Elwood Township (part 1 of 2)

Elwood Township

Elwood township occupies the territory in the southeastern corner of the county, having Georgetown for its northern, Indiana for its eastern, Edgar county for its southern, and Carroll township for its western boundaries. It comprises all of town IT, range 11 west, of the 2d principal meridian, a fraction of range 10, and two tiers of sections off the east side of range 12, making a trifle less than a township and a half. The high ridge which runs along the southern boundary of the county extends partially along the southern boundary of this township also, until it is lost in the valley of the Yermilion River. The Little Yermilion runs across its northwest corner for two miles, and then runs into Georgetown for about a mile, when it turns southerly again, and runs across the northeast corner. Originally, nearly one third of it was covered with timber, the timber land being along its northern and eastern boundary. It has, as if stuck to it, a small fraction of the triangular piece of land known as Harrison's Purchase. It is very difficult to describe this singular appendage, or southern extension. It would seem as though it reallv belonged to Edgar county, and had been driven up into Elwood like a wedge which was so blunt that it could not all be forced in with the amount of power applied. This portion of Harrison's Purchase includes nearly two sections of land. The land of Elwood township, which was covered with timber, is like all other which is thus covered in its nature, and the prairie very similar to other prairie lands, deep and rich, and sufficiently rolling to make it easy to cultivate and drain. Indeed, the farmers of Elwood are very fortunate in the general quality of their lands, and few are found who can reasonably complain. All along its northern and eastern border the early settlers found the necessary conditions for their pioneer homes, and soon spread over all that portion ; but it was twenty-five years before the splendid farms along the ridge came into cultivation. To the resident of the present day, that which has been so often repeated in these pages as to have become commonplace, that people did not believe these prairies would ever be settled up, must ever be incomprehensible; but the truth of it cannot be doubted in the face of so many witnesses. Abraham Smith was thought to be wild when he determined to go out to the Eidge farm to live, and the wisdom of such a decision was so generally condemned that he himself doubted his judgment.

Early Settlements

and Ridge Farm still later. These points, or settlements, embrace the entire circuit of the township, except perhaps the two places or settlements known as Johnson's neighborhood, in the extreme northwestern corner, and that around Liberty Church, in the northeastern. The names given to these different points of early settlement were, in the absence of an}7 villages, a matter of convenience or necessity. Some of them took their^ names from the first settler; others from the little log churches or meeting-houses, and they from some association connected with them. Vermilion was natural, and later came to be called Vermilion Grove, from the fact that a station farther south on the railroad was named Vermilion before a station and post-office was established here. Elwood derived its name from Thomas Elwood, an honored name in the Society of Friends and a distinguished writer in England, whose worthy life was commemorated b}7 admiring friends in the naming of their little log meeting-house. Yankee Point derived its name from Mr. Squires, who was the only eastern man in "this neck of timber," and who came here very early. Bethel and Liberty are from favorite names of the churches there. Pilot Grove, if unrecorded rumor and unwritten history is to be credited, is from its high ground, when compared with the surrounding timber, and acted unconsciously in directing the party here who came to make the survey of Harrison's Purchase, the two lines of which run through it. At another place in this sketch the writer has given the story of Pilot Grove as understood and related by those living here, without claiming exact historical accuracy, and which may be, as the colored preacher said about another story which had gained credence, "all a false mistake." Ridge Farm w7as the name given by Mr. Smith to his farm when he commenced to bring it into cultivation in 1849, from its natural position, and was the name of the locality long before a village was thought of there.

John Haworth is believed to have been the first permanent settler, although Henry Canaday came about the same time. There were others in here before either of them. John Malsby built a cabin near where Vermilion now is, in 1820, but did not remain here, going back to Richmond, Indiana. Mr. Haworth left Tennessee with his young family in 1818, to get away from the institutions which he did not admire. He went first to Union county, Indiana, and came here in 1821, and wintered in the cabin Malsby had built. He bought the claim of George Bocke, a son-in-law of Achilles Morgan, who, with his family, seems to have made his first settlement here before going to Brooks' Point, although one account credits him with living a season at Butler's Point. John Haworth was a cousin of James, who settled soon after at Georgetown. He did not bring stock with him, but soon made an effort to utilize his new possessions by raising farm stock. Among his early "neighbors" were Johnson and Starr, off a few miles northwest; Squires and Thomas Curtis, of Yankee Point, three miles east ; John Mills, Dickson, and Simon Cox to the west, and Henry Canaday nearer by.

Daniel W. Beckwith came to Mr. Haworth's residence during the time of high water in the spring of 1822, and remained all night. The rain had fallen in torrents during the night, and when he undertook to resume his journey in the morning he got into the stream, falling in all over. He was dressed in buckskin pants, or breeches; a roundabout, and wolf-skin cap. He was not to be deterred from going on his journey by one ducking, however, and went on as if nothinghad happened.

Mr. Haworth entered several hundred acres of land, but did not hold it to speculate on. Whenever a newcomer arrived whom he thought was a desirable neighbor, he sold land to him cheap, and on time if required. He exercised the same christian forbearance in his dealings with men as in his daily walk. George Haworth, an uncle of John, a strong-minded and robust man, soon joined the neighborhood, and with the Canadays established the first meeting, and soon built a house for that purpose. John had a family of eight children, of whom Mr. Elvin Haworth, now living on the place, is probably the best known, coming here at a time when, by his age, he was peculiarly susceptible of the impressions which circumstances would make. He grew up under such influences as his father was able to throw around him, fully appreciating the good effects of the institutions of religion and of learning, which, meagre as they were, were far superior to any in other portions of the county at that time. He attended the first school taught in the county, and assisted by his counsel, though young in years, by a maturity of judgment beyond his age, to establish the first seminary of learning in this part of the state. With that clear perception of duty which no cloud shades, and sound judgment which no circumstance wavers, he is accorded justly^ a high position in council and a strong place in the esteem of his townsmen. For a long time he represented the township in the board of supervisors ; and he was the early friend of the Vermilion Academy, which, under his fostering care, is making steady progress in the work of higher education.

to Tennessee and bought a farm there, and all moved back. In the fall thev regretted the move and came back here to live. Satisfied with their roving, they settled down to business and remained here. The hogs they brought first had become wild by the time they got back here, and for years they and their progeny furnished hunting in connection with the other "game" here. On their return they brought a few cattle with them, and hunted in a few hogs to give them a start. When they returned here to live, Mr. Morgan, Mr. Bocke and the Hoskins children had come, none of whom remained here, and John Mills was farther west. The land-office was at Palestine, and when land came into market Mr. Canaday entered about two sections, and made it his practice to sell to new-comers at congress price with interest.

Eli Henderson came in soon after, in 1824, and settled east of Mr. Canaday's, and died there in 1833, leaving three sons and three daughters. His son Elam soon after this went to Georgetown, where he still resides, one of the most successful and active business men of that place. John Newlin and Richard Golden came to Yankee Point about the same time ; the latter going to Iowa. Mr. Anderson remained here a few years and then moved away. He was successful and enterprising, though always moving.

There was at this time, and until Dr. Hey wood came, no doctor nearer than the Wabash, and no mill nearer than that. There was abundance of meat, corn and wheat, and farmers all kept a few sheep, being careful to put them in a close pen at night. The farming operations were tedious, when all the land had to be marked out with a bar-shear plow, corn dropped by hand by the children and covered with a hoe.

Benjamin Canaday had a small house near by, and during the winter of the deep snow, the snow so nearly covered it that one could not see the house till he got right to it. That winter the deer, and pretty much all the game, were destroyed by the snow. He was a tinner by trade, and made up a stock of tinware and traded it at Louisville for goods, which he brought back here and put into a building which he built for a store, on his farm just west of Vermilion on the Hickory Grove road. This accidental trade made a merchant of him. He sold goods here several years before going to Georgetown. He became the largest merchant there, and for many years the most successful one. y John Canaday, another son of Henry's, lived on the farm on the State road, between Vermilion and Georgetown. He had a good farm and attended to it thoroughly. He had five sons and two daughters. Of these, Henry lives on the old homestead, Calvin went to Kansas,

Benjamin lives in Champaign, John lives here, and William in the western part of the state. Mrs. Mahaley lives near Ash Grove, in Iroquois county.

