Carroll County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1882 (part 5 of 7)

On the 3d day of September. 1850. he was unitrd in marriage with Miss Henrietta Robeson, who died July 11, 1851, leaving an infant daughter, Henrietta, now the wife of J. R. Dillen. ' Mrs. Armstrong was the daughter of John Robeson, Esq.. a highly resjiected citizen of Factory Point. Tippecanoe Co., Ind.. who was long identified with a hu-ge woolen factory at that point, and still resides there, aged eighty-four yeiu-s. His daughter was an exceplionably amiable lady, and won her way into the affections of all with whom she was associated, and her untimely demise cast a gloom over the hearts of a hu-ge circle of friends. On the 24th of August. 1854. Dr. Armstrong was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. Tennoy, his present comjianion, to whose energy and encoiu'agement he owes much of his success in life. She is a lady of rare accomplisluiHiii^. ;iliilit\ .-ind culture, and. by her refined and amiable dispn-ii i.m- h.i- ^,-lined the highest regard of all who know her. Shr is thr of the late Dr. E. Tenney. a prominent and successful physician of Miami County. Ohio, where she resided at the time of her marriage with Dr. Ai-mstrong. Eight children blessed this union, and fom' now sm'vive. Three died in infancy. Miss Alice, a young lady of sixteen years, was a charming girl, and a universal favor, ite in society: but she was called from earth to a higher life, in March. 1880. Ellis W. is a young physician at Camden, while his twin brother. Willis E., is a successful school-teacher. The daughters. Bright and Grace, attend school at Camden. They have a beautiful and happy home, enlivened by music and art. and each of the children contribuues toward the home entertainment, as they have each developed and cultivated musical talent.

On Monday, August 25. 1879, the Doctor and his devoted companion celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of a bappy wedded life. Invited guests to the number, of 150 assembled, bringing with them silver tokens at once elegant and useful. The ceremony of re-uniting the happy couple was jjerformed by Rev, L. B. Robinson, after which a sumptuous dinner was spread by the hostess. It was the social event of Camden, and one long to be remembered by those who participated in its scenes.

In 1805. Dr. Armstrong pm-chased and moved to the farm which he now occupies, at the eastern extremity of Camden, upon which he erected a palatial brick lesidence. While busy superintending the constructicm of this house, he was surprised by the announcement that the Republicans of Carroll County had nominated him to represent this district (Clinton and Carroll Counties) in the State Senate. This nomination, like those of earlier years, came to him unsought. He had previously served in local offices of honor and trust, among them being the office of member of the Board of Trustees of Jackson Township, which he filled with ability for three years, after the adoption of the new constitution of the State. In the canvass for the Senate, his comjjetitor was the late Judge Bernard B. Daily, who promptly challenged him for a joint canvass. The challenge was as promptly accepted, and the rival candidates held their first meeting on the 1 1th of August. 1806. in the court house at Delphi. The meeting was attended by a large crowd, all eager to heai- the issues of the day discussed. The Doctor proved himself a powerful antagonist in the debate, and made many points, in the course of his argument, that gained him votes. A heated campaign ensued, and political excitement ran high, both parties putting forth their utmost endeavors. At the election which followed in the fall. Dr. .Armstrong carried both counties by a flattering majority, thus becom- ing the first, and, thus far. the only Republican ever elected to the Senate from CaiToll County. He entered this body without legislative experience, and a stranger to all the memliers; yet he rapidly won their regai'd and confidence, and. diu-ing his term of office, identified himself prominently with the legislation of that term, and held important positions as a member of regular and special committees. In his oflScial capacit}'. he had the pleasure of casting his vote for the election of both the Hons, O. P. Morton and D. D. Pratt to the Unitsd States Senate, and for the ratification of the Foiu-teenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States. He was a member of the Standing Committee on Prisons, and also of a special committee appointed to inve.stigate alleged corruption on the part of officials at the State Prison South. The facts brought to light by this coHunittee in its report to the Senate led directly to the establishment of the Female Reformatory at Indianapolis. Dr. Ai'mstrong served during three sessions of the Senate, and voted for many important measiu-es. among them being the initial law for the construction of ditches, whose operation has been of stich incalculable benefit to Indiana: the bill to establish a Bureau of (ieology. and appoint a State Geologist: to establish a House of Refuge at Plainfield. Ind.. for juvenile offenders; for the establishment of the Soldiers' Orphans' Home at Knightstown. Ind. : for the State Normal School, at Terre Haute: for Purdue University: for the Female Prison and Reformatory: also for the bill making it legal to levy a tax for the aid of railroads, and numerous other bills of less importance. During his period of service, a bill was introduced to divide the Eleventh Judicial Circuit, and create a new circuit fi-om the territory thus divided. The measure was refen-ed to a special committee, who returned a majority report favorable to its passage, while Dr. Ai'mstrong. as a memlier of the committee. broTight in a minority report of a contrary uatm-e. He spoke warmly and eloquently of its injustice, and was followed by other members of the Senate, some of whom were fiiends and others enemies of the bill. After a warm and aniin the limits of Jackson Township; and on the 30th of April, 1880, was a guest at the golden wedding of the same couple, this being the fii-st golden wedding ever celebrated in the township. He was associated with the early mercantile history of Camden. In 1852 or 1853, in connection with Dr. Justice, he erected the first drug store in that village, and was for three or four years a partner in a dry goods store. In the public improvements that have been inaugurated in the county, he has taken a prominent and active part, and has worked zealously and unselfishly for their success.

In 1853, the Carroll County Agricultural Society held its an nual fair at Camden, and he was appointed to deliver the address, one part of which clearly evinced hi.s keen and fai'-seeing judgment. After reviewing the past histoi-y of the coiinty in a happy and well-timed speech, and pointing out the need of still further public improvements, he said: " The Wabash & Erie Canal - the most stupendous work of the kind in our country, sti'etching from the Ohio River away north to Lake Erie, traversing the entire length of the State -now bears away on its watery bosom the immense surplus produce of oiu" county. Soon, too, the iron horse, with his hoarse cough and shrill screams, will he along to bear away his share of trade, particularly perishable articles, and to bring, in retiirn. other luxm-ies to oiu' doors. Two railroads, at least, will thread the county, exciting a generous rivahy, and giving life and energy and impetus to business and enterprise. Siurroimded with such facilities, and with industry and economy, the prudent farmer is in the broad road to wealth, prosperity and happiness." "When, at a later date, the prediction that two rail roads, at least, would thread the county manifested the prol)ii bility of becoming a fact, no jirivate citizen worked more ear nestly than he for its consummation. He donated upwai-d of 82.000 in aid of the projected railroads in this county, and in other public enterprises he has manifested equal liberality.

mated discussion, the minority report was adopted by a vote of I to the instincts of honor and integrity which are so truly a part thirty-two to eight, while the Doctor, as its champion.' received 1 of his natiue. On the 30th of November, 1841, he became a hearty congratulations. Hon. Will Cumback. then President I member of the Baptist Church at Camden, and. in the intervenof the Senate, gi-asped him wai-mly by the hand at the close of j ing years, has been one of its most active and zealous members, the day. remarking that it was the greatest victory of the session, and in this field of usefulness he is ably assisted by his good wi f ( He made a noble record as a legislator, and discharged the duties I The Doctor was imbued early in life with temperance ideas, which of his high position in a manner that gave the greatest satisfac- j extended even to the use of tobacco, and has ever since adhered to (ranstituency. and reflected credit upon his honor [ the stand he then took. His action in this matter is pai-ticularly and integrity. Shortly after the expiration of his Senatorial term, he was appointed by Gov. Baker as one .>l' tli- managers of the Female Prison and Reformatory, a positiipn wliich he held for more than six years.'

At the close of his teiin in the Senate, he resumed the practice of his profession at Camden. In this he hjis been a devoted and tireless worker, and through it has he acquired a (wmpetence in lite. In the earlier years of his jjrofessional life, his practice, as proviousiy intimated, extended over a wide scojie of territory, and involved a largo amo\mt of laborious trav»l over very bad roads. Yet he never refused to attend a call, however stonuy the weather or however indigent the patient. For more than half a century, he has l)een a resident of the township in which lie still resides, and has been a pai-ticipant in numy of the scenes and eveuiH that have made its history and marked its progress from a pioneer settlement to a wealthy and populous township, (tn the 30th of April. 1830, he attended the wedding of .Vdam I'orter and Catharine Holman the first wedding celel)rated withcommendable, since it reepiired fortitude and stiunina to maintain it: tor, in the days in which he formed this resolution, it was I'listomary to furnish liquor upon all occasions of " log-rollings." " house-raisings, " and other neighborhood assemblies. But hi' felt he was right, and persevered in his resolution:, and this spirit of independence as a boy has marked his character as a man. Whatever may be his views upon any subject, they ai-e the result of careful investigation, and he is fearless and bold in maintain ing his position. There is scarcely a corner of the county iu which he is not known and revered, and a tribute to his character from the stranger's pen would be almost superfluous, since it could in nowise add to the high regard in which he is held.

