Clinton County, Indiana - Chapter 22: Madison Township, 1913

Chapter 22: Madison Township

Madison township is situated on the western boundary line of the county, and the second from the north. It contains parts of townships twenty-two and twenty-three north, range west, and is bounded on the north by Ross township on the east by Ross and Washington, on the south by Washington, and on the west by Tippecanoe county. Its greatest dimensions are six miles north and south, and five miles east and west, but is irregular in shape. It contains twenty-eight sections and about eighteen thousand acres of land. It was named after James Madison, the fourth president of the United States, and one of the fathers of the Constitution.

The township is watered by two of the most beautiful little streams in central Indiana. The south fork of Wild Cat flows through it from east to west in nearly the central portion. This stream joins the north fork of Wild Cat north of the village of Dayton, in Tippecanoe county, and empties into the Wabash river about four miles above Lafayette, Ind. The main branch of the Wild Cat is Killmore creek, which rises in the northeastern part of the county, and flows westerly through the eastern part of Madison township, and empties into the Wild Cat a few rods west of the Wild creek station on the Terre Haute and Indianapolis Traction line. These two streams are for the most part supplied by numerous springs of cool, clear water, and their beds and banks are covered with rocks and gravel, which give to them an attractive appearance. The waters of these two streams are for the greater part of the year supplied with many varieties of fish.

The first permanent settlement was made in 1829 by the following gentlemen: Win Winship, Jacob Stettler, Charles Poulston, and James Taylor. During the next three years a number of substantial men were added to the list of early settlers, among whom were Henry Miller, Duncan Ridge, a Mr. Platt, Barney McNelly, William Gray, John Dunn, a Mr. Davis, Samuel Harper, James Hamilton, Jacob Baum, John Gallinger, Major Brown, William Peters, Nicholas Buck, who settled on land now occupied by the village

Every acre of this township was originally covered with a dense forest of fine hard-wood timber, consisting principally of oak, walnut, poplar, sugar maple, beech, ash, hickory, elm, and many other varieties. On this account these old pioneers had a hard life before them, but by their perseverance, pluck and indomitable energy and industry, the mighty giants of the forest soon gave way to fields richly laden with grains, and were converted into a more substantial shelter to those who were actively engaged in carving out of the wilderness these excellent farming lands.

The first religious meetings were held in the cabins of the different families, or beneath the spreading branches of some grand old oak which afforded shade for these who were made glad by the worshiping of God in his mighty, holy temple, not made with mortal hands, but reared by him who careth for all his children. The first church was built in 1832 by the United Presbyterians, (For a history of this church see sketch later herein), and their first preacher was the Rev. J. W. Reynolds.

The first school house was built in 1834 by private individuals on the land of Jacob Baum, about two miles east of Mulberry. Another school house was built a little later on the land of Mr. Hamilton, in the southeastern part of the township. The first school was taught in the building on the Baum farm, by a Mr. Cane, in 1834.

The first postoffice in the township was at Winship's Mills, and Mr. E. Winship was the first postmaster. (For sketch of Winship's Mills, see later).

Madison township was organized in 183c), and the first election was held at Winship's Mills. The law then required two trustees, and the first elected and to serve were William Henry and John Sloan. This John Sloan was the father of the late John Sloan, who lived near the village of Hamilton, and died there on his farm about the year 1905. John Clendening was the first justice of the peace. He was the father of Arthur J. Clendening, Robert Clendening, and John Andrew Clendening, and the grandfather and greatgrandfather of all of the numerous members of the Clendening family who now live in the township.

As originally organized the township was much smaller than it is now. Formerlv the north boundary line of the township was only one mile north of Mulberry and Hamilton on the section line running east and west at that point. On June 4, 1878, on the petition of a large number of the citizens of both Madison and the adjoining township of Ross on the north, the board of county commissioners annexed to Madison township from Ross township, the whole of sections five, six, seven, eight, nine and ten, and the south halves of sections three and four, in congressional township twentytwo north, range two west, which sections together with the original territory, now comprises the township.

