  citizens  answer.  More  remarkable  still  is  the 
fact  that  she  has  fewer  school  children  to-day  than  she 
reported  just  prior  to  the  civil  war.  Sugar-creek  is  one  of 
the  three  townships  in  the  count}'  that,  in  the  final  vote  on 
the  free  school  question  in  1849,  voted  for  free  schools,  her 
vote  standing,  "free  school,"  sixt3'-eight ;  "no  school," 
forty-one.  In  her  former  vote,  however,  in  1848,  on  the 
same  question,  she  voted  against  free  schools,  her  vote 
standing  at  that  time,  "free  school,"  forty-seven;  "no 
school,"  fifty-four;  being  a  majorit}'  of  seven  against  the 
proposed  establishment  of  free  schools. 

School  Trustees. — Below  we  give  the  names  of  the 
township  trustees,  with  the  date  of  their  election,  since 
1859,  at  which  time  they  were  clothed  with  power  to  levy 


SUGAR-CREEK  TOWNSHIP.  28 1 

local  taxes,  and  the  office  assumed  some  dignity  and  worth 
to  the  people  : 

Robert   P.  Brown i^59     William  C.  Barnard ^^74 

E.  H.  Faut 1865     David  Ulrcy 1876 

Edward  P.  Scott 1872     William  C.  Barnard  1878,  1880 

Remarks  :  Robert  P.  Brown,  the  first  trustee  under 
the  new  rco-iiiii\  held  the  office  for  four  terms,  and  Ernst 
I^.  Faut  for  six.  E.  P.  Scott  was  the  hrst  to  vote  for 
county  superintendent.  David  Ulre}'  and  William  C. 
Barnard  are  the  only  trustees  that  have  held  two  terms 
each  since  the  change  of  the  law,  lengthening  the  term  of 
office  to  two  years.  Said  Barnard  looks  after  the  financial 
interests  of  the  township,  the  poor,  pedagogues,  and  com- 
pensates the  farmers  f'or  their  sheep  killed  by  dogs,  at  the 
present  date. 

Chnrchcs. — Sugar-creek  township  has  six  churches, 
representing  three  distinct  Christian  denominations,  to-wit : 
Two  M.  E.  churches,  three  German  and  one  Christian,  a 
special  account  of  each  of  which  will  be  given  further  on. 

PopuIatio)i. — An  examination  of  the  census  reports  tor 
the  last  few  decades  develops  the  following  facts,  to-wit : 
Population  for  1850,  793;  i860,  1,646;  1870,  1,897;  1880, 
2,099.  ^^  ^"^^^^  ^^  observed  that  the  stride  from  1850  to 
i860  was  remarkably  great,  being  an  increase,  apparenth', 
of  over  one  hundred  per  cent.  ;  but  it  must  be  remembered 
that  in  1850  Sugar-creek  township  was  only  two-thirds  its 
size  in  i860.  Our  remarks  at  the  head  of  this  chapter 
show  that  Jones  township,  from  1838  to  1853,  included  part 
of  the  territory  now  embodied  in  Sugar-creek.  Jones,  in 
1850,  reported  a  population  of  670,  and  as  half  her  territory 
was  added  to  Sugar-creek,  a  proportionate  and  fair  esti- 
mate for  the  territory  embodied  in  every  census  report  of 
the  township  since  1850  would  be  1128.  This  township 
far  surpasses  any  other  in  the  county  in  her  reports  of  the 
number  of  foreigners.  In  1870,  she  had  245  foreigners, 
while  the  highest  numbers  reported  b\'  other  townships 
were  ninety-four  in  Center  and  seventy-five  in  V^ernon,  and 
"^9 


282 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


a  total  of  420  in  all  the  townships  of  tlie  county  save  Sugar- 
creek.  The  foreigners  in  Sugar-creek  are  mostly  Germans, 
industrious  farmers,  who  have  clustered  around  a  little 
nucleus  earh^  planted  in  the  tow^nship. 

Polls  and  Vote. — The  polls  for  Sugar-creek  in  1840 
were  eighty-six  ;  in  1854,  -^9  5  ^^  i860,  259  ;  in  1870,  385  ; 
in  1880,  509.  She  cast,  in  i860,  a  vote  of  343  ;  in  1870, 
485.  In  1880  her  vote  for  President  stood  as  follows: 
Democratic,  308;  republican,  190 ;  independent,  eleven, 
being  a  democratic  majority  of  118.  This  township  has 
two  voting  precincts:  hrst,  at  New  Palestine:  second,  at 
Philadelphia. 

Value  of  Real  and  Personal  Property. — This  township 
reports  21,805  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $503,475  ;  value  of 
improvements  on  the  same,  $97,215  ;  value  of  lots,  $1,985  ; 
improvements  on  the  same,  $5,395  ;  value  of  personal 
property,  $269,115  ;  value  of  railroads  and  telegraph,  pre- 
vious! v  £jiven  :  total  value  of  taxables,  exclusive  of  Pales- 
tine,  $993,590. 

Taxes. — Sugar-creek  township,  in  1840,  paid  $417.64: 
her  assessment  for  1881,  to  be  paid  in  1882,  is  $7,982.24. 
The  lev}'  is  eightv-two  cents  on  each  $100  on  all  the 
taxable  property  in  the  township,  excepting  Palestine, 
which  is  ninet3'-two.  The  following  men  of  the  township 
pay  taxes  of  $40  and  upwards  in  1882  : 


Black,  Rufus $  86  32 

Briar,  Charles 94  06 

Briar,  W.   F 70  00 

Barnard,  Eliza 49  9° 

Caraway,  Samuel 46  39 

Freeman,   Benjamin...  265  37 

Faut,  E.  H .  .  . 5371 

Faut,  E.  W 90  65 

Fowler,  Benjamin....  61  65 

Fink,  Henry 1 16  54 

Fink, John 55   20 

Gundruni,  C 100  47 

Hawk,  J.  C 63  36 


Kittle,  George % 

Knapc,  C.  H 

Kirkhoft",   Anton 

Lantz,  J.  G 

Langanbarger,  A 

Meier,  Henry 

Murnan,  G 

Miller,  F.  C 

McNamee,  Benjamin. 

Murlow,  Henry 

Murlow,  H.  A 

Moon,  W.  H 

Nichols,  William 


•t> 

/^' 

61 

S3 

60 

94 

30 

46 

04 

7^ 

40 

43 

10 

41 

27 

«3 

ID 

45 

84 

54 

75 

41 

35 

54 

6^ 

284  HISTORY  OF  IIAN'COCK  COUNTY. 

Ostermcier,  C.  H $  43  77  Stutsman,  Nicliolas.  .  .$  46  84 

Parisli,  Thomas 81    24  Schildmcier.  A 1=^6   i-^ 

Pitcher,  J.  M 44  74  Schramm,  Auj^ust.  .  .  .    142  97 

Rosencr,  C.  F 49  4^  Schramm,  Gustavus..  .    158   13. 

Richmond,  A.  F.  G.  .  .      58  54  Weber,    Ilcnry 49  74 

Schlosser,  Peter,  lieirs..   105  48 

In  Palestine  the  following  men  pay  ^^40  or  more  : 

Espy,  Paul .$365  65     Eaton,  \V.  T.,  &  Son.  .  .$  48  76. 

Ely,  J.  M 51   47     Vansickle  &  Smith.  .  .      45    Sr 

Eaton,  \V.  T 62  00 

Lazu  and  yustice. — Our  first  law-makers  very  wisely 
adopted  the  policy  of  our  mother  country,  of  bringing  justice 
near  the  door  of  every  man,  rich  or  poor,  whereby  an  oppor- 
tunity is  offered  for  the  speedy,  convenient  and  inexpensive 
adjustment  of  pett}'  grievances,  civil  or  criminal.  The 
constitution  of  1852  authorizes  the  election  of  a  competent 
number  of  justices  of  the  peace,  by  the  voters  in  each 
township  in  the  several  counties  in  the  state,  wdio  shall  con- 
tinue in  office  four  years,  and  whose  powers  and  duties 
shall  be  prescribed  by  law\  In  the  prosecution  of  this 
contemplated  township  system  for  promoting  justice,  the 
legislature  enacted  laws  for  the  election  by  the  people  of 
two  officers  only,  a  justice  and  constable,  the  latter  for  a 
term  of  two  years,  who  is  the  executive  officer,  and  corre- 
sponds w^ith  the  sheriff  in  his  duties.  The  former  acts  as 
judge,  clerk  and  treasurer.  Sugar-creek  township  has 
always  been  well  supplied  w^ith  these  ministerial,  judicial, 
and  executive  officers.  The  first  of  these  acting  in  the  ter- 
ritory under  consideration  w^ere  George  Leachman  and 
Charles  Atherton,  the  exact  date  of  whose  election  we  are 
unable  to  ascertain,  there  being  no  record  of  the  same  in. 
the  clerk's  office  to  our  knowledge,  though  we  have  made 
diligent  search.  Succeeding  these  were  the  following^ 
elected  at  the  date  set  opposite  their  names,  viz.  : 

George  Leachman, —  G.  W.  Robison 1S44 

1843,  49'   54'  '5^»  '*^*^'  '7^     George  O'l^rien 1846 


SUGAR-CREEK  TOWNSHIP.  2«5 

Adam  Hawk iS^i,  i860     Henry  A.   Schreiber 1S74 

Geor<;e  Bainett 18:^6     George  W.  Kinger}' 1S78 

W.  li.  Dye 186S    John  M.  McKelvey 1880 

E.  S.  Bottsford 1872 

For  the  fifteen  years  that  Jones  township  existed,  the 
south  half  of  which  was  attached  to  Sugar-creek  after  her 
dissohition,  the  following  ex-justices  officiated,  being 
elected  at  the  dates  set  opposite  their  names,  some  of 
whom  properly  belonged  to  Sugar-creek,  but  just  wlio  and 
how  many  we  cannot  say  with  absolute  certainty  ;  hence 
we  give  the  full  list,  and  the  good  citizens  of  the  two 
townships, — Sugar-creek  and  Buck-creek,  which  absorbed 
Jones, — may  give  honor  to  whom  honor  is  due,  and  place 
the  credit  where  it  belongs  : 

Charles  Atherton..  .  Unknown  Joseph  Marshall ^849 

Dan'l  Skinner.  1840,  1845,  1850  Abraham  Stutsman 1S51 

Charles  Atherton 1S43  John  PI.  Hazen ^§5- 

Isaac  Travis 1846  Allen  Caylor 1853 

Remarks  :  There  were  probabh'  one  or  two  justices 
in  Jones  elected  prior  to  1840,  our  first  date  given,  but  we 
have  been  unable  to  ascertain  their  names.  The  practice 
in  this  and  other  counties  has  been  to  elect  one  or  more  jus- 
tices immediately  after  the  organization  thereof.  Esquire 
Leachman,  we  are  reliably  informed,  began  his  adminis- 
tration contemporary  with  the  organization  of  the  county, 
and  served  continuously  till  some  time  after  the  date  of  his 
election  in  1870,  officiating  longer,  perhaps,  than  any  other 
man  in  the  history  of  the  county.  He  served  at  least 
eleven  terms,  or  forty-four  years,  possibly  longer.  Adam 
Hawk  and  Charles  Atherton  each  served  two  terms.  Dan- 
iel Skinner  filled  the  place  for  tweh'e  years.  None  oi  the 
others,  we  believe,  were  re-elected.  Esquires  George  W. 
Kingery  and  John  M.  McKelvey  preside  at  the  bar  of 
justice  at  this  date. 

Ex-CoHiity  Officers. — Sugar-creek  townsliip  has  fur- 
nished a  number  of  popular  men  willing  to  subject  their 


286  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

prixate  interests  to  the  popular  good,  and  endure  the 
scathing,  sarcastic  criticisms  always  heaped  upon  our  pub- 
lic servants  by  their  antagonists  and  political  opponents. 
Here  flourished  in  their  day  the  following  chosen  men,  to 
stem  the  tide  and  oppose  the  current  of  petty  jealousies, 
and  paddle  safely  over  the  billowy  waves  the  little  count}' 
bark  with  her  precious  cargo  of  glittering  gold  and  immor- 
tal souls  :  Samuel  Shockle}^  commissioner  and  represent- 
ative ;  William  McCance,  Enos  O'Brien,  John  O'Brien, 
and  William  H.  Dye,  ex-commissioners.  All  of  the  above 
are  with  us  no  more,  save  in  memory,  records  and  history. 
Still  living  among  us,  and  well-known  to  the  readers  of 
these  lines,  are  the  following :  R.  P.  Brown,  treasurer 
and  sheriff';  E.  H.  Faut,  treasurer  ;  Edward  P.  Scott,  com- 
missioner;  J.  V.  Coyner,  surve3'or ;  and  John  E.  Dye, 
present  commissioner  of  the  third  district. 

Murders^  Suicides,  and  Rouarkahic  DcatJis. — We  will 
flrst  call  the  attention  of  our  readers  to  one  ot  the  most 
shocking,  heart-rending,  irrational,  fatal  family  feuds 
that  it  has  ever  been  our  painful  duty  to  record — one  which 
resulted  in  the  cold-blooded  murder  of  an  innocent  wife 
and  the  suicide  of  an  excited,  crazed  and  drunken  hus- 
band. The  plain  facts  in  the  case,  as  near  as  we  can 
gather  from  circumstantial  evidence,  are  about  as  fol- 
lows :  George  Knapp,  a  man  of  dissipated  habits,  lived 
about  one  mile  west  of  Palestine  in  1845,  the  date  of  the 
occurrence  of  this  sad  tragedy.  It  was  Pentecostal  Sab- 
bath, the  famil}'  had  been  to  church  in  the  forenoon, 
returned  home  and  ate  dinner  together,  when  Mr.  Knapp, 
being  intoxicated,  and  somewhat  quarrelsome,  as  usual 
under  such  circumstances,  accused  Mrs.  Knapp  of  inti- 
delitv  ;  and  reason  bein^r  dethroned  bv  the  vile  destrover 
and  arch  demon,  Rum,  he  gathered  up  an  ax  and  wildly 
menaced  it  before  her  face,  and  threatened  to  spill  the 
life-blood  of  her  whom  but  a  few  short  years  before  he 
had  solemnly  pledged  in  divine  presence,  before  living 
witnesses,  to  love  and  cherish,  protect  and  defend,  as  long 
as  life  to  them  should  be  spared.       Mrs.   Knapp,  fearing 


SUGAR-CREEK  TOVVNSHII'.  287 

fatal  results,  fled  from  the  house,  followed  by  her  antago- 
nist, who  struck  her  on  the  head  and  felled  her  to  the 
ground,  where  he  continued  his  unmerciful  attack,  striking 
her  twice  with  the  edge  of  the  ax,  once  in  the  shoulder 
and  once  in  the  breast,  causing  immediate  death.  Seeing 
her  lifeless  form  covered  with  gore  before  him,  partial  con- 
sciousness returned,  and  with  a  sense  of  his  awful  crime 
realized,  went  into  the  house  and,  with  a  razor  in  hand, 
stood  before  the  glass  and  cut  his  own  throat,  partially 
severing  the  trachea  ;  but  still  not  satisfied,  he  left  the 
house  and  pursued  the  children  with  murderous  intent, 
who  escaped  him  by  seeking  refuge  in  a  pond.  Being 
unable  to  reach  them,  he  returned  to  the  house,  and  was 
found  by  the  neighbors  in  the  frightful  condition  aforesaid, 
breathing  through  the  recently  made  orifice  in  the  wind- 
pipe. He  had  two  small  children,  a  boy  and  girl.  The 
girl  afterward  married,  and,  from  what  we  can  learn,  is 
still  living.  The  boy  died  a  few  years  after  the  tragedy 
just  related.  Henry  Meier  owns  the  Knapp  farm  where 
this  sad  scene  transpired. 

In  March,  1851,  a  man  b}'  the  name  of  Sellers  froze  to 
death  near  Philadelphia.  He  was  supposed  to  have  been 
intoxicated. 

In  1861,  Mr.  Bidgood  was  killed  by  a  team  at  the 
toll-gate. 

In  1863,  James  Murnan  was  accidentally  shot  and 
killed  by  a  friend. 

In  1871,  a  son  of  Joseph  Morford  was  killed  by  being 
thrown  from  a  horse.  Anton  Wishmeier,  in  the  same 
year,  fell  from  a  load  of  straw  and  was  killed. 

In  1868,  a  man  by  the  name  of  Foley  was  instantly 
killed  by  the  cars. 

In  1872,  Mrs.  Thomas  Alexander  was  burned  to  death 
by  using  coal  oil  in  endeavoring  to  start  a  fire. 

In  1880,  Emerick  Brock  committed  suicide  by  hang- 
ing, near  Palestine.  A  child  of  Anton  Schildmeier  was 
burned  to  death  by  coal  oil. 

In  June,  187 1,  a  man  by  the  name  of  John  Jacobi  was 


288  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

instantly  killed  by  his  own  reaper  in  a  harvest  field.  His 
son  was  driving  the  horses,  when  they  became  frightened, 
and  started  to  run.  Mr.  Jacobi,  aiming  to  get  to  the  heads 
of  the  horses,  was  knocked  down  by  the  tongue  of  the 
reaper,  and,  falling  in  front  of  the  sickle,  was  caught  by 
the  guards,  one  arm  cut  oft'  and  his  head  severed  from  the 
body.  His  wife,  seeing  the  heart-rending  scene,  rushed 
to  the  spot,  near  by,  gathered  the  bleeding  head  to  her 
arms  and  bosom,  and  rushed  in  wild  delirium  into  the 
house,  scarcely  conscious  of  what  she  was  doing.  Mr. 
Jacobi  was  about  sixty-five  years  of  age. 

Exports  and  Imports. — The  chief  exports  of  Sugar- 
creek  township  are  wheat,  corn,  hogs,  cattle,  horses,  flax- 
seed, potatoes,  barley,  oats,  lumber,  fruits,  carriages, 
wagons,  and  the  products  of  the  hennery  and  dairy.  Her 
imports  are  chiefly  farming  implements,  dry  goods,  gro- 
ceries, hardware,  glass  and  wooden  ware,  hats,  caps, 
boots,  shoes,  notions,  blooded  stock,  improved  seed,  liter- 
ature, medicines,  wines  and  liquors,  clocks,  watches,  jew- 
elry, coal,  iron,  paints,  oils,  varnishes,  and  leather. 

Rccapittilation. — Sugar-creek  township  contains  thirty- 
six  sections,  21,805  acres  ;  has  one  mill  stream,  one  smaller 
stream,  two  border  counties,  three  border  townships,  two 
steam  flouring  mills,  three  steam  circular  saw  mills,  one 
water  saw-mill,  one  steam  planing  factory,  two  tile  facto- 
ries, eight  public  school-houses,  one  denominational  school, 
eleven  public  school-teachers,  six  church  buildings,  two 
lodges,  two  villages,  three  post-offices,  seven  pikes,  two 
railroads,  2,099  inhabitants,  704  school  children,  272  polls, 
509  voters,  $4,650  worth  of  public  school  property,  $372,- 
310  worth  of  personal  property,  $170,025  worth  of  rail- 
road stock,  $2,235  worth  of  telegraph,  $602,790  worth  of 
land,  $35,235  worth  of  improvements  on  same,  245  male 
dogs,  thirteen  female  dogs,  $1,132,195  worth  of  taxable 
property,  forty-two  men  who  pay  over  $40  taxes  each, 
eight  ex-justices,  two  acting  justices,  five  ex-trustees  since 
1859,  nine  ex-county  officers,  four  living  ex-county  officers, 
one  acting  county  officer  ;   a  fertile,  well-drained  soil ;   a 


SUGAR-CKEEK  TOWNSHIP.  289 

limited  quantity  of  saw  and  rail  timber,  sixteen  and  one- 
half  miles  of  toll  pike,  thirteen  miles  of  railroad,  three 
railroad  stations,  two  telegraph  lines,  a  healthful  climate  ; 
fish,  squirrels,  quail  and  rabbits  in  small  quantities  ;  eight 
physicians,  a  democratic  trustee,  a  declining  scholastic 
population,  an  increasing  valuation,  and  a  democratic 
majority  of  1 18. 


CHAPTER   XVIII. 
SUGAR-CREEK    TOWNSHIP —  Continued. 

Palestine, 

a  pleasant  little  village,  is  located  on  the  west  bank  of 
Sugar  Creek.  It  was  laid  out  by  J.  Evans,  on  the  ist  of 
October,  1838,  and  consisted  of  fifteen  blocks  and  thirty- 
six  lots.  It  is  now  on  the  C,  H.  and  I.  railroad,  on  a  bee 
line  about  thirteen  miles  south-east  of  Indianapolis.  It 
has  three  churches,  a  two-story  frame  school-house,  a 
steam  flouring  mill,  and  one  saw-mill ;  merchants,  drug- 
gists, physicians  and  mechanics  suitable  to  a  town  of  its 
size  ;  a  post-office,  express  office,  daily  mail,  and  about  six 
hundred  inhabitants. 

The  land  from  which  Palestine  was  carved  was  entered 
by  John  Weston,  on  the  ist  day  of  May,  1824,  being  the 
west  half  of  the  south-east  quarter  of  section  twenty-nine, 
in  township  fifteen  north,  and  in  range  six  east.  The  first 
addition  was  made  by  Gundrum,  on  the  i8th  day  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1854,  located  west  of  the  north  part  of  the  old  plat, 
between  the  railroad  and  State  road,  and  contained  twenty- 
three  lots.  A  second  addition  was  laid  out  by  Waltke,  on 
the  7th  day  of  August,  1867,  and  consisted  of  twenty-six 
lots,  located  between  the  railroad  and  the  State  road,  and 
west    of  Gundrum's    addition.      The    third    addition   was 


290  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

made  by  Anderson,  on  the  loth  of  April,  1872,  and  con- 
sisted of  forty-three  lots,  located  west  of  Waltke's  addition, 
and  a  part  south  of  the  State  road.  The  fourth  addition 
was  laid  out  by  Kirkhoff,  on  the  9th  of  October,  1873,  and 
consisted  of  six  lots,  located  west  of  the  old  plat  and  south 
of  the  State  road.  The  fifth  addition  was  made  by  Kirk- 
hoff', known  as  Kirkhoff*'s  second  addition,  on  the  2nd  day 
of  January,  1875,  '^^^  consisted  of  ten  lots,  located  south 
of  Waltke's  addition  and  east  of  the  southern  part  of 
Anderson's  addition. 

The  cemetery  at  New  Palestine  was  laid  out  by  Eliza- 
beth Cones,  on  the  20th  day  of  December,  1870.  It  con- 
sists of  fort3^-one  lots,  with  alleys. 

The  first  business  done  in  this  little  burg  was  on  a 
small  scale,  and  consisted  mainly  in  bartering  porkers, 
whisky,  ginseng,  furs  and  venison  hams  for  staple  gro- 
ceries and  notions.  The  dry  goods  were  mostly  manu- 
factured at  home.  The  first  business  houses  of  this  place 
were  crude  structures,  indeed.  The  better  ones  seen  at 
this  early  date  resembled  somewhat  our  cut  of  tlie  first 
house  in  Greenfield,  seen  on  page  179.  Among  the  first 
merchants  of  Palestine  in  her  primitive  davs  were  Amos 
Dickerson,  Andrew  Magahe}^  John  Delaney,  Robert 
King,  W.  and  S.  S.  Johnson,  Joseph  Cones,  and  J.  Evans. 
We  cannot  spare  the  space  to  trace  all  the  business  men 
and  their  various  changes  from  the  first  to  the  present ;  but 
will  pass  over  the  intermediate  merchants,  and  endeavor 
to  give  a  pen  picture  of  her  present  business  and  business 
men,  that  our  sons  and  daughters,  grandchildren  and 
future  posterity,  may  see  us  to-day  as  we  are,  with  more 
clearness  and  certainty  than  we  are  permitted  to  view  the 
status  of  our  country  long  years  since,  owing  to  the  imper- 
fect records  handed  down  to  us. 

BUSINESS    DIRKCTORV    OF    PALESTINE. 

^fcrchants —  Hoot  ami  S/ioc  Makers — 
J.  A.  Schrcibcr,  J<^lm  Biicltuer, 

Eaton  &  vSon,  Fred  Wiiltkc, 

X'a'isicklc  tv:  Smith.  Charles  Woerner. 


SUGAR-CREEK  TOWNSHIP, 


291 


Druggists — 

H.  A.  Schreiber. 
Espy  &  Espy, 
D.J.  Elliott' 

Carriage  ^lakers — 
E.  H.  Faiit  &  Bro. 

Harness  Maker — 
H.  Richmond. 

Undertakers — 

R.  L.  Murphy, 
Calvin  Bennett. 

Cabinet  Maker — 
Lewis  Schmits. 

Painter — 
Eli  Stout. 

Silvers  m  ith — 
D.J.  Elliott. 

Physicians — 
Paul  Espy, 
J.  M.  Ely, 

B.  F.  True, 

C.  H.  Kirkhoft; 
Jacob  Buchell, 
L.  C.  Ely. 

Motel  Keeper — 

M.  Hinchnian. 

Grain  Dealer — 

A.  P.  Hogle. 

Stock  Dealer — 

B.  F.  Freeman. 

Notary  Public — 

Samuel  T.  Hook. 

Miller— 

A.  P.  Ilo-le. 

Sa-x-niill  Prop' r — 
Freil.  Gesler. 


Blacksmiths — 
A.G.Smith, 
G.  Guysen, 
E.  H.  Faut&Bro. 

Wagon  JMaker — 

Christian  Chleeter. 

Butcher — 

Adolph  Kuirihm. 

Carpenters — 

Calvin  Bennett, 
Charles  Richmond. 

Plasterer — 

John  Armstrong. 

'Dinner — 

Francis  Cloud. 

Cooper — 

William  Everson. 

Restaurateur — 

L.  S.  Foglesong. 

Barbers — 

D.  W.  Place, 
George  Frunkenstein. 

School  Teacher  and  Assessor — 
William  A.  W^ood. 

Surveyor  and  Engineer — 
J.  \ .  Coyner. 

Gardener — 

Elijah  Avers. 

Postmaster — 

W.  T.  Eaton. 

Express  and  R.  P.  Ag't — 
Edward  Busscll. 


292 


HISTORY  OF   HANCOCK  COUNTY 


Philadelphia. 

Philadelphia,  named  in  commemoration  of  the  city  of 
brotherly  love,  is  located  four  miles  west  of  Greenfield,  on 
the  National  road.  The  P.,  C.  and  St.  L.  R.  R.  runs  by 
it.  It  contains  a  two-story  public  school  building,  one  saw- 
mill, a  flouring  mill,  post-office,  express  office,  daily  mail, 
druggist,  grocer,  merchants,  mechanics,  physicians,  and 
other  necessaries  to  a  village  of  her  dimensions.  Phila- 
delphia was  laid  out  by  the  records  fail  to  show  whom,  on 
the  nth  day  of  April,  1838,  being  about  six  months  prior 
to  the  laying  out  of  New  Palestine.  The  original  plat  con- 
sists of  one  hundred  and  two  lots  and  six  out-lots.  The 
first  and  only  addition  was  made  by  Clark,  on  the  second 
day  of  April,  1864,  and  consisted  of  nineteen  lots,  located 
south  of  the  old  plat.  Among  the  first  business  men  of 
this  place  were:  Charles  Atherton,  Sen.,  general  mer- 
chant and  post-master;  Allen  McCane,  Joseph  Marshall, 
G.  W.  Willett,  Samuel  McConaha,  J.  B.  Sting,  J.  B.  Con- 
over  and  O.  S.  Meek.  First  physicians.  Dr.  Hodson 
McCallister  &  Son,  J.  H.  Hazen,  W.  H.  Dye,  G.  T.  Ren- 
nick  and  H.  B.  Tilson.  We  will  not  consume  space  in 
ijivinij  a  full  list  of  the  business  throuirh  her  entire  history, 
but  will  now  come  up  to  the  present,  and  furnish  for  this 
date  a 

BUSINESS    DIRECTORY    OF    PHILADELPHIA. 


Merchants — 

Meek  &  Bro., 
Burk  &  Atherton, 
J.  H.  Scotton. 

Drugs  and  Groceries- 
G.  C.  Ewbank. 

Physicians — 
'  W.  R.  King, 
G.  C.  Ewbank. 

Wagon  ^lakcr — 
John  .Stutsman. 


Butcher — 

Edward  Atherton. 


Shoe  and  Boot  Makers 
O.  P.  Martin, 
A.  Gibson. 

Milhvrio-ht— 

Wm.  Ransom. 

Steam  Flour itig  Mill- 
l>hick  &  AthcrtoiL 


J94 


IIISTOKV   (IF   HANCOCK.  COUNTY 


7)/c7c/csm///is —  '    Sfeaf/i  Sazv  Mill — 

StutsiiKin  iK:  Ellidtt.  R.  Black  &  Co. 

Jlariicss  Maker —  Postmaster — 

A.  P.  Atherton.  S.  Burk. 

Remarks  :  Prior  to  the  construction  of  the  old  Indiana 
Central  R.  R.,  there  was  a  vast  amount  of  travel  and 
moving  to  the  west  in  wagons,  on  the  National  road,  and 
for  a  number  of  j^ears  the  Dayton  and  Indianapolis  stage 
passed  east  and  west  daily  through  this  little  burg,  at  which 
time  the  chief  business  of  the  place,  like  others  of  its  kind 
along  this  main  line  of  travel,  was  inn  or  tavern  keeping. 
Relics  of  these  old  buildings,  where  the  westward  bound, 
wearv  traveler  was  nightly  found,  still  remain,  tottering, 
but  tellina"  monuments  of  an  earlier  stao'e  of  ci\ilization. 


Gem. 

Gem  post-office  was  established  in  1878,  on  the  P.,  C. 
and  St.  L.  R.  R.,  in  the  central  northern  part  of  the 
township,  and  Andrew  Stutsman  was  the  first  postmaster. 
The  first  store  at  this  place  was  kept  by  Nicholas  Stuts- 
man, sevens-ears  prior  to  the  establishment  of  the  post-office. 
There  never  was  a  plat  made  of  the  place,  consequenth' 
no  additions.  It  has  a  general  store,  kept  by  J.  Townsend  ; 
a  boot  an(;l  shoe  shop,  by  Joseph  Coon  ;  a  blacksmith  shop, 
by  Isaac  Stutsman  ;  a  steam  saw-mill,  by  Nicholas  Stuts- 
man :  a  daily  mail,  James  Townsend,  P.  M. 

M.  E.  Church. 

About  the  3'ear  1835,  the  Methodists  organized  a  class 
at  Philadelphia.  Among  the  first  members  were  Owen 
Griffith,  wife  and  two  daughters  ;  William  Brown,  wife 
and  daughter;  Mrs.  Willett ;  Charles  Atherton,  Sr.,  and 
wife  ;  Jonathan  Hornida}'  and  wife,  Thomas  J.  Smith  and 
wife,  and  Joseph  Grey  and  lady.  The  first  ministers  were 
J.  B.  Burch,  Rev.  Edwards  and  Landy  Havens. 


SUGAR-CREEK  TOWNSHIP. 


295 


The  society  worshiped  in  school-houses  and  private 
dwellings  until  the  year  1853,  when  the  present  church 
building  was  finished.  It  was  dedicated  in  June  of  the 
same  year  by  Bishop  Ames.  The  house  is  in  good  repair, 
and  capable  of  seating  three  hundred  persons.  Present 
minister,  H.  Woolpert. 

The  first  camp-meeting  held  in  this  vicinit\',  was  by 
Rev.  James  Havens,  in  1837. 

In  connection  with  this  church,  a  Sunday-school  was 
organized  in  the  year  1850,  which  has  continued  to  grow 
in  numbers  and  usefulness  till  thev  now  have  an  interestin"; 
and  prosperous  school,  with  an  average  attendance  of 
eight}'.      S.  Burke,  present  superintendent. 


German  M.  E.  Church, 

Palestine,  was  organized  in  the  spring  of  185 1,  with  the 
following  members :  J.  D.  Faut,  Christina  Faut,  A. 
KirkholT,  Mariah  Kirkhoft',  Conrad  Gundrum  and  wife, 
John  Lange  and  lady,  John  Manche  and  wife,  Henry  and 
Elizabeth  Fink,  and  Jacob  Lange  and  wife.  The  first 
ministers  we're  Philip  Deor,  Rev.  Wilke,  and  L.  Heis. 
In  1852,  the  organization  erected  a  house,  at  a  cost  of  a 
thousand  dollars.  The  first  trustees  were  J.  D.  Faut, 
Conrad  Gundrum,  A.  Kirkhoft^  John  Manche,  and  Henrv 
Fink.  The  present  trustees  are  Conrad  Gundrum,  A. 
Kirkhoft',  J.  Lantz,  Jacob  Kratz,  and  Charles  Reasoner. 
Present  minister,  Rev.  John  Ficken.  To  this  church 
belong  some  of  the  staid,  sturdy  German  farmers  and  sub- 
stantial men  of  the  township. 

Church  of  Christ, 

New  Palestine,  was  organized  September  4,  1870,  on  the 
following  platform  :  "  We,  the  undersigned,  members  of 
the  body  of  Christ,  agree  to  congregate  ourselves  together 
for  the  worship  of  the  true  God,  and  the  edifying  of  each 
other  in  love  ;  to  be  governed  by  the  word  of  the  Lord, 


296 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


exclusive  of  the  doctrines   and  commandments  of  men." 
Signed  by  the  following  names  of  original  members  : 


Michael  H.  Hittle, 
Elizabeth  R.  Hitde, 
Sanford  Furry, 
Henry  Biissell, 
Malinda  Bussell, 
Albert  Freeman, 
Harriet  Freeman, 
Ethelbert  Richardson. 


Malinda  Richardson, 
Margaret  Kanierian, 
Rachel  Kamerian, 
Minerva  Wheeler, 
Lavina  Pitcher, 
John  R.  Armstrong, 
Eliza  J.  Armstrong. 


The  above  organization  was  effected  in  the  school- 
house  at  Palestine,  under  the  pastorate  of  Elder  W.  R. 
Low.  Being  denied  the  privilege  of  longer  worshiping 
in  the  school-house,  the  organization  met  in  the  railroad 
depot.  In  1871,  the  society  erected  a  house,  large  and 
substantial,  at  a  cost  of  $1,550,  exclusive  of  ground,  which 
was  donated  by  H.  P.  Anderson.  The  building  was  dedi- 
cated on  the  25th  day  of  November,  1871,  by  Elder  W.  R. 
Jewel,  of  Danville,  Indiana,  and  a  thorough  organization 
was  effected  by  electing  George  B.  Richardson,  M.  H. 
Hittle,  John  P.  Armstrong,  J.  M.  Pitcher,,  and  H.  P. 
Anderson,  deacons.  Elder  W.  T.  Hough  was  the  suc- 
cessor of  W.  R.  Low,  followed  by  Lockhart,  John  A. 
Navitz,  W.  H.  Bovyles  and  Robert  Blount.  There  has 
never  been  a  re-election  of  officers  from  the  date  of  the 
organization  till  the  present,  though  some  have  died,  and 
others  moved  away.  The  church  is  in  good  condition, 
with  a  membership  of  over  sixt}'.  The  said  John  A.  Navitz, 
during  his  labors  with  the  organization,  in  the  winter  of 
1876-77,  held  a  very  interesting,  largely  attended  debate 
with  a  Soul  Sleeper  preacher,  by  the  name  of  Sanford. 


German  Lutheran  Churches. 

The  lirst  German  church  in  Sugar-creek  township, 
known  as  the  Albright  German  Church,  was  organized 
in  the  year  1S36,   in   a  block-house  three    miles   west  of 


SUGAR-CREEK  TOWNSHIP 


297 


Palestine,  and  consisted  wholly  of  Germans  who  had 
recently  arrived  from  the  principality  of  Hamhin-g,  Ger- 
many. Most  of  them  were  hnancially  poor,  but  spiritually 
rich  ;  and  in  setting  about  to  supply  the  wants  of  the  body, 
they  would  fain  supply  the  soul  with  food  also,  and  hence 
delayed  not  in  associating  themselves  together  as  one 
grand  Godly  family,  made  up  of  about  twenty-five  private 
families.  Their  spiritual  wants  were  first  supplied  by  a 
priestly  patriarch  named  Kiebler,  followed  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Muth,  a  preacher  of  the  United  Brethren. 

Contemporary  with  the  organization  existed  the  Ger- 
man School  Society,  whose  duties  were  to  suppl}-  the 
children  with  facilities  for  securing  a  secular  education, 
and  a  knowledge  of  the  catechism.  In  1841,  the  first 
German  Lutheran  minister.  Rev.  J.  G.  Kuntz,  came  to 
Indianapolis,  took  charge  of  the  German  church  at  that 
place,  and  preached  for  the  new  society,  first  once  every 
four  weeks,  then  tri-weekly.  The  society  becoming  more 
numerous  and  wealthy,  at  the  special  instance  and  request 
of  their  pastor,  said  Kuntz,  they  extended  a  call  to  Rev. 
A.  Brandt  to  come  and  live  among  them  to  preach  and 
teach,  which  call  he  accepted.  Brandt  was  Ibllowed  by 
Revs.  Hermeon  and  A.  Scheurmann.  In  1853,  said  Kuntz 
was  returned,  and  a  new  church  was  built  in  the  central 
western  part  of  the  township,  on  the  land  previoush"  owned 
b}'  the  school  society,  on  which  was  situated  two  block 
houses,  a  dwelling  and  school-house.  This  society  was 
known  as  the  German  Evangelical  Lutheran  Zion's  con- 
gregation. The  building  was  a  frame,  35x50  feet,  con- 
structed by  a  young  man  named  Kaiser,  at  a  cost  of  $1 ,200. 
It  was  dedicated  on  the  27th  of  November,  1859,  by 
Rev.  Frick.  Rev.  Kuntz  was  connected  with  this  church, 
as  pastor  and  schoolmaster,  for  more  than  thirty  years. 
The  writer  had  the  pleasure  of  calling  on  him  in  the  school- 
room, assisted  by  his  daughter,  in  1874.  "^^^^^  room  was  a 
small  log  structure,  located  on  the  south  side  of  the  road, 
in  the  north-east  corner  of  the  north-west  quarter  of  section 
twenty-four,  near  said  Zions  church.  The  house  was  full 
20 


298  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


of  children.        Teachers  and  students  were  industriously 
enfjaged.     Since  which  time  a  new  schc 
erected,  with  the  modern  improvements. 


enfjaged.     Since  which  time  a  new  school-house  has  been 


M.  E.  Church,  New  Palestine, 

was  organized  in  1830,  in  a  school-house  near  where  the 
present  public  school  building  stands.  Among  the  prime 
movers  and  first  members  of  this  organization  were  David 
and  Catharine  McNamee,  George  H.  and  Mary  Robison, 
Thomas  Swift  and  wife,  Lewis  and  Phoebe  Burk,  Joseph 
and  Elizabeth  Conner,  John  and  Sophia  Ashcraft,  Joseph 
and  Elizabeth  Munger,  Adam  Hawk  and  wife,  Whitfield 
True  and  wife,  Dr.  B.  F.  True  and  wife,  Henry  and  Nancy 
Gates,  Benjamin  Freeman  and  wife,  Benjamin  and  Mary 
Ann  McNamee,  William  Leachman  and  wife,  Dr.  J.  M, 
and  Mary  Ely,  Hiram  Chambers  and  wife,  John  Jones  and 
wife,  H.  Hough  and  wife,  Jane  McVey  and  Eliza  Jones. 
The  first  trustees  of  this  society,  were  Thomas  McVey, 
Dr.  J.  M.  Ely  and  David  McNamee.  The  present  building 
was  erected  in  the  summer  of  1856,  and  dedicated  in 
September  of  the  same  year,  by  Thomas  Eddy. 

The  ministers  who  have  presided  here,  from  time  to 
time,  are  as  follows:  James  Conner,  J.  L.  Smith,  J.  W. 
T.  McMatlin  ;  Revs.  Wright,  Wray,  Rosecrans  and  Rans- 
dell ;  Patrick  Carlin,  Robert  R.  Roberts,  John  C.  Sharp, 
Jesse  Miller,  F.  M.  Turk,  Augustus  Lewis,  B.  F.  Mor- 
gan and  George  W.  Winchester.  Present  preacher,  W. 
B.  Clancy. 

The  house  is  in  good  repair,  well  painted  ;  size,  35x45 
feet ;  seating  capacity,  400.  The  society  owns  a  parson- 
age, paid  for  and  in  good  repair.  Present  membership, 
126  ;  cost  of  house,  $1,800, 

The  following  are  the  present  trustees  of  the  church  : 
William  Nichols,  Henry  Gates,  Benjamin  Freeman,  Ben- 
jamin McNamee  and  D.  J.  Elliott. 

The  Sabbath-school,  established  in  connection,  holds 
its  session  every  Sabbath  the  year  round.     Average  attend- 


SUGAR-CREEK  TOWNSHIP 


J99 


ance,  seventy-five  ;  present  superintendent,  A.  P.  Hogle  ; 
secretary,  Charles  Ballard ;  librarians,  Minnie  Rodders 
and  Laura  Ballard  ;  treasurer,  Jennie  Buchell. 

New  Palestine  Cornet  Band. 

The  citizens  of  New  Palestine,  in  harmony  with  the 
progressive  spirit  of  the  times  and  country,  nearly  two 
-decades  since  organized  the  musical  talent  of  the  place  into 
a  brass  band,  well  furnished,  equipped,  and  supplied  with 
ii  wagon,  at  a  total  cost  for  instruments,  uniforms  and 
wagon,  of  $1,150;  in  addition  to  which  liberality,  they 
■expended  for  instruction  and  music,  $400 ;  for  incidentals, 
perhaps  $50,  making  a  total  expenditure  to  the  boys  and 
their  friends  of  $1 ,6oo.  The  charter  members,  not  included 
in  the  present  membership,  were  Walter  Waterson,  James 
Arthur,  Henry  G.  Mickle,  Albert  H.  Dix,  Charles  Haynes, 
Thomas  J.  Elliott,  and  J.  M.  Freeman.  The  present 
members  are  :  Smith  T.  JVic/ioh,'^  John  H.  Garvcr,  George 
W.  Nichols,  William  F.  Anderson,  John  Westlake,  Fred 
Freagel,  William  Gundrum,  John  Carson,  Marshall  Water- 
son  and  Harry  Garvcr.  This  band  is  in  good  working 
order,  and  is  equaled  in  the  county  in  its  efficiency  and 
ability  to  charm  and  hold  spell-bound  its  audiences  by  the 
Greenfield  band  only,  whose  leader  has  been  their  main 
instructor,  and  it  is  surpassed  by  none,  notwithstanding 
the  acknowledged  ability  and  recognized  efficiency  of  the 
other  good  bands  of  the  countv.  It  has  been  our  <:ood 
pleasure  to  hear  this  band  discourse  on  different  occasions 
to  enrapt  audiences  such  euphonious,  harmonious  music  as 
seldom  wings  its  way  to  the  ear  of  mortal  man  ;  and  should 
they  so  direct  their  steps  as  to  have  the  good  fortune  to 
enter  the  celestial  city,  they  will  doubtless  be  chosen  to 
augment  that  innumerable  company  which  surrounds  the 
throne,  with  golden  instruments  and  harps  in  their  hands, 
ever  singing,  blowing,  playing  and  rejoicing,  as  only 
angels  can  do. 

*The  italicized  names  above  were  also  charter  nieinbers. 


300  jnSTOKY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

Benjamin  McNamee, 

a  native  of  the  "Buckeye  State,"  dates  liis  earthly  career 
from  the  30th  day  of  September,  1827.  At  the  tender 
age  of  six,  he  mov^ed  with  his  father,  David  McNamee, 
and  settled  in  Sugar-creek  township,  two  and  one-half 
miles  north  of  Palestine,  where  he  still  resides  on  the  old 
homestead  which  his  father  entered.  At  this  early  date„ 
Mr.  McNamee  says  he  knew  of  but  one  log  cabin  between 
the  Brookville  and  National  road.  A  few  scattering  cab- 
ins were  to  be  found  on  the  bluffs  of  Sugar  Creek  and 
Buck  Creek,  and  wild  game  of  various  kinds  existed  in 
abundance.  At  the  age  of  twentv-two,  Mr.  McNamee- 
joined  his  destiny  with  Marv  Ann  Irons,  September  9^ 
1849.  The  fruits  of  this  union  have  been  eight  children^ 
four  of  whom  are  living.  Catharine,  the  eldest,  is  the 
wife  of  Prof.  Morgan  Carawa\-,  principal  of  the  Fortville 
graded  schools.  The  second,  James  W.,  and  his  wife 
reside  in  Fremont  county,  Iowa.  Tiie  remaining  two- 
daughters,  Emma  and  Mollie,  are  living  with  their  parents^ 
Mr.  McNamee  and  his  amiable  wife  have  been  consistent 
members  of  the  M.  E.  Church  for  thirtv-two  years. 


New  Palestine  Lodge,  F.  A.  M.,  No.  404. 

The  above-named  lodge  was  organized  under  a  dis- 
pensation of  the  G.  M.,  in  Januarv,  1869.  ^^  which  author- 
ity F.  M.  Hook  was  appointed  worshipful  master  ;  J.  P. 
Armstrong,  senior  warden,  and  C.  H.  Shellhouse,  junior 
warden  of  said  body.  The  tirst  stated  communication  of 
this  lodge  occurred  January  30,  1869,  at  which  meeting 
the  grand  master  appointed  the  rest  of  the  officers  nec- 
essary to  perfect  the  organization,  viz.  :  E.  P.  Scott, 
treasurer;  B.  Westlake,  secretary  ;  B.  F.  Stutsman,  senior 
deacon  ;  C.  Bennett,  junior  deacon  ;  J.  P.  Vernon,  tylor. 
These,  with  the  three  appointed  in  the  dispensation,  con- 
stituted the  officers  of  said  lodge  No.  404.  On  the  25th 
day   of  May   following,  a   charter  was  received  from  the 


302  .  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

grand  lodge.  The  order  now  being  firmly  established, 
peace  and  harmony  prevailing,  the  close  of  the  year  1869 
found  the  lodge  with  bright  prospects  betbre  it.  The 
present  officers  are  J.  P.  Armstrong,  W.  M.  ;  Eli  Stout, 
S.  W.  :  T.  P.  Vernon,  junior  warden  :  J.  C.  Vansickle, 
treasurer:  E.  P.  Scott,  secretary';  W.  A.  Eaton,  S.  D.  ; 
A.  P.  Hogle,  J.  D.  ;  O.  P.  Hobbs,  tylor.  This  lodge  has 
had  several  public  installments,  and  public  addresses  by 
John  V.  R.  Miller,  W.  H.  Bowles,  and  other  bright  lights. 
Among  those  the  death  of  whom  the  lodge  has  been  called 
upon  to  mourn  are  F.  M.  Hook,  its  tirst  master  :  B.  West- 
lake,  the  first  secretary  ;  and  more  recently,  Prot".  Aaron 
Pope,  the  latter  of  whom,  though  young  in  Masonry,  was 
twice  master  of  the  lodge.  Gone,  all  gone  !  but  not  for- 
gotten. Though  the  lodge  mourns  its  loss,  the  members 
rejoice  in  a  consolation  of  meeting  them  in  that  celestial 
lodge  above,  where  the  Supreme  Architect  of  the  universe 
presides,  and  the  tylor  admits  none  but  the  true  and  tried. 
[We  are  indebted  to  J.  P.  Armstrong  for  the  above 
facts.] 

History  of  the  German  Settlement. 

The  first  German  who  entered  land  in  Hancock  county 
was  Carl  Julius  Leopold  Albert  Von  Bonge.  lie  was  born 
November  24,  1798,  in  Liegnitz,  Silesia,  Prussia,  Ger- 
many. Having  received  a  classic  education,  he  adopted 
the  profession  of  law.  Owing  to  political  difficulties  with 
the  Prussian  government,  he  was  compelled  to  leave  his 
native  countrv.  He  therefore  selected,  fled  to,  and  adopted 
the  United  States,  "  the  land  of  the  free  and  the  home  of 
the  brave."  He  first  setded  in  Zanesville,  Ohio,  then  for  a 
time  resided  in  Cincinnati,  when  in  the  year  1828,  in  com- 
panv  with  his  young  wife,  he  emigrated  to  Hancock 
county,  to  what  is  now  called  the  German  settlement,  and 
entered  a  quarter  section  of  land.  Albert  Lange,  a  school- 
mate and  colleague  in  his  profession,  who  also  fled  the 
countrv  from  the  same  cause,  came  over  at  the  same  time, 
and    entered    a    quarter    section    adjoining   tluit    of    Mr. 


SUGAR-CREEK  TOWNSHIP.  303 

Bonge.  For  a  number  of  years  they  cleared  up,  fenced, 
and  made  a  home  in  the  swamps.  Mr.  Lange  sold  his 
160  acres  eight  years  after,  and  settled  in  Terre  Haute, 
where  he  was  mayor  of  the  city  for  a  time,  and  auditor  of 
Vigo  county  for  a  number  of  3-ears.  He  was  three  times 
the  nominee  of  the  republican  party  for  auditor  of  state, 
to  which  position  he  was  elected  in  i860,  and  filled  the 
place  of  trust  with  credit  to  himself  and  honor  to  the  peo- 
ple. Indeed,  Mr.  L.  was  a  prominent  citizen  of  the  state 
until  his  death.  Mr.  B.  sold  his  quarter  .section  also  about 
twelve  years  after  entering.  He  tl.en  settled  over  the 
line  in  Cumberland,  Marion  county,  where  he  resided 
and  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business.  Here  he  lived,  a 
useful  citizen,  to  a  good  old  age,  and  died  only  a  few 
years  since  ;  and  his  pioneer  wife,  the  first  German  woman 
that  ever  located  in  this  prosperous  German  settlement,  is 
still  living.  She  was  born  in  1813,  at  Heil  Bron,  in  the 
kinirdom  of  Wurtemburfj,  Germanv,  and  was  married  to 
said  Carl  Julius  Leopold  Albert  \on  Bonge  in  the  year 
183 1,  at  Dayton,  Ohio. 

By  the  location  and  influence  of  Mr.  Bonge  and  Mr. 
Lange,  a  German  doctor,  by  the  name  of  Ronenberg, 
who  came  from  Buckeburg,  Schaumburg-Lippe,  Ger- 
manv, established  himself  near  them.  Through  the  influ- 
ence of  these  three  worthy,  prominent  men,  numerous 
others  were  induced  to  follow.  Among  the  first  were  Geo. 
Nolener,  John  Schreiber,  Mr.  Wolframm,  Chas.  Oswold, 
Mr.  Linbricht,  Anthon}'  Wishmeier,  Benj.  Rothe,  Jacob 
Schramm,  Andrew  Finck,  Christian  Schildmeier,  Wm. 
Reasoner,  Charles  Brewer,  Ludwig  Richmann,  Wilhelm 
Rushaubt,  Anthony  Kirkhoft',  x\nthony  Meier,  Daniel 
Faut  and  John  Grene.  These  were  a  few  of  the  pioneers 
who  settled  here  from  1830  to  1840,  followed  by  many  of 
their  relatives,  friends  and  acquaintances,  each  of  whom 
cast  in  his  might  to  make  the  German  settlement  what  it 
is  to-day — the  garden  spot  of  Hancock  county.  As  before 
stated,  they  have  their  churches  and  schools,  and  are 
taught  honesty,  industry  and  frugality.      Let  the  young 


304 


IIIsroKN'  OI'   IIANCOlK   torxTV 


from  the  ;ib()\i'  liistorx  Icai'ii  llir  lesson  lliat  "  il  Is  an  ill 
wind  that  blows  nobody  i^^ood  ;''  that  a  kite  rises  against 
the  icrial  current,  and  not  with  il.  ""I'lie  han^iiiL,^  ol"  John 
Brown  was  tlie  han^inj^  of  slavery  ;  religions  persecution 
in  Kn^iand  planted  the  pilgrim  lathers  on  Plymouth  Rock, 
and  |iolitical  dillerences  in  ]*russia,  Germany,  drove  Carl 
Julius  Leoi-)old  Albert  Von  lionire  and  the  lion.  Albert 
Laniije  to  America,  to  form  the  nucknis  around  which 
should  cluster  tlu'  pi-rsecuted  and  poor,  the  youno'  and  old 
ol'  their  native  countrymen,  to  aid  in  convertin<^  tlu>  marsh 
into  tlu'  meadow,  the  forest  into  fields,  and  the  deej'), 
tanu;-|ed  wildwood  into  beds  of  rosins  and  broad  acres  ol 
Lfolden  jji'ain.      J^onj/  li\e  tlu-ir  memorw 


William   C.    Uakxaud. 

'I'he  subject  of  this  skelcii,  a  nali\i'  of  llancock  county, 
was  born  May  31,  1H43,  and  was  the  third  son  of  Reuben 
IJarnard,  a  prominent  citizen,  fariuiT  and  stock-raiser  ol 
.Su_i;"ar-cr(.>ek  township. 

iCducalional  ad\antai;"i's  Ihmui;"  liniitetl  at  llu'  lime  he 
was  Ljrowin^-  uji,  he  received  instructions  frt)m  his  lather 
during-  tiie  winter  months,  and  worked  on  the  farm  in  the 
summer,  in  the  \-ear  1862,  he  t'uteiH'd  Uuller  Unix  iMsity , 
and  reniaim-d  tiun-e  three  terms,  o'ainini^  the  esteem  of  the 
facullx  and  advancini!,-  rapidlv.  In  tlu>  fall  of  1S63,  he 
entered  r>r\ant\s  L'ommercial  College,  at  Indianapolis,  and 
compli'ted  a  regular  course  of  book-kiH'|)inL;",  w  ith  its  col- 
lateral branclu\s,  March  the  5th,   i<S(x|. 

lie  was  married  May  llu-  2()lh,  iSOy,  to  Amanda  (iib- 
son,  of  Marlon  county,  Indiana,  since  which  time  \\v  has 
been  activel\'  engaged  in  farming  ami  stock  raising,  and 
has  been  \erv  successful.  I  lis  thrift  and  inchistrv  ha\c> 
gained  lor  hiui  the  admii'alion  ot    the  (.■oininunitx' . 

Mr.  liarnaril  has  bin-n  three  limes  elected  trustee  of  the 
township,  and  as  olu'U  eleiled  secn^tary  of  the  county 
board  ol   education,  and  jierhaps  has  dont'  as  much  to  raise 


306  HISTORY   OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

the   standard  of  our  common  schools  as  any  person  that 
has  held  the  office  of  township  trustee  in  the  county. 

Mr.  Barnard  is  a  young  man,  of  nervo-biliotis  tem- 
perament, medium  height,  dark  complected,  strong  and 
vigorous,  with  black  hair,  a  piercing  eye,  and  an  active 
mind. 

Aaron  Pope. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Shelby  county, 
about  five  miles  south  of  Palestine,  on  September  i6, 
1844.  His  father  was  in  moderate  circumstances,  and 
unable  to  give  his  son  a  collegiate  education  ;  but  might 
have  given  him  an  opportunity  to  attend  the  public  schools 
of  the  district,  had  he  fully  appreciated  the  importance  of 
an  education.  Hence  young  Mr.  P.  was  compelled  to  live 
in  comparative  ignorance  until  large  enough  to  labor  with 
his  own  hands,  and  thereby  obtain  means  to  purchase 
books  and  enter  school  of  his  own  accord.  But  being 
allowed  to  attend  school  in  the  winter  only,  when  the 
weather  was  too  bad  to  work  on  the  farm,  his  education 
reached  no  farther  than  the  elementary  principles  of  the 
fundamental  branches. 

At  the  age  of  twenty,  Mr.  P.  was  married  to  Miss 
Nancy  J.  Murnan,  of  his  native  neighborhood.  Here,  on 
a  rented  farm,  he  began  his  efforts  for  an  independent 
living.  His  wife  lived  but  little  more  than  a  year,  leaving 
her  husband  the  care  of  an  infant  child,  which  lived  but 
three  months  after  its  mother's  death.  Mr.  P.  being  now 
left  alone  in  the  world,  and  feeling  unsatisfied  with  his 
preparation  for  life's  duties,  he  resolved  at  once  to  prepare 
himself  for  teaching.  Though  his  education  was  so  very 
limited,  yet,  by  close  application  at  leisure  hours,  and 
without  attending  school,  in  a  little  more  than  a  year  he 
was  enabled  to  obtain  license,  and  began  teaching.  He 
first  held  forth  at  Fairvievv  school-house,  in  the  fall  of 
1867,  in  which,  as  in  subsequent  terms,  he  was  very  suc- 
cessful. In  JanuarN',  1871,  he  was  again  married.  This 
time  to  Miss  Louisa  W.   Vernon,  of  Shelby  count}'.     In 


SUGAR-CREEK  TOWNSHIP.  307 

1873,  he  moved  to  Palestine,  and  was  engaged  in  the 
employ  of  Eaton  &  Gates  for  three  years,  and  in  that  of 
Schreiber  &  Brother  for  two  years,  with  the  exception  of 
two  winters  devoted  to  his. favorite  pursuit.  In  the  fall  of 
1877,  he  was  elected  principal  of  the  McCordsville  graded 
schools,  which  position  he  filled  with  entire  satisfaction  to 
all  parties  interested.  While  residing  here  he  was  elected 
county  superintendent,  to  fill  the  unexpired  term  occas- 
ioned by  the  death   of  W.  P.  Smith.      This  position   he 


held  to  the  date  of  his  death,  being  twice  re-elected  and 
twenty-seven  months  in  office.  During  all  of  this  time 
Mr.  P.  was  in  harmon}-  with  the  progressive  educational 
spirit  of  the  age,  faithfully  and  conscientiously  carrving 
out  the  advanced  movements  of  his  predecessors  and 
inaugurating  others  as  necessity  and  the  spirit  of  the  times 
demanded. 

Mr.  P.  was  a  3-oung  man  of  great  energy,  enterprise, 
and  considerable  originality,  and  was  the  proprietor  and 
chief  founder  of  the  Home  and  School  Visiter.  Mr.  P. 
from  the  age  of  sixteen  to  the  date  of  his  death  was  a 
faithful  member  of  the  Methodist  Protestant  Church,  and 


308  niSTOI^V  OF  HANCOCK   COUN'I'V. 

for  ten  years  was  a  de\  oted  Mason.  He  was  twice  master 
of  the  lodc^e  at  Palestine,  took  the  chapter  degrees  at 
McCordsville  in  the  summer  of  1879,  and  the  council 
degrees  in  May,  1881.  He  died  at  his  residence  in  Green- 
lield,  Thursday,  July  21,  1881,  aged  thirty-seven  years, 
and  his  remains  peacefully  repose  in  the  New  cemetery 
in  this  citv. 


Benjamin  F.  Freeman. 

a  nati\'e  of  the  "Buckeye  State,"  dates  his  earthly  career 
to  1827,  October  12.  At  the  early  age  of  two,  in  company 
with  his  parents,  he  came  to  Marion  count}',  Indiana, 
wiiere  they  remained  until  the  fall  of  1855,  when,  at  the 
age  of  twenty-eight,  he  came  to  Palestine,  sugar-creek 
township,  and  engaged  in  merchandising  with  Burk,  Esp}' 
&  Co.,  at  which  business  he  continued  for  about  nine 
3'ears,  being  a  member  during  this  time  of  different  firms. 
In  1864,  Mr.  F.  moved  out  on  his  farm,  adjoining  the 
town  on  the  east,  where  he  has  resided  ever  since,  and 
has  been  eiiiji'aijed  in  farminij,  stock-raisinij,  merchandis- 
ing  and  stock-trading.  ISIr.  Freeman  has  been  constanth' 
in  the  goods  trade  since  entering  the  countv — though  una- 
ble, from  a  pressure  of  business,  to  give  it  his  personal 
attention — but  has  devoted  the  major  part  of  his  time  to 
farming  and  stock  trading,  being  one  of  the  most  exten- 
sive stock  dealers  in  the  count}^  and  the  owner  of  over 
eight  hundred  acres  of  first-class  land. 

Mr.  F.  was  married  in  1855  to  Marv  Ann,  daughter  of 
John  Maple,  of  Rush  countw  The  fruits  of  tliis  union 
are  four  children,  three  bo}-s  and  one  girl,  all  of  whom  are 
unmarried,  except  James  A.  Mr.  F.  has  been  a  consist- 
ent member  of  the  M.  E.  Church  for  more  than  fort^• 
years.  Ever  since  the  organization  of  the  republican 
party,  in  1856,  Mr.  F.  has  been  a  staunch  member  thereot". 
Not  from  polic\',  but  tVo.n  principle,  though  ne\-er  in  office 
nor  aspiring  in  that  direction,  prefering  the  quiet  seclusion 
ot"  rural   ]rarsuits.      In  person,  ?*Ir.   F.   is  tall,   strong  and 


3IO  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

portly,  of  a  sa>io-iii')io-)icrz'o-bilioits  temperament,  has  light 
complexion,  light  hair,  blue  eyes,  and  a  dignified  bearing, 
nearly  six  feet  in  height,  and  two  hundred  pounds  in 
weight. 

Miss  Clara  Louise  Bottsford, 

a  native  of  Johnson  county,  Indiana,  removed  with  her 
parents  to  Sugar-creek  township  about  the  year  i860, 
when  but  a  mere  child.  Here  she  has  remained  ever 
since.  Her  parents  dying  some  few  3'ears  ago,  together 
with  her  elder  sister,  made  her  pathway  rather  a  rough 
one  for  a  w'hile,  but  it  is  smoother  now.  Though  her 
opportunities  for  an  education  were  limited,  being  confined 
mainly  to  the  public  schools  of  the  township,  yet,  by 
industry  and  close  application,  she  has  prepared  herself 
for  teaching,  and  has  had  some  eight  years'  experience  in 
the  public  schools  of  the  county,  but  is  now  giving  her 
attention  mainly  to  literary  work  ;  from  a  small  beginning 
in  the  county  papers  over  a  nom  dc  -pliunc,  then  in  numer- 
ous sensational  works,  Frank  Lesley^  Chhnncv  Corner^ 
and  JVezu  York  Ledger,  and  not  until  more  recently  has 
she  appeared  over  her  own  signature  in  the  Indianapolis 
your  Hill  and  Herald,  Chicago  1)2  ter  Ocean,  New  York 
Sun,  and  other  metropolitan  papers. 

The  writer  is  well  acquainted  with  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  having  been  associated  with  her  in  the  first  normal 
school  of  the  county  and  as  superintendent  of  the  Green- 
field graded  schools,  and  also  had  the  honor  of  licensing 
her  to  teach  in  the  public  schools,  and  can  freely  credit 
her  with  manifesting  the  will  to  rise  under  adverse  cir- 
cumstances. 

After  the  death  of  her  father,  E.  S.  Bottsford,  Esq., 
she  was  appointed  administratrix  of  the  estate,  and  has 
taken  the  responsibilities  of  the  head  of  the  family. 

We  give  an  extract  from  one  of  her  poems,  for  want  of 
space  here,  in  a  future  chapter. 


CHAPTER   XIX. 

VERNON     TOWNSHIP. 


In  Tp. 


Tp.   Line 


9 

10 

II 

14 

13 

iS 

17 

16 

IS 

14 

23 

24 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

26 

25 

30 

29 

28 

27 

26 

35 

36 

31 

32 

33 

34 

3S 

17  N. 


17  X. 


Scale:     Tvjo  miles  to  the  inch. 

MAP   OF  VERNON   TOWNSHIP. 

SHOWING   THE    SECTION'S,    TOWNSHIP    AND    RANGES   OF   WHICH    IT    IS    COMPOSED. 

Name  and  Organization. — This  township,  which  bears 
the  name  of  the  final  resting  place  of  the  mortal  remains 
of  the  first  President  of  the  United  States,  was  organized 
in  1836,  and  was  taken  from  the  north  part  of  Buck-creek. 
In  1838,  four  sections  were  struck  off  from  the  south-east 
corner  to  form  a  part  of  Union  township,  but  in  1853  were 
replaced,  since  which  time  she  has  maintained  her  present 
size  and  boundaries. 


312  HI^'IORY  OF   HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

Local io}i^  /jji'.iid'.rn'es,  S/zr,  etc. — \"ernon  townsnip  is 
located  in  the  north-western  part  of  the  county.  It  is 
bounded  on  the  north  by  Hamilton  and  Madison  counties, 
on  the  east  by  Green  township,  on  the  south  by  Center  and 
Buck-creek,  and  on  the  west  by  Marion  county.  In  extent 
it  is  seven  miles  in  length  and  live  miles  in  width,  with  four 
sections  out  of  the  north-west  corner,  and  is,  therefore, 
composed  of  thirt}'-one  sections.  It  is  one  of  the  two 
townships  in  the  county  with  an  irregular  outline.  Its 
greatest  length  is  east  and  west.  It  lies  in  township  seven- 
teen north,  and  is  in  ranges  five  and  six  east,  two  tiers  of 
sections  on  the  west  being  in  range  live  and  the  remain- 
der in  range  six  east.  The  range  line  runs  one  mile  east 
of  McCordsville,  one-third  of  a  mile  west  of  Woodberrv, 
and  forms  the  east  line  of  11.  Caldwell's  and  John  Mc- 
Cord's  farms. 

Surface^  Soil.,  IJr(iiiia<j^\\  and  Prodv.clioiis. — Tlie  sur- 
tace  is  exceedingh'  level  throughout  almost  the  entire 
township,  and  especially  in  the  western  part;  indeed,  it  is 
the  only  township  in  the  county  in  which  we  have  been 
unable  to  lind  a  few  hills.  Along  Flat  Fork,  and  for  a 
short  distance  back  therefrom,  the  surface  is  slightly  undu- 
lating, and  section  nine,  in  which  Fortville  is  located,  and 
through  which  Flat  Fork  passes  out  of  the  county,  is  con- 
siderably rolling  and  somewhat  hilly. 

The  soil  is  of  black  or  brown  loam,  deep,  rich  and 
exhaustless  in  resources,  with  the  exception  of  three  or 
four  sections,  ^vhich  have  more  or  less  a  clay  soil. 

Prior  to  the  use  of  tile,  a  considerable  number  of  small 
wooden  ditches  and  a  few  open  ditches  were  sunk  in  the 
township.  Since  the  location  of  a  tile  factory  within  her 
borders,  a  number  of  tile  ditches  have  been  put  in  by  her 
more  enterprising  citizens.  But  she  is  still  in  need  of 
vastly  more.  Indeed,  in  comparison  with  other  townships 
as  to  drainage,  she  is  behind  ;  and  we  would  suggest  the 
construction,  by  her  liberal  citizens,  of  a  few  broad,  deep 
outlets  under  the  new  ditch  law,  approved  April  8,  i88i, 
which  provides  not  only  for  the   construction   of  a   ditch. 


VERNON    TOWNSHIP. 


313 


but  the  keeping  in  repair,  and,  in  short,  is  simple  and 
complete  in  itself,  and  superior  to  any  other  drainage  law 
ever  placed  upon  our  statute  books,  not  excepting  the  act 
providing  for  the  draining  and  reclaiming  of  wet  lands, 
approved  March  9,  1875.  In  drawing  these  comparisons 
between  the  townships  in  surface  and  drainage,  we  speak 
not  from  guess-work  or  hearsay,  but  actual  observation. 
The  writer  has  a  number  of  times  been  on  ever}^  public 
road,  in  many  of  the  residences,  and  all  of  the  school- 
houses  in  the  county,  and  know  whereof  we  speak. 

The  chief  productions  are  wheat,  corn,  hogs,  cattle, 
flaxseed,  potatoes,  fruits,  flax  straw,  lumber,  horses,  oats, 
and  the  products  of  the  hennery  and  dairy.  In  1880, 
Vernon  township  produced  on  2,644  ''icres,  39,660  bushels 
of  wheat ;  on  3,727  acres,  77,200  bushels  of  corn  ;  on  332 
acres,  9,960  bushels  of  oats  ;  on  509  acres,  763  tons  of 
hay ;  being  the  fewest  acres  and  fewest  bushels  of  wheat 
of  any  township  in  the  county,  and  also  the  fewest  bushels 
of  corn. 

Streams.— Sugar  Creek,  the  largest  stream  in  the  town- 
ship, passes  through  the  south-east  corner  to  the  extent  of 
about  one  mile,  cutting  ofl"  a  small  portion  of  section 
thirty-five.  Buck  Creek  rises  in  the  central  portion  of 
the  township,  flows  south  by  south-west,  and  passes  out 
near  the  south-west  corner  of  section  thirty-two.  Flat 
Fork,  a  very  small  stream,  rises  near  the  south-east  cor- 
ner of  section  twenty-seven,  meanders  north  about  two 
and  one-half  miles  ;  thence  north-west,  passing  out  of  the 
township  about  three-fourths  of  a  mile  west  of  Fortville, 
near  the  south-west  corner  of  section  nine.  It  is  ditched 
nearly  the  entire  length,  and  has  no  banks. 

J^/rsi  Land  Entry  and  First  Settlers. — The  first  land 
entry  in  this  township  was  made  by  George  Crim,  on  the 
i6th  day  November,  1826,  being  the  east  half  of  the  south- 
west quarter  of  section  twenty-nine,  in  township  seven- 
teen north,  and  range  six  east.  The  second  entry  was 
made  by  Samuel  Henr}^,  in  the  same  section,  and  in  the 
same  month  and  year. 
21 


314  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

Amono-  the  first  settlers  were  John  I5rooks.  Joe  Winn, 
Richard  Stokes,  Natlian  Bhickburn,  Micajah  Shull,  David 
Fisher,  the  Crosslc}-  family,  the  John  Robb  famih',  Tarle- 
ton  Walker,  William  and  Sarah  McCord,  George  Pritchet, 
Jacob  Smith,  Hiram  Duncan,  John  Caudel,  George 
Chappel,  George  Jackson,  Jehu  Denney,  and  Arthur  Mor- 
rison. There  are  doubtless  others  who  are  entitled  to  a 
place  in  the  above  list,  but  their  names  have  escaped  our 
observation.  The  reading  of  the  above  will  call  to  the 
minds  of  our  readers  pleasant  memories  of  earlier  da3's 
and  hallowed  associations  with  these  brave  frontier  men, 
almost  all  of  whom  have  gone.  Forever  gone  I  but  not 
forgotten.  They  have  left  "foot-prints  on  the  sands  of 
time ;  foot-prints  which,  perhaps,  another,  •  sailing  o'er 
life's  sturd}'  main,  seeing,  shall  take  heart  again." 

A  Fczv  First  T/i?'iigs. — The  lirst  preachers  in  the  town- 
ship were  Rev.  Wyman  and  Thomas  Jenkins  ;  first  doc- 
tors, J.  W.  Harvey  and  Hiram  Duncan  ;  lirst  merchant. 
Perry  Fort ;  first  school-house,  near  McCordsville  ;  first 
road,  Noblesville  road  ;  first  mill,  at  Fort\'ille  ;  first  post- 
master, Thomas  Noel ;  first  postmaster  at  Woodbury, 
David  Brown  ;  first  postmaster  at  McCordsville,  H.  M. 
Thompson  ;  first  pike,  Noblesville  road  ;  first  land  entr}', 
b}'  George  Crim-;  first  graded  school,  at  McCordsville: 
first  lodge.  Masons  ;  first  teachers,  foreigners  ;  first  railroad 
station,  at  Fortville  :  first  marriage,  David  Caudel  and 
wife,  in  1836;  first  teacher,  Thomas  Sherman.  The  first 
election  was  in  August,  1836 ;  the  ballots  were  thirteen  in 
number,  twelve  democratic  and  one  republican,  all  cast  in 
a  hat. 

Mills  ami  JFactorics. — The  first  mill  in  Vernon  town- 
ship w^as  a  steam  saw-mill,  built  in  1849,  ^7  ^o^l  &  Co., 
at  Fortville.  In  1853,  said  Noel  «&  Co.  erected  a  steam 
flouring  mill  in  Fortville,  and  it  was  run  for  several  years, 
when  it  met  with  the  common  fate  of  mills  and  factories 
in  Hancock  county,  and  returned  to  mother  earth  in  dust 
and  ashes. 

In    1854,  E.  II.  McCord  erected,  in  McCordsville,  a 


3l6  HISTORY  OP'  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

steam  flouring  mill,  which  was  successfully  operated  tor  a 
number  of  years,  when  it  met  with  a  similar  fate,  and 
succumbed  to  the  forked  flames  of  the  ferocious  fire  fiends 
In  1854,  Hooker  &  Son  built  a  steam  grist  and  saw 
mill  in  Woodbury,  which  soon  met  with  the  like  fate,  being 
overcome  with  the  warm  embraces  and  enveloping  sheets, 
of  lier}'  flames. 

In  1857,  John  Sample  built  and  operated  a  shingle  fac- 
tory for  a  time. 

There  was  a  heading  factory  and  woolen  factory  suc- 
cessfully operated  for  a  time  at  Fortville,  but  each  iwfi  est 
at  this  date. 

There  is  running  at  this  time,  in  the  suburbs  of  Fort- 
ville, a  steam  flouring  mill  and  a  saw-mill.  There  is  also 
a  steam  saw-mill  in  operation  at  McCordsville. 

Aaron  Littleton  operated  a  tile  factory  for  a  number  of 
years,  using  the  machinery  formerly  used  by  Eb.  Steele 
in  Buck-creek,  in  a  tile  factory  in  that  township. 

An  extensive  tile  factory  has  been  in  operation  for 
several  3'ears  a  short  distance  south  of  Fortville,  which  has 
supplied  the  township  with  almost  all  the  tile  she  has  ever 
used.  There  is  also  a  planing  mill,  a  flax  factory  and  a 
stave  factory  located  near  this  same  town. 

Andrew  Hagen,  ex-county  treasurer,  has  an  extensive 
flax-straw  factory  and  grain  elevator  in  Fortville.  There 
is  also  a  heading  factory  at  F'ortville,  and  an  extensive 
grain  elevator  at  McCordsville,  operated  b}-  T.  J.  Hanna. 
I^oads  and  Railroads. — The  roads  in  this  township^ 
like  Buck-creek  and  other  smaller  sections  of  low,  wet 
ground,  were,  until  within  the  last  few  years,  merel}'  dirt 
and  corduroy  roads  slightly  impro\ed,  and  at  times  almost 
impassable.  During  the  pike  fever  which  swept  over  this^ 
county,  this  township,  like  others,  was  similarly  affected, 
which  resulted  in  the  construction  of  about  twenty-five 
miles  of  toll  pike,  nineteen  of  which  are  now  tollable,  in 
addition  to  a  few  miles  which  have  been  returned  to  the 
road  district.  It  has  a  line  runnin^f  from  Fortville  to 
Greenfield,  one  from  Eden  to  McCordsville,  and  one  from 


VERNON    TOWNSHIP 


v>i/ 


Fortville  to  Pendleton  pike,  in  addition  to  a  few  other 
short  Hnes. 

This  township  has  one  raih-oad  extending  diagonally 
ucross  the  township  a  distance  of  about  seven  miles,  known 
as  the  Cleveland,  Columbus,  Cincinnati  and  Indianapolis 
R.  R.,  or  "  Bee  Line,"  for  short,  on  which  the  company- 
has  three  stations  in  the  territory  under  consideration, 
viz.  :  Fortville,  Woodbury  and  McCordsville.  Tele- 
graph lines  also  extend  along  the  track  of  this  company. 

Educational . — The  first  schools  in  this  township  were 
■subscription,  or  pay  schools,  taught  by  itinerant  school- 
masters, and  occasionally  by  a  resident,  for  about  three 
months  during  the  winter  season.  The  non-resident 
teachers  usually  taught  by  the  term,  or  quarter,  and 
boarded  among  the  patrons,  each  of  whom  agreed  to  fur- 
nish him  with  board  and  lodging  his  proportionate  length 
of  time.  Among  the  first  school-houses,  all  of  which  at 
this  earl}'  date  were  mere  pole  cabins,  were :  One  on 
Robbs's  farm,  one-half  mile  south  of  McCordsville  ;  one 
two  miles  east  of  McCordsville,  and  one  in  Fortville. 
There  was  no  public  school  mone}^  at  this  time,  except  a 
small  interest  income  from  the  congressional  township 
school  fund.  There  was  no  special  school  tax,  and  hence 
the  state  did  not  build  the  houses  nor  furnish  fuel.  Wood, 
like  board,  was  usually  furnished  by  the  patrons,  in  pro- 
portion to  the  number  of  scholars  subscribed.  Teachers 
usually  agreed  only  to  give  instruction  in  spelling,  read- 
ing, writing,  and  arithmetic,  to  the  single  rule  of  three. 

This  township,  in  the  vote  on  the  free  school  question 
in  1848-9,  like  her  sister  townships,  was  decidedly  opposed 
to  the  inauguration  of  the  proposed  system.  Her  vote  in 
1848  stood  :  "•  Free  school,"  forty  ;  "  no  school,"  seventy- 
four.  In  1849  her  vote  stood:  "Free  school,"  seven- 
teen ;  "  no  school,"  one  hundred  and  two  ;  being  a  major- 
ity of  eighty-five  in  favor  of  the  old  system,  and,  next  to 
Buck-creek,  the  smallest  vote  in  the  county  in  favor  of 
the  constitutional  amjiulnicmt  pro\'Jding  for  a  state  system. 
In  which  tuiticjn  should  be  free  and   equally   open   to   all. 


3l8  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

Since  that  time,  however,  Vernon  has  brought  lierself  up 
in  harmony  with  the  progressive  spirit  of  the  times  on  the 
subject  of  education,  and  other  intellectual  and  moral  enter- 
prises for  the  advancement  and  amelioration  of  mankind. 
The  following  will  show  the  numbers  and  names  of 
the  public  school-houses  in  Vernon,  and  the  present 
instructors : 

f  J.  W.  Smith,  Supt.; 
I  Jessie  S.Jackson, 
Dist.  No.  I .  .McCordsvillc  .  .  .\  Frank  O.  Forts, 

I  Ella  Thompson, 
[  Assistants. 

Dist.  No.  2 Worth  Trittipo. 

Dist.  No.  3 Ed.  Cruml)augh. 

Dist.  No.  4.  .Denney's Fi^ank  Smith. 

Dist.  No.  5  .  .  Cook's Lawrence  Duracli. 

Dist.  No.  6.  .Duzan's Qiiittman  Jackson. 

Dist.  No.  7.  .Woodbury J.  W.  McCord. 

Dist.  No.  8.  .Cushman's C.  Vanlaningham. 

fM.  Caraway,  Pri)i.; 
I  A.  E.  Cummins, 

Fortville \  Anna  Chittenden, 

I  AHce  Cory, 

l^  Assistants. 

This  township  has  nine  school-houses — seven  frames- 
and  one  brick — valued  at,  including  ground,  furniture  and 
out-buildings,  $12,000.  Her  maps,  charts,  globes  and 
other  school  apparatus  are  valued  at  $400.  Total  value 
of  school  property  in  the  township,  including  Fortville, 
$12,400.  These  buildings  are  mostly  cheap  frames  ot* 
one  room  and  no  suitable  out-buildings.  Fortville  and 
McCordsville  each  have  commodious,  substantial  two- 
story  bricks,  well  supplied  \\\\\\  furniture,  creditable  alike 
to  the  people  and  trustees,  under  whose  supervision  they 
were  erected.  There  has  been  a  gradual  increase  in  the 
scholastic  population  since  1853,  the  first  enumeration. 
The  returns  for  1853  gave  the  township  469;  enumeration 
for  i86d,  (>T^(i\  for  1870,  712  ;  for  1881,  751  ;  two  hundred 
and  twenty-si.x  of  which,  in  1881,  were  reported  for 
Fortville. 

Tozv)iship     Trustees. — The    following    list     sho\\'s    the 


VERNON    TOAVNSHIP. 


319 


names  of  the  trustees  in  Vernon  township,  from  the  time 
of  the  election  in  1859,  ^^  which  time  the  hxw  was  so 
changed  that  one  trustee  performed  the  duties  previously 
devolving  upon  three  trustees  and  a  clerk,  together  with 
additional  duties,  so  -that  the  law  may  be  worthy  of  his- 
torical notice  : 

Perry  J.  Brinegar 1859     Andrew  Hagcn 1866 

Levi  Thomas 1861,   1865     Stokes  Jackson 1876 

G.  W.  Stanley 1863     Samuel  Arnett 1880 

Remarks  :  Brinegar  and  Stanley  each  held  the  office 
two  years  ;  Thomas,  three  years  ;  Hagen  ten  and  Jackson 
four  years.  Hagen  filled  the  office  longer  than  any  other 
man  in  the  township.  The  financial  interests  of  the  town- 
ship are  now  entrusted  to  Samuel  Arnett. 

Churches. — This  township  is  reasonably  well  supplied 
with  churches:  The  M.  E.,  Christian  and  Catholic  in 
Fortville  ;  one  M.  E.  in  McCordsville  ;  one  Baptist  in  the 
eastern  part  of  the  township  ;  one  Dunkard  society  in  the 
south-east  part,  and  one  M.  E.  at  Woodbury,  a  special 
account  of  each  ot  which  we  will  give  you  further  on. 

Population. — An  examination  of  the  census  report  of 
this  township  for  a  few  decades,  shows  the  following,  to- 
wit:  Population  in  1850,908;  in  i860,  1,637;  i^i  1870, 
2,518  ;  in  1880,  2,306. 

