Bartholomew County, Indiana - Chapter 9: 1!y C. Rickktts, 1888 (part 2 of 2)

IlartsviUc. - This town was perha^-s named in honor of the fai'.er of Gideon B. Hart, remembered as a noble leader amon<^- I' jMoneers, but this is not certain. Some sa}- it was named for Joiii Everhart, an early land owner and merchant, but tuis idea is not countenanced by those best informed. The venerable Eldridge Hopkins, who is the only one left of the pioneers who helped to raise the tirst log cabin on the present site of the town, says it stood wliere the Philipy House now stands. The records show that June 15, 1S32, Andrew Calloway laid out the town into fiftysix lots, with a public park 296 feet S(|uare. The following additions hav^e been made: July 27, 1S32, by A. Calloway, 30 lots; September 24, 1S60, by the Board of Trustees of Hartsville Universit}-, 51 lots and a campus 560x1312 feet; June 15, 1866, by "William Fix and Shelb}' FuUen, 30 lots and a block for the use of the district school; June 23, 1866, b}'- Lewis Mobley and Thomas Apple, 16 lots. John Everhart and Jacob Rhodes came on foot through the woods on the day the first cabin was being raised, and the following fall a stock of general merchandise was put into this house and a store opened by John Everhart and M. M. Hook. For a time the place was very rough, socially as well as otherwise; these three men, Hook, Everhart and Rhodes, who were brothersin-law, were the most prominent citizens and encouraged morality. Thc}' owned all the land about the present site of the town and started it for the convenience of a postoffice and the benefits of trade. Jacob Rhodes raised a cabin on the north side of the public square and about two years after his coming kept a little store in the first cabin, already vacated b}-- Everhart & Hook. Shortly afterward Dunn and Painter opened a store in a house erected a little south of the first cabin, and were succeeded by Judge Joseph Hiner. The next who sold goods was Elijah Brady, who occupied a house standing on the lot where Dr. W. H. Beck now lives. After Brady, came John R. Morledge, who commenced early in the 40's, aii.i before many ^voars elapsed James I^iedv and Jolin E. Galloway tormed a partnership and went into business. They Avcre the most extensive merchants of early da^-s at this point, supplying a very large territory and doing a considerable business annually. Through the instrumentalil\- of John R. Morledgc; and others, the frame building now standing in the public square was erected and offered to the United Brethren Church, on conditions that an institution of learning should be established and maintained in the village. The terms were accepted and the history of the school which forms so great a part of the town's history, is elsewhere given. Because of the educational facilities offered, and the enterprising spirit of such men as Morledge, the town rajjidly grew. At present the following exhibits its business interests: John C. Smith, general merchandise; T. C. Clapp, and J. B. Clapp, grocers; Gabriel Philipy, grocer and hotel; J. T. Wright, restaurant; A. F. Garriott, Bradey & Lisk, drugs; M. A. Galbreath, milliner and postmaster; Miss Lois K. Graham, milliner; John Wertz & Co., E. Pittman, furniture; B. F. Robinson, meat market; O. Williams, livery. There are also two blacksmiths, one wagonmaker, two shoemakers and a harnessmaker.

Between forty and lift}' years ago a carding machine, operated by a treadmill, was conducted by Silas Forbes. It continued till about 1867, when Mr. Forbes died and the business went down. About the same time Andrew Green had a tan 3-ard here, and Louden Williams a still house and "corn-cracker" near the town, but both were earh' abandoned. In recent years a grist mill was built by Long & Miller and operated till it burned in 1884. For several years a planing mill owned by Scudder, Lawrence & Phillips, and a saw mill owned by Rominger & Rogers, have been ccessfully operated.