Win Winship came to Madison township and settled on a farm on Wild Cat about a mile and one-half southeast of Mulberry in the vear of 1830, and in 1832, he erected the first saw mill in that part of the county. A year later a corn-cracker attachment was built. These two mills were erected bv Mr. Winship in what was always known as the ''Horse-Shoe Bend" of W ild Cat creek, and were run by water power furnished by that stream, by means of a dam and mill race. The race can still be seen. They were ever afterward known as "Winship's Mills." and they received the hearty approval of the citizens of the township, as it afforded them the opportunity of having their logs sawed into lumber and their corn ground into meal almost at their doors, which was a great advantage in those days. The burrs of the corn mill were hewn out of native rocks, by hand, and are still at this date lying in the field near the site of the building. Soon after erecting the corn cracker Mr. Winship also erected the first still in the township ( about 1834). and manufactured a spirituous liquor, in a large copper still and the liquor was known in that vicinity as "bug-juice." Win Winship died soon after accomplishing the completion of the two mills, and the property was taken over by his youngest son. Edward Winship. and later he associated with him another brother known as Judge Winship. Judge Winship operated the mills till 1865 when he disposed of them and a few years later they were torn down. Judge Winship secured the first postoffice for the township, and he was the first postmaster at the mill, and it was called Winship's postoffice. Later it was transferred to Mulberry, and called Mulberry postoffice.

The first steam saw mill erected in the township, was built by Nathan Vance, father of the late Joseph Irvin Vance. It was placed on the northwest corner of the old Jacob Baum (later known at the Daniel Baum) farm, one mile west of Hamilton, and one and one-half miles east of Mulberry, on the old Davton and Hamilton gravel road. Mr. Vance operated the mill about a year and then sold it to Henry Yount, father of the late Hamilton Yount. Mr. Yount operated the mill for twelve or fifteen years and then sold it to Isaac Slipher, who run it for several years and then moved it to the northwestern part of the township, at which place in the year of 1878, the boiler exploded and wrecked the mill. This mill was always known at "The

Old Steam Saw Mill." Mr. Nathan Vance, the original proprietor was a son-in-law of Jacob Baum, who located on the Baum farm in 1829. Jacob Baum left three children, Mrs. Nathan Vance, Mrs. Margaret Slavback, and Daniel Baum. Daniel took the farm by will from his father. It is now owned (1913) by Henry Rauch.

About the year 1867 Joseph Beggs erected another steam saw mill, but smaller than the one above, one mile east of Hamilton, on the Davton and Hamilton gravel road. Mr. Beggs was a son of John Beggs who lived about one mile southeast of Mulberry. He operated this mill but a short time and then sold it to Joseph Dickover and George Dickover. Later George Dickover sold his interest to Martin Bryan. Dickover and Bryan operated the mill for a number of years, and then ^old it to Hamilton Yount, and Mr. Yount operated the mill for man)- years. It was dismantled and removed about the year of 1895. aiu^ since the ground where it stood has been farmed.

The father of the late William Bennett (commonly known as "Charlie" Bennett) who located on the Bennett farm one mile south of Hamilton, in 1834. built a gristmill on Killmore creek, probably about 1840. Mr. Bennett operated this mill until his death in 1850. and then it was run for some years bv his son "Charlie" Bennett, probably till about the years i860, or 1865, since which it had been abandoned, its timbers rotted and finally torn down about 1890. Near this old grist mill, and before it was built, there had been a saw mill erected and operated bv one Garland House. Both of these mills were run bv water power furnished bv Killmore creek.

A short distance west of the township line in Tippecanoe county, was also a well known old grist mill, known as "App's Mill." This was also run by water power from Wild Cat creek, and for many years it ground the wheat and corn of the farmers in the west part of the township.

