Bartholomew County, Indiana - Chapter 3, 1888

Chapter 3

Early Settlement - Character of the Pioneers - William Connor - First. Settlers and Where They Located - Early Land Sales - Hunters and Their G a:\ie - Piokeer Dress - Amusements - Early Marriages - Trade AND Commerce - Political Campaigns, Etc.

HE sturd}^ character of the pioneer al\va3'S attracts a peculiar interest; and a fascinating charm gathers about the custoins and manners of his time. The subduers of a new and wild country are of right accorded heroic rank. Such were the pioneers of the American West. They braved the terrors, suffered the privations and dangers of life in the woods on the outskirts of civilization with determined wills and brawny arms to clear and plant for themselves and their children homes in the unbroken wilderness. They shrank not from hunger, exposure, disease or broken attachments of old homes and ties of kindred, but with unfaltering determination launched forth to meet their destiny.

When Indiana was admitted to the sisterhood of States that portion now embraced in Bartholomew Count}^, as well as a very large tract in the eastern and central parts of the State, was in the possession of the Delaware Indians, whose title to the lands was not extinguished until October, 1818. Prior to this time but few white men had set foot on the soil of this count3^ It is quite probable that the first to cross its territory were the French traders who dealt with the Delawares, and those traveling from Detroit to Vincennes by way of old Fort Valonia in Jackson Count}^ who, it is reasonable to conclude, followed the White River and its tributaries. The first positive^ known to have entered the territor}' was William

Early Settlement

Connor, an Indian trader, who at that timt; had a trading post at the present site of Connersvillc. Earlv in 1816, he floated down Flat Rock River in a small boat filled with such jroods as he miefht exchange with the red men for their peltries.. Later he traveled along the course of Blue River, and to tlae bands that camped along its banks he became a welcome guest. William Connor, who is often called the father of central Indiana, was a typical frontiersman, and being familiar with the customs and habits of the Indians, was able to render valuable service to Gen. Harrison during his struggle with the aborigines in the earl}' part of the century. He was not, however, instrumental in the development of the country, and had no fixed habitation within the boundaries of Bartholomew County.

A few squatters had pushed their wa}- into the Indian domains and were there as intruders without right. A tour of inspection was made by a part}' into the new purchase just after the Indian title was ex'tinguished, when but two squatters' cabins, inhabited by two white men, were found in all that territory- from the crossing of Sand Creek at old Geneva in Jennings County to the present site of Indianapolis; one on Clift}- Creek and the other qn Blue River. But no sooner had the news of the consummation of the treat}' with the Delawares reached the settlements in the older parts of the State than stout-hearted, ambitious men were ready to start out for the new Eldorado. Joseph Cox, a Virginian by birth, who, at an early period had left the place of his nativity and settled in Cumberland County, Ky., was the first settler in the county of Bartholomew - then part of a vast wilderness belonging to Delaware County. He came in 1819, following the Indian trail, making the first wagon j-pad, and settling on Haw Creek above where in later years the Lewis saw mill was built; when he came he was about fifty-three years of age and had a large family, being the father of ten boys and one girl. He was a man of considerable moral worth, intelligent, active, and energetic. Selecting what seemed a good locality he at once set to work building a small cabin and this erected, commenced clearing a spot, where in 1820, the first corn crop was grown. The crib that held that first crop stood for many years and wa s never empty. Robert Wilkerson, David Stipp and George Frank soon after came into the Ilawpatch and settled tliere. Jacob Ilauser and Joseph Lochenonr, two young men, then unmarried, came from Nbrtli CaroHna in the same year following the wagon track made by Joseph Cox. They stopped at Wilkerson's, putting what few things the}' had in a rough shed, and went to work building a cabin. Each had an Indian blanket which constituted the whole of their possessions of that sort. During their first wmter the}' wrapped themselves in their blankets and slept on the ground, their dreams doubtless disturbed bv the never-ceasing howls of wolves.

These men had simple ways. Their only cooking utensil was an iron pot, and out of it they ate their meals without the medium of plate or pan. The second winter they had a bed of leaves in a sack resting on bed cords made of hickory withes. Samuel Chappell and a Mr. Smith settled in the same year near the old Jim Gabbert place on the eastern Hawpatch road. John Lindsey settled a little southeast of where the Lambert grave-yard was afterward laid out, and at his cabin an event, the first of its kind, occurred, to mark the spot and give it some local historic interest. There in 1819, the first white child born in what is now Bartholomew County, commenced his career. General John Vawter was among the numerous prospectors who were then looking over the new country. A welcome guest, he stopped at Lindsey's cabin, to spend the night, during which John Tipton Lindsey was born. The elder Lindsey afterward moved to the settlement that grew up above the present site of Columbus and became prominent in public affairs,. first representing the new county in the State Legislature. The younger Lindsey in later years, lived at South Bend, Indiana, and was County Clerk for a time at that place. Judge William S. Jones first came here on a prospecting tour in 1819, about the time the lands were being surveyed. He purchased a tract of land at the first sale in June, 1S20, and soon after removed his family from Kentucky, and settled about six miles north of Columbus on the western side of Flat Rock. Judge Jones was born in Nelson County, Ky., in 1790, and from the date of his settlement in 1820, to the date of his death, led a useful and honorable life in this county, holding at various times stations of honor and trust. He had been a soldier in the War of 181 2, and partici- pated in the buttle of the Thames. In the same locality the Steinbarger^ settled in 1819. They became an influential family and did much to develop the w calth of the new country and improve the moral tone of society. Eli Pence and Benjamin Irwin came in 1820. The fertile soil of the Hawpatch attracted the settlers and caused the northern part of tlie county to fill up rapidly with cabins and settlements. The country east of Haw Creek was rather wet,, there being a large pond or lake on sandy ground near where the Hinches settled, called Hinches' pond. But here the Coxes, Parkers, Fosters, and others established their homes. West of the old State road another settlement was made by Mignon Boaz, Benjamin Crow, John Hill, and Joshua Sims, from east Tennessee, who came in 1820 with his boys, Russell, Lewis, Noah and Joshua, Jr. Judge Tunis Quick came in 1819, and afterward settled between the State and Hawpatch roads. He was a man of note and became conspicuously identified with the subsequent history of the count3^ Allen Wilson, John Connor, Jacob Gabbert, David Taylor, Jesse Ruddick the elder, Jacob Cook and Adam Cook, were among the early settlers in that locality. The McQueens settled further up the creek, nearer the Cox neighborhood. Between the Hawpatch and Columbus were Jonathan Bunnell, Hans Irwin, John Singleton, and others. Most of the first settlers came in from Kentuck}^, some being natives of that State, and others having previously emigrated from Virginia and the Carolinas. The new lands were rapidly occupied and it would be impossible at this time to state with absolute certainty what settlements were first made except those above referred to. '

In a few years immigrants came in from Ohio and Pennsylvania, and some who had pushed further north at first, came back and located within the boundaries of this county. The northeast^ corner of the county was settled mostly by people from North Carolina, though a Kentuckian, Hugh K. McKahp was among the first to push his way into these parts, reaching there in 1820. Benjamin O. Robertson came in 1822, the Plarker family in 1824, Joseph Holder in 1825, EH Zeigler in 1826, the Spaughs and Edridge Hopkins in 1827. Martin Hauser a 3'oung Moravian minister, burning with zeal,, came from North Carolina in 1829 and there lived a leader among men, beloved by all, until his death, in 1876. Others who came in 'early days were W. II. Chitty, Lewis Essex, David Fuhvider, the Lamberts from Pennsylvania, Lewis Reed, the Romingers, Peter Rothrock, John P. Blum, Jacob Clouse, John Drouberger, Peter Fry, Isaiah Carter, Wiley Powell, Robert Carter, Henry Clayton and many others. The venerable Rev. Albert Carter, now of Newbern, was the first white child born in Haw Creek Township, and probabl}- the second was William Powell, now a resident of the State of Kansas. Johnson Joiner and Thomas Bonnell came to the county in 1S19 and are still among the living. Daniel Aikin, a Virginian, came in the spring of 1S19, from Kentucky, with four or five children, and setded a short distance Avest of where St. Louis crossing now is. The Yealeys and Kellers were early settlers near Cliffy Creek. In 182 1, the Millers, from Kentucky, came- in: there were Ephraim and I\Iina, and their 5ons, Frank, Robert, George and Nelson. Soon after, came the Rolands, George and Dr. H. B., both good citizens, but with pronounced aristocratic tendencies. A settlement west of Columbus was early made; the Glantons and Gabberts were the more prominent people there - Francis J. Crump is said to have driven one of the wagons belonging to the Glantons, from Woodford County, K3^ He was a poor carpenter who afterward became one of the wealthiest men in Bartholomew County. John Day, Sr., now one of the oldest men in Sand Creek Township, was one of the early .settlers in that locality. In 1821 the Quakers settled in Sand Creek Township, and ever since have kept up their rehgious organization there. Among those who first came were David, WilUs and Joel Newsom, Samuel Nicholson, Isaac, Walter and Jonathan Cox, Isaac, William, Benjamin and Phineas Parker, John Hall, John S. and Chalkley A. Chawner, Solomon Stout and William Ruddick.