John

William Hance, fathe of the pioneers of CaiToU County. A native of Kentucky, aftei ward a resident of Miami County, Ohio, thence, in 1828. to Cai

Huldah C.Penn John W. Penn

JOHN W. PENN. John W. Penn was born December 3, 1808, in Shelby County, Ky. His parents, Ephraim and Mary Penn, were both natives of Kentucky, but removed to Jefferson County, Ind., in 1816. Their son was but eight years of age at that time, and grew to manhood with but limited educational advantages. The country was unsettled and heavily timbered, and from the time he was old enough to work, his services were demanded in the improvement of the home farm. There were no schools taught in the neighborhood of his home, except at rare intervals, yet by patient study and application, he acquired a fair knowledge of the common branches, and was an intelligent man, and well posted in the current events of the day. He was a man of keen observation, and learned more from his surroundings than from books. He occupied a position in life whereby his entire time was demaiided by work, and he had but little opportunity for mental culture. Hi3 was always identified with pioneer settlements. The locality in which his parents settled was a wlderness at that time, and in its development he bore a full share, by the labor he performed in converting the forest into fertile fields. On the 24th of February, 1831, he was married in Jefferson County, Ind., to Miss Huldah Christie, and in Octcbar, 1838, removed with his wife and one son to Carroll County, Ind. They performed the journey in a four-horse wagon, accompanied by Mrs. Penn's brother, Preston Christie. Mr. Penn located upon the farm in Jackson Township, where he resided until death. Here the experiences of his boyhood were revived, for the place in whic'i he settled was a dismal wilderness. Ilis family lived for three or four weeks in a cabin which stood unoccupied on an adjacent piece of land, the father being engaged, meanwhile, i'l the construction of a cabin on his own land for their reception, ''''lis completed, they occupied it, and Mr. Penn addressed himself to the task of " making " a farm. Year after year he plodded patiently on, until at laat he could view the many broad acres stripped of the cumbrous timber, and covered with waving grain. The gener- i ous soil yielded ample support for his family, and the sale of the surplus was the foundation of the fortune which accumulated little by : little, under good management, until it ultimately reached handsome | proportions. ; he was associated, and those who knew him loved him for his manly \ nature and the sterling integrity which was so truly characteristic of all his dealings with his fellow-men. He died on the 22d of September, 1878, leaving a void in the hearts of his neighbors and friends

His wife, who still survives him, is the daughter of James and ij Mary Christie, natives of Virginia. They removed to Shelby County, ) Ky., at an early date, where their daughter was born on the 7th of i July., 1813. When quite young, she removed with her parents to Indiana, Iijc;i.ting in the southern extremity of Ripley County, and within ' three miles of the family of Mr. Penn. They attended the same j school, the same church and singing schools. In a word, they grew \ up together, and learned to know each other, their childish friendship I developing into love in their maturer years, and culminating in a happy I marriage. To bless their wedded life there were eight childivii, named | respectively, Ephraim, Mary, James C, Elizabeth, William. Piobecca A., Jobn C. and Silas Israel, all of whom are now livini; aave I'iphraim, William and Rebecca.

roll C'dunty. Ind.. settliug on what is known iis the Snoeberger farm, in Jackson Townshij), and, aftpr living there two years, moving to the old homestead, where he resided at the day of his death, which occurred in the month of Jvine, l!S5y. A farmer by occupation, he was of German lineage, and was twice man-ied. By his first wife. Sarah Counts, he reared a large family of boys and girls, of whom but one. John P. Hauce. is yet living. The oldest son. William C. Hauce. was a soldier of the Mexican war, and died, soon after his return home, fi-om disease contracted in the service. Another sou, Joseph D. Hance. was elected Sheriff of Allen County. Ind.. and died in 1876. during his incumbency of that office. His second wife, by whom one child, a girl, was born, was a widow by the name of Smith (nee Mai'tin), who died (hiring the latter part of last year (1881). at the advanced age of eighty-six years. _ Vntil her death she continued to live on the old homestead

Willia .. Hance was three times elected a Commissioner of CaiToll County - in 1836. 1845 and 1848 - sei-\'ing in all. in that (-apacity. nine years. For a niimber of years, he was chosen Inspector of Elections. Scrupulously honest, and, although without the advantages of an education, a man of intelligence and practical good judgment, those who remember his official life say that his opinion always carried with it. to his fellow-Commissioners, the weight of conviction. As a political candidate, he was so popular as to rarely meet with opposition, and. though often a candidate, he studiously avoided electioneering in his own behalf, to the extent even of soliciting a single vote. Strictly temperate in his habits, of an active, robust physical constitution, a consistent Christian, and a member of. and for years, indeed, a mainstay in the Old School Baptist Church, and thoroughly devoted to the chm-ch aud its interests, a man. benevolent and generous in disposition and faithful in sickness, he cannot, our informant tells us. be too well spoken of. or his memory too highly revered.

John P. Hauce is the third son of William Hauce. and was born on the Hance homestead, in Jackson Township. Carroll County. Ind.. on the 3()th of June. 1830. being therefore a native of Can-oil County, and. with the single exception of his four years of official service, during which time he lived in Deljjhi. having passed his entire life, up to the present time, on the old homestead. He divides the distinction with E. H. Gresham. of Delphi, of being the first county officer who was also a native of the county.

John P. Hance was elected Treasiu-er of Can-oil County from the Democratic party in the fall of 187(3. and re-elected to the same office in 1878. Like his father before him. he is in politics a Democrat, biit has never desired or earned the reputation of being a politician, preferring the comforts and certainties of a farmer's life to the struggles and disappointments which not infreipiently fall to the lot of the former.

On March 3, 1851, he was married to Miss Lueinda Viney, ilaiighter of William Viney, a farmer and native of Kentucky, by whom eight children (four boys and four girls) have been born to him, all residents of Carroll County. Mi-s. Hance is a member of the Missionary- Bai>tist Chm-ch of Camden.

In his eommimity he is considered a kind husband and father and an excellent citizen. Entering the last half of life's fitful voyage, he is still a hale and vigoroiis man. and, having lived an

John C. the son of John W. and Huldah Pouu, was born April 12. 184(3, at the old homestead in Jackson Township. Cmroll County. Ind. His boyhood was passed on the home farm, in the cultivation of which he cheerfully contributed his assistance. He acquired a good common-school education by attending the district schools of the township, and grew up well informed upon all subjects of general interest. By his every-day sm-roundings he was being educated in the details of farming, and, when he arrived at an age to discern for himself and choose an occupation, he wisely selected that with w-hich he was most familiar. Until he attained the age of twenty-one years, he re. mained in the employ of his father; but, upon attaining his majority, he was [jresented by the latter with a tract of land, psu-- tially cleared, upon which to begin life on his own account. This he exchanged, shortly afterward, for the farm upon which he now resides, and, for thi-ee years following, made his home with his pai-ents, cultivating and imju-oving his farm in the meiintime.

On the 22d of December, 1870, he was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Kennedy, daughter of John B. and Leah Kennedy, who were early settlers and prominent citizens of Rock Creek Township, in this county. Immediately after man-iage, Mr. Penu located upon his farm, where he has ever since continued to devote his attention to the piu-suit of this, his chosen occupation. He is yet a young man, but, by improving well his opportunities, has ah-eady gained a fair start on the road to the goal of every man's ambition - a fortune. His financial success is the result of his personal industry and tireless energy, rather than any sjiecial fortune. He has avoided speculation, content to attain success through the medium of farming, knowing it to be siu-e, if slow. In connection with this pursuit, he has been engaged for some years in the manufacture of cider, which, uuder his management, has developed into an industry of considerable magnitude. He has the latest and best machinery for this jiurpose, and his customers come from a distance of teu and twelve miles to have their cider manufaotirred by him.

Ml-. Penn has grown fi-om infancy to manhood within the township where he now resides, and his life and character are so well known that any attempt at portrayal here, however eulogistic, would do the subject but feeble justice: and no word from the writer's pen could increase the high esteem in which he is held by all who know him. He is a member of the Bajitist Church at Camden, and exemplifies his jirofession in his everyday life. -

In his business transactions he has always been actuated by a high sense of honor, and. by his uniformly fair dealing, has established a record for integi'ity of which his family may justly feel proud.

His noble wife has been a valued assistant in his tem|ioral jnosperity. and has cheered and encom-aged him through many a hard struggle. They have a beautiful home, surrounded with the comforts and conveniences of life, and made hapoier by the sunny presence of five bright, intelligent children who have come to bless their wedded life, viz. : Brady Oscar. Amy, Minnie. Ros coe R. and Elmer.

William E. Stewart

This gentleman is the descendant of Revolutionary ancestors. His great-grandpai'ents on both sides were of foreign birth, but, emigi-ating to the colonies prior to the straggle for independence, took an active part in the war, on the side of the colonists. His paternal great-grandfather came from the west of Scotland, and served in the army of the Marquis de La Fayette. His maternal great-grandfather, Alexander Martin, came from County Antrim, Ireland, and served under Gen. Potter in his eamjiaigns against the Indians in Western. Pennsylvania. Alexander Martin has left a little legacy to his posterity, which contains a specimen of the ready wit which is so distinctively a characteristic of the Irish nation. This is " A Dictionary of the English Language, Published by N. Bailey, London, 1794." On the fly-leaf of this volume. Grandfather Martin wrote the following stanzas, in a clear, round hand:

Ttie meter, it will be observed, is in the " Yanliee Doodle " style - the patriotic air par excellence of the times in which he lived. The book is the property of Mr. Stewart and is regai'ded as a priceless treasure in his family.