The first church organized in the vicinity of Madison township, was named Providence church, and of the United Presbyterian denomination. Its church building and cemetery, still known as Old Providence cemetery, were located just east of the line of the township, in the edge of Washington township, and is now located on the line of the Terre Haute and Indianapolis Traction line, just east of Wild Cat Creek station. This church was organized and church building erected at the southwest corner of the cemetery, in the vear 1832. Its first pastor was the Rev. John Reynolds, who served from 1832 to 1840. Its succeeding pastors, until the removal to the Mount Pleasant church, with dates of pastorate, are as follows: Rev. R. R. Coon, 1842 to 1848; Rec. Tames P. Wright, 1850 to 1855; Rev. Samuel C. Baldridge. 1856 to 1861; Rev. Thomas Mercer, 1861 to 1870. The elders have been as fol- lows: 1832, John Sloan, Major John Brown and Joseph Steele. Later, Israel Hamilton, Judge John Brown and David Beckenridge, served as elders. Still later, Thomas McBride, Hugh R. Hamilton, William McBride, Isaac Fickle, and Hugh Baird, served as elders of this church. In the year of 1874 this church erected their present church building at the point in Madison township where the Farmer's gravel road connects with the Mulberrv and Jefferson gravel road, about two and one-half miles southeast of Mulberry, and since which time it has been known as the Mount Pleasant church. Its pastors have been as follows: Rev. J. C. White, 1875 to 1880; Rev. A. K. Strane, 1881 to 1885; Rev. J. T. Wilson, 1886 to 1890; Rev. R. H. Boyd, 1891 to 1899; Rev. Samuel W. Lorrimier, 1910 to present time. From 1899 to 1910 it had as supply pastors, Rev. J. S. Dague, Rev. E. H. Carson, Rev. H. J. Kile and Rev. John McCall. Its total contributions for the last fiscal year were $1,065.

Trinity church dates back to a congregation worshiping in a little log church building, situated at Fair Haven, on the spot where stands the tomb of the sainted Rev. Kevin Kessler. This church was erected in 1838. In the second constitution of the church we read: "Inasmuch as our church (which was erected in 1838), will soon be inaccessible,'' etc. The church was then known as the Shleifer's church, because the ground originally belonged to the Shleifer family. From the beginning until 1857 the pastors were Lutheran, but the Reformed people worshipped with the Lutherans. It was a union church in which the Reformed peoplr were cared for by a Lutheran pastor. Thus it continued until the year of (857. In that year the Reformed wing of the congregation called its own pastor, in the person of the Rev. George Weaver, (Weber). He took charge of the work in the fall of the year of 1857. We have only one surviving member of that period living. It is L. A. G. Baer, of Mulberry, Ind. hie came to Mulberry from Schnecksville, Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, in January. [857. To him we are indebted for the history of this early period. The consistorv which called the Rev. George Weaver, was composed of the following: David Lechliter, Christian Smith. Elias Miller, Jacob Rothenberger, Adam Kerb. Daniel Rothenberger, and L. A. G. Baer, all deceased but the last named. Sometime in 1858 Rev. Weaver resigned. LTp to this period we have no written record. We find no minutes of the consistory or the congregation, not even a constitution.

It was on September 25, 1859, that the organization took place of which we have the original record. The early records are all in the German language. On the above date the following members organized themselves into a congregation and adopted their first constitution, consisting of five articles: Christian Smith, Jacob Rothenberger, David Lichliter, Ephraim Rotherberger, Elias Miller, Israel Smith, Paul Smith, John Yeney, John Miller, Paul Miller, Daniel Rothenberger, Owen \Yehr, David Lechlitner, Jr.. Moses Lichliter, Aaron Lichliter, Moses Miller and Edwin Miller. Lour only of these men are yet living. Erederick W ahl was called to the pastorate early in the year of 1859. He served until the fall of 1862. On April 1, 1863, Rev. James Leibert was called, and served until November 4, 1866. It was during his pastorate that a great change took place in the Shleifer's congregation. There had been some controversy in the congregation prior to 1859. It confined itself chiefly to the Lutheran wing of the church and arose from some doctrinal differences. Then the radical Lutherans built their own church directlv across the public highway east from where the present Fair Haven church now stands. This was a plain, frame church building, and from the date of its erection, between the years of 1863 and 1866, it was used continuouslv as their house of worship, till about the year 1898, when a beautiful and substantial building of brick was erected, which is the present Fair Haven church. How or when t hi > church took its name of Fair Haven is not known, but it is probable that it has borne that name ever since the old building was erected on the east side of the public highway which connects at that point from the north.

Some of the conservatives and the Reformed worshipped in the old Shleifer's church until 1863 when they began to build their first church in Mulberrv. It stood on the site of r he present parsonage, and from now on was called "Zion's Union Church." At this period was drawn up a new constitution in the Herman language, and of which thew is a good English translation.

