Carroll County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1882 (part 3 of 7)

Jambs C. Smith

James C. Smith was bora near Zanesville, Muskingum Co., Ohio, March 3, 1828. His father, William Smith, was born in Virginia, August 15, 1793. His mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Brown, was born in the State of New York June 12, 1793. His parents were united in marriage January 27, 1816. The ancestry of William Smith were of English and Irish extraction. His wife's ancestry were of German and Irish lineage ; her mother was born on the ocean. Leaving Ohio the family moved to this county, and settled in Burlington Township in 1832, and in addition to farming kept a little stock of groceries and dry goods, and built up quite a little trade with the whites and Indians. At that time the fur trade was quite extensive, and William Smith acted as purchasing agent for the firm of Ewing & Walker, of Logansport. His family was a large one, consisting of ten children, seven girls and three boys. Two only, a son and a daughter survive. One son, Richard Smith, was killed in the battle at Shiloh Church in 1862. The mother of our subject died in Grundy County, Mo., September 27, 1860; the father, in Carroll County, Ind., January 21, 1869. When the family came to Carroll County, there were but few white families in Burlington Township, but plenty of Indians - principally Pottawatomies and Miamis Indeed the Indians were quite as numerous then as the whites are now.

James C. Smith, then a lad, remembers that frequently he took a yoke of oxen and a sled and went through the wilderness, a distance of eleven miles to the nearest mill. His chances for obtaining even the rudiments of an education were very limited. Subscription schools were the only kind of a school tauglit, and were but for a short time during the winter months. When the war with Mexico broke out, he enlisted at Delphi June 5, 1846, in Company C, First Regiment Indiana Infantry. He was, at the time of his enlistment, eighteen years of age- The regiment was organized at New Albany, Ind., about the 10th of June, and a few days after the organization the regiment started for Mexico, via New Orleans and across the Gulf After campaigning through Mexico the regiment returned, and was mustered out of service at New Orleans June 20, 1847. Mr. Smith returned to his home and resumed farming. In 1862, this country again needed his assistance, and September 16th of that year he enlisted, and November 29th was apr4«^% "^Wt pointed First Sergeant in the Twenty-fonrth Indiana Artillery. March 26, 1863, the battery was ordered into service at Lebanon, Ky.; thenoe to Columbus, Ky., whence the command started in pursuit of the rebel General Morgan, and had several skirmishes with him until he crossed the Ohio River. Thenoe the battery was ordered to KnoxviUe, and participated in the military operations in Tennessee and Georgia, and was engaged in the skirmishes and battles at Buzzard Roost, Resaoa, Campbleton and Macon. At the latter place, Mr. Smith, then Second Lieutenant of the battery, was made a prisoner of war, July 31, 1864. He was confined in rebel prisons at Macon, Charleston, Columbia and Raleigh. After suffering all the hardships inflicted upon the Federal prisoners by the rebels he was exchanged with other officers, and passed through the lines at Fisher's Bridge, March 1, 1866. Thence via Wilmington, N. C, to Annapolis, Md., thenoe to his home. April 24, 1865, he rejoined his command at Louisville, Ky. From the latter place, the battery moved to Indianapolis, and was mustered out August 3, 1066. Mr. Smith received his commission as Second Lieutenant May 2, 1863. After thus honorably terminating his service, he resumed the peaceful pursuit of his farm-work, and has continued the same to the present.

Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Ashby, December 2, 1847. Mrs. Smith was born near Chillicothe, Ohio, June 4, 1832. Her paternal ancestry were of Scotch-Irish extraction, and her maternal of English and German. Her father was born in Virginia, January 23, 1794, and her mother in Ross County, Ohio, in 1803. She came to Carroll County with her parents in 1832. One daughter, Margaret, is the only fruit of this marriage. She was born June 19, 1861. She was married June 19, 1869, to William T. Hindman. As the fruits of this marriage Mr. Smith has two grandsons, Ambrose C. Hindman born December 23, 1870, and Everett E., born December 27, 1873.

Mr. Smith, his wife, daughter and son-in-law are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. As has already been stated, Mr. Smith's early education was limited, but much general reading has largely remedied this early deficiency. He has ti-aveled over twenty States of this Union, through Mexico and Canada, and in 1876 visited the great Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia. His observations incident to this travel very largely compensate for disadvantages of his youth. Mr. Smith is regarded as one of the solid men of Carroll County.

Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, two teims, in the spring and summer of ISutl. Early inclined to the legal profession, after reading awhile he ijuit the law for the calling of a teacher. His first school-teaching was for one term (six months) in Clinton County. Ohio. In the fall of 1S59 he came to Indiana, and began t^-achiug in the northeast corner of Clinton County. Remaining in the latter place one yeai', he next taught foiu- yeai's - 1860-05 - in Russiaville, Howard County. In the fall of 1865, he began teaching in a township graded school in Burlington. Carroll County, and continued in this position nine consecutive yeai's, from 1865 to 1874. Since 1874, he has taught three terms in Burlington - making ten years and three months in the same district.

Sejitember 12, 1874. upon the resignation of Superintendent McReyuolds, INIr. Britton was elected by the Trustees to the office of County Su])eriutendent. June 1 , 1875, he was ap])ointed by the Board of Commissioners to the same position, and at thj'ee successive elections, in 1877. 1879 and 1881, he has been re-elected by the Trustees to serve in this official capacity. In the course of his su)ierintendency, he has taught four additional terms of school, aggregating about seventeen yeai-sof service in that direction. It is not imjiroper to say. in this connection, that, while in politics Mr. Britton is a Rej)ublican. the Board of Commissioners from whom he received his appointment were of the opposite political com])lexion, and, excepting in 1 879, there has been a Democratic majority of Trustees at each of his elections this much as an indication of his popularity in that capacity.

In 1 860, on the 29th of September. Mr. Britton was united in marriage to Miss Lovey E. Lemaster, a. native of Shelby County, Ind This union has been blessed by the birth of ten sons, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Britton are members of the Christian Church.

Mr. Britton was raised to farming, and has given a portion of his time each year to that occupation, owning and managing at this time a farm in Bui-lington Townshiji. His heart, however, is devoted to the interests of education. He is a man of indomitable energy, and to his skill and industry, more than to anything else, is due the present excellent condition of the district schools of Carroll County. Beyond the physical labor of his position, he devotes his leisure time to reading and stvidy, subjecting himself to a continued mental discipline, such as makes him the better prepared to direct and advance om' home educational system. Socially. " Tom " Britton is a genial, generous, warm-heai-ted man, and a man who grows in one's esteem with the gi-owthof acfpiaintanceshi]). In the jirime and vigor of man hood, the fniits of his best years can reasonably be said to be yet in the future.

Walter O. Hopkinson

The subject of this sketch has been only able to trace the genealogical history of the Hopkinson family from the person of Francis Hopkinson. who was born in Philadelphia, Penn., in 1737. In 1766. he visited England, and remained there two yeai-s, and on his return, married Miss Ann Borden and settled in New Jersey. He was a delegate to Congi-ess, and signed the Declaration of Independence. In 1790, he was appointed by Washington Judge of the United States District Court for Pennsylvania, and died suddenly in 1791. He was a man of rare talent, and a prolific- writer.

or nephew of Francis Hopkinson, at some period prior to 179S, married and settled in Onondaga County, N. Y. In this county and State, orf the 19th of August, 1798, was born Samuel Smith Hopkinson, who grew to man's estate, and, after manying AFiss Cliirissa Osborn, of Welsh lineage, and boj-n in Rutland (!ounty, Vt., September 8, 1796, moved to a locality about three miUis above the Falls, in Niagai'a County, N. Y., where he reared a family of six children, Walter O. Hopkinson being the fourth child. Samuel Hopkinson engaged in the war of 1812, entering the service first, because of his youthfulness, as a Captain's waiter, and afterward regularly enlisting. At the battle of Chippewa, in 1814, he was wounded in the hand by a spent ball, and twenty days later, at the battle of Lundy's Lane, received a saber cut across the forehead. In March. 1835 or 1836, after living two years in Huron County, N. Y., he removed to Deljihi, C!ai'roll Co. , Ind. , and subsequently to Cass County, where he died of apoplexy August 19, 1844. Mrs. Samuel Hopkinson died in Cass

Walter O. Hopkinson was born September 13, 1828. Until the date of his marriage, his time was occuj)ied by farm work, subscrijitiou school, and one term in the capacity of a teacher. December 1, 1853, he was married to Nancy E. Thomj)son, born October 2(i, 1831, in Sussex County, Del., and being the seventh child of James Thompson and Nancy (Short) Thompson. James Thompson was a slaveholder in Delaware, but sold his slaves, and, about 1841, moved to Cass County. Ind., where he died May 1, 1844. After his marriage, Walter Hopkinson continued teaching school, about one term a year, until 1877. since which time he has given his attention chiefly to farming. In the course of years, he has served a number of terms in the minor official capacities of Township Trustee. Assessor and Justice of the Peace.

I To Mr. Hopkinson and his wife one child. Phrebe Jane, was bom, on the 29th of December, 1862. On the 3d of February. 1881, she was married to Joseph A. Launing, a native of Franklin j County, Ind., born March 17, 1855. His mother, Aravila Mathews, was born in New York in 1829. while his father, James Lanj ning, was a native of New Jersey, born in 1828. Coming to

I Ind., March 26, 1875. Joseph Lanning is a farmer by occupation, and, while owning a farm of his owti, at present resides with his father-in-law, and assists the latter on his farm. Politically, he is an Independent Greenbacker. He is the fourth child in a family of thirteen childi'en, seven of whom are living. Walter Hopkinson is a nephew of Jonah T. Hopkinson, a prominent pioneer and the fourth Sheriff of Carroll County. Jonah Hopkinson was born in Connecticut in 1789; moved to Switzerland County, Ind.. in 1818, and thence to CaiToll County in 1829. The youngest daughter of Jonah H. is the wife of David P. Bai-ner, Clerk of ClintoQ County, and the mother of John H. Barner, Jr. , the young man whose recent death, because of the nobleness of his morning's manhood, cast a gloom over such a wide circle of relatives and friends.