William R. Stewftrt, the subject of this biograjjhy, was born August 5, 1840, in Foimtain County, Ind., and is the son of John and Dorcas Stewart, who removed to that county from Butler County, Ohio, in 1836. At the age of two years, the subject of this sketch accompanied his parents to Tippecanoe County, Ind., where his father died in the following year (1S43). His mother was thus left to provide for a family often small ehildi'en. and, to accomplish this, was compelled to take in work. Often was her son compelled to go without a meal, until, by the performance of some errand or light job, he had earned the money with which to buy it. When scarcely beyond the years of his infancy, he accepted employment which returned him $1 per week, and thus he contributed his little mite to the sujiport of the family. Under such circumstances, his early education was necessarily very limited. He could not attend school regularly, and his education in childhood, as well as in later life, was accomplished by a diligent course of study and individual application. In 1850, he came to Carroll County, and was soon followed by his mother and her family. During the first stiramer, he worked on the farm of his uncle, in this county, iind subsequently entered the employ of Isaac Coofier, with whom he remained imtil the outbreak of the rebellion. On the 15th of Jttly, 1802, he enlisted as n ])rivate soldier in Company A, Seventy-second Mounted Infantry, Indiana Volunteers. Here ho displayed all the qualities of the true soldier, and established himself in the estimation of hisofflcors and comiades alike. It is a sufficient testimonial to his bravery and soldierly conduct to say that he rose by successive promotions from the ranks to the office of Orderly Sergeant. He participated with his regiment in the battle of Hoover' s Gap, Tenn. ; Dechard Station, Tenn. ; Chattanooga, Tenn. ; Ringgold, Ga. ; Chickamauga. Farmington, Tenn. ; Okolona. Miss. ; Dallas, Ga. ; Noon Day Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Marietta, Ga. ; and in front of Atlanta; also at Rome Ga. ; Plantersville, Ala. : Selma, Ala. ; and Macon, Ga. He never shunned danger, and was always ready to undertake any task to which duty called him. He participated in sixty-nine engagements, great and small, and at Chickamauga, his horse, which stood neaihim. was shot. On another occasion, a minie ball passed through his coat; but, notwithstanding many similar experiences, he passed through the service without sustaining any serious injtu'y. He remained in the service until the close of the war, when he was mustered out, receiving his final discharge at Indianapolis July 6. 1865.

He returned to his home in this county and rented the farm of Isaac Cooper, in Jackson Township, where, until 1879, he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1 868, he was elected Trustee of Jackson Township, and re-elected in 1809. In 1872. he was elected Real Estate Appraiser for Carroll County, and in both positions discharged the duties of his office with commendable fidelity. In 1870. he was the Republican candidate for Representative in the General Assembly, from his district. He had a large Democratic majority to overcome, and success was by no means assured; yet so gallant a race did he make that he was only defeated by nineteen votes in the district. Again, in 1880, he was the Republican candidate for this office. This was a bitter campaign, and party lines were closely drawn. As in the former canvass, he made a strong race, but was defeated by sixtyeight votes.

In connection with farming, he engaged in the sale of agricultural implements in 18 - , and in 1878 introduced the tii-st harvester and binder used in Carroll County. In 1879, he retired fi'om the piu'suit of farming, to devote his time and energies more extensively to the sale of agricultirral implements, and is now a traveling salesman for Gale & Co. , of Albion, Mich.

That his life has been a success and his time well employed cannot be questioned. He has risen from the humblest eirciuustances, and that by his own exertions and unconquerable will. By a long course of industry and economy, he has amassed a competence, sttfficient, at least, to provide against want. Of his personal and social characteristics, " the best that could be written would be none too good," said one of his friends, in conversation with the writer. All his actions, public and private, have been of a nature to command the admiration of his friends and the approbation of those who do not occupy that relation. He has always been upright, honorable and conscientious; and that sticU an one should be universally respected is not strange.

On the 5th of December. 1858. he was united in marriage with Miss Eunice Mills, whose gentle influence nerved his arm in his struggle with poverty, and whose companionshij) he still enjoys, in the days of his prosperity. She is the daughter of Hamilton Mills, an early settler and highly respected citizen of this countv.

This Uinxship ocH'iipies the northwest corner of Carroll Coimty. It is bounded on the north by Cass County, on the east by Adams Township, on the south by Tippecanoe Townshi)5 and on the west by the Tipjieoanoe River, which separates it from White County. Throughout the township, the surface is almost uniformly level, and, in certain localities, low and swamjiy. The only important deviation fi-om this rule occurs in the western part, where a series of gentle undulations begin, gradually increasing in altitude until they reach the Tippecanoe River, where they terminate in bluff hanks. Besides the Tippecanoe, there are several streams of minor importance flowing through the township. Of these. Rattlesnake Creek is the largest. This sti'eam has its soiu-ce in tlie northern part of the township, and, flowing south and east, forms a confluence with the "Wabash in the adjoining townshi)) of Adams. The other streams are mainly small spring branches having no names.

The soil is a rich black loam, with an admixtiu'e of clay, and is well adapted to purjioses of agi-iculture. The timber which originally covered the lands now cultivated as farms was of the varieties usually found in this latitude, viz. : Oak, poplar, walnut, beech, maple, etc. In the low-lying lauds, burr-oak and hickory were the prevailing varieties. These lowlands have been greatly improved in the course of years, and, by a judicious system of ditches and underdraiuing, rendered veiy productive.

On the l;^th day of August, 1831, John Horubeck entered the cast half of the northwest <ium-ter of Section 33, and. early in the following year, came to reside upon his land. We are not certain that Mr. Hombeck was the first white settler of the township, and. indeed, after the lapse of nearly half a century, there is no absolutely reliable authority for stating to whom that honor belongs, since the facts are confined mainly to the memory of old citizens, none of whom are sufficiently confident in their recollection of events to wish their statements placed on record, so far as regards the question of priority. Mr. Hornbeck was certainly one of the first white men wlio came to this locality for the purpose of establishing a home. and. in all his subse<iuent life, he was a prominent and leading citizen of the tovpnship. There were others who settled here in the same year - whether before or after Mr. Hornbeck is not now known. Samuel Goslee was among ; this number. He came to the township in 1832. and. in September of the same year, entered a tract of land described as the southwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 26. He cleared and improved his land, and was for many yeai-s one of the leading citizens of the township. Jonas Elston came some time during the year 1832, and, on the 5th of March, 1833. entered the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 19. He devoted the energies of his manhood to the improvement of his farm, and joined hands with his pioneer neighbors in all their

I came late in 1832, and on the 6th of November, 1835, entered a tract of land in Section 18. John Lynch came about the same time and settled near him, but did not enter land. His fai-m was located aboiit a mile and a half from that of Mr. Moore. Both were good citizens, and bore their share of the burdens of pioneer life.

Dui'ing the winter of 1832. there were uo new arrivals. James Delzell was probably the first settler of the year 1S33. as he came early in the spring, and located upon a tract of laud in Section 1. He i-emained here until the following fall, retaining his claim by the right of preemption: but, at the time specified, he went to the Government Land Office at Crawfordsville, where he purchased the tract. He was long identified with the interests of the township, and lived to see many important improve-

; ments inaugui'ated and carried out. He was a man of local prominence, and served in several offices, including that of Justice of the Peace. His son William is the ouly member of thn family now living in CaiToll County.

William Cai'son was probably the next settler. He came lu the township with his family in the fall of 1833. and entered a tract of land in Section 1. adjoining that entered by Mr. Delzell. He cleared his land, and for a uumljer of yeai'S was engaged in the cultivation of his farm. He was a good citizen, and enjoyed the respect and esteem of all who knew him. His sons. William C. and David R. . still reside in the township, the former on the land entered and imjiroved by his father.

John E. Mikesell came in 1833. and entered the northeast quarter of Section 20. where he cleared and improved a fine farm. He was a prominent citizen dm'ing his life, and was identified with the interests of the township until his death. Jacob Baum. Hem-y Tedford. James Tedford, David Overly and Peter Brough were among the settlers of 1833, and took an active

Section 34. There were others who came in the same year, no doubt, but their names are not at hand, and there is no way of detei-mining who they were.

While the record of land entries, now on iile in the com't house at Delphi, contains the names of many who w.jre nover residents of the township, and not associated in any manner with its settlement and development, it contains, at the same time, the names of those who were among its earliest actual settlers, and formed the advance-guard of its pioneer forces. It is a matter of history as well as of interest, to know by whom the various sections of land were purchased, and the list is hereby given in full:

Section 5 - The lands in this section were purchased by the following-named persons; Samuel Smith, January 8, 1834; Joseph Hanna and Andrew Ingram, March 18. 1835: William Chase, November 17, 1835; William Robinson, November 25, 1835: Samuel Grimes, December 26, 1835.

Jeffekson To Wnshjp

In Jefferson, large portions of the public lands were taken up by capitalists, who held them for advanced prices when the increased immigration should create a demand for them. This was particulai'ly true of Sections 5. 6. 8. 20 and 31, in Range 2. and 10. 11. 13. 15. 22. 28. 25. and 86. in Range 8. in which, with a very few exceptions, the pui'chasers were nonresidents.

The settlement gi'ew rapidly after the year 1835. and it would be scarcely pos.sible to present a complete list of arrivals from and after that date. A few of the more prominent, however, may be mentioned; Beuoni Giliam came in 1836 and located in Section 7. where he still resides: Abraham Crowell came in the same yeai-. or. possibly, the year before, and located in Section 17. Mark A. Newman came as early as 1883. and still resides in the township. Ambrose B. Rookard came in 1835 and located in Section 18; Daniel Yount located in Section 20 in the same year, and prior to 1836. John Yount had located in Section 29: Eli Himtsinger. Isaac Himtsinger and William C. McCall. in Section 80: Miles F. Austin and Robert SteiTett. in Section 2. Range 8; Joseph Schock. in Section 12; Robert Mitchell, in Section 14: Thomas Phillips, in Section 15; Joseph Williamson, in Section 22; James Evans, in Section 25; Jefferson Goslee. in Section 26: Jeremiah Ballard, in Section 35; and Moses Grandstaff and John Dull, in Section 36. Among those who settled in the township between the years 1836 and 1839 were George Brockus. Harrison Hoff. Garret Gibson. Jedediah Johnson. John Neai-hoff. James Hoff. Henry -Heiny. Jacob Burk. John Bun-is and William S. Moutgomeiy. By the year 1836. there were a siifficient number of residents within the borders of Jefferson to warrant its citizens in their expressed wish for a separate civil existence: and. although there was still much to do in the matter of clearing lands for cultivation, building log dwelling houses, etc.. the pioneer history of the township was practically at an end. For years afterward, however, the wilderness remained as dense, in certain localities, as when first penetrated by the pioneers, who opened the way to civilization in other portions of the township, and the improvements now noticeable have been brought about by years of patient toil and industry. To trace the growth of the settlement, yeai' by year. an<l make personal mention of each family, would be a difficult and ti>dious task, even were it ))ossil)le. and would add only length, without interest, to oiu- work. What applies to one member of this ])ioneer community may be said of them, with equal truth, as a whole. They were honest, industrious and frugal, and to their efforts ai'e due the great benefits that have accrued to their posterity in later years. They redeemed the land from the possession uf a worthless race of savages, cleared it of its timber, and transformed it into pleasant homes and fertile farujs. They endm'ed the trials, vexations and actual hardshi])s of life in a region remote from the older settlements, and bravely liattled with fortune for homes that they could call their own. and leave as a heritage to their children. Many of their number came hither in poor circumstances, and the prosperity that crowned their after years is a tribute to their industry and energy. They helped each other in the work of clearing, of building houses and barns, and. in short, they were a fraternity molded and cemented together by a common cause, actuated by a Cummon motive. Later years brought them avenues of commerce: a demand was created for the prod ucts of their farms, and gradually prosperity dawned upon them, rewarding their labors of earlier times. Some who were identified with the first band of settlers died ere their labors began to bear fruit, while others still survive to witness and enjoy the changes and improvements wrought during the iiitervening years.