Frederick and William Can ad ay still live on the farms which they made when they came to the state. - the former just north and the other west of Vermilion station. His four sons. William, Henry. Isaac and John, live around him, worthy and honored men, who esteem it an honor to be able to cheer the declining' vears of him who led them in their youth in the line of an honorable life. Of his daughters. Mrs. Lawrence resides in Kansas. Mrs. Patterson in Bethel, and Mrs. Ankrum near where her father lives. William had four sons, three of whom reside in Champaign. His daughters. Mrs. Herrill and Mrs. Brown, live here, and Mrs. Dr. Morris in Rockville, Indiana. When young he had learned the saddler's trade. His father was a tanner and a blacksmith, and as soon as he could after coming here they got these various branches of business going. William for some years carried on harness-making and saddlery, but as soon as he could he gave it up to give better attention to his farm. He continues to carry on his large farm, but does not stick so close to the plow as he did when a few years younger. He keeps a hundred or more head of cattle. Looking back over the time which has elapsed since the first white man settled here, he can see the changes which have taken place, from the wilderness to the present condition of wealth and prosperity. Few people have it given them to see what William Canadav has seen. Fiftv-seven years upon the same farm ! There is the patent for his land direct from the President of the United States, with no transfers to note, - not even the modern decoration of a mortgage to cover it. An abstract of that title could be written up in " short meter.'* His life here spans the history of the county with "two laps." Two families, which have been important factors in the history of this county, settled here in this corner of the township at a very early day, - those of Achilles Morgan and Henry Martin. The name of the former has repeatedly appeared in this history, and as his stay here was short, the record of his life perhaps does not properly belong here. He belonged to a family which had made a name in Virginia as Indian fighters, - a quality which was not wholly wanting in the branch of it which settled here. He went from here to Brooks' Point, and thence to Danville. Two sens went to Texas. One daughter married Mr. Henslee. One married George Bocke, who took up the claim which was purchased by Mr. Ha worth. After Mr. Bocke's death she became Mrs. Coburn. Another married Mr. Underwood, whose children still live in the eastern part of Georgetown township. Another married Henry Martin, who was among the first to settle in El wood, taking up a claim on section 6, where Mrs. Spicer now lives. She is said to have been a woman of many good qualities, and during her long and eventful life strongly impressed her character on the community. Her life was devoted to her children, in whose success she never failed to take a great interest. Rawley became an elder of the Christian denomination, and devoted his time and services to preaching and organizing churches in the surrounding country. Most of the churches of that name in the northern part of the county were the fruits of his zeal, organizing skill and devoted life. At the outbreak of armed rebellion he felt called on to preach patriotism as he never had before. He labored with the same single-hearted zeal, wherever his influence would be felt, to arouse the spirit of patriotism among the people. In consideration of his selfdenying labors in the desk and on the platform, he was elected county treasurer, a position which he filled with so much credit that those who elected him had no cause to regret it. His death soon after deprived the county of one of her most worthy and useful citizens. Achilles Martin is one of the prominent business men of Danville. Henry also lives in Danville, and John at Decatur. Mrs. Spicer lives on the old homestead in Elwood, Mrs. Dillon lives in Danville, Mrs. Graves just north of Georgetown, and Mrs. Underwood near McKendry church. After the death of Mr. Martin, Mrs. M. became Mrs. Parish, and died only about a year ago, strong in the love of her best gift to the world - her children. Few women of the present day have had greater reason to feel more satisfied than she, with the part she bore in the stern realities of pioneer life; and the children and grandchildren, so many of whom still live in this county, will, during their lives, continue to hold the good mother in kindly remembrance. Andrew Patterson came from east Tennessee in 1827, and settled at Yankee Point, one mile east of where his son William now resides. Mr. Cook then lived near here, and Mr. Henderson, Mr. Ilaworth and Mr. Johnson. Isaac Cook came here very early, but the date is not now remembered. He owned several 'different farms. The first place he sold to James Thompson. A son lives on section 13, and another, Milton, lives farther east near the Little Vermilion. Nathaniel Henderson made an early home here, and remained until 1853, when he removed to Clark county. His sons Eli and George died here. Mr. Haworth, who lived in this neighborhood, sold early to Mr. Wall, and moved to Indiana. Mr. Wall came from Ohio in 1832, and died here in 1872. He had four sons and one daughter, who are all gone. Two grandchildren, Mrs. Hilyard and Mrs. Adam Mills, reside here. Thomas Durham came here about

Win. Golden settled on section 25, near Quaker Point, abont L825. He got up a splendid house for the times, one story high and painted red, and permitted it to be used as a school-house a portion of the time. He was a man of Strong native abilities, - a natural leader among men. He died here ami left six children: two sons, Jacob and Richard, and tour daughters, - Mrs. Klam Henderson, Mrs. Nathaniel Henderson, Mrs. Andrew Patterson and Mrs. .1. ('. Dieken. Richard sold out and went t<> Iowa, where his family reside. Jacob had ten children, four of whom live in Iowa: Klam and Mrs. Win. Thompson live here, and Mrs. Or. Clovd and Mrs. Jame8 Dnbre live in Georgetown. When Andrew Patterson came here, in L 827, he remained the first season with his father-in-law, and then put up a hewed log house on section 23, a little north of the old gentleman's. It required all the men in the country, from Vermilion Grove to Quaker Point, to raise it. He was an industrious and careful man, and soon acquired a competency. Always alive to the interests of family and neighborhood, he Sfave an intelligent attention to whatever seemed in the line o\' duty. IK" owned six hundred acres of land in this township. He died in 1847. leaving six children. William, the oldest, lives on a farm which he purchased of dames Thompson in 1863, <<n section 1*2, a mile from where his father made his home fifty-one years ago. Of the other children of Andrew Patterson, Thomas, Golden and Mrs. Elizabeth Campbell live in this township, and Mrs. Sarah Campbell near by in ( Georgetown.

Jerre Falen and Levi Babb came early into the same neighborhood. Mr. Babb had a farm on section 26, where his son still lives. A daughter resides in the neighborhood. Benjamin Galladay, Thomas Pastgate, Simeon Ballard and Benjamin Flehart all settled early in the same neighborhood. They are dead and their families gone.

Mr. Packer, who settled early on section 24, was a singular man. and many a queer story is told o\' him. He was a well-digger, and seemed never so happy as when in the full practice o\' his art. James Sidwell entered a large amount of land in this vicinity, but never came here to live. The Ashmore Grove farm was first settled by dames Lawrence, who sold it to Andrew Wagpman, who moved there from near Georgetown. He in turn sold it to Abner Fra/ier. Rev. James A-hmore bought it. and tor many years lived there while preaching to the various churches in the township. He built the large house on it. A tew years since he moved to Fairmount to live.

of Joseph Laird's, in Carroll, where he lived five years. He sold to James Grear, and went to Elwood. The next year he removed to tlie Bethel neighborhood. The land upon which he went to live had been entered by James Hawortb, and sold by him to Mercer Brown, who also owned a considerable tract of land in Edgar county. Mr. Pugh died here in 1847, and his widow still resides with her children. She came from Maryland, and is believed to he the only woman in town who never saw a railroad or a train of ears. She is abundantly able to go to town, - indeed could walk the distance, - but will not. Her son, Granville, lives on the place, and owns four hundred and fifteen acres of land there, lla has often been called on to administer the affairs of the township, having held several offices, and bas shown an ability in the performance of the duties which speaks well of him as a citizen and an intelligent man.

James B. Long lived, as early as 1835, on the farm just east of Brown's land, next to the state line. He had a large family of children. His son Levi still lives on the land, and three other children live in the neighborhood.

Isaac Wright and his son, John P. Wright, lived just north of Brown's as early as 1823. He owned the north part of section 36 until 1842. lie built a horse grist-mill on the place. The stones were cut out of boulders, and the bolting chest, which was about ten feet long, was run by hand. He used to shovel up the ground mass and put it up on a shelf, and while he turned the chest with a crank his children would push it into the mouth of the bolt as fast as it would work well. The mill was the first one built in the town, and did pretty good work, till he sold it in 1842 to parties who took it to Indiana. Wright sold the farm to Branson, and he to Mr. Pugh, in 1864. Mr. McMurdock, who came here with Mr. Wright, is here still. He is an old stand-by - one of those wise-heads who know enough to stay where they are well off. John Howard, a son-in-law of Wright's, lived here a while, and then went to Indiana, from there to Iowa, and then back here, where he still resides.

Joseph Allison lived on section 25 in 1830. The first Methodist meetings were held at his house, and lie continued an earnest and active friend of the church.

Barrett Dillon was one of the first to settle in Pilot Grove, and was interested in the work of religion and education. He did much to build up society here. He died while he was on his way home from attending the yearly meeting of the Friend- in Iowa. He was a most excellent man, and his loss by death was deeply felt in the community. His daughter, Mrs. Fletcher, still lives at Pilot Grove; his son, Will- iam, died at Georgetown ; John was killed in Missouri by a falling tree; Mrs. Harrold, another daughter, died here, five of her eight children surviving her. Marion has long been one of the leading business men at Ridge Farm; John is also in business there; W. P. is on a farm, and Mrs. Dice and Mrs. Fellows reside there.

Nathaniel Henderson built the first shanty in Harrison's purchase, and Wiley Henderson built a house there. Amos Bogue had a farm there. This point of land became known as the "lost lands,"' because of its sections being numbered different from the lands about it. Settlers squatted on it and were anxious to get titles. Finally a sale was ordered, and most of those who lived on the lands secured them by purchase.

The land lying between the timber and Ridge Farm was called the " Texas country," because for a long time it was so wild. It began to fill up about 1845, and now embraces some of the finest farms in the township.

Charles Brady walked from Centerville, Indiana, in 1831, and took up a piece of land about three miles south of Yankee Point. He got forty acres, with Jackson's signature to the title deed, and built a slab house on it. He died there, and his son Enoch lives at Ridge Farm, where he is engaged in running the grist-mill.