On May 15, 1864, the new constitution was adopted, and the new church building accepted. The officers were: Pastors, on the Reformed side, James Liebert, and of the Lutheran branch Isaac Hursh; elders, Reformed, Christian Smith, and David Lichtliter; Lutheran, John Mertz, and John Rex; deacons. Reformed, Israel Smith, Owen Wehr; Lutheran, Solomon Mertz, and Joshua Rex; trustees, Reformed, Dan Rothenberger; Lutheran, Jacob Mertz; treasurer, David Lichtlitner. The building committee was made up of Tonas Kressel, David Lichtlitner, Sr., and Daniel Rothenberger. The new church was dedicated October 24, 1864. The Reformed and Lutheran congregation continued to worship together in this building until 1895, when a separation took place. At this time the Reformed congregation retained (21) the old site, and the Lutheran congregation removed and erected their present fine and substantial church building, where it now stands immediately south of the Farmer's National Bank building, in Mulberry. The Lutheran branch of the church retained the name Zion, and are now known as the Zion Lutheran church. The Reformed church, at the suggestion of the Rev. J. M. Kesler, now deceased, named their congregation Trinity. Following is a list of the pastorates to date: Rev. George Weaver, 1857-1858; Rev. Frederick Wahl, 1859-1862; Rev. James Liebert, 1863-1866; Rev. Xevin Kesler, 1869- 1879; Rev. Madison C. Peters, 1880-1882; Rev. Win. X. Zanders, 1882-1886; Rev. J. M. Kesler, 1887-1898; Rev. Maurice Samson, 18899-1905 ; Rev. D. B. Shuey, 1905-1907; Rev. J. P. Bachman, 1908-1911. The Rev. Frank S. Fry, the present pastor, entered upon his work in the charge on September 1, 19 1 1 . Under the present administration the congregation has reached a high degree of prosperity, both in finances and membership. The present enrollment is three hundred and twenty-eight members in full standing. The total expenditures for the last fiscal year amounted to $1,277.38.

Trinity church is one of four congregations comprising the Mulberry charge, and of which the other three are St. Luke, northwest of Frankfort; St. John, near Owasco, Carroll county, and Oxford, northwest of Mulberry, in Tippecanoe county. When the two churches in Mulberry separated, in 1895, the Reformed church tore down and removed the old frame church building, and where the old building stood they erected a parsonage, and immediately north they built a splendid and substantial brick house of worship, which they have since and still continue to occupy.

These two church buildings in Mulberry, and the one at Fair Haven, are prominent landmarks in the history and building of Mulberry and Madison township. The strong and durable appearance of these buildings testify to the sturdy and thrifty character of the citizens who compose the membership of the congregation. The Rev. S. J. Seiberling is in charge of the Lutheran church in Mulberry. He has conducted a long and successful pastorate for the last twelve or fifteen years.

The Weidxer Institute

About the years of 1903, the Lutheran and Reformed churches of Mulberry, with the additional assistance of what outside help could be secured, established an educational institution for their denominations, and for which they secured a large tract of land lying northwest of the town, and erected a fine, large three-story brick college building. The institution was first named The Mulberry Academy of the Reformed and Lutheran Churches, but later the name was changed to "The Weidner Institute.'' The town of Mulberry and township of Madison are deservedly proud of this institution, as it affords to the boys and girls of the vicinity, regardless of their church affiliations, an opportunity for a college education at home. The courses of study maintained include work in the grades, as well as the regular high school and college courses.

Prior to the organization of the Methodist church in Mulberry, the nearest Methodist congregations were at Dayton and Stafford's (or "Band Box") school house, which was about four miles southeast of Mulberry, or two miles southeast of Mt. Pleasant United Presbyterian church. At Hamilton, two and one-half miles east of Mulberry, there was a United Brethren congregation occupying a union building, where all denominations, including the Universalists held services occasionally. Hamilton and Jefferson were older villages and had much larger populations. Mulberry then only had about three hundred inhabitants, and was without a railroad, the L. E. & W. not being built till in 1876.