lucorporation. - In the summer of 1867, the village was incorporated. The first election held September 28, of that year, resulted in the choice of the following officers: W'illiam Fix, O. L. Moulder, Hardy Wray, Elias Clapp, and Noah Elrod, Trustees; N. B. Hamilton, Clerk; James F. Hiner, Treasurer; G. Philipy, Marshal. The present officers are: A. B. Clapp, David Clark and jY('zc's/>(if>ri-s. - As early as [846, Samuel Kricl!cnaii.t;h, at one time well known in Columbus journalism, eommenced the jHiblicalion of an almanac and small paper devoted to local interests entirely, but the enterprise was soon abandoned. In 1854, L. N. Countryman, then a student and teacher in the University, bouL,dit a new press and printing- outfit, and undertook the publication of a magazine - "a mondily, literarv, scientilk and religious journal," called T/ic Wcslcrn Lilcrary Jczi^cJ, the first number of which was issued in November of the year named. It was made up principally of essa3^s on various topics, prominent among them being those of slaveiy and intemperance. After the second issue the enterprise failed and the material was subsequently sold to Columbus Stebbins, who was then publishing the Independent, at Columbus. In the latter part of the 70's, a small paper was published for about a year by John Hobson. It purported to be a religious organ, and was devoted chiefly to anti-secrec}'.

About fifteen years ago, a Workingmen's League with a small membership was sustained for about one year, and a short time later a lodge of I. O. G. T., of fair size, was organized and worked for a brief period.

Clifford. - On Flat Rock, inearl3-days,JacobCorman,a progressive pioneer^ built a grist mill and woolen factory, making cloth and blankets and em 'lo3nng a number of laborers. A village formed above the mill grew until it had a population of about 100, and supported two stores, conducted by Mr. Corman and Thonias Bass. The completion of the railroad changed the condition of affairs. September 2, 1853, Isaac P. Watson and Thomas Markland laid out the town of Clifford into thirty-three lots, with streets fifty feet wide, locating it on the railroad in the northwest quarter of Section 28, Town 10, Range 6 east, to which an addition of thirteen lots \v;is innle April 15, iSs^J, by Martin and Samuel Quick; the latter had previously, June r, 1855, added fifteen lots to the town, and lat«r, August 7, 1864, added six lots.

Mr. Watson built a business house near the railroad track and opened a general store; the building is now occupied by T. M. Newton. Very soon thereafter Dr. W. II. D3'e and Martin Quick opened another store and commenced a competition for the business of the country. Mr. Watson continued merchandising about one or two years, and sold his interests to Edward Stoughton. A jiostoffice had been established at the cross roads about one-fourth of a mile west of CHfford, in early days, when the mail was carried through on horseback about once a week, which was presided over by I. P. Watson. But Clifford so prospered that the ofTice at the cross roads was abolished and one was established in 1S55 at the new town, with S. S. Quicl; as postmaster. Mr. Quick built a house and stocked it with a small assortment of goods, but did not continue in business. The mill at Cormantown was destroyed b}- fire and Mr. Corman moved his store into the building erected by Mr. Quick. Gradually the villagers forsaking Cormantown, moved to the more prosperous Clifford, whose growth was continued as an agricultural town with the rapid settlement of the countr3% Throughout the histor}^ of the place its most prominent business men have been: Dj'e & Quick, Boyd & Linke, M. D. Lee & Co., Thomas Newton, and Linke & Norton, the two last-named houses being now the only general stores. Henry Foust, grocer; W. H. Butler, photographer; Hill & Newton, proprietors of a saw mill, are also at present in business here. A blacksmith, a shoemaker, wagonmakcr, etc., may be found. Jonathan Ba; 0, the. wagonmaker, is the oldest resident of the place. Dr. C. H. Butler is probably the next oldest; for many years he has enjoyed the confidence of the people and a lucrative practice.