Remarks  :  It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  territory 
embodied  in  Vernon  was  not  so  large  in  1850  as  in  subse- 
quent periods.  From  1850  to  1853,  Union  township 
included  within  her  borders  the  south-east  corner  of  Ver- 
non. Union  reports  for  1850,  522  inhabitants  ;  hence  a  fair 
and  proportionate  estimate  for  the  inhabitants  in  the  terri- 
tor}-  now  embodied  in  Vernon  in  1850  would  be  1,038. 
In  our  reports  above  of  the  population,  we  have  included 
in  Vernon  township  both  Fortville  and  McCordsville. 
McCordsville  in  1870  had  168  inhabitants  ;  Fortville  in 
1870  had  387.  We  have  no  official  reports  of  the 
number  of  these  two  places  for  anv  other  dates. 


320  HISTORY  OI'  IIAN'COCK  COUNTY. 

Polls  (iiid  Vofrs. — A  Yoter  in  Indiana,  at  this  date,  is 
any  native  born,  or  naturalized  foreign  born  male  citizen,, 
of  sound  mind,  twenty-one  years  of  age,  there  being  now 
no  distinction  as  to  color,  the  only  bar  being  sex,  non-nat- 
uralization, disfranchisement  and  non- compos  ^noitls.  The 
poll  in  Indiana  is  any  legal  voter  under  fifty ;  hence,  the 
distinction  between  polls  and  voters  is  marked  and  consid- 
erable, the  latter  being  much  the  more  numerous.  The 
polls  for  Vernon  township  in  1840  were  96;  1850,  121; 
i860,  254  ;  1870,  232  ;  1880,  582.  Her  vote  in  i860,  309  ; 
1870,  412  ;  in  1880  her  vote  stood  democratic,  318;  repub- 
lican, 254  ;  independent,  10;  democratic  majorit}',  sixty- 
four.  We  do  dot  give  the  vote  prior  to  1853,  tor  the  reason 
that  before  that  time  voters  could  cast  their  ballots  at  any 
precinct  in  the  county,  and  any  reports  prior  to  that  time 
would  not  be  a  fair  showing  for  the  townships.  This  town- 
ship has  two  voting  precincts  :  First,  at  Fortville  ;  second, 
at  McCordsville. 

Value  of  Real  and  Personal  Property. — This  township 
reports  19,936  acres  of  land,  valued  at  $446,460,  exclusive 
of  Fortville  ;  improvements  on  the  same,  valued  at  $68,840, 
being  an  average  of  about  $26  per  acre.  Value  of  lots, 
$4,720;  value  of  improvements,  $10,800;  value  of  per- 
sonal, $150,835  ;  value  of  telegraph,  $730  ;  railroads,  $104,- 
115  ;  total  value  of  propert}^  in  Vernon  township,  exclusive 
of  Fortville,  $786,800.  Fortville  reports  120  acres  of  land, 
valued  at  $1,920;  improvements  on  same,  $3,725;  value 
of  lots,  $17,180  ;  value  of  improvements,  $39,640  ;  personal 
property,  $47,425;  telegraph,  $30;  railroad,  $12,850. 
Total  value  of  taxable  property  in  Fortville,  $122,820. 

Taxes. — To  obtain  a  correct  idea  of  the  growth  in 
wealth  of  the  township,  the  reader  should  compare  the 
taxes  of  tho  earlier  decades  with  the  present.  This  town- 
ship paid  taxes  to  the  amount  of  $412.86  in  1840,  on 
$62,711  worth  of  property;  $590.89  for  1850,  on  $71,405 
worth  of  propert}^ ;  $3,140.80.  for  i860,  on  $411,910  worth 
of  property;  for  1870,  $7,841.31,  on  $567,025  worth  of 
property.     Vernon  pa3's  $9,903.60  of  this  amount.     The 


322 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


following  men  are  assessed  for  $50  and  upwards  for  1881, 
to  be  paid  in  1882  : 

Apple,  J.J .$12720  Jackson,  A.  G 71    14 

Blanton,  Hiram 63  84  Kelly,  Pat 51  68 

Brown  &  Brown 75  4-  Kingen,  Samuel 5^  08 

Boyd  &  Hough 109  20  Lane,  Jacob 50  88 

Brooks,  Madison 51  60  McCord,  William....  51  28 

Brooks,  Samuel.  .....  96  22  McCord,  Elias 100  98 

Caldwell,  Harvey.  .  .  .  130  66  McCord,  Jacob 77  88 

Cushman,  Isaac 81   52  Merrill,  J.  S loi  96 

Crossley,    Henr}' 121  92  Morrison,  Wm 116  82 

Davidson,   H.  S 59  82  Shore,  William 56  02 

Denney,  Alfred 116   14  Shultz,  James 5^  62 

Denney,  J.  W 86  44  Shultz,  Jacob 53  58 

Davis,  A.    C 91   60  Stokes,  Richard 54  7^ 

Fort,  Washington....  50  40  Streight  &.   Streight.  .  67  20 

Ferrell,   Mary 79  20  Stottenger.  H 55  20 

Fred,  Israel 61   00  Thomas,  J.  H 64  54 

Guild,   H 63  06  Thomas,  David 66  60 

Guinn,  Joseph's  heirs,  55   20  Vail,  Aaron 93  7^ 

Hanna,  E.   D...    .  ..  89   16  Walker,  Tarlton 57  82 

Hanna,  T.  J 75   54  Winn,  Joseph 1 1 5  42 

The  levy  is  J^i.20  on  each  $I03  worth  of  taxable  prop- 
erty. Of  the  total  amount  of  taxes  paid  in  the  township, 
as  reported  above,  Fortville  pays  $2,212.05.  ^^  this 
amount,  the  following  men,  in  1882,  will  pay  $50  or 
upwards : 

Crist,   G.    P $   ^7   74     Record   &Voorhes...      84   28 

Hagen,    Andrew 123  38 

The  levy  in  Fortville  is  $1.61  on  each  $100  worth  of 
taxable  property. 

yusticcs  oj'  the  Peace. — Vernon  township,  though  rather 
young  in  y-ears,  can  compare  favorably  with  older  town- 
ships in  her  arrav  of  ex-justices,  as  the  following  list  of 
names,  accompanied  bv  date  of  election,  will  show  : 

John  S.  Apple 1837,  1S41      Lewis  P.   Peal 1864 


VERNON   TOWNSHIP.  323 

Jehu  Denney 183S  William  H.  Foley 1866 

William  Caldwell.  .  1S40,  1S55  Emil  Lenz 1869,  1878 

Walt.  Denney 1845  William  G.  Scott 1871 

William  F.  McCord 1846  Dennis  Tobin 1872 

Jesse  Cook .  .  .  1850,  1869,  187S  J.  B.  Galbreath 1872,  1876 

Elias  McCord 1852  Lewis  Chappel 1874 

Azel  Hooker 1856  Jacob  Denney 1878 

Thomas  R.  Noel 1S57  O.  P.  Hastings 1878 

Smith  McCord i860,  1868  James  W.  McCord 1880 

.Solomon  Jackson i860  Cicero  Vanlaningham. .  .  .  iSSo 

William  Anderson 1864 

Among  the  ex-justices  of  Union  township  during  her 
existence  from  1838  to  1853,  which,  as  we  have  previ- 
ously remarked,  included  four  sections  now  constituting 
the  south-east  corner  of  Vernon,  were  : 

James  Reeves 1840     Levi  Leary 1846,  1851 

David  W.  O'Dell 1841     E.  N.  Wright 1850 

William  B.  Martin 1S45     R.  N.  Dunn 1853 

James  W.  McCord  and  Cicero  Vanlaningham  are  the 
present  acting  justices  of  the  township.  From  1828  to 
183 1,  during  the  time  that  Vernon  township  belonged  to 
Sugar-creek,  her  petty  strifes  were  settled  by  George 
Leachman ;  and  from  1831  to  1836,  during  which  time 
Vernon  was  embodied  in  Buck-creek,  Morgan  Brinegar, 
(3wen  Jarrett  and  W3'att  Denney  were  invested  with  legal 
authority  to  hear  and  try  all  causes  over  which  such  sub- 
judges  have  jurisdiction.  Esquires  Brinegar  and  Denney, 
who  are  reported  as  the  first  justices  in  Buck-creek  on 
page  122,  always  resided  in  the  territory  now  embodied  in 
Vernon  township.  Most  of  the  above  are  still  with  us, 
active,  prominent  citizens,  well-known  in  the  township, 
and  not  entire  strangers  to  most  of  our  readers.  John  S. 
Apple,  William  Caldwell,  Smith  McCord,  Emil  Lenz  and 
J.  B.  Galbreath  were  each  twice  clothed  with  judicial 
power.  Jesse  Cook  gave  such  general  satisfaction  to  liti- 
«rants  and  others  interested,  that  he  was  three  times   hon- 


3^4 


HISTORY  OF'  ^A^'COCK  COUNTV 


ored  with  the  votes  of  his  constituents.  Others  of  the 
above  have  been  solicited  longer  to  preside,  but  declined 
in  favor  of  private  life,  preferring  contentment  in  home 
duties  to  the  labor  and  emoluments  of  office,  remembering, 
perhaps,  the  injunction  of  Shakspeare — 

'•  We  must  not  make  a  scare-crow  of  the  Law, 
Setthig  it  to  fear  the  Birds  of  Prey, 
And  let  it  keep  one  shape,  till  Custom  maketh 
Their  Perch,  and  not  their  terror." 

Ex-Coiintx  Officers. — Vernon  has  contributed  her  mite 
in  forming  the  various  corps  of  county  officials  to  serve 
the  people  as  their  agents  and  ser\'ants  in  local  matters. 
Among  those  who  were  called  in  their  day  to  serve  the 
people,  we  note  John  Myer,  auditor,  and  William  P. 
Brokaw,  commissioner.  Among  the  living  we  call  to  mind 
Elias  McCord,  Reason  Perry,  and  David  Caudell,  commis- 
sioners ;  Smith  McCord,  representative  ;  Andrew  Ilagen, 
treasurer;  and  S.  T.  Yance}',  senator. 

Murders,  Stnc'/'dcs,  (Did  Fatal  Accidents. — Eli  Prickett 
was  killed  b}'  Benjamin  Copper  in  1866,  at  FortN'ille. 

John  Trittipo  lost  his  life  at  a  part}',  in  a  row,  one  mile 
south  of  Woodbur}',  on  New  Year's  evening,  1857,  at  the 
house  of  Thomas  01ve\'. 

A  daughter  of  Levi  Myers  was  accidentalh'  shot  Sep- 
tember 17,  1862,  from  which  she  died  the  da}'  following. 

Sanford  Cummins,  a  young  man  about  thirty  years  of 
age,  committed  suicide  in  the  fall  of  1878,  in  his  uncle's 
store  in  McCordsville.  Mr.  C,  a  young  man  of  excellent 
parentage,  had  previously  been  a  trusted  clerk  in  the 
store,  and  had  the  confidence  of  his  employer  and  the 
respect  and  esteem  of  the  customers  and  all  who  knew 
him  ;  but  having  contracted  the  habit  of  tippling  and  its 
accompanying  evils,  he  lost  respect  for  himself,  and,  for 
some  reason,  his  position  in  the  store  ;  and,  while  under 
the  influence  of  intoxicants  and  reason  dethroned,  he  was 
caught  one  e\'enin<»'  in   the  store  abstracting  mone\'  from 


VERNON    TOWNSIIir.  325 

the  vault.  Being  arrested,  he  begged  time  to  shave  him- 
self before  being  taken  to  the  county  jail,  Avhich  request 
was  granted.  After  lathering  his  face,  with  razor  in  hand, 
he  stepped  to  a  mirror  and,  with  one  monstrous  stroke, 
severed  the  trachea  and  the  carotid  artery,  and  fell  a  life- 
less form.  The  cause  of  this  sudden  terminus  to  a  prom- 
ising life,  as  assigned  by  himself  a  short  time  prior,  was 
whisky  and  its  resultant  evils.  Let  the  young  take  warn- 
ing,    Shakespeare  says  : 

•'  Oh,  thou  invisible  spirit  of  Wine, 

If  thou  hast  no  name  to  be  known  by, 

Let  us  call  thee — Devil! 

****** 

Oh,  that  men  should  put  an  enemy  to  their  mouths, 
To  steal  away  their  brains! 

*  *  *  *  *  * 

One  draught  above  heat  makes  him  a  fool; 

The  second  mads  him;  and  a  third  drowns  him." 

RccafitnIatio)i. — Vernon  township,  organized  in  1836 
with  an  irregular  outline,  contains  thirty-one  sections,  one 
incorporated  town,  and  two  villages  ;  has  three  border 
counties,  three  border  townships,  one  railroad,  five  pikes, 
one  mill  stream,  two  smaller  streams,  three  railroad 
stations,  seven  frame  school-houses,  two  two-story  graded 
school  buildings,  hfteen  teachers;  $12,000  invested  in 
school-houses,  $400  in  apparatus  ;  771  school  children  ;  has 
had  six  ex-trustees  since  1859,  five  of  whom  are  living; 
has  five  Christian  denominations,  six  church  buildings, 
seven  lodges,  three  political  parties,  2,306  population,  582 
voters,  two  voting  precincts,  nineteen  miles  of  tollable 
pike,  a  number  of  miles  of  non  tollable  pike,  forty-three 
persons  who  pay  over  $50  taxes  each ;  has  had  seven 
ex-county  officers,  five  of  whom  are  living ;  has  a  host  of 
living  ex-justices,  two  extensive  grain  elevators,  one  flax 
mill,  one  steam  flouring  mill,  two  steam  circular  saw  mills, 
one  planing  mill,  one  tile  factory,  one  heading  and  stave 
factory,  20,064  ^^^res  of  land,  $527,570  invested  in  land 


326  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  CO^NTV. 

and  improvements,  $106,270  worth  of  lots  and  improve- 
ments, $163,680  worth  of  personal  property,  $720  worth 
of  telegraph  property,  $117,265  worth  of  railroad  prop- 
erty, two  express  offices,  two  telegraph  offices,  three  post- 
offices,  nine  physicians,  a  republican  trustee,  a  democratic 
assessor,  merchants,  druggists,  grocers,  mechanics,  saloon- 
ists,  an  increasing  valuatioji,  a  decreasing  population,  a 
fertile  soil,  industrious  citizens,  two  attorneys,  two  acting 
justices,  a  number  of  notaries,  187  male  dogs,  five  (?) 
female  doo-s,  and  a  democratic  majority  of  sixty-four. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

VERNON  TOWNSHIP Coilf/ll t'.CiL 

FORTVILLE, 

once  called  Walpole,  in  honor  of  Thomas  D.  Walpole,  but 
now  Fortville,  /.  r..  Fort's  Town,  was  laid  out  b}'  Cephus 
Fort,  on  the  12th  da}'  of  P'ebruar}-,  1849.  ^^  '^^  located  on 
the  Cleveland,  Columbus,  Cincinnati  and  Indianapolis  R. 
R.,  north  by  north-west  of  Greenfield  thirteen  miles.  It 
is  on  the  banks  of  Flat  Fork,  within  a  mile  of  the  Madison 
and  Hamilton  county  lines.  It  is  pleasantly  located,  in  a 
rich  grain  growing  district.  The  original  plat  consisted  of 
forty-one  lots.  The  ffrst  addition  was  made  by  Shull,  on 
the  20th  of  February,  1855,  and  consisted  of  live  lots, 
located  on  the  north-east  of  the  original  plat.  The  second 
addition  was  laid  out  by  Noel,  on  the  i6th  day  of  Decem- 
ber, 1856,  and  consisted  of  fifteen  lots  and  several  large 
lots,  located  north-east  of  the  old  plat,  betw^een  the  rail- 
road and  Staats  street.  The  third  addition  was  made  b}' 
Vanvelzer,  on  the  17th  of  December,  1856,  and  consisted 
of  tw'elve  lots,  located  south-west  of  the  old  plat,  and  on 


328  HISTORY  OF   HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

the  north  side  of  the  raih"oad.  The  fourth  addition  was 
hud  out  by  James  Merrill,  the  records  fail  to  show  when, 
and  consisted  of  fourteen  numbered  lots,  located  south- 
east of  the  old  town.  The  fifth  addition  was  made  by 
Garrison  Asbury,  on  the  19th  day  of  August,  1872,  and 
consisted  of  nine  lots,  located  on  the  south  side  of  the 
railroad,  south-west  of  the  old  plat.  The  sixth  addition 
was  laid  out  by  Record  &  Voorhes,  on  the  17th  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1873,  and  consisted  of  twenty-six  blocks,  designated 
b}'  the  twenty-six  letters  of  the  English  alphabet,  contain- 
ing 356  lots,  located  south  of  the  railroad,  and  east  of 
MerrilTs  addition  and  the  old  plat.  The  land  from  which 
it  was  carved  was  entered  by  Alfred  Shortridge,  on  the 
5th  of  January,  1835,  being  the  south-east  quarter  of  sec- 
tion nine,  township  seventeen  north,  and  range  six  east. 
Staats  made,  perhaps,  the  first  addition  to  the  town,  on  the 
north  of  the  old  plat,  but  as  we  fail  to  find  the  proper 
records  of  the  same,  we  are  unable  to  give  further  reliable 
information  relative  thereto.  Crouch  also  made  an  addi- 
tion of  which  there  is  no  record. 

Fortville  is  a  thriving  business  point,  convenient  to 
Indianapolis,  on  the  Bee  Line  ;  is  a  good  market,  has  a 
population  of  500,  with  a  grain  elevator,  mills,  factories, 
merchants,  grocers,  druggists,  physicians,  mechanics,  a 
two-story  brick  school-house,  U.  S.  express  and  daily 
mail,  and  other  conveniences  seldom  possessed  by  a  town 
of  its  size. 

Business  cDid  J^iisiiicss  yT/r//.— The  first  business  of  this 
place  was  very  limited,  and  of  a  simple  nature,  and  con- 
sisted mainl}^  in  bartering  the  few  products  of  the  pioneer 
frontier  men  for  staple  groceries  and  medicines,  dry  goods 
being  mainly  manufactured  by  themselves.  Among  those 
who  first  did  business  in  this  place  were  Perry  Fort,  Noel 
&  Co.,  Joseph  Chitvvood  and  the  firm  of  Tague  &  Chand- 
ler. Thomas  R.  Noel,  the  first  and  present  postmaster, 
has  served  almost  continuously  since  the  establishment  of 
the  office.  Andrew  Hagen  was  postmaster  for  a  time, 
duriniT  Buchanan's  administration.     Noel  has   also  been 


VERXOX    TOWNSHIP 


329 


railroad  agent   ever  since  the  completion  of  the  road,  in 
1853- 

BUSINESS  DIRECTORY  OF  FORTVILLE. 


Merchants — 

Josephus  Bills, 
Rash  &;  Lefeber, 
Williain  M.  Baker. 

Druggists  and  Grocers — 
Gray  &  Walker, 
Brewster  &  Thomas. 

y>V<?  cks  in  ith  s — 

Ross  Kelluin, 
Jarrett  &  Yary  an. 
Jacob  Stoehr. 

Hardware — 
T.  H.  Vanzant. 

Shoe  Makers — 
John  Smail, 
Frank  Copper. 

Rest  a  Ji  ra  tc  u  r — 

Georo-e  P.  Crist. 


Restaurateur  and  Grocer — 
Elizabeth  Ilutton. 

Und'rt'kWand  W'g'nMk'r — 
McCarty  &  Son. 

Carpenters — 

L.  W.  Crouch, 
Brewster  &  Treher, 
Patterson  &  Kimberlin. 

Grain  Dealers — 
Hagen  &  Shultz, 
McClarnon  &  Co. 

Millers — 

McClarnon  &  Co. 

Saiv-mill  Proprietor — 
Henry  Brown. 

Stave  Factory — 
C.  E.  Harris. 


Livery  Alan — 

William  Hardv 


Tinner — 

Elmer  West. 


Jhitchers — 

R.  P.  Brown, 
Manford  &  Meikle. 

Barber — 

Thomas  Gardiner. 

Harness  ^lakcr — 
T.  C.  Simmons. 
22 


Flax  Mill— 

Andrew  Hagen. 

Planing  JMill — 
T^.  W.  Crouch. 

Attorneys  and  Notaries — 
Robert  Colhns, 
Josephus  Bills. 


330  HISTOKV  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

Plivsicians —  Hotel  Keepers — 

J.  G.  Stewart,  «S:  Son.  C.  P.  Thomas, 

J.  M.Jones,  Isaac  Wiseman. 

S.  T.  Yancey, 

T.  K.  Sanders.  /'.  M.  and  R.  R.  Agent— 

Thomas  R.  Noel. 


McCoRDSVILLE, 

a  comparatively  new  and  tiiri\ing  little  town  on  the  C, 
C,  C.  and  I.  R.  R.,  titteen  miles  north-west  of  Green- 
tield,  and  about  the  same  distance  north-east  of  Indian- 
apolis, is  pleasantly  located,  and  surrounded  by  rich,  fer- 
tile soil,  in  the  central  western  part  of  the  township.  It 
was  laid  out  on  the  nth  day  of  September,  1865,  by  James 
W.  Negley,  with  thirty-five  lots.  The  first  addition  was 
made  by  Hiday,  on  the  nth  day  of  February,  1869,  and 
consisted  of  twenty-eight  lots,  located  on  the  railroad, 
south-w'est  of  the  original  plat.  The  second  addition  was 
made  by  Bradley  and  McCord,  on  the  21st  day  of  May, 
1873,  and  consisted  of  thirty-nine  lots,  located  south  of 
the  first  plat.  The  third  addition  was  made  by  Nelson 
Bradley,  on  the  31st  day  of  August,  1873,  and  consisted 
of  sixty-seven  lots,  located  south  of  Bradley  &  McCord's 
addition.  The  fourth  and  last  addition  was  made  by  McCord, 
on  the  4th  day  of  September,  1S73,  with  eight  lots,  located 
east  of  original  plat.  The  cemeter\'  at  this  place  was  laid 
out  by  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  on  the  i6th  day  of  March,  1871, 
with  one  hundred  and  five  lots  and  streets  and  alleys. 

McCordsville  has  a  tvvo-stor}^  brick  township  school 
building,  grain  elevator,  livery  stable,  saw-mill,  mer- 
chants, physicians,  carpenters,  a  butcher,  and  other  con- 
veniences essential  to  the  prosperity  of  a  village  of  this 
size,  numbering  about  three  hundred  inhabitants.  It  has 
also  a  U.  S.  express  and  daily  mail.  The  land  out  of 
which  McCordsville  was  carved  had  been  entered  by  John 
H.  Robb,  on  the  25th  day  of  October,  1835,  being  the 
north-east  quarter  of  section  twenty-six,  in  township  six- 


332  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

teen  north  and  range  five  east.  Dr.  J.  W.  Ilervey,  now 
ot'  Indianapolis,  was  the  first  resident  ph^'sician.  Among 
the  first  business  men  were  William  Emery,  Nelson  Brad- 
ley, and  a  Mr.  Littleton.  Others  have  done  business  in 
the  place  from  time  to  time,  but  we  must  hasten  on  to 
give  a 

BUSINESS  DIRECTORY  OF    m'cORDSVII.LE. 

General  ^ferchants —  Cooper — 

Harvey  Caldwell,  J.  W.  Negley. 

H.  N.  Thompson, 

Hanna  &  McCord.  Blacksmiths — 

James  M.  Wright, 
Hardzuare  and  Groceries —  Nelson  Gasknis. 

Israel  Fred. 

Butchers — 
Druggist —  Craig,  Stokes  &  Morrison. 

Michael  Qiiigley. 

Ca  rpcnters — 
Physicians —  J.  K.  Kiniberlin, 

Thomas  P.  Hervey,  George  W.  McCord. 

John  D.  Cory. 

Wagon  Maker — 
Restaurateur —  Eli  Chevis. 

Thomas  McCord. 

.S^u'  Mill— 
Livery  and  Feed  Stable —  William  Brooks. 

Moses  N.  Craig. 

Grain  Dealers — 
T.  J.  Hanna, 
Stock  Trader —  H.  N.  Thompson, 

Aaron  Vail.  McCord  &  Hanna. 

Woodbury, 

a  tiny  burg  on  the  C,  C,  C.  and  I.  R.  R.,  between  Fort- 
ville  and  McCordsville,  seventeen  miles  north-east  of 
Indianapolis,  was  laid  out  on  the  12th  of  December,  1851, 
by  Ellen  Wood,  with  thirty-two  lots.  It  has  had  no  addi- 
tions.    Among  the  first  business  men  of  this  place  were 


\ERNox  TOWNSHIP.  ;^^;i, 

John  Bills,  Azel  Hooker,  Garrison  Asbury,  William  and 
Joseph  Bills,  Taylor  &  Lockhart,  Martindale,  Taylor  & 
Brown,  P.  J.  Brinegar  and  G,  W.  Shultz.  This  place 
once  did  some  business,  but  since  the  completion  of  the 
railroad,  and  the  development  of  McCordsville  and  Fort- 
ville,  it  has  lost  somewhat  its  pristine  glory.  There  was 
once  a  railroad  agency  and  warehouse  here  for  several 
3'ears,  with  Thomas  Hawkins  as  agent.  The  warehouse 
was  burned  down,  and  the  agency  was  discontinued.  Its 
present  merchant  is  David  Brown.  The  sick  and  infirm 
are  looked  after  by  Dr.  B.  B.  Witham.  Its  blacksmiths 
are  J.  W.  Peik,  John  Olvey  and  G.  L.  Morrow.  Post- 
master, David  Brown.  Among  those  that  have  been  in 
the  government  service  at  this  point  are  J.  C.  Bills,  Gar- 
rison Asbury  and  P.  J.  Brinegar.  Woodbury  has  one 
church,  a  district  school,  one  store,  a  blacksmith  shop, 
post-office  and  railroad  station,  a  central  location,  and 
plenty  of  room  for  future  development. 

Maxitau  Tribe,  No.  53,  I.  O.  R.  M., 

was  organized  January  8,  1875,  '^^  Fortville.  The  first 
officers  of  this  Indian  Tribe  were  J.  H.  Treher,  sachem; 
Andrew  Kappes,  senior  sachem  ;  G.  H.  Jackson,  junior 
sachem  ;  C.  Y.  Hardin,  chief  of  records,  and  Garrison 
Asburv,  keeper  of  wampum.  The  lodge  organized  under 
favorable  circumstances,  with  about  twenty  members,  and 
is  still  on  the  war  path  and  around  the  camp  fires  with 
increasing  numbers.  Its  present  officers  are :  C.  V. 
Hardin,  S.  ;  Thomas  Toby,  S.  S.  ;  Nat.  Lake,  J.  S.  : 
Andrew  Kappes,  keeper  of  wampum.  Total  membership, 
twenty-eight.  Concil  meetings  and  camp  fires  kindled 
\\  ednesdav  evening  of  each  week. 

National  Chrisitan  Temperance  Union. 

There  was  for  a  number  of  years  a  temperance  organ- 
ization in  Fortx'ille,  in  addition  to  a  Good  Templar  lodge. 
In  February  or  March,  1879.  D.  B.  Ross,  of  Indianapolis, 


334  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

in  connection  with  the  Christian  and  M.  E.  churches,  con- 
ducted a  revival,  during  which  six  hundred  persons  signed 
the  pledge.  A  branch  of  the  National  Christian  Temper- 
ance Union  was  organized,  with  J.  B.  Anderson  as  presi- 
dent, S.  H.  McCarty  vice-president,  Irena  Anderson  sec- 
retary, Mrs.  Dr.  Stuart  treasurer,  and  a  board  of  five 
managers.  A  constitution  was  adopted,  making  the  officers 
elective  semi-annually.  S.  H.  McCarty,  J.  B.  Anderson 
and  J.  C.  McCarty  have  been  the  presidents  of  the  order. 
Meetings  weekly  or  semi-monthl^r  have  been  sustained 
continuouslv  since  the  date  of  organization.  The  work 
has  mainly  been  done  b}-  home  talent,  prominent  among 
whom  were  Elder  J.  W.  Ferrell,  and  Revs.  J.  S.  McCarty 
and  J.  F.  Rhoades.  Other  ministers  and  temperance  lec- 
turers have  participated  in  the  work.  They  have  done 
good  practical  work,  having  succeeded  in  defeating  appli- 
cations for  license  till  at  this  date  there  is  not  a  licensed 
saloon  in  the  place. 

FoRTviLLE  Lodge,  No.  207,  F.  A.  M. 
This  lodge  was  granted  a  charter  May  26,  1857.  The 
first  officers  were  James  L.  Dunnaha,  W.  M.  ;  Eastley 
Helms,  S.  W.  ;  George  W.  Kinniman,  J.  W.  ;  James  H. 
Perr}^  treasurer ;  Hiram  Dunnaha,  secretary ;  Samuel 
Arnett,  S.  D.  ;  Peter  Staats,  tylor.  The  present  officers 
are  Samuel  Arnett,  W.  M.  ;  Perry  King,  S.  W.  ;  M.  Jar- 
rett,  J.  W.  ;  J.  Jarrett,  treasurer  :  A.  R.  Chappel,  secretary' ; 
A.  C.  Davis,  S.  D.  ;  Volney  Davis,  J.  D.  ;  A.  J.  Branden- 
burg, tvlor  ;  Reuben  Patterson  and  Joseph  Bills,  stewards. 
The  lodge  owns  a  comfortable,  commodious  hall,  with  the 
appropriate  emblems  of  tlie  order,  in  tlie  second  stor}'  over 
Bills's  dry  goods  store.  The  order  is  in  a  fiourishing  con- 
dition, with  a  total  membership  of  thirty-eight.  The  reg- 
ular meetings  occur  on  Saturday  evening  on  or  before  the 
hill  of  the  moon  in  each  month. 

Edwards  Lod(;e,  No.  178,  1.  O.  O.  F., 
was  instituted   October    10,    1856,   at  Fortville.      Charter 


VERNON    TOWNSHIl'.  335 

members:  J.  H.  Perry,  R,  C.  Pitman,  C.  P.  Thomas,  II. 
H.  Rutherford,  A.  Staats,  T.  W.  Ileisin,  Peter  Morrison, 
J.  B.  McArthur,  Peter  Staats,  Sen.  ;  J.  S.  Merril,  Wood 
Browning,  Silas  Helms,  J.  T.  Russell,  J.  S.  Edwards,  G. 
H.  Arnold,  and  A.  Birchfield.  The  first  officers  of  this 
lodge  were :  James  Perry,  N.  G.  ;  R.  C.  Pitman,  V.  G.  ; 
C.  P.  Thomas,  sec'y,  and  H.  H.  Rutherford,  treasurer. 
The  present  officers  are  :  T.  II.  Vanzant,  N.  G.  ;  F.  W. 
Brewster,  V.  G.  ;  J.  H,  Treher,  sec'y,  and  Andrew 
Kappes,  treasurer.  This  lodge  took  its  name  from  Hon. 
William  R.  Edwards,  formerly  mayor  of  the  city  of  Terre 
Haute.  The  order  owns  the  room  in  which  they  meet, 
and  the  members  seem  to  be  dwelling  together  in  friendship, 
love  and  truth.  The  stated  meeting,  occur  Friday  even- 
ings of  each  week.     Total  membership,  twenty-six. 

The  Daughters  of  Rebecca,  a  branch  of  the  Odd  Fel- 
lows, composed  of  women,  hold  their  meetings  in  the  same 
room  each  Saturda}^  evening.  Their  lodge  is  known  as 
Fortville  Lodge,  No.  80,  and  was  chartered  March  29, 
1872.  The  first  and  present  officers  include  some  of  the 
most  noble  women  of  Fortville. 


McCoRDsviLLE  Lodge,  No.  338,  I.  O.  O.  F., 

was  instituted  in  the  upper  room  of  the  Tiiompson  ware- 
house, November  17,  1869,  with  the  following  charter  mem- 
bers :  Green  McCord,  N.  G.  ;  J.  H.  Thomas,  V.  G.  ; 
Aaron  Vail,  sec'}',  and  William  McCord,  treasurer;  C. 
W.  Hervey,  David  Brown,  P.  A.  Raber,  J.  Bills,  J.  H. 
Helms,  John  Dunham,  J.  W.  Negley,  Alfred  Bills,  Israel 
Fred,  William  Sapp  and  Sylvester  Gaskins.  The  lodge 
continued  to  hold  its  meetings  in  the  original  room,  until 
an  increase  of  numbers  made  it  necessary  to  obtain  a  new 
hall,  whereupon  the  lodge  purchased  a  convenient  and 
commodious  room,  in  a  brick  building  owned  b}'  Caldwell 
&  Steele.  Here  the  order,  pleasantly  located,  in  a  room 
well  furnished,  has  grown  financially  and  numerically, 
until   it  can  boast  of  fortv-five   active   members,  together 


^^6  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

with  an  orphan  fund  of  nearly  $400,  and  a  general  fund  of 
^2,400.  The  present  officers  are:  A.  J.  Gale,  N.  G.  ; 
Frank  Klepfer,  V.  G.  ;  J.  P.  McCord,  sec'3%  and  John 
W.  McCord,  treasurer.  The  oldest  member  of  the  lodge 
is  William  Morrison,  who  was  initiated  at  Pendleton  Lodfje, 
No.  88,  on  the  8th  of  May,  1854. 

McCoRDsviLLE  Lodge,  No.  140,  F.  A.  M., 

was  organized  under  dispensation  in  1852,  and  was  granted 
a  charter  in  1853.  The  lodge  held  its  meetings  for  a  time 
in  the  second  stor}-  of  Elias  McCord's  house.  B.  G.  Ja}^ 
W.  M.  ;  Dr.  J.  W.  Hervey,  S.  W.  ;  Nelson  Bradley,  J. 
W.  This  lodge  was  removed  to  Oakland  in  1853,  and, 
retaining  its  old  number,  was  known  as  Oakland  Lodge, 
No.  140. 

McCoRDSviLLE  LoDGE,  No.  501,  F.  A.  M.. 

was  fully  organized  under  a  charter  granted  May  25, 
1875.  Among  the  first  officers  were  Thomas  P.  Hervev, 
W.  M.  ;  Henry  Crossley,  S.  W.  ;  Ebenezer  Steele,  J.  W. 
The  present  officers  are  Henry  Crossley,  W.  M.  ;  James 
H.  Kimberiin,  S.  W.  ;  James  H.  Wright,  J.  W.  ;  Dudley 
Hervey,  secretary ;  Elias  McCord,  treasure ;  Jesse  H. 
Jackson,  S.  D.  :  Andrew  J.  Stanley,  J.  D.  ;  E.  Chevis, 
t\'lor.  To  this  lodge  belong  some  of  the  sturdy  men  of 
McCordsville  and  vicinity.  The  lodge  is  not  large,  but 
prosperous.  A  chapter  (No.  44)  of  the  Masonic  order 
was  organized  at  McCordsville  on  the  23rd  day  of  May, 
i860.  A  council  was  established  under  a  dispensation 
granted  on  the  8th  day  of  March,  1881.  The  Masonic 
order  at  McCordsville  has  a  splendid  room,  well  fur- 
nished, and  the  lodge  is  in  a  healthful,  prosperous  condi- 
tion financially  and  otherwise. 

FoRTviLEE  M.  E.  Church 
was  organized  in  1854,  in  the  then  little  town  of  Fortville. 


338  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

The  following  named  members  had,  for  a  year  prior  to  the 
Fortville  organization,  constituted  a  class  across  the  line 
in  Hamilton  county :  Peter  Staats  and  wife,  Martin  Shaf- 
fer and  lady,  Mathias  Shaffer  and  wife,  Hiram  Rutherford 
and  wife,  R.  C.  Pitman  and  lady,  Henry  Humphreys, 
wife  and  mother,  and  Mrs,  Stuart.  They  held  their 
meetings  during  this  time  in  private  dwellings,  barns, 
unoccupied  houses,  and  on  one  occasion  they  had  preach- 
ing in  a  saw^-mill.  Rev.  L.  W.  Munson  observed  that  he 
had  preached  in  the  forests,  fields,  and  out-of-the-wa}^ 
places,  but  never  before  in  a  saw-mill.  The  society 
becoming  more  numerous,  in  1856  erected  a  frame  church, 
large  and  substantial,  which  was  dedicated  by  Rev.  Thos. 
Bowman,  D.  D.  Among  the  first  ministers  were  Revs. 
M.  Wyman,  Eli,  Rammel,  James  Black,  J.  S.  McCarty, 
and  L.  W.  Munson.  The  present  minister  is  J.  S. 
McCarty. 

In  connection  with  this  church  is  established  one  of  the 
best  Sunday-schools  in  the  count}'.  Below  is  a  summary 
report  for  the  year  1878:  Average  attendance,  one  hun- 
dred and  forty-seven  ;  smallest  attendance,  eight}' ;  largest 
attendance,  two  hundred  and  twenty-four.  There  was 
donated  b}'  all  of  the  classes  for  the  year,  J^i 21.51.  Re- 
ceived from  sale  of  journals,  $7.22.  The  number  of 
papers  distributed  during  the  year  were :  Everybody  s 
Pa^cr,  1,200  copies;  Sunday  School  Advocate,  2,400 
copies;  Good  JVews,  1,200  copies;  Picture  JLesso)i  Paper, 
1,000  copies;  Temperance  Alliance,  1,200;  Berean  Lcsso)i 
Leaves,  1,400.  We  have  sufficient  evidence  before  us 
fully  establishing  the  fact  that  this  is  one  of  the  most  live,  pro- 
gressive, well  disciplined,  liberal,  truth-seeking,  Bible- 
searching  Sunday-schools  which  it  is  our  privilege  to 
notice  in  this  historv.  This  school  was  organized  in  1856. 
The  first  superintendent  was  Martin  Shaffer,  followed  by 
William  M.  Baker,  the  present  superintendent,  who  has 
held  this  position  of  trust  and  honor  for  more  than  twent}- 
three  vears. 


vekxox  township.  339 

St.  Thomas'  Catholic  Church, 

in  Fortville,  was  built  in  1869,  under  the  ministration  of 

D.  J.  McMullen,  who  was  followed  by  Revs.  J.  B.  Crow- 
ley, Logan,  Fabel,  Victor,  ct  al.  Among  the  first  Catholics 
in  the  place  were  Patrick  Kell}^  George  Voucher,  John 
Callahan,  Charles  Bird,  Daniel  Mack  and  Thomas  Tobin. 
The  congregation  consists  at  this  time  of  sixteen  families. 
Services  are  held  on  the  third  Sunday  of  each  month. 
The  membership  are  in  peace  and  harmony,  and  the 
organization  is  in  a  healthy  condition,  performing  its  pre- 
scribed functions  with  efficiency. 

German  ]^aptist,  or  Dunkard  Church, 

was  organized  in  the  year  1852,  in  a  log  school-house,  in 
the  south-east  corner  of  the  township.  Among  the  first 
members  were  Alfred  Denney  and  wife,  George  and  Nancy 
Kingery,  William  Thomas  and  lady,  Burto  W.  Jackson  and 
helpmate.  Among  those  who  have  pointed  out  the  way  of 
life  and  salvation  in  this  corner  of  the  moral  vine3'ard  are 

E.  Cavlor,  D.  Harmon,  B.  Bowman  and  George  Hoover. 
The  first  communion  was  held  at  the  private  residence  of 
Alfred  Dennev,  in  the  year  1854,  conducted  by  E.  Caylor 
and  G.  Studebaker.  The  organization  has  held  its  meet- 
.ngs  for  a  number  of  years  in  the  school-house  on  iVlfred 
Denney 's  farm.  The  present  membership  is  from  fifty  to 
sixty,  including  our  old  friend  and  Mexican  veteran,  Alfred 
Dennev. 


M.  E.  Church,  Woodbury, 

was  built  in  the  year  1874,  at  a  cost  of  $1,100,  and  dedi- 
cated b}'  Samuel  Lamb.  The  first  trustees  were  Franklin 
Dunham,  John  Sample  and  John  Hooker.  Meetings  were 
held  prior  to  the  building  of  the  hovise,  in  a  school-house, 
one  mile  north.  The  first  members  were  tew  but  faithful, 
and  the  seciety  has  continued  to  grow  to  this  date.     The 


340  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

lirst  minister  was  J.  B.  Carnes  :  present,  Rev.  Phillips. 
There  has  been,  in  connection  with  this  society,  an  organ- 
ized Sunday  school  for  several  years.  John  S.  Sample  is 
the  present  superintendent,  and  B.  A.  Brown,  secretary. 

GiLLUM  Chapel  (M.  E.), 

at  McCordsville,  dates  its  history  back  to  the  year  1849, 
when  a  class  was  formed  at  the  Robb  school-house. 
Among  the  first  members,  were  J.  W.  Hervey  the  Thomp- 
sons, Thomases,  McCords,  Littletons,  Crumps  ct  al.  ;  and 
amon^j  those  who  stood  on  the  walls  of  Zion  were  Re\s. 
Mershon,  J.  W.  Smith,  Samuel  Lamb,  Thomas  Stabler, 
White,  Maxwell  and  C.  P.  Wright.  The  house  now  occu- 
pied was  built  in  1854,  '^^  "^  ^^^"^  ^^  $i?300,  and  dedicated 
by  N.  H.  Gillum,  from  whom  it  derived  its  name.  The 
present  minister  is  Rev.  G.  N.  Phillips.  Total  member- 
ship, forty.  Adjoining  the  church  on  the  west  is  a  ceme- 
tery, where  slumber  several  of  the  faithful.  The  first 
interment  was  Oliver  Robb,  Sen.,  May  22,  1854.  The 
Sunday  school  in  connection  with  this  church  is  officered 
b}'  Oscar  Bills,  superintendent,  and  William  E.  Thompson, 
secretary. 

Church  of  Christ,  Fortville. 

A  few  of  the  members  from  the  organizations  on  Lick 
Creek,  near  Alfont,  and  at  the  Carolina  school-house,  in 
Hamilton  county,  who  w^ere  living  in  or  near  Fort\ille, 
expressed  a  desire  to  effect  a  church  organization  in  the 
town  of  Fortville.  J.  W.  Ferrell,  a  student  of  Kentucky 
University,  was  called  to  hold  a  meeting,  which  began  on 
Friday  night,  August  3,  1871.  On  Saturday',  tlxC  4th. 
Elder  N.  A.  Walker,  of  Indianapolis,  came,  and  on  Mon- 
day following,  August  6,  1871,  in  a  temple  of  God's  own 
building,  in  the  woods  of  Levi  Thomas,  while  the  winds 
were  rustling  the  leaves  above  them,  and  the  Holy  Spirit 
stirred  their  hearts  within  them,  a  little  band  of  t\vont\- 
three  pledged  themselves  to  God,  the  father,  and  Clirist, 


VERNON    TOWNSHIP. 


341 


the  mediator,  and  the  "  Book,"  as  their  only  guide.  The 
persons  composing  this  first  organization  are  as  follows  ; 
Mary  A.  Ellingwood,  Elizabeth  Ellingwood,  Margaret 
Rash,  Winnie  Clark,  Martha  A.  Scott,  Susan  Ferrell, 
Mary  Iliday,  Jane  Bicknell,  Simmie  Harter,  Martha  Troy, 
Mary  Edmonds,  Mary  A.  Cavender,  Jennie  Ferrell,  Jennie 
Scott,  Mary  A.  Fort,  L.  W.  Crouch,  Geo.  Scott,  E.  Ferrell, 
G.  W.  Ferrell,  S.  P.  Setters,  Jno.  K.  Rash,  Andrew  Ferrell 
and  Benjamin  Cavender.  Andrew  Ferrell  was  chosen  elder, 
and  George  Scott  and  Benjamin  Cavender  deacons.  The 
meeting  continued  thirteen  da3-s,  leaving  the  church  fortv- 
six  in  membership.  They  decided  to  build  a  house  at 
once,  and  by  the  aid  of  sister  churches,  the  M.  E.  Church 
in  Fortville,  many  kind  friends,  and  great  sacrifices  on  the 
part  of  the  members,  a  neat  house,  costing  $1,400,  was 
built,  and  on  the  3rd  Sunday  in  June,  1872,  was  dedicated 
to  the  worship  of  God  by  Elder  N.  A.  Walker,  of 
Indianapolis.  The  house  was  built  by  L.  W.  Crouch,  and 
he,  with  Jno.  K.  Rash  and  George  Scott,  were  elected 
trustees.  They  called  Elder  J.  W.  Ferrell,  formerl}^  of 
Kentucky,  as  their  first  pastor,  who  for  seven  years  gave 
more  or  less  of  his  time  among  them.  The  church  at  one 
time  numbered  nearly  two  hundred  members,  but  death 
removals  and  other  causes  have  reduced  the  number  to  less 
than  fifty.  Elder  L.  L.  Dale  and  Elder  Addison  have 
served  the  church  for  indefinite  periods,  and  Elders  Walker, 
Canfield,  Cutts  and  l^lount  have  labored  some  for  them. 
The  church  has  a  Sunday  school,  but  it  has  been  greatly 
reduced.  The  death  roll  has  been  large,  but  we  hope 
they  answer  to  the  roll  call  of  the  redeemed.  The  church 
at  present  has  no  pastor. 

Mt.  Carmei.  Regular  Baptist  CiiURCii 

was  organized  in  December,  1837,  '^^  ^^^^  house  of  James 
Dennev,  with  thirteen  constituent  members.  To  aid  in  the 
organization  were  present  members  from  the  sister  churches 
in  Brandywine  and   Fall  Creek.     The  first  pastors  of  this 


342 


HISTORY    OF    HANCOCK    COl'NTY 


society  were  Elders  Thomas  Jenkins  and  Morgan  McC^iery. 
followed  by  J.  F.  Johnson  and  Thomas  Martin.  The 
present  pastor  is  David  Caudell,  one  of  the  oldest  living- 
members,  having  joined  the  church  in  May,  1838.  The 
rirst  meetings  of  this  body  were  held  at  private  houses, 
then  in  a  log  church  a  little  north  of  Fortville.  In  1863, 
the  society  built  a  new  frame  at  what  is  knoun  as  Cush- 
man's  X  roads,  south-east  of  Fortville,  at  a  cost  of  $700. 
Total  membership  at  this  date,  thirty-eight. 

JoSEl'H   WvxN. 

a  native  of  Fayette  county,  Pennsyhania,  came  to  Han- 
cock counnty  at  the  ver}-  early  date  of  1822,  being  then  a 
boy  thirteen  years  of  age,  and  is  now  consequently  one  of 
the  oldest  residents  of  the  count}-.  Mr.  Wynn  says  at  the 
time  of  his  moving  to  the  county  the  red  men  were  thick, 
both  the  Miamies  and  Pottawattamies.  The  next  year  after 
Mr.  W3'nn's  settlement,  the  coin"t  at  Pendleton  was  organ- 
ized for  Madison  covmt}',  including  also  what  is  now 
Hancock  count}',  throughout  which  it  had  jurisdiction. 
The  first  fine  w^as  assessed  by  Judge  Winsal  against  Dr. 
Hiday,  he  having  committed  an  assault  upon  one  John 
Rogers,  in  the  court  room  at  Pendleton,  and  upon  being 
arraigned,  plead  guilty  and  was  fined  six  and  one-fourth 
cents.  Mr.  Wynn  was  present  at  the  execution  of  the 
white  men  for  the  massacre  of  the  seven  Pottawattamies, 
on  Lick  Creek,  March  4,  1824.  The  whites  were  greatlv 
alarmed  over  the  outrage,  and  Henry  Hiday  w^as  sent  to 
Franklin  county  to  get  the  rifle  corps  to  protect  the  frontier. 
Mr.  Wynn  says  he  helped  to  cut  the  first  wood  used  at 
Indianapolis  to  burn  charcoal,  for  which  he  received 
twenty-five  cents  per  day.  That  at^er  people  began  rais- 
ing wheat,  it  was  a  rule  to  cut  three  forty-rod  throughs 
before  breakfast.  The  wheat  was  threshed  with  a  flail, 
and  cleaned  with  a  sheet.  After  the  wheat  was  ground, 
it  was  run  through  a  hand  sieve.  A  little  later  a  bolting 
apparatus  was  used,  something  similar  to  a  grindstone.    Mr. 


VERNON    TOWNSHIP. 


343 

W\nn  helped  to  roll  the  logs  for  the  clearing  where  Fort- 
ville  now  stands.  The  early  settlers  would  plant  corn  in 
the  middle  of  June,  and  in  the  fall  kiln-dr}-  it  for  bread. 
The  first  wheat  marketed  was  hauled  to  Brookville,  Frank- 
lin county,  and  sold  for  forty  cents  per  bushel.  It  took 
from  live  to  six  days  to  make  the  round  trip.  Mr.  Wynn 
is  a  consistent  member  of  the  Christian  Church,  an  indus- 
trious, well-to-do  farmer,  and  a  good  citizen. 


OUR  FOREFATHERvS. 

Our  fathers  settled  in  this  land. 

Not  for  wealth  alone  nor  power  : 
They  came  to  till  the  fruitful  soil, 

Industriously  to  improve  each  shining  hour. 
Oppression  deep  spread  through  the  land. 

And  all  their  rights  asunder  tore. 
Hence  these  brave  men  with  cou'rage  came 

To  find  a  holier,  happier  hoiue. 

But  where  are  they  we  speak  of  now  ? 

Some  in  bright  spheres  immortal  dwell  ; 
ThcN^'re  gone,  but  lo  !  in  tender  tones 

What  wonders  do  their  memorv  tell. 
Farewell  to  those  whose  lives  were  given 

To  toil  and  labor  for  our  good  ; 
Peace  to  their  ashes  ;  slumber  on 

Beneath  the  pine  and  maple-wood. 

Rose  M.  Thomi'son, 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

hancock  county  in  general. 

Introductory — "  Our  Country." 

With  what  emotions  of  pride  and  affection,  and  often 
of  sorrow,  does  every  true  American  speak  of  "  our  coun- 
try." Sometimes  upon  hearing  flower}^  4th  of  July  orations, 
we  are  tempted  to  believe  it  all  brag  and  conceit ;  but  when 
we  hear  them  mourning  over  its  evils,  we  are  forced  to 
believe  that  their  feelings  arise  from  a  different  source. 
Whether  it  be  conceit  or  not,  it  is  a  feeling  common  to 
mankind.  The  Irishman  sings  of  "  my  aine  countrie  ;" 
the  German  sings  of  "  mein  Deutche  faterland ;"  the 
American  speaks  of  "our  great  and  glorious  United 
States."  Two  thousand  years  ago  that  great  old  Grecian 
philosopher,  Socrates,  said  that  his  country  was  next  to 
his  God  ;  that  it  was  his  duty  to  work  for  it,  and  whatso- 
ever it  commanded  was  to  be  done,  and  when  it  demanded 
his  life,  he  gave  it  cheerfully. 

What  nation  is  there  on  all  this  God's  footstool  that 
does  not  contain  some  noble  souls,  who  would  gladly  give 
their  lives  for  their  country?  Do  not  imph'  that  I  include 
all  soldiers  in  this  class  ;  a  few  soldiers  light  and  die  with 
no  other  motive  but  love  of  country,  but  the  motive  of  the 
majority  is  to  gratify  their  own  ambition  or  that  of  their 
leader. 

What  then  is  this  love  of  country?  It  is  not  a  love  for 
the  fields,  hills,  mountains,  rivers,  or  any  other  natural 
scenery,  although  they   are   very  dear  to  us.     It  is  a  love 


OUR    COUNTRY.  345 

for  and  an  interest  in  our  relations,  our  neigbors,  and  all 
those  of  our  nationality.  In  its  broadest  sense  it  extends 
to  all  humanity,  the  world  over.  To  prove  that  natural 
scenery  is  not  the  object  of  love  of  country,  take  a  person 
living  in  a  very  beautiful  land,  with  a  good  government 
and  kind  neighbors  and  friends,  and,  if  he  has  the  right 
kind  of  a  heart  within  him,  he  will  feel  that  his  country 
lies  very  near  his  heart ;  but  let  the  government  and  his 
neighbors  and  friends  be  changed,  and  he  will  want  to 
move  away.  If  then  a  love  of  one's  people  and  a  love  of 
humanity  in  general,  constitutes  a  love  of  country,  I  trust 
that  tiiere  are  many  of  my  readers  who  have  that  love, 
and  who  are  willing  and  anxious  to  do  all  in  their  power 
to  perform  the  work  and  advance  the  interests  of  our 
country.  Hence  it  is  our  duty  to-day,  if  we  never  have 
done  so,  to  ascertain  the  part  which  God  designs  for  us 
to  act  in  the  great  drama  of  lit'e,  and  act  it. 

Philosophers,  from  Plato  to  our  own  school,  both  heathen 
and  Christian,  tell  us  that  the  history  of  the  world  forms  a 
great  drama,  the  subject  of  which  is  Truth,  and  this  Truth 
is  identical  with  God  himself,  so  the  history  of  the  world 
is  a  development,  of  man's  knowledge  of  God. 

We  may  divide  this  drama  into  five  acts.  The  first 
scene  of  the  first  act,  from  Adam  to  the  flood,  showed  that 
all  those  who  forget  God  shall  be  destroyed.  The  second 
scene  extended  from  the  flood  to  Abraham.  Those  great 
old  pyramids  and  other  remains  show  how  great  the 
Eg\-ptians  were  until  thev  turned  to  idolatry,  when  their 
glory  departed.  The  third,  from  Abraham  to  Christ, 
taught  the  people  that  God  is  a  great  spirit,  whose  voice  is 
thunder,  w'hose  messengers  are  flaming  fire,  who  maketh 
the  clouds  his  chariot,  and  who  walketh  upon  the  wings  of 
the  wind  ;  that  he  is  so  terrible  that  they  dare  not  approach 
him,  hence  the  need  of  an  intercessor,  which  was  to  come 
in  the  person  of  Christ.  In  the  second  act,  including  the 
work  of  the  arts,  sciences,  mathematics  and  astronomy 
among  the  Egyptian,  Caldees,  Persians,  Arabs  and  Sara- 
cens, and  that  of  literature  and  philosophy  among  the 
23 


346  IIIsrORV    OF    HANCOCK    COUNTY. 

Greeks  and  Romans,  the  world  was  taught  that  man  by 
knowledge  can  not  lind  out  God. 

In  the  third  act  Jesus  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  left  the 
glory  he  had  with  the  Father,  took  upon  himself  the  nature 
of  man,  and  did  many  mighty  works.  But  few  of  the  peo- 
ple had  learned  the  lessons  which  God  had  been  tr3'ing  to 
teach  them,  so  his  work  was  necessarily  confined  to  a  few 
of  the  lower  classes.  In  the  second  scene  of  this  act  the 
apostles  and  disciples  preached  the  word  and  organized 
churches,  which  were  purified  by  persecution. 

The  fourth  act,  whose  site  was  Western  Europe,  showed 
the  sin  of  keeping  science  and  religion  out  of  the  hands  of 
the  people;  the  need  of  earnest,  thoughtful  men,  and  of 
guarding  against  corruption,  that  "without  charity  we  are 
as  sounding  brass  and  a  tinkling  cymbal." 

But  few  of  the  nations  profited  b}^  these  lessons,  and  it 
does  not  seem  to  be  God's  way  to  reform  nations,  who, 
after  having  known  Him,  refuse  to  have  Him  rule  over 
them,  so  He  pronounced  the  sentence,  "'Ye  are  weighed 
in  the  balance  and  found  wanting." 

For  sixteen  centuries  Christianity  had  been  tried,  and 
had  proven  itself  to  be  no  "  cunningly  devised  fable,"  but 
something  to  satisfy  the  needs  of  man.  And  God  in  His 
wisdom  seemed  to  say  it  is  enough  ;  it  is  time  that  this 
religion  have  a  chance  to  grow  and  spread  among  all 
nations.  So  He  chose  America,  whose  discovery  He  had 
brought  about  shortly  before,  as  the  scene  of  the  fifth  act. 
Hither  fled  the  Puritans,  Huguenots,  Methodists,  Qua- 
kers, the  persecuted  Christians  from  all  Europe.  All  the 
early  settlements  which  were  successful  were  made  under 
the  direction  of  Christian  powers.  Those  who  sought 
wealth  were  soon  destroyed  or  became  disheartened  and 
returned  home.  We  were  planted  with  Christ  in  this  new, 
vast  and  good  land  that  we  might  rise  with  Him  in  new- 
ness of  national  life.  Taking  the  philosophy  of  history, 
then,  it  would  appear  that  God's  design  for  us  is  to  give 
Christianity  a  chance  to  grow  and  spread.  That  religion 
whose  fruits  are  love,  joy,  peace,  long  suffering,  gentle- 


OUR    COUNTRY.  347 

ness,  goodness,  faith,  meekness  and  temperance  should 
grow.  We  have  every  opportunity  and  inducement  to  bring 
forth  these  fruits.  Are  we,  as  a  nation,  doing  so  ?  Let  us  ex- 
amine :  First,  have  we  brought  forth  tlie  fruits  of  love  ?  Did 
we  love  the  red  man  as  we  should  when  we  took  awa}'  his 
lands,  dro\e  him  West  and  then  killed  him?  Did  we  love 
the  African  as  we  should,  when  we  stole  him,  beat  him 
and  worked  him  to  death?  Do  we  love  the  Chinese  as  we 
should,  when  we  are  so  shamefully  maltreating  them?  Is 
there  a  spirit  of  love  between  the  North  and  the  South? 
Are  we  as  joyful  and  happy  a  people  as  we  might  be  ? 
Certainh^  we  fail  in  the  fruits  of  peace.  An  e\il  spirit 
arises  at  our  political  campaigns,  and  war  is  threatened. 
We  ha\-e  fought  among  ourselves,  we  have  fought  with 
our  "mother  countrv"  and  our  neighbors.  We  have  not 
been  gentle  and  long  suffering,  but  have  always  been 
ready  and  quick  to  resent  wrong.  Oh,  how  far  have  we 
failed  in  goodness  I  We  have  used  deception  and  bribery. 
Some  of  our  city  life,  the  tramps,  the  Tammany  Ring, 
Boss  Tweed,  and  such  characters  show  our  bad  side.  As 
a  nation  we  are  too  faithless,  many  professing  to  have  no 
faith  in  an3'thing  ;  and  the  faith  of  many  who  do  profess  to 
believe  in  a  Supreme  Being  is  very  weak,  and  they  do  not 
give  it  much  exercise.  Last  of  all  the  fruits  which  Paul 
enumerates,  but  not  least,  is  that  which  made  Felix  tremble 
and  say:  "Go  thy  way  for  this  time  ;  at  a  more  conven- 
ient season  I  will  call  for  thee."  It  is  that  which  our 
nation  is  deficieint  in,  the  greatest  curse  of  our  land.  I 
I  trust  there  are  no  souls  saying  to  the  cause,  "go  th}-  wa}- 
for  this  time."  Unless  we  awaken  on  this  point,  we  will 
sleep  the  sleep  of  death,  and  be  like  Babylon,  when  Bel- 
shazzar  and  his  nobles  were  drunk  and  Cyrus  took  the 
city. 

Oh,  ye  who  love  our  country!  how  beat  your  hearts 
when  you  think  of  our  drunken  senate,  when  you  think 
of  all  the  money,  time,  talent  and  priceless  souls  that  go 
to  feed  the  demon,  intemperance,  and  the  wrecked  homes, 
the  broken-hearted  wives,  and  the  disgraced  children  that 


OUR    COUNTRY.  349 

are  left  after  he  has  dined.  If  we  would  not  arouse  and 
work  against  this  evil,  it  would  seem  that  the  very  stones 
themselves  would  cry  out.  The  beasts  of  the  field  seem 
to  laugh  at  the  drunkard,  because  he  is  more  beastly  than 
they.  The  birds  in  their  songs  mock  him.  The  trees  lift 
up  their  heads  to  heaven,  waft  their  arms  in  the  breezes 
and  praise  their  maker.  They  seem  to  cry  out,  shame  upon 
man,  endowed  with  an  immortal  soul,  to  be  groveling 
along  in  the  ditch,  and  never  think  of  praising  his  creator. 
His  fellow  men  turn  their  faces  and  pass  by.  1'he  Devil 
laughs  at  him,  prematurely  cuts  him  off  and  takes  him  to 
himself.  Will  we  not  hear  these  voices  and  awaken?  Oh, 
women  of  our  country  I  it  is  time  that  you  were  working, 
praying  and  doing  everything  in  your  power  to  drive  out  the 
demon. 

Oh,  ye  men  who  feel  your  hearts  burning  with  a  love 
of  countr}',  why  will  you  not  drop  some  of  your  petty  polit- 
ical quarrels,  and  take  sides  upon  some  of  the  more 
important  questions  of  the  day?  Why  should  you  always 
be  running  the  Republican  and  Democratic  parties?  The 
negroes  are  free  now,  and  have  a  right  to  vote  ;  why  not 
leave  them  now,  take  up  new  questions  and  form  new 
parties?  Mav  we  one  and  all,  as  we  love  our  country  and 
prize  immortal  souls,  do  all  in  our  power  to  cleanse  it  from 
iniquity,  and  to  establish  it  in  virtue,  that  God  may  not 
pronounce  against  us  that  sentence  :  "Ye  are  weighed  in 
the  balance  and  found  wantin<£." 


Morris  Piersox, 

one  of  the  earliest  settlers  of  Greenfield,  was  born  April 
26,  1799,  in  Chittenden  county,  Vermont,  from  whence  he 
removed  to  Switzerland  county,  Indiana,  in  1814;  thence 
to  Greenfield,  Indiana,  September  21,  1830.  Mr.  P.  vis- 
ited Hancock  county  in  the  fall  of  1826,  while  she  3'et 
belonged  to  Madison  count}-.  Mr.  P.  was  twice  nuirried. 
First,  to  Eliza  Moore,  Mav  27,  1827,  who  died  February  6, 
1844  ;  second,  to  Lucena  Silcox,  who  is  still  living,  on  Feb- 


.-i:)^ 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


ruary  15,  1846.  Mr.  P.  has  liUed  several  positions  of  trust 
and  profit.  Bv  reference  to  page  thirty-nine  and  succeed- 
ing pages  of  this  book,  it  will  be  observed  that  he  was 
county  treasurer  for  a  number  of  years  in  the  early  history 
of  the  county.  lie  was  also  county  school  commissioner 
and  county  surveyor  for  a  considerable  time.  Mr.  P.  was 
a  Mason,  a  Republican,  and  a  liberal,  enterprising,  prac- 
tical citizen,  and  did  much  for  the  encouragement  of  pikes, 
railroads,  and  other  internal  improvements.  While  em- 
ployed in  his  daily  duties,  he  died  suddenly  on  the  morning 
of  May  22,  1879.  ^^S^^  ^^^^^'  score  years  and  twent3'-six 
davs. 


R.  A.  Smith, 

a  native  of  Brandywine  township,  this  covmty,  dates  his 
earthly  career  from  January  10,  1853.  His  parents  were 
plain,  practical,  pious  pioneers,  who  earned  their  bread  by 
the  sweat  of  their  brow,  and  taught  their  children  that 
labor  is  honorable,  and  to  till  the  soil  is  respectable.  Mr. 
Smith's  boyhood  days  were  spent  on  the  farm,  where  he 
hoed  and  harrowed  in  the  summer,  attended  the  district 
schools,  fed  the  calves  and  hunted  rabbits  in  the  winter. 
After  arriving  at  majority,  he  taught  school  for  a  time,  but 
feeling  dissatisfied  with  his  acquirements,  he  resolved  to 
make  an  eflbrt  for  a  better  education.  In  the  fall  of  1872 
he  entered  the  New  Garden  high  school  in  Wayne  county, 
Indiana,  and  for  one  year  was  under  the  tutorage  of  the 
writer,  who  was  then  principal,  after  which  he  entered  the 
State  Normal  at  Terre  Haute,  Indiana,  where  he  continued 
for  two  years  ;  after  which  he  resumed  teaching,  at  which 
profession  he  has  given  about  nine  years  of  his  life  in  the 
district  and  graded  schools  of  the  county.  He  was  one 
3-ear  at  McCordsville,  and  two  years  principal  of  the  Fort- 
ville  graded  schools.  September  2,  1879,  Mr.  Smitli  was 
married  to  Miss  Mar}^  E.,  daughter  of  H.  B.  Cole,  of 
Shelby  county.  This  short  but  pleasant  and  promising 
union  was  terminated  b\'  the  death  of  Mrs.  S.,  March  2, 


OUR    COUNTRY.  35 I 

1880.  About  two  years  since,  Mr.  Smith  resolved  to  ex- 
change the  rod  for  the  scalpel,  and  after  reading  for  a  time 
with  the  firm  of  Howard,  Martin  &  Howard,  of  this  city, 
lie  attended  lectures  at  Indianapolis,  and  was  fast  unravel- 
ing the  abstruse,  recondite  intricacies  of  medicolegal 
studies,  when  he  was  called  to  public  duties,  being  elected 
County  Superintendent  of  Schools,  of  Hancock  count\% 
Jul}'  30,  1881,  to  fill  the  unexpired  term  of  the  late  Aaron 
Pope.  Mr.  S.,in  politics,  is  a  Democrat ;  in  church  rela- 
tions, a  Protestant  Methodist,  and  in  private  and  public 
life  is  above  reproach. 

William  Perry  Smith, 

was  born  in  Brandywine  township,  in  this  count}',  March 
2,  1842.  His  father  was  a  farmer,  and  his  early  life  was 
passed,  like  that  of  most  farmer's  boys,  in  assisting  about 
the  farm.  He,  however,  earl 3'  manifested  a  disposition 
toward  educational  and  literary  pursuits,  in  which  he  was 
indulged  and  encouraged  by  his  parents,  who  lived  to  reap 
the  reward  of  their  kindness  in  the  success  and  honor  of 
their  son. 

Perry,  as  he  was  familiarly  called  by  those  who  knew 
and  loved  him  best,  received  his  first  school  training  at 
district  school-house  No.  3,  situated  but  a  few  steps  from 
his  father's  home.  Here  he  mastered  the  rudiments  of  an 
English  education,  and  then  attended  high  school  at  Acton, 
Ind.,  one  year.  After  this  he  began  teaching,  in  which 
profession  he  was  very  successful,  winning  the  love  of  his 
pupils  and  the  respect  of  their  parents  by  his  noble  quali- 
ties of  mind  and  heart.  During  this  time  he  also  learned 
the  art  of  photography,  in  the  practice  of  which  he  em- 
ployed his  time  during  the  summer  months,  when  not  in 
school.  Determining  to  fit  himself  still  more  thoroughl}' 
for  his  work  of  teaching  he  entered  the  State  Normal 
School  at  Terre  Haute  in  1873.  Here  he  attended  two 
terms,  doing  four  terms'  work  within  the  time  of  two.  So 
thorough  had  been  his  previous  training  that  he  made  the 
best  per  cent,  on  entering  of  any  student  of  his  class. 


35- 


IIISTORV  OF  HANCOCK:  COUNTY. 


After  leavinjj  the  Normal  School  he  tauo'ht  one  year,  at 
the  end  of  which  time  received  the  appointment  of  County 
Superintendent  of  Hancock  county,  which  position  he  held 
for  two  terms,  or  until  the  time  of  his  death.  To  this  field 
of  labor  he  brought  the  same  scholastic  skill,  accurate 
judgment  and  indomitable  energy  which  had  characterized 
his  previous  career,  and  the  schools  under  his  management 
were  efficient  and  prosperous.  Much  of  the  work  begun 
by  him  has  since  been  carried  forward  to  success,  and  it 
will  be  long  ere  his  influence  will  cease  to  be  felt  in  the 
schools  of  Hancock  county.  He  was  married  July  lo, 
1878,  to  Miss  Agnes   E.  McDonald,  an   estimable  young 


lady,  also  a  teacher.  He  was  taken  sick  of  typhoid  fever 
about  February  i,  1879,  '^^^cl,  after  a  lingering  and  painful 
illness,  died  March  25th  of  the  same  year.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  Methodist  Protestant  Church  ;  also  an  hon- 
ored member  of  the  Masonic  Fraternity,  Knights  of  Pythias 
and  the  Brotherhood  of  United  Workingmen.  He  was 
buried  with  Masonic  honors  at  Mt.  Lebanon  Cemeter}-, 
near  his  old  home,  where  loving  hands  have  erected  a 
monument  to  his  memor\-.      He  was  but  in  the  mornin<;  of 


OUR    COUNTRY. 


353 


his  manhood,  but  upon  the  threshokl  of  man}'  promising 
possibihties,  when  death  closed  his  eyes  to  all  earthly  things 
and  blinded  those  of  his  friends  with  tears.  Had  he 
lived — but  it  is  useless  to  speculate  upon  what  might  have 
been  since  now  it  can  never  be.  In  the  hearts  of  those 
who  knew  him  best  is  written  this  epitaph  : 

He  was  a  Christian  who  never  disguised  his  profession  ; 
a  man  whose  acts  honored  his  race. 

James  C.  Hawk, 

a  Buckeye  by  birth,  a  Hoosier  by  residence  and  adoption,  a 
son  of  Henry  and  Susan  Hawk,  of  Highland  county,  Ohio, 
dates  his  earthly  journeyings  to  September  28,  1824,  from 
Brown  count}',  Ohio.  At  the  age  of  eight  he  came  to 
Indiana  with  his  parents  and  settled  in  Sugar-Creek  town- 
ship, where  he  has  since  resided.  His  facilities  for  educa- 
tion being  very  poor,  he  was  compelled  to  rely  upon  his 
own  resources  for  the  little  education  he  did  receive.  Mr. 
Hawk  was  married  September  23,  1847,  to  Mary  J.,  daugh- 
ter of  David  McNamee.  After  his  marriage  Mr.  H.  settled 
on  his  farm,  where  he  tilled  the  soil  in  summer  and  taught 
the  youth  of  his  neighborhood  in  the  winter  for  about  four 
years,  since  which  time  he  has  devoted  his  energies  wholly 
to  rural  pursuits,  never  having  held  but  one  public  office, 
that  of  township  trustee,  in  conjuction  with  Lewis  Burk 
and  Joseph  H.  Conner,  in  1856.  Mr.  H.  is  an  honorable 
citizen  and  an  affable  gentleman.  See  his  portrait  on 
another  page. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

MEDICAL    I'ROFESSIOX    IX    HANCOCK    COUNTY. 

The  physician  is  an  indispensable  prerequisite  to  civil- 
ized communities,  while  among  the  uncivilized  tribes  of  men 
the  medicine  man  is  one  of  the  most  prominent  of  charac- 
ters. When  the  writer  first  became  identified  with  the 
citizenship  of  this  county  there  were  but  few  physicians 
therein.  I  will  mention  names  in  the  proper  place  and 
and  time. 

So  far  as  the  writer  knows  there  is  but  one  of  the  men 
now  living  who  practiced  medicine  in  Hancock  county 
forty  years  ago,  and  he  has  retired  from  the  profession. 
As  a  rule  doctors  are  short  lived.  The  practice  of  medi- 
cine then  was  a  work  of  some  magnitude.  We  were 
compelled  to  ride  on  horseback  through  the  woods,  along 
paths  blazed  out  on  the  side  of  trees,  sometimes  twelve 
miles.  I  have  often  lost  my  way,  and  had  to  ride  for  miles 
before  I  came  to  a  house  to  ask  where  I  was.  I  was  called 
one  stormy  night  to  visit  a  family  in  what  was  called  the 
Big  Deadening,  in  Vernon  township.  The  messenger  had 
a  huge  torch  and  rode  before.  Our  path  was  for  miles 
through  "slashes,"  as  then  called.  The  forest  was  wild 
and  gloom}'.  Before  we  reached  the  place  the  torch  gave 
out,  and  we  had  to  hunt  a  hickory  tree,  from  which  we  got 
bark  to  renew  our  light.  We  heard  the  wolves  howl 
occasionally.  When  we  reached  the  house  we  foimd  the 
door  fastened,  and  the  woman  whom  I  was  called  to  see 
was  in  bed  with  two  newly-born  babe  twins.  She  was 
badly  frightened.  She  said  the  wolves  had  run  the  dogs 
against  the  door.  The  door  was  nothing  but  shaved  clap- 
boards, hung  on  Wooden  hinges.  She  thought  the  wolves 
smelt  the  corpse,  for  one  of  the  babes  was  dead,  and  she 


THE    MEDICAL    PROFESSION.  355 

had  heard  it  said  that  wolves  would  light  desperately  for  a 
dead  body.  There  were  no  neighbors  for  some  distance, 
and  no  one  there  to  go  for  any  one. 

Sometime  after  that  I  was  belated  on  my  return  home 
from  the  Fall  Creek  settlement.  It  had  been  raining  all 
day,  and  was  very  muddy.  My  horse  gave  out,  and  I  had 
to  stop  at  John  Robb's,  where  I  got  my  supper,  and  he 
saddled  one  of  his  horses  for  me  to  ride  till  I  returned.  It 
was  dark  when  I  started,  and  nothing  but  a  path  to  travel 
until  I  struck  what  was  called  the  Greentield  and  Allison- 
ville  road.  INIr.  Robb  assured  me  that  old  Sam,  as  he 
called  the  horse,  would  keep  the  path.  I  had  gone  but 
a  few  miles  before  old  Sam  was  out  of  the  path,  and 
stopped  to  eat  grass.  I  got  down  and  tried  to  feel  for  the 
path.  Failing  to  find  it,  I  mounted,  and  determined  to 
make  the  horse  go  some  place.  He  soon  went  under  a 
grapevine,  and  lifted  me  out  of  the  saddle  and  set  me 
wrong  end  up  in  the  spice  brush.  I  was,  however,  able 
for  another  trial.  I  then  commenced  to  halloo,  that  I 
might  find  some  house.  I  soon  heard  wolves,  not  very  far 
from  me  I  thou<*'ht.  I  had  often  heard  it  said  that  wolves 
could  smell  assafetida  any  distance,  and  that  they  would 
tight  for  it.  I  had  to  carry  that  article  with  me,  for  it  was 
out  of  the  question  to  dispense  with  a  remedy  so  popular 
at  that  time.  Everything  used  as  medicine  was  furnished 
by  the  doctors.  I  w^as  considerably  frightened,  but  I  soon 
heard  some  one  answer  me  and  saw  a  torch  coming.  It 
was  common  for  persons  to  get  lost  in  the  woods  at  that 
time.  When  I  reached  the  man's  house  I  found  I  had  lost 
my  pill  sacks,  and  this  necessitated  me  to  wait  till  morning, 
as  most  of  my  essential  outfit  was  in  them.  Though  of  but 
small  value  would  the  pill-bags  be  at  this  time,  the  loss  of 
that  utility  would  have  been  sufilciently  ample  at  that  time 
to  have  compelled  me  to  suspend  operations  for  some  days. 

The  Izi'o  Big  Doctors. — I  do  not  remember  how 
long  it  has  been  since  the  occurrence  here  alluded 
to  transpired.  I  think  it  was  about  thirty-live  years 
ago.     At     a    camp    meeting    near    Cumberland,    in    the 


356  HISTORY  OF  IIAN'COCK  COUNTY. 

eastern  part  of  Marion  county,  a  child  was  taken  with 
a  fit,  and  its  mother  made  so  much  noise  that  divine 
services  were  suspended  for  a  time.  Dr.  Berry,  who 
afterwards  became  President  of  Asbury  University,  was 
preaching.  As  soon  as  he  found  out  what  was  the  matter, 
he  told  the  congregation  to  take  their  seats  and  not  crowd 
the  child,  but  give  it  plent}'  of  fresh  air,  wet  its  head  with 
cold  water,  and  send  for  a  doctor  ;  that  there  was  no  dan- 
ger. I  was  at  that  time  but  little  acquainted,  and  but  few 
on  the  ground  suspected  me  of  any  pretensions  to  being 
a  doctor.  Some  one,  however,  hunted  me  up,  and  pluck- 
ing me  to  one  side,  asked  me  if  I  could  bleed,  and  whether 
or  not  I  had  any  lancets  with  me.  I  happened  to  have  a 
nice  spring  lancet  in'  my  pocket.  I  told  him  I  thought  I 
could  bleed,  and  he  asked  me  to  follow  him.  When  I  ar- 
rived at  the  tent  it  was  crowded  desperately,  and  near  the 
door,  on  a  temporary  bed,  was  the  patient.  On  one  side 
of  it  stood  a  large  man,  with  a  huge  walking  stick,  about 
four  feet  long  and  as  thick  as  a  small  handspike.  Before 
him  was  a  pair  of  old-fashioned  saddle-bags,  which  con- 
tained something  near  a  half  bushel  of  roots  and  herbs, 
together  witli  other  implements  essential  to  the  practice. 
On  the  other  side  of  the  little  sufferer  stood  another  man, 
something  over  six  feet  high,  with  a  blue  jeans  suit  on. 
Neither  of  the  gentlemen  were  arrayed  in  very  fastidious 
costumes.  Over  the  shoulder  of  this  gentleman  hung  a 
pair  of  pill  wallets  of  something  more  in  accordance  with 
the  custom  of  the  nineteenth  century,  and  would  not  hold 
over  one  peck  of  goods.  He  had  the  arm  of  the  little  girl 
bandaged,  and  was  prodding  away  with  an  old  rusty  and 
dull  thumb  lancet,  attempting  to  bleed  the  child,  but  had 
about  given  up  the  idea  when  I  was  sent  for.  The  man 
who  hunted  me  up,  stepped  forward  and  fixing  his  eyes  on 
me,  said:  "There  is  Dr.  Ilervey  ;  ma3'be  he  can  bleed." 
At  this  all  eyes  were  turned  toward  me,  and  I  could  dis- 
tinctly hear  the  whispers  tlirough  the  crowd,  "he  is  notiiing 
but  a  boy  ;"  "he  don't  look  much  like  a  doctor,"  and  other 
similar  remarks,  most  of  wliich  were  true,  for  I  was  but  a 


THE    MEDICAL    PROFESSION.  357 

young  man,  and  looked  younger  than  I  was.  The  theory 
of  the  doctors  was  that  the  patient  had  too  much  blood  in 
the  head,  and  that  bleeding  was  the  only  remedy.  The 
big  doctors  had  not  much  faith  in  me,  but  asked  me  if  I 
could  bleed  the  child.  They  did  not  ask  for  m}'  opinion  of 
the  case,  or  what  treatment  I  would  recommend,  or  inti- 
mate that  they  had  any  more  use  for  me.  I,  however,  bled 
the  child,  and  asked  the  doctors  if  it  would  not  be  well  to 
keep  cold  cloths  to  the  head,  which  they  had  ordered  re- 
moved for  fear  of  producing  a  chill.  The  child  got  better, 
and  I  got  better  acquainted  with  the  big  doctors,  and  found 
them  to  be  bi<r-hearted  as  well  as  lare^e  in  bodv.  One  ot~ 
them  was  Dr.  Carpenter,  of  Cumberland,  a  good  Christian 
gentleman,  but  whose  facilities  for  education  were  poor. 
He  was  a  very  useful  man,  and  when  his  patients  died,  he 
often  preached  their  lunerals.  He  was  a  Baptist  minister, 
and  Dr.  William  Moore,  of  the  same  village,  and  a  part- 
ner, was  a  Universalian  preacher.  Bleeding  was  common 
then  in  most  diseases,  and  many  persons  were  bled  regu- 
larly at  stated  times.  I  knew  several  men  who  kept  lancets. 
A  man  that  could  bleed  was  considered  necessary  in  every 
settlement.  The  houses  of  these  men  were  thronged  every 
Sundav  b}-  persons,  some  of  whom  would  come  miles  to  be 
bled.  The  other  big  doctor  was  called  McLain,  I  think, 
and  he  lived  in  or  near  New  Palestine. 