Then James R. Elliott and wife, near Hamilton, and Joseph Kauffman and wife, in Hamilton, were the only Methodists in the community. In August. 1873. Mr. Elliott attended a quarterly conference at Dayton, where PI. A. Chamberlain was then pastor, and asked for a Methodist preacher to be sent to Hamilton. Rev. Chamberlain was sent and preached there several times, but was removed by the conference in September. Jesse Hill was appointed to the Dayton charge by the Northwest Indiana Conference, which convened in South Rend, September 10-15, T^73-

During the winter of 1873-74. Rev. Jesse Hill, one of the powerful preachers of the Methodist church, held revival meetings at Hamilton, and as a result of which twenty-one members were gathered, and Mr. Stephen S. Earhart was appointed class leader. In the spring of 1874 the Methodists at Tefferson and Stafford's school house called a meeting at Kvger school house, and invited the Methodists at Hamilton and Mulberry to attend, with a view of erecting a church at that place, but this meeting adjourned without accomplishing anything. Immediately after this a meeting was held at the home of Dr. I. S. Earhart in Mulberry, which was attended by David Combs, Moses R. Allen, J. Chris Snyder, S. M. Bailer. Mrs. Page. CTeorge Earhart, Sr., S. S. Earhart. James R. Elliott and others, and it was decided to build a Methodist church in Mulberry. Dr. Earhart and J. C. Snyder were appointed a building committee, and Dr. Earhart drew the plans for the new church, which was begun in June, 1874. In September of that year the building was completed, at a total cost of $2, boo, and was dedicated on the 26th day ot that month by the Rev. 1. \\ . Joice. The congregation was small, but its membership was among the most noble and sturdy type of citizens of the community. In a few years this church became the attractive center of all Methodists in or near Madison township.

The first notable increase in the membership of this church was during the pastorate of Rev. Town in 1876 and 1877, at which time many prominent families were added to the church. The second great revival and increase in membership was in the spring of 1885. when Rev. Tindall was in charge. Two hundred and sixteen members were added at this time.

Prior to 1801 the church was attached either to the Rossville or the Dayton churches, as a charge, but in this year, under Rev. Martin, the church first became a charge as a station, and a parsonage was that year erected at a cost of $1,300. Under Rev. Maxwell's pastorate. 1900-03. a splendid new brick church was built, which is still in use, at a cost of $11,000. It has an auditorium, Sunday school room, four class rooms, parlor and basement.

This church is now and has been for years past the recognized center for all Methodists in and around Mulberry and Madison township, as well as the adjoining territory. The high class of citizenship to which its members belong are such as has made the followers of John Wesley distinguished.

Madison township possesses a fine quality of land, and its farms are well improved and up-to-date. A large per cent, of its people are of German descent, and are known for their thrifty and reliable character. In point of material weath and prosperity, Madison stands well to the front with the other townships of the county. In the amount of money on hands and loaned out it is surpassed by but one other township outside of the city of Frankfort. that of Ross. The last assessor's report showed nearly $200,000. money and notes. Its two local hanks show a total of hank deposits of approximately $500,000.

The noble, sturdy and self-reliant old pioneers who settled here when the entire township was one vast and unbroken wilderness of trees and underbrush, had faith to believe that what then looked so unpromising, could be made into comfortable homes where their children and their descendants could live and enjoy the fruits of their labors. The results have more than justified their expectations. The faith that inspired them to such noble deeds of heroism and self sacrifice, has become a lasting blessing to their posterity.

In 1912 Madison township reported 16.032 acres in farms, of which 231 were waste land, 1,670 pasture. 1.899 timber, and 483 orchard. Of wheat there were 2.717 acres, with a product of 36.010 bushels. Of corn 4.768 acres, with a product of 186.1 19 bushels. Of oats. 2.336 acres, with a product of r 26,6 1 5 bushels. Of timothy 590 acres, with a product of 613 tons. Of clover 1.064 acres, with a product of 89c) tons of hay and 495 bushels of seed. There were 10 1 horses sold, leaving on hand 563. valued at $67,225. There were 1.338 cattle sold, leaving on hand 1.634. valued at $58,147. There were 3.528 hogs sold, leaving on hand 2.589. valued at $29,618. Of poult rv 480 dozens were sold. There were 551 dozens of laving hens, with a product of 31.680 dozens of eggs. There were 468 cows milked, with a product of 216.000 gallons of milk, and 14.531 pounds of butter.