John Fletcher came from Ohio in 1836, and lived near Vermilion Grove. He came to Pilot Grove in 1839, where he now lives. He worked around for a while, wherever he could find work - mauling rails and making brick - until he had earned enough to buy a piece of land. His father had entered eio-htv acres in Pilot Grove in 1828. He is, and long has been, a leading man in the township, and in the society of Friends, of which he is a member. For many years he has been on grand juries in the courts of the county, and is recognized as a man in whom the utmost confidence can be placed. He has raised seven children, some of whom still live near the old homestead. John Haworth, who now lives in Watseka, had a farm here when Mr. Fletcher came here to live. His present wife, who was Mrs. Haworth, has three children, who live in Thorntown, Indiana, one of whom is a preacher. His farm lies along the west side of Harrison's Purchase, and. from the understanding which is current as unwritten history in regard to that matter, the writer has derived the following: When General Harrison was down on the Wabash some Indians stole nineteen horses from his camp, and a half-breed offered, for a suitable compensation, to pilot a party of soldiers to where the stolen horses were concealed. This is the highest timber-land anywhere in this vicinity. and can be seen a great distance. The pilot led this way : but whether the Indians were detected here and the property restored is not stated. Harrison, in the course of negotiations with the red man, purchased a piece of land which may be described as triangular at its northern end, but having the Wabash river for its third side. The apex of this triangle is a rock which was out on the prairie a mile north of the grove, the northeast side being a line run from that'rock toward the sun at ten o'clock on a certain day of the year, and reaching the Wabash river a few miles north of where it becomes the boundary line of the state. The western line is a line run from the rock directly through a huge elm tree, which did stand and now lies in the fence a few rods from John Fletcher's house, extending south through Edgar and Clark counties, and terminating in the northern part of Crawford, thence east to the Wabash River. At the time of the earliest settlement here there was an old shanty, very dilapidated by time, near the old elm tree, which rumor says had beeirusedat the time negotiations were going on here. *

Asa Folger came from Indiana in 1S29, and commenced tanning near Elwood. This business was then of considerable importance, and the habit of farmers then was to get their leather from the tannerv and make their own shoes, or take the leather to a shoe-maker to get it made up. No farmer thought he could afford to buy shoes. Elam Henderson relates that by the time he was ten years old his father set him to work to make his shoes, over home-made lasts, out of homemade leather. After civilization had progressed far enough westward so that tanyards were within reach, the hides were taken there and marked and put into the vats. In due time the leather was ready to be made up. He was a leading member of the Society of Friends, and his children grew up worthy members of that faith. After a few years he sold, and bought a farm of John Thompson, in the southern part of the township, where Mrs. Folger now resides. He had ten children, all of whom are living. Three'are in Kansas ; one in Missouri; John lives on a farm in Harrison's Purchase ; Uriah near Ridge Farm ; Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. Mills live near Elwood meeting-house, where the}7 have large families growing up around them. Mrs. Dubre and Mrs. Ellis live near Pilot Grove. John is a recorded preacher of the Friends society, and spends a portion of each year in visitations. Uriah is also a preacher.

The earlier settlers at and near Elwood were Mercer Brown, Exurn Morris, David Newlin, Nathan Thornton, Elisha Mills, Isaac Smith, Wright Cook and -Zimri Lewis. They organized and maintained the Friends meeting there, and were honored and esteemed citizens. Elsbery Gennett took up a farm near Pilot Grove early. He patented a glass moth-protector for bee-hives, and made a great success of it financially. He was a queer old man. His oddities were long the subject of remark.

There were many early settlements along the Little Vermilion, in the northeast part of the township. Thomas Whitlock came here from Tennessee in 1828. He had united with the Baptist church when a boy, and all through life retained a lively interest in the cause of religion, and was a strong promoter of the church of his choice. He was a man of intelligence, of firm convictions, and of great force of character. For more than twenty years he was a justice of the peace, and was almost annually on the juries of the county. He was always interested in politics. The first vote he cast was while he was in the military service, voting for his old leader, Andrew Jackson. He was engaged in teaming over the mountain roads in Tennessee, and when he came to this state emigrated in one of those old-fashioned "prairie schooners," whose prow and keel rise on a curve, to prevent the contents from rolling out when going up and down hill. He acquired about seven hundred acres of land. He had thirteen children, four of whom are living. He died in 1878, aged eighty-two years. His was an active, busy, useful life. Thoroughly conscientious in all his dealings, undertaking whatever work he had to do with christian fortitude, training his children in the way he loved, he lived a devoted life and sleeps in an honored grave. His son James lives in Vigo county, Indiana, and has five children. Isaac lives in a neat farm-house close by the church which his father had done so much to organize and build up, and has four children. John lives at Eugene, Indiana, and Benjamin on the old homestead. Alfred Parks, who was another early promoter of the Baptist church here, and long a deacon, lives north of Georgetown with his son-in-law, Elwood Bales.

Though not one of the earl}7 settlers, space must be allotted here for a notice of Mr. Thomas Millholland, who came here from Edgar county in 1856. He was an elder in the Presbyterian church here, and was devoted to the cause of religion. He was the father of thirteen children, only one of whom died in infancy. He had been a militia officer in his younger days, and when rebellion arose, though sixty years old, he was intensely interested in the cause of the Union. Colonel Jacques and Lieut. Davies were addressing a war meeting at Georgetown, calling for volunteers to fill the depleted ranks of the grand army of the Union; but the volunteers were not forthcoming. The old man was present, and stepped forward and enlisted ; others soon followed his example. He went out to battle, but soon came home to die ; the spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak. Nine of his chil-

Enos Campbell came here in 1834 from Tennessee, and a large family live in the vicinity yet. Alexander Campbell came here at the same time, and settled just across the line in Georgetown. He is now eighty-three years old, and still attends to his large farming interests. He has eight sons and four daughters. Hogan and Abraham live here in Elwood ; Robert and Mrs. Patty in Missouri ; Mrs. Whitlock in Homer, and Mrs. Day in Penfield.

John Whitlock came here in 1830, and lived on the south side of the creek for three years, when he removed to the north side. He was an early friend of the Cumberland church here, and he and his family did much to build it up. Three of his sons became ministers of the Gospel, and two still live to preach the Word. Another son, William, lives in Georgetown ; Jacob, in Indiana, and Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Cook, here. Now a feeble old man, the days of his labor passed, he will long live in the memory of his children as a faithful, consistent father. William Thompson, Golden Thompson, James Graham and Abraham Brown settled along the Salt Works road here in an early day. Abraham Brown, jun., lived a mile farther west. He is dead, but several of his children reside near. Foster Elliott also came here early; his son, Gosberry, lives near Liberty Church. William Rees came to Yankee Point with his father in 1838. A. J. Ramey came from Indiana in 1850. At that time, Wright Cook lived where Rees does. He lived there fifty years. He was one of the organizers and was a preacher of the Friends meeting at Elwood. He died a year ago. His widow and children, Thomas, Asa, Kesiah and Rachel, live in this vicinity. He was a worthy and much respected man. Zimri Lewis, another of the old guard who upheld the cause of religion, and a most estimable man, died near here in 1875. He was the father of fourteen children, all of whom died before him. Two of his grandchildren still live here.

Eli Patty lived at Patty's Ford, northeast of Elwood meeting-house. He came here about 1848. He was an elder in the Presbyterian church. His son William gave up his life for his country ; he was a worthy and upright young man. One daughter, Mrs. Wm. Patterson, resides in the township, and her mother resides with her.

John Rayburn was a minister of the Baptist denomination. He lived near the site of the old Baptist church. He is dead, and his son lives near Danville.

milion at the Wright Cook Ford. He built it the year after the frost killed the trees in June (probably 1837). The frost which appeared in that month was severe enough to kill the leaves, which had the effect to kill the trees themselves in many localities. The mill was both a saw-mill and grist-mill. He run it until 1857, when the frame was sold to James Frazier for a barn. The stones lie there yet. Mr. Thornton went to Sadorus Grove. The Hall mill, on the state road south of Georgetown, has been long gone. Jonathan Haworth built a mill about half a mile from where Henry Mills now lives, at Cook's Ford, about 1830. He was a brother of James Haworth ; he died at the mill. Isaac Cook bought it and sold to Eli Patty. The water dried up with the advancing civilization, and the mill went down.

Zackeus Parhum, a good and beloved man of the Friends, and one who attended to his own affairs, lived near the Elwood Church earlv. He died in 1857. He had four daughters and one son. Mrs. Shires still lives here.

Joseph Ramey came here about 1850, following his sons, Asa and Jonathan, and lives in Georgetown, aged seventy-two years. He had ten children, of whom three are now living: Asa, on the farm in Elwood, Jonathan, in Georgetown, and Mrs. Weslej7 Cook, in Elwood. Nathaniel Cook, the father of Wesley, was an industrious and pious mau, a good citizen and good neighbor. He resided on the farm which Ramey now owns. He died and left three sons and two daughters, who live in this township. Asa Ramey has eight children, two in Missouri, and the others at home.