On  page  seventy-four  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Indiana 
Medical  Society  for  1874,  in  a  report  on  the  medical  his- 
tory of  the  State,  by  Thad.  M.  Stevens,  M.  D.,  I  find  the 
following  items,  connected  with  the  transactions  of  medical 
men  in  the  western  part  of  Hancock  county,  which  I  will 
quote  : 

"In  1846,  the  congestive  fever,  as  it  was  called,  made 
its  appearance.  Many  died  ;  indeed,  most  of  them  in  the 
hands  of  some  physicians.  Dr.  Moore,  of  Cumberland, 
contended  that  blood  letting,  and  after  that  calomel  to 
ptyalism  was  the  proper  treatment.  A  meeting  of  physi- 
cians was  called  to  consult  upon  a  plan  of  treatment,  at 
which  it  was  agreed  to  use  larger  doses  of  quinine.      Into 


35B  HISTORY    OF    HANCOCK    COUNTY. 

tliis  practice  all  linall\'  fell,  and  the  disease  became  much 
less  formidable.  The  only  drawback  to  the  use  of  this 
drug  was  the  price,  and  the  scarcity  of  mone}'.  It  run  up 
at  one  time  to  six  dollars  an  ounce.  Dr.  llervey  bought 
up  a  dozen  fat  cattle,  drove  them  to  Indianapblis,  and  sold 
them  at  $7.50  per  head,  and  iuN-ested  the  mone}'  in  quinine." 
In  1847  a  singular  epidemic  of  small-pox  appeared  in 
Buck-Creek  township.  Erysipelas,  in  the  form  of  black 
tung,  had  been  prevailing  in  the  same  locality.  A  healthy, 
stout  man  by  the  name  of  Snyder  took  the  confluent  vari- 
ola. The  whole  surface  swelled  enormously.  Dr.  William 
Smith,  who  was  a  new  brother  in  the  profession  at  Cum- 
berland, was  called  to  see  the  case,  who,  being  somewhat 
puzzled  at  the  disease,  called  Dr.  Bobbs,  of  Cumberland, 
and  Dr.  J.  W.  Hervey,  of  Hancock  county,  in  consulta- 
tion. Drs.  Bobbs  and  Smith  contended  that  the  disease 
was  of  an  active  inflammatory  character,  and  the  onlv 
safety  depended  upon  copious  blood-letting.  Dr.  Herve}' 
differed  with  them,  opposed  the  bleeding,  and  left  them  to 
treat  the  case.  They  bled  the  man  profusely,  and  he  died. 
The  neighbors  flocked  in  to  see  him,  and  the  result  was 
small-pox  was  scattered  all  over  the  countr3%  Dr.  J.  W. 
Hervey  contended  that  the  disease  was  some  form  of  erup- 
tive fever,  modified  by  erysipelas  diathesis.  That  was 
before  the  disease  had  developed  its  true  character.  After 
that  he  contended  that  it  was  small-pox,  modified  by  the 
influence  named.  A  consultation  was  called  at  the  house 
of  Isaac  Snyder,  father  of  the  first  patient,  over  some  new 
cases.  Dr.  John  S.  Bobbs,  Dr.  Bullard,  of  Indianapolis, 
and  Dr.  Brown,  of  Bethel,  were  called  in.  Drs.  Bobbs  and 
Bullard  agreed  with  Dr.  Hervey.  I  think  Dr.  Brown  did 
the  same.  The  fact  of  the  disease  making  its  appearance 
without  any  one  knowing  how,  agitated  the  public  mind  to 
the  highest  pitch.  As  Dr.  Hervey  had  been  prominent  in 
the  treatment  of  the  disease,  and  very  successful,  he  having 
treated  eighty-four  cases,  with  but  the  loss  of  three  grown 
persons  and  two  children,  it  was  in  some  way  whispered 
through  the  neighborhood  that  he  started  the  disease  to 


THE  mp:dical  profession. 


359 


get  into  business  and  gain  notoriety.  This  theory  was 
aimed  to  be  made  plausible  by  the  fact  that  the  Doctor  had 
been  in  Cincinnati  the  winter  before,  and  had  told  some 
one  that  he  saw  cases  of  small-pox  in  the  hospital.  It  was 
also  urged  that  he  could  not  have  been  so  well  acquainted 
with  the  disease  and  have  treated  it  so  successfully  if  he 
had  not  made  some  special  study  and  preparation.  The 
rumor  spread  and  gained  force  as  it  went  out  upon  the 
breeze  of  popular  rumor,  until  the  whole  country-  was 
arrayed  on  one  or  the  other  side  of  the  question.  Some 
one,  who  was  ingenious  in  formulating  theories,  said  the 
Doctor  had  brought  a  scab  with  him  from  Cincinnati,  and 
started  the  disease  with  it.  He  had  used  tincture  of  iodine 
and  nitrate  of  silver  to  prevent  pitting  in  the  face.  One 
Miss  Burris  lost  an  eye,  and  was  otherwise  disfigured  by 
the  disease,  pustules  having  formed  in  the  eyes.  Popular 
prejudice  pointed  this  case  out  as  a  proper  one  to  punish 
the  Doctor  with.  He  was  sued  formal-practice.  The  bad 
feeling  was  so  intense  against  him  that  his  counsel,  Oliver 
H.  Smith,  advised  him  to  take  a  change  of  venue  to  Shelby 
county.  The  damages  were  set  at  $5,000.  The  deposi- 
tions of  eminent  physicians  were  secured  b}'  the  Doctor. 
Some  of  the  best  physicians  in  the  State  were  subpoenaed. 
His  defense  was  so  fortified  that  before  the  time  for 
the  trial  arrived  the  case  was  withdrawn.  Dr.  Her- 
vey's  character  was  vindicated,  and  he  rose  above  the 
clouds  that  threatened  him  with  ruin  ;  but  it  cost  him  much 
of  his  hard-earned  means  and  cheated  him  out  of  three  or 
four  of  the  best  years  of  his  life. 

This  case  is  a  valuable  illustration  of  what  injury  and 
wrong  may  be  done  a  physician  by  those  who  are  not  suffi- 
ciently informed  on  such  subjects.  It  also  shows  what  a 
few  enemies  may  do  before  the  tribunal  of  uninformed 
popular  public  sentiment  and  popular  prejudice. 

A  Singula/-  Call. — At  a  4th  of  July  celebration  held  in 
the  woods,  where  Mt.  Comfort  now  stands,  I  w^as  engaged 
to  make  an  oration.  There  was  to  be  a  big  time — a  bar- 
becue.    The  day  brought  an  immense  crowd.     Just  before 


360  *      HISTORY  OF  HAN'COCK  COUNTY. 

the  time  came  for  my  part  of  the  programme,  I  noticed 
some  one  coming  with  great  speed,  and  a  general  stir 
among  the  people.  I  was  informed  that  an  accident  had 
happened  at  the  crossing  of  Buck  Creek,  and  that  T  was 
wanted.  The  proceedings  were  delayed  until  my  return. 
When  I  reached  the  scene  of  the  accident,  a  most  amusing 
incident  was  before  me,  and  instead  of  resorting  to  surgery 
and  bandages,  I  was  overcome  with  fun.  A  family  with 
several  small  children  had  undertaken  to  visit  the  celebra- 
tion in  an  ox-wagon,  not  very  substantially  rigged.  In 
attempting  to  cross  the  bridge  over  Buck  Creek,  the  oxen 
became  frightened  at  a  party  of  young  men  and  women 
coming  up  behind  at  a  pretty  fair  speed.  The  red  ribbons 
were  flying,  and  the  big-skirted  white  dresses  of  the  girls 
on  horseback  were  flapping  in  the  wind,  together  with  the 
clatter  of  the  horses'  feet,  was  too  much  for  the  cattle  to 
stand.  They  took  fright,  left  the  pole  bridge,  and  landed 
the  wagon,  with  its  contents,  upside  down  in  the  mud  and 
mire.  The  oxen  had  just  reached  the  shore,  and  the  fam- 
ily had  all  been  safely  dug  out  of  the  mud,  and  were  seated 
in  a  line  on  the  edge  of  the  bridge,  covered  so  completely 
with  mud  that  you  could  only  see  the  e}'es  and  the  mouth. 
The  man  with  coon-skin  cap  was  making  arrangements  to 
wash  them  off"  in  the  creek,  into  which  he  had  waded  and 
was,  when  I  arrived,  waiting  for  the  first  one  to  be  handed 
to  him  to  take  through  the  operation.  Every  child  was 
bawling  at  the  top  of  its  abilit}^  to  make  a  noise.  As  none 
were  hurt,  no  one  who  witnessed  the  incident  could  restrain 
a  hearty  laugh.  They  were  assisted,  however,  and  washed 
off,  and  reached  the  ground  towards  the  close  of  the  even- 
ing, and  in  time  to  get  a  full  meal  of  meat  and  corn-pone, 
which  w^ere  about  all  the  eatables  spread  on  the  occasion. 
Dr.  Duncan. — The  first  time  I  ever  visited  the  office 
of  Dr.  Duncan  he  was  so  full  of  talk  and  big  laugh  that 
he  spit  all  over  me,  not  intentionally,  for  no  better  hearted 
man  lived  than  he  :  but  he  had  such  a  peculiar  way  of 
pouring  out  his  l\m  that  he  could  not  keep  his  mouth  and 
lips  from  taking  a  very  prominent    part    in  the  perform- 


THE    MEDICAL    PROFESSION.  361 

ance.  Dr.  Barnett,  who  is  now  3'ielding  somewhat  to  the 
pressure  of  age,  was  then  a  student  in  his  office,  and  a 
very  industrious  one  at  that.  His  long  success  in  husiness 
is  due,  no  doubt,  to  his  earnest  and  intense  studentship. 
Dr.  Duncan  was  a  good  practitioner  and  had  an  extensive 
business.  Had  he  received  the  advantages  of  modern 
usages  he  would  have  been  a  still  more  prominent  member 
of  the  profession. 

Dr.  Moore. — I  do  not  remember  the  given  name  of  the 
doctor  here  referred  to.  I  was  called  to  see  him  in  his 
last  sickness  at  his  home  in  Green  township.  He  was 
quite  a  large  man,  of  very  limited  attainments,  but  was 
a  useful  man  in  the  community.  He  died  of  softening 
of  the  brain  and  paralysis.  A  singular  feature  in  his 
disease  was  that  he  could  not  reach  any  object  with  his 
hand.  If  he  would  undertake  to  place  his  hand  upon  an 
object  he  would  invariably  reach  to  another  locality.  He 
was  much  worried  over  his  condition.  He  lamented  his 
affliction  ver}-  much.  He  appealed  to  me  so  piteously  to 
devise  some  means  for  his  relief  that  I  shed  tears  in  his 
presence.  I  think  some  of  his  family  are  living  in  the 
county,  who  might  be  able  to  give  more  of  his  history. 

Dr.  ^y.  P.  Hozvard — Is  now  among  the  oldest  practi- 
tioners in  the  county.  I  do  not  remember  how  long  it  has 
been  since  he  came  to  Greenfield,  but  he  has  always  ranked 
among  the  best  medical  men  of  the  coimtry,  and  is  perhaps 
the  best  operating  surgeon  in  the  county,  and  he  has  but 
few  superiors  in  the  State.  Besides  being  a  surgeon  of 
ability,  he  is  a  whole-souled  gentleman,  who  never  violated 
any  law  of  professional  etiquette  or  honor. 

Dr.  Lot  Echvards — Is  the  first  ph3^sician  I  ever  knew  in 
the  county,  and  he  had  practiced  in  it  several  years  before 
I  came.  He  was  one  of  the  most  wiry  men  I  ever  knew. 
His  appearance  would  indicate  that  he  could  stand  but 
little  effort,  yet  he  has  done  enough  hard  work  in  the  prac- 
tice of  medicine  to  kill  two  or  three  ordinary  men.  He 
was  identified  with  the  first  society  of  the  county,  and  had 
as  many  warm  friends  as  any  man  therein. 
24 


THE    MEDICAL    PROFESSION.  363 

Dr.  E.  /.  yndkins^^^^xA  medicine  in  Greenfield,  and 
was  raised  in  the  county.  He  has  grown  old  amidst  the 
scenes  of  his  early  lite,  and  has  given  the  best  of  his 
energies  to  the  practice  of  his  profession.  He  is  a  suc- 
essfiil,  high-minded  votary  of  the  healing  art,  well  posted. 
and  has  a  large  share  of  friends  and  patrons. 

Dr.  A.  G.  Sclman — Practiced  medicine  in  Greenfield 
manv  rears  ago,  and  took  a  prominent  part  in  politics. 
He  had  at  one  time  as  large  a  practice  as  an}^  man  in  the 
county.  He  is  the  father  of  the  rising  young  doctor  of 
that  name  now  in  Greenfield. 

Dr.  Cook — Practiced  in  Charlottesville  thirty-five  years 
ago,  and  was  a  very  fine  and  successful  practitioner.  Dr. 
Stuart,  of  Fortville,  was  one  of  his  students.  Dr.  Stuart 
and  Dr.  Troy  must  be  nearly  the  same  age,  and  must  have 
commenced  practice  about  the  same  time.  I  am  told  that 
Dr.  Troy  has  always  had  quite  a  large  business,  and  that 
Dr.  Stuart,  at  Fortville,  has  an  extensive  practice. 

Dr.  Taiiccy — Who  is  now  a  member  of  the  State  Senate, 
came  to  this  county,  as  near  as  I  can  recollect,  about  six- 
teen years  ago.  He  is  a  man  of  considerable  ability,  and 
stands  high  in  his  profession  and  in  society  as  an  honora- 
ble man. 

Dr.  Il/raiii  Dimcati — Came  to  Hancock  county  over 
thirty  years  ago.  He  commenced  practice  near  Willett's 
Mill,  but  moved  to  a  settlement  north  of  Fortville,  on  Fall 
creek,  in  the  edge  of  Hamilton  county,  before  Fortville  was 
laid  out.  When  it  was  made  a  town  he  moved  there, 
and  practiced  there  alone  for  ten  or  twelve  years.  He  is  a 
well-posted,  though  unassuming,  man,  and  is  one  of  the 
most  careful  practitioners  I  ever  knew.  He  is  now  in 
Indianapolis. 

Dr.  T.  P.  Jlcrvcy,  of  McCordsvillc — Is  a  brother  of  the 
Avriter.  He  is  the  only  student  I  ever  had.  I  am  not 
Jishamed  of  him,  and  I  trust  he  is  not  ashamed  of  his  pre- 
ceptor. Had  he  not  been  my  brother  he  would  not  have 
been  m}-  student.  I  felt  that  I  could,  for  m}-  brother's  sake, 
go  to  the  trouble  necessary  to  train  his  mind  to  appreciate 


364 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COLNTV 


the  responsibilities  incumbent  upon  a  physician  and  the 
necessity  of  a  thorough  qualihcation  to  perform  his  duties. 
He  is  one  of  the  most  conscientious  men  at  the  bedside 
of  the  sick  I  ever  met.  No  man  lias  more  or  warmer 
friends  than  has  he. 

Dr.  Paul  Espy — Is  another  of  the  old  pln'sicians  of  the 
county.  I  think  he  commenced  business  at  or  near  Phila- 
delphia, but  soon  went  to  his  present  localil\',  where  he  has 
been  ever  since.  He  could  speak  German  lluentlv,  and  no 
better  location  could  he  found  in  the  State  for  a  man  of  his. 
ability  and  social  habits  thin  New  Palestine.  The  Doctor 
has  made  good  use  of  his  facilities,  energies  and  surround- 


ings, and  is  to-day  one  of  the  wealthiest  men  in  the  county. 
His  tireless  energv  and  his  unceasing  devotion  to  business,, 
together  with  his  good  judgment  and  good  management, 
has  placed  him  beyond  want  and  in  possession  of  innumer- 
able friends.  But  few  doctors  succeed  as  well,  pecuniarily, 
as  Dr.  Paul  Espy. 

Ihc  Touiig  Physicians. — Avery  promising  inventory  of 
young  doctors  are  springing  up  to  take  the  place  of  the  old 
ones.  Dr.  Martin  and  Dr.  Howard,  Jr.,  of  Greenfield,  and 
perhaps  others  of  whom  I  have  no  knowledge,  and  Dr. 


THE    MEDICAL    PROFESSION.  365 

John  Covey  and  Dr.  Frank  Herve}',  of  McCordsville,  and 
others  in  other  villages  unknown  to  me,  will  soon  be  called 
to  take  the  places  of  worthy  predecessors.  Dr.  Martin  is 
one  of  the  best  posted  3'oung  men  in  the  State,  and  is  a 
most  successful  surgeon. 

One  thing  can  be  said  to  the  praise  of  the  physicians  of 
Hancock  county.  They  were  mostly  self-made  men,  and 
men  of  unusually  good  sense.  But  few  men  have  been 
imported  into  Hancock  count}^  as  ph^'sicians  since  the  old 
stock  took  their  place.  But  few  counties  in  the  State  can 
boast  of  better  doctors  than  Hancock  county-.  I  do  not 
know  one  to  whom  I  could  not  give  the  hand  of  fellowship. 
I  do  not  know  one  who  is  my  personal  enemy,  or  one  who 
has  ever  knowingly  done  me  an  unkind  act. 

In  writing  this  brief  review  of  the  profession  in  the 
county,  if  I  have  forgotten  any  one  or  said  anj'thing  about 
an}^  one  that  may  be  exceptionable,  I  ask  pardon. 

The  entire  diathesis  of  the  diseases  of  the  countr}-  has 
changed  since  forty  years  ago.  The  plan  of  treatment  has 
changed  with  the  change  in  the  type  and  character  of  dis- 
ease. The  forests  have  fallen  ;  the  sunshine  has  been  let 
in  upon  the  earth,  for  centuries  covered  with  a  thick  un- 
dergrowth and  magnificent  forest  trees  ;  the  ground,  then 
covered  in  many  places  with  water,  has  been  ditched  ;  the 
land,  so  long  idle,  has  been  cultivated  ;  obstructions  from 
streams  have  been  removed  ;  old  rotting  logs  and  deca3-ing 
matter  have  been  cleared  awav.  It  is  therefore  not  straui^e 
that  malaria  should  be  less,  and  that  the  whole  character 
of  morbific  causatives  should  undergo  a  change. 

Forty  years  ago  blood-letting,  blistering,  calomel  and 
jalep,  together  with  a  prolific  profusion  of  emetics,  nau- 
sients  and  antiphlogistics,  were  the  sheet  anchor.  Now 
the  aim  of  the  physician  is  to  sav'e  and  vitalize  the  blood, 
energise  and  build  up  the  wasting  strength,  and  save  all 
the  power  of  the  system,  to  battle  disease  and  perform 
life's  essential  functions.  J.  W.   Her\'ev. 


^66  history  of  hancock  county. 

Hancock  Medical  Society 

was  organized  in  Greenfield,  January  6,  1874,  ''^^^^  regu- 
larly incorporated  under  the  rules  and  regulations  ot'  the 
State  Medical  Society,  and  is  therefore  entitled  to  repre- 
sentation in  said  organization,  and  in  the  American  Medical 
Association,  to  each  of  which  it  sends  its  delegates.  The 
following  reputable  physicians  were  the  organizers,  and 
constituted  the  charter  members  of  said  society,  viz.  :  N. 
P.  Howard,  Sen.  ;  E.  I.  Judkins,  M.  M.  Adams,  S.  M. 
Martin,  Hiram  Duncan,  J.  G.  Stuart,  S.  A.  Troy,  S.  T. 
Yancey,  J.  K.  Sanders,  H.  J.  Bogart,  G.  T.  Wrennick,. 
J.  B.  Sparks,  M.  M.  Hess,  and  G.  C.  Ewbank.  Dr. 
N.  P.  Howard,  Sen.,  was  its  first  President,  and  Dr.  E.  I. 
Judkins  its  first  Secretary.  In  addition  to  the  charter 
members,  twenty-two  physicians  have  been  admitted  to 
membership  since  its  organization.  Drs.  J.  J.  Carter  and 
J.  O.  Espy  deceased  while  members  of  the  society.  Some 
have  moved  from  the  count}',  and  others  ceased  to  be  mem- 
bers. Drs.  Troy,  Yancey,  J.  M.  Ely  Sparks,  and  Espy 
have  each  served  as  president.  It  now  (February  18,  1882) 
numbers  sixteen  members.  The  present  officers  ai-e.  Dr. 
E.  I.  Judkins,  President;  Dr.  W.  B.  Ryan,  Secretary. 
The  society  is  in  a  prosperous  condition,  and  most  of  its 
members  appear  devoted  to  its  interest,  and  the  success  of 
their  profession.  The  Hancock  Medical  Society  and  the 
medical  profession  in  our  county,  we  can  safely  say,  will 
compare  favorably  with  the  same  in  her  sister  counties. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 
biographies  axd  personal  sketches. 

Joseph  Fort, 

a  native  of  the  "Ancient  Dominion,*'  was  born  in  1814. 
He  came  with  his  parents  to  Henry  county.  When 
about  fifteen  years  of  age,  he  moved  Prior  Brown  to 
Brown  township.  In  1840  he  was  married  to  Miss  Mary, 
daughter  of  Moses  McCray.  In  1846  Mr.  Fort  united 
with  the  Concord  Baptist  Church.  He  afterward  became 
a  member  of  the  Nameless  Creek  Christian  Church,  of 
which  he  was  an  honored  member  until  his  death.  Mr.  F. 
from  the  green  woods  made  a  good  farm,  well  improved, 
erected  good  buildings,  with  a  brick  house,  lived  an  hon- 
orable, industrious  life,  and  honestly  accumulated  consid- 
erable property.  Few  men  were  more  esteemed  than  was 
Mr.  Fort  by  those  who  knew  him  best.  His  widow,  a 
noble  Christian  lady,  still  lives  on  the  old  farm,  enjoying 
the  fruits  of  their  labor.  Mr.  F.,  politically,  was  a  Repub- 
lican, never  aspiring  to  office.  He  was  content  with  quiet 
rural  duties  in  private  life.  For  the  last  six  3'ears  of  his 
life  he  was  a  constant  sufferer,  but  bore  his  affliction  with 
patience  and  resignation,  till  he  was  finally  taken  to  his  long 
home,  March  22,  1880,  and  his  mortal  remains  were  depos- 
ited in  the  Simmons  cemetery  in  Jackson  township,  wliere 
loving  hands  liave  erected  to  his  memory  a  stately  monu- 
ment. 

William  J.  Sparks 

was  born  March  11,  1853,  in  Morgan  county,  Indiana, 
where  he  received  a  common  school  education,  attending 
school  for  a  time  at  Mooresville.  His  father  being  a  miller, 
3'oung  Sparks  run  the  engine  in  his  native  county  for  sev- 
eral  years,  prior   to    1872  ;   thence   to   Henry  county,   and 


368  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

Avorked  for  a  lime  in  the  Commercial  Mills  on  Blue  Ri\er, 
of  which  mills  his  father  was  the  proprietor  ;  thence  to 
Greenfield,  where  he  engaged  in  the  sewing  machine  trade 
till  1879,  when  he  was  elected  clerk  of  the  city  of  Green- 
field, which  position  he  finally  resigned  to  become  a 
candidate  for  mayor,  to  which  office  he  was  elected  by  a 
handsome  majority.  This  position  he  still  fills.  Mayor 
Sparks  is  a  ^'oung  man,  unmarried,  a  Republican,  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Christian  Church,  and  is  superintendent  of  the 
Sunda}'  School  connected  therewith.  He  is  fully  identified 
with  the  interest  of  the  city,  and  is  putting  forth  his  best 
efforts  to  bring  it  up  to  his  ideal  of  a  model  municipalit}-. 

Andrew  T.  Hart, 

senior  member  of  the  mercantile  firm  of  Hart  &  Thayer, 
of  this  city,  a  native  of  the  "Ancient  Dominion,"  was 
born  July  7,  181 1.  His  father,  a  son  of  Erin,  was  a 
soldier  under  General  St.  Clair  at  the  time  of  his  mem- 
orable defeat,  near  the  head-waters  of  the  Wabash, 
in  1791.  Andrew  T.  Hart,  while  a  boy,  endured  the  pri- 
vations of  pioneer  life  in  his  native  State.  At  the  age  of 
eleven  he  removed  from  the  home  of  his  earlier  youth  to 
Centerville,  Wayne  county,  where  he  attended  such  public 
and  private  schools  as  the  country  then  aftbrded,  and 
acquired  a  common  English  education.  His  opportunities, 
however,  were  limited,  and  the  success  that  has  attended 
his  career  has  been  mainly  the  result  of  his  own  exertions, 
and  it  may  be  properly  said  that  he  is  the  architect  of  his 
own  fortune.  At  the  age  of  eighteen,  he  was  apprenticed 
as  a  saddler  with  his  brother,  James  B.  Hart,  of  Liberty, 
Indiana,  which  trade  he  faithfully  followed  for  three  years, 
or  until  1833,  when  he  removed  to  Greenfield,  where  he 
has  since  resided.  He  at  once  opened  a  grocery  store, 
in  which  business  he  continued  for  two  }'ears  ;  then  as  a 
clerk  for  Nicholas  &  McCart}'  for  one  year,  followed  b\'  a 
mercantile  partnership  with  Nathan  Crawford  for  two 
3'ears,  when  he  purchased  Crawford's  interest,   and  has 


370  HISTORY    OF    HA^•COCK    COUNTY. 

continued  in  the  same  business  ever  since,  alone  and  oth- 
erwise. Mr.  H.  has  filled  a  number  of  positions  of  public 
trust,  and  always  with  honor.  In  1839  he  was  appointed 
agent  of  Indiana  for  the  distribution  of  surplus  revenue. 
He  was  the  first  treasurer  elected  in  Hancock  county,  the 
prior  treasurers  being  appointed  by  the  commissioners.  This 
u'as  in  1841.  In  1843  he  was  re-elected,  and  served  for 
six  consecutive  years.  In  1869  he  was  commissioned  by 
Salmon  P.  Chase  as  U.  S.  assistant  assessor  for  this  county. 
Mr.  H.  has  been  prominently  connected  with  almost  all 
public  enterprises  in  the  county  during  his  residence  therein. 
In  1878  he  was  President  of  the  Hancock  Agricultural 
Society.  He  become  a  Mason  in  1859,  '^^^  ^^  Odd  Fel- 
low in  1865.  In  religion  he  is  of  orthodox  faith.  .  In 
politics  he  was  first  a  Whig,  and  since  a  Republican.  His 
first  vote  was  cast  for  Henry  Clay.  He  has  been  twice 
married.  First,  to  Miss  Louisa  Forelander,  in  June,  1835, 
who  lived  but  two  years.  In  November,  1838,  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Gabriella  Sebastian,  daughter  of  William 
and  Elizabeth  Sebastian.  Mr.  Hart  has  had  five  children. 
William  E.  was  a  soldier  in  the  i8th  Indiana  Volunteers, 
and  served  for  three  years.  After  his  discharge  he  joined 
and  served  in  Capt.  A.  K.  Branham's  company  of  State 
troops  in  the  pursuit  of  John  Morgan,  in  his  celebrated 
raid  in  Indiana  and  Ohio,  and  was  killed  in  that  unfortu- 
nate disaster  at  Lawrenceburg,  Indiana,  in  1863.  Mr.  H. 
is  a  man  much  respected  and  highly  esteemed  by  all  who 
know  him.  He  is  of  genial  nature,  kind  and  hospitable, 
steadfast  in  his  friendship,  and  upright  in  his  dealings, 
and  by  his  good  qualities  of  head  and  heart  has  endeared 
himself  to  every  citizen  cf  the  county. 

Charles  Downing, 

was  born  in  New  York  City,  August  7,  1857,  came  to 
Hancock  county  February  28,  1867,  made  his  home  with 
the  late  lamented  William  S.  Wood,  attended  the  public 
schools,  receieved  a  fair  English  education  and,  being  an 


BIOGRAPHIES  AND  PERSONAL  SKETCHES. 


371 


excellent  scribe,  was,  on  the  4th  day  of  November,  1874, 
appointed  Deputy  Clerk  of  the  Hancock  Circuit  Court,  by 
Ephraim  Marsh,  Clerk,  which  position  he  holds  to  this 
day.  October  8,  1879,  ^^  Bradford  Junction,  Ohio,  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Angle  B.,  only  daughter  of  Arthur  P.  and 
Emil}^  H.  Williams,  formerly  of  this  city.  Mr.  D.  is  a 
member  of  the  Christian  Church,  and  has  always  contributed 
liberally  to  the  support  thereof.  He  is  also  an  honored 
member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  Mr.  D.  is  a  young  man  of 
rare  business  tact  and  talent,  and  just  upon  the  threshold 
of  many  rare  possibilities. 

Lee  O.  Harris. 

Leo  O.  Harris  was  born  in  Chester  county,  Pennsyl- 
vania, January  30,  1839.  While  yet  quite  3'oung,  his 
parents  removed  to  Washington  county,  in  the  western 
part  of  Pennsylvania,  where  his  early  youth  was  passed. 
Here  he  was  given  the  advantages  of  first  the  common 
school  and  then  an  academic  course  of  study. 

He  came  to  Hancock  county,  Indiana,  in  1858,  and 
taufjht  his  first  school  in  Fountaintown,  in  the  edfje  of 
Shelby  count}-. 

In  the  fall  of  1859  ^^^  went  to  Illinois,  and  taught  in 
what  was  then  Coles  (now  Douglass)  county.  Returning 
to  Indiana,  he  again  began  teaching  in  Hancock  county, 
and  has  been  more  or  less  identified  with  her  schools  ever 
since,  except  for  the  five  years  succeeding  1874,  during 
which  time  he  was  principal  of  the  school  at  Lewisville, 
Indiana. 

Mr.  Harris  is  well  known  throughout  the  State  as  a 
journalist  and  poet,  having  been  for  a  number  of  years  a 
contributor  to  most  of  the  leading  papers  of  the  State.  He 
is  also  the  author  of  a  book.  The  Man  Who  Tramps^ 
published  in  1878. 

The  fu-st  of  January,  iS8d,  Mr.  Harris,  in  connection 
with  Aaron  Pope,  then  Countv  Superintendent,  began  the 
publication   of   The   Home  and  School    Visitor,   of   which 


172 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


paper  he  i.s  still  the  editor.  In  the  spring  of  iSSi  he  took 
editorial  charge  of  The  Grccnjicld  Kcpuhlicau^  and  con- 
tinued with  that  paper  until  January,  1882,  when,  The 
I Io))ie  cuid  School  ]^isitor  demanding  his  entire  attention, 
he  withdrew  from  the  Re  public  cm. 

Mr.  Harris  has  been  identified  with  the  school  interests 
•of  Hancock  county  for  twenty-two  years,  and  has  in  that 


time  taught  more  schools  than  anv  man  now  li\ing  in  the 
county,  yet  all  this  teaching,  with  the  exceptions  before 
mentioned,  has  been  done  in  Greenfield  and  within  a 
radius  of  five  miles  of  that  cit\'. 


Dr.  Noble  P.  Howard, 

senior  member  of  the  medical  fnmi  of  this  cit\'  of  Howard, 
jNIartin  &  Howard,  was  born  in  Warren  count}',  Ohio, 
September  11,  1822.  His  father  was  one  of  the  first  set- 
tlers of  Cincinnati,  and  during  the  war  of  181 2  was  a 
soldier  in  the  American  arm\-.  In  1836,  while  the  subject 
of  this  sketch  was  a  mere  bo^',  he  came  with  his  mother 
iind  settled  in  Indiana,  where  he  recei\ed  an  Engiisli  edu- 
cation at  Brookville,  Franklin  county.  In  1840  he  began 
the   studv   of  medicine    with    the    eminent  doctor,    II.   G. 


BIOGRAPHIES  AND   rERSON'AL  SKETCHES.  ^73. 

Sexton,  of  Rushville,  Indiana,  where  he  read  for  three 
3'ears.  In  1843  he  moved  to  this  city,  and  began  the  prac- 
tice of  medicine  and  surgerj^  In  1877  he  was  Vice-Presi- 
dent of  the  Indiana  State  Medical  Society.  He  has  served 
as  President  of  the  Union  Medical  Society  of  Hancock, 
and  Henr}'  counties,  and  also  as  President  of  the  Hancock 
Medical  Society.  He  holds  diplomas  from  the  Indiana 
Medical  College,  and  from  the  College  of  Physicians  and 
Surgeons,  botii  of  Indianapolis,  and  is  also  a  member  oT 
the  American  Medical  Society.  In  1862  he  was  commis- 
sioned as  assistant  surgeon  in  the  12th  regiment  of  Indiana 
volunteers,  and  served  during  its  term  of  enlistment.  For 
about  eight  years  he  was  deputy  collector  of  internal  reve- 
nue. He  has  ever  manifested  a  public  spirit,  and  has- 
taken  stock  in  most  of  the  gravel  roads  centering  in  Green- 
field. Since  1856  he  has  been  an  honored  member  of  the 
Odd  Fellows,  and  has  lilled  all  the  offices  of  the  subor- 
dinate lodge  and  encampmeni:.  In  1861  he  was  elected 
Most  Worthy  Grand  Patriarch  of  the  Grand  Encampment 
of  the  State  of  Indiana.  He  is  a  member  of  the  M.  E. 
Church,  was  a  Whig  in  the  days  of  that  party,  and  nn 
earnest  Union  man  during  the  civil  war.  In  1856  he  was 
a  candidate  on  the  Republican  ticket  for  representative^ 
but  the  county  being  Democratic,  he  was  defeated  by  the 
Hon.  Thomas  1).  Walpole.  He  was  a  Republican  until 
the  nomination  of  Horace  Greele}',  since  w^hich  time  he 
has  acted  with  the  Democratic  party.  He  was  married  April 
23,  1844,  to  Miss  Cinderilla  J.  Gooding,  daughter  of  Asa 
and  Matilda  Gooding,  and  a  sister  of  Judge  D.  S.,  Gen. 
O.  P.  and  Hon.  II.  C.  Gooding.  Dr.  Howard  is  a  genial 
gentleman,  and  a  man  of  firm  convictions  and  uncompro- 
mising integrity,  and  stands  well  both  in  his  profession  and 
as  a  man. 

Ephraim  Marsh, 

present  Clerk  of  the  Hancock  Circuit  Court,  was  born  in' 
Brown  township,  this  coimty,  June  2,  1845.  He  is  a  son 
of  Jonas  and  Catharine  Marsh,  honest,  respectable  people-. 


374 


HISTORY  OF  HAN'COCK  COUNTY 


in  good  standing  in  the  community.  By  industiy  and 
close  application  to  his  studies,  Ephraim  soon  acquired  a 
fair  English  education  at  the  public  schools  of  the  county, 
and  at  the  age  of  twenty  entered  Asbury  University  at 
Greencastle,  Indiana,  where  he  graduated  with  honors  in 
1870.  Dvn-ing  his  collegiate  course  he  spent  one  year  at 
Washington  Citv  as  clerk  in  the  Third  Auditor's  office  of 
the  Treasury  Department,  receiving  his  appointment 
through  the  recommendation  of  ex-Governor  Hendricks  and 
Judge  D.  S.  Gooding.  After  serving  for  a  time  as  deputy 
clerk  of  the  Circuit  Court  under  Henry  A.  Swope,  during 
which  time  he  applied  himself  assiduously  to  the  stud}^  of 
law,  he  was,  in  the  autumn  of  1874,  elected  Clerk  of  the 
Circuit  Court,  and  re-elected  in  1878.  Mr.  Marsh,  on 
February  29,  1872,  joined  the  Knights  of  Pythias  ;  in  1873, 
the  Free  and  Accepted  Masons  ;  in  1874,  ^^^^  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows  ;  in  1878,  the  Ancient  Order  of 
Workingmen.  He  has  been  Master  in  the  Masonic  and 
Past  Chancellor  in  the  Pythias.  He  is  also  a  thirty-second 
Indiana  Consistory,  S.  P.  R.,  and  a  member  of  Keystone 
Chapter  of  the  Masons  of  Indianapolis  and  Raper  Com- 
mandery.  He  was  married  Februar}-  5,  1875,  to  Miss 
Matilda  J.  Brewer,  of  Franklin  county,  an  estimable 
lady  of  great  merit  and  financial  means,  the  fruits  of  which 
union  is  one  child,  Ella,  a  favorite  of  all  who  know  her, 
and  in  the  public  school,  which  she  is  now  attending. 

Mr.  M.  is  a  steadfast  Democrat,  a  fine  conversationalist, 
and  a  courteous  gentleman.  As  an  officer  he  has  been 
attentive  and  efficient,  and  has  won  the  confidence  of 
his  constituents.  Mr.  M.  is  still  a  young  man,  and  is 
looking  forward  to  the  legal  profession  after  the  expiration 
of  his  office,  and  is  bending  his  energies  in  that  direction. 

Nelson  Bradley, 

President  of  the  Greenfield  Banking  Company,  was  born 
in  Clermont  county,  Ohio,  May  19,  1822.  His  father  w^is 
an  Englishman,  and  served  in  the  American  army  in  the 


BIOGRAPHIES  AND  PERSONAL  SKETCHES.  375 

war  of  181 2.  Mr.  Bradley's  opportunities  for  an  education 
were  limited,  his  time  being  chieliy  employed  in  helping 
his  father  on  the  tarm,  and  his  schooling  was  restricted  to 
a  tew  months'  attendance  at  the  log  school-houses  of  his 
neighborhood.  Mr.  B.  in  early  life  manifested  a  taste  for 
and  aptness  in  business  pursuits,  and  while  yet  a  bo}-  made 
frequent  visits  to  the  markets  at  Cincinnati  with  produce 
purchased  at  the  farm-houses  in  the  various  settlements. 
In  1852  he  visited  Indiana,  and  purchased  a  small  tract  of 
land  on  the  newly-constructed  Bellefontaine  railroad,  at 
the  site  of  the  present  town  of  McCordsville.  In  Septem- 
ber he  located  there  and  opened  a  store.  In  1863  he  was 
elected  Treasurer  of  Hancock  county,  which  position  he 
held  for  two  consecutive  terms.  In  1866  he  moved  to 
Greenfield,  and  engaged  in  the  grocer}-  business,  at  which 
he  continued  till  1871,  when,  with  other  gentlemen,  he 
established  the  Greenfield  Banking  Company,  of  which  he 
is  still  president.  He  is  also  a  partner  in  the  Hancock 
Flouring  Mills,  and  a  stockholder  in  nearly  all  the  gravel 
roads  centering  in  Greenfield.  Mr.  B.  has  contributed 
liberally  towards  the  erection  of  churches  and  other  public 
buildings,  and  has  ever  manifested  a  liberal  public-spirited 
disposition.  He  has  been  an  honored  member  of  the  Free 
and  Accepted  Masons  since  1845,  at  which  time  he  joined 
the  order  in  Georgetown,  Ohio.  He  took  the  Chapter 
degrees  in  Felicity,  Ohio,  in  1848,  and  the  Council  and 
Scottish  Rite  degrees  at  Indianapolis  at  a  later  date.  He 
assisted  in  organizing  Oakland  Lodge,  No.  140,  and 
McCordsville  Chapter,  No.  44,  of  which  he  was  the  first 
High  Priest.  He  is  now  a  member  of  Hancock  Lodge, 
No.  loi,  of  which  he  has  been  treasurer  and  trustee  for  a 
number  of  years.  He  has  been  a  liberal,  consistent  mem- 
ber of  the  M.  E.  Church  since  1845,  and  is  now  and  has 
been  for  many  3'ears  superintendent  of  the  large  and  pros- 
perous Sunday-school  in  connection  therewith.  He  was 
first  a  Whig,  but,  since  the  organization  of  the  party,  an 
enthusiastic  Republican.  He  was  married  September  29, 
1844,  to  Elizabeth  Gray,  a  noble.  Christian  woman,  who 


376  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

has  been  his  faithful  companion,  shared  his  joys  and  aided 
in  his  prosperity  for  nearly  forty  years.  Mr.  B.  is  of  a 
ircnial  disposition,  enjoys  a  good  joke  and  a  hearty  laugh, 
and  has  a  host  of  warm  friends. 


Jonathan  SMirn 

was  born  in  Preston  county,  West  \^iro-inia,  August  29, 
1818,  and  moved  to  Hancock  county,  Indiana,  during  the 
winter  of  1836-7.  Was  married  to  Mary  T.  Watson  De- 
cember 17,  1840,  who  died  December  4,  1841.  His  second 
marriage  w^as  to  Susannah  Lakin,  October  16,  1845,  who 
has  been  an  invalid  for  the  past  twentv-six  years.  Mr.  S. 
has  raised  foiu"  children  (all  boys),  all  of  whom  are  still 
living,  the  oldest  being  thirty-iive  years  of  age.  Mr. 
Smith's  religious  views  are  strictly  old  scliool  Baptist.  He 
established  a  store  at  what  is  now  known  as  Willow  Branch 
in  1853,  and  a  post-office  at  the  same  place  in  1854.  He 
continued  in  this  occupation  about  twenty  3'ears.  Also,  at 
the  same  time  Mr.  S.  continued  in  farming,  \yhich  was  his 
former  occupation.  Mr.  S.  was  a  staunch  Democrat,  an 
industrious  man,  and  served  one  term  as  county  commis- 
sioner.     See  his  portrait  on  another  page. 

James  Judkins, 

a  native  of  Virginia,  began  his  earthh' pilgrimage  in  1803. 
Was  married  to  Elizabeth  Wales  in  North  Carolina,  Sep- 
tember I,  1825,  and  emigrated  to  Newport,  Wa3-ne 
count}^  Indiana,  in  1826.  Moved  to  Hancock  county  in 
1833,  and  entered  land  about  one  mile  west  of  Eden. 
Among  his  neighbors  at  that  time  were  Robert  Walker,  Jas. 
and  Jehu  Denney,  Jacob  and  William  Amick,  and  Enoch 
Olvey.  Others  soon  followed.  Here  he  experienced  the 
hardships  and  privations  of  pioneer  life.  Fruits  were  then 
almost  unknown  ;  corn  was  $1  per  bushel,  and  other  eata- 
bles proportionately  high.  In  1836  he  moved  to  the  Pier- 
son  farm  and  mill  on  Sugar  Creek,  iive  or  six  miles 
north-w^est  of  Greenfield,  wdiich  mill  he  run  for  about  four 


BIOGRAPHIES  AND   I'ERSONAL  SKETCHES. 


377 


years,  and  did  much  of  the  grinding  and  sawing  for  the 
citizens  of  *Greenfield.  The  old  mill  pond  was  then  sup- 
plied with  fine  fish,  the  catching  of  which  afforded  royal 
sport  for  some  of  the  early  settlers  of  Greenfield,  among 
whom  were  Cornwell  and  Joshua  Meek,  Nathan  Craw-ford, 
Ferdinand  Keiffer,  the  Piersons  and  others.  In  1840  he 
sold  the  mill,  purchased  an  adjoining  farm,  and  worked 
thereon  for  tw^o  years  ;  then  back  to  the  Pierson  farm  and 
mill  again,  which  he  rented  for  six  years,  Pierson  having 
died  in  the  meantime.  In  1848  he  returned  to  his  adjoining 
tarm,  where  he  remained  till  his  death,  December  24,  1874. 
Mr.  J.  was  the  father  of  eight  children,  his  widow  and 
three  of  whom  survive  him.  Dr.  E.  I.,  Miss  Irene  and 
the  widow,  of  this  city,  and  James  M.,  of  Iowa.  Mr.  J. 
was  a  devoted  member  of  Hancock  Lodge,  No.  loi,  F. 
A.  M.  His  mortal  remains  now  slumber  in  the  Sugar 
Creek  cemeterv,  near  his  old  home. 


Hon.  Morgan  Chandler, 

cashier  of  the  Greenfield  Banking  Company,  of  this  city, 
w-as  born  on  a  farm  in  Owen  count}-,  Kentucky,  September 
,^0,  1827.  His  grandfather  was  a  soldier  in  tfie  revolution. 
His  earl}'  opportunities  for  education  were  exceedingly 
limited,  so  that  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  could  neither 
read  nor  write  his  own  name.  He  now,  however,  resolved 
to  educate  himself,  and  within  eighteen  months  w^as  teach- 
ing school  in  his  owm  county.  This  occupation  he  followed 
for  fifteen  months.  In  185 1  he  came  to  Hancock  county, 
Indiana,  and  engaged  in  teaching.  In  1854  ^^^  engaged 
as  clerk  in  the  store  of  G.  G.  Tague  at  $10  per  month. 
April  22,  1855,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Nancy  M.  Gal- 
breath,  formerly  of  Kentucky.  In  the  fall  of  the  same 
year  he  was  elected  Sheriff  of  this  county.  After  the  expi- 
ration of  his  term  of  office,  he  engaged  in  farming  until  1861 , 
when  he  was  elected  Clerk  of  the  Hancock  Circuit  Court, 


♦This  was  the  first  mill  in  Center  township.     See  page  145. 
25 


378  HISTORY    OF    HANCOCK    COUNTY. 

which  office  he  held  for  four  years.  The  summer  of  1867- 
68  he  spent  in  the  Western  States  and  Territories,  and  the 
winters  of  the  same  3-ears  in  Washington  City.  In  1869- 
70  he  was  engaged  in  the  store  of  Walker  &  Edwards.  In 
1871  he,  with  four  other  gentlemen,  established  the  Green- 
field Banking  Company,  of  which  he  is  cashier.  Refer- 
ring back  to  his  earlier  history,  we  may  remark  that  at  the 
age  of  fifteen  he  united  with  the  Baptist  Church,  and  still 
leans  in  that  direction.  At  the  age  of  twenty-two  he  was 
chosen  Lieutenant-Colonel  of  the  State  troops  of  his  native 
county.  Mr.  C.  has  been  a  life-long  Democrat,  an  advo- 
cate of  improvements,  and  has  always  taken  a  lively 
interest  in  agricultural  pursuits,  being  President  of  the 
District  Fair  Association,  composed  of  the  counties  of 
Rush,  Henr}^  and  Hancock.  Mr.  C.  is  kind  and  hospita- 
ble, and  has  thereby  made  an  extensive  acquaintance. 
He  is  also  a  good  judge  of  human  nature,  and  has  rare 
business  tact  and  talent,  which  eminently  tit  him  for  his 
present  position.  In  the  fall  of  1880  he  represented  his 
adopted  county  in  the  lower  house  of  the  Legislature. 

Capt.  I.  A.  Curry 

was  born  in  Center  township,  Hancock  county,  Indiana, 
July  16,  1835.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  his  father  died,  lead- 
ing his  mother  with  several  small  children.  Mr.  Curr}- 
being  the  oldest,  much  of  the  care  of  the  family  conse- 
quently fell  upon  his  shoulders.  He  grumbled  not,  how- 
ever, but  performed  his  duties  well.  His  opportunities  for 
education  were  limited,  but  he  made  the  most  of  them. 
In  December,  1857,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Mar}^  Thomas, 
with  whom  he  is  still  happily  living.  In  August,  1862,  he 
enlisted  as  a  private  in  Company  B,  99th  Indiana  Regi- 
ment, and  was  soon  promoted  to  i  st  Sergeant,  which  position 
he  held  till  January,  1863,  when  he  was  again  promoted, 
this  time  to  2nd  Lieutenant,  and  in  March,  1864,  to  ist 
Lieutenant,  and  finall}',  in  April,  1865,  he  was  mustered  in 
as  Captain.     His  regiment  followed  Gen.  Sherman  in  his 


BIOGRAPHIES  AND  PERSONAL  SKETCHES.  379 

memorable  march  through  Georgia  to  the  sea.  Mr.  C, 
through  these  tedious  years  of  soldier  life,  was  ever  recog- 
nized as  a  faithful  soldier  and  dutiful  officer.  In  the  fall 
of  1880  he  was  elected  Treasurer  of  Hancock  county, 
which  position  he  is  still  filling. 

Dr.  El  AM  I.  Judkins, 

a  resident  physician  of  this  city,  and  second  son  of  the 
late  James  Judkins,  was  born  in  Wayne  county,  Indiana, 


in  1830.  Me  remained  with  his  father,  working  on  a  fiirm 
and  in  a  mill,  till  he  attained  his  majority.  His  opportuni- 
ties for  education  being  limited,  his  thirst  for  knowledge 
led  him  to  Greenfield  in  January,  1852,  where  he  attended 
school  tor  a  time,  then  at  Shelbyville  for  one  year.  He 
afterwards  encrai^ed  in  teaching  and  manual  labor  until  the 
autumn  of  1854,  when  he  went  into  the  drug  trade  and 
study  of  medicine.  In  the  spring  of  1865,  after  having 
attended  a  course  of  lectures  in  the  Ohio  Medical  College 
at  Cincinnati,  he  began  the  practice,  and  has  since  been 
actively  and  successfully  engaged  in  his  chosen  profession. 
Dr.  J.  is  a  graduate  of  the  Indiana  Medical  College  and  of 
the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  of  Indiana.    He  has 


380  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY, 

been  an  active  insurance  agent  since  1863,  and  perhaps  is 
the  oldest  agent  in  the  county.  He  has  been  a  member  of 
and  zealously  devoted  to  tiie  order  of  Masons  since  1853.  In 
May,  1857,  he  was  married  in  Rensselaer,  Jasper  count}', 
Indiana,  to  Miss  Emma  L.  Martin,  daughter  ot*  the  late 
Dr.  William  H.  Martin,  formerly  of  Rushville,  and  at  one 
time  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Examiners  of  the  Indiana 
Medical  Institute.  (See  page  no.)  In  February,  1880, 
Mrs.  J.  died,  leaving  no  children.  The  only  child  born 
unto  them  died  in  1863,  ^t  the  age  of  five  3'ears.  In 
1862,  the  doctor  was  appointed  enrolling  and  draft  com- 
missioner, by  Gov.  Morton,  for  this  county.  In  1868-69, 
Dr.  J.  served  as  President  of  the  Board  of  Town  Trustees^ 
and  to  him  is  mainly  due  the  credit  of  originating  and  ne- 
gotiating the  bonds  for  the  erection  of  tiie  public  school 
building,  which  is  a  credit  to  our  city.  He  also  served, 
four  years  as  treasurer  of  the  town.  In  1881  Dr.  J.  was 
appointed  by  the  Commissioner  of  Pensions  as  a  U.  S. 
Examining  Surgeon  for  this  vicinity,  which  position  he 
still  holds.  The  Doctor's  mother  and  sister  are  living 
with  him  at  the  old  home,  where  he  set  up  to  himself  in. 
1857.  The  Doctor  is  an  unswerving  Republican,  inclines 
to  the  Presbyterian  faith,  and  is  an  enterprising,  public- 
spirited  man. 


Hon.  William  R.  Hough, 
senior  member  of  the  law  firm  of  Hough  &  Cook,  of  the 
city  of  Greenfield,  was  born  at  Williamsburgh,  Wayne 
county,  in  this  State,  October  9,  1833.  He  is  the  oldest 
son  of  Alfred  and  Anna  Hough,  whose  parents  were  among 
the  pioneers  of  that  county.  His  paternal  ancestors  were 
among  the  early  settlers  of  Pennsylvania,  having  emigrated 
from  England  and  located  in  that  State  in  1683.  At  the 
age  of  eight  years,  the  subject  of  our  sketch  removed  witli 
his  parents  from  his  native  village  to 'Hagerstown,  in  the 
same  county,  and  in  tiie  fall  of  1842  from  Hagerstown  to 
Northern  Indiana,  locating  at  Middlebury,  Elkhart  count}'. 


382  HISTORY  OP'  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

In  this  village  Mr.  Hough  grew  to  manhood,  receiving 
such  educational  advantages  as  were  afforded  by  the  pub- 
lic schools,  the  Middlebury  Seminary,  and  a  supplemental 
course  of  study  at  the  LaGrange  Collegiate  Institute,  of 
LaGrange  county.  During  his  twentieth  and  twenty- 
second  years  he  taught  school  in  the  last  named  county. 
In  the  fall  of  1856,  having  determined  to  enter  the  legal 
profession,  he  located  in  Greenfield,  and  began  the  study 
of  the  law  in  the  office  of  Capt.  Reuben  A.  Riley,  one  of 
the  leading  lawyers  of  the  county.  He  made  rapid  pro- 
gress with  his  studies,  and  was  soon  admitted  to  the  bar, 
and  began  practice  as  partner  of  his  preceptor.  While 
prosecuting  his  legal  studies  he  was  twice  appointed  by  the 
commissioners  of  this  county  to  the  office  of  school  exam- 
iner, and  for  two  successive  years  performed  the  duties 
thereof.  In  i860  he  was  elected  district  attorne}' for  the 
district  composed  of  the  counties  of  Hancock,  Madison, 
Henry,  Rush  and  Decatur,  and  for  two  years  prosecuted 
the  pleas  of  the  State  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  law-abiding 
people  of  the  district. 

In  1862  Mr.  Hough  was  married  to  Miss  Tillie  C. 
McDowell,  a  native  of  Scotland,  and  settled  down  to  the 
earnest  pursuit  of  his  profession,  and  for  ten  or  twelve 
years  did  an  immense  amount  of  professional  labor,  both 
in  his  office  and  at  the  bar,  where  he  was  recognized  as  an 
able  advocate  and  a  tenacious,  strong  opponent.  In  the 
year  1872  he  was  nominated  and  elected  State  Senator  for 
the  district  composed  of  Hancock  and  Henry  counties, 
which  position  he  filled  for  four  3'ears,  serving  during  two 
regular  and  two  special  sessions  in  the  Legislature.  As  a 
legislator,  Mr.  H.  was  recognized  as  an  able  debater,  and 
as  a  man  of  acknowledged  executive  abilit}',  evidenced  by 
the  large  amount  of  work  which  he  j)erformed  as  a  mem- 
ber of  several  of  the  most  important  committees. 

Mr.  IT.  lias  been  an  earnest  Republican  since  the  origan- 
ization  of  the  l'>arty,  and  cast  his  tirst  vote  for  President 
tor  John  C.  Fremont.  Since  i865  he  has  been  an  honored 
member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F. 


HIOGRAPIIIES  AND  PERSONAL  SKETCHES.  ^^^ 

Mrs.  Hough,  who  has  been  his  companion  and  help- 
mate indeed,  is  a  lady  of  refined  tastes  and  accomplish- 
ments, and  is  in  every  way  fitted  to  preside  over  her 
elegant  and  hospitable  home.  They  have  two  boys,  Wil- 
liam A.  and  Clarence  A.,  aged  respectively  seventeen  and 
fifteen.  Their  only  daughter,  Mabel,  a  beautiful,  brilliant 
little  girl,  dearly  loved  by  all  her  friends  and  schoolmates, 
and  idolized  by  her  parents,  was,  at  the  age  of  seven  years, 
suddenh^  and  unexpectedly  called  from  her  pleasant  home, 
surrounded  by  birds,  music,  flowers  and  Terns,  to  enter 
her  long  home  in  the  celestial  city,  where  the  streets  are 
paved  with  gold,  and  music  is  never  ceasing,  and  sickness, 
death  and  darkness  never  enter. 

Mr.  H.  is  a  public-spirited  citizen,  and  is  a  prominent 
promoter  and  supporter  of  the  public  school  system,  which 
he  has  defended  as  a  citizen,  lecturer  and  legislator.  That 
his  services  to  the  cause  of  education  as  a  member  of  the 
Senate  were  highly  appreciated  by  the  leading  educators 
of  the  State,  may  be  inferred  from  the  following  incident  : 
In  the  3'ear  1874,  the  late  Hon.  Milton  B.  Hopkins,  then 
Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  in  a  public  lecture 
in  Greenfield,  in  speaking  of  the  acts  of  the  Legislature  of 
1873,  among  other  things  said  :  "The  last  Legislature  was 
the  best  Legislature  on  the  question  of  education  that  ever 
sat  in  Indiana  ;  and  I  take  pleasure  in  saying  now,  and 
sa3'ing  it  here  in  his  presence  (Mr.  H.  being  in  the  audi- 
ence), that  no  county  was  more  faithfull}'  represented  in 
that  body,  on  that  question,  than  was  Hancock  county,  on 
the  floor  of  the  Senate,  in  the  person  of  your  honored 
Senator." 

Mr.  Hough  has  been  remarkabl}^  successful  financially, 
having  achieved  a  handsome  competence,  and  is  one  of  the 
largest  tax-payers  in  the  county. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

COURTS,  JAILS,  EXEMPTION  LAWS,  ETC. 

The  First  Court — Of  an}-  kind  or  character  in  Han- 
cock county  was  a  commissioners'  court,  held  early  in  the 
year  1828,  and  composed  of  three  commissioners,  viz : 
Elisha  Chapman,  Samuel  Vangilder  and  John  Hunter. 
This  court  is  still  in  existence,  having  met  four  times  a  year 
ever  since,  and  never  having  undergone  any  great  or 
material  change,  except  that  its  duties  have  been  enlarged 
and  its  jurisdiction  somewhat  extended,  as  the  State  has 
advanced  in  years  and  laws  have  multiplied  on  the  statute 

books. 

The  First  Circuit  Court — In  Hancock  county  was 
organized  in  March,  1828,  at  the  private  residence  of 
Samuel  B.  Jackson,  in  a  log  house  east  of  Greenfield,  in 
the  bottom  on  Brandy  wine,  south  of  the  National  road, 
near  the  flax  factory.  This  county  was  then  in  the  Fifth 
Judicial  Circuit. 

The  First  Officers — Of  said  court  were  Bethuel  F.  Mor- 
ris, Presiding  Judge  ;  Jacob  Jones  and  James  Stevens. 
Associate  Judges  ;*  James  Whitcomb,  Prosecuting  Attor- 
ney ;  Lewis  Tyner,  Clerk,  and  John  Foster,  Sheriff. 

The  First  Attorncxs — Admitted  to  the  bar  in  Hancock 

county    were    Calvin    Fletcher,    Henrv  Gregg,    Marinus 

Willett  and  Charles  H.  Verder.     There  being  no  business 

before  the  court,  it  adjourned  with  the  t'ollowing  entry: 

"  The  court  adjourned  siiic  die.     March  24,  A.  D.,  1828. 

"A.   F.   Morris.  Judge." 


•For  about  twenty-lour  years  of  the  first  liistory  of  Hancock  county  the  Circuit 
Court  was  presided  over  by  three  Judges,  a  Presiding  Judge  and  two  Associate  Judges. 
The  functions  of  the  Presiding  Judge  were  similar  to  those  of  the  Juige  of  the  Circuit 
Court  in  Indiana  at  this  date.  lie  had  liis  circuit  prescribed  bj-  law,  and  traveled  from 
county  to  county.  The  Associate  Judges  were  county  officers,  each  county  having  her 
own.  Instead  of  one  Judge,  as  at  present,  three  then  sat  upon  tlie  bench  at  the  same 
time,  the  Presiding  Judge  being  the  center  man. 


COURTS,  JAILS,  EXEMPTION  LAWS,  ETC.  385 

'■^September*  Jcrm,  1828. — At  a  Circuit  Court,  be<^an 
and  held  at  the  house  of  Samuel  B.  Jackson,  in  the  count}' 
of  Hancock,  on  the  22d  of  September,  1828,  it  being  the 
fourth  Monday  of  September,  Hiram  Brown  and  James  F. 
Brown  were  admitted  attorneys." 

The  First  Grand  yurors — Were  George  W.  Hinton, 
James  McKinsey,  Benjamin  Gordon,  Meredith  Gosnev. 
Jeremiah  Meek,  Samuel  Thompson,  Robert  Snodgrass, 
David  Templeton,  Ladock  Stephenson,  Richard  Guymon, 
Jacob  Tague,  Moses  McCall,  Samuel  Martin,  Basil  Meek, 
Owen  Griffith  and  John  Osborn  ;  twelve  sturdy  men,  of  good 
judgment  and  clean  characters.  Meredith  Gosney  was 
appointed  foreman. 

The  First  Bill  Found — By  said  grand  jury  was  against 
Washington  Williams,  for  assault  and  battery.  He  was 
arraigned,  tried  and  found  guilty,  and  a  fine  of  $1  assessed 
against  him.  Several  other  bills  were  found  by  said  grand 
jury,  most  of  which  resulted  in$i  fines.  The  most  singu- 
lar and  unexpected  bill,  however,  was  against  Lewis 
Tyner,  Clerk  of  the  aforesaid  Circuit  Court,  for  neglect- 
ing to  post  up,  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  law, 
a  list  of  his  legal  fees,  which  resulted  in  his  being  fined  $1 
and  costs. 

The  First  Petit  'Jury — Empanneled  in  this  countv  was 
composed  of  the  following  twelve  reputable  men  and  prom- 
inent citizens  at  that  date,  viz.  :  Henry  Watts,  John  Kau- 
ble,  Peter  Beller\',  Benjamin  Miller,  George  Baitv,  William 
Chapman,  William  Booth,  David  Smith,  John  Henlev, 
James  Goodwin,  Samuel  Vangilder  and  Elihu  Chapman. 

The  First  CoDunissioners'  Court  in  Greenfield. — In  May, 
1829,  the  Commissioners  of  the  count\'  adjourned  to  the 
town  of  Greenfield,  the  seat  of  justice,  from  the  house  of 
Samuel  B.  Jackson  to  the  place  appointed  by  the  Legisla- 
ture of  Indiana  in  which  the  courts  of  said  county  should 


*It  will  be  observed  that  the  first  term  of  court  was  held  in  March  and  the  second  in 
September,  beinfj  six  months  apart,  which  is  accounted  for  by  the  fact  that  in  the  carlv 
history  of  the  county  and  until   1872  there  were  but  two  terms  of  the  Circuit  Court  per 


386  HISTORY    OF    HANCOCK    COUNTY. 

be  held.  It  was  a  rude  log  house,  belonging  to  Jeremiah 
Meek. 

The  First  Court  House. — In  the  winter  of  1829-30  the 
Commissioners  contracted  with  Amos  Dickerson  and  John 
Hays  to  build  a  two-story  brick  Court  House  on  the  public 
square,  at  a  cost  of  about  $3,000.  This  building  was 
promptly  erected,  in  accordance  with  contract,  and  courts 
were  held  therein,  in  the  lower  rooms,  until  185 1,  at  which 
time  it  was  tojn  down. 

Courts  in  Churches  and  Seminary. — In  December,  1851, 
the  Trustees  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  on  South  State  street, 
rented  their  church  building  to  the  County  Commissioners, 
to  be  used  as  a  place  for  holding  the  courts.  Said  build- 
ing was  a  roomy  one-story  frame,  still  standing,  located  in 
the  south  part  of  the  city  on  the  west  side  of  South  State 
street.  Early  in  1853  the  court  was  moved  to  the  old 
Seminary,  and  remained  there  until  the  June  term,  1855, 
when  the  court  was  ordered  to  be  mov^ed  to  the  Christian 
Church  building,  still  standing,  and  located  just  north  of 
our  present  jail  and  east  of  the  public  square.  The  con- 
ditions of  said  renting  were  that  the  house  should  not  be 
damaged,  and  if  not  injured  it  should  be  free  to  the  county 
until  the  new  Court  House  should  be  completed. 

The  Present  Court  House.* — In  1854,  Nathan  Crawford, 
father  of  Freeman  H.  Crawford,  druggist  in  our  city,  con- 
tracted to  erect  a  new  brick  Court  House,  two  stories  high, 
commodious  and  substantial,  on  the  public  square,  at  a 
cost  of  $14,400,  which  contract  he  tilled  promptly  and 
full}',  in  accordance  with  the  plans  and  specifications.  This 
contract  did  not  include  the  bell  and  irons  for  suspending 
thereof;  but  for  these  he  was  allowed  the  sum  of  $268. 
Said  Crawford  was  ordered  to  buy  ten  stoves  and  ditVerent 
locks  and  keys  for  said  Court  House  ;  and  it  was  further 
ordered  by  the  Commissioners  that  the  county  officers  re- 
ceive their  rooms  unfinished,  and  that  they  have  their 
respective  rooms  finished  to  suit   themselves  by  the  car- 


*Sc"c  cut  of  licnisu  on  p;ige  36. 


COURTS,  J AII.S,  EXEMPTION  LAWS,  ETC. 


387 


penter  or  carpenters  employed  by  the  county.  The  courts 
were  to  occupy  the  Upper  rooms,  and  the  county  officers 
the  lower.  The  house  was  completed  and  brought  into 
use  early  in  1856.  There  has  been,  from  time  to  time, 
several  changes  made  in  the  court  rooms  above,  and  in 
the  arrangement  of  the  officers'  rooms  below. 

Circuit  Court  Twice  a  Tear. — Prior  to  1872,  Circuit 
Court  was  held  in  this  county  twice  a  year.  Since  that 
time  quarter  sessions  have  been  regularly  held. 

Circuit  and  Associate  Judges. — From  the  organization 
of  the  county,  in  1828  until  1852,  the  date  of  the  adoption 
of  the  Constitution,  there  was  one  Circuit  Judge  and  two 
Associate  Judges  (one  on  either  side)  on  the  bench.  In 
1852  the  law  providing  for  Associate  Judges  was  aboHshed, 
since  which  time  we  have  had  but  the  one  Judge. 

T/ie  ^^aines  of  the  Circuit  Judges — In  Hancock  county, 
from  the  date  of  the  organization  thereof  to  the  present, 
with  the  date  of  their  appointment  or  election,  are  as  fol- 
lows, to-wit : 


Bethuel   F.  Morris 1828 

William  W.  Wick 1835 

James   Morrison 1S40 

William  J.   Peasley 1843 

William  W.  Wick' 1850 

Stephen  Major 1853 

Joseph   S.  Buckles ^859 

Joshua  II.  Mellett 187° 

Robert  L.  Polk 1876 

Mark  E.  Forkncr 1881 


Remarks  :  It  will  be  observed  that  Bethuel  F.  Morris 
was  the  first  Circuit  Judge  in  the  county.  William  W. 
Wick,  who  came  on  the  bench  in  1835,  was  one  of  the 
early  judges  in  Indiana.  It  was  he  that  presided  at  Pen- 
dleton, in  Madison  county,  in  1824,  at  the  trial  of  the 
whites  for  ,the  murder  of  the 'Indians  on  Fall  creek.  He 
also  presided  at  the  organization  of  the  first  court  in  Rush 
county,  in  April,  1822.      He  was  the  Judge  on  the  bencli  in 


388  HISTORY  OF  HANCOClv  COUNTY. 

the  Fifth  District  at  the  time  when  Sherift'  John  Hays,  of 
Rush  count}^  became  insane  and  wandered  out  to  this 
phice,  and  was  burned  up  in  the  old  jail,  as  heretofore 
mentioned.  Judges  Morrison,  Peasley  and  Major  were  in 
office  respectively  three,  seven  and  six  3'ears,  and  were 
known  to  our  older  attorneys,  David  M.  C.  Lane,  David 
S.  Gooding,  J.  H.  Williams',  T.  D.  Walpole,  George  W. 
Julian,  ct  al.  Judges  Buckles  and  Mellett  have  exchanged 
the  bench  for  the  bar,  and  are  holding  forth  respectively  at 
Anderson  and  New  Castle.  Robert  L.  Polk,  Judge  of  the 
Eighteenth  Judicial  Circuit  for  five  years,  died  at  his  home 
in  New  Castle,  Saturday,  May  7,  1881,  at  the  early  age  of 
thirty-nine.  Hon.  Mark  E.  Forkner  was  appointed  b}- 
Governor  Porter  to  fill  the  unexpired  term  of  the  late 
lamented  Judge  Polk,  and  is  the  presiding  Judge  at  this 
date. 

The  Names  of  the  Associate  yiidges — In  Hancock  county 
from  1828  to  1852  were  as  follows,  to-wit : 

Jacob  Jones,  Hector  H.  Hall, 

James  Stevens,  George  Tague, 

John  Ogg,  Owen  Jairctt. 

Roliert  McCorkhill,  Andrew  F.  Hatfield, 

Xathan  Crawford,  P.  H.  Foy. 
(jeorge  Henry. 

Remarks:  Jacob  Jones  and  James  Stevens,  it  will  be 
observed,  were  the  first  Associate  Judges  in  the  county. 
John  Ogg,  fiither  of  A.  L.  Ogg,  and  Robert  McCorkhill, 
a  prominent  citizen,  came  next ;  then  followed  in  order 
Nathan  Crawford,  contractor  of  the  court-house,  George 
Henry,  father  of  Attorney  Charles  Henry,  of  Anderson. 
Hector  II.  Hall,  now  of  Indianapolis,  from  whom  we  have 
a  letter  on  page  139,  George  Tague,  father  of  G.  G.  and 
Jonathan  Tague,  Owen  Jarrett,  ancestor  of  the  Green 
township  Jarretts,  Andrew  F.  Hatfield  and  P.  II.  Foy,  the 
last  two  of  whom  were  on  the  bench  at  the  time  of  the 
adoption  of  the  new  Constitution. 


COURTS,  JAII.S,  EXEMPTION  LAWS,  ETC, 


389 


The  Probate  Court. — In  1829  there  was  a  Probate  Court 
organized  in  the  county,  with  power  to  adjust  estates  of 
deceased  persons,  or,  as  the  name  indicates,  adjudicate 
probate  business  only.  This  court  continued  until  1852, 
when  the  law  providing  for  it  was  abolished,  and  the  busi- 
ness was  turned  over  to  the  Common  Pleas  Court,  which 
was  then  provided  for.  The  first  Probate '  Judge  was 
Jeremiah  Meek,  who  served  till    1836.     The  second  was 


(h;oiige  l.  kxox. 


John  Ogg,  who  presided  till  1850.  The  third  and  last  was 
Samuel  Ilotde,  who  held  forth  till  1852.  The  Probate 
Court,  during  the  time  it. was  sustained  as  a  separate  and 
distinct  court,  set  twice  a  year  onlv.  After  the  probate 
lousiness  was  turned  over  to  the  Common  Pleas  Court, 
probate  matters  c(nild  be  adjudicated  four  times  a  vear. 


390  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK:  COUNTY. 

Remarks  :  The  iirst  will  recorded  in  the  countv  was 
that  of  Samuel  Pierson  on  the  24th  of  September,  1829. 
The  first  inventory  of  personal  property-  was  on  the  loth  of 
October,  1829. 

The  Couimon  Pleas  Court — Was  organized  by  an  act 
approved  May  14,  1852,  to  be  presided  over  by  one  Judge, 
elected  by  the  voters  of  the  district,  at  the  annual  election 
in  October,  1852,  and  every  four  years  thereafter,  who 
should  hold  his  office  for  the  term  of  four  years,  if  he  should 
so  long  behave  well,  and  until  his  successor  should  be 
elected  and  qualified.  And  in  case  of  a  vacancy  by  death 
or  otherwise,  the  Governor  w^as  to  hll  the  vacancy  bv  ap- 
pointment until  the  next  general  election.  The  Common 
Pleas  Court,  as  to  jurisdiction,  was  virtually  a  probate 
court,  at  least  as  to  all  matters  in  which  it  had  exclusive 
jurisdiction  ;  but  there  were  certain  matters  in  which  it  had 
c^;/c«rrf;/^  jurisdiction  with  the  Circuit  Court.  Section  five 
of  the  act  of  May  14,  1852,  providing  for  the  establishment 
of  Courts  of  Common  Pleas,  and  defining  the  duties  and 
jurisdiction  thereof,  read  as  follows,  to-wit :  ''The  Cir- 
cuit and  Common  Pleas  Courts  shall  have  concurrent  juris- 
diction in  all  actions  against  heirs,  devisees  and  sureties  of 
executors,  administrators  and  guardians,  in  the  partition  of 
real  estate,  assignment  of  dowers,  and  the  appointment  of  a 
commissioner  to  execute  a  deed  on  any  title  bond  given  by 
deceased."  Although  it  would  seem  trom  the  section  just 
quoted,  that  the  Circuit  and  Common  Pleas  Courts  had 
concurrent  jurisdiction  in  all  actions  against  the  sureties  of 
executors,  administrators  and  guardians,  yet  the  Supreme 
Court  held  in  lOth  Indiana,  page  411,  that  Courts  of  Com- 
mon Pleas  have  no  jurisdiction  of  suits  on  the  bonds  of 
administrators,  when  the  damages  are  laid  at  $1,000  or  up- 
ward. But  to  be  brief,  without  entering  into  details,  the 
Common  Pleas  Courts,  which  were  sustained  for  twenty 
years  in  this  and  other  counties  of  Indiana,  were  virtually 
probate  courts,  presided  over  by  judges  elected  quadren- 
nially, and  did  the  business,  slightly  modified,  of  the  old 
probate  courts,  which  met  semi-annually.     It  was  an  infe- 


COURTS,  JAILS,  EXEMPTION  LAWS,  ETC.  39 1 

rior  court  to  the  Circuit  Court.  The  Judges  of  the  Common 
Pleas  Court  of  Hancock  county,  for  the  time  aforesaid, 
and  the  dates  of  their  election  were  as  follows,  to-wit : 

David  S.  Goodin<^ 18^2      David  S.  Goodintj^ 1S61 

Richard  Lake. 1856     William  R.  West 1864 

William  (irose i860     Robert  L.  Polk 1872 

This  court  was  abolished  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature 
approved  March  6,  1873,  which  act  also  provided  for  the 
redistricting  of  the  State  for  judicial  purposes  into  thirty- 
eight*  circuits,  and  fixed  the  time  of  holding  courts  therein, 
and  transferred  the  business  of  the  Common  Pleas  to  the 
Circuit  Courts.  Under  this  act  a]l  matters  and  business 
pending  in  the  Courts  of  Common  Pleas  were  to  be  trans- 
ferred and  disposed  of  by  the  new  Circuit  Court. 

The  Present  Ci>'ctu't  CoiirL— The  new  Circuit  Court,  bv 
the  act  of  March  6,  1873,  had  her  jurisdiction  greatly  ex- 
tended, and  in  addition  to  the  jurisdiction  previously  exer- 
cised, was  to  have  jurisdiction  over  all  matters  which  had 
been  previously  considered  by  the  Common  Pleas  Courts, 
and  all  laws  and  parts  of  laws  concerning  said  Courts  of 
Common  Pleas  were  to  be  construed  to  mean  and  apply 
to  said  Circuit  Courts,  and  the  old  offices  of  Common  Pleas 
Judge  and  District  Attorney  were  abolished.  This  act 
also  provided  for  the  election  ot  Judges  and  Prosecuting 
Attorneys,  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  October,  1873,  to  lill 
the  places  of  such  Judges  and  Prosecuting  Attorneys  as 
were  then  holding  their  office  by  virtue  of  an  appointment 
In-  the  Governor,  since  which  time  we  have  had  a  Prose- 
cuting Attorney,  and  the  counties  of  Henry  and  Hancock 
have  constituted  the  i8th  Judicial  Circuit.  The  courts  in 
this  county  convene  on  the  Monday  following  the  close  of 
the  term  of  the  Henry  county  court.  The  courts  in  Henrv 
are  held  on  the  first  Monday  in  February,  fourth  Monday 
in  April,  first  Monday  in  September,  and  third  Monday  of 


*  Three  additional  circuits  have  .since  been  added.     The  41st  and  last  circuit  is  com- 
posed of  Marshall  and  Fulton  counties,  as  provided  for  by  the  acts  of  1S75,  pajje  47. 


392  HISTORY  OP'  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

November  in  each  year.  The  courts  in  Henry  continue 
six  weeks,  and  in  Hancock  four  weeks,  if  the  business  re- 
quire it.  And  there  has  since  been  but  two  courts  in  the 
county,  viz. :  The  Commissioners  Court,  which  was  the  first 
in  the  county,  and  the  Circuit  Court,  whicli  now  has  jurisdic- 
tion of  all  probate  matters,  civil  and  criminal  business, 
and  consequently  performs  the  duties  heretofore  devolving 
upon  the  Probate,  Common  Pleas  and  Circuit  Courts. 

Courts  of  Conciliation. — There  was  still  another  court, 
though  little  resorted  to,  termed  a  Court  of  Conciliation, 
which  was  provided  for  by  an  act  entitled  an  act  to  estab- 
lish courts  of  conciliation  ;  to  prescribe  rules  and  proceed- 
ings therein,  and  compensation  of  Judges  thereof,  approved 
June  II,  1852.  This  court  might  take  cognizance  of  all 
cases  in  which  anv  person  claimed  to  have  a  cause  of 
action  against  another  for  libel,  slander,  malicious  prose- 
cution, assault  and  battery,  or  false  imprisonment.  This 
law  was,  in  many  respects,  similar  to  our  present  law 
relative  to  arbitrations  and  umpirages,  approved  February 
3,  1875.  ^^  case  a  reconciliation  between  the  parties  was 
had,  a  memorandum  thereof  stating  the  nature  of  the 
controversy,  or  thfe  alleged  cause  of  action,  the  appearance 
of  the  parties,  and  the  fact  of  the  reconciliation,  without 
specifying  the  terms  thereof,  unless  it  be  agreed  by  the 
parties  to  do  so,  was  to  be  entered  upon  a  book  of  record, 
kept  by  the  Judge,  and  signed  by  the  respective  parties. 
The  reconciliation  thus  effected  was  a  complete  bar  to  any 
future  action  in  reference  to  either  party  in  respect  thereto. 
In  case  of  a  final  adjustment  ot  the  matter  in  controversy, 
the  Judge  was  entitled  to  a  fee  of  $5,  to  be  paid  half  by 
each  party  ;  but  in  case  of  no  reconciliation,  no  fee  what- 
ever could  be  received  by  the  Judge  for  any  services 
rendered.  This  court  was  a  kind  of  equity  criminal  court, 
and  the  act  specially  provided  that  every  controversy 
submitted  to  it  for  settlement  was  to  be  decided  according 
to  conscience  and  right,  without  regard  to  technical  rules. 
These  courts  of  conciliation  should  have  been  considered 
useful  to  the  people  in  saving  costs  and  the  bitter  feelings 


COURTS,  JAILS,  EXEMPTION  LAWS,  ETC.  393 

resulting  from  loner  and  tedious  lawsuits,  but  an  exam- 
ination of  the  records  of  our  courts  develops  the  fact  that 
the  people  did  not  seem  to  take  kindly  to  its  pacific  pro- 
visions, being  considered  by  them  of  little  importance. 


JAILS. 

The  first  jail  in  Hancock  county  was  a  wooden  struc- 
ture, erected  soon  after  the  organization  of  the  county, 
located  on  the  south  part  of  the  public  square,  and  burned 
down  in  1833  by  John  Hays,  the  only  inmate  at  the  time.* 
In  1835  Cornwell  Meek  erected,  at  a  cost  of  $2,200,  a 
hewed  log  jail  building,  two  stories  high,  with  two  rooms 
below  for  the  jailer's  residence  and  two  above  for  the  con- 
victs. The  east  one  was  called  the  debtor's  room,  and 
was  provided  with  two  windows,  and  used  for  the  confine- 
ment of  lawfully  adjudged  debtors,  under  the  law  of  Indiana 
providing  for  imprisonment  for  debt,  which  prevailed  prior 
to  1838.  The  west  room  was  less  attractive,  having  but 
one  small  window,  and  was  used  for  the  confinement  of 
the  regular  criminals.  This  building  remained  and  was 
used  by  the  county  until  the  erection  of  the  present  jail,  in 
the  year  1871,  at  a  contract  price  of  $32,900,!  located  on 
the  south-east  corner  of  the  public  square. 

EXEMPTION    LAWS. 

The  old  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Indiana  declared 
that  "  the  privilege  of  the  debtor  to  enjoy  the  necessary 
comforts  of  life  shall  be  recognized  by  wholesome  laws, 
exempting  a  reasonable  amount  of  property  from  seizure 
or  sale  for  the  payment  of  any  debt  or  liability  hereafter 
contracted."  Observe  that  the  constitutional  provision 
for  an  exemption  is  restricted  to  contracts  alone.  Under  an 
act  of  1843,  an   execution  defendant  could   claim   an  ex- 


*For  a  fuller  account  of  this  matter  see  page  i6i,  where  the  subject  is  fullv  devel- 
oped. 

fFor  a  description  of  the  present  jail  and  the  cost  thereof  see  page  37. 
26 


394  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

emption  iVom  execution,  at  any  time  before  the  sale,  any 
personal  property  levied  on,  not  exceeding  in  value  $125. 
The  Constitution  of  1852  retains  the  old  exemption  section 
of  the  original  Constitution,  with  an  additional  clause  pro- 
hibiting imprisonment  for  debt,  except  in  case  of  fraud. 
Under  this  constitutional  provision,  an  act  to  exempt  prop- 
ertv  from  sale  in  certain  cases,  approved  February  15. 
1852,  provided  that  an  amount  of  property  not  exceeding 
in  value  $300,  owned  b}'  any  resident  householder,  should 
not  be  liable  to  sale  on  execution,  or  any  other  final  pro- 
cess from  a  court,  for  any  debt  growing  out  of  or  founded 
upon  a  contract,  express  or  implied,  after  the  4th  day  of 
July,  1852.  This  law  exempting  $300  remained  in  full 
force  and  effect  until  it  was  superseded  by  the  act  of  March 
29,  1879,  which  provides  for  the  exemption  of  an  amount 
of  property  not  exceeding  in  value  $600,  owned  by  any 
resident  householder,  such  exemption  being  for  any  debt 
growing  out  of  or  founded  upon  a  contract,  express  or 
implied,  after  the  taking  effect  of  said  act.  The  same  Leg- 
islature, in  an  act  concerning  married  women,  approved 
March  25,  1879,  exempts  from  execution  wearing  apparel 
and  articles  of  personal  adornment  purchased  by  her,  to 
the  amount  of  $200  ;  and  exempts  all  presents  of  jewelry, 
books,  w^orks  of  art,  &c.,  and  provides  that  she  shall 
further  hold  as  exempt,  except  for  the  purchase  money 
therefor,  other  property  to  the  amount  of  $300,  making  a 
total  exemption  to  married  women  of  $500  in  addition  to 
her  presents. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

SEQUEL    TO    BLL'E-RINER    TOWNSHIl'. 

iro//"s  J//7/._The  iirst  mill  in  Hancock  count}-  was 
built  in  1824  by  Joshua  Wilson,  on  Blue  river,  in  the  south- 
west part  of  Blue-River  township.      It  was  a   verv  small 
building,  partially  weather-boarded,  and  did  both 'sawing 
and  grinding.     It  run  one  set  of  burrs,  and,  if  well  attended 
to,  would  grind  from  ten  to  fifteen  bushels  per  day,  and 
the   saw-mill,   under   favorable  circumstances,   would   cut 
trom  two  to  three  hundred  feet  per  day,  with  the  assistance 
of  two  or  three  men  to  help  start  it  occasionally.      In  cut- 
ting the  race,  there  was  a  bayou  that  formed  all  its  course 
but  about  ten  rods,  but  Wilson  was  unable,  physically  and 
financially,  to  cut  this  short  distance,  hence  his  few  neigh- 
bors gratuitously  volunteered  their   services,   and  cut  the 
short  distance  which  nature  had  left  unfinished.     Among 
those    hospitable   neighbors    were    Solomon    Tyner,  John 
Osborn,    George    Penwell,    G.    Smith,   Thomas    Phillips, 
Abram  Johns,  Harmon  Warrum,  c/  ah     In    1826  Henry 
Watts  purchased  the  mill  of  Wilson,  and  attached  a  bolt  to 
run  by  hand.     When  this  mill   first  started,  all   the  white 
people  for  miles  around  gathered  in  to  witness  the  grand 
scene.     Wolf  purchased  the  mill  about  1840,  and  attached 
a  carding  and  spinning  machine.     The  mill  at  this  point 
has  changed  hands  a  number  of  times,  as  noted  elsewhere 
in  this  book,  and  has  been  variously  known  as  the  Wilson, 
Watts,  Wolf  and  Bacon  Mill,  and,  while  owned  by  Bacon, 
was  denominated  the  "Blue  River  Mills. '^     The'mill  has 
recently  changed  hands,  and  is  now  owned  by  Jacob  Wolf, 
son  of  John  Wolf,  the  old  proprietor. 