The village was incorporated in April, 1SS3, tlie lirst ofliccrs being: J. W. Thayer, J. D. iMcQueen and Simeon Cox, Trustees; W. H. Butler, Clerk and Treasurer; E. B. Kennedy, Marshal. Mr. Butler, an efHcient and popular ofEcei", still holds the office of Clerk and Treasurer. The other officers are: John Ilaworth, Marslial; E. K. Pond, W. L. Linker and C. IT. Butler, Trustees;

Taylorsvillc. - This town was brought into existence by the bui ing of the J., M, & 1. Railroad, on which it is situated, in the northwest quarter of Section 23, Township lo, of Range 5 east. The pioneer, Samuel H. Steinbcrger, built the first business house on the present site, a two storj^ frame near -the railroad; and erected a number of dwellings and a grain warehouse. He became the principal merchant and grain buyer in this section. In its early days considerable shipping of corn and live stock was done here. The place was first called Herod, in honor of the distinguished citizen whose name was so closely interwoven into the county's early histor}-; but when a postofTicc was established arid the naming of it was under disctission, it was found that when the town grew to be a city whose fan..- extended beyond the limits reached b\' that of the lawyer and statesman, the outside world might think its founders had been desirous of doing honor to Herod of old, who murdered the innocents, and, as a result, at the suggestion of Judge William S. Jones, the memory of the heroic Zachary Taylor was perpetuated in the name. The town w'as platted October II, 1849, by S. H Steinberger, Richard AL Cox and John Wallace, Jr. The streets were 50 and 100 feet wide; there were thirtyseven lots. The followinr>- additions and chancres have been made: August 20, 1850, b}' J. Wallace, Jr., nine lots; June 16, 1S51, by S. II. Steinberger, twenty lots; November 5, 1851, by William

Through its early history Samuel J^teinberger, it.s founder, continued to be the leading spirit in all public matters, and through his efforts chielly the growth of the town was effected. For twent}- fivc years, at least, he was the agent for the railroad company and continued to transact business here until about four j'ears ago, whei! he moved to Kansas, where he died June 4, 1887. Among other early merchants were: R. M.J. Cox, N. Humphrej' & l^ro., and A, French. At present the business interests are as follows: Tilmon Fulp, general merchandise; J. W. Green, drugs and groceries; B. McE\-enue, saloon. E. Bolinger, the postmaster, also carries a small stock of groceries. There are no manufacturing industries. For many years there was a saw and grist mill here, owned b}' S. H. Steinberger, which was blown to atoms by an explosion of its boiler about 1873 or TS74. ^^^' some time before and during the Civil War period, D d Bevis conducted a cooper shop here, and employed a number ol men, but nothing of importance has been done in this line for over twenty years. About twelve years a<. Taylorsville was incorporated, but its government as an incorporated village continued only a few years. Its population is now about 300.

Augu.st 10, 1854, Ta3dorsville Lodge, I. O. O. F., was established here. Among the charter members were : S. H. Steinberger, W. B. Oard, N. S. Jones, Robert Chase, S. R. Quick and T. G. Quick. The lodge prospered, having at one time about eighty members, but by removals from the locality of some of its prominent members, it was weakened, and by the neglect of tho.se remaining, it was allowed to go out of existence about 186S. The leaders in this lodge were instrumental in establishing in d)out 1S55, a lodge of F. & A. M. Both orders used the same haji, and during their continuance had the same prominent members, though its

Jc»icsvmc, - A.houi 1850, N. T. Parker opened the first store on the present site of this town. At that time there existed in the community an organization of the Sons of Tempera.ice to whom Parker advanced money for tlie building of a two story house, the upper portion to be used as a lodge room and the lower portion for business purposes. About this store as a nucleus a few houses began to cluster, and thus originated the town which was named in honor of Benjamin Jones, who, March 10, 1851, laid it out in twentyfour lots with streets sixty feet wide. It is located on the J., M. & I. Railroad, in the west half of the southwest Section 8, Township 7 north. Range 6 east. September 28, T852, the original proprietor laid out an addition to the town containing forty-eight lots, a church lot and a cemetery. A second addition of twenty-four lots was made by WilHam E. Rogers, June 20, 1854. Shortly after the building of Parker's house, Smith Jones opened the second store. The town is surrounded by a fine farming countr}^ and has been a very lively shipping point. Its mercantile interests have at times been quite extensive. Its early growth was rapid, but its nearness to Columbus precludes the thought that it may ever be more than the supply depot for a limited agricultural community. Several saw mills have from time to time been successfully operated here; and it has always been well supplied with blacksmith and wagon shops and such other conveniences as are usually found in a village of its size. Some time during the Civil War, G. \V. liayse erected a fiour mill here which was subsequently destroyed by fire; a second mill was built, but soon fell a victim to the same consuming element; a third took its place and flourished for a period of ten years or more, but at length, with a sort of fatality, it too, was burned to the ground. The three mills occupied the same site, but were owned at various times by many different proprietors. Since the destruction of the third mill efforts to re-build have not been made. T]v: present business interests are general stores