The subject of this sketch is a man of firm convictions, an ardent supporter of schools, liberal in his sentiments toward bis fellow-men, a counselor for his neighbors, and withal an excellent citizen. Our acquaintance with him leads us to say that he is a man of temperate habits and of a generous disposition. Those who have occasion to deal with him will leave him with the impression of the sincerity and genuineness of his manhood.

Mr. Smith, the only living son of Leonard Smith and Annie (Everhart) Smith, was born in Green County, in Eastern Tennessee, on the 3d day of January, 1837. In the year 1851, his father's family, accompanied by three other families of the same neighborhood, emigi'ated overland to Carroll County, Ind., reach ing here on the 20th of October and settling in Burlington Township - the Smith family on a tract of wild land, still owned and resided upon by Leonai'd Smith, and situated about four miles west of the little town of Burlington. In this trip to " Hoosierdom," William Smith, then a boy in his fom-teentb year, accomplished the distance on horseback. At this early day, Burlington Township was but sparsely settled, and little of the heavy growth of timber of that section of the county had been cleared away. As their ancestors, who also were pioneers and " breakers of the stubborn glebe," had done before them, Leonard Smith and his sons immediately set to work with energy and determination - qualities inseparable from and peculiar to the sturdy pioneer - to hew themselves a home out of the depths of the old forest. Before the ringing blows of their axes the great woods bowed, and out of their sweat and toil was born at last the homestead, whose recurring, bounteous harvests nourished the father into ripe old age, and the son into a mature manhood. At the age of twenty-one, AVilliam Smith forsook the parental roof to engage in farming on an eighty-acre tract of land, the gift of his father. In the course of years, he has added to his original possession, in all 103 acres, and, while farming has claimed his chief attention, for thirteen summers he has owned and controlled a threshing machine, having purchased, in 1866. the tirst steam engine owned in his settlement. In addition to these employmentd, in the years 1871-73, he engaged in the business of sawing lumber, and, in the season of 1873, sold 110,000 feet of timber in the log.

In the fall of 1876. he was elected a member of the Board of Commissioners of Carroll County, from District No. 2, and again in 1879, he made a successful race for the same position. It is, we believe, the only official capacity in which he has served the peojile, but we speak the sentiments of those who are in a situation to see the record which he is making for himself when we say that he is a careful and judicious officer, rising above party affiliations in the administration of county matters, thoroughly independent, and a man of strong convictions.

In 1858, on the 14th of February, he was married to Hannah A\'a!tenberger, a member of one of the five families referred to earlier in this sketch as having emigi-ated in a body from Green County, Tenn. Four children have been born to them, three of whom are living.

In ])olitics, Mr. Smith has been associated with the Democratic party. He has, however, never actively engaged in political labors. In religicm, he and Mrs. Smith are members of the Methodist Church, following, in this respect, the faith of their fathers.

Limited in school education, he has obtained the more practical education which results from a life of mental and physical energy. Young in years, he has the i)rospect of a life of further public responsibilities. Socially, he is a warm-hearted, approachable man. In business relations, he is prompt and conscientious. May his years of usefulness be long continued.

Robekt Young

John Young, a grandfather, twice removed, of the subject of this sketch, came with his family from England in colonial times and settled in that district in Pennsylvania subsequently called Dauphin County. Later, he served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war. At the battle of Brandywine, he nearly lost his life by a shot which carried from his head his cue.

Andrew Young, a son of John Young, married Sarah Parks, a Scotch lady, in Dauphin County, Penn. In 1801, he crossed the mountains and moved to a place known as Dix Creek, in Warren County, Ohio: thence he moved to Seven Mile Creek, about twelve miles north of Fort Hamilton. In 1806, while attempting to cross the Big Miami River, on his way back from Dix Creek, whither he had gone on business, his horse stumbled, and, throwing him into the creek, he was drowned. His wife, remaining a widow, died in 1826. Nine boys, namely, James, John, Robert, Andrew, Alexander, Josiah, William, Samuel and David; and two girls, Mary and Elizabeth, were the fruits of this imion. One of the sons, Robert, was married, in 1804, to Jane Ogle, a native of Dauphin County. Penn. From this union ten children were born, among them. John Young, the father of Robert Young, our present biographical subject. John Young was born in Butler County, Ohio, on the 15th day of September, 1812; was maiTied, in August, 1833, to Anna Bowen; moved to Clinton Coimty, Ind., the latter part of that year, and, his wife dying, about the 27th day of August, 1834, he returned to his birthplace, and remained there until the middle of August, 1837, when he was again married, this time to Isabella D. Bernard. Immediately after his second marriage, he returned to his fann in Clinton County, Ind., where he yet resides. He had originally come to Indiana in the spring of 1832, entered this land, returned to Ohio, and back again in the fall. Wilding a cabin and clearing a portion of the land; returned a second time to Ohio to maiTy, and, later, to bring his wife to his cabin in Indiana.

Robert Young was born in Wan-en Township, Clinton County, Ind., on the 9th of January, 1840. He was of Scotch-German lineage. Farming, attendance at district schools, with two tei-ms at a college at Waveland, Ind., occupied his years until July 4, 1861, when, having been married, on the '2a of May of that year, to Miss Anistishia Long, he located across the county line, on a farm of 160 acres, in Burlington Township, Carroll County, Ind. Five children were born of this union, only thi-ee of whom ai-e living - Anna B., Alma E. and James S. On the 18th of De cember, 1868, death robbed Mjr. Yoimg of an affectionate wife.

On the 14th of April, 1870, Mr. Young was married a second time, to Miss Ellen Cunningham, of La Fayette, Tippecanoe County. This maiTiage has also been blessed by the birth of three children, namely, Dora M., Robert L. and Milton. Mr. Young and his wife are devout members of the Presbyterian Church.

Robert Young was mustered into the United States service, in Company H, Third Cavalry (Forty-fifth) Regiment Indiana Vol unteers, on the 20th of September, 1 802, as a Commissary Sergeant of battalion. He was mustered out on the 8th of April, 1865, having participated in the battles of Jonesboro, Ga., the charge at Macon, and the fight at Buckhead Bridge. He was with Sherman in the famous march to the sea.

In politics, Mr. Young is a Democrat, yet he willingly tolerates the opinions of others. For a numbers of years, he has been a member of the Masonic fraternity.

In his township. Mi'. Young served as a Justice of Peace for a period of four yeai's, and, in the fall of 1874, he was elected a member of the Board of Commissioners of Carroll County from District No, 2, serving one term. In this latter capacity, we have been assiu'ed tJiat, regardless of ])arty prejudice or friendship, he acted firmly and conscientiously, with an eye singled to the best interests of the whole county. His unwavering fidelity to a sacred performance of his duties made him unpopular, we have been told, with a certain limited class of men, who thought to feed at the county coffers. Personally, Mr. Y'oiing is a man of unpretentious ways, but of ample lii-mness and careful judgment. He is highly respected in the county, and is individually popular for his manv jjood traits of character.

Boundary, Etc

Carrollton is situated in the eastern exti'emity of Can'oll County, and is bounded as follows: On the north, by Washington Township: on the east, by portions of Howard and Cass Counties; on the south, by Burlington Township: and on the west, by Jackson and Monroe Townships. The siu-face is of an undulating character, presenting the usual varieties of soil - clay, black loam, etc. While the sm-face is generally what is denominated "rolling land." there are. notwithstanding, a few localities that are flat and marshy, and artificial drainage has been extensively employed as a means for utilizing these lands. Deer Creek flows through the northern portion of the township, and the Middle Fork of Deer Creek waters the northeastern part, discharging into the main stream at a point in Section 21. The South Fork of Deer Creek waters the southern and western portions of the township, flowing west and north, and joining Deer Creek near the western boundary line of the township. Little Deer Creek flows through the central pai-t of the township, joining the South Fork at a point in Section 81. Besides these, there are several small streams not endowed with names. Along the course of these streams, the land is characterized by ridges or gently sloping hills, although in many places there are high bluffs facing the streams. Originally, there was a dense growth of timber covering all the territoiy now embraced within the boundaries of Carrollton Township, of which walnut, poplar, beech, oak, hickory, etc., were the prevailing varieties. Dui-ing the progress of civilization in these wilds, great quantities of valuable timber were removed, and, for want of a market, suffered an inglorious fate in the " log-heap." While the walnut timber in this locality is well thinned out. there is still a goodly amount of oak and poplar, for which a ready market is found neai' home.

While Carrollton was settled some years later than neighboring townships of the coimty, there are none of the first settlers now living, and among those who came after the wilderness had been penetrated by white men, there is no unanimit)- as to who was the first white family to take up its al»de here for purjjoses of improvement. The history of the early settlement begins with the year 1832, when George Ti-app, Johnson Kirkpatrick and George Fonts came to live on lands which they had pm-chased in the preceding year at the Govermnent Land Office. Kirkpatrick settled in Section 10: Fonts, in Section 20; and Trapp. in Section 2. They were thorough and faithful specimens of the pioi neer - strong, hardy and industrious. Their axes first sovindcd the tocsin of war in the midst of the giants of the forest, who, one by one. fell in the struggle which ensued; and in the subsequent development and improvement o' the township, they bore a ]irominent and honorable part. They were leading spirits in public enterprises, as they were the leaders in opening the town- \ ship to civilization and subsequent settlement. For a year, they were the sole white inhabitants of the township: then, in October. 1833, Benjamin Kirkpatrick, the brother of Johnson, came from Butler County, Ohio, with his wife and two children, both of whom are now deceased. He settled in Section 10. on a tract of land adjoining that of his brother, and here he cleared and improved a farm, in the cultivation of which he sjient the residue of his life. He was an honorable, upright man, and was universally recognized as a good citizen. He died in September, l^^SO. his wife still surviving him and occupying the old homestead. Mi: Kirkpatrick was accompanied by Martin Wagoner and family. Mr. Wagonec entered land in Section 5. where he cleared the farm now owned by his heirs. He was a man in the ju-ime of life when he came here, and labored industriously to carve out a farm fi-om the wilderness around him. Succeeding in this effort, he spent the remainder of his life in cultivating it.