The  Blue-River  Temperance  Association— Was  brought 
.-ibout  by  a  few  earnest  workers  attending  a  convention  ot 


39^  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

the  W.  C.  T.  U.,  at  Knightstown,  and  becoming  enthused 
in  the  work,  and  obtaining  a  copy  of  their  constitution  and 
pledge  to  assist  in  organizing.  A  few  of  the  citizens  of 
Bkie-River  township  met  at  Friends'  meeting-house,  West- 
land,  May  26,  1877,  and  organized  an  association,  known 
as  the  "IJlue-River  Township  Temperance  Association," 
at  which  time  fort3^-five  persons  signed  the  pledge  and  be- 
came members. 

The  following  constitution  has  been  adopted,  being 
better  suited  to  our  work  than  the  constitution  of  the  W. 
C.  T.  U.: 

Article  I. — This  society  shall  be  known  as  the  Blue-River 
Township  Temperance  Association. 

Art.  II. —  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  this  society  to  plan  and 
carry  forward  measures  which,  with  the  blessings  of  God,  will 
result'in  the  suppression  of  intemperance. 

Art.  III. — Any  person  may  become  a  member  of  this 
association  by  signing  the  following  pledge:  "We,  the  under- 
signed, men,  women  and  children  of  Blue-River  township, 
feeling  that  the  use  of  intoxicating  liquors  has  reached  a  point 
no  longer  to  be  endured,  do,  by  the  help  of  God,  promise  to 
use  our  utmost  endeavors  to  banish  this  evil  from  among  us  ; 
and  in  order  to  strengthen  our  influence  in  this  regard,  we 
hereby  agree  to  abstain  from  the  use  of  all  intoxicating  bev- 
erages, and  we  will  discourage  their  use  in  all  possible  ways."' 

Art.  IV. — The  officers  of  this  association  shall  be  a  Presi- 
dent, Vice-President,  Secretary,  Treasurer,  and  an  executive 
committee  of  three. 

Art.  V. — The  President,  Vice-President,  Secretary  and 
Treasurer  shall  perform  the  duties  usually  incumbent  upon  that 
office. 

Art.  VI. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  executive  committee 
to  decide  upon  the  time  and  place  of  meeting  ;  to  produce  a 
programme  to  each  meeting  for  the  one  following  ;  to  see  that 
those  on  duty  are  informed  thereof,  and  to  give  them  such  as- 
sistance as  is  necessary  in  the  preparation  of  their  duties. 

Art.  VII. — This  constitution  may  be  altered  or  amended 
by  a  two-thirds  vote,  at  any  regular  meeting. 


39^  HISTORY  OF  IIAN'COCK  COUNTY. 

Meetings  have  been  held  every  two,  three,  or  tour 
weeks,  as  circumstances  will  admit,  since  its  organization, 
circulating  to  all  the  school  districts  in  the  township  ;  at 
each  meeting  soliciting  signers  to  the  pledge,  which  now 
numbers  three  hundred  and  seventy-five,  of  ages  from  live 
to  seventy-seven  3'ears. 

It   is   conducted  principally   as    a   literary   association, 
aiming  to  instill  into  the  minds  of  all  classes  the  need  of 
moral  reform  and  true  temperance  principles. 

Pleasant  Viczu  J\fcc//ng\  Pricnds — Was  established 
under  the  authority  of  Spiceland  quarterly  meeting  in  the 
eleventh  month,  1850.  Meetings  were  held  for  a  time, 
perhaps  a  year,  in  a  frame  school-house  near  by  ;  then  in 
the  frame  meeting-house,  occupied  as  a  place  of  worship 
at  this  date.  Amonij  the  first  members  were  William  and 
Charity  Hill,  Libni  Hunt  and  wife,  Samuel  Brown  and 
wife,  Phineas  White,  Matthew  Ilodson,  Daniel  Hastings. 
Alfred  and  John  Hunt,  Eli  and  Robert  Brown,  Daniel  and 
John  Reece,  Albert  White,  Enoch  Picrson,  and  Amos  H., 
Samuel  B.  and  John  Hill.  iVmong  those  who  have 
preached  at  this  place  ar  ^  Melissa  Hill  and  Jared  P.  Bin- 
ford.  A  Bible  School,  in  connection  with  this  meeting,  is 
sustained  the  year  rovmd.  Average  attendance,  thirty  ; 
Cynthia  White,  Superintendent.  Samuel  B.-  Hill  x^as  one 
of  the  first  teachers,  and  has  been  connected  therewith  for 
more  than  thirt}-  vears.  Alfred  Hunt,  one  of  the  most 
prompt  and  punctual  in  attendance  at  both  the  Sabbath 
and  week  day  meetings,  faithfullv  times  the  sittings  thereof. 

AddifioiiaJ  Suicides  and  Sudden  Deal  lis  in  Jiliie-I^izer 
Township. — In  1839,  Robert  Marsh  was  killed  b\'  the  fall- 
ing of  a  tree,  while  "coon  hunting"  one  dark  night. 

Mrs.  T.  Ballenger,  October  26,  1875,  stepped  on  a 
piece  of  pumpkin  rind,  slipped  and  fell  with  her  neck  across 
the  Q:(\^^Q  of  a  bucket,  which  dislocated  the  upper  cer\ical 
vertebrae,  prt)ducing  sudden  d.'atli. 

|oh;i  Kinder  committed  suicide  bv  hanging,  in  his  own 
stable,  about  1870. 

On  Mav  29,  1875,  Miss  Mary  A.  Anderson,  daughter  of 


SEQUEL    TO    BLUE-RIVER    TOWNSHIP.  399 

James  Anderson,  of  Blue-River  township,  while  fishing  in 
company  with  her  sister,  fell  into  Blue  river,  and  was 
drowned.  Mrs.  Reed  committed  suicide  by  hanging,  at 
Allentown,  in  1870. 

Farmers  Insurance  Association — Of  Hancock  county 
was  organized  June  12,  1876,  with  William  Marsh  as 
President;  B.  F.  Luse,  Vice-President ;  Samuel  B.  Hill, 
Secretary  and  Treasurer,  and  one  Director  for  each  town- 
ship. It  was  reorganized  under  the  statutes  of  Indiana, 
August  31,  1878.  The  present  officers  are  John  H.  White, 
President ;  T.  E.  Bentley,  Vice-President ;  S.  B.  Hill,  Sec- 
retary and  Treasurer,  and  one  Director  for  each  township. 
The  association  has  met  with  but  three  losses,  amounting 
to  $1,103,  since  its  organization.  It  paid  to  officers  for 
printing,  postage,  &c.,  last  year,  $154.75.  Losses  have 
been  promptly  paid,  and  the  association  is  in  good  stand- 
ing where  its  workings  are  understood. 

Wcstland  Meeting,  Friends. — Among  the  first  Friends 
that  settled  in  the  vicinity  of  Westland  were  Joseph 
Andrews,  in  1832  ;  John  Brown,  in  1833  ;  Elias  Marsh, 
Elisha  Butler,  Nathan  Perisha,  William  and  Frederick 
Brown,  et  al.,  at  different  times  until  the  year  1839,  ^vl'^en 
the  propriety  of  a  meeting  and  school-house  was  discussed 
b}'  these  friends  of  education,  and  they  agreed  on  a  day 
to  meet,  in  which  they  constructed  a  log  school-house, 
16x20  feet,  soon  after  which  they  employed  a  teacher  for 
the  small  children  of  the  neighborhood.  In  1840  a  meet- 
ing was  regularlv  organized,  with  about  fifteen  families. 
Among  the  early  ministers  were  Mary  Hodson  and  Me- 
lissa Hill.  A  First-day  school  was  soon  organized  and 
conducted  by  Abigail  Hubbard.  After  a  few  3'ears,  the 
society  desired  a  separate  house  in  which  to  hold  their 
meetings,  and  all  hands  and  friends  of  the  cause  joined  in 
and  built  a  small  frame,  without  any  estimate  as  to  cost. 
About  1871,  the  present  neat  and  commodious  frame  build- 
ing was  erected,  at  a  cost  of  $1,500.  Present  minister, 
Winbern  Kerns  ;  total  membership,  102  :  average  attend- 
ance on  the  Sabbath,  iiftv-sevcn. 


400  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

Samticl  B.  Hill — Was  born  February  22,  1832,  in  Ran- 
dolph county,  Indiana.  When  one  3'ear  old  his  parents, 
William  and  Charity  Hill,  moved  to  a  farm  in  Rush  county, 
two  and  a  half  miles  south-west  of  Charlottesville,  where 
he  lived  until  his  marriage,  in  1852,  to  Mary  M.  Henley. 
In  the  following  ^^ear  he  removed  to  the  farm  in  Blue-River 
township,  where  he  still  resides.  The  years  from  sixteen  to 
twenty-one  were  spent  in  teaching  and  attending  school  at 
Friends'  Boarding  School,  near  Richmond,  Indiana,  after- 
ward Earlham  College,  of  which  institution  he  has  been  a 
member  of  the  Board  of  Managers  for  some  3'ears.  He 
served  as  Trustee  of  Blue-River  township  six  3'ears.  He 
is  a  farmer,  and  engages  in  raising  grain  and  stock  for  a 
livelihood.  In  1875  he  was  married  to  his  second  wife, 
Mary  R.  Hadle}-.  He  has  five  children  living,  two  of 
whom  are  married  and  settled  in  Blue-River  township. 
He  is  interested  in  education,  holding  that  it  is  largely  a 
means  of  preventing  crime  and  pauperism. 

In  person  Mr.  H.  is  large,  square  built,  dignified  in 
bearing,  with  black  hair,  an  expressive  eye,  of  a  bilious 
temperament,  nearly  six  feet  in  height,  and  two  hundred 
pounds  in  weight. 

Gilboa  Church,  M.  E. — About  the  year  1830  a  few 
persons,  who  had  been  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church  in 
other  places,  settled  in  the  vicinit}^  of  Gilboa,  and  soon 
began  holding  religious  meetings  at  private  dwellings. 
Occasionally  a  preacher  would  come  into  the  neighbor- 
hood, a  runner  would  be  sent  out  announcing  the  fact,  and 
thus  meetings  were  held  until  the  year  1832,  when  the 
society  had  so  increased  in  numbers  and  interest  that  they 
decided  on  building  a  church.  James  Sample  and  Benja- 
min Miller,,  who  then  owned  the  land  now  comprised  in 
the  grave-yard,  offered  to  give  a  half  acre  each  if  the 
society  would  erect  a  church  building  thereon,  which  prop- 
osition was  accepted,. and  a  small  log  house,  twenty  by 
twenty-four  feet,  made  of  hewed  popular  logs,  was  erected 
about  three  rods  east  of  the  present  grave-yard  gate.  It 
stood,  as  the  present  one  does,  with  the  end  fronting  the 


SEQUEL    TO    BLUE-RIVER    TOWNSHIP.  4OI 

road,  and  had  a  door  in  either  side  and  a  lire-phice  in  each 
end,  and  had  one  twelve-hght  window,  with  panes  eight 
by  ten  inches.  The  floor  was  made  of  shibs  and  the 
benches  of  spHt  poles,  with  the  splinter  side  up.  This 
building,  like  other  pioneer  public  buildings,  was  erected 
bv  voluntary  labor,  each  contributing  as  his  conscience 
dictated  his  duty.  Rev.  Amos  Sparks  was  the  first 
preacher  in  this  building.  Among  the  first  members  were 
James  and  Polly  Sample,  John  Sample  and  wife,  Elizabeth 
Wood,  Sarah  Sample,  Polly  Meek,  Arthur  Lewis  and 
wife,  Adam  Allen  and  wife,  Benjamin  Miller  and  wife, 
Johnson  McGinnis,  James  Lamay  and  wife  and  James  and 
Margaret  McGinnis.  All  the  above,  with  the  exception  of 
Mother  Sample,  are  with  us  no  more,  but  have  changed 
their  membership  from  the  church  militant  to  the  church 
triumphant.  The  first  revival  of  any  note  was  under  the . 
ministration  of  John  B.  Burk  in  1841.  The  next  revival 
was  under  the  preaching  of  John  T.  McMullen  in  1848-9. 
In  the  summer  of  1852  the  present  house,  a  frame,  thirty 
b}'  fifty,  was  completed.  The  next  and  greatest  revival  in 
the  history  of  the  church  was  in  i860  or  1861,  under  the 
preaching  of  Rev.  Layton.  In  the  spring  of  187 1  the 
church  was  repaired,  and  the  old  box  pulpit  was  replaced 
In-  one  of  more  modern  style,  after  which  it  was  dedicated 
b\'  Rev.  Bowman,  of  Ohio,  on  the  13th  day  of  August, 
187 1.  The  church  is  in  a  healthv,  prosperous  condition, 
with  a  membership  of  forty-five.  In  connection  with  this 
church  is  a  large  and  prosperous  Sunday-school,  with  an 
average  attendance  of  forty-seven. 

yohn  Wolf- — Was  of  German  parentage,  born  in  Cen- 
ter county,  Pennsylvania,  September  29,  1813.  He  came 
to  Indiana  with  his  lather's  family  in  the  fall  of  1835,  ^"^^ 
settled  in  Wayne  county.  In  the  spring  of  1840  he  was 
married  to  Charity  Commons,  with  whom  he  lived  hapily 
till  the  date  of  his  death.  Soon  after  his  marriage  he, 
with  his  older  brother,  Ilenr}'  Wolf,  moved  to  Blue-River 
township,  and  purchased  the  Watts  Mill,  where  the  broth- 
ers carried  on  an  extensi\e  business,  their  customers  cominii 


402 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


from  fifteen  to  eighteen  miles,  and  sometimes  staying  two 
or  three  days  waiting  their  turn.  In  1849  they  began 
preparations  for  the  erection  of  a  new  mill,  which  is  now 
run  by  his  son,  as  noted  elsewhere.  This  is  the  only  water 
flouring  mill  now  in  the  county.     John  Wolf  was  a  ver}- 


industrious,  energetic  man,  and  equally  as  successful  in 
his  business.  No  one  labored  more  for  the  development 
and  progress  of  the  country.  He  was  always  ready  w^ith 
a  helping  hand  for  public  improvements,  and  made  his 
influence  felt  in  religious,  moral  and  educational  matters. 
He  was  a  consistent  and  exemplary  member  of  the  M.  E. 
Church,  and  verv  strict  in  his  religious  duties.      Owing  to 


SEQUEL    TO    BLUE-RIVER    TOWNSHIl'.  403 

exposure  in  building  a  dam  he  contracted  typhoid  pneu- 
monia, from  which  he  died  February  21,  1854,  ^^  ^^^^  prime 
of  life. 

Robison  yo/ms — Was  born  January  19,  1813,  in  Scott 
county,  Kentucky,  and  at  the  age  of  four  came  with  his 
parents  to  the  New  Purchase  in  October,  1823,  and  settled 
in  what  is  now  Blue-River  township,  Hancock  county, 
Indiana.  Abram  Johns,  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
had  made  a  trip  to  the  new  site  in  March,  and  entered 
eighty  acres  at  the  land-office  at  Brookville,  Franklin 
county.  The  Johns  famil}^  which  were  twelve  in  number, 
resided  for  a  time  in  a  bark  shed,  then  in  a  pole  cabin, 
eighteen  by  twenty,  rude  in  its  every  part.  Mr.  Johns 
remembers  well  the  building  of  the  first  school-house,  in 
the  fall  of  1823,  and  the  first  teacher  therein,  Lewis  Tyner, 
son  of  Solomon  Tyner,  who  agreed  to  teach  a  short  term, 
and  take  his  pay  in  work  on  his  father's  farm.  Light  was 
admitted  to  the  room  through  greased  paper.  Webster's 
blue-back  speller  was  the  chief  book.  Mr.  Johns  says  at 
that  date  they  went  to  Freeport  for  meal  and  Connersville 
for  flour,  being  the  nearest  points  at  which  they  could  be 
accommodated. 

The  first  death  in  the  township  was  that  of  John  Smith, 
who  was  killed  at  a  cabin  raising*  by  the  falling  of  a  log 
which  had  slipped  from  a  skid  in  nearing  the  gable,  from 
which  he  died  that  night,  in  March,  1824.  Harmon  War- 
rum,  Thomas  Phillips,  Solomon  Tyner,  John  Osborn, 
George  Penwell  and  George  Smith,  the  remaining  settlers 
at  that  date,  were  part  or  all  present. 

Abram  and  Elizabeth  Johns,  the  father  and  mother  of 
this  sketch,  died  respectively  in  1834  ^^^  1863,  the  latter 
at  the  ripe  age  of  ninety-five.  If  an}-  of  our  readers  wish 
to  spend  an  liour  or  two  pleasantly  with  some  of  the  oldest 
living  residents  of  Hancock  county,  let  them  call  on 
Robison  or  Wilson  Johns. 


■  See  piige  27. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

SEQUEL    TO    r.RANDYWINE    TOWNSHIP. 
INTRODUCTORY. 

In  the  eastern  part  of  Brandywine  township  settled 
James  Smith,  who  built  a  mill  on  Brandywine  creek,  tour 
miles  south  of  Greenfield.  This  mill  ground  about  two 
bushels  of  grain  every  twelve  hours.  He  run  it  day  and 
night,  and  furnished  the  meal  for  a  large  scope  of  country. 
If  a  customer  came  in  the  evening  with  a  grist,  it  was  put 
in  the  hopper,  and  he  was  told  to  come  back  next  morning 
and  get  his  grinding.  The  miller  in  the  meantime  went 
to  bed  and  left  the  mill  faithfullv  at  work  all  night  while 
he  slept.  Said  Smith  was  a  member  of  the  Protestant 
Methodist  Church,  and  gave  the  ground  for  the  old  Mt. 
Lebanon  Church,  besides  giving  more  monev  than  anv 
other  member.  East  of  him,  on  what  was  called  Hominv 
Ridge,  lived  old  man  Porter,  father  of  the  late  Harry 
Porter.  He  started  a  tan-^ard,  which  supplied  the  neigh- 
borhood with  leather.  His  nearest  neighbor  was  Mark 
AVhitaker,  a  Justice  of  the  Peace  for  a  great  many  years. 
There  also  lived  on  the  Ridge  George  Dillard,  J.  and 
Henr}'  Duncan  and  William  Marts. 

In  the  south  part  of  the  township  settled  John  Arnett, 
who  built  the  first  still-house  in  the  township.  Soon  after, 
John  Trent  built  another  distillery  on  an  adjoining  eighty 
acres,  and  at  this  place  was  made  the  last  whisky  ever 
manufactured  in  the  township.  John  P.  Banks  was  the 
pioneer  preacher  for  the  Christian  Church.  James  Baker 
preached  both  for  the  Protestant  Methodist  and  Christian 
Churches.  The  men  used  to  meet  to  muster  at  James 
Gooding's,  the  place  now  occupied  by  John  Richie.  The 
first  meeting-house  was  built  at   Mt.    Lebanon,   and   was 


SEQUEL    TO    BRANDYWINE    TOWNSHIP.  405 

a  Protestant  Methodist  Church.  The  next  was  a  Christian 
Church,  built  on  the  land  of  James  Baker.  Eleazar  Snod- 
grass  was  the  preacher ■  in  charge.  Mr.  Snodgrass  did 
great  good  as  a  minister,  and  as  the  fruits  of  his  labor 
there  now  stands  a  nice  church-house,  where  congregate 
for  worship  Wellington  Collyer,  George  Furry,  John  S. 
Thomas,  Smith  Hutchinson,  Hiram  Thomas,  the  Lows, 
and  other  prominent  citizens  of  this  township.  The  first 
school  teachers  were  Peter  Newhouse,  Jackson  Porter  and 
William  Whitaker.  Jackson  Porter  was  arrested  and  tried 
in  the  Hancock  Circuit  Court  on  a  charge  of  murder  for 
severely  whipping  one  of  his  pupils  one  evening,  from 
which  he  died  on  the  following  day.  James  Brown  was 
the  first  colored  m:in  that  ever  lived  in  the  township.  He 
was  a  blacksmith  by  trade,  and  lived  on  the  Harr}-  Porter 
place. 


John  P.   Banks, 

now  residing  in  Brandy  wine  township,  in  his  seventy-third 
year,  moved  from  Boone  county,  and  settled  in  Greenfield 
in  1830,  and  followed  teaming  for  two  years,  hauling  pro- 
duce to  Cincinnati  and  goods  in  return.  He  afterwards 
purchased  a  farm,  and  mo\'ed  to  Brand3'wine  township, 
and  engaged  in  agriculture,  which  business  he  has  followed 
ever  since.  Mr.  B.  has  been  failing  very  rapidly  for  the 
past  few  years,  yet  we  are  still  permitted  to  look  into  his 
honest  face  occasionally  upon  our  streets.  Mr.  B.  was  a 
preacher  in  good  standing  for  a  number  of  years,  and  is 
ever  recognized  as  an  honest,  conscientious  man. 

Ephraim-Bentley 

was  born  November  15,  1829,  in  Ripley  township,  Rush 
county,  Indiana,  where  he  received  his  early  education, 
attending  the  Friends'  school  at  Walnut  Ridge.  His 
father  living  on  a  farm,  young  Ephraim's  time  was  occu- 
pied  in  working  thereon,  and  aiding  in  the  support  of  a 


Ao6  HISTORY    OK    HANCOCK    COUNTY. 

large  family.  Mr.  B.  was  married  September  26,  1855, 
to  Pheriba  Mundon,  with  whom  he  is  still  happily  living. 
Mr.  B.  has  spent  most  of  his  life  farming,  stock  raising, 
and  milling.  For  a  time  he  run  a  saw-mill,  and  for  ten 
years  was  the  proprietor  of  what  is  now  known  as  the 
Blue-River  Flouring  Mills.  Mr.  B.  became  a  member  of 
the  I.  O.  O.  F.  in  1857,  and  is  still  an  honored  member 
thereof.  In  October,  1878,  he  was  elected  County  Com- 
missioner for  the  middle,  or  second,  commissioner's  dis- 
trict, which  position  he  is  still  holding. 

James  Tyner 

was  born  in  Aberville  District,  South  Carolina,  September 
19,  1807.  His  father  moved  to  Indiana  Territory-  in  1808, 
and  settled  where  Franklin  county  is  now  located.  Here 
thev  resided  until  1813,  when  the}?^  moved  to  the  territory 
now  embodied  in  Fayette  county.  In  1829  the  subject  of 
this  sketch  was  married  to  Lucinda  Caldwell,  with  whom 
he  is  still  happily  living.  In  1835  ^^^''  T-,  wath  his  small 
family,  moved  to  Hancock  county,  and  settled  in  the  green 
woods  in  Brandywine  township,  cleared  an  extensive  farm, 
on  which  he  still  resides,  and  is  enjoying  the  fruits  of  his 
labors  at  this  date.  Although  Mr.  T.  is  now  past  his 
three-score  and  ten,  he  truthfully  says  what  probably  few 
can  sav  at  his  age,  that  he  never  was  under  the  necessity 
of  having  a  doctor  to  attend  him  except  through  one 
"  spell  of  sickness."  Mr.  T.  is  a  member  of  the  orthodox 
Baptist  Church,  known  as  Shiloh,  a  substantial  Democrat, 
and  has  served  a  number  of  terms  as  County  Commissioner 
of  the  second  commissioner's  district,  being  elected  in 
1849,  1861,  1866  and  1872.  During  his  official  life  he  was 
recognized  as  a  safe  custodian  of  the  county's  best  interests. 

John  H.  Pope 

was  born  in  Brandywine  township,  July  11,  1852.  He 
was  the  son  of  Elijah  Pope,  one  of  the  early  settlers  in  the 
township.     His  earl}'  education  he  received  at  the  common 


SEQUEL    TO    BRANDYWINE    TOWXSHIl'.  407 

schools  of  his  neighborhood,  after  which  he  took  a  course 
in  the  business  college  of  Hannibal,  Missouri,  from  which 
he  graduated  in  1873.  Mr.  P.  traveled,  taught  school, 
and  worked  on  the  farm  for  a  few  years,  when  he  was 
married,  March  25,  1879,  to  Miss  Almedia  Moore,  daugh- 
ter of  the  late  Roland  Moore,  of  Green  township,  with 
whom  he  lived  happily  until  the  date  of  her  death, 
which  occurred  February  2,  1880.  Referring  to  his 
early  life,  his  father  died  when  he  was  but  about  four 
years  of  age,  and,  notwithstanding  he  w^as  left  without 
paternal  care,  he  grew  up  an  exemplary,  modest,  un- 
assuming young  man.  After  a  short  sickness,  Mr.  P. 
was  called  from  works  to  rewards,  January  26,  1882, 
leaving  surviving  him  a  mother  and  Coleman,  an  only 
brother,  and  his  remains  were  followed  by  a  large  con- 
course of  weeping  friends  to  their  last  resting  place,  in 
Mt.  Lebanon  cemetery. 

James  Alyea 

was  born  in  New  Jersey  in  1797,  moved  to  Hamilton 
county,  Ohio,  in  1812,  thence  to  Hancock  county  in  1835, 
and  entered  land  in  Brandy  wine  township,  upon  which  he 
now  resides.  He  is  now  in  his  eighty-fifth  year,  is  a  well- 
to-do  farmer,  a  good  citizen,  and  was  one  of  the  early 
blacksmiths  in  the  township. 


Hiram  Thomas 

was  born  in  Knox  county,  Kentucky,  in  18 10.  His  parents 
moved  to  Franklin  county,  Indiana,  in  181 1.  There  he 
resided  until  eighteen  years  of  age.  He  came  with  his 
parents  to  Hancock  county  in  the  year  1829,  and  settled 
on  Little  Sugar  creek,  three  miles  north  of  the  Brookville 
road.  His  nearest  neighbors  were  John  Baker  on  the 
south,  James  Gooding  on  the  east,  and  Joseph  Bellis  on 
the  west.  Hiram  Thomas  is  the  father  of  ex-Sheriff 
Thomas,  as  has  been  noticed  elsewhere. 


408  history  of  hancock  county. 

George  Muth, 

now  residing  in  Brandywine  township,  emigrated  to  this 
country  from  Europe  in  1819,  and  located  in  Baltimore, 
where  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  for  a  time, 
and  afterwards  in  manufacturing  cloth,  but  not  liking  the 
latter  business,  he  soon  came  to  Indiana,  and  settled  in 
Brand^^wine  township,  where  he  still  resides.  Here  he 
began  farming  through  the  week  and  preaching  on  Sun- 
day. Mr.  M.,  as  noted  elsewhere,  was  the  second 
preacher  for  the  Albright  Church,  in  Sugar-Creek  town- 
ship, and  is  still  standing  on  the  walls  of  Zion.  He  served 
as  captain  of  a  company  in  the  late  civil  war  at  the 
advanced  age  of  sixty-six  years,  and  did  his  dut\'  well, 
and  was  honorably  discharged.  About  two  years  since 
a  few  remaining  members  of  his  companv  made  him  an 
agreeable  surprise  in  the  presentation  of  a  gold-headed 
cane  as  a  token  of  their  high  regcard  for  his  faithful  services. 

Wellington  Collyer 

was  born  in  the  State  of  Ohio  in  the  3'ear  1816,  and  can 
therefore  compare  ages  with  the  State  of  Indiana,  and  lose 
nothing  by  such  comparison.  In  1836  he  came  to  Hancock 
county,  and  entered  land,  on  which  he  now  resides.  Mr. 
Collyer  is  a  strict,  exemplary  member  of  the  Christian 
Church,  in  good  standing,  and  has  given  freely  of  his 
means  for  its  support.  He  is  a  staunch  Democrat  from 
education  and  principle  rather  than  policy.  Though  firm 
in  his  convictions  of  right,  he  is  not  dogmatic  in  his  views, 
but  accords  to  others  what  he  reserves  for  himself,  the 
privilege  of  independent  thought. 

Mr.  C.  is  one  of  our  most  industrious,  pains-taking 
farmers,  is  in  hearty  sympath}'  with  the  poor  and  oppressed 
everywhere,  and  is  one  of  the  representative  men  of  the 
township. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 


BIOGRAPHIES    AND    SKETCHES. 


Nathaniel  II.  Roberts 


was  born  in  East  Virginia,  September  30,  18 18.  Wben 
quite  young  be  moved  witb  bis  parents  to  West  Virginia, 
and  settled  in  Nicols  county,  wbere  be  resided  until 
eigbteen  years  of  age,  wben  be  moved  to  Union,  tbe 
county  seat  of  Monroe  county,  and  engaged  as  clerk  in 
tbe  general  store  of  Carpenter  &  Alexander,  in  wbicb  be 
remained  until  1845,  at  wbicb  time  be  became  a  partner. 
He  was  also  tbe  proprietor  of  an  extensive  tobacco  manu- 
factory until  tbe  late  civil  war.  In  1852  be  was  married  to 
Mary  J.  Campbell,  wbo  died  in  1880.  In  1869  be  emi- 
grated to  Indiana,  and  settled  in  Hancock  county,  wbere 
be  farmed  for  one  year,  after  wbicb  be  became  proprietor 
of  tbe  Guymon  House  botel  of  tbis  city.     In  tbe  spring  of 

1873  be  was  appointed  Recorder  of  Hancock  county.     In 

1874  ^^^  ^'^^  elected  Recorder,  and  re-elected  in  1878, 
wbicb  position  be  filled  till  tbe  date  of  bis  deatb,  wbicb 
occurred  July  7,  1881.  Mr.  R.  was  a  liberal,  consistent 
member  of  tbe  Presbyterian  faitb,  baving  joined  tbe  cburcb 
when  but  a  bov,  and  also  an  bonored  member  of  tbe  F.  and 
A.  M.,  according  to  tbe  rites  and  ceremonies  of  wbicb  be 
was  decently  and  respectfully  interred  in  tbe  new  cemetery 
in  Greenfield. 

"Colonel"  R.,  as  be  was  usually  called,  bad  been 
declining  in  bealtb  for  sometime,  and  bad  tberefore,  like  a 
wise  man,  arranged  bis  business  and  set  bis  bouse  in  order 
for  tbe  anticipated  call,  and,  in  order  tbat  bis  cbildren 
migbt  have  a  means  of  support,  be  bad,  a  short  time  prior 
to  bis  death,  purchased  and  presented  to  Mary  tbe  only 
abstract  of  titles  in  the  countv. 
27 


4IO  HISTORY  OF  IIAN'COCK  COUNTY. 

Mr.  R.  was  a  vcn-  kind-hearted,  accommodating  man, 
who  would  suffer  himself  imposed  upon  rather  than  not 
seem  courteous  and  obliging.  In  official  life  he  was  ever 
faithful  and  efficient,  as  tlie  many  neat  and  complete 
records  of  his  own  making  are  competent,  unimpeached 
witnesses,  ever  ready  to  testify  in  his  behalf. 

Mrs.  Elizabeth  Bradley,  Nee  Gray, 

was  born  in  Clermont  countv,  Ohio,  July  27,  1826.  Her 
education  was  received  at  the  common  schools  of  her 
neighborhood.  Being  of  a  pious  turn  of  mind,  she  joined 
the  M.  E.  Church  in  Julv,  1842,  at  the  earlv  age  of  sixteen, 
and  has  since  been  an  earnest,  consistent  and  faithtul 
member,  always  contributing  liberally  with  her  means  and 
influence  for  the  promotion  of  truth  and  the  advancement 
of  the  church.     At  the  age  of  eighteen  she  was  married  to 

•  Nelson  Bradley,  a  poor  but  promising  young  man  of  her 
native  county.  In  1852  she  came  with  her  husband  to 
McCordsville,  and  was  there  a  useful  member  in  society 
and   one   of  the   sisters   in  the   church   from   whom  many 

.received  counsel  and  encouragement.  In  1866  she  moved 
to  Greentield,  where  she  has  since  resided.     Mrs.  Bradley 

■having  no  children  of  her  own,  has  kindly  furnished  a 
home,  educated  and  given  a  mother's  care  to  two  orphan 
children.  Mrs.  B.  is  naturally  of  a  charitable,  philan- 
thropic turn  of  mind,  and,  having  the  means  at  her 
command,  has  done  much  to  alleviate  the  wants  of  the 
worthy  poor  of  our  city.  She  has  been  an  earnest  worker 
in  the  M.  E.  Sunday-school  for  a  great  many  3'ears,  and 
has  done  much  for  its  advancement  by  a  liberal  support 
thereof.  She  was  President  of  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  for  two 
years. 

JoHX  Foster 

was  born  in  South  Carolina  in  the  year  1796.  When  quite 
young  his  parents  moved  to  Tennessee,  where  he  was 
reared.     He  emigrated  to  Indiana  in  1816,  and  first  located 


BIOGRAIMIIES    AXD    SKETCHES.  4II 

at  or  near  the  present  town  of  Bloomington.  He  was 
employed  as  an  assistant  to  the  Government  surveyors  for 
several  years.  He  removed  to  Shelb}'  county,  near  Wolf's 
Mill,  in  1821.  In  1824  he  was  married  to  Miss  Aberilla 
Tyner.  In  the  year  1829  he  came  to  Hancock  county, 
and  settled  in  Greenfield.  He  afterward  removed  to  the 
country,  and  engaged  in  farming,  which  occupation  he 
followed  until  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  April 

7,  1867. 

Mr.  Foster  filled  man}-  places  ot  honor  and  trust  in  the 
county  and  State,  among  which  were  the  following:  He 
was  the  first  Sheriff  of  the  county,  being  elected  in  1828 
and  1836.  He  represented  the  lower  house  in  the  Legis- 
lature in  1838  and  185 1,  and  was  Treasurer  of  the  county 
in  1854. 

The  portrait  which  we  present  ot  him  on  page  255  was 
cut  from  a  daguerreotype  taken  while  he  was  a  member  of 
the  Legislature.  He  belonged  to  the  Presbyterian  Church 
in  this  city,  and  was  one  of  the  earliest  members  thereof. 

■  George  L.  Knox, 

the  son  of  a  free  mulatto  w^oman  and  a  colored  Baptist 
preacher,  was  born  September  16,  1841,  and,  though 
legally  born  free,  was  held  in  bondage  and  treated  as  a 
slave  until  the  taking  effect  of  the  emancipation  proclama- 
tion, in  1863,  when,  by  quietly  leaving  between  two  days, 
travelinji  at  ni<;ht  and  hiding'  in  the  bushes  and  under  old 
houses  in  the  day,  he  finally  reached  the  land  of  freedom, 
arriving  at  Indianapolis  in  1864.  At  the  age  of  four,  young 
Knox  was  sold  to  one  of  the  heirs  of  his  master's  estate 
for  $300.  Being  a  portly,  promising  "  darkey,"  his  new 
master  was  offered  for  him,  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  the  neat 
sum  of  $i,6oo  in  gold,  cash  down,  but,  being  a  kind  of 
favorite  in  the  family,  the  offer  was  promptly  rejected. 
He  worked  on  a  farm  until  eighteen  3'ears  of  age,  when  he 
went  to  the  town  of  Statesville,  Wilson  county,  Tennessee, 
and  engaged  in  shoemaking  for  two  years,  after  which  he 
entered  the  Union  armv  for  a  vear  as  a  teamster. 


412 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY, 


October  2,  1865,  Mr.  K.  was  married  to  Miss  Arilla 
Harvey,  of  Marion  county,  with  whom  he  is  still  living. 
He  at  once  moved  to  Greenfield,  and  opened  a  barber  shop 
in  the  Gooding  Corner,  where  he  is  still  holding  forth. 

Mr.  K.  has  been  a  faithful  member  of  the  A.  M.  E. 
Church  for  several  years,  and  has  contributed  liberallv  for 


CAKVIX   n.  GU.LIAM. 


its  support.  He  became  a  Mason  in  1S68  and  an  Odd 
Fellow  in  1879,  is  an  enthusiastic  Republican  and  a  good 
citizen,  honored  and  respected  by  all. 


Cai.vin  Ji.  Gilliam, 

the  iirst  colored  teacher  in  Hancock  county,  was  a  Christ- 
mas present,  in  1853,  to  Moody  and  Julia  A.  Gilliam,  early 
settlers  of   15oone   countv.      He   attended  a  district  school 


BIOGRAPHIES    AND    SKETCHES.  4I3 

for  six  months  ;  was  two  terms  in  Union  High  School  at 
Westfield,  but  the  principal  part  of  his  education  was  re- 
ceived at  Spiceland,  Henry  county.  He  contemplated 
entering  Wilmington  College,  Ohio,  but  was  not  admitted 
on  account  of  color.  His  early  life  was  spent  on  a  farm, 
and  in  the  school  room.  In  the  spring  of  1873  Mr.  G. 
joined  the  Grangers,  and  was  elected  chaplain.  In  poli- 
tics he  is  a  Republican,  and  though  not  a  member  of  any 
religious  denomination,  he  leans  toward  the  Methodists. 
Mr.  G.  is  a  modest  young  man,  and  is  well  liked  as  a 
teacher  by  his  pupils  and  patrons,  with  whose  interest  he 
seems  fully  identified. 


Hox.  Thomas  D.  Wat.poee, 

was  born  in  Zanesville,  Ohio,  March  20,  18 16,  and  removed 
with  his  parents  to  Indianapolis  in  1822.  There  his  boy- 
hood days  were  passed  and  his  early  education  received. 
In  1834  ^^^  settled  at  Greentield,  Hancock  county,  and 
soon  entered  upon  an  entensive  and  profitable  practice. 
At  that  time  he  was  a  Whig  in  politics.  Young,  talented 
and  ardent  and  a  partisan  in  temperament,  he  entered 
zealously  into  the  political  discussions  of  the  da}'.  In 
1836  he  was  elected  to  the  Legislature  when  barely  of  the 
requisite  age,  and  he  was  also  a  member  of  the  twent}'- 
second  session,  which  convened  in  the  year  1S37.  ^^  the 
excited  canvass  of  1840  he  took  an  active  part,  and  was 
elected  to  the  Senate  from  the  district  composed  of  the 
counties  of  Hancock  and  Madison  :  in  the  twenty-sixth 
session,  1841-2,  the  twenty-seventh  session,  1842-3,  and 
the  twenty-eighth  session,  1843-4.  In  the  twent^'-seventh 
session,  Hon.  Samuel  Hall,  who  had  been  elected  Lieu- 
tenant Governor,  having  resigned,  Mr.  Walpole  was  elected 
President  of  the  Senate,  and  filled  the  position  with  dignity 
and  impartiality  during  that  and  the  subsequent  session. 
Mr.  Walpole  was  also  elected  to  the  Senate  in  1847,  and 
ser\ed  in  1848,  1849  and  1850  in  the  thirty-second,  thirt\- 
lliircl  and  thirtx'-fourth   sessions  of  the  General  Assembh". 


414  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

In  1848  he  was  Presidential  Elector,  and  canvassed  the 
eastern  part  of  the  State'  for  Taylor  and  Fillmore,  In 
1850  he  was  elected  to  the  Constitutional  Convention  from 
his  Senatorial  district  from  the  counties  of  Hancock  and 
Madison,  He  was  a  statesman  as  well  as  a  politician,  and 
thoroughly  understood  our  theory  of  government.  Although 
a  member  of  the  Whig  party,  he  was  watchful  of  the  rights 
of  the  people,  and  any  attempt  to  circumscribe  the  liberty 
of  the  citizens  was  sure  to  rouse  to  fierce  invective  the  fiery 
eloquence  which  burned  on  his  lips.  He  was  an  active, 
influential  member  of  the  convention,  and  left  his  impress 
upon  its  proceedings. 

In  1852  Mr,  Walpole  joined  the  Democratic  party,  and 
entered  zealously  into  the  canvass  for  Franklin  Pierce.  He 
bitterly  opposed  the  Know-Nothing  partv,  and  labored  as 
earnestly  to  uphold  the  Democratic  banner  as  he  had 
formerly  done  to  sustain  the  measures  advocated  bv  Clay 
and  Webster  and  other  great  lights  of  the  old  Whig  party. 
Mr,  Walpole  afterward  represented  Hancock  countv  in  the 
lower  branch  of  the  Legislature,  being  in  the  thirt3'-eiglith 
session  in  1855  and  in  the  thirty-ninth  session  in  1857. 
The  people  demanded  his  services,  for  as  a  legislator  he 
was  watchtul  and  careful  of  their  interests,  and  he  really 
accepted  the  trust  and  honor  at  a  pecuniary  sacrifice. 

Mr,  Walpole  was  never  defeated  in  his  county.  Men 
of  all  parties  acknowledged  his  worth  and  integrity  as  a 
legislator,  and,  whether  as  a  Whig  or  Democrat,  he 
received  the  suflVage  of  the  people  among  whom  he  lived 
whenever  his  name  was  presented. 

As  a  lawyer  Mr.  Walpole  stood  high  in  his  profession. 
He  was  quick  and  clear  in  his  perceptions,  fertile  in 
resources  and  ingenious  in  his  management  of  points  in 
his  case.  As  an  ad\ocate  before  a  jury  he  was  very  suc- 
cessful. His  knowledge  of  human  nature  enabled  him  to 
read  his  auditory  at  a  glance,  and  few  could  withslaiul  the 
charm  of  his  eloquent  periods. 

In  No\-ember,  1840,  Mr.  Walpole  was  married  to  Miss 
Estiier  Br\-an,  of  Centerville,  Wa^ne  countN',  Indiana.      In 


BIOGRAPHIES    AM)    SKETCHES.  4I5 

i860  he  removed  with  his  family  to  Indianapohs,  where  he 
continued  in  the  active  practice  of  his  profession  up  to  his 
death,  in  October,  1863.  He  left  a  wife  and  four  children, 
two  sons  and  two  daughters. 

Dr.   N.  p.  Howard,  Jr., 

youngest  son  of  Dr.  N.  P.-  Howard,  Sr,,  was  born  in 
Greenfield,  February  6,  1856.  His  early  literary  educa- 
tion was  received  at  the  Greenfield  public  schools,  after 


which  he  was  a  student  of  Asburv  University  for  a  consid- 
erable time,  during  all  of  which  training  he  had  in  view 
the  medical  profession,  and  on  leaving  college  at  once 
entered  the  office  of  the  well-known  medical  firm  of 
Howard  &  Martin,  where  he  took  a  course  of  reading 
preparatory  to  a  course  of  lectures  in  a  medical  college  of 
Indiana,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1879,  soon  after 
which  he  was  married  to '  Miss  Elizabeth  E.,  youngest 
daughter  of  John  W.  Rvon,  of  Greenfield,  and  at  once 
began  the  practice  of  medicine,  forming  a  partnership  with 
his  preceptors,  and  is  now  the  junior  member  of  the  firm 
of  Howard,  Martin  &  Howard.      He  was  recenth-  appointed 


4l6  HISTORY  OP'  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

Secretary  of  the  County  Board  ot  Health,  and  entered  at 
once  upon  his  duties.  Probably  no  young  physician  of 
the  county  ever  entei"ed  upon  the  practice  under  more 
favorable  circumstances  and  auspicious  surroundings. 

Henry  Wright, 

son  of  Joseph  Wright,  was  born  in  Buck-Creek  township, 
Hancock  county,  Ind.,  November  28,  1838.  His  educa- 
tion was  principally  received  at  the  public  schools  of  his 
neigborhood,  attending  one  term  at  Oakland  Graded 
School,  after  which  he  began  teaching,  and  followed  this 
occupation  through  twenty  terms.  He  was  deputy  Auditor 
under  Hon.  A.  C.  Handy  for  a  time.  In  October,  1875, 
he  was  elected  Auditor  of  Hancock  county,  and  entered 
upon  his  official  duties  November  2,  1876.  In  October, 
1879,  he  was  re-elected,  and  entered  upon  his  second  term 
November  2,  1880.  He  was  married  March  13,  1877,  to 
Miss  Dora  E.  Davis,  a  native  of  Kentuck3\  Mr.  W.  has 
been  a  member  of  the  orders  of  Red  Men,  Patrons  of  Hus- 
bandry and  Workingmen,  and  has  been  an  honored  mem- 
ber of  the  Masonic  order  since  i860.  Mr.  W.,  through 
his  official  life,  has  been  a  kind  and  accommodating  officer. 

James  A.  New 

was  born  in  Hancock  county,  Indiana,  on  the  i8th  day  of 
October,  1850.  His  earl}'  education  was  received  at  the 
common  district  schools,  attending  in  the  winter  and  work- 
iniT  on  the  farm  in  the  summer.  His  father,  William  New, 
,  one  of  the  county's  industrious  farmers,  endeavored  to 
teach  his  children  that  farming  and  manual  lal^or  were  ///r 
prerequisites  to  success;  but  "Jim."  being  of  a  ditlerent 
opinion,  earh^  began  to  prepare  himself  for  his  chosen 
course  in  life.  His  last  days  as  a  pupil  in  the  country 
schools  were  spent  under  the  tutorage  of  the  writer.  Here 
he  was  fitted  for  college,  having  completed  the  common 
branches,  algebra,  geometr}',  trigonometry,  philosoph}-, 
and  other  branches  of  e(^ual  grade.     At  the  age  of  sixteen 


RIOGKAI'HIES    AND    SKETCHES.  4I7 

he  entered  Bainbridge  Academy,  in  Putnam  count}-,  In- 
diana, for  one  year,  and  the  following  year  entered  Asburv 
University,  at  Greencastle,  Indiana,  where  he  continued 
his  studies  for  a  similar  time,  when  he  was  compelled,  on 
account  of  failing  health,  to  take  a  year's  rest,  after  which 
he  entered  the  State  University  at  Bloomington,  Indiana, 
where  he  finished  his  collegiate  studies  in  the  year  1872. 
Mr.  New  had  early  in  life  formed  the  desire  of  becoming  a 
lawyer,  and,  much  against  the  wishes  of  his  parents,  began 
study  with  that  view.  After  the  close  of  his  college  train- 
ing, he  entered  the  law  office  of  Hamilton  J.  Dunbar. 
Here  he  made  rapid  progress,  and  on  the  ist  day  of  June, 
1873,  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  the  Hancock  Circuit 
Court,  and  began  the  practice  as  a  partner  of  his  pre- 
ceptor, and  continued  as  such  until  the  5th  of  September, 
1876,  the  date  of  Mr.  Dunbar's  death.  In  1869  Mr.  New 
was  elected  County  Examiner  for  this  county,  and  dis- 
charged the  duties  of  said  office  with  credit  to  himself  and 
honor  to  the  people.  Feeling  that  his  professional  duties 
needed  his  entire  attention,  he  declined  to  become  a  candi- 
date for  a  second  term,  and  has  since  been  whollv  eniraffed 
m  the  law. 

On  the  8th  day  of  November,  1876,  Mr.  New  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Emma  Swope,  of  this  city,  the  fruits  of  which 
union  are  two  sprightly  children — a  bo}- and  a  girl.  Mr. 
N.  is  a  member  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  and  contributes  lib- 
erally to  the  support  thereof.  He  has  been  a  life-long 
Democrat,  though  never  aspiring  to  otlice,  believing  that 
law  and  politics  cannot  be  successfully  wedded.  He  has 
an  excellent  librar}-,  stands  high  in  the  profession,  and  is 
recognized  as  an  able  debater  and  a  tenacious  opponent. 
He  is  a  genial  gentleman,  always  ready  for  a  good  joke 
and  a  heart}'  laugh,  and  by  industry  and  close  application 
has  acliieved  a  handsome  competence. 

John  E.  Dye 

dates  his  earthly  journey ings  on   terra  iinua  from  June  25, 
1S45,  vSugar-Creek  township,  tliis  countv.      He  is  a  son  of 


4i8 


HISTORY    OF    HANCOCK    COUNTY. 


the  late  John  Dye,  who  came  to  Indiana  in  1809  from  Ken- 
tucky, where  he  was  born  in  1803.  He  came  to  Wayne 
county  in  1836,  where  he  resided  for  a  short  time  ;  thence 
to  Sugar-Creek  township,  his  future  home  to  the  date  of 
his  death.  John  E.  received  a  fair  Enghsh  education  at 
home  and  at  Knightstown.  He  taught  two  terms  of  school 
in  Sugar-Creek  and  Buck-Creek  townships,  and  was  five 
3'ears  in  the  drug  store  at  Philadelphia,  Indiana,  termi- 
nating in  1877.  He  was  married  in  1864  ^*^  Miss  Henri- 
etta, daughter  of  Dr.  M.  M.  VanLaningham,     He  is   a 


farmer,  a  staunch  Democrat,  and  a  social  gentleman.  In 
person,  he  is  of  a  bilious  temperament,  dark  hair  and 
eyes,  six  feet  two  inches  in  height,  and  one  himdred  and 
eighty-five  pounds  in  weight.  Mr.  D.  was  elected  Com- 
missioner of  the  Third  Commissioner's  District  in  1880, 
which  position  he  is  still  holding. 


William  M.  WiaoHT, 

youngest  son  of  Joseph  and  Eli>:ubeth  Wright,  was  born 
June  19,  1850;  attended  the  common  schools  of  tiic  dis- 
trict three  months  in  the  }'ear,  until  he  began  teaching  in 
187 1,  which  he  followed  during  the  winter  season  i'ov  eight 


BIOGRAPHIES    AND    SKETCHES. 


419 


or  nine  terms,  mostly  in  liis  native  township.  He  was 
married  April  20,  1873,  to  Miss  Mary  C,  daughter  of 
Hamilton  Welling,  of .  Buck-Creek  township.  He  was 
elected  Trustee  of  Buck-Creek  township  in  1876,  and  re- 
elected in  1878.  He  is  an  honored  member  of  the  F.  and 
A.  M.  ;  was  appointed  Deputy  Auditor  in  1880,  which  po- 
sition he  still  holds.  Mr.  W.  is  a  young  man,  a  good 
Democrat  and  an  affable  gentleman. 

Dr.  Samuel  M.  Martin, 

son  of  Dr.  William  H.  Martin,  of  Rush  county,  was  born 
in  Rushville,  Indiana,  March  7,  1842.  His  father  being  a 
pln'sician  and  literary  man,  and  at  one  time,  as  previously 
stated.  Secretary'  of  the  Board  of  Examiners  of  the  Indi- 
ana Medical  Institute,  endeavored  to  give  his  children 
favorable  opportunities  for  an  education.  Young  Martin 
early  espoused  the  idea  of  following  in  his  father's  foot- 
steps, and  embracing  the  medical  profession,  but  while  in 
the  midst  of  his  study  of  medics,  the  thrilling  accounts  of 
the  civil  war  enthused  his  mind,  hred  his  patriotism,  and 
carried  him  to  the  scene  of  carnage,  where  he  remained 
until  discharged  for  a  gun-shot  w'ound  through  the  left  side 
of  the  body,  at  the  battle  of  Pea  Ridge,  Arkansas,  March 
I,  1862.  He  now  turned  his  thoughts  in  his  chosen  chan- 
nel, and  had  the  honor,  in  1865,  of  graduating  in  the 
Cincinnnati  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons.  The  fol- 
lowing year  he  was  married  to  Miss  Florence  F.,  only 
daughter  of  Dr.  N.  P.  Howard,  with  whom  he  formed  a 
partnership,  and  at  once  entered  upon  tlie  practice  of  his 
chosen  profession. 

Dr.  M.,  though  scarcely  in  the  prime  of  life,  stands 
high  in  the  profession,  has  a  lucrati\'e  practice,  and  is 
much  of  a  <xentleman. 

Miss  Mary  N.  Roberts, 

a  native  of  West  Virginia,  and  daughter  of  the  late  Xa- 
tlianiel   H.  Roberts,  came  to  this  city  with  her  parents  in 


420 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


1869,  where  she  received  a  common  school  education. 
She  learned  readily,  and  in  1876  entered  the  County  Re- 
corder's office  as  deputy  under  her  father,  where  she  has 
since  been  employed.  On  the  death  of  her  father,  b}- 
unanimous  consent,  it  was  agreed  that  she  should  have  the 
emoluments  of  the  office  for  the  unexpired  term,  and  at  a 
public  meeting  of  citizens  of  the  county  a  non-partisan 
committee  was   appointed,  who  agreed  on  John  Ryon  as 


nominally  Recorder,  in  whose  name  she  should  act.  In  addi- 
tion to  her  work  as  deput}',  she  has  devoted  much  of  her 
time  in  furnishing  abstracts  of  titles,  in  all  of  which  duties 
she  has  ever  been  recognized  as  accommodating,  faithlul 
and  efficient. 

Amos  C.  Beeson 

was  born  in  Randolph  count}',  Indiana,  July  29,  1842  ; 
moved  to  Blue-River  township,  Hancock  county,  Indiana, 
October,  1856,  and  remained  on  the  farm  with  his  father 
until  1861,  when  he  became  an  apprentice  in  the  office  ot 
The  Hancock  Democrat.  lie  remained  there  one  year, 
when  he  enlisted  as  a  prixatc  soldier  in  Company  G,  79^^ 
Reiriment  of  Indiana  Volunteer  Infantrv.  He  served  w'ith 
his  regiment,  participating  in   tlie  battles  of  Chicamauga, 


HIOCJRAI'IIIES    AND    SKETCHES.  42 1 

Lookout  Mountain,  Knowille,  the  lii\st  Tennessee  cam- 
paign. Tunnel  Hill,  Dalton,  Resaca,  Cassville,  Lost  Moun- 
tain, and  Kenesaw  Mountain,  being  so  severely  wounded 
in  the  latter,  June  23,  1864,  that  he  was  discharged  Febru- 
ary 5,  1.865.  I^  March,  1865,  he  was  appointed  Deputy 
Recorder  of  Hancock  county,  and  elected  Recorder  in 
1865,  being  the  only  Republican  ever  elected  to  that  posi- 
tion. He  resigned  August  1,  1879,  having  purchased  an 
interest  in  the  Winc/icstcr  yoiirnal,  one  ot"  the  oldest  and 
leading  local  papers  in  Eastern  Indiana,  of  which  paper 
he  is  still  the  editor  and  sole  proprietor.  In  March,  1881, 
he  was  elected,  by  the  Legislature  of  Indiana,  as  one  of 
the  Directors  of  the  Prison  North,  aiid  on  the  organization 
of  the  Board  of  Directors  was  elected  its  President,  which 
position  he  still  holds.  Was  married  in  1867  to  Miss 
Maggie  Marsh,  of  Plue-Ri\-er  township,  and  his  family 
consists  of  two  little  bows.  Masters  Willie  and  Charlie. 

Coi.oi<i':i)  M.  E.  Church 

was  organized  about  1874  in  the  upper  story  of  the  fi'ame 
building  on  North  State  street,  opposite  Morgan's  li\ery 
stable,  bv  Rev.  J.  II.  James.  The  lirst  members  were 
G.  L.  Knox.  Jane  and  Martha  Hunt,  Eliza  Brazelton, 
Daniel  Jenkins  c/  al.  Their  next  meetings  were  held  in 
the  new  room  of  the  two-story  frame  building  on  South 
State  street,  owned  bv  L.  W.  Gooding.  Thence  to  the 
present  place  of  worship,  a  neat  one-story  frame  in  the 
south  part  of  tb.e  city.  Present  minister,  George  W. 
Zeigler.  In  connection  with  this  church  is  an  interesting 
Sunda3--school,  G.  L.  Knox^  Superintendent. 

Hancock  Commandery  No.  6 

of  the  Knights  of  Universal  Brotherhood  was  instituted 
December  i,  1881,  by  John  T.  Francis,  Grand  Deputy, 
assisted  bv  the  Sir  Knights  of  the  Continental  Commandery 
of  Indianapolis.     The  ollicers  are:     A.  L.  Sullivan,  Illus- 


422  IIISTOliV  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTV. 

trious  Commander  ;  R.  ITagen,  Captain  General  ;  John  S. 
Hiintsinger,  Master  of  Ceremonies  ;  Warren  Comstock, 
Registering  Chief;  A.  N.  Fitz,  Chief  of  Records;  A.  C. 
Hamilton,  Herald  at  Arms  ;  S.  S.  Spangler,  Junior  War- 
den ;  John  R.  Smith,  Outer  Warden  ;  James  II.  Bragg, 
James  Wilson,  Jackson  Bridges,  Trustees  ;  Dr.  J.  A.  Hall. 
Examining  Physician.  This  order  is  founded  on  the  prin- 
ciple of  fraternity  and  mutual  aid,  and  claims  to  elevate 
humanity,  advise,  encourage  and  assist  its  members. 
Charter  members,  about  forty  ;  nigiit  of  meeting,  Thursday 
of  each  week,  in  the  third  storv  of  Masonic  building. 


A  Bit  of  School  History. 

It  was  in  the  summer  of  1874  ^^^'"^^  New  Palestine,  a 
place  then  noted  for  "running  out"  teachers  before  their 
terms  had  expired,  in  selecting  a  principal  for  the  coming 
vear,  decided  to  make  a  change  and  elect  a  lady  for  the 
position,  the  like  of  which  had  never  been  done  in  that 
place.  As  the  result  ot  their  choice  they  decided  on 
Mattie  J.  Binford,  a  graduate  of  Earlham  College,  who 
had  served  as  principal  at  Walnut  Ridge,  Rush  county, 
the  preceding  year,  with  such  success  that  they  would  have 
raised  her  wages  considerably  rather  than  to  have  lost  her 
services.  There  were  some  of  the  employers  at  New 
Palestine  prejudiced  from  the  beginning.  They  said  /it> 
ladv  could  govern  their  boys.  The  new  principal  knew 
but  verv  little  of  the  circumstances  until  she  was  engaged. 
Then  she  was  determined  there  should  be  no  "backing 
out*'  on  her  part,  but  that  she  would  strive  to  do  them  all 
the  good  in  her  power.  With  these  pure  motives  she  began 
her  school,  a  term  of  a  little  over  six  months.  She  visited 
the  school-house  two  or  three  days  before  school  was  to 
open  in  order  to  get  fully  ready.  The  walls  had  been 
newh'  whitewashed,  the  floor  scrubbed,  and  the  stoves 
blackened ;  so  when  the  new  eight-day  clock,  several 
pictures,  mottoes,  surrounded  by  wreaths  of  evergreen 
and  corner  bouquets,  all  had  suitable  positions  on  the  walls. 


BIOGRAPHIES    AND    SKETCHES.  423 

the  room  looked  real  coz\'.  Several  visitors  were  present 
at  the  openintjj,  and  expressed  themselves  as  well  pleased 
with  the  rules  and  regulations  given  by  the  principal. 
School  progressed  hnely,  and  all  seemed  to  work  with  a 
will.  Qiiite  a  large  number  visted  the  school,  especially 
on  Fridav  afternoons,  when  there  were  literary  exercises, 
and  they  nearly  always  expressed  themselves  in  the  Vis- 
itor's Record  as  well  pleased.  Still  there  was  opposition, 
and  fault-finders  were  not  scarce.  They  said  there  was  no 
sense  in  her  trying  to  keep  the  house  so  neat,  that  the 
"  big  boys  "  might  as  well  spit  on  the  tioor  all  they  wished, 
that  so  many  ornaments  in  a  school-room  was  a  useless 
expenditure  of  money  (just  as  though  the  teacher  had  not 
borne  all  the  expense),  and  that  she  had  so  many  nczi< 
methods  of  instruction,  &c.  However,  things  moved  along 
until  after  the  holidays  without  more  than  has  been  men- 
tioned. Two  weeks  of  holidays  were  granted,  and  when 
the  principal  returned  to  her  duties  she  treated  the  school 
on  candy,  raisins  and  wedding  cake  as  a  token  of  her  good 
will  to  all  :  but  it  was  not  many  weeks  until  it  was  manifest 
that  trouble  was  brewing.  The  first  case  occurred  one 
morning  not  long  after  the  opening  exercises,  when  a  tall 
young  man,  whom  the  principal  had  temporarily  suspended 
the  preceding  day  for  positiveh'  refusing  to  do  as  she  bade 
him,  came  at  her  with  clenched  tist,  and  threatened  to 
knock  her  brains  out.  Doubtless  he  thought  that  he  could 
scare  her  out  of  the  room,  but  he  was  mistaken  this  time. 
She  said  not  a  word,  but  stood  her  ground.  He  soon 
quieted  down  and  took  his  seat.  It  was  not  many  minutes 
until  the  trustee  came  in,  and  she  informed  him  of  her 
trouble.  He  ordered  this  pupil  to  take  his  books  at  once 
and  go  home,  but  instead  of  obej'ing  he  came  at  the  trustee 
with  a  large  iron  poker.  The  latter  swerved  not  an  inch, 
however  he  was  not  struck.  At  recess  the  teacher  and 
trustee  stepped  over  to  the  'Squire's  office,  and  the  former 
filed  an  affidavit  against  this  young  man  for  abusing  her  in 
the  presence  of  her  school,  &c.  Accordingly  he  was  fined 
near  twenty  dollars. 


424  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

In  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day  the  school  was  very 
unexpectedly  visited  by  the  mother  of  one  of  the  pupils,  a 
little  boy  about  seven  years  of  age.  The  teacher  had  been 
obliged  to  correct  this  pupil,  so  his  little  sister  slipped  home 
at  recess  and  informed  his  mother  of  it.  So  in  a  few  min- 
utes, while  a  class  was  on  the  floor  reciting,  in  she  came, 
quite  a  large  woman,  shaking  her  lists  at  the  principal, 
and  bemeaninii  her  before  the  school.  When  asked  bv  the 
teacher  to  take  a  seat  and  be  quiet,  she  heeded  not,  but 
said  she  had  as  much  right  in  there  as  she  had.  On  being 
told  that  there  was  a  section  in  the  school  law  forbidding 
such  conduct,  she  said  she  was  not  afraid  of  the  school 
law,  of  the  teacher,  or  of  all  Palestine.  She  even  assumed 
authority,  and  went  to  changing  her  children's  seats  to 
suit  herself.  The  teacher  seeing  no  other  alternative  to 
rid  the  school  from  the  annoyance,  asked  one  of  the  grown 
pupils  to  take  charge,  and  stepped  over  to  the  'Squire's 
office  for  assistance,  as  the  director  would  not  act  in  former 
cases  ;  but  before  she  got  biick  this  woman  was  out  and 
gone.  The  teacher  at  once  changed  her  children's  seats 
as  they  were  before  her  visit,  and  recitation  went  on  as 
usual  until  the  common  time  for  closing. 

After  school,  the  teacher,  seeing  that  her  school  would 
be  broken  up  if  such  an  offense  should  go  unpunished, 
went  again  to  the  'Squire's  office,  and  laid  in  complaint 
against  this  woman  for  visitinsf  the  school  with  the  avowed 
purpose  of  insulting  and  upbraiding  her  in  the  presence  of 
her  pupils.  A  lawyer  was  emplo^-ed  on  each  side,  and  a 
jur}''  called.  The  verdict  rendered  was  against  this  woman, 
and  of  course  she  was  thrown  into  the  costs.  A  dear  visit 
it  proved  to  her.  Then  she  and  her  husband  had  the  prin- 
cipal arrested  for  '"assault  and  battery,"  but  the  verdict 
rendered  was  not  guilty.  The  people  of  that  district  then 
saw  that  a  teacher  had  some  rights  which  they  were  bound 
to  respect,  and  they  have  had  good  schools  there  ever 
since.  The  principal  taught  her  term  out,  and  also  taught 
a  subscription  term  of  two  months.  The  next  3'ear  she 
had  the  opportunity  of  teaching  grammar  and  geography 


BIOGKAPHIES    AND    SKETCHES.  425 

at  Earlhani  Collei^e,  and  has  been  engaged  in  teaching  in 
other  phices  every  year  since,  until  one  year  ago  last 
August  she  accepted  a  school  of  one  scholar,  \iz  :  Clarkson 
Elliott,  of  Fountain  City,  Wayne  county,  and  is  now  located 
eight  miles  north  of  Richmond. 

William  II.  Thompson, 

Sheriff  of  Hancock  county,  was  born  in  Hamilton  county, 
Ohio,  April  14,  1842.  His  early  education  was  received 
in  his  native  State,  after  which  he  attended  the  common 
schools  of  Indiana  for  a  time,  and  was  six  months  in  the 
graded  schools  of  Lafayette.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he 
removed  with  his  parents  to  Brandywine  township,  this 
county,  where  he  resided  until  his  appointment  as  deputy 
Sheriff  under  William  Tliomas,  in  1875,  ^^■hich  position  he 
tilled  for  two  terms.  In  1878  he  was  elected  Sheriff  of  the 
county  and  re-elected  in  1880. 

Mr.  T."s  parents  were  at  one  time  in  good  financial 
circumstances,  but  lost  their  all  by  indorsement.  Thus 
early  in  life  he  was  thrown  upon  his  own  resources  and 
brought  face  to  face  with  the  stern  realities  of  life,  and. 
aside  from  supporting  himself,  he  was  ever  readv  to  lend 
a  helping  hand  to  his  parents  in  their  declining  years. 
His  father  died  in  1876  and  his  mother  in  1878.  Mav  8, 
1881,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Malinda  E.,  daughter  of  the 
late  Robert  Smith,  of  Brandvwine  township.  As  an 
officer,  Mr.  Thompson  is  recognized  as  impartial,  faithful 
and  efficient. 

Hon.  Joseph  Chapman, 

one  of  the  most  prominent  men  in  the  early  historv  of 
Hancock  county,  who  had  iilled  the  various  positions  of 
tarmcr,  county  officer,  legislator  and  soldier,  died  in  the 
service  of  his  countr}^  April  3,  1848,  in  Mexico,  at  the 
age  of  fifty-seven.  He  was  a  native  of  the  Buckeye  State, 
lived  for  a  number  of  years  in  Rush  county,  and  came  to 
Hancock  county  in  1829.  He  was  twice  married,  first  to 
28 


426  HISTORY    OF    HAXCOCIC    COUNTY. 

Miss  Jane  Curry,  b_\'  whom  he  had  six  children ;  the 
second  time  to  Miss  Matilda  Agnes,  by  whom  he  had  five 
children.  His  first  wife  was  buried  in  the  old  cemetery  in 
Greenfield. 

Mr.  Chapman  was  elected  Clerk  of  the  county  in  1832, 
and  represented  the  county  in  the  lower  house  of  the 
Legislature  in  1837,  1839,  ^^4^'  18^2  and  1843.  In  person 
he  was  square  built,  dark  hair  and  eyes,  of  a  bilious  tem- 
perament, medium  in  height,  and  about  one  hundred  and 
sevent}^  pounds  in  weight.  In  politics  he  was  a  Democrat, 
and  was  often  pitted  against  Thomas  D.  Walpole,  a  prom- 
inent Whig  at  that  date.  He  was  a  member  of  the 
Methodist  Church,  and  died  in  the  faith. 

We  give  below  a  letter  written  by  Mr.  C.  while  in 
Mexico,  which  is  of  interest  as  showing  the  stvle  and 
character  of  its  author : 

Jalapa,  Mexico,  December  3,  1S47. 

Mv  Dear  Wife  and  Children  :  Again  I  am  placed  in 
my  tent,  very  tired,  but  cheerful  and  happv  as  ever  I  was  in 
my  life,  and  I  suppose  that  I  need  not  say  that  I  hope  that  these 
few  lines  may  find  you  enjoying  the  same  state  of  health,  as  I 
do  think  you  will  be  ready  to  acknowledge  and  believe  that  my 
very  soul  has  always  been  wrapped  up  in  the  love  of  my  famih'. 

We  have  traveled  six  hard  days'  march  towards  the  City 
of  Mexico,  and  will  have  some  ten  or  twelve  more  before  we 
get  there,  as  it  is  very  laborious  moving  a  large  army.  The 
whole  country  through  which  we  have  passed  is  hilly,  moun- 
tainous and  rocky,  but  looks  romantic,  and  in  some  places  very 
pretty,  as  the  trees  are  now  covered  with  blossoms,  but  there 
is  but  little  fruit.  There  is  but  little  danger  here,  or  indeed  do 
I  think  there  is  but  little  danger  any  place  in  this  country,  as 
we  can  hear  of  no  army  any  place  in  the  government.  There 
are  a  few  guerrillas  along  the  road,  but  dare  not  appear  or  show 
fight.  I  saw  one  who  had  just  been  killed,  and  some  of  the 
boys  say  that  they  saw  six  or  eight  more.  I  was  out  hunting 
and  saw  a  few  black  fellows,  but  they  run  like  devils,  and  I  got 
no  shot.  There  w^as  but  two  of  us,  A.  Pauley  and  myself,  but 
it  appears  as  though  one  can  chase  a  dozen.  There  is  still  no 
immediate  prospect  of  peace. 


BIOGRAPHIES    AND    SKETCHES. 


427 


On  the  ascent  from  Vera  Cniz  to  Mexico  the  chniates  suc- 
ceed eacli  other  as  it  were  by  stories,  and  in  our  travel  we  have 
passed  through  every  variety  of  vegetation.  The  tropical  plants 
are  succeeded  by  the  oak,  and  the  salubrious  air  of  Jalapa 
replaces  the  deadly  air  of  Vera  Cruz.  The  sky  is  generalh- 
cloudless,  and  but  very  little  rain,  and  a  succession  of  hills, 
seemingly  at  some  day  the  boundary  of  lakes,  are  now  the 
limits  of  extensive  plains  or  rolling  prairies,  but  the  rocks  or 
stones  all  very  near  the  surface.  The  country  is  barren  because 
it  is  very  dry  and  stony,  but  every  stream  is  accompanied  with 
some  fertile  land.  The  snow  is  in  sight  on  the  mountains,  and 
contributes  much  to  cool  the  air  now,  as  it  is  cloudy  ;  and  it  is 
said  to  be  the  coldest  day  ever  experienced  in  this  country.  It 
would  be  called  cold  in  our  country'  in  May.  The  coffee  bush 
grows  here.  The  berries  are  now  ripe,  and  is  a  small  red  berry, 
very  juicy,  and  as  poisonous  as  can  be. 

The  timber  is  low  and  crooked.  I  have  seen  no  tree  in  the 
country  that  would  have  made  a  rail  cut.  Everything,  weed, 
bush  and  tree,  except  the  scrubby  oak  and  orange  bush  and 
coffee  bush,  has  thorns  on.  The  thorns  resemble  the  thorn  on 
the  honey  locust,  but  they  are  more  crooked,  and  as  thick  as 
they  can  grow  from  top  to  bottom,  leaf  and  all. 

JosEPic  Chapman. 

Robert  Smith 

was  born  near  Abbington,  Virginia,  January  26,  1808.  In 
1818  he  moved  with  his  parents  to  Indiana,  first  settling  in 
Clark  county,  afterwards  in  Rush,  and  in  about  1830  came 
to  Hancock,  entering  the  farm  on  which  he  lived  and  now 
owned  by  the  family.  With  his  own  hands  he  cleared 
away  the  dense  forests,  the  home  of  the  deer,  wild  turkey, 
and  wild  hog  that  at  that  early  day  could  be  found  on 
almost  every  farm  in  our  county.  His  father  coming  w^ith 
him  to  this  county,  entered  land,  and  was  one  of  the  early 
pioneers  of  the  county,  and  served  at  one  time  as  County 
Commissioner. 

Mr.  Smith's  opportunities  for  acquiring  an  education 
were  limited,  as  school-houses  were  then  few  and  terms  of 
school  short,  yet  he  was  ever  a  firm  friend  of  schools,  and 


428  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

always  sought  to  g-ive  his  children  "'  a  better  bringing  up 
than  he  had  had,"  and  he  lived  to  see  most  of  them  receive 
.a  good  education.  He  was  married  March  9,  1S40,  to 
■Mary  Power,  with  whom  he  lived  pleasantly  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  July  22,  1877,  at  his  residence. 

Mrs.  Smith,  his  widow,  still  lives,  and  is  enjoying  lair 
health.  Her  teachings  and  her  Christian  example  had 
much  to  do  in  directing  both  husband  and  children  in  the 
right  way,  and  to  that  mother  is  due,  in  a  large  degree  at 
least,  the  present  standing  of  her  children  in  society. 

Mr.  Smith  in  politics  was  a  Democrat  and  in  religion  a 
Methodist.  In  Ml.  Lebanon  Cemetery-  a  suitable  monu- 
ment is  found  marking  the  last  resting  place  of  Mr.  S.,  a 
devoted  Christian  and  a  a"ood  citizen. 


CeINIETERIES    OF    THE    CoUNTY. 

It  has  been  said:  "The  past  has  taught  its  lesson, 
the  present  has  its  dut}-,  and  the  future  its  hope." 

We  often  hear  of  the  sad  iuul  neglected  condition  ot~ 
the  cemeteries  of  the  different  sections  of  our  country,  but 
nowhere  could  this  painful  fact  be  illustrated  better  and  in 
all  its  most  repelling  features  than  in  this  county,  the  home 
of  intelligent,  liberty-loving  American  people.  I  need  not 
say,  as  Anthon}-  said,  "  Ye  who  have  tears  prepare  to  shed 
them  now,"  but  you  who  have  yourselves  seen  the  shame- 
ful condition  in  which  the  last  resting  places  of  friends  who 
are  loved  by  you,  can  you  not  but  reflect  a  moment  and 
say  to  yourself,  this  must  be  changed.  I  must  pa}'  more 
respect  to  those  who  were  near  and  dear  to  me.  When 
you  pass  along  and  behold  the  fences  decaying,  rotten  and 
falling  down  ;  when  you  see  the  bushes  and  briers  which 
are  covering  the  graves  ;  when  you  see  the  beasts  of  the 
field  treading  unmercifull}^  through  the  inclosure  ;  when 
you  see  what  were  once  tombstones  broken  and  scattered 
into  fragments  upon  the  ground,  can  you  feel  anything  but 
a  shudder  come  over  you,  and  that  you  have  not  done  your 
duty  or  shown  any  more  respect  to  dear  departed  kindred 


UKXiKAPIlIKS    AM)    SKK-rLlII-:s,  q.2Q 

than   \()U   wimlcl   sliow   to   the   beasts   ot'  the   tielcl   ami   the 
fowls  ot'  the  air? 

Our  cemeteries,  like  our  otlicc-seekers,  are  too  numer- 
ous, and  some  must  be  ncjxlected.  One  of  the  worst 
features  in  the  ease  is  the  Tiiany  jirixate  burial  gTouncls. 
What  think  \ou,  dear  husband,  of  burying-  your  wit'e  where 
the  cows  and  sheep  will  be  pastured  in  years  to  come? 
What  think  vou,  noble,  kind-hearted  mother,  ol'  buryint^ 
your  dear  children  where  the  plow  will  hereafter  turn  up 
the  soil  Irom  over  their  heads,  and  leave  nothing  to  show 
where  was  their  resting  place?  "S'et  this  is  done,  and  has 
been  done  frequenth',  in  (hu"  county.  Ever^'thing  must 
change,  and  lands  must  change  owners.  Do  you  think 
that  a  man,  knowing  nothing  of  the  parties  buried  on  his 
place,  no  diflerence  how^  near  and  dear  they  ma}-  be  to 
others,  will  show  them  an\-  respect?  lie  will  not,  and  he 
will  not  hesitate  to  desecrate  them.  Then,  my  dear  friends, 
as  the  past  has  taught  its  lesson,  profit  by  it ;  as  the  present 
has  its  duty,  come  Ibrward  and  do  it.  You  are  not  all 
expected  to  erect  monuments,  but  lessen  the  number  of 
your  cemeteries,  and  give  what  few  tliat  remain  more 
attention.  Think  that  if  you  were  there,  would  it  not  be 
better  to  show  some  mark  of  attention  and  respect.  "We 
are  all  swit'tly  gliding  down  the  stream  of  time,  and  the 
places  which  now  know  us  will  know  us  no  more,  but  our 
bodies  will  be  consigned  to  similar  abodes  to  those  of  dear 
friends  who  have  passed  bel'ore."" 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 
general  topics. 

Progress  of  Our  Schools. 

Among  the  things  most  noteworthy  which  distinguish 
modern  from  ancient  civilization  is  the  progress  which  all 
classes  have  made  in  regard  to  education.  Our  intelligent 
and  energetic  forefathers  early  saw  that  a  system  of  educa- 
tion must  be  established  to  protect  freedom,  to  create 
enterprise  and  to  establish  institutions,  of  which  the  world 
may  well  feel  proud,  but  we  must  observe  that  the  progress 
has  been  slow,  and  we  notice  as  it  has  passed  along  it  has 
gained  a  steadfast  footing  at  every  step. 

In  Hancock  count}-  the  first  school-house  w^as  erected 
in  1823  in  Blue-River  township.  A  similar  building  was 
established  in  Greenfield  in  1824.  School  buildings  were 
erected  in  Jackson,  Sugar  Creek  and  Harrison  (now 
Center)  in  1830,  and  in  1836  in  Green  and  Brown,  and  in 
Vernon  a  little  later.  And  what  kind  of  buildings  do  you 
think  they  were?  Structures  which,  in  dimensions,  were 
sometimes  twenty  feet  square,  constructed  of  logs  and 
poles,  cracks  daubed  with  mud,  but  not  excluding  the 
cutting  blasts  of  wind  ;  a  fire-place  of  huge  dimensions 
occupied  a  prominent  position,  wliich  admitted  logs  that 
required  the  muscular  power  of  the  large  boys  to  be 
brought  into  action  ;  desks  without  backs,  and  seats  made 
out  of  split  saplings,  which  ever  now  and  then  precipitated 
the  occupants  to  the  floor,  to  the  delight  of  the  rest  of  the 
school  ;  oiled  paper  for  lights  and  a  puncheon  floor.  Two 
pins  over  the  teacher's  desk  held  the  onlv  needful  appara- 
tus (at  least  so  they  thought  at  that  time)  to  make  a  good 
school.     The   supply   of  switches   was   always   abundant. 


GENERAL    TOPICS.  43  I 

and  the  master  improved  every  opportunity  to  use  them. 
The  saying  was,  "Spare  the  rod  and  you  spoil  the  child." 

The  schools  were  then  organized  by  subscription,  last- 
ing through  a  period  of  thirteen  weeks,  the  teacher 
receiving  $25  or  $30  for  the  term.  Then  the  light  of 
science  had  not  dawned  upon  the  people,  and  school  was 
lield  from  early  in  the  morning  until  late  in  the  evening, 
allowing  five  minutes  in  the  morning  and  evening  for 
recess  and  one  hour  at  noon.  Oh,  how  these  energetic 
"lads  and  lasses"  longed  to  breathe  the  fresh  and  pure 
air  without  such  a  dilapidated  inclosure.  Think  of  the 
idea  of  sitting  on  backless  poles  for  ten  hours  a  da3\ 

The  men  who  came  forward  to  instruct  and  cultivate 
the  minds  of  the  rising  generatien  were  not  always  men  of 
culture  themselves,  coming  from  England,  Ireland  and 
other  countries  and  engaging  in  the  profession  until  thev 
could  find  a  more  suitable  calling.  Then  another  class 
of  unsuccessful  business  men  came  forward  to  instruct 
the  most  brilliant  minds  in  our  country.  How  could  it  be 
possible  to  have  a  competent  corps  of  teachers  when  the 
examinations  and  qualifications  was  a  matter  of  minor 
importance,  the  great  requisite  being  the  ability  to  use  the 
"  rod"  unsparingly  on  all  occasions.  But  we  can  not  but 
admire  their  feeling  in  regard  to  morality  ;  strict  in  morals 
and  of  unquestionable  integrity,  spurning  an  insult,  and 
not  afraid  to  stand  by  what  they  considered  their  rights 
and  privileges.  Frequent  fights  on  this  account  often 
occurred,  and  it  was  hard  to  tell  who  was  the  innocent 
party. 

"Loud  schools"  were  held  throughout  the  countrv, 
and  it  would  be  interesting  to  hear  a  school  preparing  their 
lessons  ;  and  this  plan,  although  having  its  defects,  prob- 
ably had  some  advantages.  Examine  their  methods  of 
instruction,  teaching  what  the}-  called  the  three  R"s, 
"  Readin',  Ritin'  and  Rithmetic,"  giving  very  little  instruc- 
tion on  any  branch,  but  allowing  their  pupils  to  use  their 
own  energy  if  they  desired  to  succeed.  Books  of  all  kinds 
and  in  every  condition  were  used,  and  classes  were  nunier- 


432  HISTORY  OF  IIAXCOCK  COUNTY. 

ous  and  xcvy  small  until  1857,  when  all  were  required  to 
obtain  a  certain  class  of  books  suitable  for  their  instruction, 
and  they  were  ready  to  engage  in  a  more  methodical  and 
orderly  way  of  learning,  and  it  has  truly  been  said  that 
"  Order  is  the  first  law  of  God." 