The Board of Commissioners of Carroll County, at its session of May. 1836. passed an order for the creation of a new civil town ship, to which was given the name of Jefl'ersou Township, and its boundaries established as follows; " Beginning at the southwest corner of Section 38. in Township 26 north, of Range 3 west, running thence east with the township line until it strikes the Wabash River, thence north to the county line, thence west with the county line to the northwest corner of the county, thence south to the place of beginning." Joseph William.sou was appointed Inspector of Elections, and Robert Mitchell's house designated as the voting-place. At the election which followed the act of organization. Joseph Williamson was chosen Justice of the Peace for a term of four years. Nathan Giliam. who was elected in 1889. succeeded him in 1840. During the intermediate years, the following-named gentlemen have served in that capacity; Ulery Shively. elected in 1841: William S. Montgomery. 1842, and re-elected in 1847. 1852. 1856. 1860 and 1864: Allen Reed, elected 1846: James DelzeU. 1851; re-elected in 1855; William C. Carson. 1863; re-elected in 1868. 1872. 1876 and 1880; James Goslee. elected 1868; re-elected in 1876 and 1880.

Constables - At the first election for township officers, held in 1836. no Constable was elected - or. if elected, the fact is not recorded. In 1840. William Tedford was elected to that office, and has been succeeded, in the intervening years, by the following gentlemen: Parker Lucas, elected 1S42: Robert A. Hamil, 1843: James W. Welch. 1844; Marion Reed. 1846: Samuel M. Shortridge. 1850: John Cochran. 1851; William C. Carson, 1854; re-elected in 1856. 1857 and 1860; Lewis Sutton, 1861; Samuel Delzell. 1862; Lewis Sutton (re-elected), 1863; John Cochran. 1868: served to 1^74: John Dashler. 1875 to 1881.

About the year 1 ^34. the citizens living in the neighborhood of Moses Grandstaff' s f ann united and constructed a log cabin for a Bchoolhouse. on a lot donated by Mi-. Grandstaff for that purpose, and school was taught there during the winter of that year. In 1S85. a sehoolhouse was erected on the land of AVilliam Carson. and differed from the first-named in the fact that it was built of hewed logs, while the Grandstaff Schoolhonse was a round-log structm-e. The Cai-son sehoolhouse was used for a number of years, and many of the leading citizens of the township received their education within its walls. It stood upon the lot now occupied by the district school in Section 1 . and was only abandoned after the present building was erected.

On the farm now owned by Alfred Briney. a log building was erected in 1886, and. during the winter of that year. Nathan 0. Gillam taught the first term. He was a man of superior attaiimients as compared with the average pioneer teacher, and was identified with that school for several consecutive terms.

Diu'ing the summer of 1837, a private school was taught by Mrs. Mason.- at her home. Probably none who attended her school will ever forget her. She won her way into the hearts of her scholars by kindness, and at the same time was firm in enforcing a proper observance of school discipline. Among her pupils were some small children, too young to appreciate the significance of school, and imable to forego an afternoon nap. When these little ones were overcome by the drowsy summer weather, they were taken from the high, hard benches, and tenderly ))laced on the teacher's bed. there to remain in quiet slumlier until time to go home. She possessed accomplishments not usually met with in pioneer settlements, and had a happy faculty of imparting her kaowledge to others.

What is true of the early schools of other localities is true of those in Jefferson. Teachers were engaged upon their own recommendations, and occasionally an accomplished man would be secured. Usually, however, their attainments were confined to a fair knowledge of reading, wi-iting and arithmetic as far as the "rule of three." For one or two terms, perhaps, a superior teacher would have charge of a school, and his scholars, espe- ' oially the older boys, would progi'ess rapidly. Next term, the I neighborhood would have a teacher less competent than his predecessor, and the latter be imable to teach the older i scholars anything they did not already know. In such cases, the advanced pupils would either stay at home during the term, or walk to another school, outside of their district. Great improvements were made in after years, and culminated in the present free school system under which the schools have attained a nigh degree of perfection. During the early years, and, in fact, until 1858, the schools were maintained almost wholly by private patronage. A fund was created by the sale of lands in the school section, and, just prior to the passage of the present school law, this fund was being appropriated in part payment of the cim-ent expenses of the schools. In 1858, the Trustees of the township assessed the Hrat general tax for the maintenance of free schools, as provided for by the law of 1851-52. The introduction of the public schools was greeted with satisfaction in Jefferson, and in the meantime, the schools have become an institution of which her citizens are justly proud. The school statistics of this township suffer none by comparison with those of others. They are here given in full, as reported by the Township 'I'nistee foi- the hc.IkioI year of 1880-81 : length of school term, 125 days; average compensation of teacher's, !|il,75 per day; total number of pupils admitted within the year, 880; average daily attendance, 206; value of schoolhouses, gi-ounds. seats, etc.. 14,500; value of apparatus, globes, maps, etc., 1500.

Account Of Spectax .Schooi, Revenue

For a number of years subsequent to the firet settlement, the religious element in Jefferson remained unorganized. Occasionally a minister found his way hither, and would conduct services in the cabins of the settlers. He was uniformly greeted by a large audience, representing all the branches of the Christian church. They had long been isolated from religious privileges, and were glad to hear a sermon, whatever might be the creed of the man who delivered it.- And, indeed, denominational points were scarcely touched upon by the ministers thotnsolvos. Their mission was to sow the seed of the Gospel in tlio wildeiness, rtither than to recruit the ranks of the denominations they represented. As years rolled on, however, the members of the Christian (or Campbellite) Church natui-ally drifted together, and a minister of their own denomination came regularly to preach for them. At Ih'st, they met at the house of John Brockus, and subsequently at the houses of George Brockus and other members of that denomination. Their congregation gi-ew, and the society was quite prosperous, and for a nvunber of yetirs thoy continued to meet a private .houses.

In later years, the_y erected a frame house of woi-shi]), iit which, for awhile, they held regular- services. Owing to a varie ty of causes, the society afterward began to suffer the loss of memliers, and in a few years became disorganized. The chun-li was sold, and has since been converted into a blacksmith-shop. The Methodist Episcopal and United Brethren denominations both organized clas.ses of an early day. and, for a nmnber of years subsequently, held services at private houses. About the year 1855, both congregations united in the erection of a church, (m land donated for that purpose by Hiram Allen, in the south east j)art of the township. Ever since its erection, this house huh been used alternately by the two denominations, and is called the Union Chiu-ch, owing to this fact. Two other churches in the township are union chiu'ches, in a fuller sense, since they are o])en to all denominations and controlled by none. The first, "Hickory Grove Church," was erected in 1875, thi-ough the efforts of Valentine Coble and John Peai-son. The contributions of money for its erection came largely from persons who were not church members, thus precluding the possibility of a claim u])!)!) it by any particuUu- denomination. On the day of dedication.

there remained a debt of $1,21)0. Contributions were called for to relieve this debt, and, in response. SI, 400 was received. The church is a neat fi-anie edifice, kept in good repair, and is opened for religions exercises whenever its iise is desired.

Diu-ing the summer of ISSO, a neat fi'ame church was orocted on land donated by C. M. Stoner and wife, in the northern part of the township. It is said that the money tor its erection was all contributed before the chm-ch was built. It is a handsome little building, although plain, and possessing nothing of architectural display. It was dedicated by Elder Uriah Patton, of the Refonned German Baptist Chiu'ch, which society holds its regular meetings at this house. The German Baptists also hold their meetings here, pnd the church is known as a Union Church.

In the fall of 1880, the Methodist Episcopal Church was completed, at the village of Yeoman. Several yeai-s prior to that date, a class of this denomination was organized at the Cullom Sclioolhouse, where they held theii- meetings until the completion of their |)resent house of worship. The church is a neat fi-arae building, and the congregation prosperous.

In 1888 or 1SH4. Anthony Sheets constructed a little saw-mill on the Tippecanoe River, to which he subsequently added a run of buhrs for grinding corn and wheat. It received a liberal patronage from settlers living near, as well as from some who lived at points quite remote fi'om this locality, and was operated for a number of years by its founder, during which time it proved a source of considerable profit to him, an an establishment of great convenience to his customers. At first, it was one of those crude mills which are to be found in nearly every new settlement; but, as its trade increased, its capacity was enlarged, and the latest improvements in the matter of milling machinery were tuJopted. In after years it passed into the hands of various owners, and the building and machinery underwent many modifications and improvements. It is now known as the Oakdale Mill, and is one of the best custom mills on the Tippecanoe. It is situated in the southwest pai't of the township, on west side of the river.