Francis McCain was the first purchaser of land in the township, although not the first settler. In April, 1829, he purchased (or entered) the east half of the southwest quarter and the west half of the southeast quarter of Section 11). Several years elajjsed before he came to occupy this land, but when he came, he made his i^resence felt by the zeal with which he prosecuted the labor of clearing. He improved a farm, upon which he lived until his decease. His sons, David and John R., now occupy the farm. Peter Dunkin came in 1834, and entered land in Section 27. I He was a prominent citizen of the township, and bore a full share I of the labors of pioneer days, while he was always actively interested in public improvements. Mr. Dunkin came fi-om Franklin County, Ind,and settled in Deer Creek Township, where he lived for foiu- or five years prior to his removal to CaiTollton. He cleared the farm now owned and occupied by ]Mi's. Leah Brown, and cultivated it until his decease. Samuel Ayres, Francis C. Downing, Chai'les Hush, John GaiTison, John Shively, Abner \ Shanks. Jacob Shively and William and Charles Mai'tin joined I the settlement during the year 1834. Jacob Cline came in the same year, and settled on the farm now owned by Jeremiah Trent, in Section 6. This tract was entered by him in 1832, but it was usual for land to be entered prior to its occupation by the purchaser. Mr. Cline remained in the township until his decease, and was recognized as a good citizen. Ehsha W. Lake entered land in Section 14 in 1832, upon which he settled late in 1833 or early in 1834. He was not fortunate in the selection of a locality, his land being low and swampy, .ifter clearing a portion of his land, he sold out and removed to Wayne County, Ind. He kept a little tavern for the accommodation of travelers on the Michigan road, then the principal thoroughfare between the northern and southern parts of the State.

Andrew Hunter entered land in Section 19 in 1833, and came to live here in 1834. He was a successful farmer and a good citizen, and was prominently identified with the growth and improvement of the township.

George G. Young came in 1834, and settled on the land he had entered three years previously. He had a lai-ge farm, the greater portion of which he cleared and improved. He was an unmanned man, and made his home with the family of Benjamin Dunkin for several years. He finally sold his land and removed to Oass County, Ind.. where he remained imtil death.

In August, 1835. Anthony Burns came from Butler Coimty, Ohio, with his wife and one <;hild, and settled near Prince William, in Democrat Township, and in the following spring removed to CarroUton Township, where he spent the remainder of his life, cultivating the farm upon which his wife and family still reside. He died in August, 18S0.

John Payton came in October, 1835, and leased a tract of land entered by Richard Dunkin, where he lived for six years. At the end of that time, he purchased land in Cass County. Ind., upon which he resided until his death, in 1863. His son, Lyndsey B., is the only member of the family now living in Carroll County. Richard Dunkin came in October, 1836, and settled on laud he had entered two years previously, in Section 34. He cleared the farm now occupied by his grandson, and spent the remainder of his life in its cultivation.

Uriah Blue came in 1886, and David and William Crockett came in the same year. The Crocketts were early settlers in Washington Township, and entered land in CarroUton in 1832 and 1833 respectively. There seems to be some uncertainty as to the date of their settlement here, one authority placing it as early as 1832, while another, who came to the township in 1833, states that their arrival was subsequent to his own. At all events, they were amoQg the early settlers, and were identified with the growth and improvement of the township.

Late in 1835 or early in 1836, Philiji Waters came to the township, and for awhile was engaged in mercantile pursuits at the village of Wheeling, then recently founded. Subsequently, he removed to the land which he had entered in the eastern part of the township, and was engaged in its cultivation until his decease.

On the farm now owned by John M. Mabbitt, in Section 6, his father, John Mabliitt, began the labors of the pioneer in 1836. He cleared and improved the land, and occupied itimtil his death. Peter Weidner came in 1836. and entered land in Section 2. He cleai-ed a farm, upon which he resided for a number of years, but finally sold out and removed to another locality.

The Tract Book of Carroll County furnishes a history of the pulJic lands lying within the limits of this county, and among the following list of purchasers will be found the names of many who were identified with the settlement of the township, some of whom have been mentioned heretofore in this chapter. The list of purchasers is as follows:

By the year 1837. all the public lands had been entered, and the early settlement was practically at an end; for the families who had located here up to that time formed a community by no means small, and, while new families continued to arrive after that date, theirs was not so completely a struggle with the wilderness and the hardships of pioneer life as was that of those who ' have been mentioned as the iirst settlers of the township. Indeed, so many came after that date that to follow them in chronological order were a difficult task; and as a few could not receive personal mention without injustice to others, it is deemed proper that our chronicle of arrivals should close with the year before named.

By the year 1835, the number of residents within the township was sufficient, according to law. to entitle this territory to an in dividual civil existence; and at the March session of the County Commissioners in that year, an order was passed by that board creating the township of Carrollton. and fixing its limits as follows: " Commencing where the county line crosses Wild Cat Creek, running thence north with the county line to the line dividing Townships 24 and 25 north: thence west to the meridian line; thence south to Wild Cat Creek; thence up said creek to the place of beginning." By this arrangement, two tiers of sections in Burlington Townshiji were included in CaiToUton, but, at the May session of 1835. the latter was nvlnced to its present dimensions.

At the time of the passage of the order which niailc Carrc;llton a civil township, Elisha W. Lake was appointed Inspector of Elections, and it was ordered by the board that an election be held at Lake's house on the first Monday in April, 1835, for the pvu'poseof electing the uecessai-y township officers. George Fouts was the popular choice for Justice of the Peace, and served four years. Since his time, this position has been occupied by the fol lowing persons, the date prefixed to their names being the date of election: 1837, George Kirkpatrick; 1838. John W. Cain; 1840, Lewis Ewing and John Han-isou; 1848. Simeon Wilson; 1840. Zephauia W. Bryant: 1853, John Smith: 1857, William J. Ewing; 1800. Thomas H. Meloy; 1802, Thomas J. Larimore; 1804, T. H Meloy; 1807, John" A. Burns: 1808, T. H. Meloy; 1S71. William H. Pruitt: 1S72. W. W. Shaw; 1870. James Ashba: 1878-81, John S. Himt and Joshua M. Heudrix.

A list of Township Trustees could not be obtained in an unbroken series, and it is deemed advisable to omit this office rather than give only a partial list. The importance of jireserving early records has been but lightly regarded, it would seem, in this tovsTiship. The official record for bonds in the office of the County Clerk furnishes the only information we have relative to the office of Constable. John Grist was the first incumbent of this office- He was elected in 1838, and his successors were elected at the dates prefixed to their names, as follows: 1842, Daniel Cline; 1843. James H. Coshaw; 1844, John W. Cain; 1852, John Cline; 1855, Alexander Lovelace; 1857, John C. Dunkin; 1858. Samuel Hawley; 1864. John AV. Blue; 1868, Thomas Cline; 1800, David M- Butcher: 1870, John T. Disinger; 1873, Robert T. Barber; 1874, James W. Brasket: 1870, John T. Disinger: 1878, Samuel W. Woodrufl' and Josejih E. Shell: 1880, Milton Ferguson.

Various county roads were laid out by order of the Board of Trustees, in response to petitions from freeholders of the town - ship: but, as they were for local convenience only, and had no objective ]5oint beyond the limits of the township, a detailed acco\mt of their location and survey would add no interest to our work, notwithstanding the fact that they played a part by no means unimportant in the development and commercial interests of the township. The early settlers were compelled, in many instances, to cut their way thj-ough the foresi- and underbnish to the sites they had selected for homes, and any kind of a road was looked upon as a vast improvement over those thus foi-med. One by one the roads were surveyed and located after the organization, until Carrollton was as well supplied with public highways as her sister townships. The records of the township board contain nothing else of material interest in connection with the organization, and we pass to a consideration of its early and subse quent educational history.