Among the first to settle in Wayne Township were John and David Prather, sturd}' young pioneers, and their wives. Soon after came the Walls, Richard, Samuel and John; and then the Forgusons and Vanzandts. Two young men named Williams, and their brother-in-law, came into this settlement and built cabins, but became dissatisfied and pushed on to other fields. Their deserted cabins were immediately occupied by the families of William

Early Settlement. 37 1

Thompson and Jacob Lane, the former coming- from Kentucky, the latter from New York. The size and appearance of these cabins may b^ imagined wlien it is known that they wfcre raised by one man and his wife. Peter McKinney was an old settler in those parts and built the first still house there - about one mile south of where WaynesA'ille now stands. The Whalens, a \\'idow and three sons, William, John and Thomas, early settled between Waynesville and Walesboro. Near the site of the latter place were the Wales famil}-, Samuel and Charles Dougherty and Moses Sweeney, who now is probably the oldest resident in the southern part of the count3^ The southwestern part of the count}' was not settled until late - probably not earlier than 1830. William Sutherland, father of Bluford Sutherland, was probably the first to permanently locate in that section. Ezekiel Sutherland, now living at a ripe old age, was also among the first. Most of the settlers carte direct from Europe, principally from Prussia, though among the pioneers here there were a number of Americans. Noah Cooley, Emanuel Burgett, William Linson, Thomas McLaughlin, Noah Wantland, George Borstede, John F. Kobbe, Isaiah Watkins, George Sneiveley and Newel Stiles were among those who afterward became prominent in the neighborhoods where they resided. Farther north Aaron Crouch, Carter Harrison, Joel A3'ers, Washington Haislop, Turner Haislop and Thornas Haislop were among the first. In the northwest the Tannehills were prominent and influential early settlers.

The first settler on the present site of Columbus was William Chapman, who was living in a small log cabin near where Bunnell's tannery was in later years, when Judge Jones and other land hunters came through the county in 1819. Hauser and Lochenour helped to raise the cabin. The next house was that of Luke Bonesteel, a double log house, which stood on the bank of the river near where the bridge now is, and was afterward used by the county for a court house. Luke Bonesteel and John Lindsey had previously settled in the Hav/patch, but they bought the land upon which Columbus was afterward located and deeded a part of it to General John Tipton, hoping to induce him to take up his residence there. As soon as the seat of government was located a village commenced a growth which is elsewhere desribed in the histor}' of the cit}- of Columbus. Tlie men of marked ability residing here who were instrumental in developing the county's interests, are named as inWy as possible in other connections.

The public lands in Bartholomew County were surveyed in 1819 by A. C. Looker, Bethucl F. Morris, Abraham Lee, and Basil Bentley, and were put on sale atBrookville and Jeffersonville. The land system then required the lands to be publicl}'^ sold at not less than $2 per acre, of which one-fourth was to be paid in hand and the balance in three equal annual installments. Previous to the first sales the count}^ had been thoroughl}' explored and examined by "land hunters" with the view of securing the best tracts. Among these were Luke Bonesteel, George Doup, Gen. John Tipton, John Lindsey, Charles Edwards, William S. Jones, Joseph Lochenour, Joseph H. Vanmeter and many others. For three months after the land office had been opened for the sale of the lands in. the new purchase, they were crowded with buyers. Those who entered lands in Bartholomew County in 1820 were John Mulberry, Pristley Peak, David Shepperd, Basil R. Prather, Richard Wall, John Prather, Jr., Datid J. Prather, Joel Cooper, James Bean, A. Johnson, John Smiley, Robert Owens, Charles Dougherty, Samuel Doughert}', John Brown, George Brown, Samuel Wilson, Pleasant Paggett, John Davis, Solomon McKinney, Wilham Ruddick, William Whaler, John Ruddick, James Godwin, Wilham Kirkman, Henr}^ Rogers, William Arnick, Wilham Davis, Thomas Conner, James Vanzant, William Thompson, William Morns, Samuel Richardson, William Packwood, Abner Conner, Allen Collins, Enoch Parr, John Parker, Samuel White, Joseph H. Vanmeter, William Gabbert, Alex Vinyard, George Doup, Jacob Hauser, Samuel Mounts, William Delap, Joseph Lochinour, John Rider, Thomas Mounts, Nathan Carter, Aaron Bevis, Joseph Fassett, George Cummings, Ephraim Arnold, Michael J. Myers, Daniel Row, Ezekiel liughes, Isaac Gale, John Carr, James McEwen, J. Osbourne, Jonathan Bonnell, Jacob Cook, Joseph Cox, Abraham Fry, Ransom Perry, Samuel Merriwether, Luke Bonesteel, John Fowler, John R. Shoemaker, John Tipton, Peter Troutman, William Maskall, John S. McEwen, James Parker, Salmon Buell, Nathan Cox, George Kurts, Peter Cox, George Gabbert, An- and afterward more slowly until all the land passed from the ownership of the government. Many of those named above continued tfieir entries and some possessed large estates.

Early Setti.Ement

These entries were made in all parts of the county excepting that portion lying contiguous to what is now Brown Count}'. The Hawpatch lands were favorites, but the stream of settlers pouring in from the south and southeast, soon occupied all of the best lands from Sand Creek to the north county line. Nor did they overlook those rich acres lying west of Driftwood, where Nineveh and the north part of Union Townships now are. It was not until 1832 that the lands in the west and southwest began to be taken. In that 3-ear Aaron Crouch, William Brown and Thomas J. Richard made entries there. They were followed in 1833 and 1S34 by David Cody, Oliver Hammond, David Phegley, Reuben Cooley, Vincent C. Roberts, Isaiah Carey, Josiah Carey and Thomas Lenon. From then until the close of 1839, entries were made rapidl}' and the entire county was soon settled.

JVativc Animals and Their Hunters. - ; Among the wild animals found in the county by the early settlers were the deer, wolf, bear, panther, wild-cat, fox, otter, raccoon, ground hog, skunk, mink, weasel, muskrat, oppossum, rabbit, and squirrel. These furnished meat for the first settlers, the deer being used most abundantly. Wild turkej'S were as plentiful as the deer, and the two were the game mostly sought after by the hunter. All of the settlers had guns as a necessar}' part of their equipment, and all of the old settlers were good hunters. In 18 19 the Delaware Indians hunted in the county. They were numerous, but quite peaceable. Their guns could be heard constantly. They had a camp on the Highfield place near Flat Rock, about two miles north of Columbus, and from there traversed the tangled and dense forests in all directions, following trails, there being then no roads. There was a trading house at Shield's, in Jackson Count}', where they disposed of most of their peltries. The}' continued hunting here through the summer of 1820, quitting about the time of the land sales and leaving for the Delaware towns. By bleating like a doe they would call up the fawns and shoot them. Frequently settlers found carcasses of deer in the woods with hide and tallow only taken. The present site of Columbus was then very much tangled with bushes and briers, and about there a white deer used to range. Many tried in vain to kill it, but at last it fell a victim to the skill of Nathan Cox. The wolves were at first probably the most troublesome animals, making frequent attacks upon the settlers, small domestic animals, and with most incessant and terrifying bowlings, rendered the nights hideous. The woods seemed to be full of them. Bears and panthers were not numerous, but were occasionally encountered. Later squirrels became most destructive pests, consuming much of the growing crops, and their slaughter became a matter of business. It is said that Peter Fay, an old North Carolinian who settled in Haw Creek Township in 1S33, being a fine rifle shot, killed fifteen hundred squirrels within two weeks. General Terrell tells of a grand squirrel hunt in Wa3'ne and Sand Creek Townships as follows :