Our  county  seminary  was  established  in  1842  at  Green- 
field, and  continued  to  flourish  until  1852,  when  the  law 
eflecting  all  similar  buildings  was  passed  and  abolished 
the  institution. 

The  public  policy  of  our  nation  has  alwa3-s  been  for  the 
advancement  of  the  interest  of  her  people,  and  in  this  she 
has  been  followed  by  the  States.  Virginia,  although  she 
has  probably  in  after  times  made  blunders,  came  nobly  and 
majestically  to  the  front  and  donated  to  the  General  Goy- 
ernment  the  yast  domain  of  which  our  State  is  a  part. 
The  people  of  Indiana  should  eyer  feel  grateful  to  Virginia 
for  her  unexcelled  patriotism  and  devotion.  The  ordinance 
made  in  regard  to  this  vast  domain,  in  1787,  showed  on  its 
face  that  this  section  was  destined  to  have  a  happy  and 
glorious  triumph  in  the  future  ;  for  in  the  third  article  it 
was  declared  that  "Religion,  morality  and  knowledge 
being  necessary  to  the  good  government  and  happiness  of 
mankind,  schools  and  the  means  of  education  shall  forever 
be  encouraged."  Section  sixteen  in  each  Congressional 
township  was  reserved  for  school  purposes,  and  this  has 
assisted  greatly  in  establishing  our  grand  school  fund. 

In  1816  superintendents  were  appointed  to  lease  the 
lands,  but  not  for  more  than  seven  3'ears.  In  1824  a  new 
law  took  effect,  and  established  three  trustees  to  look  after 
the  educational  interests  of  each  township.  In  1836  the 
county  school  commissioner  was  created,  and  in  1843  the 
State  Treasurer  performed  the  duty  of  Superintendent  of 
Public  Instruction,  but  how  different  were  their  powers 
from  what  the}'  are  at  present.  Like  the  articles  of  con- 
federation, a  great  many  things  might  be  suggested,  but 
ver}^  few  enforced. 

Up  to  this  time  very  little  had  been  done  in  the  way  of 
advancing  education.     Now  a  new  light  seemed  to  appear 


GENERAL    TOPICS.  433 

before  the  minds  of  a  portion  of  our  honored  citizens.  The 
schools  had  mostly  been  carried  on  by  private  means,  and 
in  a  rude  manner.  The  system  of  free  schools  was  begin- 
ning to  be  discussed,  but  public  sentiment  seemed  to  be 
against  it.  The  people  had  not  yet  been  brought  up  to 
view  education  in  its  proper  light.  The  voters  of  Hancock 
county,  in  convention,  advanced  fearlessly  to  the  front  and 
denounced  a  system  of  free  schools,  with  all  of  its  proposed 
advantages,  yet  it  had  its  supporters,  and  in  1852  the  law 
establishing  the  free  schools  triumphed  over  its  foes,  and 
soon  won  most  of  them  to  its  support.  How  great  the 
progress  in  education.  Schools  and  colleges  were  estab- 
lished and  comfortable  buildings  supplied  the  places  of  the 
worthless  and  neglected  log  pens. 

In  1852  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  and 
State  Board  were  established.  In  1865  teachers'  institutes 
were  established  in  all  the  counties  of  Indiana,  and  at  the 
same  time  the  State  Normal  at  Terre  Haute.  Both  of 
these  have  been  of  great  advantage  to  our  teachers.  Pre- 
vious to  this  time,  in  1834,  ^^^'  State  University  was 
established  at  Bloomington.  Thus  we  have  the  advantage 
of  learning  in  all  its  branches  of  knowledge.  In  1873  the 
county  superintendency  was  established,  and  at  the  same 
time  the  county  board  and  township  institute,  all  of  which 
tend  to  better  prepare  the  educators  of  our  county. 

Our  common  school  fund,  which  exceeds  that  of  any 
other  State  by  $2,000,000,  is  from  the  following  sources: 
Congressional  township  fund,  which,  as  has  already  been 
described,  from  the  sale  of  lands  ;  the  bank  tax  fund,  said 
bank  being  established  in  1834.  Twelve  and  one-half 
cents  was  deducted  from  the  dividends  of  each  share  of 
stock,  to  be  set  apart  for  the  school  fund,  amounting  to 
$80,000.  During  Jackson's  administration  all  debts  were 
paid,  and  left  a  large  surplus  in  the  treasury,  which  was 
distributed  among  the  several  States,  Indiana's  portion 
being  $860,254.  Our  Legislature  set  apart  from  this 
amount  $573,502  96  for  school,  purposes.  This  is  known 
as  the  Surplus  Revenue.      At  the  same  time  that  the  bank 


434 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


was  established,  in  1834,  ^^^  ^^^  ^^^^  provided  that  after 
the  indebtedness,  principal  and  interest,  had  been  paid, 
the  remainder,  to  the  amount  of  $5,000,000,  passed  into 
our  school  revenue.  This  is  known  as  the  Sinking  Fund. 
The  Saline  Fund,  arising  from  the  sale  of  the  lands  in  salt 
districts,  not  exceeding  thirt3^-six  sections,  obtaining  for 
educational  purposes  $85 ,000.  Deriving  also  from  the  sale 
of  swamp  lands,  which  were  not  otherwise  set  apart  by  our 
Government,  what  is  known  as  the  Swamp  Land  Fund. 
In  1852  all  of  our  county  seminaries  were  disposed  of,  and 
the  remainder,  after  deducting  expenses,  is  known  as  the 
Seminary  Fund.  Then  last  we  have  our  Contingent 
Fund,  under  which  we  have  the  fines  of  courts,  forfeitures, 
escheats,  &c.  These  immediately  increased  the  school 
fund  of  the  noble  State  of  Indiana,  of  which  Hancock  is  a 
part,  and  whose  people  are  directly  benefited  thereb}'. 
These  several  fvmds  swelled  our  school  revenue  to  the 
sum  of  $9,000,000,  whicli  may  be  increased,  but  never 
diminished. 

Now,  my  dear  readers,  let  us  for  a  moment  look  at  the 
condition  of  things  to-day  as  compared  with  the  schools  of 
thirty  3'ears  ago,  wheij  our  present  school  system  was 
established.  Pass  through  our  townships  and  3'ou  will  see 
substantial  buildings  instead  of  mere  huts.  In  those  build- 
ingsyou  will  find  competent  and  energetic  men  and  women, 
for  women  are  now  standing  side  by  side  with  men  in  the 
profession,  and  indeed  surpassing  him  in  many  cases,  a 
thing  supposed  to  be  impossible  thirty  years  ago,  for  then 
within  that  structure  of  learning  must  be  kept  a  vast  amount 
of  "beech  tea,"  w^hich  was  issued  in  liberal  doses  to  the 
applicants,  the  quantity  being  beyond  the  intellect  or  judg- 
ment of  woman  to  determine.  Now  we  have  comfortable 
seats  and  desks  ;  not  split  poles.  Then  w^e  were  able  to 
have  a  goose-quill  pen  ;  now  the  skill  of  man  presents  us 
with  a  better  and  more  useful  instrument.  Tlien  our  only 
apparatus  was  the  rod  ;  now  we  have  suitable  maps,  charts, 
globes,  &c.,  for  the  explanation  of  things  necessar}'  for 
every  boy  and  girl  in  our  land.      Now  teaching  is  a  protes- 


436  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUXTV. 

sion,  and  the  man  deser\inf^  honor  receives  it.  Our 
teachers  thirt}-  years  ago  were  few  in  numbers,  and  their 
literar}'  attainments  were  very  questionable  ;  now  they 
are  numerous,  and  some  of  them  educated  men.  School 
buildings  are  now  within  a  convenient  distance  of  every 
child  in  the  State  ;  then  our  children  walked  two  or 
three  miles,  throus^h  sleet  and  snow,  rain  and  mud,  to 
attend  a  school,  where  they  scarcely  received  an}-  instruc- 
tion. Then  we  had  but  a  handful  of  children  ;  now  we 
have  a  o-rand  army  of  nearly  a  million  young  warriors, 
read}'  to  engage  in  the  great  battle  ^^■ith  ignorance  and 
superstition.  Now  a  uniform  system  of  grading  and  exam- 
ination exists,  and  many  applicants  fail  in  passing  through 
the  tr^'ing  ordeal  ;  then  the  answer  to  one  or  two  simple 
questions  was  all  that  was  required  to  qualif}-  a  man  to 
give  instruction.  Our  progress  in  this  respect  has  been  so 
great  that  it  is  almost  beyond  our  power  of  comprehension, 
and  still  we  are  advancing,  and  will  continue  to  advance 
in  time  to  come,  until  the  American  people  will  lead  the 
world  in  the  number  and  importance  of  her  institutions,  in 
religion,  moralit\'  and  education. 


Growth  and  Early  Incidents. 

In  going  back  to  our  earl}-  history  it  almost  seems  as  if 
it  would  be  impossible  to  have  made  such  progress  and 
now  to  rank  amono-  the  leadiuLj  counties  of  Indiana.  Go 
back  to  sixty  3ears  ago  and  you  will  find  a  wilderness,  a 
dense  forest  of  undergrowth  so  thick  that  it  was  almost 
impossible  for  man  to  pierce,  water  covering  a  great  por- 
tion of  our  now  fertile  and  productive  soil.  See  the  pioneer 
wading  and  struggling  to  find  his  way  through  the  depths 
of  the  forest,  surrounded  on  all  sides  by  the  savage  red 
men,  who  were  ever  eager  to  take  his  scalp  or  destroy'  his 
propert}'.  We  who  live  in  the  midst  of  civilized  life,  sur- 
rounded b}'  everything  which  man  could  desire,  can  it  be 
possible  for  us  to  imagine  their  sulferings,  their  privations 
and  trials,   the   Indians  harassing  their    journey   at  every 


GENERAL    TOPICS.  .      437 

Step,  some  of  our  noble  forefathers  falling  by  the  tomahawk 
of  the  merciless  savages  and  enduring  every  privation. 
When  we  think  of  their  hardships  we  must  feel  a  thrill  of 
admiration  run  thrt)ugh  our  veins  for  their  heroism,  a  sin- 
cere regard  for  their  patriotism  and  a  feeling  of  sympathy 
lor  their  suffering.  Those  who  were  successful  in  passing 
liirough  the  many  privations  now  began  the  construction 
of  their  rude  cabins,  not  palatial  residences,  where  wealth 
was  exhibited  in  any  of  its  forms,  but  just  something  to 
protect  the  brave  pioneer  from  the  howling  winds  and 
storms,  the  fierce  animals  which  were  prowling  in  the 
forest,  and  the  treacher\'  of  the  original  inhabitant  of  this 
now  glorious  country,  "the  home  of  the  brave  and  the 
land  of  the  free."  Examine  his  houseliold  utensils  and 
you  will  find  nothing  but  a  rude  bed,  pots,  skillet  and  some 
minor  things  of  less  importance.  What  a  contrast  with 
the  present,  when  we  have  everything  that  art  and  skill 
can  invent.  They  were  men  of  energy  and  determination, 
having  very  little  to  subsist  upon  but  hominv  and  the  meat 
ot  wild  beasts,  going  twent}'  and  thirty  miles  to  get  their 
corn  or  wheat  ground  in  a  rude  way  by  machinery  which 
would  now  be  of  little  benefit  to  mankind.  Tree  after  tree 
has  been  felled  and  log  after  log  has  been  rolled,  piled  and 
burnt,  and  the  farmers,  by  great  difficulty,  prepared  the 
soil.  At  that  time  there  were  no  idlers,  and  the  daughter 
of  the  sturdy  pioneer  came  forward  and  engaged  noblv  in 
the  work  of  raising  the  crops  for  their  sustenance,  thinking- 
nothing  of  fine  dress,  the  piano  being  something  heard  of, 
but  not  seen.  How  different  from  the  girl  of  to-day. 
What  does  the  dear  old  grandmother  think  of  her  grand- 
daughter as  she  sits  in  the  grand  parlor  of  her  lather,  and, 
with  nimble  fingers,  passes  over  the  keys  of  the  piano-forte, 
sending  forth  sweet  and  melodious  music  that  calls  for 
praises  from  the  attentive  listeners?  What  does  the  old, 
gray-headed  man,  bending  under  his  many  years  of  lite 
and  pri\-ations,  think  of  the  man  of  to-day  with  his  many 
machines  and  inventions  to  assist  him  in  his  work?  And 
stop  and  think  for  yourself,  when  the  soil  was  turned,  not 


43«S  HISTORY  OK   HANCOCK  COUNTV. 

by  a  steam  or  an  Oliver  Chilled  Plow,  but  by  a  wooden 
mould-board,  attached  to  which  were  horses  or  oxen, 
having"  on  harness  constructed  of  ropes  and  the  roots  of 
trees,  not  having  any  particle  of  leather  or  iron  in  their 
composition.  Some  of  these  were  known  as  the  famous 
"kicking  plows,"  which,  in  coming  in  contact  with  an 
obstruction,  rebounded  with  such  force  that  they  were 
''said  to  kick  a  boy  over  the  fence."  Year  after  year  in 
our  history,  the  improvement  in  our  plows  having  continued 
to  advance,  until  we  now  have  them  in  almost  a  perfect 
condition. 

Wheat  in  early  times  was  cultivated  with  great  diffi- 
cult}', and  carried  or  hauled  long  distances  to  market,  very 
often  bringing  to  the  seller  tw^enty-five  to  forty  cents  per 
bushel.  Then  appeared  no  self-binders  to  save  to  the 
producer  a  vast  amount  of  time  and  labor  ;  then  the  sickle 
was  the  prominent  machine  by  which  to  reap  the  waving 
fields  of  grain.  Afterwards  the  scythe  and  cradle  came 
forward,  saving  to  our  sturdy  farmers  time  and  labor. 
Improvements  in  this  respect,  like  in  the  plow,  have  con- 
tinued from  time  to  time.  Hvindreds  of  acres  may  be  slain 
now  while  one  was  cut  in  former  times.  Then  the  flail 
was  in  use  to  thrash  the  grain  ;  then  also  horses  were  used 
to  tramp  it  out.  In  1856  the  Hrst  thrashing-m.achine  was 
introduced  into  this  county,  not  a  machine  to  thrash  tw^elve 
or  fifteen  hundred  bushels  of  grain  in  a  day,  as  may  now 
■  be  done  by  our  magnificent  thrashers,  but  a  machine  which 
was  a  great  improvement  on  the  older  methods. 

As  we  now  look  around  us  and  behold  the  giant  iron 
horse  running  at  the  rate  of  forty  to  sixty  miles  per  hour : 
when  we  see  our  beautiful  fields  of  grain  placed  in  a  con- 
dition for  thrashing  in  a  few  hours,  which  before  would 
require  as  many  days  ;  when  we  see  that  agriculture  is 
now  studied  as  a  science,  and  the  great  improvement  in  all 
our  lands  ;  when  we  see  the  railroads  all  over  our  countrj- 
ready  to  carry  our  productions  to  market ;  when  we  observe 
along  these  lines  of  railway  telegraph  poles  and  wires 
ready  to   convey  messages   as   quick   as   lightning  to   all 


GENERAI.    TOPICS. 


439 


sections  of  the  country,  we  can  not  help  but  acknowledge 
that  our  advancement  since  the  brave  old  pioneers  settled 
this  country  has  been  marvelous,  and  we  can  also  sa}-, 
"Truly  we  are  a  happy  people." 

In  1850  tiiis  county  was  still  almost  a  wilderness,  and 
since  that  period  our  improvement  has  been  almost  as  rapid 
as  a  current  of  our  swiftly-flowing  streams.  Eminent  men 
have  arisen  from  among  us  who,  by  their  own  exertions, 
have  gained  distinction  and  success.  Our  educational 
interests  have  sprung  up  like  the  trees  in  the  forest,  and  we 
have  sent  forth  men  to  the  field  of  action  whose  fame  shall 
ever  live  and  be  cherished  by  the  American  people. 

"If  we  could  but  live  as  of  old. 
For  a  thousand  long  years, 
What  thinj^s  might  we  know. 
What  things  might  we  do, 
And  all  without  hurry  and  care." 

Hancock  County  Fair. 

The  first  fair  in  this  county  was  held  in  1856,  east  of 
Greenfield,  on  the  north  side  of  the  National  road,  near 
the  present  flax  tactor}-.  A.  T.  Hart  was  the  first  presi- 
dent. This  was  a  successful  agricultural  meeting,  but  the 
next  year  the  place  of  display  was  changed,  and  the  fair 
held  east  of  Brandywine  and  sotitii  of  the  railroad,  on  the 
land  of  Samuel  Milroy.  Here  it  continued  to  be  held 
annually  until  the  fall  of  i860,  when  the  proprietors  reor- 
ganized and  formed  a  society  of  stockholders,  dividing 
the  stock  into  shares  of  $10  each,  when  the  name  of  the 
organization  was  changed  to  the  Agricultural  Society, 
differing  in  name  but  not  in  character.  So  far  the  fairs 
were  well  attended,  and  held  an  equal  rank  with  similar 
corporations  in  the  surrounding  counties.  Thus  the  holders 
of  stock  in  the  new  organization  looked  forward  to  bright 
prospects  in  the  future.  New  officers  had  been  elected 
and  a  new  constitution  and  by-laws  had  been  formed 
which   differed  materiallv  from  the  old  method.     At  the 


440  HISTORY  OF  HA^'COCK  COUNTY. 

annual  meeting  of  the  Hancock  Joint  Stock  Association, 
held  in  Greenfield,  at  the  court-house,  on  the  loth  of 
November,  i860,  the  following  persons  were  chosen  as 
officers  for  the  ensuing  year :  Robert  E.  Barnett,  Presi- 
dent ;  John  Hinchman,  John  P.  Banks,  Vice  Presidents  ; 
James  L.  Mason,  Secretary;  John  II.  White,  Treasurer. 
On  motion,  Henry  Newby,  Samuel  Heavenridge  and 
Joshua  Meek  were  appointed  as  the  committee  to  examine 
and  report  upon  suitable  grounds  for  the  association,  and 
to  receive  proposals  for  the  sale  of  the  land.  A  unanimous 
report  of  tlie  committee  appeared  December  8,  1S60,  and 
on  April  5,  1861,  the  society  purchased  eight  acres  of  land 
of  Samuel  M.  Milro}'  for  the  sum  of  if  500.  Here  for  years 
was  held  the  fair  of  oiu"  county  ;  here  appeared  the  best 
blooded  horses,  the  best  sheep,  the  best  cattle,  hogs  and 
live  stock  of  all  kinds  which  our  section  of  the  countr}' 
was  capable  of  producing;  here  were  people  from  all  parts 
of  our  county  to  see  the  stock  of  other  sections,  and  thereby 
improve  their  own.  In  187 1  the  floral  hall  was  destro3'ed 
by  fire,  and  never  rebuilt.  The  society  flourished  until 
1879,  when  debt,  jealousies  and  lack  of  enterprise  caused 
its  natural  demise. 


Papers  of  Hancock  County. 

It  has  been  well  said  that  there  are  three  great  educa- 
tional motive  powers,  viz  :  the  press,  pulpit  and  school  ; 
and  indeed  it  would  be  useless  in  this  highly  enlightened 
age  to  waste  words  upon  the  power  and  influence  of  the 
press. 

While  the  pulpit  may  furnish  a  higher  grade  of  moral 
instruction,  the  press  reaches  a  far  greater  number,  and 
does  more  towards  forming  the  opinions  of  the  masses  of 
mankind. 

Bacon  says  that "  Reading  makes  a  full  man."  Schuyler 
Colfax  says  of  reading,  that  "It  is  one  of  the  great  sources 
of  information." 

In  about   1844  to  1846,  James  II.  Hunt  started  a  news- 


<;kxki<al    ioi'Ics.  441 

paper  in  Greenfield  called  '^  The  Reveille,'"  the  first  paper 
published  in  the  county.      In   1847,  Mitchell  Vaugh  estab- 
lished   ''T/ie  /iivestigator,'"  which  he  edited  for  about  six 
months,  when  he  failed,  and  R.  A.  Riley  became  the  edi- 
tor for  another  six  months,  after  which  Thomas  D.  Walpole 
started  "^Thc  Sentinel,"  a   weekly   paper,  which  was  pub- 
lished for  about  four  or  five  years,  being  edited  for  a  time 
In'  William  Mitchell.     In  the  year  1859,  Noble  Warrum, 
David  S.  Gooding,  William  R.  West,  and  George  Y.  At- 
kison  started  ''The  Ifaueock  TJenioeraf,"  which  was  edited 
tor  a  time  bv  D.  S.  Gooding,  followed  by  William  Mitchell, 
who  soon  became  and  is  still  the  editor  and  sole  proprietor. 
About  the  year  1864,  one  Wright  started  a  native  Ameri- 
can paper,  tiie  "Kaniil\   Visitor,"  which,  alter  running  for 
a  time,  was  transferred  to  Mr.   Hinshaw.      In   1867  "The 
Greenjield  CouDuereial"  was  started  and  edited  for  a  while 
by  Amos    C.  Beeson.  afterwards  by  L.  E.  Rumrill.     The 
next  paper  that  made  its  appearance  was  "The  Greeiifield 
JiezL's,""  edited  by  Will  T.  Walker,  succeeded  by  Walter 
Ilartpence.   "•  The  Greenfield  Republican, '"  b}'  T.  B.  Deem, 
next  made  its  appearance,  but  ceased  after  twelve  issues. 
In  July,  1878,  R.  J.  Strickland  started  ^' The  Hancock  Jef- 
/erso)iian,'"  a  weeklv  paper  which  is  still  published.      He 
also  continued  the  publication  of  ""  The  Odd Rel/ozvs"  Chron- 
icle," which    he  had  been  publishing  at  Centerville  tor  a 
number  of  years.      In  August,  1880,  '■'■The  Greenjield  Re- 
publican" was  started  by  Robison  &    Cooper,    and    after 
running  for  a  time  was  transferred  to  the  Republican  Com- 
pan}',  by  which  it  is  still  published.      In  the  fall  of  1879, 
Drs.    Boots    and    Marsh    commenced   the    publication    of 
"The  Independent  Medical  Investigatory     In  1881,  "The 
Home  and  School   Visitor"'  was  started  by  Aaron  Pope  as 
publisher  and  Lee  O.  Harris  as  editor.     The  present  pro- 
prietors are  Harris  and  Goble. 

Recapitulation. — The  first  paper  published  in  Hancock 
county  was  in  1844.     The  numbers  published  from  time  to 
time  are  numerous.     The  kinds  published,  medical,  miscel- 
laneous, educational,  lodge,  literary  and  news.    The  papers 
29 


44- 


nrsroKN-  oi-  hancock  county 


now  published  in  Greenrield  are  four  in  number,  three 
news  and  one  educational.  The  proprietors  are  William 
Mitchell.  R.  J.  Strickland,  The  Republican  Company,  and 
I  larris  and  Goble. 


Tai'.i.i-.  oi-   I)is'|-anci:s. 


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Kky  ro  AiiOVE  Table. — To  find  the  distance  between  any  two  points  in  the  county 
or  from  any  village  or  post-office  therein  to  Indianapolis  follow  the  columns  of  each  to 
where  they  intersect,  and  note  the  numbers  at  said  point  of  intersection,  which  is  the 
required  distance.  To  illustrate,  for  instance  :  To  find  the  distance  between  Greenfield 
and  Junction,  follow  the  vertical  column  beginning  below  Greenfield  to  the  lateral 
column  beginning  opposite  Junction,  and  the  distance  is  found  to  be  only  five  miles. 
The  distance  from  New  Palestine  to  Westland  is  ascertained  by  the  same  method  to  be 
twelve  miles  ;  Gem  to  Junction,  twelve  miles;  Westland  to  Willow  Branch,  nine  miles, 
and  thus  the  distance  from  any  two  points  is  readily  learned.  It  is  proper  here  to  remark, 
however,  that  the  above  distances  are  such  as  are  necessarily  traveled  in  taking  the 
mo.st  direct  wogon  route.  For  example,  the  distance  given  above  from  Indianapolis  to 
Warrington  is  thirty-one  and  a  half  miles,  while  to  travel  the  distance  with  the  cardinal 
points  of  the  compass,  passing  through  Greenfield,  would  be  thirty-six  miles,  but  by 
taking  the  most  direct  wagon  route,  passing  through  Kden  and  McCordsville,  thence 
south-west  on  the  pike  direct  to  Indianapolis,  the  distance  necessarily  traveled  is,  as 
above  stated,  thirty-one  and  a  half  miles.  ' 


GEXKKAr.    TOflCS.  ^^.^ 

Post-Offices  in    iin-;  CoLN'r\'. 

On  the  preceding  page  will  be  seen  a  full  list  of  the 
post-offices  in  the  county,  commencing  with  Greenfield,  the 
lirst,  and  closing  with  Binwood,  the  last  established,  being 
sex'enteen  in  number.  Indianapolis  is  not  in  the  county, 
but,  being  our  State  capital,  and  one  of  our  chief  business 
points,  and  so  intimately  connected  with  our  interests  and 
history,  that  it  properly  appears  on  the  table  of  distances. 
Junction  is  only  a  tin}'  village,  and  not  yet  a  post-office. 
It  is  a  new  place,  at  the  junction  of  tlie  Pendleton  pike  and 
I.,  B.  and  W.  railroad,  live  miles  north  of  Greenfield.* 

We  contemplated  another  table  of  post-offices  alone, 
arranged  alphabeticall}',  with  names  of  postmasters,  sala- 
ries or  pay  received,  when  supplied  with  mail,  whether 
dail}',  weekly,  semi-weekl}^  or  tri-weekh',  number  of  papers 
and  periodicals  passing  through  the  office,  the  mone3'-order 
offices  designated,  and  various  other  matters  of  interest, 
all  the  facts  of  which  are  of  record  in  the  Post-office 
Department  at  Washington,  and  the  writer  once  had  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  the  whole  plan,  but  on  writing  for  the 
desired  information  we  received  the  following  reply,  which 
is  self-explanatorv  : 

PosT-oKFicE  Department,         ] 
Office  of  Fiusr  Assistant  Postmaster  General, 

Washington,  October  lo,  iS8r.) 
Sirs  :  In  reply  to  your  communication  of  the  ^th  October, 
requesting  to  be  furnished  with  infi)rm:ition  as  regards  post- 
olfices,  postmasters,  &c.,  in  Hancock  county,  Indiana,  you  are 
informed  that,  in  consequence  of  the  insufficiency  of  the  present 
clerical  force  in  this  office,  it  \v\\\  be  impossible  to  complv  \vitli 
\  our  request. 

Alan}-  of  the  clerks  are   now   and  have  been   compelled   to 

work  extra  hours  in   the  discharge  of  their  regular  duties,  and 

the  Postmaster  General  considers  that  to  impose  additional  labor 

iipon  them,  under  such  circumstances,  would  be  inexpedient. 

While  such  information  as  you  request  has  been  heretofore 


*A11  of  the  post-offices  and   villages  are  definitely  located   and  dc?cril)eti  in   their 
proper  places,  as  shown  by  the  index  and  table  of  ci>ntents. 


444 


IIISTOKV   OK   HANCOCK   COINTV 


i^iven    wlicn    practicaUlc,    the    Dcp.irtmjiit    is    now    uiulcr    the 
nccessitv  oi   declining  all  such  applications. 

Very  respectfully,  Jamks  A.  Man, 

Acting;  First  Ass't  P.  M.  (iencral. 

To  KiN(;  t'v:  Hixi-okd,  (jrceiiHeld.  Hancock  Co.,  Iiid. 

To  Grantkp:s  and  Moktgacjees  of  Real  Es-iati-:. 

Many  persons  who  hnve  not  given  the  subject  special 
attention  suppose  that  in  buying  real  estate  or  accepting  a 
loan  on  the  same  that  all  the  precaution  necessary  is  to  see 
that  there  is  a  perfect  chain  of  title,  and  that  there  are  no 
mortgages,   judgments  nor  delinquent  taxes,   but   such   is 
not  the  case.     These  are  a  frza  of  the  important  things  to 
be  looked  after,  but  not  all  b\'  any  means.      It  would  be 
wise  and  only  an  indication  of  business  tact  on  the  part  of 
those  interested  not  to  pin"chase  or  make  a  loan  upon  real 
estate  until  they  are  certain  that  tlie  records  show  the  title 
to  be  w'ithout  a  flaw,  and  free  from  liens  of  any  kind  or 
character  wdiatever  :  and  it  is  not  always  safe  in  so  impor- 
tant matters  in  dealing  WMth  all  classes  of  mankind  to  trust 
to  "friendship,"  "honor,"  or  anvtliing  outside  the  odicial 
records.     To  avoid  an}-  risks  in  the  matter,  have  the  title 
tested  and  the  liens  examined  bv  a  competent  attornev.  or 
better  require  an  abstract  by  experienced,  responsible  par- 
ties ;  and   do   not  for   a  moment   suppose  that  simply   an 
abstract  gives  y^ou  a  good  title,  as  some  have  erroneoush- 
thought,  but,  on  the  contrary,  a  good  and  complete  abstract 
shows  the  kind  of  title,  whether  good  or  bad,  and  the  liens, 
if  any,  on  the  realty.     Then,  to  be  more  specilic,  we  would 
caution  parties  as  a  general  rule  before  buying  or  loaning 
not  to  fail  to  see  : 

1.  That  the  grantor  or  mortgageor  has  an  unbroken 
chain  of  title  from  the  United  States  down. 

2.  That   there  are  no   unsatistied   mortgages   of   an^• 
kind  or  amoimt  that  would  be  a  lien  on  the  same. 

3.  That  there  are  no  mechanics  or  vendor's  liens. 

4.  Nor  liens  from  judgments,  decrees  or  transcripts  of 
record  in  the  county  clerk's  oflice. 


GENERAL    TOPICS.  445 

5.  That  there  are  no  judgments  nor  decrees  from  the 
District  or  Circuit  Court  of  the  United  States  in  and  tor  the 
district  wherein  the  land  is  situate. 

6.  See  that  there  are  no  Hens  ironi  tax  sales,  ditch, 
gravel  road  or  street  assessments,  nor  from  delinquent 
taxes. 

7.  That  there  are  no  lite  estates  nor  dower  interests 
outstanding. 

8.  If  the  property  has  ever  been  sold  at  sheriff's, 
executor's,  administrator's,  commissioner's  or  guardian's 
sale,  see  that  the  proceedings  were  regular,  for  there  is  no 
warranty  in  any  of  these  sales,  and  such  conxeyances  are 
only  equivalent  to  quit  claims. 

9.  If  ever  devised  b}'  will,  see  that  the  same  was  duly 
probated. 

10.  Provide  against  anv  unrecorded  deeds,  mortgages 
or  leases  for  or  upon  the  lands. 

11.  See  that  the  owner  is  neither  principal  nor  surety 
upon  any  recognizance  or  official  bond,  which,  by  the  law 
of  Indiana  and  consequently  of  Hancock  county,  is  a  lien 
upon  the  premises.  Our  statutes  provide  that  every  recog- 
nizance shall  bind  the  real  estate  of  the  principal  from  the 
time  it  is  taken,  but  shall  only  bind  the  real  estate  of  the 
surety  from  the  time  judgment  of  forfeiture  is  rendered. 

12.  Sec  that  the  deed,  which  mav  be  regular  and 
absolute  upon  its  face,  is  not  counteracted  and  changed  in 
nature  by  outstanding  cotemporaneous  defeasances. 

13.  Ascertain  whether  the  deed  is  for  a  legal  consid- 
eration or  simph'  as  a  security  for  a  debt.  If  for  the  latter, 
it  is  in  effect  and  reality  only  a  mortgage,  and  may  be 
foreclosed  as  such.  Our  courts  hold  that  where  a  deed  of 
conveyance  of  real  estate,  though  absolute  on  its  face,  is 
executed  and  intended  simph-  as  security  for  the  payment 
of  a  debt  owini;  from  the  <xrantor  to  the  <>"rantee,  it  amounts 
to  a  mortgage  only,  and  confers  no  title  upon  a  person  who, 
having  notice  of  such  fact,  obtains  a  con\e\ance  of  such 
real  estate  from  such  ifrantee. 


446  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

14.  See  that  there  are  no  other  liens  or  defects  (of 
which  there  may  be  several)  of  any  kind  or  character 
whatever, 

15.  Lastly,  know  that  the  instrument  of  conveyance 
or  security  contains  a  definite  and  correct  description  of 
the  lands,  and  is  properly  executed,  signed,  sealed, 
acknowledged  and  timely  recorded. 

I^c))iarks. — It  will  be  seen  from  the  above  that  instead 
of  there  being  but  three  or  four  points  for  grantees  and 
mortgagees  to  look  after,  there  are  nearly  forty,  all  essen- 
tial and  of  vital  importance. 

By  the  statutes  of  1852,  dower  is  abolished,  except  such 
rights  as  had  already  vested,  but  the  section  of  the  statutes 
of  1843,  providing  for  the  assignment  of  dower,  was  con- 
tinued in  force  in  the  statutes  of  1852,  and  is  still  in  force. 

Our  Supreme  Court  has  held  that  "a  surety  upon  an 
official  bond,  as  well  as  the  principal,  is  a  debtor,  within 
the  meaning  of  the  statute,"  which  provides  that  "judg- 
ments on  official  bonds,  payable  to  the  State  of  Indiana, 
shall  bind  the  real  estate  of  the  debtor  from  the  commence- 
ment of  the  action." 

Under  the  Statutes  of  Indiana  now  in  force,  every  con- 
veyance, mort^^ajje  and  lease  for  more  than  three  years 
must  be  recorded  in  forty-five  days  from  the  execution 
thereof  in  order  to  be  good  as  against  any  subsequent 
purcliaser,  lessee  or  mortgagee,  '*  in  good  faith  and  for  a 
valuable  consideration."* 

Many  persons  very  erroneously  suppose  that  the  '*  war- 
rant "in  deeds  and  mortgages  to  be  ample  security  for  any 
(nerlooked  liens  that  in  the  future  may  be  discovered,  but 
the  warranty,  like  any  other  security,  is  available  and 
valuable  after  the  purchase  money  is  paid,  only  in  case  of 
responsible  parties.     Again,  the  grantor  may  be  good  and 


*The  main  facts  in  the  above  anicle  I  have  heretofore  furnislieci  some  of  the  pa;)ers 
<)ver  my  full  name,  but,  considering  tlie  subject  of  sucli  vital  importance  to  the  common 
reader,  I  have  revised  and  rewritten  the  entire  article,  and  trust  it  will  not  be  considered 
out  of  place  in  a  county  history  as  the  law  of  Indiana,  and  <-onscquentl y  of  Hancock 
county.  J.   II.   HIM Oin). 


GENERAL    TOPICS. 


447 


perfectly  responsible  at  the  tinr'  of  the  conveyance,  but 
perhaps  in  a  few  years,  when  some  defect  is  observed  or 
lien  is  to  be  enforced,  he  is  dead,  moved  away  or  insolvent, 
hence  it  is  not  always  advisable  to  rely  on  the  warranty, 
however  good  at  the  time. 

County  Bible  Society. 

An  auxiliary  of  the  American  Bible  Society  was  organ- 
ized in  this  county  in  the  year  1837  ^y  Rev.  Richmond, 
the  prime  mover  in  the  charitable  enterprise,  and  the  first 
president  thereof.  Among  those  who  have  since  filled  that 
office  we  may  note  Joseph  Mathews,  John  Rarden,  II.  B. 
Wilson,  D.  S.  Gooding,  George  Barnett,  F.  M.  Gilchrist 
and  G.  W.  Dove,  the  latter  of  whom  is  the  present  chief 
officer.  The  object  of  this  organization  is  to  promote  the 
circulation  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  without  note  or  com- 
ment, among  all  classes,  and  especially  the  poor  and 
neglected.  The  recipients  are  expected  to  pay  a  part  of 
the  price  of  the  sacred  volume,  where  they  are  able  and 
can  be  induced  to  do  so,  in  order  that  they  may  be  more 
highly  appreciated,  and  secondly,  that  the  finances  of  the 
society  may  be  the  most  advantageously  and  economically 
used,  yet  none  are  to  be  denied  on  account  of  their  poverty. 
There  being  no  mone}'  consideration  for  the  keeping  of 
the  records  of  the  society,  we  are  unable  to  find  any  relia- 
ble account  of  its  sales,  donations  and  doings,  but  for  these 
facts  have  to  rely  on  the  memory  of  the  older  citizens. 

Christian  Church,  Greenfield. 

About  the  year  1850  several  families  moved  from  Ken- 
tucky, chief  among  which  were  the  Sebastians,  Branhams, 
Offults  and  Rainses.  Most  of  these  were  members  of  the 
Cliristian  Church,  or  had  been  indoctrinated  before  leaving 
Kentucky.  As  early  as  1840,  ministers  of  the  Christian 
Church  occasionally  visited  this  place,  and  held  meetings 
in  private  houses,  county  seminary  and  the  old  M.  E. 
Church,   and    sometimes    at    the    court-l^.ouse.      wSoon    the 


448 


HISTORY  OK  HANCOCK  COINIV 


court-house  was  sold  and  torn  down,  and  the  members 
accepted  an  invitation  from  the  Methodists  to  again  occupy 
their  house.  After  the  new  court-house  was  erected,  the 
society  occupied  it  for  a  time.  In  the  spring  of  1854, 
April  4th,  an  organization  was  affected  in  the  M.  E. 
Church,  at  which  time  thirteen  names  were  enrolled  as 
original  members,  viz  :     William  and  Elizabeth  Sebastian, 


JONATHAN   SMITH. 


Joseph  Clayton,  Humphrev  and  Eliza  Offutt,  Benjamin 
and  Hannah  Porter,  Elizabeth  Phillips,  Stephen  Dicker- 
son,  Amanda  Branham,  Lewis  Sebastian  and  Mrs.  Amos. 
After  the  or<;anization,  the  meetino-  \vas  continued  for 
several  days,  increasing  the  membership  to  about  fort}', 
when  the  necessity  of  a  house  of  worship  was  felt  by  all. 


(;KNj-;i<Ar,    loi'ics.  449 

A.  K.  Branhani,  ihouijh  not  a  member  al  thai  time,  soon 
secured  a  six-hundred-doHar  subscription,  donated  himself 
thirty-five  feet  of  the  lot  on  which  the  church  now  stands, 
and  induced  Col.  Tague  to  donate  ten  more.  He  and 
Lewis  Sebastian  then  boujjht  the  old  court-house  for  two 
hundred  and  fift}'  dollars,  and  when  it  was  torn  down  he 
ordered  the  masons  to  begin  work,  agreeing  to  pay  them 
three  dollars  and  a  half  per  thousand  to  put  the  brick  in 
the  walK  When  the  work  was  begun  there  was  yet  not  a 
dollar  collected,  but  he  succeeded  in  paying  the  workmen 
ever}'  Saturday  night,  not  knowing  on  Monday  morning 
where  the  money  was  to  come  from  for  that  week.  With 
the  "same  persistent  effort  wdth  which  he  started  out  he 
continued,  until  it  was  under  roof,  expending  about  six 
hundred  dollars  more.  In  about  two  years  the  building 
was  completed,  except  the  wash-boards,  with  a  cost  of  two 
thousand  dollars.  The  church  was  organized  in  the  spring 
of  1854  ^y  ^^''  Thornbury.  Among  those  who  pointed  out 
the  way  of  life  and  salvation  to  the  little  flock  are  Elders 
Thornbury,  Littleton,  Raines,  New,  Edmonson,  Hobbs,  J. 
C.  McCollough,  George  Campbell,  Thomas  Lockhart, 
James  Sloan,  Dr.  Thomas  and  William  Anderson.  The 
pastoral  work  of  the  chmxh  has  been  mainly  done  by  four 
men,  Raines,  Hobbs,  Sloan  and  Thomas.  The  numbers 
added  by  these  men  were  respectively  one  hundred,  one 
hundred  and  nine,  seventy-five  and  fift\-seven.  About 
ifli  1,000  have  been  paid  out  for  preaching  and  $6,000  for 
other  expenses.  Resident  membership,  one  hundred  and 
seventy-five;  non-resident  members,  fitt\'.  William  J. 
Sparks  is  superintendent  of  the  interesting  Sunday-school 
in  connection  therewith. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

i'ersoxal  sketches  am)  brief  biock  a imiies, 

Judge  Da\'id  S.  Gooding, 

son  of  Asa  and  Matilda  Gooding,  and  grandson  of  Col. 
David  Gooding,  a  captain  in  the  war  of  1812,  was  born  in 
Fleming  county,  Kentucky,  January  20,  1824.  In  the  fall 
of  1826  or  1827  he  came  with  his  parents  to  Indiana,  and 
settled  in  the  green  woods  of  Rush  county.  In  1836  they 
moved  to  Hancock  county  and  settled  in  Greenfield. 

Mr.  Gooding's  early  education  was  received  in  Rush 
and  Hancock  counties,  after  which  he  entered  Asbury 
University  at  Greencastle,  where  he  continued  his  studies 
for  about  two  years,  but  his  finances  beinrj  very  limited, 
health  poor,  and  finally  the  death  of  his  father,  compelled 
him  to  leave  college  before  graduation.  At  the  age  of 
fifteen  he  united  with  the  M.  E.  Church,  and  was  after- 
wards licensed  an  exhorter,  w^hich  license  was  renewed  for 
five  consecutive  years.  He  was  several  years  superin- 
tendent of  the  M.  E.  Sunday-school,  and  also  lor  five 
years  president  of  the  County  Bible  Society. 

In  1847  he  represented  the  county  in  the  lower  house 
of  the  Legislature,  being  elected  by  a  majority  of  forty- 
two  votes  over  Dr.  J.  W.  Ilervey,  now  of  Indianapolis. 
In  1848  he  was  elected  County  Prosecuting  Attorney.     In 

1 85 1  he  was  Circuit  Court  Prosecuting  Attorney  in  the 
Indianapolis  Judicial  Circuit,  composed  of  Marion,  Boone, 
Hendricks,  Johnson,   Shelb}-   and   Hancock  counties.      In 

1852  he  was  elected  Common  Pleas  Judge,  and  in  1856 
State  Senator.  In  1861  he  was  again  elected  Common 
Pleas  Judge. 

In  the  year    1863  he   N'oJunteL'red  in   tlie  jtiirsuil  ol"  the 


I'KRSONAL  SKprrCHES  AND  BRIEF  BI0(;RAPHIKS.         45  I 

rebel  forces  under  Gen.  John  Morgan  in  their  raid  through 
Indiana,  and  was  severely  wounded,  while  marching  in 
line  of  duty,  near  Lawrenceburg,  which  ended  his  career 

as  a  Union  soldier. 

In  1864  he  resigned  his  office  as  Judge  of  the  Common 
Pleas  Court  and  accepted  the  position  assigned  him  by  the 
Union  State  Convention  at  the  head  of  the  Lincoln  and 
Johnson  Presidential  Electoral  ticket  as  Elector  at  Large. 
He  thoroughly  canvassed  the  State,  was  elected,  and  cast 
his  electorial  vote  for  Lincoln  and  Johnson. 

In  1864  President  Lincoln  nominated  Judge  Gooding 
to  the  Senate  of  the  United  States  for  a  United  States 
Judgeship  in  New  Mexico,  which  (at  the  request  of  said 
Gooding)  the  President  withdrew,  but  not  until  after  the 
proper  committee  had  directed  a  report  recommending  his 
confirmation. 

In  June,  1865,  President  Johnson,  without  recommenda- 
tion or  solicitation  and  on  his  own  option,  telegraphed  Mr. 
Gooding  asking  his  acceptance  of  the  United  States  Mar- 
shalship  for  the  District  of  Columbia,  which  position  he 
accepetd,  and  entered  at  once  upon  his  duties.  He  soon 
become  the  only  executive  officer  of  the  Supreme  Court  of 
the  District  of  Columbia;  also  of  the  Supreme  Court  of 
the  United  States. 

In  Januarv,  1866,  Mr.  Gooding  was  unanimously  con- 
firmed by  the  United  States  Senate  as  such  Marshal.  He 
held  the  full  confidence  of  President  Johnson  to  the  end  of 
his  term,  and  immediately  after  the  inauguration  of  Presi- 
dent Grant  he  personally  tendered  his  resignation,  which 
was  accepted,  though  not  to  take  effect  until  a  successor 
was  duly  appointed  and  qualified.  He  soon  after  returned 
to  his  old  home,  and  resumed  the  practice  of  law  in  Green- 
field in  1869. 

Referring  to  his  earl\-  history,  he  was  licensed  to  prac- 
tice law  in  the  year  1845.  In  1867  he  was  admitted  to  the 
bar  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States  on  the 
motion  of  Hon.  Ilenrv  Stansburry,  Attorney  General  of 
the   I'nited   States.      He   was  reared   a  Whig,  and  was   a 


452  IIISTOKV   OF  HANCOCK  Ct)LNTV. 

great  admirer  of  Henry  Cla\',  adherin<^-  to  the  principles 
of  the  Whiles  until  1850,  when  he  withdrew  from  his  old 
party  and  united  with  the  Democracy.  Differing  from  the 
leaders  of  his  party,  he  opposed  the  repeal  of  the  Missouri 
Compromise,  and  in  i860  was  for  Douglas  and  Popular 
Sovereignty.  When  the  Great  Rebellion  threatened  this 
cormtry  with  destruction  Mr.  Gooding  came  forward  for 
the  defense  of  the  Union.  His  war  speeches  aroused 
enthusiasm  among  the  people,  and  in  co-operation  with 
Wright,  Douglas,  Johnson  and  man}'  other  war  Democrats 
he  continued  to  stir  the  people  to  action. 

Since  1866  he  has  been  in  lull  sympathy  with  the  princi- 
ples of  his  party,  and  has  had  great  influence  in  conducting 
its  campaigns.  He  is  strongly  opposed  to  the  national 
banking  system,  and  is  in  accord  with  the  rights  and 
interests  of  the  people.  His  extensive  work  for  the  people 
and  in  politics  has  made  him  one  of  the  leading  political 
men  of  Indiana.  He  prides  himself  on  the  canvass  of 
1880  for  General  Hancock,  and  seems  inclined  to  close  his 
political  life  with  that  campaign. 

Mr.  Gooding's  success  as  an  editor  was  marked,  ha\ing 
the  management  of  The  IFiUicock  Democrat  for  several 
years. 

Judge  Gooding  is  the  first  Democrat  of  this  county  ever 
elected  State  Senator,  Count}'  Prosecuting  Attorney,  Cir- 
cuit Court  Prosecuting  Attorney,  Common  Pleas  Judge, 
and  the  only  citizen  of  the  county  ever  a  Presidential 
Elector  for  the  State  at  laro'e  or  a  United  States  Marshal 
tor  the  District  of  Columbia. 


Jamks  Sam  I'M-: 

was  born  in  Greenbrier  count}',  in  what  is  now  know  n  as 
West  Virginia,  on  the  17th  da}'  of  April,  1794.  In  1815 
he  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  Barrett,  a  sister  of  the  Revs. 
Joseph  and  Samuel  Barrett.  In  1827  he  came  on  horse- 
back to  the  wilds  of  Indiana  prospecting  for  a  nu>re 
suital-)le   jilace   of  abode.      Bhie-River  townshi]-)    attracted 


I'KKSON  \I,   SKinXHKS    AM)    I'.KIKF   JJKX;  KAPHIKS.  453 

his  attention,  and  in  1828  he  and  family  came  oxer  the 
seklo:ii-tra\eled  route  and  settled  in  the  green  woods  of 
this  county.  Soon  a  rude  cabin,  without  chimney  or  Hoor, 
was  erected  to  shelter  them  iVom  the  inclemenc\'  of  the 
weather.  Their  furniture  was  of  the  rudest  kind,  and  their 
prospects  not  very  bright,  still  they  bore  their  trials  bravely, 
hoping  for  better  times  in  the  future.  The  sound  of  the 
loom  and  ax  could  be  heard  earl}-  and  late  tbr  ^•ears. 
Churches  had  not  yet  been  erected,  but  the  rude  cabins 
furnished  a  place  to  worship  God  and  sing  His  praises. 
James  Sample  was  always  an  energetic  worker  at  these 
meetings. 

Mr.  S."s  mother  came  to  this  countw  and  li\-ed  to  the 
remarkable  age  of  one  hundred  and  two,  being  the  oldest 
person  buried  in  the  old  Gilboa  Cemetery.  "  Grandmother 
Sample,"  as  she  was  usuall}'  called,  could  read  tine  print 
without  glasses  for  sometime  before  she  died,  and  the  most 
remarkable  circumstance  occurred  just  three  or  four  months 
i-)efore  her  death.  As  perfect  a  set  of  teeth  as  ever  filled 
the  mouth  of  any  person  came  through  her  gums.  Strange 
but  true  this  rare   circumstance. 


Roi;I':k'I"  J^)INFoki), 

an  e.\tensi\e  farmer  and  stock-raiser,  now  of  Rush  count\-, 
but  for  more  than  tifty  years  a  citizen  of  Blue-River  town- 
ship, and  consequently  one  of  the  iirst  settlers  thereof,  is  a 
native  of  North  Carolina,  Northampton  county,  born  July 
2,  1813.  In  1826,  at  the  age  of  thirteen,  he  came  with  his 
parents  and  other  Binford  families  to  the  new  free  State  of 
Indiana,  and  settled  in  the  green  woods  of  what  is  now 
]31ue-River  township,  but  then  Madison  count}',  in  the 
"  New  Purchase." 

The  Binfords  had  once  been  well  otY,  and  owned  large 
jilantations  and  numerous  slaves,  but  becoming  convinced 
that  the  trafficing  in  human  souls  was  a  sin  airainst  Heaven, 
and  that  slaverv  and  the  bondao-e  of  either  blacks  or  whites 


454  IIISTOK.V   OF   HANCOCK  COLNTV. 

was  contrar}-  to  the  principles  of  our  tVee  institutions, 
which  in  sjiirit  dechire  that  all  men  are  born  free  and  equal, 
with  certain  inalienable  rii;iits.  amon^^  whicli  arc  life, 
liberty  and  the  pursuit  of  hapjiiness,  they  \oluntarilv  freed 
them,  one  and  all,  and  endeaxored  to  reinstate  them  in 
their  primiti\-e  moral  rights  b}-  dividing  witli  them  what 
propertN'  the}'  had  helped  to  accumulate.  Selling  their 
lands  at  a  sacrltice,  they  determined  to  seek  a  home  in  a 
free  State,  free  from  the  blighting  influences  of  human 
slaver}',  and  hence  sought  an  as\lum  in  Hancock  count\'. 
where  they  could  begin  lite's  battles  anew. 

March  30,  1837,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  married 
to  Martha,  daughter  of  John  Hill,  one  of  the  {•)rominent 
pioneers  of  Rush  county.  A  little  cabin  was  soon  erected 
in  the  green  woods,  and  the  two,  made  one,  set  about  in 
earnest  to  make  an  honest  living  by  the  sweat  of  the  brow. 
Although  Mr.  B.  had  plenty  of  land  for  a  biginner,  ha\'ing 
received  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  bv  his  wife  and  a 
similar  amount  from  his  parents,  yet  there  was  not  an  acre 
cleared,  and  he  v;as  really  poor,  too  poor  to  buv  a  second 
horse,  hence  had  to  tend  the  iirst  crop  with  a  single  team. 
His  first  crop  consisted  of  two  and  a  half  acres  of  corn, 
which  was  worth  twelve  and  a  half  cents  a  bushel,  but  he 
had  none  to  sell.  His  first  wheat  crop  was  on  the  same 
two  and  a  half  acres,  but  it  was  "sick  wheat,"  so  called 
bv  the  early  settlers,  because  it  made  them  sick  to  eat  it  in 
any  manner  whatever,  even  in  limited  quantities,  hence  it 
was  worthless,  and  he  received  nothing  lor  it.  His  first 
hogs  were  sold  at  a  dollar  per  hundred,  which  brought  him 
eighty-seven  dollars,  the  most  money  he  had  ever  had. 
Farm  hands  were  worth  seven  to  eight  dollars  per  month  ; 
calico,  forty  cents  per  yard  ;  coffee  and  tea  too  expensive 
to  buy,  hence  used  rye  and  other  substitutes. 

By  great  industry  and  rigid  economy  Mr.  B.  has  suc- 
ceeded in  accumulating  considerable  propert\'.  He  has 
given  most  of  his  children,  nine  in  number,  a  college 
education  and  eighty  acres  of  land  each,  and  has  done 
much    for   educational    and    charitable    institutions,    and 


^.:^6  lUsroK^'   Ol"   II  \N\()lK   Cl)\.  svy. 

always  contributed   lilH-rally   of  his  means   for  the   support 
of  the  church. 

In  poHtics  Mr.  15.  is  a  Republican  :  in  church  relations 
an  orthodox  Friend  or  C^iaker.  Naturally  timid,  modest 
and  unassuming,  he  avoids  publicity,  never  aspiring  to 
office,  preferring  the  quiet  walks  of  life.  Though  one  of 
the  early  settlers  of  the  county,  of  unblemished  character, 
one  of  the  heavy  tax-payers,  a  charitable,  Christian  gen- 
tleman, and  a  good  citizen,  nevertheless  he  would  never 
have  consented  to  the  notice  herein,  and  this  entire  sketch 
and  the  accompanying  portrait  are  wholl}-  without  his 
knowledge  or  consent. 

Jacoi!  Slii"i:k 

was  born  in  Klos,  (jermany,  on  the  13th  day  of  October, 
181 1.  His  father  and  family  embarked  on  a  ship  for 
America  in  181 7.  After  sailing  one  week,  a  severe  st<M-m 
came  up  and  drove  the  vessel,  a  total  wreck,  into  the  Eng- 
lish Channel.  The  captain  of  the  unfortunate  ship  was 
ruined,  and  the  father  of  Mr.  Slifer  lost  the  amount  which 
lie  had  paid  for  their  passage,  and  being  in  limited  cir- 
cumstances, his  two  oldest  children  were  sold  to  pay  their 
tare.  After  seventeen  weeks  at  sea  they  landed  in  Amer- 
ica, where  voung  Slifer  attended  school  tor  a  short  time, 
was  then  bound  to  a  farmer  until  eighteen  years  of  age, 
after  which  he  worked  at  the  shoe-maker's  trade  for  three 
vears,  clerked  in  a  store  in  Philadelphia  tor  twelve  months, 
and  came  to  Hancock  count}-  in  1834  ;  was  married  to  Miss 
Jane  Lewis  and  settled  in  the  wilds  of  this  county  in  ver}' 
limited  circumstances,  where  he  endured  the  privations  of 
pioneer  life.  He  has  served  two  terms  as  County  Com- 
missioner, and  is  now  bountiful!}'  supplied  with  this  \^•()rld's 
goods. 

John  H.  White 

was  born  in  Preble  county,  Ohio,  December  3,  1824.     His 
father  w^as  a  soldier  in  the  war  of  181 2.       His  earlv  educa- 


PERSONAL  SKETCHES  AND  BRIEF  BIOGRAPHIES.         457 

lion  was  received  in  the  common  schools  of  his  native 
count}',  during  the  winter  terms,  when  he  could  not  be 
profitably  employed  on  the  farm.  He  came  to  Shelby 
count}^  Indiana,  in  1843  ;  served  an  apprenticeship  as  tan- 
ner and  currier  in  Franklin  county.  At  the  close  of  his 
apprenticeship,  he  began  teaching  school  in  connection 
with  farming,  which  he  has  followed  ever  since.  In  1853 
he  moved  to  Center  township,  Hancock  county,  where  he 
now  resides.  In  i860  he  was  elected  Township  Trustee. 
In  1864  ^^^  represented  the  county  in  the  lower  house  of 
the  Legislature.  In  1866  he  was  re-elected.  He  has  been 
President  of  the  Hancock  Agricultural  Society.  He  was 
formerU'  a  Whig,  but  has  been  a  Democrat  since  1854.  ^^ 
1862  he  became  a  member  of  the  Christian  Church.  He 
was  married  December  23,  1845,  to  Miss  Sarah  Potts,  of 
Franklin  count}-.  He  is  the  father  of  nine  children,  all  of 
whom  are  useful  members  of  society. 

James  L.  Mason 

dates  his  nativity  April  3,  1834,  Union  county,  Indiana, 
where  he  received  a  primary  education  in  the  common 
schools.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  he  entered  Farmer's  Col- 
lege, near  Cincinnati.  Here  he  pursued  his  studies  for  a 
time,  but  finally  went  to  Bloomington,  Indiana,  and  became 
a  student  in  the  State  University.  Returning  to  Browns- 
ville, his  native  town,  he  taught  school  for  two  terms,  and 
acted  in  the  capacity  of  county  surveyor  at  the  same  time. 
He  studied  law  with  Hon.  John  S.  Reid,  of  Connersville, 
Indiana,  for  a  short  period,  and  then  returned  to  Bloom- 
ington, and  studied  for  one  term  in  the  law  department. 
He  subsequently  taught  school  in  Wayne  county  and 
Greenfield,  after  which  he  read  law  with  the  Hon.  Thomas 
D.  Walpole,  of  this  place,  and  soon  entered  upon  the 
active  practice  of  his  chosen  profession. 

In  1862  he  was  elected  Joint  Representative  for  Han- 
cock and  Shelby  counties  to  the  State  Legislature.     In 
1864  he  was  elected  State  Senator.     In  1862  he  was  mar- 
30 


458  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

ried  to  Miss  Emma  R.  ^lilHkan,  who  lived  but  six  weeks 
thereafter.  In  1867  he  was  married  to  Miss  Rebecca 
Julian,*  daughter  of  Judge  Jacob  B»  Julian,  of  Indian- 
apolis, who  died  October  22,  1877. 

Mr.  Mason  joined  the  Masonic  fraternit}'  in  1853.  He 
is  a  steadfast  Democrat,  the  owner  of  two  thousand  acres 
of  land,  and  one  of  the  wealthiest  men  in  the  county. 

Hamilton  J.  Dun  bar. 

a  native  of  Hancock  county,  was  born  September  13,  1846. 
His  parents  were  Jonathan  and  Mary  Dunbar,  who  were 
respectively  of  Scotch  and  Irish  descent.  The  early  life 
of  young  Dunbar  w^as  characterized  by  love  of  amusement 
and  fondness  for  athletic  sports.  He  availed  himself  of  the 
educational  advantages,  of  the  Greenfield  schools  in  his 
youth  ;  but  his  ambition  reaching  beyond  these,  he  entered 
Asbury  University  at  Greencastle,  where  he  graduated 
with  high  and  special  honors  in  the  class  of  1866,  and  im- 
mediately thereafter  began  the  practice  and  study  of  law 
in  this  city.  March  31,  1868,  he  w^as  married  to  Miss 
Florence  M.  Jones,  of  Greencastle.  Mr.  D.  died  Sep- 
tember 5,  1876,  leaving  to  mourn  him  a  \\idow  and  one 
child,  in  whose  hearts  he  is  enshrined,  not  only  as  a  prom- 
inent lawyer  and  polished  debater,  but  as  an  affectionate 
husband  and  kind  father. 

His  wife,  a  niece  of  the  Hon.  D.  W.  Voorhees,  has 
since  returned  to  her  native  town,  where  she  now  resides. 

As  an  evidence  of  the  hijjh  esteem  in  which  Mr,  D. 
was  held  b}-  the  legal  fraternity  of  the  State,  we  quote 
briefly  from  the  resolutions  of  the  Marion  county  bar  on 
his  demise. 

''It  is  seldom  that  one  so  young. as  he  had  won  so  extended  a 
practice  at  the  bar,  and  yet  more  seldom  that  one  so  young  had 
won   so  deep  a  hold   upon   the  hearts  of  those  about  him,  and 


*Miss  Julian  was  a  relative  of  tlie  Hon.  George  W.  Julian,  who  was  once  a  citizen 
and  practicing  attorney  of  Grcentielcl. 


TERSONAL   SKETCHES  AM)   BRIEF   lilOGR Al'IIIES. 


459 


wic'Iclcd  such  an  inlluencc  in  the  coniniunil\'  in  which  lie  lived. 
As  a  bar,  we  will  remember  his  talents  and  success  with  pride, 
and  seek  to  emulate  his  nianv  virtues.  In  his  earlv  death  \ve 
sec  but  another  illustration  of  the  sad  results  of  over  labor,  of 
the  straini'nq'  be\"ond  their  utmost  tension  the  nerves  of  the 
practicing-  lawyer." 

Charles  E.  Barrett, 

a  practicing  attorney  of  Siillixan,  Indiana,  but  formerly  of 
this  county,  was  born  in  Indianapolis,  November  28,  1858. 


CHAULES  E.  BARRETT. 


His  opportunities  for  a  literary  education  were  limited,, but 
making  the  most  of  them,  and  being  apt  and  of  a  practical 
business  turn  of  mind,  he  lias,  ^while  emplo3-ed  in  the  vari- 
ous departments  of  mercantile  life,  acquired  a  good,  prac- 
tical business  education.     Mr.  B.  began  the  study  of  law 


460  HISTORY  OF  HANX'OCK  COUNTY. 

at  odd  times,  and  looked  forward  to  it  as  a  profession  as 
early  as  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  and  on  quitting  the  store  he 
entered  the  law  office  of  Messrs.  New  &  Poulson,  and 
took  a  course  of  reading,  after  which  he  bought  out  Mr. 
Poulson  and  formed  a  partnership  with  Mr.  James  A.  New, 
one  of  the  leading  attorneys  of  the  city.  Here  he  enjo3'ed 
a  lucrative  practice  for  three  years.  During  all  this  time 
he  was  also  a  hard  student.  This  we  say  from  personal 
knowledge  as  to  two  years  of  the  time,  being  a  student  in 
the  office.  Mr.  B.  was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  the  Han- 
cock Circuit  Court  December  31,  1879,  being  the  first  op- 
portunity after  having  arrived  at  his  majority  and  becoming 
admissible. 

In  the  fall  of  188 1  the  firm  of  New  &  Barrett  was  by 
mutual  consent  dissolved,  and  Mr.  B.  removed  to  Sullivan,, 
supplied  himself  with  an  excellent  library,  and  put  out  his 
shingle.  He  shortly,  however,  formed  a  co-partnership 
with  Senator  Briggs,  and  is  now  consequently  the  junior 
member  of  the  law  firm  of  Briggs  &  Barrett.  The  cut 
accompanying  this  will  be  recognized  and  acknowledged 
by  those  acquainted  with  him  as  a  good  portrait. 

Mr.  B.  is  a  Democrat  in  politics,  and,  though  a  member 
of  no  church,  leans  toward  the  Methodists. 

Matilda  Gooding, 

a  daughter  of  Lemuel  Hunt  and  wife  of  Asa  Gooding,  was 
born  in  Nicholas  county,  in  the  State  of  Kentucky,  and 
was  married  to  Asa  Gooding  on  the  31st  da}'  of  August, 
1822.  They  removed  to  Rush  county,  in  the  State  of 
Indiana,  in  the  fall  of  1826,  where  they  settled  in  the  green 
woods,  after  building  a  log  cabin  in  which  to  reside,  Asa 
Gooding  having  entered  forty  acres  of  land  at  the  price  of 
$1  25  per  acre.  They  were  both  industrious  and  happy. 
In  1836  they  removed  to  Greenfield,  Hancock  county,  and 
for  a  time  kept  hotel.  Asa  Gooding  died  in  1842,  leaving 
surviving  him  Matilda  Gooding,  his  widow,  who,  though 
absent  for  a  few  years  at  Greencastle,   Indiana,   for  the 


PERSONAL  SKETCHES  AND  BRIEF  BIOGRAPHIES.         46  I 

purpose  of  educating  some  of  her  children,  still  resides  in 
the  same  dwelling-house,  long  known  as  the  Gooding 
Corner.  She  is  the  mother  of  sev^en  surviving  children, 
five  sons  and  two  daughters,  to-wit :  David  S.,  Lemuel 
W.,  Oliver  P.,  Henr}-  C,  and  William  IT.  and  Elvira 
M.  Gooding  and  Cindrella  J.  Howard,  wife  of  Dr.  Noble 
P.  Howard,  Sen.  For  one  of  her  age  she  is  in  fair 
health,  reasonably  comfortable  and  happy,  with  a  con- 
sciousness of  having  been  a  good  wife  and  mother  and 
useful  in  her  day  and  generation,  respected  by  all  who 
know  her  and  loved  and  honored  by  her  relatives  and 
friends.  She  is  patiently  and  contentedly  awaiting  the 
Master's  call. 


Ernst  H.  Faut 

Avas  born  October  30,  1835,  ^"  the  county  of  Buckeburg 
and  Duchy  of  Schaumburg-Lippe,  Germany.  His  father 
was  a  Prussian  subject,  and  named  after  Frederick  Wil- 
helm  the  Third.  Being  a  blacksmith  by  trade,  all  the  boys 
had  to  work  in  the  shop  as  soon  as  they  could  take  hold  of 
the  bellows-pole,  as  it  is  well  known  in  Germany  that  all 
the  children  have  to  attend  school  from  the  age  of  seven 
to  fourteen. 

In  the  year  1848  the  revolution  broke  out  in  that  coun- 
try, and  the  people  clamored  for  liberty,  and  thought 
everything  oppressive,  even  the  compulsory  school  system. 
His  father  had  the  idea  that  his  son  Ernst  would  be  of  more 
benefit  to  him  in  the  blacksmith  shop  than  in  the  school- 
room. An  application  was  gotten  up  to  the  highest  school 
authority  for  his  release,  which  had  to  be  approved  by  the 
subordinates  before  it  was  presented  to  the  supreme  author- 
ity. This  approval  read  as  follows  :  "  His  knowledge  will 
do,  and  his  father  needs  him  badly."  This  application 
was  presented,  and  in  a  few  days  after  granted.  The  cause 
of  this  was  that  the  official  authorities  of  the  Government 
were  scared  about  the  revolution  in  the  country  at  this  time, 
and  they  were  willing  to  grant  almost  anvthing  at  that 


462  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY, 

critical  moment,  but  Ernst  was  cheated  out  of  his  proper 
schooling.  From  that  time  he  had  to  work  in  the  black- 
smith shop  with  his  lather.  Several  of  the  neighbors  who 
had  emigrated  to  this  country-  wrote  letters  home  to  their 
friends,  relating  the  great  advantages  of  this  countr}-  over 
their  native  home  for  poor  and  laboring  people.  This 
impressed  him  favorabh",  and  he  solicited  his  father  to  give 
him  the  privilege  and  means  to  come  to  America,  but  his 
father  hesitated  on  account  of  his  age.  Finally,  after  a 
few  years  of  continued  solicitation,  he  consented,  and  on 
April  29,  1854,  '^^  ^^^^  ''^S^  of  eighteen  3'ears,  he  left  the 
parental  roof,  and  embarked  at  Bremen  on  a  sailing  vessel, 
as  ocean  steamers  were  rare  at  that  time.  After  a  voyage 
of  sixty-six  da3's  he  arrived  in  New  York  city  on  August 
4th.  Having  an  imcle  living  in  New  Palestine  whom  he 
had  never  seen,  his  attention  was  directed  that  way,  and 
he  concluded  to  pay  him  a  visit.  Here  he  arrived  August 
14th,  and  got  emploj^ment  at  his  trade,  and  he  remained 
there  until  April-,  1856,  when  he  went  to  Indianapolis^  and, 
finding  no  work  at  his  trade,  he  took  a  job  as  a  hod-carrier. 
Soon  after  this  he  succeeded  in  finding  emplovment  at  liis 
regular  business. 

In  the  fall  of  1857  he  made  a  set  of  horse-shoes  for  the 
State  Fair,  on  which  he  took  the  first  premium.  In  Novem- 
ber he  returned  to  New  Palestine,  and  formed  a  partnership 
with  his  cousin,  Ernst  W.  Faut.  They  carried  on  the 
blacksmithing  business  for  several  years. 

In  the  spring  of  i860  lie  was  married  to  Miss  Mar}'  E. 
Eickman,  the  fruits  of  which  union  are  eiglit  sprightly 
children,  two  boys  and  six  girls,  who  are  all  living. 

In  the  fall  of  i85o  the  partnership  with  his  cousin  was 
dissolved,  and  he  continued  the  business  at  the  old  stand. 

In  the  winter  of  1861  and  1862,  Mr.  LN'sander  Sparks, 
then  Auditor  of  this  county,  appointed  him  Assessor  for 
Sugar-Creek  township.  In  the  fall  of  1862  he  was  elected 
to  the  same  position  for  two  years.  In  thj  spring  of  1866 
he  was  electe.l  Township  Trustee,  and  was  subsequently 
re-elected  for  «ix  consecutive  terms,  as  the  elections  were 


PERSONAL  SKKTCIIKS  AND  JiRIEF  IJIOGRAI'IIIKS.        463 

then  held  annually.  In  the  full  of  1872  he  was  elected 
Treasurer  of  Hancock  county,  which  position  he  held  for 
two  consecutive  terms. 

After  the  expiration  of  his  term  as  Treasurer  he  formed 
a  partnership  with  his  brother  Chai^les  in  the  manufacture 
of  carriages,  buggies,  wagons,  &c.  Their  establishment 
is  doing  an  extensive,  thriving  business,  and  gives  employ- 
ment to  a  large  number  of  hands.  Mr.  F.  is  one  of  the 
most  enterprising  citizens  of  the  country,  sociable,  hospita- 
ble and  iienerous. 


General  Oliver  Paul  Gooding. 

Oliver  Paul  Gooding  was  born  the  29th  day  of  Januar}^ 
1835,  ^^  ^^^^  village  of  Moscow,  Rush  county,  Indiana. 
In  1837  ^^^  moved  with  his  parents  to  Greenfield,  Hancock 
county,  Indiana.  At  the  age  of  eighteen,  he  entered  the 
United  States  Military  Academy  at  West  Point,  New 
York,  where  he  graduated  in  1858.  He  was  attached  to 
the  Fourth  United  States  Infantry  as  Brevet  Second  Lieu- 
tenant, serving  as  such  at  Fort  Columbvis,  New  York 
Harbor.  The  5th  day  of  February,  1859,  ^^'^  ^^''^-'^  pi"o- 
moted  to  a  Second  Lieutenancy  in  the  Tenth  United  States 
Infantry,  and  joined  that  regiment  at  Fort  Bridges,  Utah 
Territory,  in  August  of  that  3'ear,  and  served  on  the  expe- 
dition ;igainst  the  Mormons  in  1859  and  i860.  In  1861  he 
was  ordered  to  the  defense  of  Washington,  D.  C,  and 
served  in  the  war  for  the  suppression  of  the  great  rebellion 
from  1 86 1  till  1865. 

During  the  war  he  held  several  important  commands, 
among  which  was  the  Thirt3'-first  Massachusetts  Volun- 
teers (converted  into  the  Sixth  Massachusetts  Cavalry), 
which  regiment  he  led  as  the  advanced  guard  of  the  Union 
army  at  the  capture  of  New  Orleans,  the  first  day  of  May, 
1862.  On  the  Teche  campaign  and  the  Port  Hudson 
campaign,  in  1863,  '^c  commanded  the  third  brigade  of 
the  third  division,  nineteenth  army  corps.  In  the  battle  of 
Fort   Bisland,  or  battle    of  the  Teche,  as  it  is  sometimes 


464  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

called,  he  commanded  the  Union  forces  on  the  north  bank 
of  Ba3^ou  Teche,  and  captured  an  outwork  of  the  enemy 
and  some  prisoners.     The  loss  of  life  in  his  command  was 
heavier  and  its  success  greater  than  that  of  all  the  rest  of 
the  army,  the  brunt  of  the  battle  falling  on  his  command. 
The  battle  was  stopped  by  darkness,  and  the  enemy  aban- 
doned his  works  and  retreated  during  the  night,  and  was 
pursued  in  the  morning.     At  Port  Hudson,  General  Good- 
ing gallantly  led  his  brigade  in  the  terrible  and  bloody 
assaults  made  on  the  enemy's  works  on  the  27th  day  of 
May,  1863,  and  the  14th  day  of  June,  1863.     His  brigade 
suffered  heavily.     On  the  Red  River  campaign,  in  1864, 
he  commanded  the  Fifth  Brigade,  Cavalry  Division,  De- 
partment of  the  Gulf,  and  at  the  end   of  that  campaign 
was  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  division.     In  com- 
mand of  the  Union  troops  at  Campti,  on  the  north  bank  of 
Red  River,  the  4th  da3^  of  April,  1864,  General  Gooding, 
in   a  hotly  contested  cavalry  action,  defeated  the  enemy 
under  General   Siddell.     At  the  battle  of  Pleasant  Hill, 
Louisiana,  in  command  of  his  brigade,   the  9th  day  of 
April,   1864,  General  Gooding  gallantly  fought  and  held 
the  enemy  in  check  till  the  Union  army  came  into  position, 
his  hat  being  shot  off  his  head,  the  bullet  grazing  his  scalp. 
At  the  battle  of  Kane  River  Crossing  he  commanded 
the  advanced  cavalry,  and  was  highly  complimented   on 
the  field  by  Major-General  William  H.  Emory,  command- 
ing Nineteenth  Army  Corps,  for  the  able  manner  in  which 
he  handled  his  command  and  developed  the  enemy's  posi- 
tion.    On  the   retreat  of   the  Union  army,  he  was   con- 
stantly under  fire  with   his  brigade,  covering  either  the 
flank  or  rear  of  the  army.     While  serving  in  the  volunteer 
service,  his  promotion  in  the  regular  army  went  on  to  the 
rank  of  Captain,  the  27th  day  of  June,  1862,  which  regu- 
lar rank  he  resigned  on  entering  civil  life  in  1865.     Enter- 
ing the  war  as  a  Second  Lieutenant  of  Regulars,  by  his 
own  merits  he  rose  to  the  rank  of  Maior-General  by  brevet 
of  United  States  Volunteers,  which  last  rank  was  conferred 
on  him  the  13th  day  of  March,  1865,  for,  as  his  commission 


PERSONAL  SKETCHES  AND  BRIEF  BIOGRAPHIES.         465 

recites:  ^^GaUant  conduct  in  the  assaults  on  the  enemy's 
works  at  Port  Hudson^  Louisiana ^  in  186 j,  and  gallant 
and  distinguished  conduct  throughout  the  Red  River  cam- 
paign ^  in  186^.''^ 

In  the  fall  of  1865,  he  located  in  Washington,  D.  C, 
and  resumed  the  study  of  the  law,  which  he  had  com- 
menced in  the  regular  army  before  the  war.  He  was 
admitted  to  the  bar  of  the  District  of  Columbia,  the  4th 
day  of  Januar}',  1866,  and  practiced  law  there  till  1869, 
having  in  the  meantime  taken  a  trip  to  California,  when 
he  returned  to  his  old  home  at  Greenfield,  Indiana,  where 
he  lived  in  retirement  till  February,  1874,  when  he  located 
in  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  in  the  practice  of  the  law.  In  1881 
he  was  appointed  General  Attorney  of  the  Insurance  De- 
partment of  Missouri.  General  Gooding  is  the  author  of 
the  new  national  anthem,  America^  the  chorus  of  which  is  : 
"Wave  on,  wave  on!     The  old  flag  forever!" 

Autobiography  of  John  H.  Binford. 

According  to  the  records  in  the  old  family  Bible,  I  am 
the  fourth  son,  second  living,  of  Robert  and  Martha  Bin- 
ford,  now  of  Rush  county,  but  formerly  of  Blue-River 
township,  this  county,  where  I  was  born,  April  13,  1844, 
and  am  consequently  in  my  thirty-eighth  year. 

The  first  impressions  made  on  my  mind  of  which  I 
have  any  recollection  were  of  a  serious  nature,  occasioned 
by  the  death  of  m}'  grandfather,  John  Hill,  in  1847,  while 
I  was  yet  not  three  years  old.  I  remember  the  circum- 
stance distinctly,  the  scene  at  the  funeral  and  how  sad  my 
parents  were. 

At  five  my  mother  began  to  teach  me  to  spell,  read  and 
write.  The  first  writing  consisted  in  making  "straight 
marks,"  followed  by  patient  practicing  on  the  "  pot-hooks." 
At  six  I  entered  school,  and  continued  therein  for  about  six- 
months  in  the  year  till  I  was  large  enough  to  plow  and  do 
light  work  on  the  farm,  after  which  I  had  school  privileges 
for  a  short  term  in  the  winter  only  imtil  the  fall  of  1862, 


^66  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

when  I  entered  Earlham  College  at  Richmond,  Indiana, 
for  a  five-months  term. 

The  following  winter  of  1863  and  1864  I  taught  my  first 
school  at  Hopewell,  Blue-River  towship,  a  four  months' 
term  of  eight3-seven  days,  for  $100,  or  $25  a  month,  and 
boarded  myself.  The  school  was  large  and  the  classes 
advanced ;  history,  physiology,  philosoph}-,  algebra,  rhet- 
oric and  a  few  other  extra  branches  being  studied,  hence 
m}^  time  was  fully  3^et  pleasantl}^  employed.  I  have  taught 
about    forty    terms    since    then    in   graded    and   ungraded 


schools,  in  normals  and  colleges,  in  this  and  other  States  ; 
but  never  did  I  teach  another  term  around  the  memory  of 
which  there  clusters  dearer  and  more  vivid  recollections. 
Among  my  students  that  winter  were  boys  and  girls  that 
have  since  become  useful  men  and  women,  and  are  now 
filling  positions  of  trust  and  profit  with  credit  to  themselves 
and  honor  to  their  instructor. 

After  teaching  a  few  terms  in  the  district  schools  and 
attending  school  in  the  meantime  at  home,  at  Walnut  Ridge 
and  Spiceland,  T  finally  entered  the  National  Normal 
wSclu)(?l  in  Ohio  for  two  years,  but,  owing  to  declining 
health,  quit  school,  went  Soutli,  and  was  for  two  years 
principal    of   the   Third-Ward    graded,  schools    of    Little 


PERSONAL  SKETCHES  AND  BRIEF  BIOGRAPHIES.         467 

Rock,  Arkansas.  While  here,  during  the  first  year,  I  had 
the  honor  of  aiding  in  organizing  the  first  County  and 
State  Teachers'  Association  of  the  State,  acted  as  secre- 
tarjr  of  the  same,  and  was  sent  as  a  delegate  to  the 
National  Teachers'  Association  at  Trenton,  New  Jerse}'^, 
and  also  the  State  Teachers'  Association  at  Ithica,  New 
York,  both  of  which  I  had  the  pleasure  of  attending.  In 
going  and  returning  I  visited  Mammotli  Cave,  Kentucky, 
Niagara  Falls,  Saratoga  and  Ballston  Springs,  New  York 
Cit}^  Philadelphia  and  numerous  other  points  of  interest. 
Returning  to  Little  Rock,  I  entered  upon  my  second  year's 
superintendency  at  $133^  per  month,  and  also  engaged  in 
merchandising,  but,  not  being  able  to  give  the  latter  busi- 
ness my  personal  attention,  I  abandoned  it  after  less  than 
a  year's  useful  experience. 

Being  now  fully  recovered  in  health,  I  determined  on 
completing  my  prospective  normal  course,  and  therefore 
declined  further  emplo^-ment,  though  earnestl}'  solicited, 
at  $1,500  a  3'ear  or  $8jy  per  day  for  time  emplo3'ed. 

In  187 1  I  had  the  honor  of  graduating  from  said  Ohio 
Normal,  and  among  my  classmates  and  co-graduates  in 
this  school  were  II.  B.  Brown,  now  Principal  of  Valpa- 
raiso Normal,  F.  P.  Adams,  Principal  of  the  Central 
Normal  at  Danville,  and  Prof.  John  Burke,  of  Covington, 
Kentucky. 

The  following  ^^ear,  while  Principal  of  the  New  Garden 
High  School,  I  was  elected  by  the  township  trustees,  on 
the  first  Monday  in  June,  as  Count}-  Superintendent  of  my 
native  count}'  under  the  new  school  law  providing  for 
County  Superintendent,  Institutes,  &c.,  and  abolisliing  the 
office  of  County  Examiner.  I  at  once  gave  bond,  took 
charge  of  the  office,  and  on  the  close  of  mv  school  entered 
upon  the  active  duties  of  my  new  field  of  labor.  This 
position  I  filled  as  best  I  could  for  two  years,  without  fear 
or  fa\'or,  endeavoring  to  raise  the  standard  of  education, 
and  by  every  available  means  to  make  our  teachers  and 
schools  more  efficient  and  effi^ctual  and  the  instruction 
more  practical  and  profitable. 


468  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

August  26,  1874,  while  County  Superintendent,  I  was 
appointed  by  J.  C.  Denn}-,  Attorne}'  General,  as  his 
assistant  in  and  for  this  count}^  under  the  act  of  March 
10,  1873. 

In  the  summer  of  1875  I  organized  and  with  the  aid  of 
competent  assistants  held  and  conducted  in  the  Greenfield 
Graded  School  building  "The  Hancock  County  Normal," 
the  first  normal  school  ever  held  in  the  county. 

During  the  long  summer  vacation  of  1875,  May  27th 
I  was  appointed  deputy  Treasurer,  or  tax  collector,  by 
County  Treasurer  E.  H.  Faut  for  the  townships  of  Blue- 
River,  Brandywine  and  Center,  including  Greenfield. 