Samuel Graham came from East Tennessee in 1828 to Yankee Point, where the widow Whitlock now resides. Jonathan Haworth had made an improvement there, and Mr. Graham bought it. He lived there two years, and then bought on section 6 (range 10). He preempted the northwest corner of the section, cut the saplings and made a cabin, and died there in 1833. His wife died in 1857. They were industrious and religions people. At their house the first Methodist meetings in this part of the township were held, and continued to be so held until a school-house was built. Their daughter married Mr. French, the first Methodist minister, and their son James continued to live on the place until 1873, when he moved to Georgetown. Mr. Walton improved the farm next west of Graham's, and moved to Indiana.

-lames Hepburn came to Eugene in 1833, and the next year came to section 2 and entered eighty acres of land, made a cabin, and improved the farm his son Thomas now resides on. He died in 1S50. He had eleven children; five are now living: Thomas lives on the old home-

Mr. Denio, who lived in this neighborhood, had in his cabin one of those odd old fire-places which were a curiosit}*- even in those times. It commenced half way up the wall, and had room under it for half a cord of wood. They are believed to have gone out of date in Elwood.

Abraham Smith was the first to make a farm out on the Ridge. The prairie land north and west of Pilot Grove was the last to be brought into general cultivation. For twenty years after good farms existed along the "Points" and the groves this beautiful prairie lay open, being entirely destitute of cultivation. When Abraham Smith and his brother William concluded to sell their farm at Vermilion Grove and bring the Ridge farm into cultivation, they were cautioned against the folly of going there to live. They were told that no one yet was ever known to live out on the prairie ; that he would never have any neighbors, and could not expect to have meetings or schools. He thought, however, that the land was better for farming purposes than that in the timber, and that he could better afford to haul his rails and wood out to his prairie home than to try to bring the timber land into cultivation. His wife, who is a sister of the Canadays, and who still lives on the place, says things did look pretty rough when she came here to live on Christmas day, 1839. They had moved from East Tennessee, and lived a few years near her brother's at Vermilion Grove. Mr. Smith commenced improving this farm in 1839, and built a house on the east side of the state road, which they moved into in the winter. Four years later he sold this to Uri Ashton, and built the house on the west side of the road where his widow still resides. When he came the stage route frojn Danville to Paris was already established, and the next spring four-horse coaches were put on the route, and soon a post-office was established, though it was some time before neighbors began to settle near. He was obliged to " keep tavern," and entertain any who came along, as there was no one to send them to. The coaches made a trip a day, going from Danville one day and returning the next. The wolves were so troublesome that they would chase the chickens into the yard.

Thomas Haworth was the first to join Mr. Smith in moving here and making a farm, in 1841, just north of where Mr. Smith lived. Uri Ashton, who was next, only remained a few years and sold to Mr. James Thompson, who is also gone. It soon became evident to the active mind of Mr. Smith that there would be a business center here soon ; he built a blacksmith and wagon-shop, and soon after, about 1850, a store. About 1855 he, with some others, built the large three story steam mill, which cost about $10,000, and did very good work until it burned in 1863. The shop and store stood south of his house, and it was not until the town was laid out that the buildings were put up where the village now is. Mr. Smith was an honored member of the Society of Friends ; in political principles a radical abolitionist of the most pronounced type, and was an energetic and active business man. He died in 1863. He had seven children, five of whom are living: One son lives in Iowa, one in Kansas; Mrs. Clark lives in Paris ; Mrs. Pierce lives with her mother on the old homestead, and Mrs. Haney near by. His brother, Dr. Isaac Smith, lived early east of where Gibson's store now stands, at Vermilion Station, and his brother Jesse lived southeast of the Vermilion meeting-house, where his son George now lives. The other farms around Jtidge Farm were slowly brought into cultivation after these pioneer ones, and gradually became one of the finest farming tracts in the county, thereby justifying the radical judgment of Mr. Smith, who seems never to have doubted its great value. One marked feature of farm-life in Elwood is that there are no large farms like those we find in the other townships on this southern tier. The men seem to have been moderate in their desires, and none of them attempted to hold great bodies of land, or to buy up all the farms adjoining them.

Religious Institutions And Churches

From the very first the interests of this township, in its religious, moral, educational and political matters, were largely in the hands of the Friends. They were among the very earliest here ; their decided views, their homely ways and the influence of their godly lives have moulded the manners and the welfare of the town. For all time to come this influence will be felt ; no one can estimate or weigh it, but every one knows and feels it. John Haworth and Henry Oanaday and their children, and George Haworth, whose age and faithful christian life made him from the first a leader in society, and the one to advise in all such matters, within the first or second year of their life in the new country at Vermilion Grove, in the year 1823, commenced meeting together in what is called "indulged meetings," in a cabin which stood about one hundred yards north of where Haworth's sawmill stands. George Haworth was the principal speaker, or preacher; it is not thought that he assumed the title, but he was looked up to as such. The indulged meetings were regularly kept up according to the custom of the society, two days in a week. In 1824 a meeting-house was built right where the Vermilion meeting-house now stands. It was built of hewn logs, larger and nicer than any of the houses in the neighborhood. By this time the little Society of Friends had increased somewhat in numbers, and from that time, now fifty-five years, the fires on the altars at Vermilion have never been permitted to go out. They have, like all other denominations, often found their religious zeal moderating, but there has been no time when they have permitted their meetings to be discontinued. There is a very general knowledge on the part of all in regard to the religious belief and methods of the Friends, but no very clear conception of their church government and system. The central idea of their system is the separation from all form and ceremony. All their action is based upon individual consent of the members. The "meeting" is " set up " where "two or three assemble together," if they desire an organization ; no ecclesiastical authority being asked for or permitted. The organization is the act of the united members of the society, but when done must be done in accordance with the rules of the society. A time-keeper is selected, and a secretary and treasurer chosen. No one makes a motion ; no question is put to vote, the custom, - perhaps it ought not to be called the form of action, - is this: Some member suggests a certain proposition, as, the name of a proper person to act as secretary, or the name of a suitable person to act on a committee. If the member has in his mind reasons for making the suggestion, he may state them. Time is given for others to state whether or not they agree with the suggestion, or whether they "have unison" with the proposition. If during this waiting time no one signifies a want of unison, the matter is taken as having been decided in the affirmative, and that decision is announced by the clerk, not as having been " carried " ; but he states that he has entered the following minute, which he reads, giving an opportunity again for general assent to the minute. If, as very rarely occurs, opposition is offered, and such negative view seems well founded, or well fixed, the clerk would not deem himself authorized to enter the minute. This system of conducting business is the method adopted in all the society meetings from tlie lowest to the highest, or yearly meetings. No voting by ballot ever occurs ; an agreement is obtained and the fact of that agreement recorded.

Any member who thinks the business has been transacted, instead of moving an adjournment, says: "I think we might now have the final minute read." After time is given for others to signify their unison with the view expressed, the clerk writes in his record the minute of adjournment, or the close of the meeting. This is in business, meetings, of course. In the regular religious meetings all this is dispensed with. There is no opening or closing exercise, benediction, or form of any kind. The person who is time-keeper, when the time arrives to begin the meeting, invites the elders present to a seat in the desk or bench which fronts the congregation ; two or three of them sitting in those usually occupied by the men, and as many of the women in their own desk, and anyone on either side of the house, either in the desk or in the benches, that desires to say anything, does so, or a hymn is sung, or a prayer offered. Usually, at this day, the men sit with their heads uncovered, though this is governed merely by the convenience or desire of the individual. The women, a few of them still wear the bonnets which have long been the distinctive insignia of the Friend, and some wear dresses of " Quaker drab," or brown. These items of dress have, however, largely disappeared from the assemblages at the meeting-house, and a broad-rimmed hat or shadshaped coat is seldom seen in Elwood. After all have taken part in the meeting who choose to, the time-keeper leans forward and shakes hands with his next neighbor, - an act which is followed generally through the congregation, and the meeting is out, this hand-shaking being the only " benediction," and the only thing which amounts to a form. No sacrament is administered, neither baptism or the Lord's supper. Marriage, which in some churches is recognized as a sacrament, is of course recognized, and must be solemnized in due form, and while not deemed in any sense a sacrament, retains its position more nearly a ceremony. No form of ordination for the ministry is recognized, but provisions are made for an oversight of him who preaches, or who visits other congregations or meetings to labor with them. When one thinks he has a call to preach, a committee is appointed by the preparative meeting to which he or she belongs, who select overseers, who ascertain what facts they can in regard to the daily life and religious character of the person, and report to the monthly meeting. Elders are selected by the monthly meeting, who inquire into his doctrinal soundness, and if all, including his ability to preach the word and instruct, is found right, a certificate is given him. A preacher so accredited may ask of the monthly meeting authority to visit meetings in any part of the country, and if such authority is granted, as it always is unless some good reason is known for its refusal, a minute is given him by the clerk. With this as his credentials, he has the authority to visit all congregations covered by the minute, and call meetings, and labor with them as long as the spirit indicates that his labors are effective. No salary is permitted to be paid to the preacher, but paying his traveling expenses when on these visits is not prohibited, - indeed, is encouraged and expected. No order of clergy, or title, is known among them. Their society is a standing protest against priests, bishops, livings and titles.