Early in the history of the town a posloHlcx- was establishcil; the first postmaster was J. D. vStcwart. About 1S65 the town was incorporated and has since that time be . governed by the laws applicable to the government of incorporatod villages. Its pojnilation is about 300.

The only secret order rcpresciitcil is ihc ."Masonic. Jiayles Lodge No. 216, F. & A. M., was chartered in 1858. The first ofllcers were : John Bell, W. M.; Joseph Wilson, S. W.; R. M. Kelley, J. W. Other members were Edward 03"Ier, Ileni-y Smith, A. F. Thompson, Martin Keller, Robert Little, Silas Thompson and James Thompson. This lodge was established at Waynesville and was subsequently moved to Jonesville,. its first meeting at the latter place being held April 12, 1862. It now owns and uses as a lodgt; room the first house built in the town. Its building and fixtures are valued at about $350. Its membership numbers seventeen.

The town was laid out by Joel Newsom, April i, 1S31, in the east half of the southwest Section 34, Town.ship 8, Range 6 east, into sixty-four lots, with a public square, 264x264 feet, and with streets fifty-live feet wide; but it was again platted and enlarged by the same proprietor, Jul}'- 7, 1S4S.

John C. Hubbard probably conducted the first general store; other early merchants were : Benjamin Ellis, David Newsom, S. W. Kelley, Hugh Kelley, Thomas C. Parker, Kelley &. McHenry, Washington Polen, David Deitz, W. G. Prather and Grafton Johnson. In 1859, Little &. Newsom opened a general store, ever since which liiuc Mr. Joel Xewsom has contiiuictl in business here, llioii^h liaving other interests elscw.iere. Mr. Xcwsom has been postmaster nof theviUage since 1 S59, his length of service being probal.tl}' exceeded by that of no other postmaster in the State.

Tlie present business interests are: Joel Newsom & Son, general store; William Tuttle, saw mill, which has been in o]>oration about the years: Benjamin Fodrea, blacksmith, and C II. Overman, wagonmaker. The town is surrounded by rich lands owned by progressive and intelligent farniers; from the beginning it has had only an agricultural support, though at times manufacturing industries on a small scale have been inaugurated. There were .some early saw mills, and from about 1S30, to about 1S60, a woolen mill was successfully operated, o\vned for a long time by Joseph and finally by Parker & Peel. It was simply a carding machine, making rolls and yarn, but no cloth, and perhaps represented a capital of not more than $1,000. The chief industry in earl}- da3's was hog fattening, corn of fine qualit}' being plentiful. There has not been a saloon in the place for forty years, and consequently little need of organized effort in temperance work. However, about thirty years ago a strong lodge of I. O. G. T. was formed and continued its work for three or four years, when it went out of existence. No other lodges have been established here. There are now about 125 residents in the village. It has always been the stronghold of the Quaker settlement, and its leading citizens have been those of the sect who came as pioneers, and their descendants.

In 1839 or 1840, the cultivation of the silk worm was advocated in various parts of the county as a profitable indu.- -y; the plan probably had its chief support among the people in and about Azalia. The preparations made were not extensive; a number of mulberry trees were planted by indi\iduals, but the only worms imponi:d were probably by Dr. Handy T. Davis, who was enthusiastic on the subject, and had been made president of a company that proposed to engage in the enterprise. The project was soon abandoned.