Mulberry

The fir^t settlement was made on the ground now occupied by the town of Mulberrv. by Nicholas Buck, who located there in 1832. The original plat of the town was laid out and dedicated by \\ . S. Perrin, October 1, 1858, and the plat placed on record December 16, 1858. In the dedication of the plat the town is named Glicksburg, but Mr. Perrin makes the statement below that this was done by the surveyor who prepared the plat for dedication.

The first house in the town was erected by Thomas Waldron, who also constructed the first store room and opened the first store, which he continued to occupy tor many years thereafter. Later Mr. Waldron lived on a farm, and also for a number of years in Frankfort, and then removed to Mulberry, where he spent the remainder of his days, and where he died in March, 1913, at the advanced age of over eighty years. When the postoffice was removed from \\ inship's Mills to Mulberry, as herein noted. Mr. Waldron became the first postmaster of the town. Simon S. Ohl was postmaster for some years at a later date, and John E. Combs, held that position during the Cleveland administration. Then came Robert W. Peters, and for the past four years Percy V. Ruch has handled Uncle Sam's mail matter, but latelv resigned his position, and at this date (November. 1913) his successor has not been appointed.

Mulberry has three splendid churches, Zion's Lutheran, Trinity Reformed, and the Methodist, a history of each of which has been given. It is on the line of the Lake Erie and Western railroad, which was constructed about the year of 1873, and then known as the Lafayette. Muncie and Bloomington (L., M. & P>. ), and so has direct communication with Lafavette and other western points, and with Frankfort, Tipton. Muncie and other eastern points, by one of the best steam railroads in the state, and now a part of the New York Central system. The town is also on the Terre Haute, Indianapolis and Eastern Traction line, and so has direct connection with Lafavette, Frankfort, Lebanon and Indianapolis, by one of the best interurban lines in the state, and hourly cars for both freight and passengers arrive and depart. from six o'clock a. m. till midnight of every day. These rail and interurban facilities for the town have been a great advantage and have caused the town to increase rapidly in wealth and population in the last few vears. It now has a population of more than one thousand, is a good business center, and has two strong and sound local banks, the Citizen's National, and the Mulberry State Bank, with a total bank deposits of more than half a million dollars. The Citizen's National was organized about fifteen years ago, as the Farmer's National, with Henry C. Harris as the president, and he held that position until the expiration of the charter, a Year or two ago, and of which James M. Sims was cashier. The bank was then reorganized as the Citizen's National, with a capital stock of 850,000.00. and John E. Combs was elected president, which position he Mil holds. The Mulberry

State Bank is also an equally sound and reliable institution, of which David H. Yundt is the president. It was organized about 1905, and the National about 1895.

The other business institutions of the town at this time (1913) are as follows: Al. Weaver, general store, formerly Sims & Old ; Samuel B. Smith, restaurant and hotel; Henry Cook, druggist; John Doty, hardware, harness, buggies, vehicles and farm implements; John Reed, butcher and grocery; Albert and Oscar Weidner (Weidner Bros.) general store (formerly Yundt's store) : Yundt & Davis, implements: Jacob Cook, blacksmith shop; Farmer's Mutual Insurance Company; John Cook, blacksmith shop; Benjamin Cripe, jeweler; John Smith, shoe store and repair ship; Kent Brothers, hardware store (formerly Stanley Miller) ; Yes. Buck, barber shop; Pearl Gavlor, restaurant; John M. Seifert, jewelry store; Al. Thomas, grocery; Samuel Lewis, restaurant: Keister, butcher shop and grocery; Yorhees Bryan, bakery, restaurant and groceries; Mrs. Lena Park, millinery; Conrad Brinkoff, furniture and undertaking; Danna Hoch, coal; Jay Grain Co., flouring mill and elevator, Stanley Miller, secretary and manager; William E. Foster, cider mill and cane molasses factory; Clinton Lumber Co.. J. Frank Smith, secretary and manager: Charles Ziegler, saw mill: William Balser. grocery; James Armentrout. livery and feed stable: Lee Hederick. garage: Mulberry Creamery. owned by Ballard Y Co.. Indianapolis; L. W. Combs, auctioneer; Norman Sims, tinner and plumber; Perner. interurban agent and auctioneer.