In discipline they are more nearly in accord with other denominations. The children of parents who are members are considered as members until they arrive at years of discretion, when they may exercise their right to withdraw or remain. An erring brother or sister is visited and labored with, and the committee thus visiting reports to the meeting. In aggravated cases, where repentance does not follow, expulsion might; but in ordinary cases, if the person disciplined desires his "right," - desires to withdraw from the meeting, - that right would be granted, and is not deemed expulsion. Conversion is recognized as essential to uniting with the body of believers. When the offer to unite comes from a candidate, he is asked his reasons for wanting to become a member at the preparative meeting. The reasons are received, and the case is carried by a committee to the monthly meeting, where a committee is appointed to examine the candidate, and if that committee is satisfied of his conversion, he is received upon their report. Getting into debt without reasonable expectation of beingable to pay is considered good grounds for discipline, but in seasons of great depression due allowance is made for unexpected shrinkage of values. No member can appeal to the law until all other means are exhausted, and then only by permission of the meeting. In all the deliberations of the society in its meetings, the poorest or humblest has the same opportunity to be heard, and has just as much influence as the richest or most active. The amount of money required to carry on the church work is inconsiderable, but small as it is, it must be raised in regular ways. The yearly meeting apportions to each the amount expected, through the quarterly and monthly meetings. A committee is then appointed to assess the amount according to the wealth of the members. Ministers can change their relation from one monthly meeting to another on certificate, but elders cannot as such. Two or more preparative meetings constitute a monthly meeting, several of which constitute a quarterly meeting, an indefinite number of which are within the jurisdiction of the yearly meeting. Eight preparatives belong to the quarterly meeting at Vermilion Grove, namely : Vermilion, Elwood, Pilot Grove, Georgetown, Hopewell, Ridge Farm, Fairfield and Champaign. The yearly meeting is located at Plainfield, Indiana, and embraces twelve quarterly meetings. For a long time it was the custom to build the meeting-houses with partitions in them for separate meeting-rooms for the men and women. Just what the necessity was for the separation of the two is not now very evident, but it has been the custom till a very late day to build the houses in that form, and to conduct the business meetings separately. These meeting-houses in Elwood are built in that way, having very narrow folding-doors between the rooms, and openings in the partitions which are closed by boards, which hang upon ropes run over pulleys, so that as the upper one is pulled down the lower is raised, thus closing the aperture. The yearly meeting is the highest authority in the society, and has jurisdiction over all matters which come up from the quarterly meetings, and has the work of missions and of the Bible cause in charge. In the book of discipline certain questions are found which must be asked by the clerk of every monthly meeting, and answers in writing must be sent up. Among these questions are such as pertain to the religions condition of the membership. One of these questions is: Have the Friends consistently protested against slavery, against visiting circus shows and kindred things, and against paying salaries to preachers ?

There are in Elwood five preparative meetings of the society: Vermilion, Elwood, Hopewell, Pilot Grove and Ridge Farm, which have been "set up" in point of time in that order. Vermilion, which was first, very soon became the monthly meeting, and in 1863 the quarterly. The meeting at Elwood, which is about two or three miles east of Vermilion, followed soon after, and was named from a leading man in the society, which in turn gave name to the township. That at Hopewell is in the extreme southeastern part of the county. Around these three centers the Friends who settled here early collected, taking up land, making farms, and holding their meetings with great punctuality two days of the week. Around the first the Haworths, the Canada}7s, the Mendenhalls and others settled ; around Elwood were the Folgers, Hendersons, Newlins, Zimri Lewis, "Wright Cook, and many others.

The first losr meeting-honse at Elwood was built about lb30. It had in it a fire-place built on legs, so arranged as to burn charcoal. This would be an odditj- as an appurtenance to a house of worship now, and would hardly answer the purpose. The present meetinghouse was built in 1846. It is 30 x 55, frame, with stone foundation. It has the partition between the two apartments, like all the old houses of that denomination. The present meeting-house at Vermilion was built in 1850, and is very similar in construction to the others. In those early days George Haworth usually took part in the religious meetings, and they soon after had visiting preachers coming among them. Charles Osborne, who lived near Richmond, was the first, and after him John Folk, from Pennsylvania, spent some time with them. Elizabeth Robinson, from England, a most excellent lady, was here one winter. The meeting-house at Pilot Grove was built in 1848, and is about 30x48, and the one at Hopewell was built about the same time. The house at Ridge Farm is more modern. Sabbath-schools are maintained at all of these meetings, the old and young alike joining in the service as they do at church. With the exception of a lack of formality in opening and closing, they are conducted in the same way the schools of other denominations are.

Elijah Yager, who came from East Tennessee, a school-teacher in the employ of the families of Friends living around Yermilion Grove, was the first Methodist who held regular meetings of that denomination in this township. It is not known what conference he belonged to. The next regular preaching services of the Methodists were held at the house of Samuel Graham in 1828 or 1829. Mr. Graham lived then on the farm at Yankee Point, where Mrs. Whitlock now resides. The preaching was conducted by Rev. James McKain and Rev. John E. French, the former in charge of the Eugene circuit at that time, and the latter was his assistant. The circuit was a fourweeks circuit, the two preachers preaching every day, and thus getting around to each of their appointments once in two weeks. The circuit extended to Big Grove (Urban a). The}' preached at Georgetown and at Cassady's. A class was formed at Mr. Graham's house, consisting of Mr. and Mrs. Graham, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Shires, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Standfield, and Miss Graham. Mr. Shires was the first classleader. Mr. French was an Englishman, though French in name, and his preaching was of an effective nature, so much so as to convert Miss Graham into a Frenchwoman, for he married her while on this circuit.

The amount of ministerial work which these early circuit-riders performed is almost incredible. Their appointments covered every day of the week, and were filled with a regularity which was wonderful, considering the difficulties of travel which were surmounted. Through all sorts of weather, and without roads or the conveniences of travel, they made the rounds of their circuit, seldom disappointing those who were anxious to hear the Word. Custom has much to do with what a man can accomplish, or with what he thinks he can accomplish. The rain, high streams without bridges, drifting snow, the intense heat of summer, or the frigid cold of winter, sickness, and the discomfort of the pioneer home, were the continual trials which the Christian laborer of the present day knows nothing of, except, possibly, by report, and which many of them could illy endure. Their salary was meagre, and their wardrobes scanty. Few knew what it was to have, in these pioneer days, those comforts which are now deemed necessaries. They had no purses, and small need for such a contrivance; their pay was so meagre that it is a mystery how they lived, especially where they had families to support.

in 1841. His daughter, Mrs. Reed, lives now at Georgetown. Among the local preachers who kept up the work here were, Joseph Allison, Mr. Cassady, Patrick Cowan, Arthur Jackson and William Stowers; and of the traveling preachers, Mr. Bradshaw, Asa and John McMurtrie, Mr. Anderson and others are remembered. The Ridge Farm M. E. Church grew out of the class which was formed as early as 1849, about a mile south of the present location. In 1852 business began to assume such proportions at Ridge Farm that it seemed likely a village would be the result, and the appointment was moved to Ridge Farm and took that name permanently. At that time Rev. G. W. Fairbanks was presiding elder, Rev. R. C. Norton, preacher in charge, and J. J. Donovan, class-leader. Mr. Norton will be remembered as a man of earnest convictions and strong character. His notions of duty, both on the part of the preacher and of the flock, were old-fashioned, but positive. He seemed to suppose that every Methodist who was k' worthy of a name to live,'* or who had his name on the class-book, ought to attend class-meetings. Finding at the end of the quarter that only seventeen of the thirty-rive whose names were on the book wTere in the habit of attending class-meeting, he set forward only the names of those seventeen, and entered this minute in the class-book: "I have only set forward the names of those members that have been to meeting; this is the best that I can do. N.B. - If any more of the members wish to be considered members they must show their wish by their coming forward and claiming their membership, and being Methodists. - Norton." Many a preacher has felt just as Brother Norton did, who did not have the pluck to lop off the cumberers. At this time Ridge Farm appointment belonged to Georgetown circuit. The first meetings were held in the school-house, which was familiarly known as " Hardscrabble," a name probably derived from the studious habits of those who there sought to travel "up the hill of science." Among the men who are now remembered for their devotion to the interests of the church were, David Ankrum, Israel Patton, Joseph Kuns, Thos. Robinson, William Foster, J. R. Green, Jesse Smith, David Little, Jonah Hole, Thomas Henderson and Cyrus Douglas. Old Father Robinson never failed to be on hand when it was meeting-time, and if there was no one else present he would go through with the service of prayer and song. Some of the boys used to pop beans at him through the knot-holes in the building. He was one of those good old men whom everyone likes to speak well. of. He loved the service of the Lord's house, and loved to think of the home in glory which no doubt he is enjoying.