At various times in the history of the township, saw-mills have been temporarily established in the midst of a well-timbered region, but they were, in the main, only transitory in their natiu'e, and scarcely to be regarded at a part of the industrial history of the township. Large quantities of valuable timber are still standing, and the easy outlet to market afforded by the Chicago & Indianapolis Air Line Railroad makes this a profitable and desirable location for the saw-mill enterprise. At the present time, there are two saw-mills in successful operation - one in the north part and the other in the east part of the township.

.^.gricultural pursuits have always formed the chief feature of .Jefferson's industrial record, and in this calling the major por- ! tion of her citizens are represented. By the natural fertility of i its soil and the skill of those by whom it has been cultivated, this township takes its place in the front ranks as a productive locality. In the season of 1880, 3.206 acres were sown in wheat, and from this was gathered 54,502 bushels, an average of 17 bushels per acre: 3,775 acres of com yielded 95,792 bushels: 562 acres of oats yielded 11,802 bushels: 547 acres of meadow yielded 820 tons of hay: and 23 acres planted in Irish potatoes yielded 828 bushels.

It was named in honor of Col. Yeoman, one of the officials of that road, which was at first a narrow-gauge road, under the title of Chicago & South Atlantic Railway. The village (iontains one general merchandise store, kept by William Corder: Joseph Hall is the Postmaster; Dr. Kennai'd is the resident physician, ami .\lberf Tedford is the village blacksmith.

The Village Of Moses Creek

MOSES CREEK. One of the substantial fanners and reliable citizens of Tip])ecanoe Township is the subject of this biographical review. To him, perhaps, more than to any other man in the township, estates are intrusted for settlement, and the property of orphaned ' childi'en is given in trust as their guardian - evidence of the confidence which the jieDjtle have in his scru]inlous integrity and good judgment.

Moses Creek was born in Tipi>ecanoe County. Ind. , .Tuno 2 1 , 1836. In the fall of 1852, he moved to Newton County, where he lived until 1869 (seventeen years), excepting only one year, 1856, passed in Minnesota. In October, 181)9, he located in Rockfield, Carroll County, and engaged in the dnig business. Soon after this venture, he bought the farm upon which he at present resides, and moved Ui it. continuing from that date until the present in the occupation of farming. His father, David Creek, a farmer, and of German descent, and mother, Mary (Meek) Creek, were both natives of Union County, Ind.

Mr. Creek has been married twice - in 1859, February 9, to Miss Emiline Wilson, of Tippecanoe County, who died on the 24th of January, 1869: and the second time, to Miss Martha Lesourd, at the date of this marriage a resident of Pittsburg, Carroll Co.. Ind. By his fii-st wife, four children were born - Wilbm-, October 4, I860: Mai-shall, September 11. 1862: Mattie, November 15, 1864: and Minnie. July 7, 1868. By his second wife he has two children - Emma, born October 23, 1872; and Herbert L.. born Januai-y 21, 1879. Mi-s. (Lesourd) Creek is a daughter of Benjamin Lesourd. and was born February 16, 1834, in Butler County. Ohio. Three years previous t« her marriage to Mr. Creek, she was a resident of Pittsburg.

While living in Newton County, Moses Creek was twice elected a Trustee of Grant Township, about the years 1866-67. During his term of office, he built the second schoolhouse in the township.

. The social and business standing of iMr. Creek is simply the best. He treats his fellow-men as he could wish to be treated, and in so doing gains the regard of all who have meet or deal with him in a social or business way.

David R. Carson

DAVID R. CARSON. Mr. Carson is an ex-member of the Board of Commissioners of Carroll County, having been chosen to that jiosition in 1870, not taking his seat, however, until the ensuing fall, and reelected in 1874, serving two terms - 1871-77. Diu-ing his official service, the magnificent county jail, the Carrollton iron bridge and an iron canal bridge were erected. In addition to the foregoing public service, and excepting an interval of one year (1867), Mr. Carson wel-1 and faithfully represented his townshij) during two periods covering eight years - 1862 to 1871 - as Township Trustee.

David K. Carson is of English-Ii'ish exti-action, and was born at Line, Monroe Co., E. Tenn., on the 20th of September, 1809. When fourteen years old. in November, 1833. his father, William Carson, brought his family, consisting of himself, his wife, Kosanna (McCuUy) Carson, tliree boys and five girls, to Carroll County. Ind., and settled on a farm in Jefferson Township. William Carson died in 1852, and Rosanna Carson in 1873.

With a log schoolhouse education and a knowledge of farming, David Carson left home iu 1S43: was united in wedlock on the 23d of Mai-ch of that year, to Elizabeth Hamill, of White County, and a native of Tennessee, and, moving to a farm north of the center of Jefferson Township, continued to live there until the yeai- 1874. His first wife dying in 1872, Mr. Carson was remarried, to Mrs. Sarah .i. Davis. By his former marriage, two

In his political views, Mr. Carson has always sided with the I Democratic party, while, religiously speaking, he, as well as his ' present wife, belong to that division of the Presbyterian Chiu'ch ' known as Seceders. Of his father's family, two brothers, William Carson, Esq., and John M. Carson, and two sisters, Rosauua Dalzell and Elizabeth Steele, are living, besides himself.

The neighbors and frier.ds of Mi'. Carson speak of his acts and life in the highest terms of praise and commendation. His official life is untainted with even the suspicion of a wrong. Cool and deliberate in judgment, frank and open in manner, ami upright ana honest in his dealings, he is the kind of man in whom the jieople do and should place their trusts.

Ondarv And Natural Features

Monroe is situated south of the center of Can-oil County, and contains a part of the ten-itory assigned to the original township of Jackson, from which it was separated in 1840. Jackson Town shi]] bounds it on the north. Burlington and Carrollton Townships on the east. Democrat on the south and Madison and Deer Creek on the west.

The sm-face is generally low and level, with a few localities designated on the niiijjs as swami)s, and there are no localities in which the land may be said to be hilly or undulating. The soil is a rich black loam, very fertile and yielding abundant crojis of all the fi'uits and cereals common to this clinjate. At Flora, and in the immediate vicinity of that village, tliere are a number of natm-al flowing wells, or s])riugs, which biu-st sjiontaneously from the ground, and How with considerable force to the sm'face; and where the surface is low. the forces beneath the waters are sufficient to eaiTy the stream to a height of from three to foiu- feet above the a])erture where it miikes its a})pearance. No chemical analysis of the waters has ever been made, but it is claimed by the residents that they contain medicinal jiroperties of a high order, and are strongly impregnated with mineral sulistances among which iron is a jjrominent feature.

In the furtherance of agi'ieultural pui'suits. a lai-ge amount of ditching has been done in recent years, and lands formerly almost useless have, by this means, been made to rank among the best. The ])rincii)al stream in the township is Bachelor's Run. This stream enters at the east line of Section J 3. and. flowing for .two miles or more in a northerly direction, suddenly changes its course, and flowing thence west by north leaves the township at its north line. The headwaters of Sugar Creek flow through the western |iart of the township, and besides these .streams. there are sevoi'al unnamed branches, mostly tribiitaries of Bacheler's Run.

Prior to the pioneer period, this was a heavily timbeied regiim. Oak. ash, walnut, beech, maple, po))lar, et<i.. were the prevailing varieties, and offered a strong resistance to the army of pioneers who timt invaded the territory over which they stood sentinel, and who finally carved from it line farms and cheery homes.

Early Settlement

In Monroe, as iu several other townships of the county, the question as to who was the first white settler has never been decided. Thomas Ross was certainly among the first who came here to live. He came from Tennessee iu the year 1828, and Incated upon a tract of land iu Section 9, where he continued ti> reside abo)it a year. At the end of that time his father. Samuel Ross, came and located on the same tract, and, in 1S32. made formal entry of it at the land office in Crawfordsville. Shortly after the arrival of his father, Thomas Ross removed to the State of Georgia. Nine years later, he returned to Can-oil County. and, diu-ing a period of seven years, lived on rented land. k% the end of that time, he ])Urchased the fai-m upon which he now resides, near the village of Bringhurst. He was one of the first settlers, and has always been one of the leading citizens of the township, taking an active pai-t in its public enterprises, and identifying himself in many ways with its improvement.

On the 14th of November, 1827, Joseph Beckner entered the noi-theast quarter of Section 4, and, some time during the year 1828, came with his family to live on the land he had pui-chased. For years afterward, he resided on that tract of land, and converted it into a fine farm. During his residence here, he was a prominent citizen, and took an active part in all public matters. He sold his farm, in later years, and removed to another locality.

Among the early settlers was Amos Ball. He settled in the township early in 1829, and, on the 23d of October of the same year, entered the northeast quarter of Section 18. He cleared and improved his land, and was engaged in its cultivation until his decease. He was a good citizen, and possessed the esteem and good will of all who knew him.

On the yth of October, 1829, John Flora entered the south west ijuarter of Section 3, and iimnediately afterward retiu-ned to his home in Preble County, Ohio. In September. 1N30, he came with his family to live on the land he had i)m-cha8ed, and was thenceforth identified with the interests of Monroe Townshi]i until his labors closed in death. The village of Flora was jilatted on his farm, in 1872, and received the name of its founder.

Monroe To Wnsiiii'

neighbors. William Odell ontered the land adjoining him ou the west, and Philip Moss entered the tract adjoining him on the north. Both came with their families to occupy their lands immediately after pm'chasing, and took their places among the leading iiionoers of the townshi]i. On the 14th of Aja-il, 1S20, Jacob Zook entered the west half of the northwest (jnarter of Section 10, and, in 1S30, came to occupy his land and ))repare it for cultivation. After remaining hei-e for a number of yeai's, Mr. Zook disposed of his property and located in Jackson Township.