" In the autumn of 1S34, ^ rivalry sprung up between the squirrel-hunters of Sand Creek and Wayne townships, which resulted in a challenge on the following terms and conditions: The two townships were to have a squirrel killing match, each township to be represented by fifty hunters, the match to continue for three days. The township killing the largest number as shown by the scalps produced, was to be declared winner, and the other township was to give to the citizens of both a grand, free barbecue dinner. Crows were then also plenty, 'and being much more difficult to shoot than squirrels, it was agreed that each crow killed should count as two squirrels. The place at which the dinner was to be given was selected in a grove near Azalia village, and a day was appointed when the scalps were to be produced and the match decided. 'Uncle' Sammy Marsh, of Sand Creek, was employed to get up the barbecue - the losing township to foot the bill. Leaders were chosen on both sides, who were pledged ' 'pon honor ' Ito honestl}^ and fairl3^ conform to the terms of the contest. The match created the wildest excitement. Women and girls backed up the men-folks b}'' moulding bullets and keeping shot-pouches and powder-horns well filled. Ever}- man and boy who could get hold of a rifle - then the only kind of fire-arm in common use - en- gaged ill the sport, to the full extent of tlic 'quota' agreed u]x)ii, with gr^at earnestness and enthusiasni. During the three days, from daylight to dark, the war raged most furiousl}-; the rattling and popping sounded almost like a battle; the slaughter was enormous. It was no sham fight ! The air was clouded with powdersmoke, and loaded with the fumes of ' villainous salt-peter.' The day for the barbecue arri\'ed, and all the hunters, loaded down with scalps, accompanied b}- their wives, children and sweethearts, flocked to the place appointed for the big dinner. ' Tellers were selected to ascertain the result. An honest count gave the victory to Sand Creek, though Wayne had no reason to be ashamed. The grand aggregate of squirrels killed can not be given. One man from Wa3'ne brought in nearl}' 900 scalps, and said he could have taken 1,200, onh^ he had to often stop to cool off the barrel of his gun. He was declared the champion of the match. The next largest number was killed by Samuel Stuckey, of Sand Creek, who produced 783 scalps. I got these facts from W. Stuckey, while he was Sheriff of the count}-."

In the spring of 1855, the whole country swarmed with pigeons. There was a large roost near Wa3'nesville. Great numbers were killed by hunters and " pigeon pie " became a ver}' common dish. The farmers in some places turned out and battled with them, killing all they could, for the reason that they consumed great quantities of the mast which they were counting on as feed for their hogs. Of the hunter's equipment, General Terrell, in his reminiscences, sa}' s : " The guns were generally home-made, every village having its gunsmith, and the implements were made to suit the particular wishes of each patron - to run so many bullets to the pound of lead, that is to say, of a certain calibre ; some were specially adapted for squirrel hunting, others for deer, turkeys, shooting matches, etc. Shot-guns w^ere considered an abomination and derisivety called 'scatter guns,' fit only for the amusement of small bo3-s and old dotai'ds whose defective vision prevented them from taking aim through the 'sights' of a rifle. Flint locks prevailed until the introduction of percussion caps, and many a deer was allowed to escape and roam the woods because of a ' flash in the pan,' and while the hunter was ' picking his flint' before ' trying it again.' The breech of llie old fashioned ride conlained a small cavity- closed with a brass or iron lid on a hinj^'e for a bit of tallow - to grease the ' patching,' which was a thin piece of cloth about three-fourths of an inch in diameter strung" on a string and attached to the shot-pouch strap. The powder, guaged in a primer or buck horn charger holding the proper quantity, was emptied into the barrel of the gun, then the greased piece of patching was placed over the bore, the bullet placed thereon and rammed home, the greased cloth preventing the ball from sticking on its way or fouling in the rifle groove. A shot-pouch of dressed buckskin with the hair on contained bullets, flints, wipers, etc., which, with powder horn, completed the outfit. A man usuall}-^ knew just about what he could do with his gun, and if the implement was reliable and accurate, it was petted as affectionately as a favorite child, and often given a pet name. Off-hand aim was the general rule - to shoot with a rest was boyish and beneath the dignit}'^ of a hunter." Pioneer Dress. - The head dress of the pioneer for the male sex was either a coonskin cap or a home made wool hat. The feet were covered with moccasins made of deer skins and shoe packs of tanned leather, but shoes were worn by most of the pioneers of this count}', except in summer, when old and young, male and female went bare-footed a considerable portion of the time. The blue linsey hunting shirt was almost universall}' worn by men and boys. It was made with wide sleeves, open before, and so ample in its folds as to embrace the body almost twice around. It was such a comfortable and healthful garment that its wearers were loth to part wtth it when the time came for it to be replaced b}- a shirt or jacket of a different style. Pantaloons were made at a very early day of deer skin and linse}-, but to the settlers of this county, cotton and jeans w^ere most common. Women's dresses were simple, substantial, and well made. As a rule settlers raised their own flax, cotton and wool, and made their own garments. Good weavers were then the accomplished young ladies and the spinning wheel filled the little cabin with sweet music, as it sang its song of thrift and industry. They raised their cotton, picked it, carded it, wove it and then wore it. At the proper season the flaxbrake was brought into use, and its product was "hackled" and spun into skein; the wool card was tlien prepared for the filHng; and with different kinds of bark, various colors were given to the raw material and made it ready for the loom, which, with its shuttle flying noisily back and forth soon brought out its yards of linsey striped and beautiful.

The head dress of the women was a simple cotton handkerchief or sun bonnet, and they were not ashamed to walk a mile or two to church on Sunda}', carrying their shoes and stockings in llieir hands until within a few yards of the place of worship, when they would put them on the feet. Indeed, at early meetings it was (juite common for nine-tenths of the people, male and female, to be barefooted. These modes of dress long prevailed in the country settlements, but in the town of Columbus the merchants who carried rather large and complete stocks of goods encouraged the cultivation of what they perhaps considered higher tastes in the matter of dress. Some silks and satins were worn, but thc}^ were not numerous. Whatever material was used, however, was genuine, and there were then no "shoddy" goods. There were many social assembhes and dances then considered quite elegant, and on these occasions the dresses worn, though differing in st^de, would compare favorably in richness with those of a later day. The newspapers soon filled with advertisements headed. Prints! Prints! and calico, at first costly, became veiy generally used. In turn it gave way except for common use, through the development of extravagant tastes, to something richer and more attractive. With the wonderful increase in wealth that the years brought it is not a matter of surprise that the pioneers themselves soon departed from the ways which their necessities forced upon them, nor that their descendants have continued the progress so admirably commenced.

Aniuscnicuts. - Pioneer social gathering usually had in view two objects - work and sport. The log rollings, house and barn raisings, wood choppings, corn huskings, bean pickings, wool pickings, quiltings and apple parings, while attended with much laboi", were replete with enjo3'ment. In the early settlement of this county all amusement was preceded b}' work - every good time was earned. No man undertook alone to roll his logs. All joined together and went from place to place rolling. All houses were raised by neigh- borly hands. When the crops were galliered the corn was jnit in a long pile and neighbors were in\ited in to husk it, usually after night. Log rollings and huskings were followed by a dance from wiich the 3'oung folks got tlieir greatest enjo^'ment. John Stader, a cripple, was one of the famous pioneer fiddlers, and his services were in demand where\'er he was known. He went all over the county playing at frolics. In the huskings both sexes took part, the buskers being divided into two parties, each with a leader. The lucky finder of a red ear reaped a rich harvest of kisses from those of the other sex; the rules governing the quantit}' of such rewards, vaiying in different sections. General Terrell tells of a husking in Columbus, which perhaps ma}' be accepted as fairl}^ representative. " One autumn afternoon " he says " the news went forth to the villagers that John F. Jones (familiarly called Jack Jones) would have a husking the night ensuing. Everybody went, man and boy. Jack was popular, a great favorite, had been Squire and Sheriff, and of course not to have gone to his husking would have been equivalent to a downright 'miff ' or insult. He was partially a farmer then, and the big pile of corn was of his own production. It lay some hundred 3-ards from his tavern in the open air. The night was clear and starlight - yet several lanterns were suspended roundabout to disseminate hght to the buskers. The company congregated early. Ike Graves, a ver}^ funn_y, jovial fellow, was picked upon as one of the leaders - vs'ith authorit}' to take the bottle round; for liquor w\as a common drink those days, and sold b}^ the landlord himself. Songs were sung, the liquor drank freely and the corn husked. It was a merry time; a perfect reunion of the citizens then living here, and the excitement was exceedingly enjo3'able. After all was over most of the buskers dispersed for their homes. A number, however, repaired to the bar room where a cheerful fire was blazing on the hearth, and plent}^ of the ' rosy god ' behind the bar. The fat and jolly old landlord (we always call fat and jolly folks old) brought out his apples and cider - and the crowd ever and anon would call out something struck eleven and the Avaves of niirtli and discord still tumbled on Ave thought a speedy retreat to our home prudent and ' cut out ' accordinixlv."