The  following  summer,  1876,  with  increasing  advan- 
tages and  a  larger  corps  of  instructors,  including  Prof.  W. 
A.  Yohn,  of  Valparaiso,  I  conducted  the  largest  normal 
ever  held  in  the  county,  though  several  ver}^  interesting 
and  well  attended  ones  have  since  been  held  in  difterent 
parts  thereof. 

In  the  fall  of  1875  I  was  elected  Principal  of  the  Green- 
field Graded  Schools,  which  position  I  held  for  two  years. 
In  the  meantime  occurred  the  Centennial  year,  and  all 
educational  men  were  called  upon  to  aid  in  "  Indiana's 
Educational  Exhibit  at  Philadelphia."  I  laid  the  matter 
before  our  teachers  and  schools,  and  suggested  a  series  of 
exhibitions,  with  a  reasonable  admittance  fee,  which  was 
promptly  responded  to  in  such  a  liberal  manner  as  to  give 
the  school  and  city  the  credit  of  doing  more  than  all  others 
in  the  county  and  of  placing  herself  in  the  front  rank  of 
cities  of  her  size  in  the  State.  Our  exhibit  at  the  Centen- 
nial was  also  respectable,  and  I  speak  from  personal 
knowledge,  being  in  attendance  thereat  for  a  few  weeks. 

In  the  spring  of  1875,  while  County  Superintendent, 
after  the  per  diem  was  reduced  by  the  Legislature  and  the 
work  was  not  crowding,  I  employed  Lee  O.  Harris  to  do 
the  necessary  work  of  the  office,  and  started  on  a  tour 
through  the  Southern  States,  determined  to  learn  b}^  ob- 
servation something  of  tiie  method  of  conducting  schools. 
On  this  trip  of  a  few  weeks  I  visited   the  best  schools   of 


PERSONAL  SKETCHES  AND  BRIEF  BIOGRAPHIES.         469 

Nashville,  Memphis,  Vicksburg,  New  Orleans,  Mont- 
gomery, Tallahassee,  Jacksonville,  Florida;  Charleston, 
South  Carolina;  Atlanta,  Georgia,  and  other  points,  a  full 
account  of  which  I  gave  in  the  Indiana  School  'Journal^ 
which  I  represented. 

On  the  26th  of  June,  1873,  I  was  married  to  Miss  Lucy 
Coggeshall,  3'oungest  daughter  of  John  Coggeshall,  of 
Wayne  count}-. 

The  little  family  of  two  has  since  grown  to  six — Ger- 
trude, Edgar  A.,,  Robert  J.  and  Paul  F,  being  the  younger 
members. 

In  1877,  for  various  reasons,  I  resolved  on  abandoning 
my  chosen  profession  for  the  more  healthful,  equally  hon- 
orable and  more  remunerative  profession  of  law-.  The 
first  year  I  read  at  home,  on  the  farm,  while  rusticating 
and  rejuvinating.  I  then  returned  to  Greenfield,  read  in 
the  office  of  New  «&  Barrett  for  the  succeeding  two  years, 
was  admitted  to  the  bar  of  the  Hancock  Circuit  Court  in 
the  meantime,  and  had  entered  upon  the  practice  of  my 
new  profession,  when  I  received  a  call  from  the  Central 
Indiana  Normal  College,  of  Montgomery  county,  to  take 
charge  of  the  Law  Department,  and  teach  Theory  and 
Practice,  Zoology  and  Civil  Government,  which  oflTer  I 
accepted  for  one  year.  Returning  for  the  third  time  to 
Greenfield,  I  opened  up  an  office,  put  out  my  shingle,  and 
while  patiently  awaiting  for  a  client,  contracted  to  write 
this  "  History  of  Hancock  County"  for  King  &  Harden  ; 
accepting  a  proposition  to  buy  out  the  interest  of  Mr.  Har- 
den, I  became  fully  identified  with  the  interest  of  the  work, 
and  have  given  it  my  spare  moments  from  m}^  legal  duties 
for  the  past  six  months. 


Hon.  Charles  G.  Offutt, 

one  of  the  leading  attorney's  of  this  cit}-,  was  born  in 
Georgetown,  Kentucky,  October  4,  1845.  He  is  the  son 
of  Lloyd  and  Elizabeth  Offutt,  respectively  of  Maryland 
and  Kentucky.     His  early  education  was  confined  to  the 


470  lIIsroRV    OF    HANCOCK    COUXTV. 

common  schools  of  his  adopted  State,  whither  he  had 
removed  with  his  parents  when  quite  small.  At  the  early 
age  of  seventeen  he  entered  the  dry  goods  store  of 
Samuel  Heavenridge,  then  a  merchant  in  the  town  of 
Greenfield,  where  he  remained  for  about  two  years.  He 
then  taught  one  term  in  the  county  district  schools,  after 
v.hich  he  engaged  in  the  employ  of  Towsey  &  By  ram, 
merchants  of  Indianapolis,  where  he  continued  for  the  fol- 
lowing two  years. 

About  this  time  Mr.  Oftutt  conceived  the  idea  of  adopt- 
ing the  legal  profession,  in  pursuance  of  which  he  returned 
to  Greenfield  and  entered  upon  a  course  of  reading  with 
the  Hon.  James  L.  Mason,  which  he  faithfulh^  continued 
tor  about  three  years.  He  then  formed  a  partnership  with 
Judge  Joseph  S.  Buckles,  and  continued  that  relation  until 
the  fall  of  1873,  when,  by  mutual  consent,  the  firm 
was  dissolved.  Thencetbrward  he  continued  the  practice 
alone  until  1876,  at  which  time  the  law  firm  of  Oti'utt  & 
Martin  w^as  established,  of  which  Mr.  Offutt  was  the  senior 
member.  This  partnership  was  continued  until  1880,  since 
which  he  has  been  alone.  In  1872  he  represented  the 
county  in  the  Lower  House  of  the  Legislature,  Though  one 
of  the  younger  members  of  that  august  body,  he  did 
credit  to  himself  and  his  constituents.  In  1876  he  was 
elected  Democratic  Elector  for  the  Sixth  Congressional 
District  of  Indiana. 

Mr.  Offutt  was  married  July  15,  1874,  ^^  Miss  Anna, 
oldest  daughter  of  Frederick  Hammel,  late  of  this  city, 
the  fruits  of  which  union  are  two  sprightly  children,  a  bo}' 
and  girl. 

Mr.  Offutt  is  a  man  of  rare  native  ability,  portly  and 
promising,  of  pleasing  address,  and  stands  high  in  his  pro- 
fession both  as  a  counselor  and  practitioner. 

Leonidas  p.  Newby 
was  born  near  Lewisville,   Hendricks   county,     Indiana, 
April  9,    1856.     He  came  with   his   parents,   when   quite 
young,  to  Greensborough,  where  he   remained  till  the  year 


PERSONAL  SKETCHES  AND  BRIEF  BIOGRAPHIES.        47  I 

1862,  thence  to  Brown  township,  this  county,  where  here- 
sided  till  1872.  But  desiring  better  facilities  for  an 
education,  he  went  to  Knightstown,  entered  the  High 
School,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1874,  being  the  first 
graduate  from  the  Knightstown  Academy,  after  which  he 
took  two  year's  private  instruction  under  Prof.  Charles 
Hewitt,  completing  the  catalouge  course  of  Asbury  Uni- 
versity. He  then  taught  one  year  at  Fortville,  two  years 
at  Warrington  and  a  similar  time  in  the  Knightstown  Acad- 
emy-. In  1873  he  began  the  study  of  law  with  Charles  M. 
Butler,  then  Prosecutor  of  this  district.  He  continued  to 
study  and  teach  till  1877,  when  he  entered  into  a  partner- 
ship with  Walter  B.  Swaim  for  one  year,  since  which  he 
has  been  alone.  At  the  tall  election  of  1880  he  was  elected 
Prosecuting  Attorney  for  the  Eighteenth  Judicial  Circuit, 
and  on  the  resignation  of  Charles  M.  Ikitler,'  Prosecutor, 
he  was  appointed  to  fill  his  unexpired  term. 

Mr.  N.  was  married  December  21,  1876,  to  Miss  Mary, 
daughter  of  R.  B.  Breckenridge,  one  of  the  first  families 
of  Knightstown.  He  has  two  sprightly  children,  a  pleas- 
ant home,  and  a  splendid  new  brick  residence  in  Knights- 
town, his  present  abode.  I 

Andrew  M.  Patterson, 

a  native  of  Carlisle,  Penns3dvania,  came  to  Greenfield  in 
1832  and  was  one  of  the  most  energetic  public  spirited 
men  of  the  county.  He  was  ever  making  improvements, 
and  urging  others  to  do  likewise.  By  trade  he  was  a  hat- 
ter, and  carried  on  business  for  a  number  of  years  in  the 
house  which  he  built  for  the  purpose,  on  the •  north-w^est 
corner  of  Main  and  Pennsylvania  streets.  About  this  time 
he  erected  a  handsome  brick  residence,  at  the  time  the  best 
in  the  county  ;  the  same  is  now  occupied  as  the  dwelling 
of  A.  J.  Banks.  He  then  beautified  the  grounds  with 
trees,  shrubbery  and  flowers  till  it  equalled  the  finest 
grounds  in  the  cities  at  that  time.  On  the  breaking 
out  of  the  Mexican  war  he  entered  the  service  ;  was  elected 


q.72  HISTORY  OF  IIAXCOCK  COUNTY. 

First  Lieutenant  of  a  company  raised  in  this  county,  as 
seen  from  our  list  of  Mexican  soldiers  further  on.  He 
remained  in  the  arm}-  till  the  close  of  the  war,  when  he 
returned,  broken  down  in  health.  As  soon  as  he  recruited 
somewhat  he  sold  out,  being  discouraged  with  the  slow 
progress  of  the  town  and  county  during  his  absence,  and 
determined  to  go  West,  which  resolution  located  him  in 
Davenport,  Iowa,  where  he  amassed  a  fortune,  and  was 
honored  and  respected  by  all,  irrespective  of  party.  He 
represented  his  county  in  both  Houses  of  the  Legislature. 
From  there  he  went  to  Carthage,  Missouri,  where  he  now 
resides,  an  honored  member  of  society,  and  surrounded 
bv  all  that  tends  to  make  life  pleasant. 

Mr.  P.  and  our  much  esteemed  friend,  A.  T.  Hart,  are 
perhaps  the  oldest  business  men  of  Greenfield  now  living. 
To  the  latter  we  are  indebted  for  the  above  facts. 

Judge  Mark  E.  P'orkner, 

a  native  of  Henry  county,  was  born  January  26,  1846. 
His  early  education  was  received  in  the  common  schools 
of  his  neighborhood,  after  which  he  attended,  for  a  time, 
the  New  Castle  Academy. 

He  was  raised,  principally,  in  the  rural  districts,  dur- 
ing which  he  spent  two  years  in  his  father's  store  at 
Millville,  Henry  county.  He  early  conceived  the  idea  of 
adopting  the  legal  profession  as  his  life  calling,  and,  in 
accordance  therewith,  began  reading  law  with  Lewis  Dale, 
of  New  Castle,  May  10,  1864.  In  the  spring  of  1865  he 
came  to  Greenfield  and  continued  his  legal  studies  for  a 
time,  when  he  returned  to  New  Castle,  and  still  employed 
his  golden  moments  in  the  prosecution  of  his  chosen 
profession,  with  Joshua  H.  Mellett,  till  the  fall  of  1866,  sup- 
porting himself  in  the  meantime  by  teaching  school  in  the 
winter.  In  the  fall  of  that  year  he  was  appointed  Deputy 
District  Attorney  for  Henry  county,  by  Calvin  D.  Thomp- 
son. On  the  resignation  of  Mr.  T.,  R.  A.  Riley  was 
appointed  to  fill  the  vacancy,  who  continued  Mr.  F.  as 
Deputy. 


PERSONAL  SKETCHES  AND  BRIEF  BIOGRAPHIES. 


473 


In  the  spring  of  1867  he  formed  a  partnership  with 
Judge  Mellett,  which  continued  till  1870,  the  date  of  Mr. 
jVI.'s  election  to  the  bench.  Mr.  Forkner  next  associated 
himself  with  Senator  Eugene  H.  Bundy,  with  whom  he 
remained  till  the  fall  of  1876,  since  which  time  he  has 
been  alone.  He  represented  his  native  county  in  the 
Lower  House  of  the  Legislature  in  1874  "^^'ith  credit  to  him- 
self and  honor  to  his  constituents,  being  a  member  of  the 
Judiciar}'  and  other  important  committees. 

May  II,  1881,  he  was  appointed  Judge  of  the  Eigh- 
teenth Judicial  Circuit,  to  fill  the  vacancy  occasioned  by 
the  death  of  the  late  Robert  L.  Polk.  This  appointment 
was  made  just  seventeen  years  and  one  da}^  from  the  date 
on  which  he  began  his  legal  studies. 

He  was  married  June  22,  1869,  to  Miss  Rebecca  A. 
Donahue,  the  fruits  of  which  union  are  two  promising 
children — a  bov  and  a  girl.  Judge  Forkner  is  an  able 
lawyer,  an  efficient  judge  ;  fearless  and  impartial  in  his 
decisions. 

James  K.  King 

was  born  October  17,  1818,  in  Jefferson  county,  Indiana, 
within  four  miles  of  an  Indian  camp,  and  was  called  by 
the  red  men  "a  pale-face  pappoose."  The  Indians  often 
visited  at  his  father's  house,  and  invariably  slept  with  their 
knives  and  tomahawks  under  their  heads. 

When  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  six  3'ears  old  his 
father  moved  to  Garrard  county,  Kentuck}^ ;  here  he  learned 
his  A,  B,  C's,  and  remained  four  years,  then  returned  to 
Jefferson  for  two  years  ;  thence  to  Decatur  county,  in  the 
green  woods  with  his  father,  where  he  attended  school  in 
the  winter  until  his  seventeenth  year ;  he  then  taught  for  a 
time,  and  attended  school  for  three  terms  at  the  Greens- 
burg  Seminary.  In  1839  he  was  joined  in  wedlock  with 
Miss  Irene  Wilson,  in  Decatur  count}',  sister  of  H.  B. 
Wilson,  of  Green  township.  In  1840  he  moved  to  Han- 
cock county  and  settled  in  the  native  forests.  In  1847  he 
located  in  Warrington  and  engaged  in  the  goods  and  stock 
31 


474 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


trade  until  1857,  when  he  failed.  In  1852  he  joined  the 
Masons.  In  i860  he  was  elected  County  Surveyor,  and 
re-elected  in  1862.  In  1861  he  located  in  Greenfield,  since 
which  he  has  acted  as  Deputy  Sheriff'  for  about  four  years 
and  Assessor  for  eleven  3'ears.  In  1875  ^^^  published 
"King's  Map  of  Hancock  County."  In  1881  he  associated 
himself  with  Samuel  Harden,  of  Madison  count}',  under 
the  firm  name  of  King  &  Harden,  for  the  purpose  of  pub- 
lishing the  History  of  Hancock  County. 

Safe  Robbery. 

During  the  late  ci\'il  war  and  tor  a  time  thereafter  there 
was  more  larceny,  burglary,  robbery,  arson  and  other 
violations  of  the  criminal  code  than  during  any  other  period 
in  the  history  of  our  county  and  country.  It  was  a  favor- 
able time  for  the  development  of  the  worst  elements  of 
society,  and  evil  cropped  out  occasionally,  even  where  it 
was  least  expected  ;  political  prejudices,  sectional  feelings 
and  party  strifes  were  current.  Tramps,  tricksters,  trai- 
tors and  treacherous  villains  flourished  during  those  peril- 
ous 3'ears,  and  escaped  unhurt,  and  their  sins  were  heaped 
on  the  shoulders  of  innocent  parties  ;  but  in  the  case  under 
consideration,  though  the  guilt\'  parties  were  never  dis- 
covered to  a  moral  and  h^gal  certainty,  yet  the  innocent 
were  fullv^  able  to  sustain  themselves.  No  one  occurrence 
of  this  period  seemed  to  interest  the  people  of  the  covmty 
more  than  this  one.  All  felt  an  interest  in  this  matter,  and 
ever\'  effort  was  made  to  discover  the  perpetrators,  but  in 
vain. 

We  quote  from  the  record  : 

"  Whereas,  It  lias  been  shown  to  the  full  satisfaction  of  the 
County  Commissioners  of  Hancock  county,  Indiana,  by  com- 
petent and  sufficient  evidence,  that  on  tlic  night  of  the  I2tli  of 
January,  1866,  the  Treasurer's  oflice  of  this,  Hancocls;  county, 
was  feloniously  entered,  the  iron  safe  broken  open  and  a  large 
sum  of  money  stolen  therefrom,  of  which  five  thousand  dollars 
was  money  belonging  to  Hancock  county,  the  same  having  been 


PERSONAL  SKKTCHES   AND   I5RIEF  HIOGRAPHIES.         475 

collected  by  Nelson  Bradley.  Treasurer  of  said  county  for  1865. 
and  delinquencies  for  former  years;  and, 

"  Whereas,  It  further  appears  that  said  loss  occurred  with- 
out the  acquiescence,  ncglig'ence  or  fault  of  said  Nelson  Hradley 
aforesaid. 

"Therefore,  Be  it  ordered  by  the  board  aforesaid  that 
said  Nelson  Bradley,  Treasurer  of  Hancock  county,  be  and  is 
hereby  released  and  discharged  from  the  payment  of  said  sum 
of  Hvc  thousand  dollars  so  felonious! v  taken  from  the  count v 
safe  as  aforesaid  in  1S66." 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

charts  and  miscellaneous  matters. 

Key  to  the  Followinc;  Charts. 

The  following  two  charts  we  have  carefully  prepared  and 
introduced  here  for  the  purpose  of  giving  a  bird's-eye 
view  of  the  dates,  chief  ofncers  and  principal  events  of  our 
National  and  County  History,  from  the  date  of  their  organ- 
ization down  to  the  present  time,  and,  in  the  case  of  the 
county,  the  important  data  from  the  tirst  settlement  thereof 
bv  the  whites. 

The  first  chart  is  more  of  a  general  nature,  showing 
the  name  and  date  of  ovu"  Presidents,  Governors,  State 
Senators  and  Representatives,  and  our  Circuit  Judges  ; 
and,  in  the  last  column,  the  important  events  of  the 
respective  years. 

Chart  number  two  is  more  of  a  local  natvu^e,  but  to 
accomplish  the  object  intended,  should  be  examined  and 
studied  in  connection  with  the  first.  Like  the  first,  it  is 
ruled  into  seven  columns.  In  the  fn\st  is  found  the  date, 
opposite  which  in  regular  order  follow  the  names  of  the 
countv  ofiicers.  Clerk,  Recorder,  Auditor,  Treasurer  and 
Sherifi';  and,  in  the  last  column,  one  or  more  of  the  chief 
events  in  the  county  history. 

Notice  on  chart  number  one,  that  in  1789  George  Wash- 
ington became  the  first  President  of  the  United  States  ; 
that  the  principal  event  of  that  year  w^as  the  adoption  of 


CHARTS  AND  MISCELLANEOUS  MATTERS.       477 

the  ten  amendments  to  the  Federal  Constitution  ;  that  as 
Indiana  and  Hancock  county  were  yet  unorganized,  the 
intervening  columns  are  blank.  In  1828,  John  Q^  Adams 
was  President ;  James  B.  Ra}-,  Governor  of  Indiana  ;  Calvin 
Fletcher,  our  State  Senator;  Bethuel  F.  Morris,  our  Cir- 
cuit Judge,  and  the  principal  national  events  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  present  Democratic  party,  and  the  increase  of 
duties  on  imports.  Chart  number  two  shows  Lewis  Tyner 
the  first  County  Clerk;  Henry  Watts,  first  Treasurer,  and 
John  Foster,  first  Sheriff;  Greenfield  and  the  Courts 
organized.  An  examination  of  1881  and  1882  shows  an 
equally  advantageous  condensed  histor}-  of  cotemporane- 
ous  dates  and  events  in  the  National,  State,  and  County 
History.  We  think  the  chart  sufficiently  clear  without 
further  explanation.  Its  chief  advantage  to  the  student 
is  in  the  association  of  dates  and  events  of  a  local  and  Na- 
tional character,  and  thereby  facilitating  the  memory  and 
increasincr  the  interest : 


478 


HISTORY    OF    HANCOCK    COUNTY. 


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Naturalizat'n  law  originafd. 
U.  S.  Bank  established. 
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Washington's  farewell  addr. 
Trouble  with  France. 
Navy  dcpt.  organized. 
Patrick  Henry  died. 

Indiana  Territory  organized. 
War  with  Tripoli. 
Ohio  admitted  to  Union. 
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Samuel  Chase  died. 
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HISTORY    OF    HANCOCK    COUNTY 


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482 


HISTORY  OF  HAN'COCK  COUNTY 


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CHARTS  AND  MISCELI.ANKOUS  MATTERS. 


483 


V. 

0 

c 
z 

(- 

First  fair  and  thrashing  machine. 
Second  woolen  factory. 
Hancock  Democrat  established. 
One  Trustee  in"  each  township. 
.\gricultaral  Society  organized. 
First  companies  for  civil  war. 
Enlistment  of  militia. 
:|!ioo  bounty  to  soldiers. 
Family   I'isitor  established. 
Soldiers  returned  home. 

Safe  Robbery. 

Pike  fever. 

Greenfield  Commercial  established. 

Contract  to  build  school-house  and  jail. 

First  planing  mill. 

Five  additions  to  Grpenfield. 

Patrons  of  Husbandry  organized. 

Murder  of  Samuel  Derry. 

Medical  Society  organized. 

Keemer  hung  .and  Wood  committed  suicide. 

(Jreenfield  incorporated.     Jcffersonian  started. 

William  Frost  found  dead." 

Sarah  Wilson  murdtred. 

County  fair  demised. 

Repuflican  est.ablished.  ist  old  settlers  meeting. 

L,  B.  &  W.  R.  R.  organized,  and  free  pikes. 

History  of  Hancock  County  published. 

Id 

Mordecai  Millard., 
Taylor  W.  Thomas 

Samuel  Archer 

Wm.  G.  Cauldwell 

William  Wilkins.. 

Geo.  W.  Sample. .. 
Robert  P.  Brown.. 
William  Thomas.. 

W.  H.Thompson.. 

a 

Geo.  W..  Hatfield.. 

John  Addison 

Nelson   Bradley... 

Robert  P.  Brown.. 

Ernst  H.  Faut 

.\ndrcw    Hagen    .  . 
Isaiah  \.  Curry   . . 

5 

Lysander  Sparks. 

Jonathan  Tague. .  . 
A.  C.  Handy 

Henry  Wright.    . . 

0 
oi 
0 

0 

X 

Lem'l  W.  Gooding 

William  K.  West. 

Levi   Learv 
William  .Nlitchell. 

.\mos  C.  Beeson. . 

h'raiicis  0.  Sears. . 
John    Reeves   

N.  H.  Roberts..    . 
J.  W.  Ryon,  (ap.). 

■1 

Geo.  y".  .\tkiton. .  . 
John  T.  Sebastian 

Morgan   Chandler 

Henry   A.  Swopc . 

Ephraim   Marsh    . 

■axva 

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vC   l-CC   '>0   -   ''   r^.T  "-.^O   r^CO    1^  C    -   -^ 

484 


HISTORY  OF  HA^•COCK  COUNTY 


COUNTY     COMMISSIONEKS. 


Saimicl  A'angilder. 

John  Hunter 

Elisha  Chapman.. 
WilHam  AlcCance. 
George  Troxwell  .. 
Benjamin  SpiUman 
Enoch  O'Brien. .  .  . 
Richard  WiUiams. 

John   O'Brien 

Daniel  Smith 

Isaac  Willett 

Nathan  Henry.  .  .  . 

Jacob  Tague 

WiHiam  Curry. .  .  . 

Seth  Walker.' 

Samuel  Shockley.. 

Abram  Rhue 

Jordan  Lacy 

James  Tyner 

James  Hazlett 

Reson  Perry 

Daniel  Wilkison..  . 
Shelton  Banks  .... 
Jacob  Sllfer 


82S  John  Collins 

828  Robison  Jarrctt 

828  Nevcl  Reeves 

831  EliasMcCord 

832  Hiram  Tyner 

834  William  New 

83:^  John  Hinchman .  .  .  . 

835  James  Tyner 

836  Ephraim  Thomas..  . 

837  David  Caudell 

839  Jonathan  Smith.  .  .  . 

840  John   S.  Lewis 

843  William  H.  Dye..., 

843  James  Tyner 

844  William  P.  Brokaw, 

845  John  Addison 

846  William  P.  Brokaw, 

847  Jacob  Slifer 

849  T.  E.  Bentley 

850  Edward  P.  Scott... 
8=^1  Thomas  E.  Bentley . 
8^3  Augustus  Dennis... 

85=^  John  E.  Dve 

856 


S57 
85S 

859 

860 

861 

862 

863 

864 

866 

869 

870 

871 

873 

872 

S73 
874 

875 

877 

879 
880 

880 

8S0 

881 


COUNTY    SURVEYORS. 


Meredith  Gosney William  Fries 1864 

Morris  Pierson 1844  J.  H.  Landis 1876 

George   W.  Hatfield.  ..  .  1850  John  V.  Coyner 1878 

C.  G.  Sample 1854  Winfield  S.  Fries 1880 

James  K.  King i860 

SCHOOL    COMMISSIONERS. 

Meredith  Gosney ^833  Morris  Pierson 1842 

John  Justice 1835  John  Averv ^ ^843 

Wilham  Johnson 1838  J.  Etter 1845 

James  D.  Henry ^839  J.  Tliarp 

Asa  Gooding 1840  ( )hi nd  Crane 


CHARTS  AM)  MISCELLANEOUS  MATTERS.  485 

SCHOOL    EXAMLNKKS. 

At  first  three  were  appointed  in  each  townsliip    until 

1854- 

Jaines   Riitherturd ^§54     Mansfield  C.  Foley 1S64 

lleuben  A.  Riley 1856     A.  V,  B.  Sample 186S 

James  L.  Mason ^^59     James  A.  New 1S71 

^Villiam  Fries 1861 

COUNTY  SUPEKIXTLNDEXTS  OF  SCHOOLS. 

John  H.  Binford 1873     Aaron  Pope -^79 

William  P.  Smith 1875     Robert  A.  Smith i88r 


United  States  Rectangular  Survey. 

W/icn  (Did  W/iy  Adoftcd. — Prior  to  the  year  1802  no  uni- 
form system  of  surveying  had  been  adopted  by  law  in  the 
United  States,  and  consequently  no  uniformity  prevailed, 
and  no  little  amount  of  confusion,  disputing  and  litigation 
resulted  therefrom.  Congress  soon  saw  that  it  was  just  as 
necessar^'  to  have  a  tixed  system  of  surveying  as  to  have 
a  standard  of  weights,  measures  and  values  ;  accordingl}^, 
in  1802,  Jared  Mansfield,  Surveyor-General  of  the  North- 
West  Territory,  presented  to  Congress  a  plan  which  was 
at  once  adopted,  and  put  into  use  in  the  survey  of  all  the 
public  lands  then  owned  and  since  acquired  by  the  United 
vStates.  This  system  is  the  most  simple,  satisfactory  and 
convenient  of  anv  yet  known. 

PRINCIPAL  MERIDIAN  AND  BASE  LINES. 

This  plan  is  substantiallv  as  follows  :  Through  the  State 
or  territory  to  be  surveyed  a  line  is  run  due  north  and  south 
with  great  care  and  accuracy,  by  careful  measurements 
and  astronomical  observations,  called  the  Priiicipa/  JSIcri- 
diaii,  and  another  at  right  angles  with  this,  called  the  Base 
Line  (see  diagram  No.  i).  These  two  lines  are  the  initial 
or  starting  points,  and  may  be  established  wherever 
deemed  most  convenient.  There  are  about  twenty-five 
principal  meridians,  and  an  equal  number  of  base  lines  in 
the  various  survevs  of  the  United  States  and  her  territories. 


^86  HISTORY  OF   HANCOCK  COLNTV. 

The  Principal  jMcridiau  in  Indiana  is  located  about  twenty 
miles  west  of  Indianapolis  ;  runs  through  Lebanon,  Boone 
county,  and  extends  from  the  Ohio  river  to  the  northern 
boundary  of  the  State.  The  Base  Line  governing  our 
townships  in  this  portion,  and  most  of  Indiana,  is  located 
fiftv  miles  south  of  Columbus,  in  Bartholomew  county, 
and  ninet}'  miles  south  of  the  court-house  in  Greenfield.  It 
extends  from  the  French  surreys  in  Knox  county  and 
vicinity  to  Clark's  Military  Survey  in  Clark  and  adjoining 
counties.'" 

RANGE  AND  TOWNSHIP  I.INES. 

On  either  side  of  the  Principal  Meridian  extend  other 
meridians  called  Range  Lines,  six  miles  apart,  and  the 
tirst  six  miles  from  the  Principal  Meridian.  This  divides 
the  district  into  strips  six  miles  wide,  extending  north 
and  south,  called  Ra)iges,  and  numbered  in  regular 
order  tVom  the  Principal  Meridian  east  or  west,  as  the  case 
may  be.  On  either  side  of  the  base  line  extend  township 
lines,  which  divide  the  territory  to  be  surveyed  into  strips 
six  miles  wide,  extending  east  and  west,  called  Tozcns/iips. 
By  the  intersection  of  these  township  and  range  lines  the 
territory  is  divided  into  rectangles,  approximately  six  miles 
square,  called  Congressional  Tozvns/iips,  which  conl:iin 
thirty-six  square  miles  eacli. 

Remark — Note  the  distinction  between  townships  and 
and  Congressional  towmships,  the  former  are  strips  six 
miles  wide,  through  the  wln)le  survey,  east  and  west,  while 
the  latter  are  rectangles  six  miles  square. 

The  followinij  diagram  will  show  the  method  of  locating 
townships  : 


*Witli  the  exception  of  these  two  early  surveys,  located  in  the  south-east  and  south- 
west parts  of  the  State,  Indiana  was  surveyed  under  the  government  system.  The 
government  surveys  were  nearly  all  made  from  the  second  Principal  Meridian,  runninjr 
through  Lebanon.  The  south-eastern  portion  of  the  State  was  surveyed  from  the  first 
Principal  Meridian,  which  runs  due  north  from  the  mouth  of  the  Miami  river,  forming 
the  eastern  boundary  of  the  State,  and  a  base  line  fifteen  miles  nortli  of  the  base  line 
before  described,  hence  the  south-eastern  portion  of  Indiana  is  in  range  west  instead  of 
cast,  as  the  iininfonnod  would  suppose. 


CHARTS  AXU  MISCELLANEOUS  MATTERS. 


487 


DIAGRAM  NO.  i. 


Tp.  4,  N. 
R.  3,  E. 

Tp.  3,N. 
R.  2,  \V. 

< 

5 

u.' 
J 

BASK. 

X 

u 

< 

Tp.   .,N. 
R.  I,  E. 

I.INK. 

z 

TOWN 

< 

SHIP 

LINE. 

Tp.    2,    S. 

R.  2,  W. 

Tp.   2,  S. 
R.  4,  E. 

We  mav  here  remark  that  at  the  time  of  runnincr  the 
principal  meridian  base  line,  township  and  range  lines, 
corners  are  marked  by  the  Government  survey,  or  on  each 
line  for  every  half  mile,  to  facilitate  the  further  division  of 
the  land. 

Scctio)is. — After  the  territory  to  be  surve\'ed  is  divided 
into  townships,  as  shown  by  explanations  and  diagrams 
above,  the  townships  are  then  divided  into  sections  by  run- 
ning lines  east  and  west  and  north  and  south,  a  mile  apart, 
thus  dividing  them  into  smaller  rectangles  a  mile  square, 
called  sections,,  containing  six  hundred  and  fortv  acres  each 
when  full. 

^LVNXER  OF  SURVEYING  SECTIONS. 

The  i)iodi(s  operandi  in  laying  off  these  sections  is  as 
follows  :  The  surveyor  begins  at  a  point  one  mile  west  of 
the  south-east  corner  of  a  Congressional  township  on  the 
southern  boundary  line  of  the  same,  and  from  this  point 
runs  one  mile  north,  then  east  on  what  surveyors  call  a 
random  line  to  the  eastern  boundary  of  the  township.     Now 


488 


HISTORY  OF  IIAXCOCK  COUNTY. 


should  this  random  line  intersect  the  eastern  boundar}- line 
at  the  first  section  or  mile  corner,  he  measures  the  line 
back,  establishing  a  corner  midway  on  the  same  ;  if  not, 
he  finds  the  proper  mile  corner,  corrects  the  line,  and  then 
marks  the  quarter  section  corner  midway  on  the  corrected 
line,  and  thus  he  continues  till  he  runs  off"  the  first  tier  of 
sections  on  the  east,  when  he  begins  again,  on  the  soutli 
line  this  time,  two  miles  west  of  the  south-east  corner  or 
one  mile  west  of  the  former  beginning  point,  w4ien  he  runs 
through  in  a  similar  manner,  except  that  he  does  not  run 
to  the  eastern  boundar\'  line  but  to  the  former  line  estab- 
lished. 

The  figures  in  the  following  diagram  indicate  the  course 
of  the  surveyor  and  the  order  in  which  the  lines  are  run  : 

DIAGRAM  NO.  2. 


90 

OS 

51 

134 

17 

fS 

89 

67 

=;o 

33 

16 

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65 

00 

48 

49 

3J 

32 

14 

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8S 
82 

S5 

64 

47 

3*5 

'3 

62 

63 

45 

46 

28 

29 

11 

12 

i 

80 

81 

61 

44 

27 

10 

S 

9 

7S 

79 

59 

60 

42 

43 

25 

26 

76 

77 

ss 

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7 

l 

74 

7S 

56 

57 

39 

40 

22 

23 

5 

72 

73 

55 

38 

21 

i 

70 

71 

53 

54 

36 

37 

•9 

20 

2 

' 

69 

52 

35 

iS 

I 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  first  four  tier  of  sections  on  the 
east  are  all  surveyed  in  a  like  manner,  w^iile  the  last  two 
are  established  on  the  same,  run  north  ;  thus  the  surve3'or 
goes  from  69  to  70,  then  east  to  71,  then  west  two  miles  to 
72,  and  so  on  to  the  north  two   sections  in  the  west  two 


CHARTS  AND  ISIISCELLANEOL'S  MATTERS.  489 

tiers,  which  are  completed  by  the  surveyor  intersecting  the 
northern  boundary  at  90,  which  completes  the  survey  of  the 
township.  The  United  States  Surveyor  has  now  completed 
his  work ;  any  further  sub-division  is  the  work  of  the 
County  Surveyor.  The  division  of  the  section  into  quar- 
ters is  indicated  by  the  corners  marked  midway  on  all  sec- 
tion lines.  The  county  or  local  surveyor,  when  called 
upon  to  do  so,  connects  these  corners  b}"  lines  intersecting 
in  the  center  of  the  section,  thus  actually  dividing  the  sec- 
tion into  quarters,  which  may  now  readily  be  still  further 
divided  into  forty  or  eighty  acre  tracts. 

FRACTIONAL  SECTIONS. 

Owing  to  the  rotundy  of  the  earth,  townships  seldom 
contain  thirty-six  square  miles,  but  generally  less.  The 
townships  being  divided  into  sections  in  the  above  manner, 
it  is  evident  that  the  deficiency  or  excess,  /.  r.,  the  amount 
of  land,  more  or  less  than  six  miles  square  in  the  town- 
ship, must  fall  in  the  north  and  west  tiers  of  sections,  and 
in  the  west  half  of  the  west  tier  and  north  half  of  the  north 
tier.  From  this  fact  the  sections  on  the  north  and  west 
sides  of  a  Congressional  township  are  called  fractional  sec- 
tions, because  they  contain  more  or  less  than  six  hundred 
and  forty  acres.  Section  six  in  the  north-west  corner,  from 
having  the  excess  or  deficiency  throw^n  into  it  from  both  east 
and  south,  is  called  a  Double  Fractional  Section^  and  seldom 
contains  more  than  one  exact  quarter. 

CORRECTION  LINES. 

The  meridians  run  by  the  compass  are  not  parallel,  but 
converge  tow'ard  the  magnetic  north  pole,  located  in  the 
Boothnia  Peninsula,  north-east  of  Hudson  Bay.  Thus 
the  north  side  of  the  townships  are  narrower  than  the 
south,  and  the  northern  townships  smaller  than  the  south- 
ern. If  these  lines  were  continued  for  a  great  distance,  the 
disparity  in  the  size  of  the  township  would  be  great,  but 
this  is  obviated  by  making  every  fifth  line  north  and  every 
fourth  line  south  of  the  base  line  a  secondary  base  or  a 
32 


490  HISTORV  OF  IIANXOCK  COUNTY. 

correction  line,  and  remeasuring  the  distance  on  the  lines 
and  starting  anew  trom  the  prime  base. 

Then,  again,  to  counteract  and  correct  discrepancies 
that  may  arise  from  obstructions,  such  as  underbrush, 
ravines,  hills,  trees,  etc.,  every  eighth  line  east  and  west 
of  the  principal  meridian  is  taken  as  a  secondary-  or  cor- 
rection meridian,  and  the  distances  remeasured. 

In  the  following  diagram.  No.  3,  the  figures  indicate 
the  course  of  the  surveyor  in  running  off  the  Congressional 
townships,  containing,  approximately,  twenty-three  thous- 
and and  forty  acres  each  : 


CHARTS  AND  MISCELLANEOUS  MATTERS. 
DIAGRAM  NO.  5. 


491 


Correction 


i2  II 


Base 


19  20 


■3  M 


2^  26 


19  20 


II  12 


II  2i 


517 


12  II 


Panillel. 


H  »3 


28 


^6  25 


23  22 


37  36 


20  19 


18 


Line. 


40  39 


3? 


34  33 


32 


3'  30 


In  order  to  make  this  article  more  practical  to  the 
young  and  others  not  acquainted  with  land  descriptions, 
we  introduce  diagram  No.  4,  which,  with  the  explanations 
following,  w'ill  enable  any  one  to  read  ordinary  descrip- 
tions. 


492 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 
DIAGRAM  NO.  4. 


D 

1 

c 

B 

A 

1 

F 

I 

p 

Q. 

R 

s 

G 

H 

J 

K 

0 

L 

M 

N 

T 

(A)  E.  ne.,  So  acres. 

(B)  E.  hf.  w.  hf.  ne.  qr.,  40  acres. 

(C)  W.  hf,  w.  hf.  ne.  qr.,  40  acres. 

(D)  N.  nw.,  80  acres. 

(E)  S.  hf.  nw.  qr.,  80  acres. 

(F)  N.  hf.  nw.  qr.  sw.  qr.,  20  acres. 

(G)  S.  hf.  nw.  qr.  sw.  qr.,  20  acres. 

(H)    \V.  hf.  ne.  qr.  sw.  qr.  and  se.    ne.    sw.,  30  acres. 
(I)     Ne.    ne.    sw.,  10 acres. 

(J)     Sw.    sw.,  40  acres. 

(K)    N.hf.  nw.    se.  sw.,  5  acres. 

(L)    S.  hf.  nw.   se.  sw.,  5  acres. 

(M)   W.  hf.  sw.   se.  sw.,  5  acres. 

(N)    E.  hf.  sw.   se.  sw.,  5  acres. 

(O)   E.  hf.  sc.  sw.,  20  acres. 

(P)    Wd.  nw.  qr.  se.  qr.,  uniformly  26  rods  wide,  containing  13  acres. 

(QJ  Commencing  twenty-six  rods  east  of  the  north-west   corner  of  the   soutli-east 

([uarter  of  section ,  in  township north  [or  south],  in  range  east  [or  west];  thence 

south  eighty  rods;  thence  east  twenty-eight  rods;  thence  north  eighty  rods  to  the  north 
line  of  said  south-east  quarter,  thence  west  twenty-eight  rods  to  tlie  place  of  beginning, 
containing  fourteen  acres. 

(Ft)     Describe  as  in  "P,"  or  by  metes  and  bounds  as  in  "Q." 

(S)     W.  hf.  ne.  qr.  se.,  and  nw.  se.  se.,  also  n.  hf.  sw.  sc.,  50  acres. 

(T)     E.  hf.  e.  hf.  se.  and  sw.  se.  se.,  also  s.  hf.  sw.  se.,  70  acres. 

Remarks. — A  land  description  to  be  good,  our  Supreme 
Court  has  held,  must  so  describe  the  realty  that  a  compe- 
U-nt  :^u^^  ovor  can  locate  it,  hence  a  middle  division   con- 


CHARTS  AND  MISCELLANEOUS  ]\LVTTERS.  493 

taining  so  many  acres  is  not  sufficicnth'  definite  without 
being  described  by  "metes  and  bounds.'  The  position  of 
a  section  is  known  by  its  number,  and  the  location  of  a 
township  by  the  town  and  range. 

Teachers  in  the  district  schools  should  thoroughly  mas- 
ter this  subject,  and  then  aid  their  advanced  pupils  in  doing 
the  same. 

Otr  Poets  and  Poeteses. 

Hancock  count}'  may  justly  boast  of  her  poetic  talent, 
and  claim  the  right  to  liead  the  list  of  rythmic  counties 
in  Indiana.  Marion  may  boast  of  her  Sarah  T.  Bolton, 
Henry  of  her  Ben.  Parker,  Wayne  of  her  Mrs.  Jordon, 
but  none  of  them  can  furnish  a  Riley  or  a  Harris.  Parker 
writes  for  pastime,  Riley  writes  as  a  profession ;  Mrs. 
Bolton  is  spontaneous,  Harris  is  perpetual ;  other  poets  of 
the  State  write  for  pleasure,  ours  for  pay. 

This  histor}-  would  be  incomplete  without  some  account 
of  our  poets  and  their  pennings.  For  want  of  space  we 
shall  not  stop  to  give  a  personal  sketch  of  each,  nor  a 
critique  on  their  \vritings,  but  will  be  content  with  sample 
extracts  from  their  numerous  productions. 

FRIDAY  AFTERNOON. 

nv  J.   W.   UILEV. 

Of  all  the   plca.sin<r  faces 

That  remembrance  can  recall. 
The  old  school  da\'  romances 

Arc  the  dearest  after  all! 
Where  feme  sweet  thought  revises 

The  half-forgotten  time 
That  opened  "exercises" 

On  "Friday  afternoon." 

I  seem  to  hear  the  clicking 

Of  the  pencil  and  the  pen. 
And  the  solemn,  ceaseless  ticking 


494  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 

Of  tlie  time-piece  ticking  then! 
And  to  note  the  watchful  master, 

And  the  deprecating  nod 
That  made  the  heart  beat  faster 

For  the  boy  that  threw  the  wad. 


Some  little  hand  uplifted. 
And  the  creaking  of  a  shoe; 

A  problem  left  unsifted 

For  tile  teaciier's  hand  to  do. 


CHARTS  AND  MISCELLANEOUS  MATTERS.  495 

The  murmured  hum  of  Icarniutr^ 

The  flutter  of  a  book — 
The  smell  of  something  burning 

And  the  school's  incjuiring  look. 

A  bashful  boy  in  blushes, 

And  the  girl  with  glancing  eyes, 
Who  hides  her  smiles,  and  hushes 

The  laugh  about  to  rise; 
And  with  a  quick  invention 

Assumes  a  solemn  face 
To  meet  the  words  "attention ! 

Every  scholar  in  his  place  I"' 

The  opening  song,  page  20, — 

Ah!  dear  old  "Golden  Wreath," 
You  willed  your  sweets  in  plenty 

And  some  who  look  beneath 
The  leaves  of  Time  will  linger, 

^\.nd  loving  tears  \vill  start 
As  fancy  trails  her  finger 

Over  the  index  of  her  heart. 

An  "Essay  on  the  Science 

Of  Trigonometry,'' 
And  "Cataline's  Defiance," 

And  may  be  two  or  three 
Short  dialogues,  and  punny, 

And  a  little  boy  in  blue 
Winds  up  with  something  funny 

Like  "Cock — a — doodle — doo!" 

So  the  exercises  taken 

Thro'  gradations  of  delight 
To  the  reading  of  "The  Paper," 

Which  is  entertaining — quite! 
For  it  goes  ahead  and  mentions 

"If  a  certain  Mr.  O. 
Has  serious  intentions 

That  he  ougfht  to  tell  her  so." 


49^  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

It  also  asks  permission 

"To  intimate  to  John 
The  coquettish  condition 

Of  the  ground  he's  walking  on;" 
And  dropping  the  suggestion, 

To  "mind  what  he's  about," 
It  stabs  him  with  the  question: 

"Does  his  mother  know  he's  out?" 

When  all  has  been  recited. 

And  the  teacher's  bell  is  heard ; 
And  visitors  invited, 

Have  dropped  a  kindly  word, 
A  hush  of  holy  feeling 

Falls  down  upon  us  here, 
As  tho'  the  day  were  kneeling. 

And  the  twilight  was  a  prayer. 

O!  happy  hearts  and  faces, 

On  that  great  day's  review, 
Will  you  all  be  in  the  places 

That  were  assigned  to  you? 
Will  you  conquer  life's  disasters, 

And  with  golden  harps  atune. 
Wait  the  signal  of  the  Master 

On  that  endless  afternoon? 


THE  HARVEST  DAYS  OF  THE  OLDEN  TIME. 

BY   LEE   O.  HARRIS. 

O!  the  harvest  days  of  the  olden  time! 
The  ring  of  the  sickles  in  merry  rhyme; 
The  wealth  that  fell  at  the  reaper's  feet. 
With  the  tinkling  s^und  of  a  music  sweet; 
My  soul  is  wrapt  in  a  dream  to-day, 
And  over  my  senses,  from  far  away. 
There  comes  a  rustle  of  grain,  combined 
With  the  drows\-  voice  of  the  summer  wind. 


CHARTS  AND  MISCELLANEOUS  MATTERS. 

And  my  heart  overflows  with  a  song  of  praise 

For  the  days — the  days! 
The  harvest  time  of  my  boyhood  days. 

I  stand  again  where  the  breezes  toy 

With  the  tangled  locks  of  Ihe  fanner  boy; 

I  hear  the  chorus  of  tuneful  birds, 

The  tinkling  bells  of  the  grazing  herds. 

The  happy  shout  and  the  joyous  song, 

And  the  gladsome  laugh  of  the  reaping  throng. 


497 


The  shout,  the  song,  and  the  merry  peal — 

Attend  to  the  ring  of  the  flashing  steel — 

They  come  to  me  now  through  the  dreamy  maze 

From  the  days — the  days! 
The  harvest  time  of  my  boyhood  days. 

Again  I  walk  in  the  joyous  train 
That  follows  after  the  loaded  wain; 
Again  to  my  heart,  like  an  echo,  come 
The  gladsome  shouts  of  tlic  harvest  home. 
When  the  merry,  sun-browned  lasses  greet 
The  reaper  lads  with  the  golden  wheat. 
There  was  one,  with  hair  of  a  sunnier  hue 
Than  the  ripened  grain  of  the  harvest  knew. 


49^  HISTORY  OF  IIAN'COCK  COUNTY. 

(jrew  rosy  as  dawn  at  my  ardent  gaze, 

In  the  days — the  days! 
The  harvest  time  of  my  boyliood.  days. 

Alas!  alas!  how  the  years  go  by! 
How  the  young  grow  old  and  the  lovely  die! 
How  sad  the  music,  how  marred  the  rh3'me, 
Of  the  harvest  songs  of  the  olden  time! 
For  the  rattling  cog  and  the  grinding  wheel 
Rise  over  the  ring  of  the  reaper's  steel, 
And  death,  the  harvester,  low  hath  laid 
The  golden  hair  of  the  sun-browned  maid, 
And  I  sigh  like  one  who  vainly  prays 

For  the  days — the  days! 
The  vanished  dream  o."  mv  boyhood   days. 


OLD  SETTLER'S   SONG. 

15 V   SAM U EI.   BROOKS. 

I  lived  in  Jefferson  before  I  came  here, 
My  father,  a  hunter,  killed  turkeys  and  deer; 
Then  women  were  known  to  scutch  out  tlie  flax. 
From  which  thev  made  linen  to  put  on  their  backs. 

It  was  then  very  common,  I'd  have  you  understand. 
For  women  to  card  wool  and  spin  it  by  hand; 
While  the  girls  at  the  wheel  were  careful  and  gay, 
My  mother  at  the  loom  kept  banging  away. 

The  people  in  common  in  home-made  were  dressed. 
When  the  Sabbath  came  'round  they  put  on  their  best: 
I  came  to  Hancock  in  the  year  thirty-two. 
The  houses  were  scarce  and  the  people  were  few. 

The  country  was  new  when  I  first  settled   here, 
I  hunted  wild  turkeys  and  killed  of  tlie  deer; 
Then  pea-vines,  nettles,  and  plenty  of  frogs, 
And  snakes  and  big  turtles  were  seen  in  the  bogs. 


CHARTS  AND  MISCELLANEOUS  MATTERS. 


499 


Then  porcupines  and  'possums  were  caught  in  their  dens, 
And  the  wolves  were    taken  in  steel-traps  and  pens; 
There  were  few  of  our  men  that  ever  wore  boots, 
Though  they  cleared  in  the  green  and  plowed  among  roots. 

Then  women  were  known  to  work  on  the  farm, 
Or  at  the  spinning-wheel,  and  thought  it  no  harm; 
They  oft'  c'id  up  their  work  so  very  late  at  night, 
And  breakfasted  next  morning  before  it  was  light. 

They  wrapped  up  their  babies  so  snug  and  so  soft. 
Then  rocked  them  to  sleep  in  an  old  sugar  trough; 
The  children  went  ragged,  in  their  little  bare  feet, 
Their  mothers  still  kissed  them  and  said  they  were  sweet. 

We  now  have  railroads  and  telegraphs  too. 
The  churches  and  school-houses  are  never  a  few; 
We  now  have  plenty,  and  something  to  spare. 
Fine  boots  on  our  feet  and  good  dollies  to  wear. 

We  men  can  drink  coflec  and  women  drink  tea, 
And  are  all  living  happy  as  happy  can  be; 
While  the  children  grow  fat  on  butter  and  milk, 
The  ladies  go  dressed  in  their  satin  and  silk. 

While  people  arc  passing  from  day  unto  day. 
We  see  them  in  buggies  along  the  bighwav; 
We  hear  the  cars  whistle,  we  hear  the  bells  ring. 
While  the  people  collect  to  pray  and  to  sing. 

We  now  have  fine  carpets  and  big  leather  beds. 
With  extra  big  pillows  to  put  under  our  heads; 
And  plenty  of  good  books  and  papers  to  read. 
Anion"-  the  <i:reat  nations  we're  takingf  the  lead. 


5CiO  HISTORY    OF    IIAXCOCK    COUNTY. 

CHRIST  THE  WAY. 

BY  MRS.   R.   P.   HILL, 

formerly  a  resident  of  Blue-River  township,  and  youngest 
daughter  of  Joel  Pusey,  a  merchant,  taken  Irom  a  little 
volume,  entitled  "Musings,"  published  in   1871  : 

Although  religion  is  professed 

By  many  in  this  day; 
How  few  there  are  will  stand  the  test 

Of  Christ,  the  living  way. 
If  in  fine  carriages  or  car, 

They  can  to  meeting  go. 
And  there  smooth  words  and  doctrine  hear. 

Religion  then  will  do. 
The  clergy  they  may  thus  engage. 

Just  taught  in  human  school, 
Can  take  his  text  from  gilted  page, 

Or  kneel  on  cushioned  stool; 
But  if  the  gospel,  called  to  spread. 

In  Jesus'  humble  way, 
How  few  that  lowly  path  would  tread. 

To  everlasting  day. 
Salvation's  terms  remain  the  same, 

Though  ages  have  gone  by. 
As  when  from  Jesus'  lips  they  came; 

And  if  we  don't  comply, 
We  need  not  think  He'll  change  his  plan. 

To  suit  our  r.tubborn  will; 
For  creeds  gotten  up  by  man.. 

Will  not  with  Him  prevail; 
But  we  must  love  with  all  our  mind. 

And  soul,  and  strength,  the  Lord, 
Vea,  more  than  any  earthl}-  friend, 

Or  treasures  here  acquired. 
And  do  His  will  from  day  to  da\-, 

And  on  His  name  believe. 
If  tluis  His  precepts   we'll  obey, 

S;il\ati()n  we'll  receive. 


CHARTS  AND  MISCELLANKOUS  MATTERS.  5OI 

AN  APOSTROPHE  TO  DEATH.* 

HV   SINNER   AND   SAINT. 
SINNER. 

Oh,  Death!  thou  king  of  terrors, 
Thou  cruel,  hideous  monster! 
Uninvited  into  our  dwclHngs  cnterest 
And  tak'st  the  fairest,  sweetest,  best! 

We've  heard  of  thee  by  tongue  and  pen. 
Through  holy  prophets  and  pious  men, 
Thou  art  no  stranger,' grave,  grim  Death, 
And  yet  thou  art  no  friend. 

The  fields  are  naked  and  the  meadows  bare, 
The  winds  are  howling  and  the  woods  are  sighing 
And  all  nature  oft'  weeping  and  crying 
Because,  Oh,  Death,  they  say  thou  wert  there. 

Thou  art  cold,  Oh,  Death,  so  cold, 

Thy  presence  so  chilling  we  dread; 

E'en  our  blood  runs  cold  as  thy  presence  we  behold, 

And  all  hope  and  joy  forever  is  fled. 

Then  approach  not  our  dwellings 
Now  and  for  aye  we  implore  thee — 
But  depart,  depart  unwelcome  Death, 
We  would  bid  thee  a  final  adieu. 


Nay,  but  stop  one  moment,  Death,  delay — 

A  sadder  thought  has  filled  our  breast; 

The  words  of  a  song  we  learned  so  young, 

"We  would  not  live  always,  no  we  would  not  live  always." 

In  the  world  we  are  in  there's  sorrow  and  sin 
Hut  there  is  a  brighter,  brighter  above, 
And  the  door  to  that  world 
As  we  often  have  heard,  is  Death,  cold  death. 


♦Written  bv  the  Editor. 


502  IIISTORV    OK    HANCOCK    COUNTY, 

And  if  from  sin  \vc  arc  free, 

No  sting  there  will  be  at  thoughts  of  thee. 

As  thou  calTst  at  our  homes 

To  set  us  free  from  this  world  of  sin  and  pain. 

Then  call  when  thou  may 

To  take  us  away  to  bright  mansions  above, 

We  hope  we  can  say 

"Oh,  Death,  where  is  thy  sting?" 

"The  sting  of  death  is  sin," 
And  if  from  sin  we  are  free — 
Then  come  Death,  welcome  Death 
Thv  mission  we'll  not  deny. 


STORM. 

KY    CLAKA    LOUISE    BOTTSFORD. 

Is  it  deep  midnight  on  the  raging  sea  ? 

Is  the  world  all  blr.ck  .''     Do  the  mad  winds  moan, 
And  the  rain  beat  down  all  pitilessly 

On  the  up-turned  face  ?     Have  the  waters  grown 
So  cold  and  the  beacon  light  so  dim  ? 

And  the  surging  waves  so  wild  and  high  r 
Do  lurid  flames  of  lightning  flash 

In  the  purple  face  of  an  angry  sky  ? 
Bend  lower  !     Lower  !     Let  the  writhing  mass 
Of  darkness  pour  !     The  storm  will  pass. 


THE  CRUCIFICTION. 

BV    H.    A.    UII.EV. 

'Ti.s  evening,  at  the  supper  now. 

The  Savior  breaks  the  sacred  bread, 

And  pours  the  wine  ;  with  solemn  vow 
Proclaims  Himself  the  Church's  Head 


CHARTS  AND  MISCELLANEOUS  MATTERS.  503 

'TLs  night,  on  Olive's  somber  brow 

The  stars  are  hid  that  twinkled  there  ; 
Alone  the  suffering  Savior  bows, 

With  none  His  agony  to  share. 

'Tis  midnight,  and  with  sorrow  riven. 
His  sweat  and  blood  flows  freely  down  ; 

He  ope's  the  way  from  earth  to  Heaven — 
For  all  His  saints  prepares  a  crown. 

'Tis  midnight,  and  the  trial  past, 

The  Savior  to  the  Jews  betraved, 
A  pris'ner  in  their  hands  at  last 

To  smite,  imprison,  and  degrade. 

'Tis  morning,  and  among  the  great, 

Their  spite,  and   jealous  anger  burns  ; 
They  mock  Him  with  a  robe  of  state. 

And  crown  Him  with  a  crown  of  thorns. 

'Tis  noonday,  and  the  Christ  condemned 

To  bleed  and  perish  on  the  tree  : 
Yet  angels  do  their  Lord  attend — 

Sinner,  He  died  for  you  and  me  ! 

While  on  the  cross  the  Savior  hung, 

The  pall  of  night  at  noonday  spread, 
The  quaking  earth  with  anguish  wrung. 

The  bursting  tombs  gave  up  their  dead. 

The  veil  was  r&nt,  the  lightnings  fell, 

From  out  the  darkness  hear  the  cry 
Of  Him  who  conquered  Death  and  Hell. 

'■'■  Eloi  Lama  Sabachthanir 

The  tomb  receives  His  mangled  coi'se — 

They  set  the  seals,  and  Roman  guard  ; 
With  taunting  jeer,  and  muttered  curse. 

The  tomb  is  sealed,  and  watched,  and  ])arred. 

Yet  at  the  promised  morning's  dawn. 

The  seals  were  loosed,  the  guardsmen  fell  ; 


504  IlIsroRV  OK  HANCOCK  COUXTV. 

He  'rose,  triumphant  marching  on, 

In  chains  led  captive  Death  and  Hell. 

The  trembhng  earth,  the  Inirsting  tomb, 
And  songs  of  saints  and  seraphim 

Proclaim  the  risen  Lord  has  come  ; 

The  world  shall  bow  and  worship  Him. 

As  He  ascends  from  earth  above 
To  Heaven,  our  promised  home. 

In  trusting  faith  we  live,  and  love. 
Our  risen  Lord  agfain  will  come. 


UNFORGIVEN. 

BY    CLARA    LOUISE    BOTTSFOKD. 

If  you — when  I  lie  cold  and  dead. 

And  can  not  move  nor  breathe  nor  speak — 
Should  lay  your  hand  upon  my  head, 

Or  press  your  warm  lips  to  my  cheek. 
Or  let  one  tear  from  your  dim  eyes 

Fall  on  my  face — I  swear  to  you 
That  I  will  live,  and  you  shall  stand 

Before  me  mute  and  white — the  blue 
Of  Heaven  turn  to  black — the  sun 

Be  smothered  from  your  sight — and  I — 
Whom  you  have  wronged — although  you  might 

Drop  down  with  lifted  hands  and  cry 
For  mercy — I  will  feel  no  throb 

Of  pity — nay,  though  you  should  die  I 


CHARTS  AND  MISCEI.LAXEOUS  MATTERS.  505 

Dr.  J.  G.  Stuart 

was  born  in  Guilford  county,  North  Carolina,  September 
18,  1826.  His  parents  emigrated  to  Indiana  in  1829,  and 
settled  one  mile  west  of  Richmond,  Wayne  county,  where 
they  remained  for  a  time  ;  thence  to  Knightstown,  where 
they  continued  until  1835.  From  there  they  came  to  Han- 
cock count}',  and  settled  in  the  wild  w^oods,  w'here  the 
subject  of  this  sketch  resided  with  his  parents  until  1843, 
when  he  left  home  with  what  blue  jeans  clothes  he  could 
tie  up  in  a  kerchief  and  fifty  cents  in  his  pocket.  He 
walked  to  Randolph  county,  and  began  the  study  of  med- 
icine with  Dr.  J.  W.  Randell,  with  w^hom  he  continued  until 
1844,  when  he  went  to  Knightstown,  Henry  county,  and 
studied  one  year  with  Dr.  John  Weaver ;  thence  to  Char- 
lottsville,  and  completed  his  studies  wath  Dr.  Henry  T. 
Cook.  He  commenced  the  practice  of  medicine  in  June, 
1846.  His  first  medical  effort  was  to  adjust  a  fractured  arm 
for  Andrew  Paule}'.  He  continued  the  practice  until  1863, 
when  he  took  a  course  of  lectures  at  Ann  Arbor,  Michigan. 
Again  he  resumed  his  chosen  profession.  He  graduated 
at  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons  in  1874. 

Dr.  Stuart  resides  in  Fortville,  has  a  paying  practice,  is 
a  married  man,  and  the  senior  member  of  the  medical  firm 
of  J.  G.  Stuart  &  Son. 


33 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

TATRIOTISM    OF    HANCOCK    COL'XrV. 
I N  T  K  O  D  U  C  T.O  R  V . 

In  our  prospectus  of  this  work  we  promised  to  give  a 
list  of  the  soldiers  of  the  county,  besides  we  would  be 
remiss  in  our  dut^'  to  the  brave  defenders  of  our  country, 
the  Mexican  and  Civil  War  soldiers,  if  we  did  not  give 
their  names  a  place  on  these  .pages.  We  would  gladly 
insert  a  more  extended  notice  of  each,  but  our  limited 
space  forbids,  and  hence  shall  be  content  in  placing  before 
our  readers  the  name,  rank,  company,  regiment,  date  of 
muster,  and  such  brief  general  remarks  as  we  think  appro- 
priate and  most  interesting  to  our  patrons.  Of  course 
there  will  be  some  mistakes  in  so  long  a  list,  about  1,300  in 
number,  most  of  whom  were  strangers  to  us  ;  and  possibly 
some  names  have  been  overlooked,  but  none  intentionally. 

We  have  given  much  time  and  labor  in  preparing  this 
list,  having  turned  page  by  page  the  eight  large  ^'olumes 
of  the;  Adintant  General's  reports,  nearly  8.ooo  pages  in 
all,  to  collect  the  facts  herein  contained. 

In  looking  over  these  reports  we  see  some  of  our  soldier 
boys  charged  with  desertion,  which,  in  some  cases,  are 
doubtless  correct,  but  in  many  others  they  are  not  deserv- 
ing of  this  grave  charge,  hence  for  fear  of  doing  injustice 
none  will  be  thus  reported  in  this  work. 

The  Mexican  Soldiers, 

More  than   a  third  of  a  century  has  winged  its  flight 
into  the  mighty  past  since  the  brave  boys  that  composed 


5o8  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTV. 

Company  "D"  of  the  ''Fifth  Indiana  Vohinteers"  of  fool 
soldiers,  under  Captain  James  R.  Bracken,  commanded 
by  Coh)nel  James  IT.  Lane,  bid  a  final  adieu  to  Mexican 
soil  and  scenes  and  the  hardships  of  war  and  started  for 
their  homes  in  the  distant  North,  and  yet  there  still  lives 
among  us  a  number  who  bear  the  names  found  on  the  fol- 
lowing roll,  while  the  greater  part,  howe\'er,  are  with  us 
onl}'  in  memory,  their  spirits  having  flown  to  fairer  lands,, 
and  their  bodies  lie  mouldering  in  the  dust. 

Thirty-five  years  ago,  during  the  month  of  September, 
in  the  little  town  (now  city)  of  Greenfield,  there  was 
organized  by  Captain  James  R.  Bracken,  in  compliance 
with  the  call  of  the  President,  a  company  of  brave  boys  ; 
strong  men  who  dared  to  leave  all  at  their  country's  call 
and  risk  their  lives  upon  Mexican  soil. 

Hancock  has  since  sent  numy  companies  to  her  coun- 
try's defense,  but  perhaps  she  will   never  have  the  honor 
of  furnishing    a    braver,  stronger,  taller,  nobler,  grander 
company  of  men  to  fight  her  battles  than  Company  "D"  ot" 
the  Fifth  Indiana  Infantry. 

In  order  that  there  might  be  no  mistakes  in  the  roll, 
and  no  injustice  done,  the  writer  took  a  day  to  visit  the 
office  of  James  R.  Carnahan,  Adjutant  General,  at  Indian- 
apolis, and  through  the  kindness  of  John  P.  Patterson, 
Esq.,  was  enabled  to  find  the  original  records  and  muster- 
out  rolls  of  the  company,  from  which  the  following  facts- 
were  carefully  gleaned : 

The  company  was  called  into  the  service  of  the  United 
States  by  the  President,  James  K.  Polk,  under  the  act  ot' 
Congress,  approved  May  13,  1846,  at  Madison,  Indiana, 
the  place  of  general  rendezvous,  on  the  8th  day  of  Octo- 
ber, 1847,  to  serve  during  the  war  with  Mexico,  unless; 
sooner  discharged. 

The  company  after  its  organization  in  Greenfield,  dur- 
ing the  month  of  September,  went  to  Indianapolis,  Indi- 
ana, in  wagons,  thence  on  flat  cars,  on  the  first  railroad 
in  the  State,  to  Madison,  Indiana,  a  distance  of  one  hun- 
dred and  ten  miles. 


PATRIOTISM  OF   IIAXCOCK  COUNTY. 


509 


MusTER-OuT  Roll. 


OFFICERS. 


"Colonel — James  H.  Lane.     Dead. 
Captain— James  R.  Bracken.   Killed  on  Jef- 

fersonviUe  II.  K. 
First   Lieutenant — Andrew   M.    Patterson. 

Livina:  in  Carthage,  Missouri. 
■Second  Lieutenant — James  Hamilton.   Died 

in  Missouri. 
Third    Lieutenant— Hugh  J.    Kelly.     Died 

at  Indianapolis. 
First   Sergeant — Micajah  Francis.     Dead. 
Second  Sergeant — Henry  Ramsey.     Dead. 


Third  Sergeant — Hawkins  Branham.  Liv- 
ing in  Greenfield, 

Third  Sergeant — Isaac  Templin.  Died  in 
Greenfield. 

Corporal — Lewis  T.  Osborn.  Recently 
Superintendent  county  farm. 

Corporal — William  Foster.  Died  in  Libby 
Prison. 

Corporal  -  Robert  Waller.     Dead. 

Corporal — Robert  Smith.  L's  in  Jackson  tp. 

Musician — Henry  Galloway.     Dead. 


PRIVATES. 


Anderson,  Joseph.     Dead. 
Andis,  Alexander.     Living  in  Center  tp. 
Andis,  Robert  P.     Lives  in  Kansas. 
Arnold,  Jared.     Dead. 
Banks,  William,     Died  at  home. 
Conaway,  Kzra.     Died  at  home. 
■Cohee,  Jacob.     Knlisted    from  Rush  county 
Corbin,  Jas.     Knlisted  from  Rush  county 
•Carr,  Harvey.     Enlisted  from  Rush  county 
Cook,  Moses  B.     Died  in  Green  township. 
■Chapman,  Cicero.      Died  at  home. 
■Ch.ipman,  John.     Living. 
Chapman,  Samuel.     Lives  in  California. 
Caldwell,  Robert  H.     Dead. 
Carr,  James  H.     Lives  in  Greenfield. 
Carr.  Xoah.     Dead. 

Childers,  John.    Lives  in  Brown  township. 
'Chapman,  William  H.     Dead. 
D.aily,  William.     Dead. 
Denney,  Alfred.     Lives  in  Vernon  tp. 
Elsberry,  Miles.     Died  in   Center  tp. 
Ferree.  Isaac  M.     From  Rush  co. — dead. 
Flowers,  Andrew  J.  B.     Dead. 
•Grav,  James  H       Dead. 
(Jaston,  William  R.     Dead. 
-Gobble,  James.     Dead. 
Hendren,  Jeremiah.     L.  in  Blue-river  tp. 


Huntington,  James.     Died  in  Greenfield. 
Jones,  William  C.     Dead. 
Johnston,  George  W.     Dead. 
Jones,  Hiram.     Dead. 

[acobs,  W'm.  K.     Bailiff,  from  Jackson  tp. 
Jordon,  William.     Dead. 
.Jackson,  Burto  W.     Dead. 
Kinghan,  James.     Lives  in  Jasper  co, 
Kauble,  Solomon.     Lives  in  Missouri. 
Lineback,  Thomas.     Lives  in  Greenfield, 
I^iming,  John  L.     Dead. 
Liining,  Samuel.     Dead. 
Lindsev,  Richard.     Dead. 
Martin,  Henry.     Dead. 
Mitchell,  Wm.  (not  the  printer.)     Dead. 
Maston,  Thomas.     Dead. 
Pierson,  Edward.     Lives  at  Indianapolis. 
Reed,  James.     Died  at  Irvington. 
Romack,  Robert.     Died  in  Grant  co. 
Roberts,  John.     Lives  in  Brandy  wine  tp. 
Richardson,  Howard.     Dead. 
Scott,  Newton.     Lives  in  Center  tp. 
Scott,  John  L.     Died  in  Missouri. 
Tvner,  Hiram.     Died  in  Center  tp. 
Trion,John.     From  Rush  co. — dead. 
Slioate,  Jesse.     Dead. 


Let  the  reader  remember  that  the  above  hst  is  as  copied 
from  the  muster-out  roll  at  IndianapoLs,  which  of  course 
is  not  so  full  as  the  muster-in  roll,  which  seems  to  have 
been  lost.  We  have  been  able,  however,  by  careful  inquir}', 
to  add  the  followinsf  names  to  the  above  list : 


Black,  William. 
Chapman,  Joseph. 
Childers,  Sylvester. 
Cook,  Alexander. 
Flowers,  Washington. 
Furgason,  John. 
Green,  John. 
Galloway,  Henry. 
Goodwin,  Henry. 


Goodwin,  Daniel. 
Hatfield,  Templeton. 
Hubble,  James. 
Jones,  William. 
Jones,  John  B, 
Jameson,  Mr. 
Montgomerv,  James 
Marsh,  Rigby. 
Marsh,  Eli. 


McClellan,  Hugh. 
Nugen,  Jefferson. 
Pauley,  Andrew. 
Parks.  James. 
Russell,  Mr. 
Street,  George. 
Smith  Robert. 
Swain,  George  ^V'. 
Tooley,  George. 


/Remarks. — There  are  perhaps  a  few  names  still  omitted, 
but  when  the  "General  Roll  is  Called"  the}*  will  all  be 
there. 

Pay-RoU. — The  records  show  that  the  first  and  forego- 
ing list  of  soldiers  received  more  or  less  pay,  except  the 


5IO  HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 

following:  John  Arnold,  Samuel  Chapman,  James  Hun- 
tington, Jesse  Shoate  and  Eli  Marsh,  each  of  whom  is 
marked  "pay  due  from  enlistment." 

Died. — James  Montgomer}',  at  Encero,  June  15,  1848; 
Eli  Marsh,  at  Pueblo,  Feb.  28,  1848;  Daniel  Goodwin,  at 
sea,  July  4,  1848  ;  James  Parks,  on  Mississippi  river,  July 
14,  1848;  William  Black,  on  Mississippi  river,  July  14, 
1848. 

Mustered- 1)1. — All  of  Company'  "D,"  except  one,  were 
mustered  in  October  8,  1847,  at  Madison,  Indiana,  by 
Lieutenant  Rodman.  John  Chapman  was  mustered  in 
June  15,  1847,  at  Fort  Clark,  by  Colonel  Churchill. 

Mustcred-Out, — Company  "D"  was  mustered  out  as  a 
company  July  28,  1848,  and  honorably  discharged  from 
the  services  of  the  United  States. 


Three  Months  Men. 

Trouble  had  been  brewing  some  time  between  the 
Northern  and  the  Southern  sections  of  our  country,  but 
each  hesitated  to  strike  the  first  blow  ;  finalh^,  however,  the 
South,  having  the  advantage  in  preparation,  opened  the 
conflict  by  firing  on  Fort  Sumter,  April  14,  1861.  On 
the  following  day  President  Lincoln  issued  a  proclama- 
tion commanding  all  in  arms  against  the  Government  to 
disperse  in  twenty  days,  and  calling  seventy-five  thousand 
volunteers  to  defend  Washington,  and  also  called  an  extra 
session  of  Congress  to  meet  July  4,  following.  Each 
section  now  hastened  belligerent  preparations  with  vigor. 
The  news  of  the  downfall  of  Fort  Sumter  spread  like 
wild-fire  ;  the  people  everywhere  were  wild  with  excite- 
ment, yet  neither  section  foresaw  the  magnitude  of  the 
coming  crisis,  and  neither  anticipated  a  long,  deadly 
struggle  that  would  involve  three  million  men  ;  cost  the 
life-blood  of  more  than  half  a  million  of  her  best  citizens, 
and  an  expenditure  by  the  National  Government  of  $4,- 
000,000,000.  Conseqviently  the  first  call  by  the  Federal 
Government   was   but    for  seventv-five  thousand  men   for 


PATRIOTISM  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


I  I 


three  months,  and  the  following  day,  April  i6th,  the  Con- 
federate Government  called  for  thirty-two  thousand. 
Hancock  coimty  responded  promptly  to  the  various  calls, 
and  on  April  22,  i86r,  just  013  week  from  the  date  of  the 
first  demand,  the  following  H^t  of  three  months  men  were 
mustered  in,  and  served  till  August  6,  1861,  when  they 
were  regularly  mustered  out : 


Captain. 
Kcuhen  A.  Riky. 

First  Lieutenant. 
John  Stephenson. 

Sergeants. 

Marion  Stephenson, 
Petitia  Bond. 
John  Kdwards. 


Jacob  Mullen, 
George  P.  Stt-phenson. 
Sylvester  L.  Shorn. 

PiiTatcs. 

Alexander,  William  W 
Allison,  John  S. 
Anderson,  Lnsettus. 
Harrett,  Jacoli  T. 
Hond,  Henjainin. 
IJrown,  Arthnr  B. 
BuihanaTL  fan-es. 
Clayton,  |:inies  L. 


C  imphell,  William. 
Chapman,  Martin  V. 
Dav,  Thomas. 
Dipper,  Charles. 
Dobbins. Jesse  D. 
Dunn,  Martin. 
Dvc,  Frederick. 
Dve,  John,  Jr. 
Dve,  Samuel. 
Elliott,  Benjamin. 
Ellis,  Orlando. 
Gapen,  Alfred. 
Gapen,  William. 
Harrison,  lahez  E. 
Hartner,  Charles. 
Hill.  A\illiam  C, 
Hook.  Jacob. 
Hutton,  Aaron. 
Jackson,  Milton. 
Jr>liiisor,  (leorj^e  W. 
lonc-s,  llcnrv 
Jones,  NaacT. 
Ii>nes.  Thomas  S. 
La  )'irle.  Miller  J. 
I-lpsicoirh.  (Jeorae  L. 
I.vnam.  John  .\. 
Marsh.  Scth 
.Martin,  Lot  W. 


M-.irtin,  Tliomas  M. 
McName,  (jeorfre  F. 
McKelvev.  Jasper  C. 
Market,  Henrv. 
M  -rford,  John" A. 
Pliilpott,  "Marion. 
Pope,  John. 
Pope,  Newton. 
Reeves,  James  S. 
Renieshart,  Nicholas. 
Raulinpfs,  Jasper. 
Rynerson,  George. 
Scott,  William  H. 
Scott,  William  J. 
Shellhouse,  Conrod  IL 
Short,  Josheph  T 
Short, AVilliam  l^L 
Sleeth.  Aaron  A. 
Slifer,  Lafayette  A. 
Slifer,  I^evi. 
Smith,  (jeorge  W. 
Stutsman.  Andrew. 
Sullivan.  C:ilvin. 
Travis.  Geor^J^e  W. 
True,  David    N. 
Tuttle,  Elijah. 
Flrev,  David. 
Wolf,  John. 


Wounded  and  Died. — Marion  Stephenson  died  July, 
20,  i85i,  of  wounds,  at  Rich  Mountain,  Virginia.  James 
Buchanan,  wounded  at  Rich  Mountain,  Virginia,  July  11, 
1861.  Samuel  Dye  died  of  wounds  at  Indianapolis,  May 
18,  1861.  Andrew  Stutsman,  wounded  at  Rich  Mountain, 
Virginia,  Julv  11,  1861. 


List  of  Officers  and  Soldiers  of  tlie  Civil  War. 


Name  and  Rank. 


General. 

Oliver  P.  Gooding- 

Lieutenant-  Colonel. 
Solomon  D.  Kempton. 

Majors. 

John  G. Dunbar  

M'illiam  R.  AValls.... 

John  S.  Edwards 

.Solomon  D.  Kempton. 

Captains. 

William  R.  Walls.. 
Samuel  H.  Dunbar. 
Philander  H.  Smith 
Stephen  A.  Jones. . . 
Thomas  B.  Noel  ... 
James  Hueston 


Co. 


RESIDUARY  BATTALION 

First  Lieutenants. 

William  F.  Foley 

Lewis  C.  Ackerman.. 
A'inton  G.  HoUiday . . . 
Joseph   L.   Hartley 

Captains, 

John    A.   Craft 

Isaac  T.  Earl   

John  G.  Dunbar 

James   II.  Carr 

George  Taffue    

Robert  P.  Andis 

Isaiah  A.  Curry 

First  Lieutenants. 

William  G.  Hill.  ... 
Solomon  T.  Kaubie. 

George    Black 

Samuel  II.  Dunbar... 

Philander  Smith 

Stephen  A.  Jones  ... 
Solomon  D.  Kempton 

Easily  Helms   

Jonathan  Dunbar  ... 
Taylor  W.  Thomas. 
Joseph  B.  Atkison  . . . 

First  Lieutenants. 

John  G.  Dunbar 

Solomon  T.  Kaubie.  .  . 
■William  H.  Pilkiton.. 

George  Tauge    

Robert  P.  Andis 

Isaiah    A.  Currv 

John  M.  Alley." 

[(iscph  L.  Ha'rtlev 

John  A.  Craft   .  .'     ... 

Isaac  Earl        

John  C.  Hardin    

joluiB.  Howard 

Joseph  \'.  llinchman. 


Reg. 


Date  of 
Muster. 


Remarks. 


Aug.  20,  '61 
Aug.  19,  '61 


May  15,  '61 
Aug,  12,  '6; 


2  Cav.  Sept.  20,  '61 
2Cav.  Sept.  20,  '61 
2  Cav.  Sept.  20,  '61 
19  Sept.  20,  '61 


57 1  July  30,  '62 
57 


Aug.  22,  '62 
Jan.  22,  '62 


Dec.  30,  '61 
Aug.  25,  '61 


12  Apr.  23,  "61 
12  .Xug.  )6,  '62 
51  Keb.  22,  "62 
53  Mar.  12,  '62 
S3  May  21,  '62 


5  Cav. 

2  Cav. 
99 
99 
99 
99 
>9 
57 


Aug. 
Sept. 

Aug. 
Aug. 


June   i6,  '62 


.•)/ 


9  Cav. 
9Cav 
gCav. 


Promoted  Major  February  7,  1S63. 

Maj.  Sec'd  Cav.,  mustered  out  with  Reg. 
Promoted  Lieut.  Col.,  Aug.  16,  1862. 


Resigned  Jan.  7,  '63,  re-entered  9th   Cav 
Died  of  disease  July  9,  1S64. 
Honorably  discharged  May  4,  1S64. 
Mustered  out  August  8,  1S65, 
Mustered  out  May  19,  1862. 
Died  Oct.  13,  '64.     Disease   contracted   i 
prison. 


Resigned  April  26,  1862. 
Resigned  September  11,  1S62. 
Trf  'd  to  Co.  A,  mustered  out  May 
Discharged  May  i,  1S62. 


Resigned  March  25.  1S63,  disability. 
Promotedjune   12,1865. 
Promoted  Major  February  7,  1863. 
Resigned  January  21,  1S63. 
Honorably  discharged  January  5,  1864. 
Hon.  discharged  Dec.  14,  '64,  wounded. 
Mustered  out  with  regiment. 


Drowned  in  river  at  Vicks.   June  3,    1864. 

Resigned  Dec.  26,  '61,  re-entered  5th  Cav. 

Mustered  out  August  28,  1S65. 

Promoted  Captain. 

Promoted. 

Promoted. 

Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 

Honorably  discharged  March  4,  1S64. 

Kesigned'March  26,  1S62. 

Resigned  March  4,  1S63. 

Died  N'ov.  17,   "62,  wounds  at  Hatchc. 


Promoted  Captain. 

Resigned  May  3,  1863. 

Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Promoted  Captain. 

Promoted  Cajitain. 

Promoted  Captain  January  6,  1864. 

Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Promoted  Captain  Fi-bruary  13,  1S63. 

Promoted  Captain. 

Promoted  Captain  March  19,  IS65 


Discharged  May  17,  iS<^'3. 


5H 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


Name  and  Rank. 


Co. 


Reg. 


Date  of 

Muster. 


Remarks. 


Second  Lieutenants. 

Samuel  II.  Dunbar 

William  G.  Hill 

Philander  Smith 

-Nicholas  Milncr 

James   Hutton .    

Joseph  L.  Hartley 

Seth  Marsh 

Samuel  Marsh 

Wallace  W.  Ragan... 

I^ee  ().  Harris       

William  H.  Pilkiton... 

Robert  P.  Andis 

Isaiah  A.  Curry 

Henry  Miller   

James  R.  Brown 

Privates. 

Alexander,  AV'illiam  W 
Anderson,  John  D 
Askins,  William  T. 
Alexander,  Wm.    .. 
Adams,    David    .... 
Alyea,  Andrew  J.. 