George Cline. formerly a citizen of Butlei' County, Ohio, lame tt) the township in 1880, making the journey with a twohorse wagon containing his family and household effects. He ir.iversed the wilderness fi-om Indianapolis to La Fayette, thence, liy way of the Battle Ground, to Delphi, where he left his family while he attended the jjublic sale of canal laud at Logausport. There was a gi-eat deal of competition, and prices ran too high for him, so he went to the land office at Crawfordsville, and there entered the laud in Section 1, where he continued to reside during the remainder of his life. This tract is now occupied by his son, George W. Mr. Cline was probably the first white settler in that portion of the township. His neighbors were Pottawatomie Indians, and their boys were the play-fellows of his cluldi-en. They were quiet and peaceable, and the most fi'iendly feelings always existed between them and their white associates.

Once the fi-iendly relations were threatened during the period that threw the settlements of Indiana and Illinois into a state of the most intense excitement. We refer to the Black Hawk war. Early one morning in May, 1833. word came to the effect that Black Hawk, with a large band of hostile Indians, had reached the bluffs near Pittsbiu'g. The alarm spread rapidly, and both the whites and Indians were in a state of the greatest consternation, viewing each other with mutual distrust. The settlers of this vicinity all left their homes, forming a rendezvous at the farm of Joseph Beekner. on Bachelor's Run, for purposes of defense. From this point, scouts were sent out, who, after making a thorough investigation, reported the alarm false and the country (juiet. It was fortunate for the settlers that such was the case. Their pm'suits were those of peace, and they were not prepared for war. They returned to their homes with nothing more serious than a good scare, and the friendly feelings and mutual confidence between themselves and the Indians were soon re-established.

In the northern and northeastern portions of the township, new settlers continued to arrive every year. Jonathan Barnard came in 1831, and entered land in Section 2, upon which he located with his family shortly afterward. Kudolph Landes en fered a tract in the same section in 1830, and located here in the following year. He cleared his farm, and was engaged in its cultivation until death. Alexander Sanderson came iu 1832. and entered land in Section \ . and also in other sections of the township. For a number of years, he was engaged in the cultivation of his land, but tinally removed to a farm near Camden, where he now resides. Henry Lytle came in 1833, and entered land in Section 1. After improvipg his farm, and cultivating it for a number of years, he removed to where he now resides, near Delphi. John Bidenom- entered the southeast quarter of Section 3, in November, 1831, and came to live in the township in the following year. Benjamin Eikenberry came in the fall of 1832, and entered land in Section 10. About twenty-five years ago, he disposed of his property here, and removed to the State of Iowa, where he still resides. Isa,-ic Eikenberry came in the fall of in:!--' and located upon a tract of laud iu Si-ction 13, whjr.' hti still resides. He was accompanied by his sou-iulaw, William Mellon, who entered an adjoining tract in the same section. John Betz entered land iu Section \ in September,

1832, and resided on his farm until his decease. Lawrence Tedrick settled in Section 7 in 1832, and was engaged in the cultivation of his farm for many years. Ho removed to Putnam County, Ind., a few years ago, and still resides there.

1833, and Matthew Brown located in the same section in 1834, remaining iu the township until death. William Saulsbury settled iu Section 14, in 1834, and, after clearing his farm, he cultivated it for a nifaber of years, and finally removed to Clinton County, Ind. Jonas Flora settled in Section 15, in 1834, where he cleared and improved a farm. David Sylvester and Taylor B.ardbDth entered laud in Section 17, and were identified with the history of the township for a number of years. But both finally removed to other localities. George Hartman and William Dyer entered land in Section 19, iu 1835, and cleared and improved farms. The year 1830 witnessed a large addition to the number of families in the township. Prominent among those who came in that year were Isaac Cooper, who settled iu Section 2, and now resides in Jackson Township; Albert G. Ranna, who settled in Section 7, and remained in the township until death; Noah Stanford, who settled in the same section, and died in the townshiij; Thomas Gasaway, who settled in Section 8. and removed to another locality after residing here for some years; Burrell Bell, who settled in Section 12; Zeuas White, in Section 14; Willis B. Goodwin, in Section 15; Henry Jordan, in Section 23, and Seth Burris, in Section 24. Samuel Myer came to the township in 1835, and engaged in assisting his brotherin-law, Jonathan Barnard, to clear his land. In January, 1830, Mr. Myer went on foot to Crawfordsville, to enter a small tract of land for himself in Section 10. He returned, 'and began at once the labor of clearing it, and, in 1S40. was married in Wayne County, Ind. He still resides in the township, and is recognized as one of its best citizens.

It would be an impossible task to mention the names of all who were, in any manner, associated with the pioneer history of this township, and within the period covered by our review of the early settlement, it is probable that some families came here whose names do not appear in this connection. Yet we have presented as complete a list as could be obtained from reliable som'ces. For a period of perhaps ten years subsequent to 1836, those who settled in the township might properly be classed as eai'ly settlers; yet a list of names covering that period could not be obtained in full, and, at auy rate, such a list would only add length to oiu- history without enhancing the interest, and it is deemed proper to close our account of the early settll^meut with what was, in reality, the close of the pioneer period.

Kecokd Of Land Pukohases

The following is a summary of the various tracts of l;iud purchased of the Government, through its agents at the Crawfordsville Land Office. Among the purchasers will be found the names of many who were early settlers of the township, while some whose names appear in this connection, were speculators who bought the land at "Government price" ($1.25 per acre) and held it for advanced prices.

The territory now comprised within the bounds of Monroe was originally a pai't of the township of Jackson, and the citizens were compelled to go to Camden to vote. This caused some in-

' convenience, and, the population having reached the proper limit, the residents manifested a desire that the locality in which they lived might be invested with a sepai-ate civil existence. A petition to this effect was presented to the Board of Commissioners of Carroll County, at a session of that body convened in March, 1840. In response, it was ordered "that all that part of the Great Miami Reservation which is attached to Carroll County for j judicial purposes, lying east of the Carroll County line, and south of the line dividing Congressional Townships 24 and 25, be, and the same is hereby, formed into a separate and independent township, to be known by the name of Mom-oe Township." At the same meeting of the board, it was ordered that Isaac Price be appointed Inspector of Elections, and that an election for township officers bo held ou the second Satm-day of June, 1 840. James C. Todd was elected Justice of the Peace, and re-elected

I in 1846 and 1851. Moses Plank was elected Justiceof the Peace in 1855. and has served continuously ever since. Chai'les Gaumer was oloctod in ls.')5; John C. Brown in 1858, and re-elected in 1801. >> rvui.;- I.. 1^71. William Bridge was elected in 1S74. and still h'.l.ls Ihi' i.llico.

About the yeai- IHiiS, a log scboolhoiise Wiis erected on the land of Amos Ball. Prior to this date, many of the school children of this township attended the Knittle Schoolhouse, in Jackson Townshij), as there were none nearer. The building erected in that year, corresponded with the average schoolhouse of the pioneer days, and a description of its apjipearance would only involve a repetition of what is familiar to all our readers. The salaiy of the teacher was contributed by the parents of children attending the school, and this ccmtiuned to be the method by which the schools were conducted for many years sul.isecjnent to that date.

On the land of William Aldridge stood a little cabin of round logs, in which he had once lived. It was abandoned, however, for a better dwelling, and, in the winter of 18:')0-37, it was converted into a schoolhouse, and a man by the name of Carpenter employed as teacher. In the ye.ir 1837, a log schoolhouse was erected on the same farm by John Flora, Benjamin Eikenberry, William Odell, Jacob Zook and others, who were patrons of the school taught therein diu-iug the winter of that year. Dr. James C. Todd was employed as teacher, and his salary made up by the above-named gentlemen and others living in the neighborhood. A few years later, a schoolhouse was built on land owned by Henry Eikenbeny, and at various times thereafter, log houses were erected for school pm-poses at different points in the township. The subscription system still remained in vogue, and a chronological history of the schools would disclose no new features, save the difference of names and dates, until the system of public education was improved by the law of 1851-52, providing for fi-ee schools and inaugurating the present system. In this township, there was but slight opposition to the tax-levy necessary for their maintenance, and the first tax was assessed for this pui'pose about the yeai' 1853. In the meantime, the public schools of this townshiji have increased in their sphere of usefulness, and their effect upon the morals and general intelligence of the community has been for good. There are now in the township eight schoolhouses, foiu' of which are brick and four frame buildings. The value of the schoolhouses, gi-ounds, apparatus, etc., is 812.450. Dui'ing the school year of 1880-81, the total number of pupils enrolled was 480. and the average daily attendance 230. The average length of the school term was 106, and the average daily compensation of teachers, $1.97.

Account Of Revenue For Tuition Account Of -Special School Revenue

Gi-rman Baptist.- Among the early settlers of Monroe, a majority were adherents of that religious order denominated Gerwere conducted under the aus])ices of that .society. As early as l'S30 or 1831, they united and formed an organization at the house of one of their members, and regnlarly thereafter held meetings at private houses or in barns. About the year 1S51, a lot was donated to the society by Emanuel Shanks, uiwii which they erected a frame church diu-ing that year. The building is situated near Flora, on Bachelor's Run. For a period of ])erhaps fifty years, the church prospered, and its course was marked by harmony, but in October, 1881, differences which had long been at work, finally culminated in a division of the chui-ch. A pai-t of the members held views to which those of the old school could not subscribe, and this class constituted a majority. In consequence, the old members withdrew from the society, leaving the church in the possession of the new or " progressive," pai-ty, and began the erection of a house of worship on the farm of Abraham Flora. This faction has a member.ship of I2(i persons. Jacob Flora is the present Elder, and Abraham Flora and Abraham J. Flora are assistants.

The "progressists,'" who still hold the old chiu'ch, have a membership of about 200 persons. Isaac Eikenbeny and Christian Laish are the Elders of this society, and Sandford Seawi'ight and Baltzer Gordon are assistants.