When the country had filled up and Columbus had become quite a town, and A'et before the railroad had come to divert public attention from local matters, and to interest the people in what was being done elsewhere, the forms of amusement began to degenerate. Yet withal there was a health}' interest in manh' sports. Horse racing was indulged in to a great extent. Races were gotten up hastily whenever t\\ o or more nags believed to be fast were brought together. Nearly every public assembly Avas fruitful of some game or plan of amusement. Whisky was plent}-, and it caused men to do often what they were doubtless ashamed of in sober moments. Elections were always well attended, and with the single exception, perhaps, of muster or training da3's, none were more stirring and exciting than those on which the sovereigns assembled, ostensibly to exercise the sacred rights of freemen, but reall}', as the designs of the majorit}'- seemed to be, to mingle together in wild confusion, quaff poisonous draughts, swap horses, pitch quoits, play the braggadocia, wrestle and fight. Of all the products of that inventive age in this line, the one which seems least to accord with the ideas of to-da}' concerning manly sports is described b}' General Terrell in these words :

"Probably about the year 1838, some reckless and heartless fellows about Columbus conceived the idea of gander - a pastime, which if not the offspring of their own minds, was probably invented by some barbarous band of savages, or handed down to posterity as one of the graces which adorned the character of some ancient and worn-out pugilist, no longer able to fight. It shoVvs how sluggish public opinion was in those da3-s which may truthfull}' be denominated the dark age of Columbus. On the corner of Walnut and Jackson streets, and opposite a retail liquor store, a slender, supple hickor}- pole, some thirt}' feet in length, was securely planted obliquely in the ground in such a manner as to elevate the small end about eight or nine feet in the air. This was the ' gander pole.' On SaturdaA's, about the middle of the afternoon, a crowd would collect - having previously been willing votaries at the shrine of Ixicclius over the way - and arrange the preliminaries for the 'sporl.' A tine, full grown, full feathered, gander was selected from <i lloek close at hand collected for the occasion; a strbno- thon<r of leather was fastened to both his feet and securel}- tied to the elevated end of the pale, leaving the poor bird suspended, head downwards. A gantlet or open column of bystanders was then formed some fift}^ or seventy-five feet in length, terminating a few yards be\ ond the suspended gander. A vaunting hero would then mount a horse, and starting in at the extreme end of the gantlet, ride full tilt up the open column, while the bystanders on either side would belabor his steed with clubs, canes and bludgeons most unmercifull}-. Of course the horse ran as fast as his legs would carry him; the rider, on reaching the gander, elevated himself a little in his stirrups and grasped for its neck, endeavoring to zvring it off^ which constituted the feat. This, however, was extremely difficult to accomplish, requiring considerable skill and strength owing to the go-ahead nature of the horse under such circumstances leaving but little time to get hold of the bird, and still less to give the luring. All competitors were required first to deposit a certain amount in the hands of a banker, which in the aggregate constituted a prize fund to be distributed at the conclusion of the game among those whose prowess had enabled them to accomplish the feat. Great excitement prevailed in the crowd. Bets were freely made on the gallant pullers; and from the general excitement prevailing a looker on at a little distance would have supposed that the Olympian feats of Achilles and Ajax never caused more exultation among the throngs of ancient Greece than did these brutish madcaps. This disgusting and uncivihzed brutality brought forth a scathing article in the editorial columns of the a newspaper which had been started a short time before. This had the desired effect - it checked the 'puUings' entirely."

Of horse racing, General Terrell has written : - " A few 3'ears after the first settlement of the count}^, probably as soon as enough ground was cleared to make a race track, horse racing was introduced to minister to the pleasure and excitement of the people, and to alienate the monotony of the fun loving pioneers. The jNIcKin- ne3-s were leaders in tlie inovemeiil, aided by Jesse Ruddick the elder, and other owners of running slock. Al lirst, scrub races were n5n; distance from 2CO yards to one-fourth mile, the latter being called a quc-yter race. The animals were such as were common in a new country, tough, rugged, and unkempt 'critters,' innocent of blood or breeding, whose only subsistence was what they could pick up in the wild range and thick underbrush of the woods. But they were plucky, of good wind ami foi- short stretches, made prett}' good time. As the country impro\ cd and the outUi}- could be afforded, a better class of horses was brought in, notabh', some stallions, whose owners claimed for them pedigrees as long as one's arm, showing high ancestry, fine mettle, blood, bottom, and all the points essential to success on the turf or elsewhere. The American Buck, a fine looking blood bay with black flowing mane and tail, a racer, belonged to Ruddick; the McKinneys owned a large, long bodied animal called from his color, the McKinney Roan. Other horses of the better class were owned by different persons, and racing assumed for a w^hile a higher standard, though the scrub races were by no means abandoned. I have in m}^ possession the original articles of an association called the Columbus Jockey Club, organized in 1833. The paper is in the handwriting of Joseph Mc- Kinney, then County Clerk, and as it is a venerable and interestingdocument, I copy it in full and exactly as written.

" Resolved that the folowing be the rules of the Columbus Jockey Club the first meeting to commence on the first thursday in October next & Continue three days three Judges to be Chosen by a majority on Each day by those that have entered their nags for that day.

" First day Any horse mare or Gelding that is in the County at this time one mile & repete. Entrance five Dollars. Second Day three year Olds & under one mile & repete. Entrance five Dollars. Third Day two year olds and under one single mile. Entrance three Dollars, description of all nags to be made known in writing by the first ^londay in September next to DavidDeitz. Entrance fee to be paid to the Judges before the nags start. Entrance forfeited if tha fale to win axcept the nag dies or some of his bones is broken. Entrance forfeited to the fastist nag distance 60 yards. All nags to carry a fethers weight &c.

"At these races entries were made by Jesse Ruddick, David Deitz, James Briscoe,- Isaiah H. Jackson, Joseph McKinney and Gen. Downing. The race course was on Joseph McKinney's farm in a large cleared field lying east of Washington Street as now ex- tended, and nortli of the Madison Railwa}- as now laid. Tlie track sjvirted the entire field and was just a mile in circuit. There was no grand stand for the judges, nor seated amphitheatre for spectators; nor was any admission fee charged. It is not p^robable that much mone}' changed hands, but it may be presumed that a big crowd attended, and that there was much whisky drunk and plent\- of fighting as was customary in those times.

"A few years afterward a race track was built or laid out by digging up the dog-fennel in two parallel paths a quarter of a mile long, commencing at the foot of Franklin Street 'under the hill,' then an open common, thence running west and terminating at a point near the old ferr^- landing just below the present Driftwood bridge. Here, on Saturdays, races between all sorts of old and young 'plugs' of the 'scrub' order took place for several seasons, the hill-side overlooking the track being ahNa3-s well lined with lookers-on. These races were free to all, and untrammelled b}' regulations other than such as were made upon the spot for the time being. They were kept up until about the time gander pullings were abated, when they were stopped by the same influences, greatly to the joy of good citizens and to the credit of the town."

From these more ^'iolent sports in w^hich the men sought diversion, it' might be interesting and instructive to look upon the picture of a quilting party where the good women of the neighborhoodcame together with kind hearts and willing hands to enjo}' some hours of work and conversation, and departing, leave permanent and valuable results of their toil. There were few distinctions of birth or wealth or circumstance. All alike were simple in their dress and habits and no exacting demands were made b}'^ social form. At the quilting nimble fingers plied industriousl}^ until the work was done, when songs were sung, games played, and dancing indulged in; indeed, the merriment was co-extensive with the jovial natures of the 3'oung folks assembled. Spelling matches and debating societies furnished amusement w'hich some considered of a higher sort. Here the training of the intellect was the paramount, ostensible object, but bo3^s and girls not belonging to the same family often came riding one horse. The young folks were gen- crnllv paired, and to bring about tbis natural selection was perbaps as wortby an object as tliese int(!llectual entertainments could bave had. Hut tliej-e were vijrorous and sincere luental combats tbat did mucb to give the people broader ideas and intellectual strength.