productive fields, several villages sprang into existence when there were no especial advantages or demands for them beyond those of furnishing a postothce and a small trading house to the farmers. Newliern was one of th(!se. It was laid out by Aaron Davis and Aarop. P.Taylor into slxly-eight lots on July 14, 1832, is situated in the west half of the southeast quarto- Section 9, Town 9, Range 7 east, and was named for Newbcni, N. C, to which town of his native State old Mr. Da\'is was alwa3'S devoted. The only addition to the town was that made by Samuel Dillman, Januar}- 7, 1S50, of seven lots. Aaron Davis was a pious and 1: mored clergyman from his j'outh to old age, and tlied about eight years ago, leaving a large family, and a great circle of friends. Ransom Davis started the first store, and carried a small stock of general merchandise. He was succeeded b}^ M. M. Hook, afterward the venerable judge. Activity and enterprise were not characteristics of the early merchants here. There were never more than two stores at a time. Before and duf'ing the Civil War period, Daniel McClintic was in business here, and probably kept the largest and best assorted stock of goods ever offered for sale in the town. Subsequenth' the principal merchants were Thomas McCallic and Anderson Jones. At present J. L. Jones, general store, William Scott, drugs, and S. Davis, poultr}' dealer, represent the business interests of the place.

More than fifty ^^ears ago Aaron P. Taylor and Aaron Farmer built a null here,, a little water power corn-cracker, which passed into the possession of J. K. Lawrence, and then of Christian Mdee, who sold it to Ezra Robinson, a progressive and enterprising man^ who re-built, re-modeled, and introduced the use of steam in it. From Robinson the mill went to R. Dunlap, then to J. H. Braden, and from him to James Shea, who, while engaged ai his work, was caught in the machinery and drawn to his deatli, being horribly mangled. William H. Shea, after this sad accident, took possession of the property and managed it until about four years ago, when it Avas destroyed by fire.

Judge M. M. Hook, Esq., Ransom Davis and Capt. Samuel Beck, father of Dr. John C. Beck, of Cincinnati, and of Dr. W. H. Beck, of Hartsville, were prominently identified with the town from its early days. Dr. Marliii M. :S))cphcrtl, \\ iiosc widow and two claxighters still reside at Newbern, came to the village about iS.^6. This family were relined and intelli<;cnt, and did much lo inspire others to intellectual development and culturt;. Hr. ^V. M. Merrick was also jM-ominent for a period.

S/. Lonls Cross/// o; situated on the Cainb ridge City branch o£ tlie J., M. «& I. Railroad, in the east half of the southwest quarter of Section lo, Township lo, Range 6 east. This town was laid out January 30, 1864, '"to twenty-three lots, with streets forty feet wide, by Isaac White, wlio added twenty lots to the original plat, May 19, following. The first merchants were two Germans who came from Madison, built a small house and opened a store, but did not remain in business long enciigh to identify themselves with the town's history. They disposed of their interests to William Zeigner, who continued in business only a short time, when he died. Then Nading & Bardwell started a general store and built a mill, which was destroyed by fire subsequently while owned by White & Cox. Bardwell sold his interest in the store to Nading, who conducted the business until a few years ago, when he was succeeded by J. A. Newton iS: Bro., now the only merchants, except H Schafer, grocer. A turnpik' was early built from this place to Hope to provide an outlet for the j;rain of that productive country, a great deal of which was shipped from here, especially before the building of the C, H. & G. Railroad through Hope. John Nading is the proprietor of the only grain elevator, which w^as built about four years ago. J. A. Newton is postmaster. There are about 150 inhabitants.

SL Loii/s. - This is one of the villages founded in early days by sanguine men, whose hopes were not destined to be realized. In the northeast quarter of Section 18, and southeast quarter of Section 7, Town 10, Range 7 east, it was laid out July 13, 1836, by Lewis Reed and Abraham Zeigler. There were thirty-eight lots ; a public square 60x60 feet, and the streets were sixty feet wide. There was u struggle for the postotfice between this town and Hope, then Goshen, which resulted in favor of the latter place, and fixed the doom of St. Louis, the ofiice here being discontinued. The first and only important merchant was John Dronbcrger, who