According to the statement of Lyndsey B. Payton, the fii-st steps towai'd jjublic education in the township were taken in 18y6. when a little cabin was erected on the land of George Young for school purposes. Its builders were Peter Dunkin, James R. Lenon, John Ii'win, John Mabbitt and James Payton. A description 01 its style and appearance would only be a repetition of what will be found elsewhere in this volume; for in pioneer architecture, it may be said there was no variation, except, perhaps, in the dimensions of buildings. Those by whom this cabin was erected were its patrons, and from their scanty purses came the funds which constituted the teacher's salai'y. Dui-ing the winter of the year in which it was erected, William Coshaw presided over it as teacher, or " master," and, from among the best farmers and most substantial citizens of the township to-day, could be picked out several who were his pupils. The school was only taught during that one winter. The settlers who came in the following season located further south in the township, and the next school was taught in a locality better calculated to suit the convenience of the majority. The next school was a little cabin in the village of Wheeling, built originally for a dwelling. Dm-ing 1838, there was a cabin erected for school ])urposeB on the Peter Dunkin farm; another on the Middle Fork of Deer Creek, near the Michigan road; and another on the farm of Presley Dunlap. Several years later, a schoolhouse was erected on the George Fouts fai-m, and, at various times subsequently, houses were erected in different parts of the township for school pui-poses, all alike in their construction and manner of government. The subscription system was still in vogue, and, although the Congressional funds in the township treasury were devoted to partially defraying the ciu-rent expenses, they were not sufficient to maintain the schools for more than one-third of the term for which the teachers were engaged. and private subscriptions were, after all. the real source from which they received their support. A radical change for the better was effected by the provisions of the free school law of 1851-52, and a marked improvement in the standard of the schools and the qualifications of their teachers is one of the leading features of this system. Under this new regime, the work has been thoroughly systematized, and, while there are no graded schools in the township, there are ten district schools, in which are taught all the the branches essential to a good English education. Of these, eight are brick and two ai'e fi-ame buildings, representing a total vulue of $9,000, while the school property - appai-atus, globes, maps, charts, etc. - is valued at 1400 additional. Dm-ing the year ending September 1, 1881, the average length of the school term in the township was 109 days. Dm-ing the same period, the average attendance of pupils was 270, the total number enrolled during the year being 395. For the maintenance of the schools there is a sjiecial tax of 20 cents assessed on each $100 valuation of property, and 50 cents on each poll, together with a local tax of 20 cents on $100. The financial condition of the schools is prosperous, as the following abstract fi-om the report of the Trustee fully attests:

In the settlement in the wilderaess the religious element, while it was well represented by a community of good, pious people, had at tu'st no opportimity for expression. " We were here fotu- years," says Mrs. Benjamin Kirkpatrick, " before we heard the sound of the Gospel or saw a minister. The Rev. John P. Hay, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, made his appetu-- ance in the settlement, and held services at private houses and

To this honest-minded community, a sermon was a sermon, whether delivered by the Methodist, the Presbyterian or the Baptist, and creeds and denominational preferences were lost sight of in the pleasm'e with which they embraced the opportunity of assembling for public worship. About the year- 1837 or 1838, Isham Atkinson, William Lowe, John Mai-shall, and other ministers of the Christian, or '' New Light," Church, began holding services at the house of John Paj'ton. but no' organization was effected by this denomination. Ministers of the Baptist denomination held services at the house of Peter Dunkin at an early day, and within a few years, the various denominations began to be represented in the township, and services were conducted by ministers sent out as supplies.

Among the early ministers was one Harper Hanna, who preached the "' Millerite " doctrine at CaiTollton. He belonged to a denomination known as " Radical Methodists." and if he was sincere in his belief of the doctrine he advocated, he failed to impress the outside world with his sincerity. One morning in April, 18-18, John Payton rode by Hanna's farm and saw him setting out an orchard. The inconsistency of his jjroceeding at once struck Payton, who reflected that a number of year's must elapse, in any event, before he could expect any return for his labor, and, if the final destruction of the world were so nearly at hand, wjis not this an unnecessary outlay of labors With this thought in his mind, Payton addressed him: " How is this. Brother Hanna? This is April, and if your account is co'n-ect, the end of the world will come in June next. It scarcely looks consistent to be doing such work so nearly the borders of eternity." "Oh, well," replied Haiina, "we can't tell exactly; there may have been an en'or in the calculation." Subsequent events ])roved there had been " an en-or in the calculation," much to the chagrin of Hanna and other apostles and followers of that silly hallucination. He disappoai'ed from the religious community as a leader, but, from the congregation who collected around him, probably gi-ew the class who finally constituted the Methodist Episcopal Church at Ciu-- roUton.

HnjicHvll CiiiiihcrliiiKl I'rrshi/trridii ('liiiivli. - This organization gi'iw out of the ininisteritd labors of Uev. John P. Htiy. who was lu'st sent to this settlement as u missionary, or supply, in 1837. On the 10th of April, 1842, an organization was clVi'etcd by him at the house of John W. Coin, with thirteen coiistitucnt members. Mr. Hay served eight years as Pastor of tliis ctingregation, and was succeeded by Rev. S. T Stewart, who served two years In 1854, Rev. W. O. Smith was cidled, and occupied the pastoral relation until 185(5. Ho whh succwoded by Rev. S. C. Mitchell, who remained until his deceiise, in August, 1802. He was succeeded by Kev. A. T. Randolph, who served until 1804. Rev. J. W. Hanna succeeded him, and served one yeiu*: Rev. W. M. Metcalf followed him, serving thi-ee years; Rev. T. S. Clm-e, one year and six months. Rev. H. W. Bryant was Pastor from 1870 to 1S73, when failing health caused him to resign the charge. Rev. A. F. Fuller, Rev. O. C. Hawkins and Rev. G. H. Taylor succeeded him in the order named. The latter served until his death, in 187V, and was succeeded by Rev. Z. L. Hughey, the present Pastor.

Originally, the meetings were held at the houses of Martin Wagoner and John Bridge, and also at the Lnniles Schoolhouse. On the 4th of October, 1851, the congi-egation piu-ehased a lot of Philip Waters, in the town of Wheeling, and, in the following year, erected a house of worship, which they used until 1871. In that year, they erected a neat brick chiu'ch edifice, at a cost of S4,000, in which the services of the chiu-ch are now conducted. The congi-egation has continued prosjierous since its organization, and now has a membership of A'li communicants.

Deer Creek United Brethren Cliiireh. - In 1848, the adherelits of this denomination living in the township organized a class at a schoolhouse on the Wilson faim. and, imtil 1855, held their meetings there. Laban Thomas and wife. Abraham Gish and wife, llr. Elston and wife and Obed Bai'uett and wife were the constituent members. In 1852. Joseph Ziuu donated to the society a lot. upon wheh they erected their present house of worship the township was erected by ^ still standing, near the preslu 1848, the first grist-mill ii Michael Baer. The old building : ent mill of David Studebaker, and used for a barn. It served the purpose of its day very well, but its capacity was limited, and it was found necessary, iu later yeai-s, to supercede it by a first-class mill. In 1857, Mr. Baer erected the present building, and, some time diu-ing the late war, sold it to William Wyatt, who operated it imtil his decease. It was subseijuently sold by his widow to Hewitt & Eikenberry, from whom it reverted to Mrs. Nancy Wyatt at the end of a year. In 1873, she sold the property to Hazlett & Sell, from whom it passed to David Studebaker & Brother in 1874, and from Studebaker & Brother to David Studebaker, the present proprietor, in 1879. It is a frame building, 40x50 feet, four stories and basement. It has tlu-ee run of biihrs, and two twenty-inch tiu'bine wheels, of the Obenchain patent. Its manufactm-ing capacity is fifty barrels of Hovu- ))er day.

In 1870. a tile factory was erected by Samuel and C. B. Landes, at their farm in Section 33. The main building, or diy shed, is 150x20 feet, and the round shed 44 feet in diameter. They manufactiu-e an average of 1,000 rods of tile monthly, for which they find a ready market among neighboring farmers They are also engaged in the manufactiu-e of brick, burning them in the same kilns with the tile.

In CaiTollton, as in other townships of the county, agricultural pursuits form the chief industry of the population, and the statistical reports give it rank among the best for quantity and before the close of that year. This a fi-ame building, standing I quality of products. From the report of the Bureau of Statistics on the west side of the Michigan road, in Section 27. It was I and Geology for 1880, we glean the following items: Dm-ing dedicated by Rev. David Edwards. In this house, meetings have been regularly conducted ever since its erection, with the exception of one year, when the congregation had no Pastor. Public

Sliaroii Baptist C'liiirrli. - A society was organized by sixteen members of this denomination, at the house of Richard Dunkin, in 1852. Their meetings rt'ere subsequently held at his house, and later in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Wheeling. ^Ir. Dunkin donated a lot in the village of Sharon, upon which, in the summer of 1854. they erected their present house of worship, a frame building, 40x54 feet. Rev. B. R. Ward was the Pastor when the church was erected, and, dtiriug his and subse- (pient pastoral administrations, the church prospered, and services were regtilarly conducted. The congregation, however, has been without a Pastor since the retirement of Rev. H. R. Todd, in May, 1881.

Shortly after the settlement of the township began, efforts were made to utilize the timber, felled by the settlers in clearing their lands, by the establishment of saw-mills. William Martin was the leader in this enterprise. In 1835, he erected a saw-mill on the bank of the Middle Fork of Dejr Creek, and. after operating it successfully for a number of yeai-s. sold it to Joseph Zinn. Several years later. Jlr. Zinn sold it to Benjamin Barr, who still owns the property, though the mill is worn out and abandoned.

that year, there were in the township 2,038 acres in wheat, yielding 42,208 bushels; 2,233 acres in corn, yielding 43,- 005 bushels: 507 acres in oats, yielding 10.140 bushels: 419 acres of meadow, yielding 028 tons of hay; 28 acn's in Irish potatoes, yielding 1.12(1 bushels.

The Vill.1Ge Of Wheeling

This village is situated in Sections 34 am! 35, the Michigan road passing north and south through the center, and forming its principal street. It is a quiet, rural village, containing a few neat residences and two general stores, of which Kirkpah-ick & Carter and William Black are the respective proprietors; three physicians, Drs. A. G. Moore, W. B. Payton and L. 0. McFat ridge; one meat market. Fred Hoppe, proprietor; one sawmill, operated by Hunt & Snell; one wagon-shop, C. M. Seagraves, proprietor; two shoe-shops, of which Lewis Bell and Joseph Mc- Keown are the proprietors.

Sharon is a little village on the east side of the Michigan road, one mile south of AVheeling. It contains no store, but there are here three cai-penter-shops. of which D. A. Mummert, Wesley Fouts and Welty & Brother are the respective i)roprietors. while Robert Walker is the village blacksmith.