"Turning out the school-master" was a form of amusement indulged in by the school children, at stated times. The log school house with its dirt floor, greased paper windows, backless seats, and the master's rods were not designed especially to inspire merriment, but the natural flow of spirits and love of fun, which always go with healthy youth, can not be checked by unfa\-orable surroundings. Earl}' on Christmas da}' the school gathers before the master arrives and bars him out by pihng benches against the door. The children yield in all things to the dictation of the older boys, some of them of greater size and strength, perhaps, than the master himself. With anxious look and bated breath they await the coming of the pedagogue. At last he emerges from the woods and comes out on the path leading directly to the door. He pulls the latch and gives the door a push, but it does not yield. Gleeful, but somewhat tremulous, voices from within demand the Christmas treat as the price of admission, and refused in unmistakable stentorian tones. An unconditional surrender is demanded by the attacking force, but the big boys are not awed, and growing bolder repeat their demands good-naturedly, but with no sign of flinching. Perhaps the teacher turns and starts along the path as if for home. Hurriedly the benches are removed; new plans are adopted; some stalwart becomes a self-chosen leader; the resolute band scramble fourth pell mell in hot haste, overtake the retreating teacher, and forgetting the respect they owe his years and learning, throw him down upon the ground and bind him fast. The prisoner, now indignant and not yet wiUing to succumb gracefully, struggles and declines to accede to the reasonable demands of his captors, again repeated confidently. They gather him in their strong arms and staVt toward some neighboring pond or stream to duck him; or if water be not near they devise some other punishment suitable to the offense, and start out vigorously for its ministration. Now wisdon dictates a change of course; valor under the circumstances is inaf- fectual; a surrender under the terms stipulated is agreed upon. A treat follows in which a royal time is enjoyed by both victors and Vanquished.

Early Marria^-es. - The pioneer wedding was one of the interesting features of pioneer life. For a long time after the lirst settlement the people married young. There was no distinction of rank and but little of fortune, consequently the first impression of love generally resulted in marriage. The marriage was generally celebrated at the house of the bride. In the morning of the wedding day the groom and his intimate friends would assemble at the house of his father, and after due preparation departed for the mansion of the bride. The journey was sometimes made on horseback, sometimes on foot, and sometimes in a farm wagon or cart. It was always a merry journey. After the marriage ceremonies were performed, supper eaten, dancing commenced and usually lasted till morning. The first marriage license issued in the county was to Matthew Redwince and Nancy Pitcher, on March 20, 182 1. They were married by James Garner, minister. James McCoy and Lucy Berry, licensed March 27, were the next to marry. Then followed the marriages of Edward Davis to Esther White, in March; Squire D. Ensley to Olive Cutler, in April; Jacob Hauser to Nancy Sims, in April; David Burkhart to Kisiah Lash, in June; AquiUa W. Rogers to Nancy Arnold, in May; Hiram Lee to Susan Dudley, in June; H. H. Lewis to Mildred Harmon, in June; Thomas Dudley to Jane SuUivan, in July; George Stilts to Susanna Carlisle, in July; H. L. Lewis to Esther Osbourne, in August; Christopher Cox to Margaret Pope, in August; Richard VanLandingham to Matilda Slusher, in August; Jesse Davidson to Nancy Durbin, in September; Thomas Scott to Eleanor Fortner, in October; Isaac Pancake to Micha Lemasters, in October; Solomon McKinney to Rebekah Sloan, in November; Elias A. Brock to Polly Durbin, in December; Tristram C. Lambden to Mary Wall, in December, all in 1821. The ceremonies were usually solemnized by ministers of the gospel, but occasionally a Justice of the Peace was called on to render this service. March 22, 1824, a license was issued to Green Graham and Margaret Petro, which was returned to the proper office in due time endorsed as follows : "April

Trade and Coiiniu-rcc. - The early crops were bountiful. The soil had y'arnered in its pores the ricli accumulations of years, and needed little cultivation to produce a rich harvest. The farmer could chop out a piece of new ground, plant corn and without plowing it, gather an abundant yield. Potatoes and other vegetables grew to an immense size in the fresh soil. In 1S19, corn was worth $1 per bushel; pork $5 per hundred weight; Hour and other necessaries were correspondingly high in price, and had to be brought from Washington County, some sixt3--five miles distant. But this was when the first settlers came in, and before Joseph Cox had tested the productiveness of the rich lands. Soon, however, the little market was too well supplied. Almost immediately the surplus of corn became of very little value; it could not be disposed of at an}' price. Pork was worth but little until the roads were opened up, so that hogs could be driven to Madison. Surplus farm products were conveyed b}' wagon to the same market, and a long procession of wagons wending their wa}' on the old State road to the metropolis on the banks of the Ohio, was not an unusual sight. As the count}' became more thickly settled, and a larger market was desired, flat-boating was devised to supply the want. January 26, 1S24, Flat Rock was declared to be a navigable stream and public highway, from its mouth to Little Flat Rock, and Blue River was declared navigable to the north line of Shelby County.

Every spring flat-boats started out with the high water loaded with lumber, corn, potatoes, lard, cliickens, and every sort of country produce, bound for the city of New Orleans. It required about ten men to take an ordinary sized boat to the mouth of the INIuscatatack, and from that point five were supposed to be enough to handle its long, sw'eeping oars. The Pitchers and Gobies were among those reported to be the best and most skillful pilots of these crafts. A great deal of lumber was shipped by this means from the mills of the Taiinehills and Arnolds. Frequently four or five farmers would join together and run a boat in partnership, carrying away their own produce, but more often they were owned and run by men wlio made it a business to bu\' the surplus produce and carry it to market. Prominent amoni;- the old flat-boatmen of the count}'' Stand the names of E. and 1^. F. Arnold, Thomas, Ivobert and William Pitcher, the Tannehills, the Jones, IT. C. Terry, the Thompsons, of Wayne Township, Joseph McKinney, Isaac Boardman, William Singleton, D. Randolph, Thomas Hays, J. II. Terrell, Williamson Terrell, and John JM. G\\ in. On this subject General Terrell says:

" The boats were generally constructed in the fall or winter, and were from 60 to 125 feet in length. When the bottom or hull of a boat was completed, the neighbors were called upon to assist at the ' turning.' A boat-turning was something on the order of a house-raising or log-rolling, and afforded excellent opportunities for bullies to sho\v tlieir strength. Whisky was generall}' and plentifuU}^ supplied, and not infrequentl}- would the ' gatherin.g ' end in a fight, cr a foot race, or a jumping match, ' sports ' peculiar to those times. When the boat was completed and launched (the launch was alwa3's the subject of another assemblage of strong men, and frequentl}' the same scenes were re-enacted as at the turning, or a grudge engendered then, was settled), the owner would, as the sa3'ing was, ' lie on his oars ' until a rise came, when the cargo would be hastily put in, a crew of stalwart men collected and the whole placed in charge of a steersman or practical boatman. Neighborhoods would, on occasions like these, turn out to help their friends off. All was life and jollity, and when the boat was under way, the hearty hurrahs of the crowd on shore would be as heartily returned by the boatmen. Very often a volunteer force would accompany them for a day or two and then ' foot ' it home. This was done pureh' for the ' fun of the thing.' Frequentl}^ a fleet of boats, five or six, would leave at the same time. While in the River Driftwood, they only ' run ' during the day, but after reaching the Ohio and Mississippi, they rarely tied up except in case of a storm. Sometimes a boat would be ' stove ' or wrecked, for the streams, swollen and rapid, were full of floating trees and hidden snags. Such accidents alwa3's fell heavil}' on the owners of the boat and cargo, no indemnity being provided, the practice of insuring not being followed then. When the boatmen returned (tliey were gencralK' absent two or three months), tliey would brin^;- b;i.ck groceries, tropical fruits, new suits of clothes and cane fjsfiing poles. The last named articles were always in dcmand and were rarely omitted. Flat-boating was generally iirotitable, and although very laborious and attended with considerable danger, it was fascinating to those engaged in it. The last of the flat-boats, from this county, floated out of Driftwood in the springof 1844, a few months before the completion of the ' M. & I. R. R. to Columbus.*'