Waynesi-i'llc. - A village called Augusta grew up about ommile south of the present site of AVayn'-.sville in early days, but it was not platted. The only general merchandise store was that of James Thompson, Josci)h Jackson opened a drug store; Joint St-. :er a grog shop; a blacksmith, a shoemaker and others openeil such shops as are usualK' found in a country town. When the railroad \ as built, Thompson moved his stock to Waynesville, and Augusta was practically abandoned. Wajaiesville is in Sections 19 and 20, Township 9, of Range 6 east, and was laid out October 9,

1851, b}- James G. Thompson, into seventy lots, with streets thirtythree and sixty feet wide. The principal business transacted has been don* in .the Thompson store house, though it has many times changed hands, being at present owned by Smith Goshorn. The town is on the J., M. & I. Railroad, and has a postofTice. In 1858, a lodge of the F. & A. M. was established and continued to work here till about 1862, when it was moved to Jonesville, and is more full}' mentioned in the history of this town. There have been one or two small flour mills here, but none are now operated. The surrounding territory is rich and productive.

WaymansviUe was laid out in the northwest quarter of Section 12, Township 7, of Range 4 east, by Charles L. Wa3'man, November 24, 1849, into thirty-two lots, with streets sixty and eighty feet wide. William Tobroke built a saw and grist mill here in

1852, which was destroyed by fire in 1885. Ow the site of the old mill a new building was erected wliich contains* the new roller piocess machinery for making fifty barrels of Hour per day. Mr. Tobroke is at present sole proprietor, though at various times he has had partners associated with him. At present, John W. Behrman and Louis Von Stroke conduct a general store; Henry Aldenhagen, an agricultural implement house; William Trimpe, furniture and un- ir(T/cs/>firo, situated in - e east half of the southeast quarter of Section 1 2, Township 8, of Kauf;-e 5 east. This town was laid out by John P. Wales, June 26, 1S51, into thirtj'-four lots, with streets thirty-iwo and one-half, fifty and sixty feet wide, to which were added, November 24, 185 1, by the same proprietor, thirty-four lots. The Wales famil}- was (^uite large and had settled in this neighborhood in very earl}' days, but soon after establishing this town they went west, most of them settling in Iowa. For many 3-ears the principal store of the place was kept by William Dougherty, and is now owned by Charles Stone. The town is on the J., M. & I. R. R., about four miles from Cohunbus, and from it large quantities of stave and hoop poles ar-- annually .shipped. It has a postollicc, a blacksmith shop and such other convenienC'-s as are required of a small town b\- a limited farming district. About twentv or t\vent\'-five families ar-^ residents of the place, and it is ^^^nrounded b}' fertile lands.

AfooKc's Vineyard is a village of about fifty inhabitants, in Ohio Township, not laid oxit in lots, where J. C. and J. H. Tax-lor owi) and operate a grist and saw mill, and Isaac Wantland conducts a general store. William Cox is the pustmaster. Burns Moore started the place by building a mill about 1850, and was its first postmaster. The first merchant was ]M. J. Patterson.

Bctho'iy^ in the southeast quarter of Section 34, Township 9, of Range 4 east, was laid out May 22, 1849, ^3' Jesse Spriggs, into forty-eight lots with streets sixty-six feet wide. Its mercantile interests ha' ! never been very extensive. John Mason kept the first store; generally there have been two or three stores; now John Hawkins and James Howard are the only merchants. There are no lodges of secret orders here. The I. O. G. T. once established a lodge which flourished for a time, but is now extinct. In and near it are three churches, the Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, and Christian, elsewhere mentioned more ]:>articularly.

To Was

Aaiisijs. - Thiv; villas,'^, nuw oi" no commercial importance, w as laid out February 15, 1855, in tlie south half o[ Section r, Township 10, of Ranoc 4 east, by William A. Ergenbright, into tliirt\ -one lots witii"%treets f!ft3--tliree links wide. Albertus Erjrenbriirht established a store there but did notcontinue long in business. In 1837, Kilmund Mooney located a tannery about two miles southwest of where Kansas now is, and the business was conducted there by the original owner and his sons, until 1863. The village is surround(^l by surpassingly fertile lands, and is connected by turnpike with Edinburg. Janett Deming, E. Wheatley, Collin McKinney, the Ergenbrights, Tannehills, and Drybreads, have been the leading peoj>le in the neighborhood of the town.