Eraiigelicai Lu7lu>ra:n - St. Luke's Congregation. -About the year 1 840, Rev. Samuel McReynolds and others of the Lutheran denomination, began to hold services according to rites of their church, at the houses of Jacob Cline and other members. They were surrounded by persons belonging to religious orders inimical to their own, and their church was not founded without a struggle. At times, they were permitted to hold their meetings in the Flora Schoolhouse, and at others, this privilege would be denied them. The houses of members was the next resort, but these were small and incommodious, so that in time they were driven to the erection of a church. Their membership was small, consisting of Jacob Cline and wife, David Shirar and family, Mrs. Rutter, Charles Gaumer, Mrs. Albach and family and a few others as constituent members, and a few who united with the chiu-ch between the date of its organization and the erection of the house of worship. This event took place in 1858, the lot having been purchased of Thomas Shirar in that year. The church struggled along in debt, and finally a number of its members removed to Kansas; others united with St. Paul's Congi-egation at Flora, which was organized in 1875. The congregation of St. Luke's was thus practically disorganized, and it was deemed advisable to sell the church. Accordingly, the building was purchased by citizens living in the vicinity, who made it a union ehiu-ch - free to all denominations. After paying the indebtedness, the church officers contributed the remaining funds to St. Paul's, where the former members of St. Luke's now attend services, Rov. D. H. Snowden, of Camden, is the pastor in charge.

Metliodist Episcopal - Bringliurst Cliurch. - A class was organized at Bringhurst in 1874, and the quarterly conference of Delphi Circuit appointed Andi-ew Henderson, Moses Plank, James N. A. Boss, Thomas W. Stone and Henry T. Sylvester a building committee to take the necessary steps toward the erection of a church. A lot was donated by -James N. A. Ross, upon which the church was erected in the same year. It is a neat brick building, 34x48 feet. It was completed at a cost of §2,800, and dedicated by Rev. Joyce, Presiding Elder. Rev. Thomas Stafford was the first pastor of the church, and his successors have been Revs. Nelson Hall, T. F. Drake and L. S. Smith, the present pastor. The church now has a membership of about sixty per- man'fBaptists, aud the first religious meetings in the sfittlement sons, and is^in a prosperous condition and the Sunday school has anjaverage attendance of sixty-two scholars.

Flora Class. - A class of the Methodist Episcopal denomination was organized at Flora in the summer of 1881 by Kev. John Gillam, a local preacher. The families of William Little, C. Keyes, Samuel Thomas and Henry Carter constituted the original membership, amounting to not more than a dozen in number. They have as yet no church, but hold their meetings in the Lutheran Church at irregular intervals.

Flora Christian Church. - This organization was the outgrowth of a revival conducted at Elora in the winter of 1879-80 by Eev. Anderson. This denomination had long been represented here by numbers, and at irregular periods, there had been meetings but no organization. The society now has a membership of about twenty persons, and meetings are held once a month at the Lutheran Church.

TIte Baptint Church. - In the month of P'ebruary, 1841, nine members of the Baptist Chm'ch met and organized at the house of George HartmaiT, under the ministerial labors of Rev. William Moore. These members were George Hartmau and wife, Zenas White and wife, Hemy Dawson and wife, Eliza Tedrick and Jacob Nefi and wife. During the same year, the society erected a hewed-log house of worship on the farm of Thomas Hight, in Section 17. The land was donated for that purpose by Mr. Hight, who stipulated that some of the members should " grub out " a certain comer of his farm in payment. This, however, was only one of his odd jokes; for, when the men came with their mattocks to perform the work, he laughed and said he only meant " to see if the spirit was willing." They continued to worship in the log building for a number of years. About the year 1850, they erected their present house of worship, about a half a mile east of their former building, on land donated by George Moore. This is a frame building. ii()x40 feet, and has been occupied regularly since its erection on all occasions of public worship. Rev. William Moore was the first pastor and served the church for seven or eight years. His successors have been the Revs. Dunlap, Azel Waters, James M. Smith. I. N. Clark, Moses Kerr, John Kerr, John Duiiham, Hamilton Robb, Price Odell, William Debolt, Philip McDade, T. J. Robinson, B. R. Ward and B. A. Melson. Since its organization, between 200 and MOO members have been added to the chui'ch. During the pastoral labors of the Rev. Mi'. Smith, a revival was held, which resulted in a large number of accessions, and another revival, with equally good reoults, was conducted by Rev. P. Odell. The chm'ch is now in a prosperous condition, with a membership of about sixty persons.

A. Thompson and S. U. Holland wore the charter members, and the first officore of the lodge were: S. U. Holland, N. G.; J. R. Cromer, V.G.; J. G. Bright, R. S.; A. L. Bright, P. S.; William

E. D. Butcher, J. M. Barnard, W. B. Switzer, William H. RoppotB, M. L. Roland, J. W. Roist, W. H. Lenon and R. R. Bright. A Idilge-room was fitted up in the second story of tlic building owned by Cromer & Bright, where the meetings of (lie lodge have

Briiujhursi Lodge. No. 4ri9. I. O. O. F..was organized July "2, 1874, at the village of Bringhm-st, and. on the night of institution, elected the following oflScers: George W. Hall, N. G. ; C. C. Brown, V. G.; J. F. Bard. Secretary; Moses Plank, Treasurer. Foiu- candidates were initiated on the first night, and the membership has continued to increase in the meantime. This lodge is in prosperous condition and in good working order, and meets once a week in the second stor_v of the Tedrick building at Bring hiu-st. The present officers are: Levi Summe. N. G. : Albert Davis, V. G.; G. W. Krause, Secretary; Taylor Bard, Treasurer

Bringhurst Lodge {U. D.) A, F. d- A. M.. was organized in March, 1880, and is still working under dispensation. The first officers were: J. W. Guthi-idge, W. M.; T. F. Drake, S. W.; H. J. Ball, J. W.; W. Shaffer. Treasurer: W. E. Slauter, Secretary; F. P. Miller, S. D.: D. W. Miller. J. D. Joel Gan-ison, Tiler. These officers all retain their positions at the present time (December, 1881), excepting the S. W. and Secretary. J. C. Shanklin now occupies the former office, and Moses Plank the latter. The lodge now has an active membership of thirty-two, and is in good working order. The regular meetings are held in the second story of the building owned by Moses Plank, at Bringhm-st.

Monroe is essentially a rural township, and. liy the natural fertility of its soil, is especially adapted to the successful prosecution of agricultural pm-suits, and in this calling the larger jjart of its citizens are engaged. In the season of 1880, there were in the township 8,867 acres sown in wheat, from which 177,340 bushels were gathered - an average of 20 bushels per acre. From 2,025 acres planted in corn, 81,000 bushels were gathered - average, 40 bushels per acre; 294 acres of oats yielded an average of 20 bushels per acre, or a total of 5,880 bushels; from 485 acres of meadow, 052 tons of hay were gathered; 4 acres of Irish potatoes yielded 80 bushels, and 1 acre of sweet potatoes 22 bushels.

About the year 1840, a saw-mill was erected by Philip Moss, at the Beekner fai-m on Bachelor's Run. The locality was low and Hat, and the dam caused the creek to overflow its banks in wet seasons, inundating smroimding farms. After a few years, it was purchased by the citizens who suffered from the nuisance, and the dam and mill wore both destroyed.

About the year 1847, a steam saw-mill was erected by Isaac Loinim, imd operated by him for a number of yeai's. It passed to the ownership ojf several jiarties. and finally to John T. Rowland, the present proprietor. Mr. Rowland removed tho machinon,' to a jioint southeast of Flora, known as "-Piko's Peak." where the mill is still in operation. Originally, the machinery was of the old style, but the mill was desti-oyed by fire in 1879. aud was refm-nished with nt>w and imiu'oved machinery.

a few years, the machinei'y was moved to another point. At the present time, there are four saw-mills in operation in the township, viz.. the mill operated by John T. Rowland; one southeast of Bringhurst. owned and operated by Mr. Wingerd; one in the village of Bringhurst. owned and operated by Sylvester & Staley. and one at Flora, owned and operated by Al)nerRatclift'. At the Flora and Bringhurst mills, the lumber is sawed from the rough log and planed down into boards and finishing lumber. At the vjllage of Flora, there is agoodttouringmill, erected by Michael Cline in 1870. It is a frame building. y0x4() feet, two stories high, and its machinery is operated by steam. It is a custom mill, and grinds from sixty to seventy bushels of wheat per day. Besides these mills, there are two tile-factories in successful operation in the towgship - one east of Flora, owned and operated by Mr. Vandyke, and one at Bringhiu'st, owned and operated by Benton Rutherford.

The Villages

On the line of the Terre Haute &Logansport Railroad, within the limits of Mom-oe To%vnship, there are two flom-isbing villages. Both were founded and platted in the yoai' 1872. and are situated about a mile and a half apai-t.

Flora, the lai-gest of the two. was laid out by John Flora in 1N72. and an addition made subsequently by his son Abraham. It lies in the north pai't of the township, in Section iJ. In point of poj)ulatiou. it is large enough to be a town; but. as its citizens have never taken the necessary steps towai'd making it an incorporated town, we must still look upon it as a village. It is groviing rapidly, and. during the past summer (1881). a number of new houses have been erected. The village contains a good hotel, kept by William Bridge; the merchants are: T. A. Howes. A\'. H. Reppeto. John Keyes and S. AV. Smelser. dealers to groceries; Eikenberry & Keyes, hardware and agricultural in])lements: Myer & Wheeler, buggies, wagons and agricultm-al implements; Cromer & Bright, drugs; John Lenou and T. A. Howes, grain dealers; AVilliam Little and Joseph A. Bridge, dealers in live stock: Miss A. Eikenberry. milliner and dress-maker: Leahev Bros., restaurant; J. H. Arlbright and W. H. Duncan, meatmarkets; James Weida. insurance agent and music teacher; R. R. Bright. Notary Public.