presiding elder, and Sampson Shinn, preacher in charge. The building was 35x55, and was a very comfortable house. In 1859 Levi C. Peters was presiding elder, and Rev. G. W. Fairbanks, preacher; J. Hole and Thomas Henderson, class-leaders. In 1863 it became Ridge Farm circuit. At this date the church was burned, and the society purchased a store-building and fitted it up to serve temporarily for a house of worship. In 1872 the present neat edifice was erected. It is 35x60, and cost $3,000. The following preachers have served since 1860: Joseph Lane, Mr. Muirhead, Mr. McCastle, Mr. Groves, T. D. Warns, W. W. Curnutt, S. T. Kershner, J. P. Hillerby, James Miller, George Grays, R, Stephens and S. H. Whitlock. The present membership is one hundred and thirty. The Sabbath-school numbers about one hundred; J. H. Southern is superintendent, George A. Dice, assistant. The church includes a large number of active and earnest workers, who are alive to the work which they have. It is now known as Georgetown and Ridge Farm appointment. A class was formed at the house of Joseph Allison, who lived on section 25, at "Quaker Point," as early as 1831 or 1832. The preachers of the Danville Circuit preached here with considerable regularity, and from it the Bethel church sprung. A log church was built near by the state line in 1842 by Mr. Allison, William Kendall & Sons,. Ben Scars, Moses Grouser, Messrs. Moore & Long, and other neighbors. Mr. Galliday wanted to build it farther north, and had some logs hewn for that purpose. The Little Vermilion Baptist church was organized in 1831 by Presbytery, consisting of members of Wabash, Danville and Vermilion churches. The following members were received: John Stark, H. Stark, Henry Cavender, Ann Thompson, Benjamin Cavender, Daniel Shirk, Nicholas Baseley, John Caldwell, Joel Dicken, Robert Elliott, Alexander Morehead, Silas Johnson, Benjamin Shaw and Thomas Whitlock. David Shirk was first pastor; Thomas Whitlock was clerk, and served until 1870; David Shirk was moderator until 1861. John Rayburn was pastor for some years, and J. S. Whitlock is the present one; I. C. Whitlock is clerk. The first church, a log one, was built north of the creek. The present neat church edifice standing near the residence of I. C. Whitlock, Esq., was built in 1868. It is 36x48, and cost fifteen hundred dollars. The deed for the land, upon which the church stands (donated by the late Thomas Whitlock) provides that when the church shall change its articles of faith, or rules, or time of holding church meetings, the property shall revert. Alfred Parks has been a deacon for many years, and J. M. Handley is at present. The membership is eleven.

pioneer preacher, Rev. James Ash more, early occupied the ground here. Mr. Ashmore now lives in Fairmount, and the reader will rind a more extended notice of his life and work under that head. After commencing his labors in this county he was invited to preach in the northeastern portion of Elwood, north of the Little Vermilion, and organized a church there in 1842, called Libertv Church. Foster Elliott and wife, Alexander Campbell and wife, Andrew Davis and wife, Mrs. Kiturah Whitlock, Mrs. Baldwin and James Walls, were among the first members. Messrs. Elliott, Campbell and Davis were the first elders. The old log meeting-house was built on Foster Elliott's land in 1843, and stood about half a mile southwest of the present church. The present edifice 36 x42, was built in 1871, and cost twelve hundred and fifty dollars. The membership now numbers sixty-five. Robert Kilgore, Thomas Hepburn and Hogan Campbell are the present elders. The names of those who have served the church as pastor or stated suppl\T are Rev. James Ashmore, Rev. A. Whitlock, Mr. Vandeventer, J. W. Jordan, James McFerren, H. Yan Dyn, and again Mr. Ashmore. This church early contained many of those whose names are held in kind remembrance for their manly virtues and rugged characters; men and women who struggled to make this town a fit home for themselves and their children, and to make life a growth in grace. It was the pioneer church of this denomination in this corner of the county, and as such has clustered around it many pleasant recollections and interesting remembrances. Few of those who here plighted their christian vows at that early day are left to enjoy the fruits on earth of well-spent lives, but such as they are, receive the honor and love of those who come after them.

The Yankee Point Cumberland Church was organized by Father Ashmore on the 5th of November, 1853. In the words of the organizer: "The devil helped to build up this church." This expression, taken alone without explanation, would tend to throw discredit upon the church, or give undue importance to his Satanic Majesty in the missionarv work. During a time of fervent religious feelings, Mr. Ashmore was holding his meetings in the school-house, and not to interrupt the school they were held during the noon hour. One of the directors, in the name of the state, forbade the continuance of the meetings, but whether at the instigation of the Evil One, this writer at this distance of time, and in the absence of a commission to take evidence as to his bodily presence upon that occasion, is not exactly prepared to state. The congregation and the evangelist "accepted the situation," and proceeded to the house of James Thompson, which was gladly thrown open to the cause, and the next day Mr. Ashmore had put into his hands a deed for a lot upon which to build a house of worship, and a subscription to build it. The people made quick work, both of organizing and building. William Shirk, William Golden, Arthur Patterson and James Long were chosen elders, and Isaac MePherson and William Carmichael, deacons. The membership was fifty to commence with, and embraced many names of the Thompsons, Pattersons, Goldens, Longs, McClurgs, Hendersons, Walls, Hilyards and others. Of the members, five entered the ministry. Allen Whitlock and his two brothers (James and Thomas), Elam Golden and J. H. Millholland. James Ashmore and Allen Whitlock preached for this church twenty years, and were followed by Revs. W. O. Smith, L. P. Detheridge, Jonathan Cooley, Mr. Groves and G. W. Montgomery. The church numbers seventy. The present elders are, A. H. Thompson, Isaac- Emory, John Shires and J. R. Baldwin. The sabbath school numbers thirty-five members and five teachers. Amos Millholland is superintendent. Of those who went into the ministry from this church, Rev. Allen Whitlock, after a faithful service of more than twenty years, was called up higher; Rev. James Whitlock lives in Georgetown, and Rev. Thomas Whitlock in Homer - both engaged in the active work of the christian ministry. The church building stands on the south line of section 22, almost in the exact geographical center of the township.

The old Gilead Church, of the same denomination, was organized by Father Ashmore soon after, - probably in 1854, - near the southeastern corner of the township. A log meeting-house was built, and in 1872 the present neat edifice, 40x60, was built at a cost of $1,600. This is sometimes known as the Quaker Point Church. The new church was built under the management of J. M. Kendall, Levi Long and J. Hunrichouse. Mr. James Long was one of the leading spirits in building up the early church, and with C. Van Dyn and his son, and Thomas Thompson, was an elder. The church numbers about fifty, and has always been strong and active. Rev. Henry Van Dyn and Rev. H. H. Ashmore have, in addition to Rev. J. Ashmore, each ministered to this church very acceptably during seven years each.

The neat frame church on the state road, a mile north of Vermilion Grove station, was built by the Cumberland Presbyterians in 1872, while Rev. Allen Whitlock was pastor. It was organized in 1870, and called " Sharon Church." The church prospered greatly under Mr. Whitlock, who was a man of exemplary, earnest christian character, active in the work of his Master, and free from narrow sectarianism. Aaron Glycke, Henry Canaday and Benjamin Hester were active in building up the church. A friend iy christian spirit of unison has marked the feeling which has existed between the members and the

Friends, who frequently unite in the meetings and often occupy the building for their services. A Sahbath-school has been maintained irregularly.

hi looking over the church history, the writer finds that due credit has not been given to the services of Father Hill, who was the first minister of the Cumberland Church here, and who preceded Rev. James Ashmore, and greatly assisted him in the work of organizing this field. His early services are remembered by the older settlers, and he is spoken of by all who remember him as a devoted and active christian worker.

The Cumberland Church, at the village of Ridge Farm, was organized by Rev. H. H. Ashmore in 1854. Jefferson Hilyard, Andrew Page, Samuel Stiles, Win. Canaday, John Clark and Owen Watson were active members in organizing and building the church, which was erected in 1856. The Whitlocks, Smith and the Ash mores have ministered to this church. It is not now in successful spiritual condition, and its church edifice looks as though its walls would soon need rebuilding.

The Friends meeting at Ridge Farm was set up in 1873. They occupied the Cumberland Church for worship for a time, and built a neat and commodious brick meeting-house in 1874.

In closing this sketch of the churches of Elwood, the reader who has followed it through must have been struck, as the writer was, with the wonderful religious zeal and christian enterprise which not only actuated the early, but has flown down through inhabitants of a later date. The township is spattered all over with churches, and so great is the unanimity of religious sentiment, so general the disposition to maintain the institutions of religion, that there are none too many. Twelve live churches in a single township, with their religious zeal well maintained, one would judge must have had an abiding influence for good which will last through all time. It will readily be believed that Elwood has not filled the jails or the poor-houses. It has been what those devoted old Quakers who first settled it hoped it would be, - a light set upon a hill. From the very earliest day it has been a bright spot, and no one is in any doubt why.