Solomon Fouts

Solomou Fouts was boru December 16, IS'26, in Montgomery County, Ohio. His father, Noah Fouts, came to that county with his parents from North Carolina, in 1802, and grew to manhood there, marrying Eve Zech. He was a farmer and located close to the town of Winchester, neai' the line between Montgomery and Preble Counties. He removed to Carroll County. Ind., in 1833, settling near Camden. After several changes of location, he finally settled on a fai-m in Cass County, Ind., where he died in March. 1845. He was a gentleman of upright character and possessed the warm regard of all who knew him.

Solomon, his son and the subject of this biogi'aphy, grew to manhood amid scenes of pioneer life, and much of his youthful time was employed in assisting his father to clear and improve land. At the age of six years he first attended school in Ohio, but his suVjsequent educational privileges suffered materially by the removal of the family to Indiana when he was about seven years of age. After living in this county for a year or more, he attended a school taught in a cabin on the land of Jonathan Martin, at Camden. He was fond of reading and study, and this trait has marked his entire life. He made good progress in school. and out of school hours his leisure time was devoted to the acquisition of knowledge by the study of siich books as he could obtain. He attained thus a good, practical education, and, in the meantime, his everyday duties and suiTOundings were fortifying him with a knowledge of an honorable and useful occupation - the pursuit of farming - into which he grew naturally, adopting it, in later years, as his vocation.

In the spring of 1838, he accompanied his fathers family to what is now Deer Creek Township in Cass County, Ind., where their family and the family of Joseph Neff were the first white settlers. It was here he grew to manhood, and indulged his fondness for hunting the game then so abundant. This was a favorite amusement with the young men of that period, but he wisely abandoned it as the cares and duties of maturer yeai's began to demand his attention.

On the 11th of August, 1860, he was united in mai'riage with Miss Margaret E., daughter of James Bridge, a prominent and highly res[)ected citizen of Carrollton Township. In 1803. he returned to Carroll County and purchased a farm in Washington Township, but subsequently purchased and located again in Cass County, where he remained until the spring of 1872. At that time he purchased the farm where he now resides, on the line of the Logansport and Burlington Turnpike in Carrollton Township. His estate bears many evidences of the owner's enterprise and taste. He has continued to enlarge the boundaries of his farm, from time to time, by the purchase of adjacent land, and has erected a ])alatial and handsome home for the comfort and happiness of his family. Ho has aceiunulated a comjjetence in worldly goods, and it is due him to say that all he possesses has been earned by honest toil. He has avoided speculation and all uncertain enterprises and confined his attention strictK to the legitimate pursuit of farming.

Mr. Fouts is well known and universally esteeiiiecl as a man of the strictest honor and integrity. He has never sought publicity through the medium of office, and never consented to the use of his name as a candidate. Yet, ever since he was a young man, his services have been sought in the guardianslii]) of minor heirs, the settlement of estates and similar positions, in which a high order of integrity is re(piired; and, in every instance, he has discharged the duties of his position in a manner to retain and enhance the confidence reposed in him. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, an earnest Christian and exemplifies his profession in his daily life.

His estimable wife has been his faithful companion and helpmate in his progress from poverty to affluence, and, as she shared the struggles of his earlier life, still lives to share and enjoy the comfortable inheritance secured by their combined efforts and good management. Of the children who came to bless their wedded life one, James Judson, is deceased, while Lam-a J., Noah, Finis Ewiug. Mary Eve, Emma. Alma, Clara and Taylor still survive.

David Studebaker

DAVID STUDEBAKER. David Studebaker was born June 30, 18-11, in Miami County, Ohio. His father, John S. Studebaker, was born and reared in that county, as was also his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Landes. His father was engaged in agricultural pursuits combined with the flouring and saw mill enterprise.

When about five years of age, David accompanied his father's family in their removal to Delaware Coimty, Ind.. and, five years later, to Cass County, in this State, where he acquired the principal part of his education by attending the common schools. Out of school hours his time was employed in the performance ' of the routine duties of f aim life. At the age of seventeen years, he went to work in the (loui'ingand saw-mill owned and operated by his father, in Cass County, acquiring a tast« for this line of employment and developing ]iroficiency as a miller. In 1862, he j accepted employment in Maumee (Jity, Ohio, and, in February, I 1864, enlisted as a private soldier in Company K. Forty-sixth I Regiment Indiana Volunteers, under Col. Bringhurst. of Logansport, Ind. His command was assigned to the Ai-my of the Cum- I berland, but the war was then practically at an end, and he was I not engaged in any important battles. He served, however, until I after the actual close of the war. and was honorably discharged. Retmmiug to Logansport, he was engaged, for a .short time, in a flouring-mill at that place, then removed to Olney. Ill, where he I was similarly engaged. Subsequently, he located on a farm near Wolcott, -White Co., Ind., and, at a later date, returned to Logansl)ort. Remaining there for nearly five years, he afterward located at Hooverville. Cass Co.. Ind., where he was again employed in a fiouring-mill, remaining here for a period of about thirteen months. At the end of that time he engaged in agricultural pursuits in Cass County, and, after continuing this line of employment for two years, removed to Carroll County. Ind., with whose interests he has ever since been identified. He pm'chased the interest of Mr. Hazlett in the " Farmere' Mills." in Carrollton Township, and, by a subsequent purchase, became sole prcprietor. His life-long familiarity with the details of this business has qualified him well for success in it. He is a good business man and his personal popularity, combined with the best of work, has made the '- Fai'mers' Mills'' very popular and built up a good trade throughout a wide circuit of territory. As a consequence, financial benefits have accrued to the proprietor, which have iilaced him among the wealthy self-made men of his township. He started in life as a i>oor young man, and the position he occupies to-day is not the result of a sudden stroke of good fortune; he has risen gradually to prosperity, and his enterprise and tireless energy are the keys to his success. While building up his fortune in the midst of this community, he has established for himself a good name and won a high jiositiou in the estimation of all hv his uniformly honast donlino; in business and the niitive integrity of his character. He is a member of the German Baptist Church, and has lived a life consistent with his profession. Politically, he is identified with the Democratic party, but has never sought or accepted official position - content with the exercise of tlie right of suffrage and working quietly for party success. On the 25th day of December, 1870. Mr. Studebaker was united in marriage witli Miss Priscilla J. BmTous, daughter of Joseph and Mary Burrous. who were among the pioneers of Cass County, Ind. She is a noble woman, and has aided him very materially in his temporal advancement. Their wedded life has been blessed by three childi-en - Gertrude. Cora and Emerson, allof wliom are" now living.

Abner Jackson A\'ickard is of French-German descent, and was born April 20, 1827, in Butler County. Ohio. When twentyeight years of age, he came to Carroll County, Ind. , and located in Carrollton Township, on the veiy farm on which he yet lives. He is a son of John Wickiird, born December 2j. 1797. in Virginia, and living to-day, iu Flora, Carroll County, and Elsie (Kratzerl Wickard, bom in Ohio November 10, 18()0. Both grandfathers of .\. J. Wickard were 1812 soldiers, the one on his mother's side having ranked as a Colonel, and the other having been made a prisoner at the time of the supposed infamous suri'endcr of (Jen. Hull to Gen. Brock, of the Detroit post and territory.

When twenty-four years old, Abner J. Wickard attended one year Miami University. Ohio, preparatory to reading medicine, but abandoned, soon after, the idea of a profession for the farm. March I. 1855. he was imited in maiTiage to Sarah Jane Cornell, a native of Knox County, Tenn.. and bom October 10, 1830. Mrs, Wickard's father was born in Virginia iii 180(3. and her mother iu Tennessee in 1805. Six children have been born to A. J. Wickard and his wife, namely. Ermna M. (wife of Maurice Hornback). John F.. Mary A., Andrew J.. Ella M. (deceased) and Cynthia A. Mr. and Mrs. Wickard. while formerly having been members of churches, are to-day somewhat outside of the sphere of creed and diigma. into the realm of free thought and (irogressive liberalism. He has served live terms as Tovmship Trustee of Carrollton Township, and in 1872, as a Democratic candidate, was elected, from District No. 8. a member of the Hoard of County Commissioners of Carroll County. During his term of official service in the latter capacity, the board built the countj' jail and five bridges.

Sufficient proof of Mr. Wickard's financial success in life is seen in the fact of his ownership, to-day, of a farm, consisting of (UO acres of land, 3fiO acres of which are cleared. The land, in i|uality, and the farm, in modern improvements, compare favorably with the best farm properties in Carroll Coimty. It bears the stamp of industry, system and progi-ess. Such men make oui- 1 county what it is, agriculturally and financially - one of the foremost in the State.

Isaac N. Wagoner

ISAAC N. WAGONER. The subject of this sketch is one of a number of sons of Martin Wagoner, all of whom are fanners and highly respected citizens of eastern CaiToll County. Martin Wagoner, bora January 20. 17it9. was a native of the " Keystone " State; emigrated to Indiana at an eai-ly day, and entered IfiO acres of land in that ; section of Carroll County now known as Can-ollton Township. I His wife. Rose kaa (Martini Wagoner, of Ohio, was born Sep- i tember 25, 181 1. This couple, both of whom have departed this life, were married March 'A. 1831, by Rev. Carnahan, at one time a minister of Dayton, Ind. Martin Wagoner, after removing to Indiana, worked from time to time at his trade, that of a wlicel wright. and, among other labors, assisted in building the nl.l Hai'ter Mill, on Bachelor's Run. Ton children grew to malmilv from this union, eight of whom are now alive.

Isaac N. Wagoner, of German-Scotch descent, was born on the Wagoner homestead, on the 15th of September, 1838. His younger days were spent in the usual routine work of farm life, alternating with the district school, until 1864, when he quit the homestead to begin life on his own responsibility as a farmer and renter, in Jackson Township. Seven years later, he bought his now thoroughly improved and well-appointed farm in Can-ollton Township, and, in January, 1874, removed to it, where he has lived in the occupation of a tiller of the soil until the present time.