Bnrnsvilk. - This A-illage was laid out in the northwest (Quarter of Section 3, Town 8, Range 7 east, on October i, 1845, by Brice Burns, into seventeen lots with streets forty feet wide. George W. Mcintosh was the first, and for souie time the only, merchant in the place. He was succeeded by Joseph Stevens. Wesley White established a general merchandise store soon after Stevens went into business, and for a while the town supported the two stores. Other merchants were: James Rem}'-, Reuben Leach and John C. Cunningham. At present the only store is that of Jeffei ;on Huffman. Soon after the town was laid out a saw mill was built by H. Ruby. At this time Frank Emmons owns and operates a saw lill, which is the onh' enterpr!-.e of the kind. There are aljout 200 inhabitants.

Pelcrsvillc, located in the northu'est quarter of Section 1 3 and northeast quarter of Section 14, in Township 9, of Range 6 east, was laid out November 6, 1874, ^y Peter S. Blessing, into fifteen lots with streets fort}"- feet wide, to wiiich ten lots were addexl November 6, I'jS, by Peter T. Blessing, Mary M. Glick, Caroline Blessing and Sarah Aspy. Peter Blessing kept the first and only store in the place for some time; and for him the town was named. At present general stores are conducted by George Glick and James Henson. There is a postofBce, a blacksmith shop and other like conveniences for its supporting farming commimity. There are about 100 inhabitants. The chief thoroughfare is Blessing Avenue; hence the founder's name entire is perpetuated.

J//, //(-(/////v, in the southwest quiirlor of Section 36, Town S, of Range 4, was laid out by Williani Ilowbert, April 14, 1851, into eigliteen lots, with streets eighty-eight feet wide. The lirst store was probably keptby Isaac Wantland. John Igel is the present postmaster and only merchant in the place, which is without commercial importance. The site of the village is elevated far above the surrounding country. Tlie locality is exceptionally healthful, and free from miasmatic vapors. The town was establislied when the chills and fever were still disturbing the whole people. 1 -nee the nanie. ll now has about fifty inhabitants.

Tn early days at several points in the county efforts to establish villages were made. The idea prevailed that by convert!' g corn iields into town lots and disposing of them in small quantities, a more handsome price could be realized than was otherwise possible. In some cases the lots were found to be unsalable, were vacated, and again became familiar with the plow. jYezf Lchamm in Haw Creek Township, near the Decatur County line, in Section 24, Town 10, Range 7 east, was laid out September 25, 1829, into lift}' lots, with streets sixty-six feet wide, and a public square containing two acres, Camden was founded \>\ George Craig, Ma}' 14, 1832, with thirty-six lots and a public square. JVcvj Warsaiv^ in the northeast quarter of Section 10, Town 10, of Range 6 east, w-as established by Obadiah Sims, April 28, 1835, with sixty lots, and streets forty feet wide; and Mt. Sidney by Heniy Smock, Ma}' 2, 18.353 with thirty-seven lots and a pubhc park 148x396 feet. Following this period there was a lull in tow'n building until the railroad had traversed the county. January 25, 1850, John W. Sandifer laid out Taylor slmrg^ in Section 22, Township 9, Range 4, in Harrison Township, near the Brow^n County line; February 22, i£ 'I, John C. Hager k.-d out HagersvUle in the southeast quarter of Section 16, Township 10, Pv.ange 6 east, into ninety-six lots and a public park 300 feet square; August 6, 185 1, in the northwest quarter of Section 29, Township 8, Range 6 east, W. C. Jones, established Banncrsvule; and February' 14, 1S55, in the northeast quarter of Section 5, Township 9, Range 6 east, Henry Lambert and Joseph Paffenbarger founded luirnicrs Tmjn. All of these were subsequent!}' vacated.