The venerable Silas L. Thompson, now residing in Columbus, and bearing his years lightly, was a veteran in this service, having made in all eighteen trips to the Crescent City. He tells of sturdy pioneers, who, after disposing of cargoes and boats, walked back to their homes - all the wa}- from New Orleans to Columbus. In business transactions, at the outset, the coon skin was the most common medium of ex'change. It passed current in all business circles and was often forced upon tax collectors and postmasters in pa3^ment of the law's demands. It became customary to estimate the value of all sorts of personal property, produce and merchandise upon a coon skin basis. Money was little known and seldom seen among the early settlers. There was a S3-stem of barter and trade that enabled them to make what exchanges were necessary to suppl}^ all wants. Subscriptions to build churches, school houses, bridges, drain swamps, repair streets, emplo}'^ preachers and teachers, etc., were made payable in certain articles called "trade" at "the market price" or "current rates." Farmers paid in pork, corn or other farm produce; a shoemaker, in shoes; a tanner, in leather; a miller, in flour; a merchant, in goods; a doctor, jn medicines and attendance ; a laborer or mechanic, in work according to his calling. Horses and cattle were traded for land; rifle guns for town lots and all sorts of " truck " for dry goods and groceries. WilHam H. Stader, a well-known resident of Columbus, says that when in 1822, with his father, h'e traveled along the primitive road just hacked out in the dense woods, he met but one man between where Walesboro now is and the then little village of Columbus. This man had lost all his famil}- by sickness in the bottom lands and offered his 120 acre farm to !Mr. Stader's father for a two-year-old cok lliat was anioni;- liis ]X).ssc.ssions. Upon rcacliing C\i]uinl)us he was offered by "Jack" Downing- for llie same coll all those town lo^ts lyini:,^ between the corner on which Josejih 1. Jr\\in"s line block now stands and the alley next to the Odd Fellows" buiUlinL;-. and on tliis propert}' there then stood an unhnished small two-story frame liouse. Few articles were then named as ha\ing a li.xed money value.

Early Uliniin^: - Not the least of the pioneer's hardships was the procuring of bread. The first settlers were required to seek suppUes from other sources than from their own lands for at least one year; and the first crops, though generall}- very abundant, gave only partial relief, there being no mills accessible to grind the grain. Hence the necessity of grinding by hand power, and many families poorl}- provided with means for doing even this. The " grater " was used by man}', and in man}- cases the horning block was resorted to. JNIills in older counties, sometimes fort}- miles away, were patronized.

Going to mill, says one who spoke from experience, was quite an undertaking with the pioneers. It was, perhaps, a two or three da}^s' journey. Sometimes a pair of oxen attached to a two-wheel cart carried the farmer and his grain on his journey; but frequently he went on horseback seated on a bag of grain. This was a tedious journey, and his return was anxiously awaited by mother and children.

There are some recollections of ' sroina: to mill' thatbrino- with them pictures of weary watchful nights when father did not return as promised and expected, being delayed by the number of " grists " before him, or the impassable condition of the roads or traces. Those were dismal phases of pioneer hfe, when the darkness closed in upon the anxious mother and crying children, when the v>inds beat upon the rude cabin, bringing to their ears unwelcome sounds, laden with howls of starving wolves, when hunger pressed heavily upon the helpless inmates.

Soon enterprising citizens of the county began to embark in the milling business. A desired location along a stream being found, an application was made to the authorities for a writ of ad guoa damnum. This would enable millers to have adjoining land ofli- cialh' cxainintid and llu' amount of dania^t.', bv making a dam, named. ^Mills ^ve^e such a greal public convenience that objections were seldom made to their location, and in many instances they Avere bu^lt and operated for months before a wiit was applied for. "Tiie llrst hand-mill bri'Uglu to the county was owned by Daniel Branham, residing some three miles northeast of Columbus. This mill was kept running constantly, da}- and night, customers being permitted to grind but a half bushel of grain at one time. The liberal, neighborh' spirit of die times i< .^hown by the fact that at first this mill was kept for accommodation, each one grinding his own grain and paying no toll. So tedious a process soon proved inadequate to suppl}^ the growing demands of the communit}', which were promptl}- met b}' the starting of two mills in which horses supplied the motive power. One was located on Clift}' Creek, in the McFall settlement; the other near the site of Depper's mill, in Harrison Tow nship. These improved mills greatly facilitated the means of providing the communit}- with the ' staff of life.' Soon so much was required of them that the waiting for 'our turn' became an irksome task. Following the horse-mills, came the era of water-mills. Probably the first mill of this kind in Bartholomew Count}', was built by Joseph and Thomas Cox. It was located on Haw Creek, about three miles northeast of Columbus, that stream being then of more capacity and furnishing more ample power for a mill than now. The mill ground both corn and wheal for a tenth part, and, though rude and imperfect, was looked upon as a wonder of mechanical skill and was very largely patronized. At first the bolting was done on a hand-reel, but later improvements relieved the customers of this labor and rendered the mill automatic in its operation. About the year 1831, Mr. Cox, in view of the failing supply of water in Haw Creek and the larger capacity of Flat Rock, decided to build a new mill on the latter stream; whereupon he put the saw-mill then attached to his mill to work to saw out lumber for the new building, and in a few months, established his mill on Flat Rock, two miles north of Columbus. The old mill then became the property of Mr. Samuel Spurgeon, who continued to run it for a period of two years.

mill unprofitable, it was abandoned, soon falling into deca}-, until in^a few 3'ears nothing remained to mark the site but some stra}'' fragments of the decayed frame.

"The Flat Rock mill engaged a large trade for fifteen years or more, till other mills, more modern ;ind more easy of access, drew off its patronage, wlien it was alxuidoned, and 'the water gradually shifted its course till the old mil! \v;is left some 200 yards to the west of the river.

"In 1822, Judge Pence built, near Taylorsville, on Driftwood, a flouring-mill, which, owing to its superior power, was enabled to run constantl})-, and drew a large patronage from adjoining counties. It was purchased a few years after its erection by Maj. Tannehill, in whose family it remained till 1876, when Daniel Miller became its proprietor.

" On Driftwood, at Lowell, Napoleon Arnold founded the celebrated Lowell Mill, and did custom business for more than twelve 3^ears, when, in 1848, Amos Crane, from Gorman Town, became the proprietor. Under his management it developed into a merchant mill, and made the only flour at that time shipped from the county. In 1853 oi" 1S54, Crane built a new mill, added some impro^'ements and greatly improved his brands of flour, which ranked high in the local and eastern markets. In 1856, Crane sold the propert}^, and it passed through the hands of several j roprietors, until, in 1858, it was purchased by Messrs. T. & J. W. Gaff. These gentlemen increased its capacity, extended its trade, and placed it in the front rank of merchant mills. It was subsequently abandoned. There was also a custom flouring-mill on the west bank of the river at Lowell, for a period of twenty-five years, owned and operated by Anthony & Son, but has been abandoned.

"Next came the mill located in the eastern part of the county on Clifty, and then Brown's mill on the fall fork of Clifty, built as early as 1839, and running for thirty-two years. The next mill was owned and operated near Newbern, by Mr. Critser, whose father built a mill on the same site between 1836 and 1838. The Anderson mill was located three and one-half miles north of Newbern, and was one of the first water-mills on the creek, and early became ver}' popular. The Bush mill was built in 1829, by David

In 1S35, Isaac Patterson built a custom flouring-mill on Flat Rock, just north of the old Madison road-bed, near Columbus. The location was a good one and the mill commanded a large trade, but the foundation of the dam being sand}', was constantI\- giving way, causing trouble and expense; the property changed hands once or twice and finall}' went down, about 1S47, probably owing to the want of water power. In 1S47 and 184S, Messrs. Bantill and Gritlith extended the old mill-race to the south side of the town to a point within 100 ^-ards of the bed of Driftwood, where the}' erected a flouring-mill fitted for merchant and custom work. The firm sold the property to Capt. Whitesides, who continued to run the mill until the fall of 1S5S, when it was destroyed by fire. A temporary custom-mill was kept up for a few years afterward at this point, when the water-power was transferred to William Carter, who founded the Hydraulic Woolen Mills near the site of the old mill. The destruction of the Whiteside mill closed the water-mill era in the immediate vicinity of Columbus. As early as 1823, Mr. Isaac Rains founded a rude mill on Flat Rock, six miles north of Columbus, at a point afterward known as Corman Town.