The first school taught in this township, and indeed in the county, was taught by Reuben Black, who came here from Ohio, a lad of eighteen years, in the winter of 1824-5. It was in a log house one mile west of Vermilion station. John Mills sent three sons and one daughter: Ira, Milicau, John and Rebecca; Joseph Jackson, an Eng- lishman, sent two children: Nathan and Mary; Ezekiel Hollingsworth sent four children: Jeremiah, Miles, Mahundry and John; Henry Canaday sent one: William; John Haworth sent three: Thomas, David and Elvin ; fourteen in all. The branches taught were spelling, reading and writing, and some of the older ones were in arithmetic. The second school was taught by Elijah Yager, a Methodist minister from East Tennessee, two years later, in a cabin one mile northeast of Vermilion station. He introduced common arithmetic and declamation. He was a talented man for the times, and made very good use of his abilities. The third was taught by Henry Fletcher the following summer. Elisha Hobbs took the school in 1831, and gave a stimulus to education which never lost ground, through many years and their changes, up to 1849, when the citizens found themselves with a school-house sixteen feet square and six feet and a half between joints. The district got up a subscription to build a new house, but could not raise enough. In this juncture, William Canaday, David and Elvin Haworth, put their heads together, and, getting the subscription paper with their names on into their possession, destroyed it, and, with their purses and a will, with the generous help of some of the neighbors, they built, in the summer of 1850, the seminary building, 30x52, with two recitation rooms, and supplied with proper desks and furniture. They employed J. M. Davis as principal, and school opened with one hundred and ten students. The following branches were taught: geography, algebra, chemistry, geometry, surveying, history, mineralogy, philosophy, reading, spelling, elocution, domestic economy and Latin. Mr. Davis continued as principal five years. He was a man of great energy and tact; it is rarely we find a better, even at this day. The standard of education was kept high, and a great work was done where it was most needed. Of the men who founded this school too much cannot be said. William Canaday had seven sons who were educated here; David Haworth had eight, seven of whom are active workers in the Christian Church ; so that they can feel that they got a rich return for the money they expended. The Vermilion Academy of to-day is really the continuation of the old seminary, which disappeared with the advent of free schools. It was established in 1873. A people's endowment of $10,000 was raised. William Rees, John Henderson, Richard Mendenhall, John Elliott, Jonah M. Davis and Elvin Haworth were constituted trustees. John Henderson was elected president of the board. A building was erected, 46x60, two stories, brick, at a cost of $8,000. It is the aim of the trustees to teach all the branches usually taught in any of the high schools' of the country. It is a religious school in the sense of being under christian influences, but not sectarian. It will accommodate three hundred pupils. Prof. John Charmer has charge of the institution. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan, and has made a very creditable record as an educator in Indiana and Iowa. The academy presents a healthy, quiet home, free from the influences which are a snare to the feet of the young, as well as all the advantages of higher education, and is in charge of earnest men, who believe in education.

The justices of the peace elected were: J. G. Thompson, Abram Smith, J. C. Dicken, J. W. Thompson, William Alexander, Samuel Campbell, A. M. Campbell, L. Parker, Richard Henderson, Granville Pugh, H. V. Monett, L. T. Ellis, James Quinn, J. S. Whitlock, J. M. Mendenhall, J. C. Pierce.

The following commissioners of highways have been elected : Granville Pugh, Nelson Davis, T. N. Galyen, W. A. Thompson, James Rees, Allen Lewis, Isaac C. Madden, Ira Mills, Jesse Jones, J. B. Long,

In 1857 the vote for establishing Homer county, was 1 to 189 against. In 1858 the vote for "Hog Law " was 18 to 142 against. In 1863 the vote for " a system of bridges " was 3 to 300 against. In 1867 a special town meeting was held to vote for or against levying a tax of 3^ per centum in aid of building the Chicago, Danville & Yincennes railroad, at which 187 votes were cast for said levv to 26 against. In 1870 the vote in favor of extending the time required for the completion of the railroad stood 21 for to 8 against such extension. In 1878 the vote in favor of requiring each- township to support its own paupers stood 293 for, to 17 against said proposition.

From the annual report of George A. Dice, township treasurer of schools, the following figures are taken, for township 17, 11, and fraction of 17, 10:

Ridge Farm

The original town of Ridge Farm was platted for record on the loth of November, 1853, by Abraham Smith, and consisted of thirteen lots, beginning ten feet west of the west side of the state road, and eight feet south of the county road. The same year, Thomas Haworth laid out and recorded an addition west of the state road and north of the county road. On the 27th of February, 1856, Thomas Haworth laid out his second addition of seventeen lots. On the 1st of December, 1854, J. W. Thompson laid out his first addition east of the state road and south of the county road, eight lots: and in August, 1856, his second addition, thirty-two lots. On the 11th of April, 1856, A. Smith platted his addition, six lots. On the 25th of March, 1857, T. Haworth his third and fourth additions. In November, 1872, A. B. Whinrey laid out an addition of two blocks at the railroad. On the 5th of April, 1873, R. H. Davis platted his subdivision of section thirty. In April, 1872. J. H. Banta platted his addition of four blocks, east of the railroad ; and on the 15th of April, 1873, H. C. Smith platted an addition east of the state road.

Soon after the town was laid out, Mr. Smith built a store near where the store of Mr. Darnall now stands, and Samuel "Weeks put up a blacksmith-shop where Marion Harrold's store stands. Thomas Haworth built a store where Tuttle's tinshop is, and rented it. John Dicken built a tavern on the corner where Davis & Dice have a store. It was afterward moved back, and now stands there, being the rear of the store. James Frazier built the front part to it, and kept hotel a while, and then Josiah Smith kept it a while. I. M. Davis converted the building into a store. Ephraim Goodwin, in 1857, built a little store which he occupied as a confectionery, on the east side of the street, and William Canadav continued the business for a while. Weeks & Price, about the same time, put up the building on the northwest corner for a drug store.

There are none of the early business men now in business here. Robert Mills is the oldest resident, and A. B. Whinrey the oldest business man. He commenced here as a blacksmith in 1855. He " graduated with honor,'' and became a merchant. The same success followed him. and he has continued in business. He is now engaged in the grain trade. He has from almost the beginning of business here been identified with the business and growth of the place, and seems to have been more than ordinarily successful in his enterprises. He is a man of good judgment and excellent business habits.

Mr. Geo. A. Dice, though still a young man, has been long in active business here. His mother, then a widow, with a family of small children dependent on her, lived in East Tennessee, the home of the hardy mountaineer Unionists, when rebellion lifted its hydra-headed form all over the fair south, except in this favored home of freedom. As soon as it was known that Tennessee had, contrary to the popular vote of her citizens, been forced into an attitude hostile to the Union, Mrs. Dice gathered what little she had movable, and, taking her children, fled from the home of her childhood and came here to live. She was nearly destitute of worldly goods, but, with a stout heart, she determined to bring her two boys up under the old flag, come what would. She was soon appointed postmistress, and her oldest son. George, for some years managed the affairs of the office in an acceptable manner, showing the careful, accurate business traits which have since marked his business career. He afterward formed a business partnership with Mr. Davis, and manages the extensive business affairs of the firm. He is also township treasurer of schools, and is a systematic business man.

With the building of the railroad in 1873-4 business increased, and some branches found locations near the depot. The steam mill which is located there was built by the Davis Brothers at that time. It has three run of stone, and is a first-class mill in every respect. It was purchased by Banta & Coppock, and is now run by Banta & Darnall. Several stores and some other business operations are carried on there, but the principal mercantile houses are still on the original town at the crossing of the state road and county road.

The school-house was erected in 1875, is a large and well-proportioned brick building, and is well arranged and neatly furnished. The school is graded, having four departments, with one teacher for each department. The high school is in charge of Mr. W. H. Chamberlin, who has for three years past successfully acted as principal. Miss Florence Newlin is in charge of the grammar department, Mrs. Mary H. Lane the intermediate, and Miss Whitlock the primary. The school is in charge of a board of directors consisting of R. H. Davis, president ; W. N. Barklay, and A. J. Darnall, Secretary. These gentlemen have performed the exacting duties consequent upon their official position in a way which has added to the efficiency of the school, and fulfilled an important public trust in a most acceptable manner. If the theoiw is correct that the school is, in a great measure, an indication of our progressive civilization, the citizens of Ridge Farm may be congratulated on being in the advanced guard.

Incorporation

A petition for the incorporation of the village under the general incorporation act, signed by Uriah Hadley and others, was filed in the county court on the 3d of March, 1874. The petition proposed the following limits to the village: The southwest quarter of section 30 and the northwest quarter of section 31, town 17, range 11, and the southeast quarter of section 25, and the northeast quarter of section 36, town 17, range 12, embracing one mile square of territory ; and it set forth that there were within the said limits three hundred and fifty inhabitants. The court ordered an election to be held at the store of J. C. Pierce on the 21st of March, 1874, to vote upon the question of incorporation. George H. Dice, R. H. Davis and J. H. Banta were appointed judges of the election. At that election 51 votes were cast, 49 for incorporation and 2 against it. The court ordered an election to be held on the 22d of April to vote for six trustees to serve until the regular election in course under the law. At this election 58 votes were cast. J. H. Banta received 54- : M. A. Harold, 32 ; T. C. Bees. 31 ; A. J. Darnall, 4:5 ; A. B. Whinrey, 53 ; Moses Lewis and J. D. Harrold, each 25. There seemed to be n© doubt of the election of the first five named above, but just who the sixth trustee was became an exciting question in the local politics of the Ridge. Returning boards and high-joint commissions, composed of a motley glomeration of supreme courts and senates, had not then been invented. Neither one of the candidates would pay a nickel for a certificate even supposing the election board had been in the market : there was no provision in the law for " drawing straws/' and if a game of draw-poker had been eligible to decide it, neither of the contestants were adepts in that. The Ridge was in an agitated state of equanimity, of undeniable unrest. Word reached Danville that the good people of the particular square mile of territory, in the throes of birth, had made a kind of a miscalculation, and that having voted to corporate they could not corporate until some one could be found to tell them " who was that sixth man." It was a knotty question, but Judge Hanford, the personification of blind iustice, was at last able to cut the Gordian knot. He cited Moses and John before his court (sheriff's fees, five dollars, which were duly paid) to plead, answer or demur, and show cause why each one had conspired to block the wheels of incorporation at Ridge Farm. duly ordered by said court, in persisting to receive each an equal number of votes. The court looked severe, and ordered the two recalcitrants to stand up and draw straws. Lewis got the long straw and was duly declared the victor, and the waiting village was ushered into corporate being. It is related that both parties paid their own expenses to Danville and back without grumbling, which speaks well of their good bearing under trying circumstances.