The professional men of the town are: Doctors. M. T. Koontz and A. M. Yundt (Koontz Y Yundt): Dr. Killion. dentist: Henrv W. Osterdav, and Percy V. Ruch. real estate, loans and insurance. Mr. Ruch L also an attorney at law and a member of the Clinton County Bar: A. J. Bavne. also is an attorney at a law and member of the Clinton Countv Bar, and has an office in Mulberry, and also does a real estate, loan and insurance business; also there are Doctors John A. Kent, 1. S. Earhart and Bonham: veterinary doctors and surgeons. H. B. Combs. Owen McDole, and Flora;

Rev. F. Grant Howard, pastor M. E. church; Rev. Frank S. Frv and Rev. S. J. Seiberling, pastors of Trinity Reformer church and of Zion's Lutheran churches; township trustee. W ayne Peter: justice of the peace. Ellis Thomas; David Jordan, drayman.

Mulberry has four strong secret orders. The oldest and first organized was Mulberry Lodge No. 359, I. O. O. F. Thi> lodge was instituted on December 27, 1870, with the following as the charter members: Henrv

Imperial Lodge No. 240, K. of P.. was instituted February 1, 1890. It now has one hundred and thirtv-two members. Geo. Martz is chancellor commander, and Geo. I). Seager, keeper of record- and seal-. Mulberry Lodge, No. 618, A. E. & A. M. was chartered Mae 24, 1808. It has sixtvsix members. Ed. C. Alien is worshipful master, and Frank J. Smith, secretary. Maqua Tribe No. 285, Improved Order of Red Men. was organized April 6, 1900. It has one hundred and three members, and W'm. A. Smith is C. of R.

Mulberry is noted for the large number of good, substantial, well built and well kept residences it contains; for its clean streets; good cement sidewalks, and nicely mowed yards and lawns; for the substantial, law-abiding, and conservative character of its citizens.

Mulberry has good public schools, where all of the school children of the town and the township attend, with a large brick building containing seven or eight school rooms, in which all of the grades are taught, and also a high school is maintained. Prof. S. C. Merrill, is the superintendent in charge and is a thoroughly capable teacher and hard worker. Under him is a corps of teachers all working in harmonv for the education of the bovs and girls of the town and township.

Hamilton

Jacob Stetler, one of the original founders of the town of Hamilton, located on what was formerly known as the Elliott farm (now owned by Samuel \Y. Burk, of Frankfort), late in the year of 1829, or early in 1830. He became the proprietor of the land now occupied by that part of the towrn which lies on the west side of the public highway running north and south through the town. The next year, 1831, John Gallinger located on and became the proprietor of the land on the east side of that highway, then all a part of the McDavis farm. Tradition has it that these two men met under the shade of a tree, near where the two highways cross, on a Sunday and agreed to join in laying out the town plat, which agreement was thereafter carried into execution, by each adjoining proprietor uniting in a plat, which included thirty-six lots on each the east and west sides of the highwav, and adjoining the highway running east and west. The survey was made March 21. 1830. and the plat acknowledged and recorded April 19, 1839. signed by Jacob Stetler and John "Gollaher." "his mark." The signature of was evidentlv a mistake in the person who wrote the name, as his correct name wa- John Gallinger, as shown bv a later addition made to the south of the original plat, bv the same person, on June 30, 1842. where the correct name John (iallinger appears to the addition as platted and recorded.

The first house was built in the town bv (ohn Jamison, who was a sadler by trade. He opened a little shop and carried a small stock of goods, and therefore was the first merchant. He was succeeded by Waldron Drew in the store business. Another of the earlv merchants was a Mr. Frankenfield, who opened a store on the ground immediately south of where the United Brethren church was afterward built. He was the proprietor of the store for manv years. A few of the persons who afterwards succeeded Mr. Frankenfield in this <tore were T. H. Wade. William Young. William I. Slipher. Aramplv Flliott. Mr. Sullivan. Moses Mart/, and others.