" At that time there was an island in the river, and between it and the east bank there was a narrow channel through which the water ran with much force and velocity. Taking two logs of suitable size, he placed one on the island and the other on the bank parallel to the first and the current, notching them to make bearings for a wooden shaft, which was laid from bank to bank at right angles to the stream, and resting in the notches made in the logs. To this shaft he attached flights or paddles reaching down into the water, and moved by its flow. Simple wooden gear connected this flood-wheel with a hand-mill (the one previously mentioned as being the first in the county). Rude as this mill was in its construction, it did a great amount of work, and saved the neighboring settlers many a tiresome trip. Later it was replaced by better appliances; the property fell into the hands of the Crane family, who further improved it, adding a saw-mill and wool-working machinery.

grain, ami claimed the honor of ha\iiii( tlie first, steam flourinLi^-mill in 4he county. In 184S, the properly passed into tlie possession of Mr. James Corman, who operated it lor several years, when it was abandoned. Other mills, and esjvcially those of later years, are elsewhere mentioned in connection with the history of the localities in which the}- stand.

Poli/ical Can/J)(r/i:/is. - An extended political histor\- of th^^ county, containing- a narration, in detail, of the important events growing out of political opinion, and a sketch of the growth and development, the change and decay of parties, could not be advisedly undertaken in the limits necessarily fixed to the treatment of the subject in this connection. It is designed here onl}- to present an idea of the methods emploNcd b}'' the earl}' settlers in their political work. The turbulent state of society common to a new country is fruitful of many deplorable practices; and perhaps nowhere are these more manifest than in the warml}- contested campaigns. Here the demoralizing effects of a too free use of whisky are most apparent. On the other hand, the patriotic zeal and the sturdy independence of character evinced in the maintenance of the sovereigns' most sacred rights challenge admiration, and are worthy of perpetuation. To show the political cast of the county and the increase of the vote, a statement embracing facts relative to every Presidential campaign from the formation of the county to the present, is elsewhere given. In the first campaign after the organization of the county, that of 1824, when the county was still new and local industrial interests were paramount, there were no party divisions except on local issues; but in 1828, when the canvass of Jackson and Adams was well commenced, party lines began to be drawn, though not so earnestly and closely as in after years. In that year one of the leading questions was that of a tariff for protection against free trade ; but this issue did not greatly disturb the voters of Bartholomew County; they then knew little and cared less about it. Jackson's fine record being in his favor and his general style suiting the rough and tumble people of the new States of the West, he was victorious.

onstrations of a similar character, at all of which the ever-ready barrel of liquor played an important part. Dr. Lawson Abbett, who cyiie to the counl\- in the summer of 1828, from Henry County, Ky., riding all tlu; way on horseback behind his brother, John B. Abbett, a tailor to whom he was apprenticed, once told to Gen. Terrell an anecdote connected with this campaign, and from the latter's notes the story is here told. Willis Miles, a young man about twenty years of age, a cousin to Dr. Abbett, was also apprenticed to John B. Abbett. The Abbetts were ardent Democrats. Miles and the Terrells were Whigs - Cla}- men. At the Presidential election John Tsl. Gwin gave a barrel of whisky to treat the Jacksonites. Lawson was selected to deal it out to the faithful only. It was drawn out of the barrel in a bucket and then dispensed to the thirsty in tin cups. No Adams or Cla}' man could get a drop of it, but their friends provided for them also, and as a result all got drunk, even including young Abbett himself. A Jackson flag pole was erected in the public square; the flag, nailed to the pole, was of white muslin, sewed together at Abbett's tailor shop by Lawson, and bore the name of Andrew Jackson painted in large black letters. It was rumored during the day that the Adams men had determined to cut the pole down and destroy the flag that night. Indeed, during the day, as a precautionary measure, guards were stationed about the pole and the whisky barrel to keep the opposition from carrying out their plan of destroying the pole and flag and capturing the whisk^^

To make assurance doubly sure (the Jackson men feeling incapacitated for night guard duty) thought it prudent to lower the pole and preserve the flag from any possibility of capture. With the aid of poles and ropes, and the strong arms of the stalwart Democrats, the pole was gradually lowered to the ground. It was then twilight, and in the excitement and confusion incident to the work, young Willis Miles slipped in and snatching the flag, stripped it from the pole and ran away with it with all his speed. The Democrats flew after him, and would have killed him undoubtedly if he had been caught. John McKinney was in the lead of the pursuing part}^, and while he could not catch the fleeing culprit, he managed to grasp a flipping corner of the flag, and recovered it amid tlic upi-oarious cliecrs of liis inftniatcd friends. Miles escaiicd and liid. The enraged Democrats Iniiiled for him '-high and low,"' bu^ fortunate]}' for his scalp, did not iind him.

Dr. Abbett said the events of that day, and the humiliation and degradation he felt for the part he took, and especially his own intoxication, disgusted him witji the Democracy', and (also influenced by the arguments and persuasions of ^^iles, who was a brilliant young fellow) he made up his mind to quit the intemperate and rowdy party, as he believed it then to be. He joined the Whigs and stuck, and became a life -long temperance man.

The fights between politicians over differences of opinion were often quite serious. Perhaps none more bloody ever occurred than that between Newton C. Jones and Joseph McKinney in 1S28. The former was the Adams candidate for Representative to the Legislature; the latter the Jackson candidate for County Clerk. Newton Jones was the keeper of a tavern and so w\as his brother Jack Jones. At the former's house the latter had some dispute with Tamp McKinney, and knocked him down. Jo McKinney heard a highl}- colored account of the affair from some bystander and at once proceeded to the Jones tavern and commenced heapinf abuse on its landlord. Several who had witnessed the previous affray called out that it was Jack Jones who had knocked Tamp McKinney down, but the irate braggart declared that Newt Jones was the bully of the house and the man he was after. Whereupon the fight commenced between the two stab . ^rts, both powerful men of faultless courage, and skilled in pugilism. Soon the floor was stained \vith blood; the walls and even the ceiling were blotched with it. They fought desperatel}- for fortj'-five minutes and were not separated until they were so exhausted that they la}^ on the floor facing one another and occasionally striking out, but neither being able to mount the prostrate form of his foe. Jones received the greater damage. The}' were both elected to the offices for which they were candidates, but Jones died before the Legislature assembled. It was thought by many that his death was occasioned by the dreadful pounding he had suffered; and many years later McKinney said that he had received permanent injuries in the fight.

were without remarkable characteristics. There was a general political awakening, however, in 1840, party lines were more, closely drawn than ever before, and that campaign was memorable in all parts of the countr}-. Its history, as connected with this locality, is gleaned from the notes of General Terrell. None who witnessed tliem ever forgot the log cabin raisings, the mass conventions, the hard cider jubilees, the Tippecanoe clubs, the banners and canoes, the caricatures of the Van ]>uren d3'nast3^ and all the paraphenalia of that eventful period. Glee clubs chanted the histor};- of General Harrison's life, and multitudes joined in the chorus and hooted at his opponent. The one was sung into ofiice - the other laughed out of it. Log cabins were erected, for political purposes solcty, out of buckeye - a soft, white wood, plentiful and easily cut. If the sap was " up " the logs would sprout after being laid in the walls and thus gave quite a romantic and picturesque appearance to the domicile. Clubs were started in ever}^ town, mass meetings were held everywhere, and everybody for miles awa}' attended them, with traveling workshops, banners, canoes, stump-speakers, and satirical caricatures witliout number. Ever}'- thing was Tippecanoe - -handkerchiefs, badges, medals, song books, almanacs, bands of music, and shaving soap. The election was paramount to all other interests. The welkin rang with shouts for " Harrison and Reform," politicial sermons were preached in ever}"- neighborhood dail}^; processions were formed by night to arouse some weary candidate to make a speech to them. People thought it a little matter to go from Columbus to Madison, Indianapolis, and even to the Tippecanoe battle ground, on horseback or in wagons, to attend political gatherings. Such was their enthusiasm. The same spirit was ever3^where manifest. A mass convention was held at Columbus, addressed by Joseph L. White, then a candidate for Congress, to which delegations with banners, glee clubs and bands of music came from Madison, Vernon, Rockford and elsewhere. At one time 40,000 people gathered on the historic battle ground of Tippecanoe, and then the enthusiasm grew to- white heat. Many went from Columbus. Col. John Vawter, of Jennings County, said that to the immense throng, eatables of ever}^ description were as free as air. The day was beautiful; only a fleck of cloud in ihe sky, representing, as the Colonel said, New Hampshire. Solon Robinson had a small printing press then on wheels and busied himself printing songs and disti'ilbuting them to the people. Canoes, full-rigged schooners, and e\ery device suggestive of the sentinu'its over which , ibhc opinion enthused, were there in great numbers. Stirring addresses were made, and the patriotic fire in every breast was fanned into an almost consuming flame.