On the 1st of May the Board of Trustees, now safely relieved from impending ruin, organized by electing A. J. Darnall. president, and T. C. Rees, clerk. They adopted a set of ordinances and fixed the compensation of officers: Trustees to have one dollar per meeting; treasurer, one per centum ; collector, two per centum, and assessor one dollar and fifty cents per day. The offices of collector and assessor Mere afterward dispensed with. At the regular election in 1875, the following were elected : M. A. Harrold, president ; A. B. Whinrey, A. M. Mills, C. Lewis, S. Haworth and H. R. Craven, trustees: T. C. Rees, police magistrate; James Quinn. clerk; E. Goodwin, constable. In 1876 : S. Haworth, president, and the other members of the Board the same as the preceding year; A. J. Darnall was elected treasurer. In 1877: A. M. Mills, president; W. X. Barklay, H. R. Craven, S.

The Ridge Farm Lodge, No. 632, A.F. & A.M., was instituted on the 2d of October, 1868, with the following officers and original members : Jonah Hole, W.M.; W. Harris, S.W.; M. A. Harrold, J. W.; Geo. F. Cutler, secretary; J. Larranee, treasurer; John Guffin, S.D.; C. C. Paxon, J.D.; J. D. Harrold, Tyler; M.L. Larranee, George A. Dice, S. Haworth, .). W. McGee, J. B. Ensey, Johnson Ross and Wm. Gledhill. The following have served the lodge as Masters: W. Harris, A. A. Sulcer and George A. Dice. The present officers are: George A. Dice, W.M.; Isaac Woodard, S.W.; James P. Fletcher, J.W.; W. N. Barklay, S.D.; J. D. Harrold, J.D.; W. C. Holloway, secretary; A. L. Antrum, treasurer ; C. A. Foster and W. T. Watson, stewards. The lodge is in prosperous condition. It meets first and third Saturdays of each month.

Vermilion Grove

Vermilion Grove is an unincorporated village on the railroad, two miles north of Ridge Farm. It is located where the Haworths and Canadavs made their first settlement, almost sixtv years a^o, where stands the successor of the first church or meeting-house built in the county, and the successor of the first school established in the county, accounts of both of which the reader will find under the appropriate headings. Many hallowed and precious memories cluster around this favored spot. Two only, it is believed, of the original settlers - both young then, of course - remain here now: Elvin Haworth and William Canaday, now honored and respected old men, of whom it may be said they have never permitted private interests to take precedence of duty to God or their fellow men. In 1876, Elvin Haworth platted for record a subdivision of the southeast quarter of section 13, upon which the village is built. It was called Vermilion until the railroad was built. When the post-office was established in 1873 it was found necessary to change the name to Vermilion Grove, in consequence of there being a post-office named Vermilion, in the state. Jonathan Stafford commenced mercantile business here in 1873. He soon after sold to J. Gibson, who carried on business here for some time and sold to William Brown, and a year later repurchased the business and continues in trade. He is also engaged in the manufac- tare of tiles, employing five hands. He uses the Tecumseh machine. Elmore Rees and Elvin Haworth have saw-mills, which manufacture considerable lumber. The Vermilion Academy is located here, and there are several very neat residences.

The town of Munroe was laid out by Messrs. Mayfield and J. C. Haworth, in 1836, on section 36 (17-11). The}- made a sale of lots at that time and a few were disposed of, but it has "gone back," and the localitv is now known by the name of Bethel. The union church of the Methodists and Presbyterians is located there.

Biographical

Frederick Canaday, Vermilion Grove, farmer, was born in Jefferson county, Tennessee, on the 27th of January, 1804, and was raised a farmer, which occupation he has followed successfully through life. He was one of the pioneers of the county, coming here in 1820, and sharing with the few settlers of that early day the hardships of a pioneer life. Mr. Canaday is considered one of Vermilion county's best citizens. He has been very charitable in donating for benevolent purposes. He was married in Tennessee in 1828, to Charity Haworth, who also was born in Tennessee, and is now deceased. They are the parents of ten children, eight living : Jane, Matilda, William, Maiy A., Henry, Isaac, Sarah and John. Mr. Canaday was then married to Anna Haworth, in 1849. There were but two settlers in this part of the county when he came here, and he was the oldest settler who attended the old settlers' meeting at Danville in the fall of 1878. He owns nine hundred and thirty acres of fine land. He is a republican, and belongs to the Friends church.

Elvin Haworth, Vermilion Grove, farmer and stock-dealer, section 13, was born in Jefferson county, Tennessee, on the 9th of April, 1815, and was raised to the occupation of a farmer. He came to this state with his father in the year 1822, and settled on section 13, near where he now lives. His father remained here until his death, in 1863, at which time he was eighty-five years old. His wife died five daj-s previous. The subject of this sketch had but little of this world's goods with which to commence life, but by industry, economy and perseverance he has acquired a good property of two hundred and forty-five acres of land, which he has made mostly by handling cattle. He has been very liberal in his donations for benevolent purposes, giving five hundred dollars at one time for the Friends Academy at Vermilion Grove. He has held the office of supervisor of township nine years. Mr. Haworth was married in 1874 to Elmeda Stanly, who was born in Iroquois county, Illinois, in 1840, ^and died in 1875. They had two

John Folger, Ridge Farm, farmer, and minister of the Friends church, section 25, was born in this county on the 19th of September, 1829, his father being one of the pioneers of this county, settling here in 1829, hence he shared the hardships of a pioneer life. He went to school in the winter, and afterward attended Vermilion Grove Academy one term, and then attended Bloomingdale two terms. He was married on the 14th of September, 1853. His wife was born in Parke county, Indiana, on the 18th of August, 1831. They are the parents of nine children, eight living: Alonzo, Julius Adelphus, Romania, Ida E., Rachel E., Clara T. and Lottie R. Mr. Folger has held the office of school treasurer for ten years. His father was a native of North Carolina, and his mother was born on the island of Nantucket. Mr. Folger1 s wife is a member of Friends church. He is a republican in politics.

M. L. Larrance, Ridge Farm, farmer, section 35, was born in Jefferson county, Tennessee, on the 9th of May, 1818, and was raised to the occupation of a farmer, at which he has had a life-long experience. He came with his father to this state in the fall of 1827, being among the early settlers of the county. The subject of this sketch wras married in this state in 1840, to Nancy Mendenhall, who was born in Ohio in 1819. They had by this union thirteen children, nine living: John, William, Betsy, Emily, Richard, Charity J., David, Lydia B. and Farris. The deceased were Joseph and three infants. Mr. Larrance is a well-to-do farmer, well respected by all with whom he is acquainted. His parents were natives of North Carolina. His political views are republican, and he is a member of the Friends church.

James Rees, Ridge Farm, farmer, section 24, was born in Greene county, Tennessee, and came to this state in 1830. He has followed the occupation of a farmer through life. He commenced the nursery business in 1854, which he continued to follow successfully for a number of years, furnishing a great many valuable trees, this proving to be a great advantage to the county. Mr. Rees has been twice married : first in 1838, to Elizabeth Dillen, who was born in Tennessee, and is now deceased. He was then married, in 1844, to Jemima Dillen, a sister of his former wife, also born in Tennessee. Mr. Rees has been the father of eight children, four living. He has taught school about ten years altogether, and is regarded as one of Vermilion's best citizens. He is a republican, and belongs to the Friends church. He owns one hundred and sixty acres, worth fifty dollars per acre.

a practical fanner through life. He came with his father to this state in 1830, settling on the Little Vermilion River. He moved, with his father, to the place where he now lives in 1836, and here he has resided since. Mr. Pngh has held the office of school director thirty years. He was elected justice of the peace one term, which office he honorably filled. He was reelected, but would not serve. He was also supervisor of the township. He was married on the 31st of May, 1856, to Lydia Thompson. She was born in Parke county, Indiana, on the 7th of March, 1835. They are the parents of nine children, eight living: John J., Isaac N., Ezra K., Harris J., Monroe, Howard, Jane E. and Lydia D. The deceased was an infant. Mr. Pugh's father was a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother, of Maryland. His political views are republican, and he belongs to the Friends church.