Alvea,  John  A    

Alfont,  Albert. 

Alexander,  Beniam 

.\lney,Eli 

Alley,  George 

Adams,  Harrison  H 
Alt,  Christopher. . . . 
Alexander  H.  F..  . . 
Allison,  Samuel  B  . 
Allison,  Richard 
Applegate,  Samuel . 
Asbury,  Elijah  . 
Anderson,  James  D. 
Anderson,  Asbury  E 
Alexander,  Benj.  F 

Alyea,  Albert   

Anderson,  Samuel  P 
Allison,  Asa  H 
Adams,  James  W. . . 

Alfrey,  Isaac 

Alvey,  Ransom  R. 
Andriok,  (ieorgc  S. 
Alford ,  George  H  . . 
Andis,  Alexander.. 
Andrick,  Perry  H.. 

Avers,  Wm.  S 

Allen,  John  M  .  . .  . 
.Vrmstrong,  John  P. 
Anderson,  David  L 
Alley,  (Jeorge  H  . . 
.\lley,  Samuel  D. . . 
Allen,  Richard 
.\shcraft  Henry  B.. 
Ashcraft,  Solon  C. 

Ash,   Henry 

Allen,  John  M 

.\ndis,  Oliver.  .... 
.\ndcrson,  William. 
Alvey,  Ransom  R.  . 

Ulack,  (Jeorge 

Branson,  William.. 

Bush,  Henry 

Hush,  John." 

Brewer,  (acoh 

Brooks,  Samuel  S.  . 

Bixler,  Xoah    

Bales,  Abijah 

Ilrock,  John    

Hush,  James.  .... 


S 
S 

s 

8 
8 
>9 
5' 
S?, 

^  53 
Cav. 
SCav. 
99 
99 
99 
99 

8 
S 
8 
S 
8 
S 
8 


May  17,  '61 
Sept.  19,  '63 


Sept. 


9  Cav 
gCav 
9  Cav. 
>3C'v 
i3C'v 

"4 
66 

75 
^  79 
SCav 
5  Cav 
5  Cav 
5  Cav. 
SCa 

99 

JOG 
100 

99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
144 

92 
148 

5' 

'I 
8 
8 
8 
S 
8 
8 
8 
S 


Aug.  21; 
Aug.  25 
Aug.  25 
Aug.  25 
.\ug.  25 
Aug.  25. 
Aug.  8 
May  IS 
May  IS 
May  IS 
Aug.  I's 
Aug.  15 
Aug.  IS 
July  21 
July  28 
Aug.  S. 
Aug.  17 
Aug.  17 
Dec.  9, 
Nov.  13 
\ov.  13 
Jan.  II 
t)ec.  23 
Mar.  6, 
Aug.  ig, 
Julv 
Aug. 
Aug. 
Aug.  16, 
Aug. 
Aug. 
Aug.  16 
Aug.  13 
Aug.  IS 
Aug.  IS 
Aug.  I3 
Aug.  13 
Aug.  13 
Aug.  13 
Aug.  13 
Feb.  2, 
Aug.  13 
Feb.  17 
Feb.  22 
Aug.  IS 
Aug.  2S 
Aug.  25 
Aug.  2s 
Aug.  2s 
Aug.  2S 
Aug.  2S 
Aug.  1^ 
Aug.  25 
Sept.  s 
Sept.   s 


Promoted  October  i,  1862. 

Promoted  to  Captain. 

Died  July  27,  1S64,  from  wounds. 

Promoted  First  Lieutenant, Jan.  30,  1865. 

Res.  Nov.  27,  '62;  re-entered  istLt.  148th. 

Promoted  First  Lieutenant,  April  30, 1864. 

Promoted  First  Lieutenant. 

Promoted  First  Lieutenant. 

Honorably  disch.arged  Feb.  13,  i86s. 

Mustered  out  with  regiment. 


Died  July  26,  1S63,  at  Memphis. 

Mustered  out  September  4,  1864. 

Died  at  Cjeorgetown,  Mo.,  Oct.  13.  1S63. 

Mustered  out  September  4,  1864. 

Died  at  St.  Louis,  October,  1S62. 

Died  a'.  St.  Louis,  December  18,  iS(''2. 

Veteran  June  4,  1865. 

Mustered  out  May  ig,  1862. 

Mustered  out  May  19,  1862. 

Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 

Discharged  Augu.st  4,  1S62. 

Mustered  out  May  19,  1862. 

Mustered  out  May  ig,  1862. 

Discharged  January  i,  1863.     Wounds. 

Mustered  out  June  8,  1865.  ■ 

Mustered  out  jui.e  8,  1865. 

Mustered  out  June  8,  1865. 

Mustered  out  June  8,  1865. 

Di.scliary:ed  .\ugust  2,  1865.     Corporal. 

Discharged  June   13,  i86^.     S^ergeant. 

Mustered  out   August  28,  1865. 

Mustered  out  Nov.  iS,  186s.     Sergeant. 

Mustered  out  May  13,  1865. 

Mustered  out  |une  20,  i'-6s. 

Mustered  out  June  16,  i86s. 

Discharged  November  15,  1862. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  i86s.     Corporal. 

Mustered  out  May  19,  186s. 

Mustered  out  Sept.  is,  1865.     Sergeant. 

Mustered  out  Septemeer  15,  1865. 

Mustered  out  Sept.  15,  1865.     Corporal. 

Discharged. 

Promoted  Lieutenant. 

Discharged  May  3,  iS6s. 

Discharged  December  31,  1S64. 

Mustered  out  May  22,  186?. 

Died  September  4,  1S64.     Wounds. 

Mustered  out  June  5,  1865. 

Mustered  out  June  5,  1865. 

Mustered  out  June  5,  1865. 

Mustered  out  June  s.  i86s. 

Promoted  First  Lieutenant. 

Mustered  out  September  s,  lS6s. 

Veteran.      Mustered  out  Dec.  13,  1865. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  iS6s. 

Mustered  out  l-'irst  Lieut.,  .^ug.  28,  1865. 

Mustered  out  September  4,  1864. 
Mustered  out  September  4,  1S64. 
jDied  at  Otterville,  January  12,  1861. 
I  Vet.  Discharged  July  28,  "65.  Disability. 
Died  at  Otterville,  December  26,  1861. 

I  Veteran.   Mustered  out  August  26,  1865. 
Veteran.   Mustered  out  August  28,  1S65. 


PATRIOTISM  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


515 


Name  and  Rank. 


Privates. 

Hakcr,   Jolin    . . . , 

JUirris,  llciiry    II    .... 

Urock,  John 

Bartlow,  Jos.  F   

Hundy,  Jonathan    

Uanta,   Albert  

Holancler,  John    II 

IJranllintfur,  Jacob 

Krif^fjs,  James  M 
Hantreen,  Hammer   L 

nrisjht,  Wni.  F 

Burris,  John  C 

Butcher,  Isaac  N    .... 
Bannon,  Abraham  D.. 

Burris,  Lewis  C 

Uelville,   (iranville   .. 

Uarnarct,  James  

Boone,  ]olin  B 

Bannon,  jolin   II 

Bannon,  Thomas  B  .. 
Bannon,  William  C... 
Brant  linfj^er,  John 

Brown,  Abner 

Brown,   Benjamin    .... 

Brooks,  John     

Bucv,  Anion 

Bills,  Nel.-on      

Bolander,  William  II.. 
Brantlinger,   William. 

Hell,    Aaron      

Boyer,  James  G 

Burris,  Tliomas 

Burris,  Moses 

Burris,  Taylor  M 

Banks,  James  K 

Brooks,  Joseph .. . 

Bartlow,  Oliver  H 

Burk,  Daniel 

Burris,  Eden 

Boyer,  William 

Bover,  J<  reniiah 

By'ers,  William  T...    . 

Uoyer,  Samuel 

Bennett,  David  O 

Rogg^,  John    

Bennett,  John 

Bailey,  (Jeorge  S   .... 
Hyfield,  Frederick  W.. 

Bush,  Leroy 

Barrett,  Jacob  T 

Burris,  James 

Buchanan,  Henry 

Beechel,  Jacob   ..... 
Hartlow,  Cornelius  V 

Bevel,  Henry  H 

Barr,  John 

Mlack,  Eli 

Hurk,  Joseph 

Barr,   Henry.    

Brooks,  Melvin 

Brinegar,  Thomas  J... 

Blanton,  John 

Brown,  Andrew. 
Blessinger.  Frederick 

Koyce,  James  C 

lUirk,  Samuel   L     

Brooks,  Thomas  L. . . . 

Hartlow,  Oliver 

lU-lvillc,  David   

lielville,  Landon 

Breecc,  John 

Burwick, John 


Co. 


G 

(; 

H 

c 
c 

D 
D 
D 
C 
B 
B 
B 
B 
G 

E 
G 
G 
G 
G 
G 
G 
JI 
H 
H 
II 
H 
II 


Sept.  S, 
Sept,  5, 
Sept.  s, 
Feb.  14, 
Feb,  I.), 
Feb.  2^, 
Feb.  24, 
Feb.  24, 
Feb.  14, 
May  ij, 
May  15, 
May  15, 
May  15, 
July   20, 


5/ 

57 
5' 
5' 
57 
57 
S( 
100 
100 
gCav 
yCav 
9Cav 
9Cav 
9l.'av 
y  C'av 
yCav. 
9Ca 
'34 

1 34 
"34 
■34 
H 
75 
',9 
',^) 
79 
121 
^6 
26 
3- 

^  ^■^ 
SCav. 

SCav. 

SCav 

SCav 


Date  of 
Muster, 


Feb. 
Jan. 

Joiy 

Aug, 
Oct. 
i-eb, 
Aug, 
Aug. 
\ug. 
Aug. 
Aug. 
Aug. 
Aug. 
Aug. 

Sept. 
Dec. 
Dec. 
1-eb. 
Dec. 
Dec. 
Dec. 
Die. 
Dec. 
Dec. 
Dec. 
Dec. 
Aug, 
Aug. 
Nov. 
Nov. 
Nov. 
Nov. 
Nov. 
Dec. 
Dec. 

May 

May 
May 
May 
May 
Feb 

J"iy 

Aig. 
Aug. 
.\ug. 
Jan. 
sei)t. 
Sept. 
Nov. 
Nov. 
May 
May 
May 
May 


Remarks. 


'65 


15, 

■62 

7> 

'6^ 

24. 

'6^ 

24. 

"4 

■Si 

"(,4 

5i 

<M 

'', 

•62 

(\ 

■()2 

(\ 

'62 

t>. 

"(12 

Mustered  out  August  S,  i?6s. 
Died  at  Milvan,  I-a.,  April  3,  1863. 
Transferred  from  C<i.  B,  Feb.  7, 1S64. 
Mustered  out  September  28,  iS'65, 
Muttered  <iut  September  2S,  iSfiJ. 
Mustered  out  SeiAember  28,  1865, 
Died  at  Shield's  Mills,  April  16,  1865. 
Mustered  out  September  28,  1S65, 
Mustered  out  September  28,  1865. 
Mustered  out  September  28,  1865. 
Mustered  out  Se]  te-nbcr  28,  1^65. 
Mustered  out  September  28,  1^05. 
Mustered  out  September  28,  1865, 
Died  at  Fortville,  January  25,  1^64, 

Mustered  out  Sept.  28,  1865.     Sick. 

Died  at  Scoltsborough,  Jan.  28,  1S64. 

Died  at  Camp  Sheriiian,  Aug.  12,  1863. 

Discharged  June  12,  1802.     Wounds. 

Died  at  vVaterloo,  November  i,  1863. 

Translerred  to  4Sth  regiment. 

Transferred  to  4Slh  regiment. 

Died  at  Memphis,  February  4,  1S64. 

Killed  at  Kenesaw,  June  25,  1S64. 

Died  at  Scoltsborough,  April  21,  1S64. 

Died  at  Anderson,  November  14,  1863. 

Discharged  July  28,  iHi3. 

Mustered  outjune  8,  1805. 

Muttered  outjune  8,  18^15. 

Mustered  outjune  8,  1865. 

Mustered  out  b.epteinber  6, 1865, 

Mustered  out    1865, 

Died  at  Nathviile,  November  28,  1862. 

Di.  charged  June  25,  1862,  by  order. 

Mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Missing  in  aclii,n  at  Stone  river. 

Discharged  Nov.  5,  18O2.     Disability. 

Vet.     Mustered  out  Dec.  14.  1865,  Serg't. 

Veteran.     Mustered  out  March  9,  1865. 

Veteran. 

Discliarged  January  22,  1S62. 

Veteran.     Died  of  wounds,  July  28,1864. 

Vet.  Mustered  out  Dec.  14,  ii65.  Corporal. 

Mustered  outjune  29,  1865. 

Mu.'tered  outjune  29,  iXif,. 

Died  at  (jallatin,  1-ebruary  10,  1865. 

Discharged  June  1(1,  1^65. 

Dischaiged  June  29,  1S65. 

Muttered  out  August  28,  1865. 

Vet.  Mustered  out  July  21,  1865,  Serg't, 

Mustered  out  Aujjusl  28,  1865. 

Discharged  July  18,  iSi'S- 

Never  lm^^tered. 

Mustered  out — term  expired. 

Mustered  out — term  expired, 

Musteied  out — term  expired. 

Mu-'teied  out — term  expired. 

Muhtired  oul — term  expired. 

Mustered  out  Auj^ust  11,  1865. 

Mustered  outjune  8,  1865. 

Died  at  Huttonvilhr,  January  29,  '86^. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  18^5. 

Mustered  outjune  7,  18(5. 

I-ost  on  Sultana,  April  27,  1865. 

Mustered  out  September  6,  l^o5, 

Mustered  out  September  6,  1865, 

Mustered  out  July  15,  1865. 

Mustered  out  June,  1865. 

Mustered  outjune  i(S,  1865. 

Di.-chaiged  December  lO,  1862. 

Died  at  Louisville,  May  5,  1863. 


5i6 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


Name  and  Rank. 


Co. 


Date  of 
Muster. 


Privates. 

Biirris,  Marion  T   .... 
Brizendine,  Francis  M 

Barrett.  Kicliard J 

Baldwin,  Joseph 

Barrett,  A)inustus  M.. 
Blakely,  (Jeor^e  W, . 
Blakely,  Natlianiel  H. 

Bright,  Smith 

Bnssel,  James 

Butterfield,  Lorain  ... 

Butcher,  John  J..   

Brown,  James  R 

Baldwin,  Garrett   

Baldwin,  Jonathan 

Boman,  Josepli  C   

Berry,  James  M    

Brooks,  Thomas  L... 

Bixber,  David 

Baker,  James  M 

Bracken,  William 

Busey.    Charles  W.... 

Bennett,  Calvin 

Bennett   George  "\V  . . . 

Bird,  Adam 

Brown,  Lewis  II    

Beeson,  John 

Bidgooa,  Stephen 

Beeson,  Amos  C  .    

Chittenden,  John  S. . . . 
Clapper,  Charles  II  ..  . 

Collins,  Levi   

Cooper,  James  W 

Cupp,  Henry  M 

Cotrell,  Samuel  P..... 

Clark,  George  W 

Collins,  Darius 

Clampet,  Kdward 

Cooper,  Ezckiel  B 

Currv,   Milton      

Crosley,    Ahner 

Crosley,  yosei)h  L... 

Collins,    I  lenrv    

Cottrell,   ]ohn'C 

Clark,  John    

Cottoen,    Davis 

Cottrell,  Thomas   .... 

Chitwot)d,  Robert   ... 

Crosley,   (ames  H  .  . 

Camp,   N'ichodcmus. . 

Camp,  William    

Camp,  Joseph  D 

Camp,  George  W 

Cantwell,  James   

Cly,  Abraham  N 

Clark,  John 

Croslev,   Robert   

Cahill,  John 

Carroll,    George 

Carroll,  John  W    

Colburn,   Mauley    .... 

Cunningham.  James. . 

Conner,   Moses 

Collins,  Alpheus  T... 

Curry,  William 

Cross,  Kbenezer 

Creveston,  Cvrus    W. 

Campbell,  William... 

Cad V,  Thomas 

Craft,  John  A    

Carroll,  Henry 

Chandler.  George  L. . 

Craft,  Homer  


SCav. 
Cav 
9V 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
>32 

^i 

MS 

148 

148 

14S 

1 48 

148 

1 48 

14S 

79 

79 

79 

»9 

8 

S 

9 


9C 


Aug.  12, 
Dec.  28, 
A.ug.  13, 

Aug.  13, 
Aug  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Mar.  23, 
Mar.  2%, 
April  8, 
May  iS, 
Nov,  5, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb,  17, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.  17, 
F"eb.  17, 
Feb.  17, 
July  20, 
Mar.  II, 

Aug.  25, 
Aug-  25, 
Aug.  25, 
Feb.  24, 

May  ij, 
Mav  15, 
May  15, 
May  IS, 
May  IS, 
Aug.'ig, 
Sept.  6, 
Aug.  31, 
Mar.  is, 
Aug.  9, 
July  23, 
July  2.?i 
lulv  23, 
July  23, 
Fe6.  12, 
Aug.  17, 
Aug.  17, 
Aug.  17, 
Aug.  17, 
Mar  15, 
Jan.  I, 
-Sept.  24, 
Oct.  25, 
Sept.  24. 
Sept.  24, 
Sept.  24, 
Nov..<io, 
Sept.  24, 
Sept.  24, 
Sept.  24, 
Dec.  14, 
Dec.  14, 
Dec.  14, 
Feb.  22. 
Sept.  16. 
Dec.  n, 
Dec.  13. 
Sept.  10, 
Sept.  10, 


'63  Mustered  out  September  15,  1S65. 
'63  Mustered  out  June  15,  1865. 
"62  Mustered  out  June  5,  1S65. 
62  Discharged  October  5,  1*63. 
62  Discharged  December  31,  1863. 
'62  Discharged  December 31,  1863. 
62  Died  F'eBruarv  13,  1863. 
62  Killed  in  battfe,  June  3,  1S63. 
621  Died  November  10,  1S63. 
"62  Mustered  out  August  9,  1S65. 
'62|Mustered  out  June  5,  1865. 
'62!  Mustered  out  June  5.  1865. 
'64iTransferred  to  4Sth  reg't.  May  iS,  1865. 
'64iTransfened  to  4Sth  reg't,  Mav  iS,  1S65. 
'64:Transferred  to  4Sth  reg't.  May  18,  1S65. 
'61|Mustered  out — term  expired. 
'64  Mustered  out  July  1S1  1S65. 
'65  Mustered  out — term  expired. 
'65  Mustered  out — term  expired. 
'65  Mustered  out — term  expired- 
"65  Mustered  out — term  expired. 
'65  Mustered  out — term  expired. 
"65  Mustered  out — term  expired. 
'65  Mustered  out — term  expired. 
'65  Mustered  out  September  5,  1S55. 
'64  Mustered  out  June  24,  1865. 
'6.;;  Mustered  out  May,  11,  1S65. 

Discharged  Februarys,  1865,  wounds, 
'62  Promoted  to  First  Lieutenant. 
'61  Mustered  out  September  4,  1864. 
'61  Mustered  out  September  4,  1864, 
'62  Mustered  out  September  4,  1864. 

'61  Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 
'61  Mustered  out  May  19,  1862. 
'61  Mustered  out  May  19,  1862. 
'61  Mustered  out  May  19,  1862. 

Mustered  out  May  19.  1862. 

Killed  at  Richmond,  Ky.,  August  30,  1S62. 

\'et.  Wounded  at  Cedar  Creek.  Must.  out. 

Vet.    Died  at  New  Orleans,  Mav  16,  1864. 


Mustered  out  June  23,  iS^v 

Mustered  out  June  23,  iS6c. 

Discharged  October  11,  1864.     Wounds. 

Discharged  January  27.  1864.     Disability. 

Mustereil  out  June  8,  1S65. 

Transferred  to  48th  regiment. 

Mustered  out  June  8,  1865. 

Mustered  out  June  8,  1S65. 

Discharged  June  16,  1864. 

Discharged  June  16,  1864. 

Mustered  out. 

V'eteran  from  19th. 

Mustered  out  September  6,  1S63. 

Mustered  out  January  15,  1866. 

Mustered  out  Septeniber  6,  1865. 

Mustered  out  September  6,  186-;. 

Died  at  Fort  Hudson,  Augusts,  1865. 

Mustered  out  Julv   15,  1865. 

Mustered  out  Jul'v   15,  1865. 

Mustered  out  "Julv  i\  1865. 

Died  at  Xewbern',  N.  C.  May  4,  1S65. 

Discharged  June  31,  1S63,  by  order. 

Died  at  Nasliville,  March  20,  1862. 
.  Discharged  April  19.  1861;. 
2  X'eteran.   Mustered  out  December  13,  1S05 

Mustered  out   July  21.  1865. 

ProiuDted  to  Fir.s't  lieutenant. 

Discharged  August  12,  1862. 

Discharged  October  13,1863. 

Discharged  October  13,  1S63. 


PATRIOTISM  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


517 


Name  and  Rank 


Privates. 

Craining:  loscph 
C'liirv,  kosssille 
(.'oniior,  Joseph  H    . 
Copper.  Alexander 

(.'ross.  Will.  H 

Church.  Chas.  E 

Crews,  Cjeo.  \V 

Cancery,   Michael.... 

Conneti,  David 

Clark,  Calvin 

Collins,  Samuel  E 

Chapman,  Wm 

Cooper,  Francis  M 

Colhn,  Edward 

Curry,  Allen 

Carroll,  Wesley 

Catt.    Wilson   

Cox,  Philander 

Chappell,  Isaac   

Cooper,  John  \V 

Collins,  Cornelius. 
Cooper,  Benjamin   T.. 

Collins,  Reason  D 

Chapman,  John  J 

Chapman,  Joseph  Z... 

Copcland,  John    

Campbell,  Charles  W. 

Currv,  Isaiah    A    

Collins,  Thomas  J 

Collier,  Tilghman  H.. 

Curry,  Andrew 

Cass,  James  W ' 

Catt,  Wesley  S 

Catt,  William 

Collins,  John    H 

Curry,  William 

Cook,  James  A 

Currv,  Zachariah   B... 

Chappell,    William 

Chappell.  John  W 

Clefig,    Antlrew 

Crosley,  William   

CampBell,  Charles  W 

Clements,  Lansford... 

Coble,  Martin   

Carson,  David 

Cochran,  Oliver  P 

Curry,  William 

Carmichael,  John   C... 

Curtnev,  John 

Clark, 'David   

Christian,  Francis  M., 

Carroll,   Henrv     

Cunninjjham,  James  D 

Colburii,  Manley 

Conner,   Moses 

Davis, James  H   

Dunbar,  Samuel 

Dean,  Jonathan 

Dove,  David   M 

Davis,  John  S  

Dipperv,  Charles  E... 

Dove,  William  C 

Derry ,  James 

Derry,  Alexander   ... 

Dinkle,  Jacob 

Dinkle,  Thomas    

Dixon,  George  W.    .. 
Davidson,  George  M. 

Dorman, John 

Davis, Joseph   

Dillman,  Samuel   H.. 


Remarks, 


63  Discharged  May  30,  1S65,  Blacksmith. 
6^  Mustered  out  August  26,  1S6:;,  Corporal. 


g  CavXo' 
9  Cav  Nov, 


9  Ca 
9  Cav 
>3   Cv 

13-1 
"34 
134 


Nov.  13, 

Nov.  13, 

Dec.  23, 

May  24, 

May  24, 

May  24, 

., .  Mav  24, 

1341  May  24, 

i34lMav  24, 

791  Aug.  15, 

70!  .Vug.  15, 

79;  Aug.  15, 

79  .\ug.  15, 

7vjAug.  ic, 

5  Cav  I  Aug.  16, 

Cav  j  Aug.  16, 

^  Cavi.\ug.  16, 

5  Cav  ,.\ug.  16, 

S  Cav  I  Aug.  16, 

%  Aug.  13 


Mustered  out  August  2S,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  June  8,  iSfij. 
Mustered  out  June  S,  1S65. 
Lost  on  April  25,  1S65. 
Discharo^cd  Januarv  29,  1S65. 
Died,  Vicksburg,  March  4,  1S65. 
Di-scharged  December  24,  1.S64. 
Died,  Indianapolis,  April  S,  1S63. 
Mustered  o>it  November  iS,  iS6v 
Mustered  out,  time  expired. 
Mustered  out,  time  expired. 
Mustered  out,  time  expired. 
Mustered  out,  time  expired. 
Mustered  out,  time  expired. 
Mustered  out,  time  expired. 
Died  in  Louisville  July  19,  1863. 
Lost  on  Sultana  April  27,  1865. 

Discharged  November  ig,  1863. 

Mastered  out  June  7,  1S65. 

Died,  Andersonville  Pri.son,  Januarv,  "65 

Discharged  January  20,  1S63. 

Mustered  out,  September  15,  1865., 


Aug.  13, 

Aug.  13. 

Aug.  13, 

.Vug.  13, 

99|Aug.  13, 

9i,,|Aug.  13, 

99  Aug.  13, 

99  Aug.  13, 

99|Mar.  23, 

99  Mar.  23, 

51 1  Feb.    2, 

SilFeb.    2, 

S'ljan.   J3, 

7o[Jan.   25, 

SCavjJan.    5, 

i4S|Keb. 


Mustered  out  September  15,  1S65. 

Promoted  Cap.     Mustered   out    with   Co. 
'62|Died,  March  29,  1S63. 
62  Mustered  out  June  5,  1S65. 

Discharged  June  5.  1S65,  Sergeant. 

Missing  in  action  May   28,   1S64. 


1 48 
148 

14^ 
.48 
14S 
148 
148 
14S 
34 
3? 
3*^ 
38 


Feb.  17, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.  3, 
Feb.  9, 
Feb.  9, 
Nov.  4, 
Sept.  24, 
Nov.  10, 
Sept.  24, 
Sept.  17, 
Dec.  30, 
;iiFeb.  22, 
S.Sept.  s, 


Mustered  out  June  5,  1865. 

Mustered  out  June  j,  18(15. 

Died  May  iS,  1S64. 

Mustered  out  June  5,   1865. 

Died  April  27,  1S64. 

Died  April  25,  1864. 

Veteran,  mustered  out  December  13,  '65. 

Veteran,  mustered  out  December  13,   '6^. 

64  Mustered  out  September  13,  1S65. 
'62  Discharged  January  20,  1863, 

'64  Mustered  out  June  16,  1S65. 
"65  Mustered  out,  time  expired. 
'65  Mustered  out,  time  expired. 
"65  Mustered  out,  time  expired. 

65  Mustered  out,  time  expired. 
65  Mustered  out,  time  expired. 

'65  Mustered  out,  time  expired. 

'65|Mustered  out  Septembers,  1S65. 

'65  Mustered  out  September  5,  1865. 

'65iMustered  out  September  5,  1865. 

'64  Mustered  out  June  24,  1865. 

'64  Mustered  out  June  24,  1S65. 

''64|Mustered  out  July  15,  1S65. 

'64  Mustered  out  July  15,  1S65. 

■64  Recruit. 

'6iJCaptain,  died  of  disease  July  9,  1S64. 

'62  Resigned  Mar.  20,  '62.     First  Lieuten'nt. 

'61 


SIAug.  25, 

?;  Aug.  25, 

S  Aug.  25, 

8  Aug.  25, 

SIAug.  25, 

S^Vug.  2S, 

Aug.  25, 

Aug.  25, 

Aug,  25, 

Aug.  25, 

S|Aug.  25, 


Veteran,  ir.u.stered  out  August  2S,  1865. 
Veteran,  mustered  out  August  28,  1865. 

Mustered  out  September  4,  1S64. 

Discharged  August  6,  1865. 

Veteran,  mustered  out  August  28,  I863. 

V^eteran,  mustered  out  August  28,  1S65. 

Mustered  out  September  28,  1864. 

Discharged  September  24, 1S62,  disability, 

Veteran. 


5i8 


HISTORY   OF   IIAN'COiJK  COUNTY 


Name  and  Rank. 


ICo. 


Privates. 

Dennis,  Simeon    . .    .  . 
Davidson,  James   S   . 
Dillman,    Oliver . 
Davidson,  Henry  S   . 
Dexterson.  Newton.  . 

Dowling,  James 

Davis,  Lewis  C 

Deiiney,  George    .... 

Dnnliar,  John  G 

Dobbins,  Alfred 

Dunham,  James 
Davidson,  David  11    ., 

Davis,  James   

Davi.s, John    

Davis,  Christopher  . . . 

Duncan,  Henry    C 

Dorman,  James    

Duncan, John  H 

Despo,  Odel      

Duncan,  Ephraim  C 

Dunn,  Andrew 

Drake,  John.  .  . . . 

Dngan,  George  W 

Dennev,  Philip   

Dille,Georsre  J 

Dcnney,  Enos     

Douglas,  Tunis   

Day, John  

Dye,  John 

Davidson,  Jonas  II  . . 
Daugherty,  William. 
Davis,  Nimrod  M  .  .. 
Duncan,  (Jeorge    W  .  . 

Davis,  Jacob 

Dickey,  Thomas  W  .  . 

Decamp,   Samuel 

Dismore,  John 

Dickson,  "Milo   

Dawson,  Henry  L  . . . 
Dunlap,  Robert  M  . . 
Dot-man,   Williun    . . . 

Dobbins,  Jolin  \V    

Dawson,  Abrani.  .  . . . 
Dawson.  William  L.. 

Daily.  Wiley   

Ellsbury,Fred  II    .... 

Everson.  Amos 

Karl,  John  J 

KUis,  John  W 

Endecut,  Thonnis  H  . . 

Edwards,  Henry. 

EUenwood,  Wm.  H.. 

Elliott,  Benjamin 

Earl,  Isaac 

Everett,  Charles 

Elmore,  James 

Eakes,  Joseph  R   

Kakes,  Andrew  J 

Elmore,  Wm.  P 

Egger,  John    

Everson,  Jacol) 

Edmonds,  Henry  E. . . 
l>"oley,   Alexander.... 

I'"ountain,  Ira  B. 

l<"uller,  Andrew  J   

Faucet,  Robert   

Frederick,   Henry.... 

Forgcy,  Andrew 

Forgey,  Hugh   

Fortester,  George.... 

F'errin,  Jerre 

I'ort,  Lorenzo  D 


Reg. 


26 


Date  of 
Muster. 


Feb.  14, 
Keb.  14. 
Feb.  24, 
Aug.  ^1, 
May   Is, 

.l^''y  4, 

Keb.  24, 
Aug.  3, 


Aug.  3, 
Mar.  7, 
Aug.  17. 
Sept.  17, 
Sept.  17, 
Sept.  17, 
Dec.  1.,, 
Dec.  14, 
Dec.  13, 
gCav.lDec.  23, 
gCav.  Dec.   23, 


gCa 
'.S4 
>.M 
'4? 
14' 
79 


5  Cav 
5Cav 

5  Cav. 

99 

6  Cav 

99 

13-' 

7.S 

51 

.4S 

14S 

14S 

'9 

'9 

'9 


12 
12 

3S 

^  57 

9  Cav. 

9  Cav. 

■•9 

79 

9  Cav 
100 
132 

34 

S 

s 


Jan 
May  24, 
May  24 
Feli.  14, 
Feb.  14, 
Aug.  15. 
Aug.  15. 
Aug.  20, 
.'Vug.  20, 
.\ug.  20. 
Aug.  20, 
Aug.  13, 
Jan.  5, 
Aug.  i.^, 
May  iS, 
July  14, 
Ian.  21, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.^S, 


Remarks. 


Sept.  24, 
Aug.  21, 
Aug.  21, 
Feb.  2S, 
Sept.  s> 
May  15, 
Tuly  14, 
Feb.  24, 
Sept.  24, 
Dec.  i.j, 
Dec.  9, 
Dec.  9, 
Aug.  15, 
Aug.  IS, 
Aug.  15, 
•\ug.  2S, 
Aug.  21, 
May  iS, 
Nov.  4, 
Aug.  25, 
Aug  25, 
May  15, 
Feb.  14, 
July  21, 
[uly  21, 
Sept,  17, 
Dec.  4, 
Dec.   13, 


Mustered  out  September  2'^,  "65. 

Mustere  1  out  January  2,  '(i(\ 

Died  at  Knoxville. 

Died  at  Cairo,  October  9,  '62. 

Mustered  out  .May  19,  '05. 

Mustered  out  May  19,  '65. 

Mustered  out  January  2,  '6'i. 

Mustered  out  June  S,  '65. 

Promoted  to  Major,  February  7.  Vi;. 

Mustered  o>it  June  22,  "65. 

Transferred  to  4Sth  regiment. 

Died  at  Grand  Junction,  Marcli   10.  "n;. 

I'nassigned. 

Mustered  out  September  6,  Y15. 

Mustered  out  September  6,  '6^. 

Died  at  (jreeutield,  J.anuary  8.  '62. 

Mustered  out  December  14,  '64. 

Died  at  Bardstown,  Ky.,  January  3,  Y>2. 

Mustered  out  August  28, '65.     Corporal. 

Mustered  out  August  2'^,  "65. 

Died  at  Pulaski,  September  iS,  "64. 

Mustered  out — time  expired. 

Mustered  out — time  e.xpired. 

Mustered  out  August  4,  '65. 

Mustered  out  August  4,  '65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  '62. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  V'v 


Killed  at  Huffington.  |u!y  19,  •(.3. 

Mustered  (Hit  September  i^,  '65. 

Transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Dischar.ed  from  Andersonville  Prison. 

Discharged  April  S, '64. 

Mustered  out — time  expired. 

Mustered  out  June  S,  "65. 

Mustered  out  June  4,  '65. 

Mustered  out — time  expired. 

Mustered  out — time  expired. 

Mustered  out — time  exjiired. 

Reported  killed  at  Gainesville. 

Died  .\ugust  16,  "62. 

Died  September  2(S.  '6.'. 

Died  l'"ebruary  i,  '65.  • 

Muslere  1  out  September  6,  '65. 

Died  at  St.  Louis,  December  20,  "oi. 

Mustereil  out  Sei)tend)er  4,  '64. 

Mustered  out  July  26,  '65. 

Veteran.     Mustered  out  August  2S,  "65. 

Mustered  out  May  19,  "62. 

Discharged  .September  2S,  '63.  Disability. 

Transferred  to  4Sth  regiment. 

Mustered  out  June  24,  "6c. 

Veteran.     Promoted  to  ^  irst  Lieutenant. 

Died  at  Baton  Rouge,  June  9,  '65. 

Mustered  out  June  2,  '6^. 

Discharged  Ajiril  iS,  '65. 

Died  at  .Vashville,  January  2^,  ""3. 

Mustered  out  June  14,  '65. 

Dircliarged  November  25.  "61. 

Discharged  May  3,  '65. 

Mustered  out — time  expiretl. 

Mustered  out  June,  '65. 

Mustered  out  August  28,  '65.     Corporal. 

Mustered  out  May  ig,  '62,  into  79th  rcg't. 

Mustered  out  September  28,  '65. 

Killed  at  Resaca,  May  13,  '64.  CorporaL 

Killed  at  Resaca,  May  13,  '64. 

Unassigned. 

Veteran.     Mustered  out  December  13,  -65 

Died  January  i,''63.     Wounds. 


PATRIOTISM  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


5^9 


Name  and  Rank. 


Co. 


Date  of 
Muster, 


Remakks. 


Privates. 

Kort,  Charles  H .... 
Fish.  Ainericus. .  .  . 
FLsh,  (jranvillc 
Fletcher.  Jaincs'lSI.. 
Fletcher.  John  \V. . . 
Fisk,  Othcneal  . . .  .' 
Foster,  Uichard 
Franklin,  William  J 

Frareer,  James 

Font,  Morris 

Frost,   Richard    . .    . 
Fletcher,  William., 
l-'lo  wers,  James 
I-'lowers,  John    N 
I'reclerick,  Henry... 
Fitron,  Joseph 
Furris,  Georsje  W   . 
Faucet,  Robert     .  .  . 
Gilbert,  Andrew  J  . . 

Gapin,  Eli 

Gephart,  John  C  .  . . . 
Goar.  Henry. 
Gobble,  lames  M  .. 
Guinn,  Charles  C 
Grenier,  George  W. 
Green  Thomas  .  .  .  . 
Gunn,  Joseph  A.  .  . 
(iardner,  Archibald 

Gruder,  John    

Gardner.  Hiram  .    . . 
Gappen,  Samuel .    .  . 
Guthrie.    James   . .  . 
Gaffin.   Alfred 
Garrett.  Heiirv  C 
Gil. lis.  John    15 
(iriffith",  Hiram    ... 

(jrifj-sby,  Isaac    

(Jray,  Joseph  H   . . .  . 

(jri^shy.  John 

Garberick.  Cjeorge 
Galleher.  lohn  ... 
Goodintf,  William  ] 
(jriijsby,  Sant'ord  .. 
(jilluni,  Lewis 
Gant,  Henjamin  F .  . 
Griffith,  Thomas  H 

GanJ,  Henry   C   

Gordon,  Eli' 

Gordon,  Samuel.  .. . 
Gibbs,  Alonzo  M... 

Cirose,  John  A 

(iriffith.  Marquis  D 
Griffith,  Benjamin  F 
Griffith,  William  E 
Galloway,  Jackson 
Gardner,  Thomas  A 

Gray,  David 

Hinds,  James  H.  .. . 

Hook,  lohn 

Hill,   William 

Huston,  Thomas  J.. 

Haines,  Cyrus 

Haines,  F'rancis  M. 

Hall,  John 

Hudson,  Francis  II, 
Hendricks,  John  S.. 
Hays,  Francis  M  . 
iracklcman,  John  S. 

Hinshaw,  Abel 

Herb,  Joseph   

Hoar,  William 

Hannah,  Solomon.. 


57 
57 
47 
57 
57 

121 

79 
79 

5Ca 
'34 
99 
99 
99 


S, 


9  Cav 
9  ("av 
9  Cav 
„75 
5  Cav 
5  Cav 
5  Cav 
t;  Cav 
5  Cav 

^57 
5  Cav 

'47 
99 
99 

i^S 

34 
34 
34 
34 

14^ 
II 

5" 
S 
S 

s 
s 
s 
s 

8 
9 
9 
9 
9 
9 
9 


Dec.  18, 
Dec.  18, 
Dec.  iS, 
Dec.  is, 
Dec.  iS, 
Jan.  z, 
Aug.  15, 
Auij.  22, 
Aug.  22, 
Feb.  27, 
Mav  24, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  ij, 
Aug.  13, 
Feb.  14. 
Feb. 
Dec. 

A"fr    „. 

Aug.  25, 
Aug.  25, 
■^"g'-  25, 
Mav  9, 
MaV  26, 
August, 
Aug.  31, 
lune  24, 
May  15, 
July  19, 
Aug.  9, 
Feb.  12, 
Dec.  20, 
Sept.  17, 
Feb.  22, 
Dec.  13, 
Dec.  13, 
Dec.  13, 
Jan.  2, 
Dec.  16, 
Nov.  13, 
July  20, 
Aug.  16, 
Oct.  21, 
Oct.  21, 
Oct.  30, 
Dec.  28, 
Dec.  13, 
Dec.  28, 
Feb.  15, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Feb.  17, 
Sept.  21, 
Sept.  21, 
May  7, 
Nov.  4, 
Aug.  I, 
Feb.  17, 
Aug.  31, 
Dec.  14, 
Aug.  25, 
Aug.  25, 
Aug.  25, 
Aug.  25, 
Dec.  21, 
July  16, 
Sept.  5, 
Feb,  24, 
Feb.  4, 
Sept.  I, 
Sept.  23, 
Sept.  23, 
Sept.  23, 


Mustered  out  Feb.  5.  iSti;. 

Veteran.     Mustered  out  Dec.  14,  186^. 

Veteran.     !\Iustered  out  I-"eli.  5,  186;. 

N'eteran.     Eost  on   Sultana  April  27.  1S6:;. 

Mustered  out  March  1,  1S55. 

Mustered  out  July  21,  1S65." 

Discharged  Sept.  i,  1863. 

Discharged  Mav  26,  1S63. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  1865. 

Mustered  out  June  7.  186^. 

Mustered  out. 

Died  Feb 


3,  'S63. 
Muster,ed  out  June  : 


i86v 


Mustered  out  Sept.  28,  1S65. 
Mustered  out. 
Mustered  out  in  1854. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  1S65. 

Mustered  out  Sept.  4,  1S64. 
Mustered  out  June  14,  1865. 

Mustered  out  August  28,  1865. 

V'eteran.     Mustered  out  June  14,  1S6:;. 

Died  \Iemphis,  July  7,  1S63.     A\ounds. 

Unassigned. 

Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 

Killed  at  Atlanta,  July,  1S64. 

Mustered  out  June  iS,  1S6?.     Corixnal 

Trans,  to  48  Reg. 

Mustered  out  June  iS,  186^ 

Ihiassigned. 

Died  at  Terre  Haute,  March  26,  1S62. 

Mustered  out  March  i,  1865. 

Mustered  out  Feb.  5,  1S65. 

Discharged  Mav  16^  1863" 

Died  at  Indianapolis. 

Mustered  out  July  8,  1S65. 

Discharged  June  14,  1865. 

Mustered  out  June  8,1865.     Corporal. 

Died  at  Aladison,  May  11,  1S64. 

Mustered  out  Sei)t.  15',  1865.     Corporal. 

Mustered  out  Sejit.  15,  1S65. 

Trans,  to  Co.  D,  Dec.  22,  1S82. 

Mustered  out  vSept.  16,  1S65. 

\'et.     Mustered  out  Dec.  14^  1S65.    CorpM. 

Died  at  .\ndersonville,  Dec.  3,  1854. 

Mustered  out. 

Mustered  out  July  17,  1855. 

Mustered  out  July  17,  1S61;. 

Mustered  out  Se])t.  5,  1835. 

\'et.     Mustered  out  Feb.  23,  1865.    Corp'l. 

Vet.     Died  iit  Helena,  Oct.  27,  1S62. 


[64;Mustered  out  Feb.  3,  1865. 
■'    Mustered  out  June,  1S65. 

Mustered  out  June  4,  1S65. 

Mustered  out. 

Vet.^   Mustered  out  July  26,  1865.     Corp'l. 

Died  at  Jefferson,  Mar.  28,  1862.     Corp'l. 

Drowne'd  at  Vicksburg,  June  3,  1S64. 

Died  at  Salene,  Mo.,  Feb.  6,  1863. 

Vet.     Mustered  out  Sept.  8,  1865.    Serg"t. 

Vet.     Mustered  out  June  14, 1S65.     Corp'l. 

Mustered  out  July  26,  1865. 

Vet.     Mustered  out  June  14,  1S65. 
'61  Vet.     Mustered  out  Aug.  21,  i8^. 
'65  Mustered  out  Sept.  28,  1S65, 
'65]  Never  reported, 
'64  Mustered  out  June  i,  1865. 
Y14  Mustered  out  June  1,1865. 
'64|Mustered  out  June  i,  1865. 
'64  Mustered  out  June  i,  1865. 


;2o 


HISTORY    OF    HANCOCK    COUNTY. 


Name  and  Rank. 


Privates . 

Haskell,  Ulysses  P... 
Hug^ancarl,    Cloud . 

Hasley,  William 

Hidy, Jacob 

Hunter,  John    

llidy,  Thomas. 

Hiunphrevs.  |amus.... 

Hunter,  Melf 

Hooker,  lacoh 

Horton,  filisha 

Hartley,  Joseph  L 

Holden,  Levi   

Harvey,  David  A 

Hawkins,  Reason 

Halley,John  V   

Harve)',  William   

Henon,  Thomas   R   ... 
Hinchman,  Joseph  V.. 

Hanlcv,  Patrick    

Hudson,  Edward 

Hamilton,  Mark 

J  look,  Samuel 

Hook, James 

Hudson,  Willis 

Hamilton,  Wilson .... 

Hutton,  Jo.eph , 

Helms,  Ahram   J..    .. 
Humbles,  William  II, 

Hunt,  William  H 

Hudson,  Peter 

Harvev,  Charles 

Haskeh,  Nathaniel  II 

Hutton,  Aaron 

Harris,  Henry 

Hudson,  James   

Holland,  Thomas 

Herrod.JohnB 

Hamilton,  Charles. 

Hudson,  George  B... . 
Harlan    Samuel  II.... 

Harlan,  John  3VI 

Hedrick,  Peter 

Hedger,  Abram 

Howard,  Charles 

Harris,  Lee  O 

Howard,  John  B 

Hamilton,  WiLson 

Harris,  Thomas  B 

Hansing,  Anthony... 

Han  sin  jr.  Henry.  .   

Hunt,  Elijah 

Hunt,  John  W 

Hook,  Jacob   

Hudson,   Benjamin... 

Harris,  Henrv 

Henby,  )ohnK 

Henby,  "Elijah 

Hunt,  Nelson,  colored 
Hunt,  Junius,  colored 

Hook,  Samuel 

Irish,  William  O 

Jones,  Stephen  A 

Jones,  Isaac  T 

Jones,  Thomas 

jack.  John 

Jenning,  John  A 

Jackson,  John 

Jordon,  James  C 

Johnson.  Brazelle 

Jones,  William  II 

Jones,  Francis  P 


S' 

S' 

^  57 

gCav. 

gCav. 

gCav. 

9Cav. 

9Cav. 

9Cav. 


Reg, 


Date  of 
Muster. 


Remarks. 


Mar.  15, 
Mar.  15, 
June  4, 
Aug.  8, 
Aug.  S, 
Aug.  8, 
Aug.  S, 
Aug.  8, 
Aug.  8, 
Aug.  8, 
July  19, 

Feb!  22,' 
Feb.  22, 
Dec.  13, 
Dec.  23, 
Dec.  23, 
Nov.  13, 
Nov,  13, 
Nov.  13, 
Nov.  13, 


9  Cav. 

9Cav, 

9  Cav 

9  Cav. 
75 
75 
79 
79 
^  79 

SCav. 

5  Cav. 

5  Cav. 

5  Cav. 

5  Cav. 
99 
9i 
99 
99 
90 

99 

99 

99 
gCav 


Dec. 
Dec. 
Dec. 
Dec. 

lulv 

July 

Aug 

Aug, 

Aug 

Aug 

Aug 

Dec. 

Dec. 

Jan. 

Aug 

Aug 

Aug, 

Aug, 

Axig. 

Aug. 

Mar. 

Oct. 

Oct. 

Oct. 

Dec. 

Sept. 

Feb. 

Feb. 

Feb, 

i4SiFeb. 

i4S,F"eb. 
51  Dec. 
Dec. 
Sept. 
Sept. 


1 48 
1 48 
14S 


SCav 

5' 
S' 


July 
May 
Aug. 
Aug. 
Aug. 
Aug. 
Aug. 
Aug. 
May 
May 
Dec. 


Mustered  out  May  ig,  1S62. 
Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 
Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 
Mustered  out  June  8, 1865,  Sergeant. 
Mustered  out  June    8,  1S65. 
Musiered  out  June  S,  1855. 
Mustered  out  junc  8,  1S65,  Corporal. 
Mustered  out  June  8,  1865. 
Mustered  out  Tune  8,  1S65,  Sergeant. 
Mustered  out  June  8,  1S65,  Corporal. 
Promoted  First  Lieutenant. 
Unassigned. 

A'eteran,  died  Nnshville  Dec.  22,  1S64. 
Transferred,  invalid  corps  Dec,  8,  1S63. 
Discharged  September  21,  1S62. 
Died,  Sulphur  Trestle,  Sept.  25,  1864. 
Mustered  out  August  28,  1865. 
Discharged  May  iS,  iS6c,  Sergeant. 
Mustered  out  May  iS.  1S65. 
Mustered  out  May  18,  1S65. 
Died  Nashville,  January  12,1865. 

Mustered  out  August  28,  1865. 
Mustered  out  Jul  v  12,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  July  12,  1S65. 
Killed  Sulphur  Trestle  Sept.  25,  1S64. 
Died  Chattanooga  December  24,  1863. 
Discharged  April  9,  1864. 

Mustej-ed  out  June  17,  1S65. 

Transferred  to  iSth  Infantry  Dec.  22,  1862. 

Mustered  out  September  15,  1865. 

Mustered  outSeptemher  15,  1S65. 

Mustered  our  September  15,  1865. 

Mustered  out  September  15,  1865. 

Mustered  out  September  15,  1S65. 

Discharged  for  promotion. 

Mustered  out  June  5,  1S65. 

Mustered  out  June  5,  1865. 

Mustered  out  June  5,  1S65. 

Died  August  7,  1863. 

Discharged  February  5,  1863. 

Transferred  to  forty-eighth  regiment. 

Unassigned, 

Lieutenant  5th  Cav..  ist  Lieut.  i4Sth  Inf. 

Promoted  1st  Lieutenant  148th  Infantry. 

Mustered  out  July  6,  1863. 

Unassigned. 

Mustered  out,  term  expired. 

Mustered  out,  term  expired. 

Mustered  out  September,  1865. 

Mustered  out  September,  1S65. 

Mustered  out  September,  1865, 

Discharged  in  1S62,  disability. 

Mustered  out  September,  1S65. 

Mustered  out  April  25,  1S65,  wounded. 

Died  at  Nashville,  1S62. 

Twenty-eighth  Reg.,  U.  S., colored,  died. 

Twenty-eighth  Reg.,  U.  S.,  colored,  died. 

Wounded. 

Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 

Veteren,  mustered  out  May  4,  1S65. 

Died  at  St.  Louis  October  4,  1862.  Serg'nt. 


Drowned  Selma  May  13,  1864. 
Died  at  Memphis  March  23,  1S63. 
Discharged  Augut  4,  1S61. 

Discharged  November  21,  1S62. 
Not  mustered. 


PATRIOTISM  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


;2i 


Name  axd  Rank. 


Co. 


Privates. 

Jones,  Henry 

Johnson,  Win.  II   

Jackson,  George  H . . . 
Jack,  James 

(ackson,  Iluander. .  . . 

Jared,  James  M 

"Jackson,  Milton 

"Johnson,  Robert 

Kauble,  Solomon  T. . . 
Krcager,   Christian... 

Kirkman,  John  D 

Knott,  George  W 

Kissler,   Herman 

Keefer,  Albert 

Keiger,  Joseph  II 

Kinsev,  Henry 

Keller,  Jonathan .      ... 
Kirkhoff,  Charles  A.. 

Kreiger.  Mathias   

Knntz,  Byron     

Kenneman,  John  II. .  . 
Kelluni,  John     ...... 

Kiger. John 

Konai.,  Paul . 

Keefer,  Almon 

Kingen.  Kiley 

Kinij,  Thomas 

Kefi',   Fred   C    

Kinder,  Weslev    M    .. 

Kitchen,  Wni.  N 

Keller,  Jonathan 

I.amb.Rjcliard 

I.eamon,  I?ichard  .... 

I-incback,  Isaac  E. .  . 

Lamb,  Peter 

Lake,  Albert  H 

Lauder,  Adam  F.... 

Lauder,  James 

Lauder,  Alfred 

Louder,   Wjliiam 

Long. John  \V 

I^ai'mon,  Cornelius. . 

Laster,  James  M 

Lewis,  James  H 

Larkin,  Michael 

Lockwood,  John 

Lister,  Samuel 

Luntsford,  Elijah 

Lister,  James   

Luntsford,  J.ames. . . . 

Lamb,  John  A 

Lutes,  Iroan  H 

Laymon,  Thomas  B. 

I -acy,  James  A 

Lacy  Nimrod    

Lakui.  Wm.  F.  . 

Landis,  George  W.. 

Lemay,  Charles  W.. 

Lane,  Isaac 

Lawson,  Hiram 

Lewis,   Deane    

Lamb,  William 

Lochr,  John  S 

Ledmore,  John  W... 
Leonard,  liiram  L. .. 

Loomis,  John  G 

Loomis,  Benjamin... . 
I^incolnfelter,  Thomas 
Lacy,  William  P. 
Ly  nam.  Perry  C. 
Lane,  Gilman  .  . . 
Lane,  Isaac 


gCav 
gCav 

79 

79 
^  '9 
SCav. 


Date  of 
Mustek. 


Remarks, 


34 
9 

5' 
9 
9 

75 

.,Cal^ 
5  Cav. 
SCav. 
SCav. 
99 


C 

c 

I 

A 

B 

B 

B 

B 

B 

B 

B 

B 

B 

G 

G 

G 
G 
G 
E 
G 
G 
G 
H 
E 
L 
E 
E 
E 
A 
A 
A 
I 

G 
B 
B 
B 
I 
C 
C 
C 
I 

K 
II 
C 
I 


Nov.  13, 
Nov.  13, 
Aug.  IS, 
Mav  24, 
Aug.  15, 
Aug.  ic, 
Aug.  iS, 
Feb.  17, 
Aug.  19, 
July  16, 
"SlaV  15, 
Mav  K, 
MaV  IS, 
May  15, 
Sept.  21, 
Feb.  14, 
Dec.  13, 
Nov.  13, 
Nov.  13, 

J"ly  '41 
July  14, 
.\ug.  iS 
.'\ug.  iS, 
Oct.  21, 
Aug.  iS, 
Aug.  19, 
Sept.  16, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.  17, 
Mar.  31, 
57  Dec.  13, 
Aug.  -25, 
Aug.  25, 
Aug.  25, 
Aug.  25, 
Aug.  25, 
Aug.  25, 

Aug.  25, 

^^"g-  2S» 
Sept.  5, 
Aug.  15, 
Aug.  15, 
Aug.  15, 
Aug.  15, 
Feb.  14, 
July  21. 
July  2S, 
Sept.  12, 
Aug.  12, 
Jan.    I, 


Mustered  out  August  25,  iS6s. 

Mustered  cnit  July,  186^. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  iS6s. 

Mustered  out — time  expired. 

Discharged  June  26,  1863. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  1865. 

Discharged  January  15.  1S63. 

Died  at  Pecksburg^  Feb.  2S,  1865. 

Res.  Dec.  26,  '61.    Entered  1st  L't.  5  Cav. 

Vet.     Mustered  out  August  28,  1S65. 

Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 

Mustered  out  May  19,  iS32. 

Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 

Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 

Veteran.     Mastered  out  February  3,  1  865 

Veteran.     Mustered  out  Sept.  28,  1865. 

Discharged  February  4,  1862. 

Died  at  Athens,  Sept.  29,  1S64.     Wounds. 

Mustered  out  Sept.  5,  1865.     Corporal. 

Mustered  out  June  S,  1S65. 

Mustered  out  June  8,  1865. 

Died  at  home. 

Mustered  out  May  20.  1^65. 

Discharged  Januarj'  26,  1865. 
Mustered  out  June  5,  1S65. 
Unassigned. 

Mustered  out  September,  1865. 
Mustered  out  September,  1865. 
Mustered  out  December  13,  1865. 
Discharged  February  4,  1S62. 
Killed  at  \'icksburg.  May  21,  1S63. 
Died  at  Greenfield, March  14,  1S63. 


Transferred  to  20th  reg't,  March  8,  1S64. 
Veteran.     Mustered  out  August  28,  iS?is. 
Veteran,     Mustered  out  August  28,  1865. 
Veteran.     Mustered  out  August  28,  iS\s. 
Killed  at  ^■icksburg,  May  25,  1S63. 
Mustered  out  SepteiTiber'4,  1S64. 
Mustered  out  August  28,  1865. 
Mustered  out  May  19,  1862. 
Mustered  out  May  19,  1S&2. 
Mustered  out  May  19,  1862. 
Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 
Mustered  out  September  28,  1865. 
Mustered  out  June  8,  1865. 
Mustered  out  Mav  1,  1S65. 
Died  at  Marietta, 'October  2,  '64.  Wounds 
__  Mustered  out  June  15,  1865, 
62' Veteran  from  19th  regiment,  Oct.  13,  '65. 

.Mustered  out  Septembers,  1865. 

Oct.   10,   Yii  V'cteran.     Died  November  24,  1865. 
Nov.   4,  '64  Mustered  out  June  26,  1865. 
Nov.   4,  ■64iMustered  outlune  26,   1865. 
Dec.  1^  Yii  Discharged  >larch  7,  1863. 
Dec.    13,  "61  Mustere'd  out  February  5,  1S65. 
Dee.   i\,  "61  Discharged  August  2,  1S62. 
131  Dec.  23,  '63  Discharged  November  18,  1865. 
SCaV.  Aug.  18,  "Oi'Mustered  out  June  14,  iS6s. 

121  Nov.  13,  '63lKined  at  Franklin,  Ky.,  Dec.  17,  1S64. 
121  Nov.  13,  '63 

121  Dec. 19,  "63  Died  at  Madison.  January  23,  1S63. 
7S  July  14,  '62  Died  at  McKenville,  July  2S,  1863. 
79; Aug.  IS,  '62  Died  at  McKenville,  luly  2?,  1S62. 
79' Aug.  IS,  "62  Missing  in  action  at  Stone  River, 
79  Aug.  15,  Yi2Transferred  to  Eng.  Corps,  July  14,  1S63. 
i3C"v  Jan.   11,  '64  Mustered  out  May  2S,  iS6s. 
134  May   4,   Y>4lMustered  out  Sep'teniber,  1865. 
147  Feb.  24,  YK'Mustercd  out— term  expired. 
T48  Feb.  17,  Yi";! Mustered  out— term  expired. 
i3C'v  Dec.  23,  Y13  .Mustered  out  November,  1865. 


34 


522 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


Name  and  Rank. 


Co. 

Reg. 

Date  of 

ML'STER. 

I 

14S 

Feb.   9,  ' 

64. 

c 

79 

July  14,  ' 

64. 

G 

16 

AuiT.  12, 

•62 

B 

S 

Aug-.  25, 

'61 

D 

51 

Dec.  14, 

•61 

B 

53 

Dec.  '62 . 

B 

S 

Aug.  25, 

'61 

B 

s 

Aug.  25, 

'61 

B 

s 

Aug.  25, 

'61 

B 

s 

Aug.  25, 

'61 

B 

s 

Aug.  25, 

'61 

B 

s 

Aug.  25, 

'61 

B 

s 

Aug.  25, 

'61 

B 

s 

Aug.  25, 

'61 

B 

s 

Aug.  25, 

'61 

B 

s 

Auu"^.  25, 

'61 

B 

s 

Aug.  25, 

'61 

B 

s 

Aug.  25, 

'61 

(J 

s 

Sept.    5, 

'61 

B 

s 

April  5), 

'63 

H 

s 

Sept.   s, 

'61 

C 

9 

Feb.  14, 

'6:; 

D 

9 

Feb.  24, 

•6s 

E 

9 

Feb.  24, 

'6, 

B 

12 

Mav  15, 

'61 

B 

12 

Mav  15, 

•61 

B 

12 

Mav  15, 

'61 

B 

12 

Mav  15, 

•61 

B 

12 

May  15, 

•61 

B 

12 

Mav  15, 

'61 

B 

12 

May  15, 

•61 

B 

12 

May  15, 

'01 

A 

12 

Sept.  12, 

'64 

(i 

12 

Aug.  3, 

'(-.2 

{; 

12 

Aug.   3, 

'02 

(J 

12 

Aug.   7, 

'62 

H 

12 

Aug.  17, 

'62 

I 

13 

Mar.  10, 

■6; 

K 

20 

Jan.     I, 

'62 

H 

26 

Sept.  24, 

'64 

H 

26 

Sept.  24, 

'64 

H 

26 

Sept.  24, 

'<H 

Sq 

Sept.  24, 

'64 

A 

S7 

Dec.  I], 

'61 

A 

57 

Dec.  13, 

't.1 

A 

S7 

Dec.  13, 

'M 

B 

gCav. 

Nov.  13, 

'6^ 

B 

9Cav. 

Dec.  9, 

'6^ 

B 

121 

Dec.   9, 

'6, 

B 

121 

Dec.  9, 

'6, 

B 

121 

Jan.   7, 

'64 

B 

6S 

Aug.  19, 

-62 

K 

79 

Aug.  15, 

'62 

K 

•      79 

Aug.  IS, 

"62 

K 

^  79 

Aug.  :.s, 

'02 

(J 

5Cav. 

Aug.  16, 

'62 

G 

5Cav. 

Aug.  16, 

'62 

(t 

5  Cav. 

Aug.  16, 

'62 

G 

5Cav. 

Aug.  16, 

'62 

G 

5  Cav. 

Aug.  16, 

'62 

G 

S  Cav. 

Aug.  16, 

'62 

G 

5  Cav. 

Aug.  16, 

'62 

G 

SCav. 

Aug.  16, 

'62 

G 

5  Cav. 

Aug.  16, 

,62 

Ct 

:;Cav. 

Dec.  2S, 

'6, 

G 

SCav. 

Dec.  2S, 

'6^ 

G 

5  Cav. 

Jan.   20, 

'64 

G 

5  Cav. 

Jan.  20, 
Jan.  20, 

'64 

G 

5  Cav. 

% 

H 

19 

Jan.  13, 

64' 

B 

99 

Aug.  13, 

02 

Remarks. 


Privates. 

Lankforci,  Thom.as  W 

Luniis,  Benjamin 

Morgan,  B.  F 

Miller,  Nicholas 

Marsh,  Seth 

Marsh,  Samuel 

Mullen,  Jacob   

McCorkle,  Henry  .... 

Morgan,  AV.  H.  "JI 

Marsh,  Emanuel 

Miller,  Francis 

McGee,  Isaac  C 

McConnell,  William. 

Martin,  Jacob 

Mavs,   Franklin 

McDonald,  Clark     ... 

Martin,  William  B 

Mann,  Henrv 

Meek,  Stephen  B 

Moore,  Lester  R 

Mendenhall,  James  P . 

Miller,  John  S 

Manden,  Thomas  W. 
McKinley,  William.. 
McCorkle,  William  F 
McConnell,  John  W.. 
McGuire,  Harrison... 

McCuUen,  Ira 

McGuire,   Amos 

Mosier,  Theodore .... 

Mosier,  John  A 

McDonnell,  Jesse 
Martin,  Thomas  M. . . 

McDaniel,  Jesse 

Myers,  Erasmus  

Marshal,  Elijah  .  .... 
McGuire,   Josepli    .... 

Mack,  Michael  H 

Miller,  William 

Marsh,  Christopher  C 
Mesler,   William   ..... 

Miller,  Isaac 

Meek,  Richard 

Martin,  George  W.... 

Madison,  John 

McCorkle,  John 

Miller,  Benjamin      

McPhall,  Daniel 

McGahey,  Andrew  S. 

Manchee,  John   

Miller,  Ambrose  C 

MoCorkle,  John  H  . .  . 

Mavley,   Uriah 

Moore,  Sidney 

Mingle,  Cornelius 

McCole,  Neal 

Marsh,  Elias 

Morris,  Milton  T , 

Marsh,  Joseph 

Miller,  (ieorgc  W 

Meek,  Jared  C 

McKinney,  Jesse 

McGee,   George 

Milroy,  Albestus 

Martin,  Albert 

McFarland 

Martin,  ]oseph 

Meek,  Marshall  M.... 
Meek,    Ransom  M..... 

Mack,  Thomas 

Mints,  William  P 

McQiiery,  Perry 


Mustered  out  September  5,  1S65. 
Mustered  oiitjuly  24,  1865.  [knee 

Taken  pris.  and  ex'ed.  Vet.,  wounded    in 
N'eteran,  mustered  out  Aug.  2S,  1S65. 
Promoted  Captain. 
Died  July  27,  1S64,  wounded. 

Veteran,  mustered  out  August  2S,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  September,  14,  1S54. 
Died  Hancock  Dec.  1S62. 
Drowned  Salulia  March  13,  1864,  Corporal 
Mustered  out  September  4,  1S64. 

Vet.,  mustered  out  August  2S,  '65,  Capt. 
Killed  Vicksburg  May  22,  1S63. 
\'eteran,  mustered  out  Aug.  2bi,  2S65. 
Killed  Perryville,  September  5,  1S64. 
\'eteran,  mustered  out  August  2S,  1S65. 
Discharged  August  28,  1865. 
Discharged  August  28,  1S65. 
\'eteran,  mustered  out  August  28,  i86v 

Mustered  out  September  28,  1S65. 
Died,  Shield's  Mill  April  16,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  September  28.  1S65. 
Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 
Mustered  out  May  19,  1862. 
Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 
Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 
Mustered  out  May  19,  1862. 
Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 
Mustered  out  May  19,   1862. 
Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 
Mustered  out  Tune  8,  1S65. 
Discharged  March  i,  1863. 

Mustered  out  June  8,  1865. 
Mustered  out  June  8,  1863. 
Mustered  out  Jul}'  .'9,  1865. 
A'et.  from  19th.    Died  Jan  4,  1865,  Capt. 
Mustered  out  September  6,  1865. 
Mustered  out  January  13,  1S66. 
Mustered  out  November  5,  1S63. 
Mustered  out  November  5,  1S65 
\'et.     Mustered  out  Dec.  14,    '6 
Discharged  January  i,  1S62. 
Discharged  February  4,  1S62. 
Died  at  Indianapolis  Februurv  27,  1864. 
Died  at  Nashville  Oct.  26,  1864,  wounds. 
Mustered  out  August  28,  1865. 
Discharged  May  11,  1S65.     Corporal. 
Mustered  out  June  6,  1863. 
Discharged  Nov.  19,  1862.     Disability. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  1S65.     Sergeant. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  1865. 
Mustered  out  Sept.  15,  1^5.     Sergeant. 
Mustered  out  September  15,  1865. 
Died  at  Glasgow  May  6,  1S63. 
Mustered  out  Jvine  16,  i86s. 
Mustered  out  Sept.  15,  1865.     Corporal. 
Discharged  June  6,  1S65. 
Mustere'cl  out  October  15,  1S65. 
Discharged  November  10,  1865. 
Discharged  November  10,  1S63. 
Mustered  out  September  15,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  September  15,  1S63. 
Mustered  out  September  15,  1865. 
Mustered  out  September  15,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  June  16,  1865. 
Died  at  Louisville  June  16,  1S65. 
Died  July  30,  1S64.     Wounds. 


Serg't. 


PATRIOTISM  OF    HAN'COCK  COUNTY. 


523 


Name  and  Rank. 


Date  of 
Mustek. 


Privales. 

Miller,  Amos    

Miller.  Thomas  P   

McGuirc.  Thomas 

Miller,  Thomas  J 

Milaer,  Joseph  T 

Milner,  William  .  , 

Milner,    |ob..    

Morford,  Joseph  B 

Mortord,John   A    .... 

Morford,  Elisha 

Murphy,  James   .    

Milner,  Henry 

Myers,  Charley 

McCorkle.   Richard  B. 

McBane,  Isaac    

Miller,  Abraham 

Moore,  John  O     

Marshall,  Eli  X 

Miller,  Isaac         

Morical.  Robert 

Madden,  Riley 

Mvers,  AVilliam      

■JVIcFadden,  William  H 

Miller,  Jacob    

Miller,   Samuel 

Martin,  Joseph   

McCord,  John    . 

McCord,  David 

Nixon.  Azor  M    

Niles,  Thomas  E 

Nixon,  Aaron  D 

Ni  les,  Reuben 

Niharger,  John    

Nibarger  Lemiel  I  ... 
Niliarger,  Harrison... 
Nibarger,   Thomas.... 

Orr,  TftomasJ 

Osborn,  Alexander.  .  . . 

Olney,  Ransom 

Olvev,  Levi   

Olvey,  William 

Owens,  George    

Oftutt,   I.loyd      

Oldham,  Jeremiah  .    .  . . 

Ormsten,  Andrew 

Orr,  Thomas  J 

Owens,  Clarion 

Owens,  George  \\'  .  .  . . 

Philpott,  Marion 

Personnett,  William  .. 

I'rickett.  Eli    . . . 

Price,  John    

Pauley,  James 

Pope,  Xewton    

Piper,  George  W 

I'urkey,  Thomas    

Probasco,  John    

Parris,  Lewis  B 

Pauley,  Joseph  H 

Poole,  Franklin  R 

Parson,  George. .    

Perman,  Ephraim    

Parker,  George  W . . . . 

Prickett,  Henry 

Pardue,  Francis  2\I 

Price,  Lewis 

Pilkington,  Wm  H 

Pope,  William  A 

Pope,  James  T 

Pope,  Jiisper  N 

Price,  William 

Powers,  Isaac 


99 
99 
9) 
99 
99 

9-:> 

99 
99 
99 

99 
99 
99 
'47 
i3C'v 

34 

^i 

4\ 

14S 


Aug.  13, 
Aug.  1.5, 
Aug.  1.5, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Feb.  7, 
Dec.  23, 
Nov.  4, 
Xov.  4, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.  17, 


5C 


i4S|Feb.  17, 
14S,  Feb.  17, 
i4S|Feb.  17, 
1 485  Feb.  17, 
1481  Feb.  17, 
a  v.  Dec.   2S, 

Sj      

S  April  2, 
S  Aug.  25, 
57  Dec.  13, 
i2iiDec.   g, 
Dec.  9, 
Aug.  14, 
Aug.  14, 
Aug,  14, 
Aug.  14, 
Jan.     2, 


bsept  5, 
i2j.V.ug.  15, 
12  Aug.  15, 
12  Aug.  15, 
3Sjan.  16. 
191  Aug.  16, 
i34:May  24, 
i47|I-eb.  14, 


Oct.  31, 
Mar.  31, 
Aug. '25, 
Feb.  24, 
Feb.  24, 
Feb.  24, 
F"eb.  24, 
Feb.  24, 
July,  22, 
Sept.  17, 
Dec.  I?, 
_  Dec.  li, 
9Cav.!Dec.  9, 
gCav.lNov.  13, 
gCav.  Nov.  13, 
jCav.  T;iii.  2, 
Jan 


SCav 

79 
79 
79 
90 
90 
90 


2, 

July    19, 

\ug, 


'VUg.    I, 

Aug.  iS 
Aug.  16, 
Aug,  16 
^  Aug.  16 
90  Aug.  16 
90  Aug.  16 


Mustered  out  June  5,  iSf)v 
Mustered  out  June  5,  1S63. 
Mustered  out  June  5,   1S65. 
Mustered  out  June  5,  iS'i^. 
Mustered  out  "June  5,   iS65» 
Mustered  out  June  5,   1S65. 
Mustered  out  June  5,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  June  5,  1S65. 
Discharged  October  27,  iSj4. 
Killed  in  action  May  2S,  1S64. 
Discharged  May  10,  1S63. 
Discharged  February  13,  1S65. 
Missing  in  action  December  4,  1S64. 
Mustered  out,  time  expired. 
Mustered  out  November,  iS,  iSi-;. 
Mustered  out  June,  1S55. 
Mustered  out  June,  iSij. 
Mustered  out,  time  expired. 
Mustered  out,  time  expired. 
Died  at  Amo  March  10,  iSo,. 
Mustered  out  September,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  September,  1S63. 
Mustered  out  September,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  September,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  September,  1865. 
Mustered  out  September  ij,  IS65. 
Died,  of  wound,  at  Knoxville. 


Transferred  to  loth  battery. 
Mustered  out  July  28,  1S65. 
Died  at  Pulaski  August  i,  1SJ4. 
Mustered  out  June  5,  iSjj. 
Died  March  15,  1863. 
Mustered  out  June  5,  iSj^. 
Died  March  20,  18-13. 

Mustered  out  August  2S,  18J5. 
Mustered  out  August  28,  1S63. 
Mustered  out  August  28,  1S65. 
Died  at  Grand  Junction  February  9,  iSjj. 
Mu.'.tered  out  July  i^,  1SJ5. 
Discharged  Novemlier  10,  i832. 
Mustered  out. 
Mustered  out. 

Mustered  out  July  i''.  1805. 
Mustered  out  December  13,  1865. 
Vet.     Mustered  out  Aug.  28,  '03.     Serg't. 
Mustered  out  August  28,  1SS5. 
Mustered  out  August  28,  18(33. 
Mustered  out  August  28,  1S63. 
Mustered  out  August  28,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  August  28,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  June  8,  1S05. 
Unassigned. 

Mustered  out  February  5,  1833. 
Mustered  out  February  5,  1865. 
Mustered  out  August  28,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  August  28,  1S65. 
Discharged  June  15,  1S65. 
Lost  on  Sultana  April  27,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  August  28, 1S65. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  1805. 

Trans,  engineer  corps,  July  14,  1863. 

Promoted. 

Mustered  out  Sept.  16,  iSjj,     Sergeant. 

Died  at  Andersonville  Sept.  25,  1864. 

Mustered  out  September  15,  1864. 

Mustered  out  September  15,  i8r>3. 

Mustered  out  September  13,  1S65. 


524 


niSTORV  OF  IIAN'COCK  COUNTY. 


Name  and  Rank. 


Prix'aies. 

Perkins,  Newton 

Pope,  Elijah  \i    

Pusjli,  lames.  

I'o'pe,  Peter  S    . 
Powers,  William  R..  .. 
Pratt,  James  C 
I'alterson,  Samuel   T.. 
Purilue,  Thomas  1^... 

Purdue,  RenbeJi 

ParUer,  Thomas 

Prickett,  Daniel 

Perry,  James  W 

Pennocl.  Alex 

Priddy,  John  \V 

Parkluirst,  Adam    . . . 

Pauley,  Robert 

Philips,  Ernst . 

Pelsinjj;ton,  James  W  . . 
Robison,  Samuel  .  . 
Roney.  Edward  H  ... 
Ronev,  Benjamin  A.  . 
Reamslieari,  Nicholas 
Retlmire,  Christian  . . .  . 
Russell,  James  T  ... 
Rus.sell,   Wiiiam  H    .. 

Kobison,  Peller    

Roberts,   Albeit 

Rudrick,  William  E.. 
Rinewalt,  Isaac  P  .. 
Romack,  Geort;:e   .... 

Rliue,  Perrv  J      

Riley,  Reuben  A    

Uagan,  William    W  .  . 

Rash,    Lawson    

Robb,  Thomas  H 

}{ichards,  David. 
Reynolds,  John    W... 

Rash,  Amos     

Rash,  lohn  T 

Rash,  "Daniel 

Rash,  Thomas  M 

Roberts,  James   

Rynerson,  William.. 
Rittenhouse,  Jolin .  .. 
Reynolds, Joseph  .... 
Roland,  Joseph  .... 
Kussel,  Josepli  M  .  . . 
Robison,  William  V. 
Rawlinfjs.  .\aronJ  .. 
l{enan,  AVilliam  IC. . . 
lievnolds,  William... 
Roberts,  William  JI.. 
Richie,  William  G   .. 

Ridlin,  William 

Reedv,  Jeremiah    .... 

Rodley,  John    

liedman,   Michael   ... 

Reeves,  Oliver 

Reeves,  Nevil 

Reeves,  W'illiam  W.  . 

Reeves,  Rilev   A 

|{oland.  Geo'rge 

Reynolds,  James  T. . . 
l{obison,  Benjamin  T. 
Reeves,  Newton  C... 

Kardin,  John  C    

Ifevnolds,  Robert 

Rasel,  William 

Rutsel,  Aaron 

Ramsdell,  Cornelius. 
R.-vnolds  'ames  E. .  . 
Jtoland.    1    .rerson  . . . . 


Co. 


gCiiv 


Date  of 
Mustek. 


pCav. 

_)Cav. 

>Cav. 
66 
79 
79 

,;Cav. 

^Cav. 

5  Cav. 

jCav. 

99 

99 

99 

99 

^99 

i3C'v 

i3C'v 

'34 


.\ug.  i6, 
Aujj.  i6, 
Aug.  1 6, 
\uji.  1 6, 
Mar.  22, 
Feb.  14, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.  2, 
Feb.  2, 
Sept.  17, 
Aufr.  31, 
Aufr.  31, 
Sept.  22, 
Sei)t.  21, 
-Nov.  4, 
Nov.  I  ). 

Jan.  2, 
Aug.  25, 
Aug.  25, 
Au>r.  25, 
Aug.  2.S, 
Aug.  2^. 
heb.  .4. 
Feb.  24, 
Feb.  24, 
Mar.  S, 
Feb.  ^S, 
Feb.  iS, 
.Mar.  15, 
-Vlar.  15, 
.\pnl  20, 
Apiil  -'6, 
Feb.  14. 
Feb.  14, 
July  i^, 
Aug.  3, 
Aug.  3. 
July  i^, 
July  19, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug,  13, 
Oct.  3, 
Dec.  14, 
Dec.  13, 
Dec.  13, 
Nov.  13, 
.Nov.  13, 
Nov.  13, 
Aug.  K> 
Aug.  ig, 
Aug.  15, 

Aug.    Kl, 

Aug.  I '1, 
Aug.  16, 
Aug.  iS, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Mar.  23, 
Mar.  23, 
Dec.  23, 
Dec.  i^i, 
May  24, 


Promoted. 

Mustered  out  September  15,  1S65. 


,,.1  Died  at  Indianapolis,  December  15,  1862. 
Y14  Transferred  to  4Sth  regiment.  May  18,  '65,. 
'65  Mustered  out. 
'65  Mustered  out  September,  1S65. 
'65  Musteren  out  September,  i565. 
'65  Mustered  out  September,  1S65. 
'64  Ihiassigned. 

'61  \'et.     Mustered  out  July  2'i,  '63.     Serg't. 
Y-11  Vet.     Mustered  out  July  26,  '6"v     Corp'l. 
■62  .Mustered  out  September  6,  1S65. 
■62  Veteran.     Mustered  out  February  3,  1.S66.. 
■64  Mustered  out  June,  iS6^. 
■64  Mustered  out  June,   i%5. 
. .     Wounded. 
'64  Mustered  out. 
•61  Died  at  \'icksburg,  July,  1S63. 
'61  Died  at  Syracuse,  IJecember  15.  1S61 
'61  \'eteran.     Mustered  out  August  -S,  1S65. 
'61  Mustered  out  September  4.  lS6). 
'01  Disi  harged  December,  1S62. 
'65  Mustered  out  September  2S,  iS^'^ 
'65  Mustered  nut  September  2S,  1S65. 
■65|.\huterjd  out  Sejitember  2S.  1S65. 
■(5  Mustered  out  September  2S,  1563. 
"O^jMu.-tereJ  out  July  26,  1S65. 

'orMustei  ed  out  May  ig,  iS32. 

'61  \  et.      Mustered  out  December  2,  1S65. 

M\islered  out.      Re-entered  Capt.  5th  Cav. . 
■61  Mustiired  out  June  i,  1S65.     Lieutenant. 

.Mustered  out  "beptember  2S,  iS6v 

Mu>tered  out  September  2S,  1S65. 

.Mustered  out  June  6,  18(55.     Sergeanl. 
"63  Uischargedjuite  19,  1:1^3.     Wounds, 
'o.  .Mustered  out  June  ^i,  iSu^. 
'62  Musteted  out  |une  S,  1^65. 
'02  Mustered  out  June  ^,  i^i-,. 
■62lMustered  out  June  S,  1863.     Corjioral. 


Discharged  Sept.  29,  -62.  Arai  am;>ulated.. 

Mustered  out  June  24,  1865. 

Discharged. 

Died  Juiie  15,  i?63. 

Discharged  August  17,  1S63. 

Mustered  out  August  2S,  1865.  Farrier. 

Mustered  out  July  10,  1S63. 

Mustered  out  .\ugust  28.  1815. 

Mustered  out  June  3,  1865. 

Mustered  out  June  3,  1865.     Sergeant. 

Mustered  out  June  7,  1565. 

Mustered  out  September  16,  '61;.     Serg't.. 

Mustered  out  Septembc-  16,  iSTiv 

Discharged  March  10,  1863. 


J32  Maj'  iS, 
148  Feb.  2, 
148'Feb.  17, 
i4S'Feb.  17, 
14S  Feb.  17, 
131  Sept.  21 , 


Mustered  out  June  5,  1S65.     Corporal. 

Mustered  out  June  5,  1S65. 

Mustered  out  June  5,  1S65. 

Mustered  out  June  5,  1S65. 

Mustered  out  Jure  5,  1S65. 

Mustered  out  June  5,  1865. 

Mustered  out  September  30,  1S65. 

Mustered  out  September  30,  i?65. 

Mustered  out  September  30,  1S65. 

Promoted  to  Captain,  December  10,1863 
'64JMustered  out. 
"65  Mustered  out. 
'65I Mustered  out  September,  1S65. 
'65  Mustered  out  September,  iSCj. 
'6^  Mustered  out  September,  1S63. 
"6i   Wteran.      Mustered  out   February  3,  l>^6^. 


PATRIOTISM  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


D^3 


Name  and  Rank. 


Kemarks. 


Privates. 

"Rohrer,  Augustus  II. . 

ScotL,  Aaron 

-Smith,  Philander 

■Seclcy.  William  II.  H, 

Smith.  Georije   W 

-Siplinjjei,    William  H, 

Sellerv,   P-cter , 

Scottt'n.  John  I? 

Siicll, -Lewis 

Snider,  William  T. . . . 

Stephens,  Eli     

Santbrd,  Francis  M 

Scott.  James  P 

Scott,  John 

Scotten  Ebenezer   C. 
Scotten,  William  W. 

Shelton,  Martin 

Shcllev,  Samuel 

Slifer."  Wilson  S 

Stephens,  Rucl   

Simmons,   William... 

.  Scott,  Rufus 

Sincox,  John   AV 

Sa\vcv,John 

.Statts".  lohn   W 

Statts.  Peter  C 

Savage,  John    H 

Smith,  Edward . 