September 22, 1864, Isaac Wagoner was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C. Bone, a native of Butler County, Ohio, born December 9, 1838. Mrs. Wagoner, of Irish-German lineage, is a daughter of Adam Bone, born October 21, 1815, and still living, and Susan (Lefever) Bone, born July 18, 1816, both in Warren County, Ohio. Adam Bone came to Carroll County December 9, 1838; has been twice married, having by his first wife six children, and by his present wife three. Isaac and Sarah Wag oner have two childi-en - Orion M.. born January 3, 1809; and Zulema, bom April 12, 1876. MJr. and Mrs. Wagoner are mem bers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Politically, Isaac Wagoner is a Democrat, yet he is never carried away by p;irty prejudice or designing candidates.

Sons of a pioneer who lived and moved a moral, upright m;in, Isaac Wagoner, as one of them, has diligently and honorably piu'sued the even tenor of a farmer's life wronging no man, and paying, impartially and uncomplainingly, his tributes to (iod and his fellow-men, to the last. Such men are not rare, but they are the bone and sinew and the real pillars of om- splendid Republic.

John Wagoner

John Wagoner is an elder brother of Isaac N. Wagoner, and a son of Martin Wagoner and Rose Ann (Martin) Wagoner (see biographical sketch of Isaac N. Wagoner), and was born on the Wagoner homestead in Can-ollton Tovmship, Carroll County, Ind. , on the 4th of November, 1830. Since the date of his birth, Mr. Wagoner has never resided elsewhere than in Carrollton Township. Making but few changes, he located on the farm of his present residence, on the Flora A; Michigan road, in Mai'ch, 1872.

On the 2()th day of Febniary. 1866, he was mai-ried to Miss Mary A. Bryant, daughter of James Bryant, now a resident of Camden, Ind. Mary Bryant was born in La Fayette, Tippecanoe Co., Ind., March 18, 183(5. Her ancestors were Quakers, and. on her father's side, hailed fi-om Virginia. John Wagoner and his wife have four children - James Martin, born November 1, 1806; Charles Edward, born August 1, 1801; De Witt Clinton, born July 2, 1871; and Mary Elizabeth, born November 13, 1875.

Mr. Wagoner and his wife ai-e Cumberland Presbyterians. He was trained a farmer, and has always followed that pursuit iu life. He is a stanch Democrat, and has been satisfied to live a manly, straightforward com-se, guarding his own good -name and protecting from the rude storms of life the family for whose existence he is responsible. He is, we have been assiu-ed, a good citizen, a kind father and husband, and an excellent neighbor.

Location

Clay is the southwest township of Carroll County, and is bounded on the north by the township of Madison, on the east by Democrat Township, on the south by Clinton County and on the west by Tippecanoe County. Wild Cat Creek flows west through the township, and is fed by nmuerous small tributaries, to which no names have been assigned. Its natural featiu'es do not differ materially from those of other townships in the county. Along the course of Wild Cat, and for a mile or two back of that stream on either side, the surface is broken into gentle undulations, which, in places, almost attain the dignity of hills. Away from this stream, toward the extreme portions of the township, the land is quite level, being scarcely relieved by a single hillock. Notwithstanding this fact, however, there are no swampy or useless lands in the township. The soil is principally clay, except in the bottom lands, where a sandy soil prevails. At the time of its settlement by white men, the township was heavily covered with timber. On the uplands and hills, the prevailing vai-ieties were beech, sugar-maple and poplar, while, farther removed fi-om the streams, on the lowlands, water elm, gray ash, swamp ash and linn grew in great profusion. Walnut and oak also flourished conspicuously, among the other varieties. While the demand for walnut timber has resulted in a great depletion of that wood, there is still a great abundance of oak, and recently it has become a recognized rule among the farmers to save a portion of their woodlands, thus permitting marketable timber to gi-ow unmolested. This is certainly a step in the right direction, and cannot fail to be of great benefit in years to come.

Of that class who formed the first pioneer band within the limits of this township, none now survive to relate the tale of their advent or recount their experiences for the benefit of posterity. In view of this fact, a difficulty has been met by the writer insurmountable in its nature, since he is compelled to rely upon the statements of surviving pioneers for all details regai'ding the early settlement of each township. Inaccuracies are almost inevitable when this source fails, and for these the historian should not be hold accountable, as he but repeats the statements given by his informants. For the brevity of this township history, and any inaccurate .statements it may contain, his inability to obtain here the usual amount of data is his excuse.

Our narrative is compiled principally from information given by John M. Boai'd, who, when a boy, settled in the township with his father, John Beard, in 1835. Mi-. Board states that, as early as the year 1827 or 1828, Nicholas Garst and Jacob Shigley settled in tho towushi|i aad engaged in the usual labors of the pioneer. Among the earliest arrivals after Garst and Shigley was Alexander Murphy and family. Mr. Murphy, in addition to clearing his farm and identifying himself with the earliest improvements of the township, constructed a rude little distillery of very primitive pattern, and peddled the product of the " still " among the Indians, who haunted this locality in great niunbers, but were peaceable and orderly. It must not be supposed that Murphy possessed any of the characteristics of a hard citizen because he manufactured and sold the beverage now in such bad repute. It was as much a legitimate pursuit in those days as is

I the mercantile trade to day: and, as whisky then was free from poisonous drugs, its effect was less terrible, and its manufacture and sale were not discountenanced by the better class of people. Mm-phy was a hard-working man, energetic, and ambitious to rise above poverty. He enjoyed the respect of all who were associated with him in pioneer days, or formed his acquaintance in later

' years, and succeeded in carving out a good farm firom the wilderness around him. It was probably not later than the year 1830 or 1831 when he came to the township. Those who came very soon after him were a Mr. Daniels, Adam Bates and James Gray. The precise date of their settlement is not known, but it must j of their farms cleared and under quite a successful state of cultivation when John Beard came. Eli and Samuel Moore, James Enochs, James Bulla and George Stombaugh all settled in tho township between the yeai's 1833 and 1835. They were all good citizens, and linked their names inseparably with the early settlement and subsequent improvement of the township. And when a cabin was to be raised for the shelter of a newly arrived family in the wilderness, a log-heap to be burned for a struggling neighbor just opening his farm, or a crop to be gathered, these men were always found, with their neighbor settlers, contributing their labor cheerfully in the common cause. The settlers always helped one another, and thus a universal fi'iendship and common interest prevailed among them. There were no bickerings or neighborhood quarrels. They felt their dependence upon each other, and lived harmoniously.

1 The settlement which had been formed prior to 1835 al.so comprised Daniel Wagner, John Wagner, Joel Fonts and Samuel Mooney, all of whom settled in the western part of the township. Nathaniel -Campbell settled in the eastei-n part of the township in 1833 or 1834, and a Mr. Hufford settled in the southeast part about the same time. In the fall of 1835. John Beard, with his family, came to the township, and located upon the fai-m uowoc- j Wagner, John Cripe and others. During that year, a great many -families were added to the settlement, but to follow each in the order of arrival, making personal mention, would be a task whicli could scarcely bo performed without omitting the names of some as well entitled to notice as those already enumerated Samuel Studebaker, Mr. Felix, Thomas Brown, John Bracknev, John

Dpnmiin, Potor Pii)i>inger. .hicol) Cripo, Jacob Did, Uiiniol Metzger, Jacob Savior aud Daniel Saylor were prominent among the settlei-s who cimie in 183(i and subsequent to that date. They bore each a full share of the trials and hardships incident to the life they had adopted, and added their strength to the contest against the aged fort>sts which covered the land soon to be transformed into fertile farms and quiet homes. Many of them sleep the dreamless sleep, from which there is no awakening to the affairs of mortal life: but the good work inaugmated by them has been faithfully prosecuted by tlieir posterity, to whom it was intrusted, and time has witnessed the consummation of the end for which they strove.

A record of the entries of public lands in this township reveals the names of other settlers, not enumerated otherwise in our list of pioneei-s. and at the same time contains the names of many who were in no manner identified with the settlement of the township, as they only purchased the lands for speculative purposes. Others there were who purchased public lands here, and yet resided in neighboring townships. It would be next to impossible to separate these from the actual settlers, and the list is given entire. as it presents a condensed history of each section of land in the to\vnshii). Follciwinjj are the names of inu'chasers:

Section 1 - Lands were pm'chased in this section as follows: By Samuel Bugher, February 0, 1829; Samuel Daniels, July 0, 1829; Robert and Joshua Simpson. October 19. 1880; J. and M. Carysbell. August 23. 1833; David Gripe. April 1-1. 1835; John Parke. January 27, 1830.

Organization

Clay was among the first townships invested with a separate civil existence by the Commissioners of Carroll County - Tippecanoe, Deer Greek, Rook Greek and Jackson alone antedating it in point of organization, although those townships are several years older in point of settlement. Clay became a civil township by an act of the Board of Commissioners in session at Delphi in February, 1831. By this board it was ordered that a new township be formed, " to be known and designated as Clay Township, with the following boimds, to wit: To commence at the northeitst corner of Section 13, Town 24 north, of Range 2 west, ninning thence west along said section line to the eoimty line: thence south to the south line of the county; thence east to the range line between Ranges 1 and 2 west; thence north to the place of beginning." These boundaries included the territory which was taken off six yeaj's later to constitute Madison Township. By the act of organization. Albert G. Hanna became Inspector of Elections, and the house of Jonathan Gillam was designated as the voting-place. An election was held on the second Monday in April, 1831. restilting in the choice of George Julian as Justice of the Peace, for a term of four years. This office has since been tilled by the following gentlemen: Samuel Moore, elected 1837, re-elected in 1841 and 1845; Abel Slaback. 1850; Samuel Moore (re-electedl.