Brjnghiu-st is situated about a mile and a half south of Flora on the same railroad. Though smaller than its neighbor, it is a fiom-ishing village and a good business point. It contains a good -hotel, kept by Moses Plank; Guthi-idge and_ Shanklin deal in general merchandise; R. R. Tedi-ick deals in general merchandise and drugs ; M. C. McCormick. drugs and groceries ; Moses Plank, hardware, tinware, stoves and agi-icultural implements; J. W. Guthridge. grain and seeds; Drs. R. R. Tedrickand C. P. Jackson are practicing physicians; Thomas & Ch; mpiou deal in livestock; Dennis Demars has a meat mai'ket. while the trades are represented by G. AV. Cross, wagon and carriage-maker; Andrew Henderson, carpenter and undertaker; E. M. Bennett, carpenter; David Jletzker. blacksmith; Harvey Bun maker ; Joseph Roskuskia. boot and shoe nuilicr Staley are the proprietors of the saw-inill. .-ukI I!o ford is (ho proprietor of the tile factory.

Avilliam Bridge

AVILLIAM BRIDGE. AVilliam Bridge was boi-n in Butler County. Ohio. January 15. 188:!; his father. Joseph Bridge, was also a native of Ohio, and married Miss Elizabeth Bennett, in that State, on Christmas Day. 1832. In 183(5, he started to Indiana with his family, and, in Sejjtember of that year, located in Carrollton Township, Carroll County. He afterward lived in Jackson andAVashington Townships, and died July 7. 1S71I. in Rock Creek Tewnship. where his wife still resides

AVilliam. tlie subject of this biography, labored under the disadvantages common to boys of the pioneer period in Indiana. There were no schools near his home, and he gi-ew up without any educational privileges save those afforded by the subscription schools, and he was jiast eight years of age before he enjoyed even that privilege. He was a close student, however, and, by dint of application at odd times, he acquired an education which, though not scholastic, is nevertheless practical, and has enabled him to take part intelligently in the affairs of an active life. He learned to work long before he learned to read, for, in the process of clearing or "making" a farm, there was plenty of work for all hands. He did what he could to assist his father, and continued to aid him in the work of the home farm until after he had attained his majority. On the 1st day of January. 1856, he was united in mai-riage with Miss Maiy E,, daughter of James Martin, an early settler of Jackson Township, Immediately after, he pm-chased a fai-m in Washington Townshij), and, in the following March, he and his wife began housekeeping in their new home. The farm was only partially cleared, and there was much in their surroundings to remind them of pioneer days. But their home was cheerful and its occupants happy. In ]8fU. Mr. Bridge removed to Delphi, but .shortly afterward returned to AVashington Township, and lived for a time on his father's farm. Subsequently, he piu-chased a farm in Ciiss County. Ind.. and. after a short residence there, returned to Carroll County and located in Jackson Township. ' where he remained until April. 1873. At that time, he removed to the village of Flora - his family being the second in the place. He engaged in the gi-ain trade here, and opened a hotel for the accommodation of the traveling public, at the same time cou- .tinuing the pursuit of farming. In 1874, he was elected Justice of the Peace of Monroe Township, and has ever since been retained in this office by the votes of his_fi-iends. He has proved himself faithful and efficient in this capacity, as in all other positioQS. In all the affairs of life, he has been governed by a strict sense of honor and justice, and. by his well-known integrity, has won many frieuds. by whom he is held in the highest esteem. By a life or industry and honest toil, he has accumulated a moderate competence, and has saved up a comfortable heritage for his family. A kind Providence has spared to him the companionship of the wife of his early years. Together they have fought life's battles, shiu-ed its joys and sorrows, its hopes, victories and defeats, and their mutual love has nerved them through many trying circumstances. Their wedded life has been blessed by three childi-en - Joseph A.. Nancy F. and Otto L. . all of whom now siuwive.

Reuben R. Bright was born April 1'J. bS39, in Montgomery County. Ohio. His father, Joseph R. Bright, was a native of Rockingham County. Va., and his mother - whose maiden name was Catharine Hay - was a native of Pennsylvania. Both removed to Montgomery County. Ohio, with their parents, when quite young, and were married ther§. In lSu3, they removed to Howard County. Ind.. and located on a farm, where they remained until death. The mother died in 1867, the father, in April, 1881.

Reuben, the subject of this biography, was reared on a farm, and the days of his boyhood were occupied with the duties incident to farm life. Dm-ing the winter seasons, he attended the district school, where he acquired a good common-school education. He pursued the daily routine of farm life until his peaceful labors were interrupted by the alarm of civil waiv On the 8th of June, 1861, he enlisted as a private .soldier in Company K, Fifteenth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Col. George D. 'Wagner. He served under Gen. McClelland in West Virginia until November. 1801. and was then assigned to Gen. Nelson's division. Army of the Cumberland. At the battle of Stone River. Tenn., his left cheek-bone was shattered by a gunshot wound, but he did not consider it sufficiently serious to induce him to leave the service. Subsequently, he was engaged at the battle of Missionary Ridge, Tenn., ;ind here received three distinct wounds - one in the left hand, one in the left thigh and another in the left breast. The wound in the left

I hand proved very serious, and rendered him a cripple in that ] member for life. On account of this misfortune, he was given an honorable discharge from the service, on the IstoE June, 1804. Returning home, he located on a farm in Howard County, Ind.. and, on the "id day of November, 1865, was united in marria^;-.' with Miss Eliza Ewing, daughter of Lewis and Jane Ewint;. early settlers of Carrollton Township, in Can-oil County. Hor father is deceased; her mother, however, still survives, and, for one of her advanced years, is remarkably active and intelligent.

For a period of four years, Mr. Bright continued the pursuit of farming, in the meantime enjoying the delights of a hapjiy home. Then sorrow came to him - Charles Ulyses, his only son was taken ill and died, and, on the 8th of April, 1869, his wife was called from time to eternity. In 1873, he came to the town of Flora, and engaged in the drug trade with Dr. James R. Cro mer, which relation still continues. On the 19th of September, 1874, he was united in marriage with Miss Americus Ewing, his present companion, and the sister of his first wife. This union has been blessed by one son - Jesse Vernon - and one daughter - Lola Myrtle, both of whom now sui'vive.

Ml-. Bright is a competent business man, and stands high in the estimation of the community in which he is knowB. He is honorable and fair in all his dealings, and, by his integi-ity. has gained the confidence and respect of all, in social and business life alike. He has been a member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity for more than five years, and has been prominent in many enierprises inaugurated for the jsublic good since his residence in tincounty began.

Madison is situated in the southwestern part of Carroll County. It has an area of twenty-one squiu-e miles, comprising the north half of the territory originally assigned to the township of Clay, from which it was seprated in 1837. Deer Creek Township bounds it on the north, Monroe' and Democrat on the east. Clay on the south and Tippecanoe County on the west. Sugar Creek, the principal stream, flows from east to west through the central part of the township, while Little Sugar- Creek, a tributary of the main stream, waters the northern and northwestern parts. As a rule, the surface is low and flat, with scarcely sufficient undulation to afford natural drainage, and only by a persistent use of ditches and tiling have some portions of the township been reclaimed and made habitable. These parts, in early days, wore perpetual swamps; but, by the process above referred to, they have been made as good lands as are to be found in the township. The soil is a rich, clayey loam, and yields abundant crops of all the farm produce common to V-i\s climate. The timber which originally covered the ground was of those varieties usually iiii-l with in this region, among which oak, walnut, beech, piiplar, etc., were prominent; and the initial period in the real liisiory of the township was when the first lilow was struck at tlin wilderness which so completely occupied its soil by tlie iiioncrr.-^, oE whoiTi wo shall speak fiu-ther on.

Early Land Seekers

At quite an early day. the lands lying in this portion of Carroll County, and then being in the possession of the Government of the United States, were placed in market and made subject to entry.

Speculators and those seeking homes visited the locality and selected the lands they desired, afterward retiu-ning to the Government Land Office at Crawfordsville, Ind., and making en try of these tracts. Among these, as above intimated, were a number of capitalists, who purchased lands at the cheap price established by the Government (from %\.'2Ti to §1.75 per acre), holding them for advanced prices in later j'ears, when the actual settlers should have taken \\\i all the remaining public lanil. But the larger number among the eai-ly laud -pm-chasors were persons who came here to establish homes, and to hew out farms and fortunes from the wilderness surrounding them. It was found impossible to distinguish between the speculators and the actual settlers, and, as a history of the early land purchases, the following list of entries is appended, while, farther on, individual men tion will be made of those settlers whose names could be obtained by the writer. The list of entries is a copy of the record kept by the officials of the land office, the names of iiurchiisors being given in each section in which they entered land:

Thk Early Skttlers

Thi- lirst actual settlers within the jiresent limits of Madison were the Gillams, who took up their abode here during the year I 1829. Thomas was the tii'st of tae family wlo located here. He entered land in Section 13, in 1829, and was followed by Jonathan, David, Isaac, Robert and John M. Gillam, all locating in the same neighborhood. They began at once the labor of preparing tieir lands for cultivation, and adopted a singular method of clearing. Instead of chopping down the trees, they would climb to the top with their axes and cut away the projecting limbs, in order that the sunlight might reach the ground. Among these tntnks deprived of their limbs they sowed their crops, removing the trees in time. The Gillams were all industrious, enterprising men, and linked their names inseparably with the history of the township by the active part they took in its development and improvement. Jonathan died before ho had been many years in the township, and before h(> had succeeded in improving his farm to any great extent. Hit* bi'other* continued to reside here for come years afterward, and were always foremost in enterprises for the public good. Jonathan and Thomas, sous of Jonathan Gillam, are the only members of the original families now living in the township.