Slierman,  Thomas.... 
Sergeant,  Richard  . . . . 

Short,   William    

-Smith.  Robert  J 

-Scott.  William 

-Shrov.Bezra 

Shaffer,  Peter 

-Shatter,  Joseph 

Shafter,    Miio 

Shull,  John    

-Shull,  Freeman 

Shatler,    William    .... 

Shatter,  Jacob 

.  Shatter,  John   S   

Shatter,    llirain    

Sonthan,  James   

Smith,   Nicholas 

Smith,  William 

Smith,  Andrew  J 

Smith.  Oliver  II 

Smith,  John  II 

Samuels,  Jrhn    A    

Sluth,  William  M 

Snow,  Jonathan 

Snider,  Thomas  C     .. 

Snell,  Zachariah  T... 

-Shipman,  W'illiam  . . . . 

Shaw,  William    R.... 

Shaw,  Isaac  V 

Shipman,  J.ames  J    . . . , 

.Siddell,  William 

.Slifer,   Levi 

:Smith,  Edward  C 

Scott.  Charles  W 

Sample,  James  Q  . 

Shiplev,  Reason .    ... 

Shipley,  Francis  M . . 
-■Shafter,  James 

Shafter,  Isaac   

SherriIl,John   W.... 

■Steward,  John 

■-Sullivan,  Calvin 

■Smith,  August 

^Short,  Hugh 


^ 


1  Aug.  25, 
■'  Aug,  25, 
'  Aug.  25, 
Aug.  25, 
Aug.  25, 
'  Aug.  25, 
i  Aug,  25, 
1  Aug.  25, 

■  Aug.  25, 
Aug.  25, 
Aug.  S, 
Aug.  27, 
Aug.  27, 
Aug.  27, 

;  Aug.  27, 
1  Feb.  2S, 
'  Feb.  2S, 
i  Feb.  iS, 

■  May  9, 
iFeS.  14, 
I  Feb.  14, 

9  Feb.  14, 
n  Jan. 
1 1  May 
II  May  15, 
II  May  15, 
II  May  15, 
II  May  15, 
II  May  15, 

11  May  15, 
S  Aug.  25, 

12  Aug.  5, 
12  .'Vug.  16, 
12  July  21, 
12  July  21, 
1 2  July  21, 
12  Aug.  iS, 
12  Aug.  iS, 
12  Aug.  iS. 
12  Aug.  18, 
12  Feb.  22, 
i2lOct.  16, 
l2Sept.  17, 
12  Sept.  17, 

121  Nov.  13, 
CavsAug.  iS, 


Died,  disease. 
'61 

'61,  Promoted 
'6 


24,  '6.) 


'61  Discharged  February  iS,  1S63. 

'61' Vet.     Mustered  out  August  2S,  1S65. 

'61  Died  at  Lebanon,  .\pril  S,  1S62. 

'61  Killed  at  Vicksburg,  Mav  22,  1S63, 

'61  Discharged  April  10,  iSjj.    Disability, 

'61  Promoted. 

"61  \'et.     Mustered  out  August  28,  1S65. 

'62  Vet.     Mustered  out  June  14,  1S65. 

'62!  Died  at  St.  Louis,  October  30,  1862. 

Died  at  New  Orleans,  September  11,  18S3. 

Died  at  Helena,  March  29,  1S63. 

Wounds  suppo.ed.     Invalid. 

Vet.     Died  at  Savannah  Feb.  28,  1S65, 

Discharged  Nov.  20,  1S62.     Disal)ility. 

Discharged  December  iS,  1862.  ♦ 

^■.,1  Mustered  out  August  28,  1865. 
'6;  Mustered  out  August  28,  1865. 
'651 
'65!  Mustered  out  September  28,  i86£. 


6iiMustered  out  May  19,  1862. 
'6i|Mustered  out  May  19,  1862. 


Wound:^ 


Ca 
Cav 
Cav 
Cav 

Cav 
Cav 
Cav 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 


Au. 

Aug.  !>.. 
Aug.  18, 
Aug.  18, 
October. 
Oct.  16, 
Feb.  9, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13. 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13, 
Aug.  13 
99:Apr.  14, 
99:  Apr.  14, 


Cav  Nov 
Cav' Nov. 
Cav  Nov. 
Cav  Nov, 
Cav  Nov, 
Cav  Dec. 
Cav,  Dec. 


'61  Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 

'61  Mustered  out  May  19,  1862. 

'61  Mustered  out  May  19,  1862. 

'61  Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 

'61  Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 

'61  Discharged  December  31,  iS<':i 

'61  Transferred  to  \'.  R.  C. 

'62  Mustered  out  June  S,  1811;. 

'62  Mustered  out  June  8,  1865. 

'62  .Mustered  out  "June  8,  iS>v 

'6i^  Mustered  out  June  S.  iS3;. 

'6.  Mustered  out  June  S,  18^-5 

'6.!  Vlusteret  out  June  S,  18*^5. 

■6.iKilled  at  Atlanta,  -Viiifust  17,  rSf4. 

'6. 1  Mustered  out  June  S,  1865. 

'64  .Mustered  out  June  8,  1S6;. 

'6.  Transferred  to  48  Reg.     Wounded. 

'6d  Unassigned. 

■64!Unassigned. 

Yi^Transferred  to  13  Infantry. 

"A.Mustered  out  September  15,  1S65. 

■|i.  Mustered  out  September  15,  1865. 

'0.'  Mustered  out  September  15,  1865. 

"6.-  .Mustered  out  .September  15,  1S65. 

'62  Mustered  out  September  15,  18J5. 

'62  Died  at  Andersonville,  June  24,  1864. 

'6,.  Mustered  out  September  15,  1S65. 

"64  Mustered  out  September  15,  1865. 

"6;  Died  March  30,  1^6.4.     Wounds. 

'62  Died  at  Andersonville,  November  5.  1S63, 

'62:  Died  at  Andersonville,  August   18,  1864. 

'62!  Mustered  out  June  5,  1865. 

'621  Mustered  out  June  5,  1865. 

'62!  .Vlustered  out  June  5,  i^S- 

'62  Mustered  out  June  5,  1S65. 

'62  Transferred  to  48  Reg. 

'62  Died  July  7,  1S64.     Wounds. 

'641  Mustered  out  May  26,  1865. 

'64  Discharged  December  26,  1S64. 
13,  "63  Mustered  out  July,  1865.     Saddler. 
I3,  '63  Mustered  out  July,  1865. 
13,  713,  Mustered  out  July,  1865. 
13,  '63  Lost  on  Sultana,  April  27,  1865. 
13,  Y>3  Mustered  out  June  17,  1S65. 
9,    '631  Mustered  out  tune  17,  18^15. 
9,   'cjiDied  at  Pulaski,  September  12,  1S64. 


526 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


Name  and  Rank. 


Privates. 

Sears,  Christopher  ]I. 

Sears,  Francis   O 

Sherman,   John 

Sherman,  Jeremiah  .. 
Sanders,  William  II.. 

Steel,  Samuel 

Shellhouse,  Conrad... 
Sellerv,  Thomas  ].... 

Seller'y,    William" 

Stanley,  James 

Smitten,  Isaac 

Schoolev,  Cam  T 

Sapp,  William 

Schull,  William  I 

Stutsman,  Andrew... 

Stump,  Jesse 

Slifer,  Georg^e 

Snow,   David 

Shutes,  David 

Smith,  Robert   A 

Shaffer.  Ira 

Stefey,  Joseph 

Shirley,  William  R... 

Soots,  Addison 

Strahl,   Oliver 

Smith,  Asa 

Sandy, John    A   

Stanbrougfh,  Sol 

Squires,  Levi 

Smith,  William  II.... 

Snider,   Peter 

Smith,  Nicholas  C.  . . . 
Surgeant,  Thomas  S. . 

Smith,  Charles  S 

Shipley,  Reason 

Smith,  John  R 

Thomas,  Tavlor  W.  . 
Thompson,  Isaac  P... 
Thomas,  Henry  P.  . . 
Thomas,  William  S.. 
Thomas,  Amze  W . . . . 
Tuttle,  William  H.  H 

Thompson,  Mark 

True,  David    N 

Thompson,  Samuel  C. 
Thompson,  Raph  L.  . 
Thomas,  Wellington., 
Tibhetts.  Allen  B  .... 
Tygart,  Thomas  N 

Thornton,  Daniel    

Torrence,  William.. . . 
Torrence,  Samuel  .... 
Thornton,  Henry  W... 
Thompson,  Samuel  C. 
Thomas,  James.  ..... 

Tibhetts,  Henry  C 

Troy,  Christopher 

'I'rice,   Henry   .    

Tygart,  John  M 

Thomas,  James     

Thomas.  Lewis  S   

'I  vgart.  Thomas  N  . . . . 

Taylor.  John  H 

Ulrey,John 

Underwood, John  N... 
Underwood,  James  N.. 

Ulrev,  Jefferson 

Vandyke,   Marshall... 

Vanzant,  Francis   

Vanzant,  Josejjh 

Vanzant,  Jesse 

Veron,John  A 


Co. 


Reg. 


Cav 
Cav 

75 
75 
75 

26 
26 


Date  of 
Muster. 


Rem.\rks. 


Dec.  9, 
Dec.  9, 

Tuiy  15, 

Tulv  15, 

July  i5« 

Aug.  15, 
Sept.  24, 
Sept.  24, 


^(^  Sept.  21, 

"'  Sept.  24, 

Sept.  24, 

Sept.  24, 

Sept.  24. 


26 

26 

26 

26 

26  Sept.  24^ 
Sept.  24, 
Dec.  14, 
Dec.  14, 
Feb.  23, 
Feb.  23, 
Dec.  i;^, 
Dec.  13, 
May  24, 
Feb".  17, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.  17, 
HSJFeb.  17, 
HSJFeb.  17, 
Sept.  17, 
Sept.  17, 
Sept.  21, 
Sept.  21, 
Apr.   16, 


.•?8 

5" 

5' 

S> 

SI 

57 

57 

134 

14S 

14S 

14S 

148 

14S 

,48 


KT,  M:ir.  12, 
"8  Aug.  25, 

8  Feb.    5. 

SJan.    3. 


26J  January 
26|Sept.  24, 
38  Sept.  4, 
5iiDec.  14, 
51  [Dec.  14, 

Sept.  13, 

Apr.   7, 

Dec. 

Dec. 

Aug. 

Aug. 

Aug. 

Aug. 

Auj?. 

Aug. 

Aug.  13 

Aug.  13, 
57  Sept.  tj. 
57  Sept.  10, 
^4  Sept.  21, 
1:7  Dec.  13, 
CaVjFeh.  27. 
SJAug.  5. 

SJAug.  5, 
26iS>ept.  24, 
S7pec.  13, 
12  Aug.  17, 
12  Aug.  17, 
i2|Aug.  17, 
CaviDec.   23, 


79 

Cav 
Cav 
Cav 

99 
99 
99 


'63  Mustered  out  June  22,  1865. 

'63  Discharged  May  27.  1S65.     Sergeant. 

'62  Mustere^d  out  June  8,  186^ 

'62  Mustered  out  June  8,  1S63. 

'62  Mustered  out  June  8,  1S65. 

'65  Mustered  out  June  7,  1S65. 

'64  Mustered  out  September  6,  1S65. 

'64  Mustered  out  September  6,  i86v 

'64  Mustered  out  September  6,  1S65. 

•'64  Mustered  out  September  6,  1S65. 

^64  Mustered  out  September  6,  1865. 

'64  Mustered  out  September  6,  1S65. 

'64  Mustered  out  September  6,  1S65. 

'64  Mustered  out  September  6,  186;. 

'64  Mustered  out  September  6,  1S65. 

'61  ^'et.     Mustered  out  December  13,  1S65.. 

'61  Discharged. 

'62  Vet.     Mustered  out  December  13,  1865. 

'62  Missing,  Stone  Creek. 

'61  Mustered  out  March  1,  1S65. 

'61  Discharged  March  10,  1S65. 

'6.J  Mustered  out. 

'65  Mustered  out  September  5,  1865. 

'65  Mustered  out  September  5,  1865. 

'65  Mustered  out  September  5,  iS6^. 

'65  Mu.stered  out  September  5,  1S65. 

'65  Mustered  out  September  5,  1S65. 

'6!;  Mustered  out  September  5,  1S65. 

'65  Mustered  out  September  5,  186^. 

'65  Mustered  out  September  5,  1865. 

'64  Mustered  out  September  5,  1S65. 

■^64  Mustered  out  September  5,  1S65. 

'61 

'61  Discharged  March  17,  1863.     Disability- 

'64  Mustered  out. 

Died  May  30,  1S64. 

Resigned  March  4,  1S63.     Lieuten.-.nt. 

Mustered  out. 

Mustered  out  August  28,  i?6v 

Mustered  out  August  2S,  1865. 

Vet.     Mustered  out  January  15,  1866. 
Mustered  out  September 6.  1865. 
Mustered  out  June  24,  1865. 
Dicsharged  June  25,  1S62. 
Died  at  Andersonville,  Sept.  \^.  1S64. 
Mustered  out  December  13.  iS6j. 
Died  at  Chattanooga,  August  22,  1S62. 
\'et.  Clustered  out  Dec.  14,  1S65.    Corp'l. 

Transferred  to  V.  R.  C,  January  14, 1S64.. 
Mustered  out  June  7,  1865. 
Died  December,  1862. 
Mustered  Out  September  i ;,  1865. 
Mustered  out  September  15,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  August  13,  1S65. 
Discharged  October,  1863. 
Discharged  December  7,  1S64. 
Transferred  to  V.  R.  C. 
Discharged  September  10.  1864. 
Vet.     Mustered  out  Fei>ruarv  3,  1866. 
\'et.     Mustered  out  Dec.  14.  1S63.     C<)rp"l_ 
Discharged  May  20,  1S65. 

Died  at  New  Orleans,  October  15,  1S63. 

Mustered  out  September  6,  1S65. 
Discharged  November  24,  1S64.    Wounds. 
.Mustered  out  June  8,  1865. 
Mustered  out  June  8,  1S65.     Corporal. 
Died  in  Rebel  prison.     Capt'd  Feb.  14,  "65. 


'63Musti.red  out  August  28,  15:65. 


PATRIOTISM  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


5^7 


Name  and  Rank. 

Co. 

Reg. 

Date  of 
Muster. 

Remarks, 

Privates. 

Valentine,  'William... 

C 

79 

Aug.  15,  '62 

Vandyke,   Seward 

B 

99 

Aug,  15,  "62  Mustered  out  June  5,  1S65. 

A'^olnier,  ]acob 

II 
B 

i4S 
99 

Feb.   8,    "651  Mustered  out  Sept.,  1S65. 
Aug.  15,  '62  Died  May  9, 1S65. 

Vernon,  Robert  II 

A'irji'in,  \'anes 

K 
B 

'34 

121 

May    4,    "'H  Mustered  out. 

Vernon,  John  A 

Dec.  2^,  '63 

Mustered  out. 

A'olmer,  Jacob 

I 

D 
G 

148 

5  Cav 

Feb.    S,  '65 
Sept.  21,  '61 
Dec.   14,  "63 
Aug.  25,  "61 

Mustered  out. 

A'arner,  fohn 

Tansferred  to  artillery,  Dec. 30,  1S63. 
Mustered  out  September  15,  1865. 

A'ail,  John 

'\Vig-gins,  John  F 

B 

8 

Wiggins,  I^awson 

B 

S 

Aug,  25,  '61 

WiUon,  Alfred 

B 

8 

Aug.  25,  '61 

Killed  at  A^icksburg,  May  23,  1863. 

Wilson,  Adam  F 

B 

S 

Aug.  25,  "61 

Discharged  April  29,   1S63.    Disability. 

Welling,  William  W.. 

B 

8 

Aug.  25,  '61 

Mustered  out. 

Wcllin'g,John  S 

B 

8 

Maj^  30,  '64 

Mustered  out  August  28,  1865. 

AVilcoxen.  Edwin    H.. 

B 

S 

Jan.  '14,  '64 

Died  at  AVashingtoii,  August  3,  1S64, 

Wood,  Robert   T 

C 

9 

Feb.  14,  '65 

Mustered  out  September '28.  1S65. 

White,  John  M 

C 

9 

Feb.  14,  '61; 

Mustered  out  October  3,  1865. 

Welt,  fianiel 

C 

c 

D 

9 
9 
9 

Feb.  14,  -ez, 
Feb,  14,  '6\ 
Feb.  24,  '65 

Mustered  out  October  3,  18(15, 
Mustered  out  October  3,  186J;, 
Mustered  out  Octobers,  180c. 

Wolf,  Joseph 

Whitse'l,  Isaac  N 

Williams,  Charles  J... 
Windell,  William  R... 

I 

q 

Feb.  24,  "6^  Mustered  out  October  3,  1S65. 

B 

12 

May  15,  '61  Mustered  out  May  19,  1862. 

AVinn,  Joshua. .    

B 

12 

May  15,  '61 

Mustered  out  May  19,  1S62. 

AVatson",  James  A 

B 

12 

May  15,  '61 

Mustered  out. 

Wiseman,  Levi 

B 

12 

May  15,  '6i 

Mustered  out. 

AVinn.  David  T 

B 

12 

May  15,  '61 

Discharged  August  i,  1861, 

AValker.  MarcellusB.. 

G 

12 

Tulv    IQ,  "62 

Discharged  June  11,  1S63,  Wounds, 

AVhitell,John   AV 

G 

I2ijuly   IQ,  "62 

Mustered  out  June  8,  1865, 

Wright,  Aaron  C 

G 

i2jjuly   IQ,  '62 

Killed  at  Resaca,  May  13,  1S64, 

AVright,  AVilliam    .    .. 

G 

12   July   19,  '62 

Died  at  Camp  Sherman,  Sept.  8,  1S63. 

AValker.  George    D   ... 

G 

12  Mar.  17,   "64 

Died  at  Davis'  Island,  April,  1S65, 

AVard,   Theodore 

F 

19  Mar.  8,  '64 

Transferred  to  20th  regiment. 

AVatson,  Henrv  B 

F 

19  Feb,   2,   "64  Unassigned. 

AViley,  Daily.: 

L 

26  Feb.    2.    -64 

Mustered  out. 

AVilson,  Jiidson    C.    .. 

I 

26 

Feb.    2,    '65 

Mustered  out. 

AA'ilson,  Charles  C 

I 

26 

Oct,   14,  '64 

Mustered  out. 

AA'illiams.  George  AV.. 

I 

26 

Oct,  14,  '64 

Mustered  out. 

Welsh.  Thomas  C 

C 

40 

Dec,   6,    '61 

Discharged  February  4,  1S62.  AVounds. 

AVhorton,   Elislia 

D 

5* 

Dec.  14,  '61  Died  at  \'ashville,  March  5,  1S64, 

AVindsor,  George 

D 

S' 

Dec.  14,  '61 

Died  at  Indianapolis,  August  26, 1863, 

AVills,  AVilliam   R.... 

B 

S 

Aug,  ig,  "61 

Resigned  Jan.  17, '63,  Capt.  Ent.SthCav, 

AVeaver,  Charles  II 

A 

57 

Dec.   9,    "61 

A'et.  Mustered  out  December  14,  1865. 

AA^ard,  Michael   

A 

57 

Dec,   9,   '61 

Discharged  April  23,  1862, 

AValler,  AVilliam  11.... 

B 

121 

Dec,    9,   '61 

Mustered  out  August  28,  1865. 

AValler,  Benjamin 

B 

121 

Dec.  9,    '63 

Mustered  out  August  28,  1865. 

AVinn,  John  J 

B 
B 

9  Cav 
9  Cav 

Nov.  13,  "63  Mustered  out  June  16,  1865, 
Nov,  13,  "6i]Mustered  out  June  16,  1S65. 

AValls,John1l 

AValker,  MarcellusB.. 

B 

9  Cav 

Nov,  13,  "64 '.Mustered  out  August  28,  1S65, 

AValker,  James  S   

C 

79 

Aug.  15,  '62jMustered  out  August  28,  iS6i,. 

AVallsmith.  AVilliam... 

C 

79 

Aug.  15,  '62 

Mustered  out  June  7,  1865. 

AVort.  John 

G 

5  Cav 

Aug.  16,  '62 

Mustered  out  Jinic7,  1865, 

AViUett,  Charles  J     .... 

G 

5  Cav 

Jan.   5,    "64 

Mu.stered  out  June  7,  iSCii, 

AA'itham,  AVilliam  P... 

G 

5  Cav 

Dec.  14,  ■6j:Discharged  December  20,  1S64. 

AVatts,  George  AV 

B 

99!  Aug.  13,  '62Mustered  out  June  ^,  1S61;. 

AVaters,  Samuel  AV.... 

B 

99 

.Aug,  13,  "62|Discharged  July  12,  1S63. 

AVilson,  AVilliam 

B 

99 

Aug.  13,  '62 

Mustered  out  June  5,  1865, 

AVilson,  AVilliam  M... 

B 

99 

Aug,  13,  '62 

AVood,  Jeremiah 

B 

99 

Aug.  13,  '62 

Mustered  out  June  5,  1S65. 

AVinn,    .Madison 

B 

99 

Aug.  13, '62 

Died  February  23,  1S63, 

AVithurst,  A'inton 

B 

99 

Mar,  2^,  '64 

Mustered  out 'May  29,  1S65. 

Wright,  Ilenrv  AV 

B 

99:  April   5,  '64 

Died  August  12,  i'865. 
Mustered  out  August  4,  1S65, 

AVatson,  AVilliam   C... 

H 

i47[Feb.  14,  '6^ 

AA'ishmire,  Chris 

B 

14^ 

Feb.  14,  '65 

Mustered  out  August  4,  1865, 

AA'hitaker,  Morris 

B 

14S 

Feb.  14,  '61; 

Mustered  out  August  4,  1865, 

AVhite,  James  J 

B 

14S 

Feb.  14,  '6\ 

Mustered  out  August  4,  1865, 

AVclling,  William.... 

B 

1 48 

Feb.   14,  "65 

Mustered  out  August  4,  1S65, 

AVyant,'  Isaac   

K 

'.?4 

May  24,  "64 

Mustered  out  August  4,  1865, 

AValler,  Isaac 

K 

1341  May  24,  '64 

Mustered  out. 

AVood.  BobertAA'    .... 

K 

134  May  24,  '64 

Mustered  out. 

AValler,  William  II.... 

B 

121  Dec.   Q.    '63 

Mustered  out  August  2S,  1865. 

AVinn,  John  J 

B 

121 

Nov,  13,  '63 

Mustered  out  .\ugust  2S,  1805. 

;28 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY. 


Name  and  Rank. 


Privates, 

Watts,  John  II 

White,  "Elijah 

AVoodhall,  William  H 

Wills,  Samuel  C 

AVishmire,  Chris 

Whitaker,  Morris 

Welling,  Hamilton. .. 

AVhite,  Elijah 

Walker,  Samuel 

Wagoner,  Lerov 

Welsh, John  S.  .". 

Wesley,  John 

Woodruff,  Jesse  V C 

Yound,  Leven  T.  " 

Yonse.  Michael  T 


Co. 

Reg. 

B 

121 

I 

14S 

I 

14S 

1 

>3' 

C 

14S 

C 

14S 

c 

148 

H 

14S 

D 

34 

1 

57 

K 

40 

V 

4S 

C 

19 

B 

148 

B 

OQ 

Date  ok 
Muster. 


Nov.  13, 
Feb.  S", 
Feb.  8, 
Jan.  II, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.  17, 
Feb.  17, 
Sept.  21, 
Dec.  8, 
Dec.  6, 
Feb.   4, 


Feb.  17, 
Auff.  13, 


Remarks. 


Mustered  out  August  28,  1S65. 
Mustered  out. 

Discharged  March  7,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  September  5,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  Septeml)er  5,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  September  5,  1S65. 
Mustered  out  September  5,  1S65. 
Vet.  Mustered  out  Feb.  3,  '66. 
Mustered  out  December  14,  1864. 
Mustered  out  June  16,  1865. 

Died  January  14,  1S65. 

Mustered  out. 

Discharsred  February  16,  iS6_i;. 


Corp' 


Morgan  Raid  Men, 


Regiment  105, 
mustered  out  July 

Captain. 
A.  K.  Branham. 

first  Lieutenant. 
William  E.  Hart. 

Second  Lieutenant. 
George  W.  Walker. 

First  Sergeant. 
Hatfield,  J.  Q; 

Sergeants. 

Edwards,  Joshua 
Mitchell,  William 
Crawford,  F.  H. 
Barrett,  Samuel  W. 

Corporals. 

Duncan,  Sam.  E. 
Snow,  Nathaniel 
Wills.  Jacob 
Dennis,  J.  L. 


Company  E,  mustered  in  July  11,  1863 
18,  1863: 


Privates. 

Aliman,  Fred 
Allison,  Asa  H. 
Acker,  Daniel 
Banks.  A.  J. 
Bennett,  Calvin 
Buford.  N.  F. 
Baker.  J.  M. 
Bidgood,  Thomas  M. 
Ballenger,  N.  B. 
Bover,  Samuel 
Bixler,  David 
Bennett,  George 
Burdett,J.  L. 
Bush,  Lerov 
Catt,  Milton _ 
Church,  X.  K. 
Chittenden.  D.  B. 
Cliff,  Charles 
Dickerson.  S.  T. 
Dailey,  John 
Duncan.  Ephraini 
Dcspo,  Odfll 
Evans,  William 
Egger,  John 
CJooding,  D.  S. 
Goodinsi,  E.  W. 
Glass,  G.  W. 
Hook,  Charles 
Hughes,  C^,  D. 


Hook,  James 
Hafner,  Ferdinand 
Hinchman,  Vincent 
Tones,  Samuel 
iKern,  Hiram 
Lineback,  A.  B. 
Laird,  John  P. 
McCorkhill,  John 
Meek,  Stephen   K. 
Martin,  Matthias 
Offutt,  Charles  G. 
Porter,  Tohn 
Porter,  "Benjamin 
Porter,  William 
Pierce,  B.  H. 
Kains,  B.  T. 
Hardin,  T.  C. 
Sleeth,  ^L  \. 
Skinner,  Alfred 
Swopc,  H.   A. 
Short,  Huuh 
Samuels,  Thomas 
Thomas,  Ezekiel 
Wills,  A.  D. 
West,  David  W. 
Williams,  [.  M. 
White,  William  H. 
Walker,  John  W.,  Set 
AValler,  Isaac 
Wellington,  Thomas. 


KILLED  AND  WOUNDED. 

William  E.  Hart,  son  of  A.  T.  Hart,  died  of  wounds  at 
Lawrenceburg.  Ferdinand  Hafner  and  John  Porter  were 
killed  in  action.  David  S.  Gooding  and  Benjamin  T. 
Raines  were  wounded  in  action. 


PATRIOTISM  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTV. 


529 


Regiment  106,  Company  D,  mustered  in  July  10,  1863, 
and  mustei'ed  out  July  17,  1863  : 


Caplain. 
Thomas  C.  Tuttle. 

First  Lieutenant. 
Conrad  H.  Shell  house. 

Second  Lieutenant. 
(j.  W.  Stineback. 
First  Sergeant. 

Boyce,  James  G. 

Sergeants. 

Kice,  James  T. 
Moore,  William  M. 
Tattman,  F.  M. 
Toon,  John  M. 

Corporals. 

Cjates,  Henry. 
Toon,  Eb.  L. 
True,  David  X. 
Kirkhoft,  C.  H. 


Privates. 

I?urk,  Samuel. 
IJailv,  George, 
IJelor,  I..  D; 
Helor,  T.  J. 
Conner,  Moses. 
Carr,  (i.  W. 
Davis,  M.  P. 
Dornian,  John. 
Eaton,  W.  T. 
Eaton,  Uluford. 
Eaton,  Eeland  M. 
Eaton,  Thomas  S. 
Eaton,  Charles  W. 
Eaton,  Lewis. 
Eaton,  Charles. 
Eaton,  John  \V. 
Everson.  Joseph. 
Ely,  J.  M. 
Enufland,  John. 
Elliott,  John. 
Fowler,  Benjamin. 
Fowler,  A.  C. 
Furry,  Francis. 
Gray,  John  H. 
Gray,  George  W. 
Gray,  David. 
(Jibson,  W.  T. 
Gundrum,  John. 
Harris,  G.  W. 
Harris,  William. 


Hohbs,  Thomas  J. 
Hawk,  Adam. 
Hudson,  Edward. 
Higgenbotham,  T.  W. 
linson.John. 


^ 


..ingery,  John. 
Kitclien,  \Villiani. 
Manchee,  John. 
McRoberts,  H.  M.      . 
McXamee,  G.  F. 
McGaughey,  Andrew. 
Murphy,  l^ewis  B. 
Nichols,  Stewart. 
Kice,  Perry  E. 
Itichardson,  H.  W. 
Jlichardson,  E.  H. 
Russell,  John. 
Stewart,  |olin. 
Swift,  Oliver  P. 
Shellhouse,  C.  W. 
Schreiber,  II.  A. 
Stirk,  Pressley  H. 
Stutsman,  Andrew. 
Stutsman,  H.  C. 
Sutherland,  Ashley. 
Tuttle,  Oliver  H. 
Tliompson,  Andrew. 
Ulrey,  leflcrson. 
^'est,  Roland. 
AVard,  H.     B. 
Wright,  Oeorge. 


A  PARTIAL  LIST  OF  OUR  PATRONS. 


BLUE-RIVER  TOWNSHIP 


Allen,  Thompson,  gardener.       Hill,  Samuel  B.,  farmer. 
Anderson,  James,  farmer.  Hunt,  John,  farmer. 

Andrews,  Jos.  O.,  physician.      Hendren,  Jerry,  farmer. 
Binford,  Jos.  O.,  f 'mr  &minis'r.  Johns,  Robison,  farmer. 


Binford,  Penn,  farmer. 
Brooks,  William,  farmer. 
Brown,  John,  farmer. 
Binford,  Nathan,   farmer. 
Binford,  Wm.  L.,  farmer. 
Butler,  Joseph,  farmer. 
Beeson,  John,  farmer. 
Bentley,  J.  H.,  farmer. 
Binford,  J.  L.,  merchant. 


Johns,  George,  farmer. 
Jessup,  Lewis  C,  farmei^. 
Jessup,  Levi,  farmer. 
Kyzer,  John,  farmer. 
Kyzer,  Michael,  farmer. 
Luse,  W.  S.,  f 'mr,  &  tile  mTr. 
Moore,  William,  fr.rmer. 
McCarty,  John,  farmer. 
Newby,  Nathan,  farmer. 


Beeson,  A.  C,  Ed.  &ex-R'c\lr.  Rule,  L.  J.,  f 'mr  &  lumber  dTr. 


Coffin.  J.  F.,  farmer. 
Cook,  John,  farmer. 
Caldwell,  J.  M.,  farmer. 
Coffield,  Barnabas,  farmer. 
Cook,  Eli  H.,  farmer. 
Coffin,  Elihu,  Sr.,  farmer. 
Coffin,  N.  D..  farmer. 


Sample,  C.  G.,  farmer. 
Stanley,  J.  H.,  farmer. 
Tyner,  Alonzo,  farmer. 
Tyner,  Elijah,  farmer. 
Tyner,  Frank,  farmer. 
Tyner,  Elbert,  farmer. 
Tyner,  J.  M.,  Tr.  SiR.K  Ag't. 


Dennis,  A.,  farmer  and  Conir.    Tyner,  William  H.,  farmer. 


Gates.  Dayton  H.,  farmer. 
Hill,  Thomas  E.,  Trustee. 
Hackleman,  Lemuel,  farmer. 
Hatfield,  G.  W.,  farmer. 


Warrum,  R.,  teacher  &.  farmer, 
Wolf,  J.  G.,  miller  &.  farmer. 
Wolf,  Jesse,  farmer. 
White,  Aaron,  farmer. 


BRANDY  WINE  TO  WN.S  II  IP 


Andis,  J.  R.,  farmer.  Boring,  Lewis,   merchant. 

l-Jentley,  T.  E.,  f'mr  &  Com'r.     Boyce,  James  G.,  grain-dealer. 
Hanks,  J.  P.,  farmer.  Brown,  A.  T.,  farmer. 


OUR  PATRONS.  531 

Comstock,  J.  W.,  farmer.  Porter,  W.  H.,  butcher. 

CoUycr,  Wellington,  farmer.  Pope,  Coleman,  f'mr  &  Trustee. 

Duncan,  Henry,  farmer.  Pope,  I.  N.,  farmer. 

Gates,  Henry,  farmer.  Roberts,  John,  farmer. 

Larabee,  T.  W.,  Justice.  Rhue,  Hiram,  farmer. 

Larimore,  J.  W.,  physician.  Service,  J.  G.,  ex-Tr.  &  f'mr. 

Lucas,  John,  miller.     .  Smith,  R.  A.,  Superintend'nt. 

Low,  Uriah,  ex-Justice  &  f'mr.  Thomas,  Wm.,  ex-Sh'f  &  f'mr. 

Muth,  Geo.,  minister  &  f'mr.  Thomas,  John  S.,  farmer. 

Melbourn,  W.  A.,  farmer.  Wilson,  B.  F.,  Justice  &  f'mr. 

McDougal,  D.,  Tr.  &  f'mr.  Wilson,  John  W.,  farmer. 

Potts,  Alfred,  farmer.  Wilson,  W.  F.,  farmer. 

Porter,  J.  W.,  farmer.  Watts,  W.  H.,  farmer. 
Porter,  F.  M.,  farmer. 

BROWN  TOWNSHIP, 

Armstrong,  T.  H.,  farmer.  Holiday,  Amaziah,  farmer. 

I^ridges,  John,  farmer.  Hatfield,  W.  E.,  farmer. 

Bridges,  Alonzo,  farmer.  Ha3'es,  J.  B.,  farmer. 

Bussel,  W.  P.,  farmer,  Hayes,  R.  R.,  farmer. 

Brewer,  W.  W.,  farmer.  Hayes,  Stockley,   farmer. 

Boyer,  William,  farmer.  Jones,  J.  C,  miller. 

Blakely,  Mary,  farmer.  Johnson,  Mary,  farmer. 

Cook,  John  F.,  farmer.  Johnson,  A.  H.,  farmer. 

Cook,  L.  J.,  harness-maker.  Julian,  Emsley,  farmer. 

Collier,  M.,  teacher  &  farmer.  Johns,  Mathew,  blacksmith. 

Caldwell, W.  G., ex-Sh'f  &  f'mr.  Kenyon,  William,  blacksmitli. 

Combs,  John,  farmer.  Kenyon,  Henry,  blacksmith. 

Cook,  Lorenzo  D.,  farmer.  Kennedy,  J.  C,  farmer. 

Collins,  J.  W.,  farmer.  McDaniel,  J.  A.,  fjirmer. 

Collins,  Robert  J.,  farmer.  McCarty,  J.  M.,  farmer. 

Collins,  Samuel  C,  farmer.  Miller,  John,  shoemaker. 

Eakins,  J.  A.,  farmer.  Marsh,  J.  F.,  farmer. 

Forts,  Moses  C.,  farmer.  Martindale,  J.  N.,  farmer. 

Fowler,  G.  T.  C,  painter.  Morris,  Alonzo,  farmer. 

Foust,  Jacob,  farmer.  Marsh,  Henry,  farmer. 
Garrett,  Jos.,  Justice  &  f'mr.       McCray,  Phineas,  farmer, 

(jarrett,  Henry  C,  merchant.  Newkirk,  Jas.  D.,  farmer. 
(Jraham,  M.  F.,  farmer.  Nibarger,  John,  farmer. 

Harlan,  J.  P.,  Ass'r  &.  f'mr.         Power,  W.  H.,  miller. 
ILmna,  R.  D.,  physician.  Reeves,  B.  F.,  Justice  and  f'mr. 


532 


HISTORY    OF    HANCOCK:    COUXTV 


Reeves,  Jane,  farmer. 
Sunimerville,  W.,  farmer. 
Sparks,  William,  farmer. 
Trees,  William,  physician. 
Tharp  &  Bro.,  merchants. 
Thomas,  J.  M.,  farmer. 


Thomas,  A.  B.,  merchant. 
Thomas,  W.  J.,  farmer. 
Vandyke,  John,  blacksmith. 
White,  John  W.,  farmer. 
Whistler,  Morgan,  blacksmith. 
Vandvne,  Isaac,  farmer. 


BUCK-CREEK  TOWNSHIP. 


Apple,  J.  H.,  farmer. 
Apple,  Mahlon,  Ass'r  &  fmr. 
Boyd,  D.  D.,  farmer. 
Burris,  Thomas,  farmer. 
Bates,  M.,  farmer  and  teach'r. 
Collins,  James  E.,  fiirmer. 
Collins,  William,  farmer. 
Crump,  C.  F.,  farmer. 
Dance,  Mary  L.,  teacher. 
Duncan,  John  T.,  farmer. 
Dunn,  William  A.,  farmer. 
Eastes,  J.  C,  Trustee  &  fmr. 
Eastes,  O.  M.,  farmer. 
Eastes,  W.  W.,  farmer. 
Fink,  Andrew,  farmer. 
Fish,  Abitha,  farmer. 
Grist,  George,  blacksmith. 
Grist,  Aquilla,  farmer. 
Harvey,  O.  O.,  ex-Tr.  &  fmr 
Hendricks,  G.  W.,  farmer. 
Hoss,  J.  S.,  farmer. 
Hamilton,  Cicero,  farmer. 
Herr,  Kasper,  farmer. 
Harvey,  Milton,  farmer. 


List,  George,  fiirmer. 
McConnell,  Wm.,  J.  P.  &  fmr. 
Murphy,  James  H.,  farmer. 
Mints,  Morton,  farm.er. 
Mints,  N.  W.  S.,  teach'r  &  f  mr 
Mints,  T.  H.,  teacher  &  fmr. 
Parker,  Allen,  farmer. 
Parker,  George  W,  farmer. 
Rose,  Edward  D.,  J.  P.,  &  fmr. 
Roney,  Benj.  A.,  farmer. 
Snyder,  Rebecca  D.,  farmer. 
Steele,  James,  farmer. 
Steele,  Frank,  farmer. 
Shelby,  J.  W.,  ex-Sh'f  &  fmr. 
Sanford,  F.  M.,  farmer. 
Scotton,  W.  W.,  farmer. 
Stoner,  E,  E.,  teacher. 
Snyder,  M.  O.,  farmer. 
Scotton,  Ebinezer,  farmer. 
Smith,  William,  farmer. 
Steele,  Ebenezer,  farmer. 
Thomas,  E.,  fmr  &  ex-Com'r. 
Wright,  Jos.,  fmr  &  ex-J.  P. 
Welling,  Hamilton,  farmer. 


CENTER  TOWNSHIP. 

Adams,  M.  M.,  physician.  Bussel,  H.  P.,  farmer. 

Alexander,  J.  C,  miller.  Bussel,  William,  farmer. 

Alford,  Logan,  farmer.  13radley,  William,  farmer. 

Bradley,  Nelson,  banker.  Bohm,  John,  baker. 
Brown,  R.  P.,  auct'neer  &  fmr.  Chandler,  M.,  b'k'r  &  Rep've. 

Burdett,  W.  C,  merchant.  Crawford,  F.  H.,  druggist. 

Boots,  S.  S.,  physician.  Carter,  Sarah  J.,  milliner. 


OUR  PATRONS.  533 

Currv,   Isaiah  A.,  Tieas.  &  f  niiiMarsh,  J.  L..  physician. 
Cooper,  R.  D.,  Tr.  and  f'mr.  Marsh,  Ephraini,  Clerk  of  C"t. 
Corcoran  &  Wilson,  und'kers.  New,  James  A.,  attorney. 
Cooper,  Lewis,  farmer.  Oftutt,  Charles  G.,  attorney- 
Curtis,  G.  W.,  lumber-dealer.  Ogg,  A.  L.,  Atty.  antl  farmer. 
Dove,  G.  W.,  shoemaker.  Pope,  Aaron,  Superintendent. 
Dickerson,  S.  T.,  trader  &  f'mr.  Pratt,  Joshua  J.,  farmer. 
Elsbury,  Jackson,  farmer.  Potts,  Wm.,  f'mr  &  ex-Trustee. 
Ellis,  Charlotte  A.,  farmer.  Reeves,  A.  T.,  farmer. 
Fries,  W.  S.,  Surv'r  and  eng'r.  Rhue,  A.  N.,  teacher  &  Ass'r. 
Forgy,  Marion,  farmer.  Steele,  Marion,  f'mr  &  ex-Atty. 
Finnell,  V.  H.,  teacher.  Sears,  William,  farmer, 
(iant,  W.  S.,  grocer.  Sager,  William,  farmer. 
Gant,  T.  A.,  grocer.  Sebastian,  W.  O.,  farmer, 
(irose,  E.  B.  druggist.  Smith,  Abner,  farmer. 
Gooding,  D.  S.,  atty.,  ex-S.  &  J.  Slifer,  Jacob,  farmer. 
Goble,  D.  H.,  implem't  dealer.  Sparks,  W.  J.,  Mayor. 
Glasscock,  W.  H.,  teacher.  Scott,  W.  G.,  miller. 
Hart,  A.  T.,  merc'nt  since  '33.  Selman,  J.  W.,  physician. 
Howard,  N.  P.,  Sr.,  physician.  Svvope,  Mary  Mrs.,  farmer. 
Ilenb}',  J.  K.,  fruit-tree  dealer.  Thayer,  H.  B.,  merchant. 
Hughes,  J.  A.,  banker.  Tague,  George,  physician. 
Hinchman,  J.  M.,  grocer.  Walker.  J.  Ward,  merchant. 
Hall,  J.  A.,  physician.  Williams,  H.J. ,  furniture  dealer. 
Hamilton,  M.  W.,  R.  R.  Ag't.  Wright,  Henry,  Auditor. 
Hauck,  Geo.  F.,  grocer.  Wright,  W.  M.,  Dep.  Auditor. 
Hawk,  Adam,  farmer.  Willet,  ]M.  T.,  farmer. 
Hackleman,  A.,  farmer.  Waldsmith,  Henry,  farmer. 
Judkins,  E.   I.,  physician.  Wiggins,  C.  A.,  farmer. 
Judkins,  Leander,  farmer.  Wilson,  J.  T.,  farmer. 
Morgan,  J.  M.,  carriage  dealer.  White,  J.  H.,  f'mr  and  ex-Rep. 
Mason,  J.  L.,  Att\'.  and  ex-Sen.  Walker,  M.  S.,  shoemaker. 
McBane,  W.  F.,  attorney.  Wright,  E.  M.,  farmer. 
Marsh,  M..  attorney. 

GREEN    TOWNSIIU'. 

Alford,  Samuel,  farmer.  Barrett,  T.  T.,  farmer. 

-Vlfor:',  D.  H..  farmer.  Barrett,  B.  L.,  farmer. 

Barrett,  A.  H.,  ex-merchant.  Collins,  Wm.,  J.  P..  and  Tres. 

Baity,  D.  H.,  farmer.  Curtis,  Henry,  blacksmith. 

Bclor,  W.  IL,  farmer.  Frank,  G.  P.,  farmer. 


534 


HISTORY    OF    HANCOCK    COUNTY 


Fencll,  Marion,  fannLM". 
Frank,  M.  L.,  farmer. 
Henry,  J.  T.,  farmer. 
Hiday,  A.  C,  farmer. 
Jackson,  S.  D.,  farmer. 
Jackson,  F.  P.,  farmer. 
Justice,  W.  A.,  physician. 
Keller,  J.  jSI.,  farmer. 
Keller,  E.  E.,  farmer. 
Keller,  L.  A.,  farmer. 
Loomis,  Benjamin,  farmer. 
Lawrence,  C.P.,  carriage-ni'kr. 
McKirisey,  W.  L.,  f 'mr  &  Tr. 
Moore,  Sidney,  f 'mr  &  Tr. 
Moore,  B.  F.,  saw  mill  prop. 
McClarnon,  Thos.,  farmer. 
Mingrle,  Georsfe,  farmer. 
Mingle,  M.  A.,  farmer. 
Moore,  Sarah,  farmer. 
McCarty,  J.  P.,  farmer. 

JACKSON 

Addison,  J.,  f'mr  and  ex-Rep. 
Braddock,  J.  R.,  farmer. 
Braddock,  Noah,  farmer. 
Beaver,  H.  P.,  farmer. 
Barrett,  John  S.,  farmer. 
Craft,  J.  A.,  ex-mer'nt  &  f'mr. 
Clift,  B.  B.,  farmer. 
Clark,  Berdinc,  farmer. 
Derry,  Joel,  farmer. 
Earl,  Elisha,  Min.  and  f  "mr. 
Forts,  C.  H.,  farmer. 
Hammer,  A.  W.,  blacksmith. 
Higgins,  M.  R.,  farmer. 
Heim,  Charles,  farmer. 
Hess,  H.  H.,  physician. 
Huston,  W.  H.,  blacksmith. 
Jackson,  G.  H.,  farmer. 
Keck,  William,  farmer. 
I^cwis.  W.  ]M.,  f'mr  &  teacher. 


Mc\"ey,  Jame?,  farmer. 
Olvey,   Levi,  farmer. 
O'Harra,  Daniel,  farmer. 
Rolierts,  Lcander,  f'mr  cS:  tr'dr. 
Ryan,  J.  S.,  f.irmer. 
Souders,  J.  F.,  farmer. 
Smith,  J.,  fmr  and  ex-Com. 
Troy,  C.  H.,  merchant. 
Troy,  S.  A.,  physician. 
Trueblood,  J.^und'tkr  &■  ] .  P. 
Thomas,  I.  E.,  farmer. 
VanCamp,  S.  E.,  merchant. 
Wilson,  Archibald,  farmer. 
Wilson,  H.  B.,  farmer. 
Walker,  Miles,  niinister  cS:  f  mr. 
Walker,  J.  M.,  farmer. 
Walker,  M.  B.,  dr'g'st  &  fmr. 
Webb,  James  F.,  farmer. 
Webb,  J.  T.,  farmer. 
Warrum,  Wm.,  f 'mr  &  Ass'r. 

TOWNSHIP, 

Lewis,  J.  S.,  f'mr  and  e.K-Com. 
Loudenback,  D.  R.,  farmer. 
Loudenback,  Henry,  farmer. 
Loudenback,  Joseph,  farmer. 
Landis,  G.  W.,  ex-Justice. 
Landis,  J.  H.,  Eng.  &  ex-Sur. 
Long,  J.  H..  farmer. 
McKowan,  J.  H.,  f'mr  &  ex-Tr. 
McClarnon,  J.  F.,  f'mr  &  Tr. 
Mitchell,  J.  L.,  fmr  &  teacher. 
McKinley,  Robert,  farmer. 
Moore,  John  W.,  farmer. 
McConias,  H.  E.,  farmer. 
McClarnon,  Robert  S.,  farmer. 
Osborn,  L.  T.,  farmer. 
Roland,  J.  R.,  druggist. 
Smith,  Richard,  farmer. 
Sample,  A.  V.B.,  f'mr  &  teacher. 
Scott,  J.  H..  carpenter. 


OUR  PATRONS. 


535 


Scott,  E.  H.,  farmer. 
Scott,  E.  P.,  Fmr  &  ex-Coiii. 
Sipes,  Z.  H.,  farmer. 
Steele,  Ila,  farmer. 
Simmons,  Wm.,  farmer. 
Simmons,  Noah,  farmer. 
vSmith,  Anthony,  farmer. 
Thomas,  L.  B.,  farmer. 


Walker,  Meridith,  farmer. 
Warrum,  N.,  f 'mr  tK:  ex-Rep. 
Walker  &  Conklin,  merchants. 
Wright,  J.  E.,   physician. 
Wales,  S.  M.,  farmer. 
Wales,  J.  M.,  farmer. 
Wales,  Henry,  farmer. 
Williams,  S.  P.,  farmer. 


Thomas,  J.  E.  &  Bro.,  merc'nt.  Williams,  Wesley,  farmer. 


Thomas,  Philander,  farmer. 
Thomas,  David,  farmer. 
Thomas,  W.  M.,  farmer. 
Thomas,  M.  C,  farmer. 
Thomas,  James,  farmer. 
Thompson,  John,  farmer. 


Williams,  W.  B.,  farmer. 
Williams,  Thomas,  farmer 
Wayts,  Amos,  farmer. 
White,  W.  P.,  farmer. 
Williams,  W.  R.,  farmer. 


SUGAR-CREEK  TOWNSHIP. 


Armstrong,  J.  P.,  plasterer. 
Ashcraft,  John,  farmer. 
Atherton,  C.  H.,  merchant. 
Barnard,  W.  C,  f'mi'  &.  Tr. 
Brown,  J.  11.,  farmer, 
nittner,  John,  shoemaker. 
Brandenhurg,  H.  D.,  trader. 
Brandenburg,  James,  farmer. 
Biissel,  L.  M.,  farmer. 
Hrier,  W.  F.,  farmer. 
Black,  Rufus,  f 'mr  &  miller. 
Brier,  C.  H.,  farmer. 
Coyner,  J.  V.,  engineer. 
Caraway,  Samuel,  farmer. 
Dye,  John  E.,  f 'mr  &  Com. 
Eaton,  W.  T.,  merchant. 


Foglesong,  L.  S.,  tavern  P'r. 
Gundrum,  C,  farmer. 
Hogle,  A.  P.,  miller. 
Harvey,  F.  M..  farmer. 
Hawk,  J.  C.',  farmer. 
Hawk,  D.  F.,  teacher. 
Hudson,  Benjamin,  farmer. 
Kirkhoft',  Anton,  farmer. 
Knopp,  Christ,  farmer. 
King,  W^.  R.,  physician. 
Kuntz,  J.  G.,  farmer. 
Leachman,  W.,  farmer. 
Leonard,  J.  A.,  farmer. 
Lantz,  John,  farmer. 
Murnan,  George,  farmer. 
McNamee,  Benj.,  farmer. 


Espey,  Paul  &  Espey,  phy'ns.    Meek,  R.  M.,  merchant. 
Freemen,  B.  F.,  f 'mr  &  tr'dr.      Morris  M.  T.,  farmer. 
Font,  E.,  cariage'mkr  &  Treas.  Moore,  W.  H.,  farmer. 
Fowler,  Benjamin,  farmer.  Nichols,  Wm.,  min.  &  f  "mr. 

Fritts,  Joseph,  farmer.  Richman,  A.  F.  G.,  hrickm'ldr. 

Fout,  E.  W.,  farmer.  Richman,  Lewis,  farmer. 

Foley,  M.  C,  farmer  tSc  ex- Ex'r.  Sheltmeier,  Anton,  farmer. 
Fink,  Henry,  farmer.  .Stunph,  H.  B.,  farmer. 


536 


HISTORY  OF  HANCOCK  COUNTY 


Smith,  A.  (J.,  blacksmith. 
Snodgrass,  V.  R.,  farmer. 
vStout,  Eh,  painter. 
Schramm,  A.,  farmer. 
Schramm,  G.,  farmer. 
Smith,  M.  ]?.,  farmer. 
Smock,  S,  E.,  farmer. 


Stutsman,  11.,  P.  saw  «S:  pFg  ni's 
ShcUmeier,  O.  F.,  farmer. 
Vansicklc,  J.  C,  merchant. 
Weber,  Henry,  farmer. 
Wilkins,  Harrison,  farmer. 
Waltke,  F.  H.,  boot  &  sho'mkr 
Wood,  W.  A.,  teacher  «t  Ass'r 


VERNON  TOWNSHIP 


Alfrey,  Edward,  farmer. 
Arnett,  Samuel,  f'mr  and  Tr. 
Bills,  Josephus.   merchant. 
Hills,  W.  S..  f'mr  and  ex-mer. 
J^ills,  Aired,  farmer. 
Brewster,  F.  W.,  druggist. 
Brooks,  Samuel,  f 'mr  &  poet. 
Brown,  David,  merchant. 
Caudell,  David,  min.  i^  f'mr. 
Crist,  G.  P.,  baker. 
Caldwell,  Harvey,  merchant. 
Caldwell,  William,  farmer. 
Crossley,  Henry,  farmer. 
Cushman,  Isaac,  farmer. 
Cook,  W.  N.,  farmer. 
Cook,  J.  P.,  farmer. 
Cook,  J.  M.,  farmer. 
Chappell,  L.  W.,  f  mr  &  ex-J.P. 
Chappell,  A.  R.,  Assessor. 
Davidson,  H.  S.,  farmer. 
Dunham,  Franklin,  farmer. 
Dcnney,  Alfred,  farmer. 
Eakes,  J.  R.,  farmer. 
Elder,  W.  C,  farmer. 
Fisher,  E.J. ,  saloonist. 
Fred,  Israel,  merchant. 
Givin,  Elizabeth,  farmer. 
Hagan,  A.,  trader  &  cx-Treas. 
Hardin,  C.  V.,  blacksmith. 
Harvey,  T,  P.,  physician. 
Helms,  W.  F,,  farmer. 
Hasting,  O.  P..  Justice. 


Jackson,  G.  H.,  f'mr  &  ex-mer. 
Jackson,  U.  S.,  ex-Tr.  Sz  mer, 
Jones,  J.  M.,  physician. 
Jones,  S.  S.,  farmer. 
Lykins,  P.,  farmer. 
McCord,  E.,  f'mr  <S:  ex-Com. 
McCord,J.  W.,  farmer. 
McCord,  E.  H.,  Justice. 
McCord,  A.,  farmer 
McCord,  Jacob,  farmer. 
McCord,  Smith,  f'mr  Si  ex-Rep. 
Morrison,  W.,  f'mr  <!v:  trader. 
Mcrrell,  J.  S.,  farmer. 
Rash,  W.  R.,  farmer. 
Rash,  J.  K.,  farmer. 
Rash,  John  F.,  farmer. 
Ryan,  Joseph,  farmer. 
Stewart,  J.  G.,  physician. 
Shafer,  W.,  farmer. 
Small,  John,  blacksmith. 
Shultz,  James,  farmer. 
Simmons,  T.  S.,  harnessmaker. 
Shafer,  Andrew,  farmer. 
Thomas,  Levi,  t  'mr  A:  ex-Trcas. 
Thomas,  A.  H.,  druggist. 
Thomas,  J.  H.,  farmer. 
Tiiompson,  W.  E.,  merchant. 
Thompson,  Rose,  teacher. 
Wright,  J.  M.,  blacksmith. 
Wynn,  Joseph,  farmer. 
Wilson,  Robert  G.,  farmer. 


ADVERTISEMENTS. 


LONG  BRANCH 

DRY  GOODS  STORE 

South  State  Street,  Opposite  Court  House, 

GREENFIELD,  IND. 


o 

y  S 

'f-  y> 

o  bi 
(^  ^ 

CD  t^ 

^§ 

'-;  '/- 
-/-  ^ 

x  p 


A  FULL  LINE  OF 

CARPETS  AHD  MILLIHERY  GOODS. 

EVERYTHING  SOLD  AX 

ROCK-BOTTOM  PRICES. 

I.EE  C.  XHAYER, 

PROPRIETOR. 

35 


al)Vp:rtisemexts. 

O.  F.  MEEK.  Established  in  1864.  R.  M.  MEEK. 

MEEK  &  BROTHER, 

DEALERS  IN 

Drv  Goods,  Groceries! 

Hardisrare  and  Cutlery, 

Also  keep  constantly  on  hand  a  large  assortment  of 

Reailv-Maile  Clotliinp;,  Hats  and  Caps,  Boots  and  Shoes ! 

In  fact,  everv  variety  of  articl>;s  generally  kept  in  a  well  regulated  store.  We  will 
not  be  undersold  hy  any  house  in  the  county.  Give  us  a  call  Before  purchasing  else- 
where.    Country  produce  taken  in  exchan<re  for  goods. 

Mammoth  Shoe  Store! 

South-East  Corner  Main  and  Staats  Sts., 

FORTMLLE,  -    INDIANA. 


)MIM  SM^LCa 


The  proprietor,  keeps  constantly  on  hand  all  kinds  of  men's  boys"  and  youths' boots  and 
shoes.  Also,  women's,  misses'  and  chifdi'en's  fine  and  coarse  shoes.  Rubber  boots  and 
over-shoes,  a  full  stock,  and  everything  else  usually  kept  in 

A  FIRST-CLASS  SHOE  STORE! 

Also,  making  .and  mending  done  to  order.    Everything  sold  at  the  lowest  cash  price. 
Give  me  a  call  and  be  convinced. 

X.  B.     General  line  of  notions  kept  on  Iiand. 

JOHN  SMAIL, 
Fortville,  Ind. 


ADVERT I SEMENTS . 


WILLIAM  MITCHELL'S 


-^^^^ 


•STEAM 


BOOK  AND  JOB 

PHINTINO  HOUSE 

No.  25  SOUTH  STATE  ST., 

GREENFIELD,      -     INDL4NA. 


PUBLISHER  OF  THE  "OLD  RELIABLE," 

THE  HANCOCK  DEMOCRAT, 


A  SPLENDID  LINE  OF 

FINE  STATIONERY 

ALWAYS  KEPT  IN  STOCK. 

This  History  is  a  sample  of  the  Printing  etccuted  at  this  Establishment 


ADVERTISEMENTS . 


THE  GUYMON  HOUSE, 

GREENFIELD,  INDIANA. 
THE  BOSS  AND  ONLY  HOTEL  IN  THE  CITY, 

FURNISHES 

SQAREMEALSiCLEANBEDS 

AT  REASONABLE  RATES. 

Farmers   and  others  when  in  the  city  are  cordially 
invited  to  give  us  a  call. 

A  good  Livery  Stable  conveniently  connected. 

JACKSON  W^ILLS, 

PROPRIETOR. 

21ENJ.  X.  RAINS, 

MANUFACTURER  OF  RIFLES! 

REPAIRING  DONE  ON 

RIFLES,  SHOT  GUNS,  PISTOLS  I  REVOLVERS- 

ALL  WORK  WARRANTED. 

COK.  OF  NORTH  AND  SWOPE  STS., 

GREENFIELD,    -     -     -    INDIANA. 
E.    SKIIsTNER, 

"J.".^^  .L  JL-i  C»/  ,JrC  - 

MAKIHG,  CLEAHIHG I REPAIRIHG 

ON   SHORT  NOTICE  AT   REASONABLE  PRICES. 

SHOP  ON  NORTH  ST.,  THIRD  DOCR  WEST  OF  CATHOLIC  CHURCH, 

GREENFIELD,  INDIANA. 


AUVKRTISEMENTS. 


1855.  T.    O.  1832. 

john  a.  hughes, 

Real  Estate  and  Loan  Agent, 

Loans  Money,  Buys  and  Sells  Real  Estate,  Receives  Deposits,  Issues  Drafts,  Buys  and  Sells  U. 

S.  Gouernment  Bonds,  Does  a  General  Banking  ani  Real  Estate  Business. 

Collections  and  Mortgage  Loans  a  Specialty. 

Office  in  liis  own  ]^nilding-,  No.  7  S.  Penn.  St., 
OHEENFIELD,    INDIANA. 

SEWING  MACHINE  SUPPLIES:         « 

|Needle8,0ils,  AttaGhmentsfFindings  for  all  Machines.  | 

I  LOUIS  YOUNG,  AGENT  | 

-'  FOU  5*. 

!TpEI\[EW[l0ME^EWll3iyiA(]HlE.| 

Barber  Shop,  West  Eoom,  Guymon  House.       " 

JAMES  V^.  WILSON,  J.  P. 

SPECIAL  ATTENTION  GIVEN  TO  THE 

C0LLECTI0No?GLMM8,FiRE  INSURANCE 

AND  AGENT  FOR 

WALTER  A.  WOOD'S  WUiE  BIfJBER, 

OFKUK  (IVKlt  CKII.   K.   IIAKK'SSrVK  (JKIH  KHY, 

aHKENFIELD,    INDIANA, 

ISRAEL  P.  POULSON.  WILLIAM  F.  McBANE. 

POULSOX  &  McBANE, 
ATTORN HYS  |  COUNSELORS  AT  LAW, 

GREENFIELD,  INDIANA. 


ADVERTISEMENTS. 


EUGENE  W.  WOOD, 


DEALER  IN 


Coal,  Wood,  Lime,  Laths,  Hair,  Sliiiitfles, 

Sewer  Pipes  and  Fire-Clay  Chimney  Pipes, 

YARD  NEAR  GREENFIELD  FLOURING  MILLS, 

GEORGE  F.  HAMMEL, 

■^^^P^  "^"j^ii  ^"5^    ^»^™r  ^^^iT  ^^StW^I^    >^^[    tm 

GREENFIELD,      -      -     -     INDIANA. 

Prescriptions  Carefully  Compounded. 

NONE  BUT  PURE  DRU(rS  USED. 

Family  Receipts  a  Specialty. 

NEW  SUNBEAM  GALLERY! 

IN  RAN  DALE'S  13JX)('K, 

GREENFIELD,    -    -    INDIANA. 

New  Room,  New  Liglit,  New  Scenery,  ;in(l  New  Outfit! 

Kijfhtcen  yeiirs  experience  guarantees  perfect  s-iitisfaction.     Pictures  copied  anJ  en- 
larged lo  any  size.     Call  in  and  see  nie  before  you  send  your  pictures  ofl'. 

W.  T.  WEBB,   Proprietor, 


ADVERTISEMENTS. 


E.  H.  FAUT  &  BRO., 

Wagon  I  Carriage  Makers, 

If  Eir  Fm^ESTIM m,  IMP, 

General  Blacksiiiitliiiig  and  Repairiii,i5 ! 

KEEP  ON  HAND  A  GENERAL  ASSORTMENT  OF 

AGRICULTURAL  IMPLEMEHTS. 

Thankful  for  past  patronage,  we  ask  for  a  continuance  of  the  same. 
All  work  warranted  to  give  satisfaction. 

North  Main  Street,  New  Palestine,  Indiana. 
BREWSTER  &    THOMAS, 

O.  K.  DRUa  STORE, 

North-East  Corner  Main  and  Railroad  Sts., 

DEALERS  IX 

PURE  DRUGS  AND  CHEMICALS! 

Paints,  Oils,  Varnishes,  Fancy  and  Toilet  Articles,  Perfumery,  Stationery. 

A  IT'LL  LINE  OF 

PATENT   MEDICINES 

RISWKYS    DN   HiiNn, 

Prsscrir'ticns  Carsfullv  Comi:ounied ! 

A  Liberal  Share  of  the  Public  Patronage  is  Solicited. 


AD\ERTISEMENTS. 


WILLIAM   KENYON 


■\7V«-n*ixxst;oia.,  Xx3.c].±£t,x3.c^^ 


I 


rr 


Ai  aiAGE  lAI 


Pill 


EVERY  VARIETY  OP'  WORK  DONE,  INCLUDING 


"Wood  "Work  f  Painting! 

Repairing  in  all  its  Various  Ways, 

Horse-Shoeing  in  the  Most  Approved  Style. 

Having  recentlv  added  to  my  shop  all  the  new  and  improved  tools,  I  am  now  pre- 
pared to  do  all  kinds  of  Work  in  my  line.  Thankful  for  pa's!  favors.  I  hope  by  strict  at- 
tention to  business  to  merit  a  liberal  share  of  patriinaye.  Shop  near  the  United  Brethren 
Church,  Warrington,  Indiana.     Kstablislied  in  ijios. 

J.  E.  THOMAS.  A.  H.  THOMAS. 

THOMAS  BH08.. 

Cleveland,  Ind.,  Dealers  in 

BMW  GQ&B^,  QEQCEEIES, 

Hats,  Caps,  Boots  and  Shoes, 

Hardware  and  Agricultural  Implements ! 

Paints,  Oils,  Putty,  Glass,  Coal  Oil, 

Pure  Spices,  Groceries,  Patent  Medicines 

And  a  full  line  of  goods  usually  ke])t  iu  a  general  store.     Our  stock  of 

Notions,  Ladies'  Sress  Eoods,  Prints,  Cassimsres,  Etc.,  is  Complete, 

AND  WILL  3E  SOLD  VERY  LOW. 


ADVERTISEMENTS . 


PUENITUEE! 


.A.T 


)  n 


a 


^ 


CI 


s 


GRXSENFIEIjD,  intd. 


u 


fle 


I 


AND  WE  ARE  PKEl'AHED  TO 


EMBALM  i  PRESERVE 


'I'lie   dead    for   anv    leisonablc   Iciiijth  of  tiinc.  accorJin<f  to  the   most  modfrii.  scieiilihc 
and  approved  mctliods.     Come  and  see  us.     Our  motto:     "l-air  dealiui^." 


ADVERTISEMENTS. 
ESTABLISHED   IN  185J 


MAMMOTH 

PI  nTiiniP  uniinn 


DRY  GOODS  AND 


unjiiiiiiu  iiuuul: 


OF 


J.  WARD  WALKER  &  CO. 

WE  KEEP  ON  IIA^^I)  A  AVELL 


OF 


FIRST-CLASS  GOODS! 

WILL  NOT  BE  UNDERSOLD. 

.WARDWALKER&CO. 

Randall's  Block,  Ho.  22  Main  St, 

GREENFIELD,  INDIANA. 


ADVERTISEMENTS . 
H.W.WALKER.  H.  G.  AMICK. 

WALKER  &  AMICK. 

(Successors  to  Thos.  A.  Gant) 
GREEIVFIEI^O,    -    INDIANA. 


HAYING  PURCHASED  THE  WELL-KNOWN 

GROCERY  HOUSE 

OF  THOMAS  A.  GANT, 

AVe  would  be  pleased  to  have  all  of  the  old  patrons  and  as  many  more  new  ones  call 
and  see  us,  examine  our  stock  and  price  our  goods.     We  have  largely  increased  the  stock 

and  feel  confident  that  we  can  save  money  to  all  those  who  want 

Groceries,  Oiieensware,  Glassware,  Toliaccos,  Ciprs,  Caiiilies,  Friiils, 

And  such  other  articles  as  are  usually  found  in  a  first-class  (Jrocery  Store. 
xVJIarge  supply  of  O-A-KT^NTUZD  Gr^^C^UDS  constantly  on  hand. 
■Remember  the  place,  first  door  West  of  Masonic  Hall, 

GREENFIELD,  INDIANA. 


A.  L.  SULLIVAN.  ,E.  C.  DUNCAN. 

SULLIVAN  &  DUNCAN, 

MANUFACTURERS  OF 

Picture  Frames  ^  Fly  Screens, 


No.  31  MAIN  STREET, 

GREENFIELD,  INDIANA. 


PARTICULAR  ATTENTION   GIVEN   TO 

srcH    AS 

SAW  GUMIVIING  and  FILING  A  SPECIALTY. 

Motto:  Good  Work  and  Fair  Dealing. 


AD  VE  V  RTISE  M  KNTS . 


M..  W,  FITS, 

CONTRACTOR  ®  BUILDER 


IPC 


BRICK-WORK  AND  MASONRY, 

Furnishes  PJans,  Specifications  and  Estimates  for 
any  and  all  kinds  of  Buildings.     Agent  for 

WILLIAM   L.   PERKINS' 

MARIiLElZED  IRON  AND  SLATE  MANTELS  I  GRATES. 

Residence,  Corner  of  Walnut  and  Penn.  Sts., 

GREENFIELD,  INDIANA. 


JDHN  B,   CHAPPUIS; 

DEALER  IN 

American  and  Italian  JIarbfe,  Granite^ 

Lime,  Sand  and  all  kinds  cf  Building  Stone, 

Office,  Two  Blocks  South  of  the  Freight  Depot, 

GREENFIELD,  INDIANA. 
JOHN   IftT.  CARTER, 

Iron,  Galvanized  and  Lead  Pipes,  Rubber  Hose, 

lm.)ro/ed  Driven  Wall  Points.  VVoad,  Iron  and  Force  Pumps, 
Wind  Mills,  Etc.     Driven  Wells  made  and  repair- 
ed, and  Legal  License  furnished  with- 
out extra  charge.     Office  at 

D.  H.  Goble's  Agricultural  Rooms,  South  Pennsylvania  St., 


ADVERTISEMENTS. 


A.   T.   HART. 


H.   B.  THAYER. 


HART  &  THAYER, 


THE 


"OLD  RELIABLE! 


jy 


WE  HAVE 


Tlie  Lai^est  Li:e 


THE 


LARGEST 


ES  T 


s  lose 


ANY  HOUSE 


STATE  OF  INDIANA, 


EASTERN  INDIANA. 


We  wish  to  snv  to  the  citizens  of  Hancock  County  that  we   now   have  one   of  the  best 
stocks  of  Goods  in  store  ever  before  oftered  to  the  public,  consisting  of  every  variety  of 

CLOTHING,  BOOTS  AND  SHOES! 


AND  AN  ENDLESS  VARIETY  OF 


FANCY  NOTIONS. 

We  ask  you  to  call  and  examine  our  lar^e  stock  when  in  Greenfield. 

Thankful  for  past  patronaije.  we  respectfully  ask  a  continuance  of  the  same,  prom- 
isinij  m  the  future,  as  in  the  past,  fair  dealing  with  all. 

OPPOSITE  COURT  HOUSE, 
GREENFIELD,      -      -      INDIANA. 


AD\ERTIS]iMKNTS. 


H,  a,  GAHHIOTT, 


niCALKir  i\ 


DRY  GOODS, NOTIONS! 

BOOTS  AND  SHOES, 

Also  keens  on  li;iiul  a  general  assortment  of  articles  e.suallv  found  in  a  first-class 
house.     All  kinds  of 

Country  Produce  Taken  in  Exclian^^e 

FOR  GOODS. 

Thankful  for  past  pitronaLje,  he  hopes  bv  strict  attention  to  business  to  merit  a  sliarc 
of  public  patronai^e.     Call  and  examine  his  tjoo.ls  before  p.irchasinij  elsewhere. 

H.   C.  GARRIOTT, 

Warrington,  Ind. 


jroiniir  m.. 


lEMjSkWW^r 


DEAl-EU  IX 


IT 


GROCERIES,  NOTIONS, 

CUTLERY,  PAINTS  AND  OILS, 

Prescriptions  Carefully  Compounded ! 


CHARLOTTESVILLE,  INDIANA. 


ADVERTISEMENTS . 

ALL  FARMERS, 
MERCHANTS, 

BUSINESS  MEN, 
MECHANICS, 

WANTING  ANYTHING  IN  THE 


FRUIT  ^URNAMENTALIJEPARTMENT 


SUCH  AS 


APPLE,  PEAR,  CHERRY,  PEACH, 


plum: 


IIECIDUOIIS  AND  ORNAMENTAL  TREES, 

AVoiilcl  do  well  to  see  me  l^efore  piirclias- 
ing'  elsewhere.    I  liave  liad  an  exi^eri- 
(;nce  of  many  years  in  transplant- 
ing', cultivating  and  handling  a 
gcncn^al  nursery  stock.    All 
fruit  Avarranted  flrst- 
class  and  true  to 
name. 

I  ALSO  DEVOTE  PART  OF  MY  TIME  TO 


AUOTI0N 


SATISFACTION  GUARANTEED  BOTH  IN  WORK 
AND  PRICE. 

RESIDENCE:  W.  MAIN  ST.,  GREENFIELD,  IND. 

ROBERT  P.  BROWN. 


-\I>\"ES.TESE>CEXT^ . 


DE.4X.EUt    IX 


mU'A  BOOKS,  STATIONERY,  PAINTS  WD  OILS. 


J3*rj.-i.v..i. 


Dkx  n.^MILTOX  &  SPALDING. 
ofgree:  \a. 

LOCATED  DENTISTS. 


C()R.  OF  MAIN  AND  PENNSYLVANU  STS. 


SIGN  PiiniNGTM)  PAPER  HAXGIXG 

DOfHEE- 

JAMES  MEEK. 


1BTBP 


S^X^X^S,    I^^I^^^, 


ADVERTISEMENTS . 

"WE  STILL  LIVE." 


iri]c  t)ancocl\  Jcffcrsouiaiu 

ISSUED  EVERY  SATURDAY  MORNING 

BY 

R.  J.  STRICKLA^SD, 

GREENFIELD,   INDIA^iA. 


SUBSCRIPTION  ONE  DOLLAR  PER  YEAR. 


A  PAPER  FOR  THE  PEOPLE  IN  EVERY  RESPECT. 


SPECIAL  mmm  siven  io  mmm  mmn  mm 


HAS  A  CORRESPONDENT  AT  EVERY  POST-OFFICE  IN  THE  COUNTY. 

OFFICE  IN   CITIZENS'   BANK   BUILDING. 


JOB  PRINTING. 

WE  HAVE  EXCELLENT  FACILITIES  FOR 

JOB  pmxK'X'zira' 

AND  ARE  PREPARED  TO  PRINT  IN  THE  LATEST  STYLE  ALL  KINDS  OF 

BLANKS,  CIRCULARS,  POSTERS,  BOOKS, 

PAMPHLETS,  CARDS  AND  ENVELOPES 

AS  CME^P  AS  CAN  BE  DONE  IN  TH  Z  STATE. 
36 


.\l)\'EIiTI<E-MENTS. 


WEST  END- 

FOUNDRY 


AND 


MACHINE  SHOP, 

GREENFIELD,  INDIANA. 


Manufactures  Sllaf'tint^^ ,  Coupling's,  Pulleys.  Hangers,  Saw  Arbors,  and  all  kinds  of 

IVVSTINGS  AND  SPECIAL  MACHINERY 

Ui]>;iiririL;  steam  ergines  and  reapers  promptly  a]i  1  i  eatly  e.vernted. 


CONSTANTLY  OX  HAND,  THE  CELKBRATED 

Ashcraft  Steam  and  Water  Gaiioes! 

ALSO, 

(ins  Supifes,  Jet  Pyiii|is,  Ralii  ilal,  Cifju'r  tuid  Lead  Pijii; 

RUBBER  HOSE, 
Glim  and  Leather  Beltinfi;,  Cotton  Waste,  Iron  Sinks, 

AND  RADIATORS. 

J.  R.  ABBOTT,  Proprietor. 
77  &  79  West  Main  Street. 


ad\ertisi-:ment.s. 


'^imi 


FMlIie  K 


LL 


'riic  In-st  and  only  mills  in  the  county  with  all  the  inoJcrii   impniveinents  and  t'acilities 

liir  makina- 


THE  NXSIV  PROCESS ! 


AXD  ALL  Tin; 


BEST  GRADES  OF  FLO  UR  AND  MEAL 


The  Highest  Cash  Price  Paid  for 

G-RA.IZSr  OF  .A.LIL  IvIISTDS. 

I'lour  and  teed  constantlv  on  hand  at  reasonable  rates.    We  arc  also  proprietors  ot'the 

Masonic  Hall  Grocery ! 

Where  is  kept  eonstanlU   on  liaiul  a  lull  line  ot' 

Staple  and  Fancy  Groceries! 

CANNED  FRUITS,  TOBACCOS,  ' 


And  cvcrythinij  usnallv  kept  in    a   tirsl-class    oroeery  store.     Lull  and  see  us  before  p 
.hasinij  elsewhere,  and  oblisje 


ALEXAMIEK,  NEW  .Sc  lillDlS,  Pr(i|iriet(irs. 


ADVERTISEMENTS. 


DISPENSING  DRUGGIST, 

GREENFIELD,  IJiJDIAlSA. 


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DEALER  IN   AXU  MAN  UFACTIIREK  OF 

Liiiiiber,  Latlis,  Sliiiiiflcs,  Doors,  Sasli. 

Blinds,  Mouldings,  Flooring,  Siding,  Frames,  Etc. 

FACTORY  AND  YARD, 

East  Main  Street,  Greenfield,  Indiana, 

18  SHOE  STORE. 


New,  t'rcsli  ji^dods — not  an  old  pair  in  the  hoMse  to  sliovc  oH.  Wc  will  -.liow  tliu 
lust  line  of  winter  hoots  lor  men,  boys  and  youths,  ever  sliown  in  Hancock  county. 
Tlicv  will  he  in  August  lotli.  Don't  forget  to  see  them  before  you  buy.  Also,  a  splen- 
did line  of  jewelry,    ^When  you  want  a  w  atcli  that  you  can   rely  ui)on,  come  and  see  \is. 

GLIDDEN  &  MILLIKAN. 


ADVERTISEMENTS. 

JAMES  M.  MORGAIV, 

DKAI.EK  IN 

BUGGIES,  CARRIAGES, 

AM) 

Harness  of  Yario^is  Kinds  and  Styles 

To  suit  the  tnulc,  :intl  of  the  best  quality,  at 

ROGK-BOTTOM  RATEES. 

ALSO  THE  PROPRIETOR  OF  THE 

LIVERY  AND  FEED  STABLES 

On  State  Street,  North  of  the  Public  Square. 

GREENFIELD,    -    -    INDIANA. 

THE  BOSS  SHOE  SHOP, 

Xortli  .State  St.,  Xcxt  Door  to  Po.st  Office, 
GREEISFIELD,    INOIAISA. 


Hoots   and  shoes   of  e\crv   kind    autl    quality    made   to   order.      Rates  reasonable. 
Motto:     Good  work  and  fair  dealing. 


M.  S.  WALKER,  Proprietor. 


STILL  HERE  AND ATTHEHEAD! 


Ilax  ini;  refitted  my  shop.  I  ha\  e  endeavored  to  make  it  the  only 

FIRST-CLASS  PLACE 

Ir.  the  city.      I   am    the   only   one  that  makes  barbcrinir  a  spceialty.     I  exiel  in  the  art  ol 
liair  eutlin<r.     All  work  warranted. 

GUS  SUESS, 

Under  Citizens'  Bank,  Greenfield,  Ind. 


ADVERTISEMENTS. 


O.  K.  BAKERY 

AND 

XIV'XVa'Gli-  XX.A.IL.X. 

NO.  25  MAIN  STREET, 

GllEENFIELi:),  INDIANA. 


WARM  MEALS  AT  ALL  HOURS! 

ALSO. 

Oysters,  Leinoiiade  and  lee  Cream  in  tlieir  Season ! 

A  Fl'LL  LINE  OF 

Confectionery,  Cigars  and  Tobacco 

CONSTANJ'EY  OX   IIANO. 

FAUCY  CAKE  BAKING  MADE  A  SPECIALTY. 

Ice  cic;nii  inuili.-  X<>  nrdcv  (in  short  iiotici-  lor  ]);irtiL-s  ;iiici  \\  uddinijs. 

JAMES  DEMAREE,  Proprietor. 

THE  STAR  GROCERY ! 

No.  7  North  Side  Main  Street, 

GREGNFIEI^D^  -   -   INDIANA, 

Kiciis  constantly  on  li;uul  tlu- hirycst  anil   licst    assortnuiil  ol' 

Staple  and  Fancy  Groceries ! 

Canned  Fruits  and  Tobaccos 

In  tlic  citv.      Also  a  full  line  of 

WOODEN,  GLASS  AND  QUEENSWARE ! 

Ami  such  other  articles  as  are  nsually  kept  in  a 
Onr  niolto:     CJniek  sales  an.l  small  protils. 

GEO.  F.  HAUCK,  Proprietor. 


ADVERTISEMENTS. 


RESTAURANT  i  BAKERY, 

XO.  2:]  MAIN  STREET, 

Greenfield,    -     -     -     -  .  Indiana. 


Warm  Meals  at  all  Reasonable  Hours ! 

Ice  Cream,  Lemonade, 

Soda  Water,  Oysters,  &c.,  in  their  Season. 

CONFECTIONER  Y, 

TOBACCO  AND  CIGARS 

To  Suit  the  Taste  of  the  Most  Fastidious. 

The  Most  Reasonable  Terms  and  Fair  Dealing'. 

JOHN  BOHM,  Proprietor. 
F  R  A  >  K   M  .    C  R  A  W  F  O  1^  D, 

MAKKS   A   Sl'ECIAI.TV  Ol 

PAPER  HANGING  AND  DECORATING. 

Motto:     Good  Work  and  Fair  Dealing. 

J.  M.  DALRYMPLE, 

MANLKACTLKER  OK  AND  DEALER  IN  AI.I.  Kl.VDSOl- 

LIGHT  ?  HEAVY  HARNESS, 

Harness  Oil,  Saddles.  Bridles,  Lap  Robes, 

hu  M&%  FIj  Ms,  Lii|)  Mm,  Eom)  aiiJ  leaiii  ll'lii))s, 

Collars.  Hames,  Chains,  and  everything  usually  kept  in  a  first-class  harness  shop.     One 
iloorSouth  of  Citizens''  Bank,  Greenfield,  Ind.     All  work  warranteil. 


ADVERTISEMENTS. 

THE 


I) 


^'J 


THE  ONLY 


REPUBLICAN  NEWSPAPER 


Published  in  Hancock  County, 


Is  Issued  on  Wednesday  of  Each  Week. 


Terms:    One  Dollar  Per  Annum. 


All  Kinds  of  Job  'Work 


Dcme  at  the  Rcpubliciin  ofKcf   with  neatness  and  dispatcli,  on  the  most  lih.Tal  Kri 
Address, 


THE  GREENFIELD  EEPUBLICAN  COMPANY, 


ozt.Z3x:xa'x*X£;xj33,  xiO'X>x.A.i>3'.^k.. 


J.  K.  HENBY. 

DEALER   IN 

FRUIT  AND  ORNAMENTAL  TREES, 


GREENFIELD.     INDIANA. 


X20  9 


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