John Corner was elected Constable in 1832, and served three years. His successors have been: Isaac Wilson, 1835; Moses Campbell, 1830; Thomas Wright, 1842; John W. Tingley. 1845; David Morrison, 1847; William Campbell, 1847; Nathaniel R. Campbell, 1851; Jamr-s M. Winters, 1856; Alexander McLaughlin, 1800; John MoiTison, 1803; William Maish, 1870; Alvin Delong, 1872; John M. Wier, 1870 to 1882.

From the organization of the township until 1859, the civil and school affaii's were managed by a boai'd of three Trustees. The records of the old board are lost, and there is now no soiu'ce from which their names can be obtained. With the new constitution of 1851-52, however, more system became necessary in the conduct of the township business, and from the records of the first board organized imder the new regime, we are enabled to present the names of Trustees in an unbroken line. The first election for Trustees was held on the first Monday in April, 1853, resulting in the choice of the following officers: Alexander Murphy, for a term of three years; Ezekiel B. Squier, for two years, and Eli Moore, for one year. This board was re-elected in 1854. and in 1855 the officers were Hem-y Saylor, Alexander Miu-phy and Ezekiel B. Squier. In 1850, Alexander Murphy succeeded Mr. Saylor for the three-years' term. In 1857, Anthony Dehner succeeded Eli Moose, and in 1858, the Board of Trustees were Eli Moore, John Fetterhoff and Hoagland Morrison, who served until a new law was enacted, by which the Board of Trustees and the offices of Clerk and Treasurer were abolished. The law placed the duties of the former board in the hands of one Trustee. James Gray was elected to this office in 1861, and served two years. His successors have been: Ezekiel B. Squier, elected in 1803; John K. Fry, 1865; James M. Winters, 1809; William Hendi-icks, 1871; Isaac R. Kennard, 1873: John M. Beard, fi'om 1877 to the present time (1882).

George H. Hopkins was appointed C!lerk of the Township in 1853, in place of Samuel Moore, who was elected to that office, but was found ineligible, as he was then a Justice of the Peace. Mr. Hopkins occupied this position luitil the law was abolished.

James Gray was elected Treasurer of the Township in 1853, and was succeeded, in 1855, by Ezekiel B. Squier. Henry Saylor succeeded Mr. Squier in 1858, and retained his position until the office was abolished.

The schools foi'med a large proportion of the township's official business, and the records of the Trastees are filled chiefly with minutes of their transactions with regard to this institution of the public. There is nothing that would possess any interest for the general reader, and, with the introduction of the law of 1858-5'J, and the change it wrought in the management of township affairs, we close our history of the organization.

In the winter of lS3()-37, the first school in the township was taught by a Mr. Troxal. The schoolhouse was a little cabin of' round logs, standing in the midst of a dense forest, on the farm of Alexander Murphy, and probably erected for the purpose for which it was used. The next schoolhouse in the township was erected probably two years later, on the farm of John Board, and very near the site of the disti'ict school, now known as the Beard

I at a later date, another on the farm of Jacob Cochran, near the site of the present Cochran Schoolhouse. Subsequently, a cabin was erected on the John Hendricks farm, and still later, there was a similar building placed at the present site of Egypt School-

! house in the western part of the township. These were all "' subscription " schools, being sustained by a tuition fee paid by the parents whose children attended them. They corresponded in all particulars with the general order of pioneer schools, with which our readers are all familiar, either from descriptions or personal recollection. There was no material chaugo in the conduct of

I the school system until the provisions of the revised constitution of the State took effect. The result then was a marked change fur better in the government of the schools, and. at the same time, the privilege of acquiring an education was placed within the reach of all.

I the levying of a tax for school purposes. A majority of the voters were in favor of the measiu-e, and, in accordance with the affirmj ative decision of the question, the trustees levied a tax of 15 cents

I schools. On the 5th of August, they concluded a contract with John K. Fry. for the erection of three schoolhouses, at a cost of $584. Thus the free school system was fairly inaugm-ated, and has prospered in the succeeding years. When it is remembered that Clay is the smallest township in the county, her school statistics may well be considered a subject of pride to her citizens. There are in the township eight school buildings, seven of which are neat, substantial brick Ijuildings, the other being frame. The estimated value of sehoolhouse-s and grounds in the township is $6,725, while the estimated value of school property, globes, maps, etc., is $175, making a total valuation of $0,890. During the school year of 1880 and 1881. there were 300 pupils admitted into the schools, and the teachers' register showed an average daily attendance of 188. Dm-ing that period the average length of the school term was 120 days, and the average compensation of teachers was $1.97 per day, for males, and $1.93 for females. The financial standing of the schools is shown by the following extract from the Trustee's report: in-cgular periods, but, it is believed, made no efiort to erect churches of their peculiar orders in the township. When a Methodist minister came, the adherents of that form of doctrine met at the house of Samuel Moore or John Beard, where worship was conducted. When the minister belonged to the Christian denomination, his congregation met him at the house of Eli Moore or Peter Menser. The proximit)' of churches of both denominations in other townships probably operated against the erection of chm-ches by their members in this. At all events, they never erected any, and the Methodists and Christians now residing in this township are identified with chm-ches of their respective denominations elsewhere.

There are but two chm-ch buildings in the townshi]), both of which are of the German Baptist denomination. The North Fork Church, at Pyrmont. was erected in Ibiili. The society by whom it was erected was one of the first of this denomination in Western Indiana. It was organized at the house of David Ulery in l83'i. David Ulery and wife. Samuel Ulery and wife, Leonard Ulery. John Shively and wife. Samuel Wagner and mother, John Wagner and wife, Lorance Fonts and wife, Joel Fonts and wife and John Cripe and wife were the original members, while John Shively and Samuel Ulery were the first preachers. Meetings were held every two weeks at the cabins or bams of members, and. in pleasant weather, they worshiped in the gi-oves. Twenty years after the organization, Jacob Wagner donated them a lot from his farm at Pyrmont, upon which they erected their present house of worship. In the meantime, their congregation increased, and it was thought expedient to build another church, for the accommodation of members living at a distance from Pyrmont. For this purpose a lot was donated by Daniel Wagner, in 1876, upon which a neat brick church was erected in 1877. The new building is known as Lancaster Church, and is attached to the North Fork Church - the same pastors officiating alternately at both churches. The society now has a membership of about 150 persons. Isaac Cripe, John Ulei^, G. W. Stong and David A. Hufford are the present pastors. They also have a flourishing Sunday school, with an average attendance of 1 14 scholars.

Indostrial Pubsuits

chief industry of the township. Manufacturing enterprises have never flourished within her limits, and there have Ijeen no mills, save occasionally a saw-mill, set down temporarily in the woods, and operated until the available timber was gone fi-om that locality. The only manufactm-ing establishment is the flouringmill at Pyrmont. The origin of this mill dates back to the eai-ly settlement of the township, when John Wagner first constructed a dam across the creek, and dug a race. He erected the frame work of a house, but never covered it, although he operated a sawmill in the frame for a number of yeai-s. His trade extended over a large circuit, and it is said that thousands of logs were rafted down the creek to his mill every year. Subsequently, Mr. Wagner erected a little shed at the side of his mill, and fitted it with the necessary machinery for grinding corn and wheat. It was a rude affair throughout, but it saved the settlers long journeys to other mills and served its purpose very well.

In later year's, Mr. Wagner sold the establishment to John Fisher, who made some substantial improvements in the mill and its machinery, and finally sold to John Fetterhoff. Mr. Fetterhoff tore down the old mill and erected the present building. This is a frame house, two stories high, with a stone basement. It has three runs of buhrs, and is, in all respects, a first-cliiss custom mill. J. J. Cripe is the present proprietor.

In 1834- or 1835, Nicholas Garst laid out and fnunde,! the town of Lancaster. For awhile towji lots sold readily, and the place enjoyed a fair prospect of success. Henry Row kept a little shoe-shop and James Fazell kept a grocery. There was nothing about the location of the town, however, to induce trade, and it soon lost its position. The towu plat is now vacated and covered with well-tilled fields.

Pyi-mont is a small post office village in the soiithwest corner of the township. It contains one general store and post office, but possesses noue of the characteristics of a town.

Democrat is situated in the extreme southern part of Carroll Coimty, and comprises an area of thirty square miles. It is bounded on the north by Monroe Township, on the east by Burlington, on the south by Clinton County, and on the west by the townsWps of Clay and Madison.

Wild Cat Creek, the principal stream, flows in a devious course through the central part of the township, while the Middle Fork of Wild Cat waters the northern portion. Both streams are fed by niunerous small tributaries, upon which no names have been bestowed. The natural features of this township are similar to those met with everywhere throughout the county. Wild C!at flows through a region distinguished from other portions of the township by its hilly nature. All along the com-se of this stream and its tributary, the Middle Fork, a series of undulations mark the surface for a distance of several miles. Th-se increase gradually in altitude as they approach nearer the streams, terminating in high bluffs, son^e of them having an elevation of firom seventy to eighty-five feet above the bed of the creek. In the vicinity of Wild Cat Post Office, these bluffs attain their greatest height. On the opposite side of the creek, and stretching away to the eastward, are level bottom lands, rich and productive. The rugged and steep bluffs, covered with heavy forest timber, are charmingly pictm-esque, and invariably challenge the admiration of the ti-av- eler who views them for the fii-st time. The soil of the township presents the usual variety of features. In the bottom lands, it is chiefly a rich, sandy loam; on the hills or " rolling ground." clay and loam prevail; while in the more level portions, remote from the sti-eams, a rich black loam is to be found. Oak, hickory, beech, poplar, sugar maple, and all the varieties of timber usually met with in this latitude, were found here in great abundance by the pioneers who first came to settle and improve the township. A half-century has resulted in the disappearance of a majority of the marketable timber fi-om its midst, and great improvements have been made upon the lands once hidden from the sunshine by its almost impenetrable foliage. Farms and homes dot the township from end to end, and an industrious and enterprising community now occupy the land once roamed by the painted savage of other days.