One afternoon, a short time before the election. Col. R. B. White, then keeping the tavern on the corner of Walnut and Jackson streets, announced to the good citizens of the Tippecanoe and Tyler stamp, that an informal meeting of the "Tippecanoe Club" would be held at his hotel instantcr. In a short time a crowd was collected; the Colonel presided at his bar and served his friends - with a collation of his best liquors, all free and for the love of victory and Whiggery. Sam Smith was then always on hand, and always ready to make a speech. He mounted the stairway and made a few remarks pertinent to the occasion. WilHamson Terrell, then in political life, happened along at this juncture, dropped in, and being solicited, in his usual felicitous style spoke for a short time upon the policy of the Whigs, and the advantages which would accrue to the country by placing a Whig administration in power. He concluded by calling on R. L. Howell, who was present, to take the stand. Mr. Howell, who was a staunch Whig, editor of the Advocate, full of humor, energetic and always battling manfully for the cause, commenced by announcing that he would merely give an exhortation, the gentlemen who had preceded him having sufhcientl}' explained the policy and advantages of the Whigs. He spoke a short time and concluded by giving the following invitation :

" If there is any person here who has been groping his way in times past through the dark and murky mazes of Locofocoism - who is conscious of his being a stranger to the true faith, who desires to associate himself with the true friends of his country, let him arise and shake off the shackles that bind him as a hanger-on to the Locofoco regiment, come forward, give us his hand, and join the glorious Whig army, regenerate himself and behold for once the light of truth as it is in Whiggery. The doors of the party arc now oldened/' Coii(i-ar\' to the (.'NiHTtalions of all present, Iiis exhortation induced one George Bo\-ard to come forward and accept the ^iroffered redemption by (j^ivini; his hand to tlie speaker. The applause which followetl was deafiniiig, and lasted for se\eral minutes. When it subsided Ilowell, who had meanwhile been shaking his convert cordial!}' b}" the hand, bid him be seated, and slapping him familiarl}' on the shoulder, pronounced the following: " In the name of Whiggery, I now pronounce 30U free and clear from all stain or taint of Locofocoism, and henceforth a member of the true, great and glorious Whig part}-^ of the United States of America." Then turning to the audience: "Brothers, give him thy right hand of fellowship." This was done with a right hearty good will - when the meeting adjourned with nine deafening cheers. Thus, here is an instance of a man regularly changing his political creed.

The doctrine that to the victors belong the spoils w^as then in vogue, and upon the inauguration of President Harrison, the rush for office at Washington was something hitherto unseen. Horace Greeley spoke of it as " the great scramble of the swell mob of coon minstrels and cider-suckers." At Columbus, John C. Hubbard was the life and soul of the Whig party. The speeches were made by Jonathan JNIcCarty, R. L. Howell, S. W. Smith, W. Terrell, Joseph L. White, Governor Bigger and others, but Hubbard gave the use of his room to the Tippecanoe Club, furnished whisky, bought a drum, was the leader in getting up the great demonstrations, and inducinjj the attendance of deletr^tions from other remote towns, and in many ways helped along the cause. With a canoe, such as was always seen at those assemblies, and wdth drums and fiddles, he headed a delegation that went to Edinburgh to hear Herod and Peaslee debate. There was a sudden rise in Flat Rock; Hubbard's carriage was swamped, and he narrowl}' escaped drowning. When the part3''s success became generall}^ known, ever3^one supposed that Hubbard's zealous efforts would be rewarded by an appointment as Postmaster, the office being chiefly desirable to draw trade to his store. William Mounts was, however, appointed, and the disappointment of Hubbard was ill-concealed. In 1844, he joined the Democrats, and acted as

Marslial al many df llu-ir bi^" liarbccucs and political parades. In 1843, there was a Democratic triumji!-, in the election of James WJiilcomb as Governor, on party grounds; since which lime the county has given Democratic maiurities at all Presidential elections.

The Democrats prolited by tlu- brilliant Whig campaign of 1840, and up much enthusiasm in 1S44 bv the use of appropriate songs, roosters, polk stalks, farmers' barbecues, processions, and speakings. The Whigs continued the winning polic}' of their last struggle and prepared for a sharp conflict. They depended largelv on coons to arouse enthusiasm. Both parties felt confident of carrying the covuit^-, and the vote, when counted, showed it to be ver3' close. Thorough count}' and township organization was effected by both parties; by the Democrats on Christmas dav, of 1843, and by the Whigs on the following New Yeai's day. From that time on until the polls were closed the clash of the contending arms was seldom silenced. The Whigs announced their unabated hostilit}'^ to Van Buren's " Sub Treasury system" and " Standing Army project," and their steadfast and abiding adherence to the policy of a protective tariff and a sound currenc}'. The Democrats declared the " self-st^ded 'Modern Whig' part}-" to be identical with the old Hartford Convention Federalists, and referred to *' Federal Whig humbugger}'," charging Whigs with voting for the "pageant of coon skins, hard cider, and banners" in the previous campaign instead of for Harrison and his principles. Both parties planned huge barbecues. William S. Pitcher, of Loiaisville, was the Democratic orator, and in the procession a Dorr banner painted b}'- W. W. Frybarger, of Connersville, was borne aloft by the enthusiastic Dick Carter, who kept turning it about that all e3'es might behold it. At the Whig barbecue there was a large and enthusiastic crowd, but their ardor was a little cooled by the disappointment due to the non-arrival of expected speakers. Hon. William Herod became the orator of the day, and with that power which characterized all his public speeches, addressed the people. Hickor}' and ash poles, some as much as 150 feet in length, were raised by the different enthusiasts. But at length the election came and resulted in dejection to the Whigs.

tlie first anti-slavery documents were circulated in the county. Joseph Cramer, a Pennsylvanian and a Democrat, and Jasper II, SpraguCj^a New Englander and a Whit;, were the only pronounced abolitionists at that time, though the Quakers of Sand Creek Township, all of whom except a Mr. Peaslce, were Whigs, were opposed to slaver}-, but had taken no part hitherto in a^'ititating the question of its abolition. Many other Whigs in the county were opposed to slavery in the abstract but were equally opposed to any interference with it when it existed under the authorit}' of law, fearing to disturb the harmony and good feeling between the two sections of the countr)'. In 1843, the abolition candidate for Governor received nine votes in the count}', and in the following year thirteen citizens voted for James G. Birne}^ abolition candidate, in preference to rienr}- Clay or James K. Polk. Those votes were cast by the Quakers. The growth of the anti-slaver)- vote is elsewhere shown.

The campaign of 184S was spirited but not as brilliant as those which had preceded it; that of 1852 was heated and exciting; and those following, wherein were discussed those great questions which for decision were at length referred to the fierce arbitrament of war, stirred pubUc opinion to its ver}- depths. It is not the purpose to consider further these political struggles.

Some have lived to note the changes and improvement made since the first white settler pitched his tent on the fertile lands of the Hawpatch, now seventy years ago. They have seen the *' wilderness rejoice and blossom as the rose," savages and wild beasts disappear, the log cabins replaced by comfortable and even luxurious homes, schools and churches erected in every' community; and thus in the great transformation presented, have witnessed what seems to be the culmination of civilization and refinement. Most of the pioneers have passed away, and with them the land marks they erected. Because of this, and the frailt}^ of aged memories, much of the early history- is buried in eternal oblivion. What has been rescued shows that a great debt, which can not be reckoned in dollars and cents, is due from the present generation to the authors of the rich inheritance which they enjoy. To the liv- ing pioneers the consciousness of heroism in tliL'ir Hves, and of ^ood deeds \Yrou_t;ht for their onward subseijuent j^^'neralion is an addi- ^tional compensation »and reward for the trying struggles manfully made.