Until the fall of 1828, the forest of Democrat Township remained unsettled by white people, and was fii'st entered with that end in view by Jacob Watson and family at that time. Mr. Watson came originally from Butler County, Ohio, but located in Fayette County, Ind., at an early day, remaining there until his removal to Democrat Township. It was a wild place to which he brought his family. Giant trees opposed his progress, and thick, tangled underbrush almost defied his passage. Thi'ough this he was compelled to cut a road for a distance of two and a half miles, while making his way to the site he had selected for a home. On the night following their arrival, they constructed a tent, in which they were to sleep until a cabin could be erected, and late in the night they were all awakened by a violent storm, which thi'eatened to inundate their fragile shelter. By the light of the fitful flashes of lightning, Mr. Watson and his son Isaac cut a lot of brush to place under the beds, thereby raising them above the water, which stood in pools around them. All that winter, the Watson family were alone in the heart of the forest. One morning, while out in the woods, Mr. Watson heard the sound of an ax; but, supposing it to be an Indian with his tomahawk, paid but little attention to it. Listening more carefully, however, he became convinced that the sound he heard was the sound of an ax, and, upon investigation, found that he had a new neighbor. This was David Motter, who came to the townshi]) with his family in the early spring of 182'J. The sight of a white man's face, and the pjnspect of having a neighbor, produced an effect only to be Hppri'iiated by those who have been similarly isolated. Hitherto, Wal>(M] and Motter were unknown to each other, biit a feeling of symiiathy at once made them friends. Mi". Watson, however, did not live long to enjoy the friendship of his neighbors, or to m:- complish the clearing and improving of his farm. Exi)osixro diu-- ing the war of 1812 had broken his constitution, and in the year 1880 he lost his sight. Recovering thi-ough a successful operation by an oculist at Cincinnati. Ohio, he was enabled to resume his work for awhile, bat about a year later he died. The burden of the work and the maintenance of the family thus fell upon his son, Isaac, who found himself involved with the cares of a man before he was fairly out of his boyhood. He accepted his position, and discharged its duties bravely, providing for the wants of the family and ttnishiug the clearing of the farm. For Ijreadstuffs, he was compelled to travel to the Wea Plains, in Ti|)poca. noe County. Ind., then known as " Egypt." The immediate cause was the failure of a corn crop, which was lilighted by frost. Years passed bi'fore they began to exi)erienco anything but liiirdslii|)s in their forest home, an<i the " comforts " that uccrueil in later \ears would be hardships in the eyes of many of this day, were they compelled to endui'e them without the long previous training that made up the lives of our earlier pioneers. Isaac Watson is still a resident of the township, and, during the years that have succeeded his arrival, has been one among its leading citizens, devoted to its interests and helping along its public enterprises. David Motter, the immediate successor of the elder Watson in the settlement, was identified with the history and improvement of the township for a number of years. He cleared his farm, and, in later years, removed to the State of Wisconsin, where he died.

After the first settlements had been effected, others followed rapidly. David Simpson, Andrew Gee, John Gee, Benjamin Gee and William Wyatt, came with their families in 1830. Benjamin

I Pennsylvania, came to the township with his family in January, 1831. In many respects his advent proved a public benefaction. He began the erection of a grist-mill in 1835, the news of which produced something similar in the settlement to the excitement now created by a projected railroad. There were no mills prior to that date, except at inconvenient distances from this locality, and to have a lot of corn ground for the family bread involved

I increasing its capacity by degrees, until the present model mill appeared. He was a man who stood very high in the estimation of his neighbors and all who knew him. From the time he settled in the township until his death, he was recognized as one of its best citizens. The large milling business begim and prosecuted by him is now successfully conducted by his sou. Warren.

Following the arrival of Mr. Adams in the settlement came James Chittick dm-ing the early part of the same year. In December, 1831. he entered a tract of land in Section 8, and Wiis long identified with the agi'ieultiu'al and general interests of the township. Dm-ing the war with Mexico, he enlisted in the United States service, and died al)oard a vessel in the Gulf of Mexico.

First among the settlers of 1832 came Hem-y Tinkle and family. They were from Preble County. Ohio. Mr. Tinkle entered land in Section 12, where he cleared and improved a fai-m. From the time of his arrival here until his death, he was a prominent and influential citizen of the township, and died greatly lamented, (.reorge Sheets. AVilliam Chatham and James McNeill also came in 1832, and were prominent and highly respected citizens. McNeill erected his cabin on the present site of the village of Cutlei', and in this cabin was held the first township election. Edward an<l Samuel Quinu came in 1833 or 1834. and joined hands with lliosc wljo Iim.I |.rrce,lcd them in the work of improviment.

The pul.lH- land- in this townshi[: were offered for saU' at a very early da\. and the following abstract contains the name of each pnrchasei- wli,, ..btained his land directly from the (iincrn ment;

Section I - The various tracts of laud in this section wen> en tered as follows: By Philip Rinker. September 2<.), 1831; Jac.!. Shaffer, Sr.. January 1". 1832: David T. Wyatt, October I'.'. 1832: Henry Tinkle, December U, 1832; William Wyatt. S,.|i tomber 12. 1834; George Lowman. Septeral)er 23. 1834.

Section 13 - Bolton Smith and Samuel Smith, April IS, 1831; William Simpson, September 20, 1831; Massey Smith, July 2, 1S32; Samuel Bobbins, September 5, 1835.

Among the older settlers now living is John S. Shanklin, who entered the last tract enumerated in the foregoing memorandum. In the fall of 1834, he first visited this locality and selected his land, afterward returning to his former home, where he was married. In October, 1835, he came with his wife to begin life in the woods, and has ever since resided on the farm upon which he first settled. At a distance of foiu' miles from his land, the road terminated, and for the remainder of his journey he pushed his way through the woods, guided by a path cut in 1833 by Philip Crites, an earlier settler than himself. Mi'. Crites entered land in 1834. in Section 30, and came here to live in the spring of 1835. He cleared and improve! a farm, and was a prominent citizen until his death.

of the township were Jeremiah Ashba, who settled in Section 8 in 1830: Anthony Burns, Section 9, 1830; John Black, Section 15, 1830: Philip Mops, Section 34, 1S3I); Alston Wyatt. Section 35, 1830. There were numerous arrivals iu the year 1831, prominent among whom were William Simpscjn, who located in Section 13: William Fitzgerald, in Section 15; John L. Ritter. in Section 31: and William Mustard, in Section 32. Among those who came in 1832 and 1833 were Jacob Shaffer, Sr., in Section 1: Philip Rinker, in the same section: John Campbell and Anthony Wilson, in Section 3: Caleb Compton. in Section 7; LjTuan W. Compton. in the same section: Jacob Clester, in Secticjn 9; John M. Rinker, in Section 12: Archibald Chittick, in Section 17: John Wilson, in Section 27; William. John and Henry Dawson, Section 32; and Abraham Crites, in Section 36. Samuel Weaver, a former resident of Butler County, Ohio, came in 1835 and started a carding-mill. of which more will be said under the topic of industrial pursuits. He is still living in the township, and is one of its honored citizens. Other settlers of 1834 and 1835 were George Loman, Stephen Daniel, Alexander McCraeken. Eli Patty, Adam and Ai-ehibald Clark, Samuel Robbins. Enos James. John Earhart and .Andrew Jackson. By the year 1836. the population of the township had grown considerably, through the constant accession of new families to its numbers. The pioneer period was practically at a close, although the couutry was still largely in the wilderness. There had been instituted many improvements, and a great degree of prosi)erity j)revailed among the settlers who had been established here long enough to have cleared jiortions of their lands and raised crops. While others came at a later day, and were ((uite as prominently associated with the growth and development of the township as those who have been named as the first settlers, it is impossible to make further mention in detail, as a '"complete list of arrivals after 1835 and 1836 cannot be obtained. We therefore close om- history of the early settlement, and proceed to a record of that period when Democrat came into existence as a civil division of the county of Carroll.

Originally, the territory now comprised within the limits of Democrat was a part of the township of Burlington. This continued to be the case until May. 1835, when the Commissioners of Carroll County ordered that a new township be organized fi'om that partof Bm-lington Township contained within the following bounds: " Commencing at the southwest corner of Section 18, Town 23 north. Range 1 west, thence east six miles, thence north six miles. thence west six miles, thence south six tniles to the place of beginning." Five years later, the north tier of sections were assigned to Monroe, at the organization of that township, leaving Democrat iu its present form, six miles wide by five miles long. The name was bestowed in consideration of the political complexion of the township. At the time it was organized, and for several years subsequently.-there was only one Whig within its boundaries. The Democratic nominees were always sure of election, and thi-oughout the intervening years the same nile has prevailed. The township has over since given a large Democratic majority at elections, thereby sustaining the significance and approi)riateness of itfl name.

Dawson l)e appointed Iiis| tor .,f Klections. and tliat the elections be held at the h..Ms,. of James McNeal. By a majority of tlie votes cast at the first election (we may say almost unanimously), William George was elected Justice of the Peace, and Stephen A. Daniel, Constable. In the intervening years, these offices have been occupied by the following-named gentlemen: Justices - William Dawson, elected 1838; Hugh Compton, 1841; Samuel Weaver, 1845; Alston Wyatt, 1848. Samuel Weaver (re-elected). 1851; Joseph Long, 1855; Hem-y F. Shaffer. 1857; Reuben T. Long, 1861; Alexander A Clark, 1867; William Wyatt, 1870; Matthew J. Clark, 1872; Henry A. Shaffer (re-elected), 1874; Alexander A. Clark (re-elected), 1875: James W. Shaffer, 1878; Daniel Hostler. 1879-82.