The fir-t blacksmith to open a shop was Harvey Blacklidge. Later he was succeeded bv Samuel Hammel. who occupied the position of "village blacksmith'' for manv years, and was one of the prominent residents of the town for twenty years or more. Later he removed with hi' familv to Illinois, where he since died. His successor in the shop was Woodruff Blacklidge, now a resident of Frankfort. After a number of vear> Blacklidge sold out to A. Bitncr. The present smith is George Swihart.

One of the prominent personages of the town in the early davs of its history was Dr. John Connor, the village physician. He was a very large, fleshv man. weighing perhaps three hundred pounds, though not tall. Seated on his two-wheeled cart and drawn by a fine sorrel horse, he was a familiar figure to all of the people living within several miles of the village. He practiced his profession in the town and neighborhood for manv vears, later becoming demented and died about the year of 1873. Dr. William P. Youkev, who died a few years ago in Lafayette. Ind., succeeded Dr. Connor as village doctor, and practiced there ten or twelve years. Of late years there has been no resident physician in the town.

Other prominent citizens of the town were James McDavis, Joseph Miller, father of John D. Miller, present sheriff of the county, Hamilton Yundt, Alfred Cornelison, who kept a shoe shop and drove his dog team (he was a cripple and could not walk), Joseph Rex, also proprietor of a shoe shop prior to Cornelison, Jonas Hammel, Jesse Sweet, Joseph Kauffman, William Sense.

A United Brethren church was organized here by Rev. David Patten about the year of 1871 or 1872, and a good substantial union church building erected, which was dedicated by the United Brethren in August, 1872. Rev. A. M. Cummins was pastor of the church for a number of years, and at two or three different times it always being on the Jefferson circuit. Some years ago the church organization was discontinued for lack of support, and finally the church building was bandoned and torn down and removed.

For many years after Hamilton was founded it was the central point and business center for the township, contained more than a hundred population, had two good, prosperous stores, and much business was transacted there. But since Mulberry became the only railroad station in the township, Hamilton has been gradually loosing in population and in business.

The first school house in the town was built about 1840. or near that time. This was a log building. Later this was supplanted by a frame building just east of the present brick building. In this frame school house many interesting and important events took place. The school house in the early davs was used for meetings of all kinds. In this building Rev. Patten held his big revival meetings, which resulted in the organization of the LYited Brethren church. Debates, literary societies, anil singing schools also met here, and made the old walls ring with oratory and music. About 1871 the old frame building was replaced by a two-story brick school house, and the school divided into two rooms. Many teachers who have become well known in this and surrounding counties, taught in these school houses. In the earlv days the enrollment of pupils was very large, many young men and women attending; and on some occasions existing conflicts were had between the teacher and some of the elder boys, which equaled scenes in "The Hoosier School Master."

Some of the teachers who taught school here were Martha Crouse, Mary Brown (Aunt Polly), Henry Oiler, Perry Learning, George Learning, A. G. Rothermel, \Y. R. Hines, Carrie McOuern (now Mrs. Samuel Gunkle), John L. Black.

About ten vears ago the first story of the school house was removed, and the building made a one room house, on account of the decrease in the number of school children in the vicinity. This year, however (1913), the school has been entirely abandoned, and all of the school children are hauled by wagon to the Mulberry schools. This is also true for the entire township - every district school in the township has been discontinued and all of the children are taken to Mulberry.

For three quarters of a century Madison township supported a number of country schools. These sprang up slowly at first for there were few families in the township. Then came a time when they increased more rapidly. The most flourishing years for them were the forty years immediately following the Civil war. In their day they were among the best. Many e.Ncellent citizens received their common school education in them. About the beginning of the twentieth century a drift toward centralization set in. One country school after another was abandoned. In September, 1911. the only school opened was at Mulberry, and this has ever since been the cnlv public school in the township. The day of country schools was gone. In place of them stood the centralized township school to which the children were transported by township wagons.

As public education has entered a new era, it is easier to understand the one that has gassed. The events of that time now have a perspective. Their meeting is clearer.

From the first, the settlers of this part of Indiana were interested in education. Thev sent their children to "subscription schools," and donated money and labor to build school houses. I he oldest school in what is now Madison township was known as the Slipher school. The building was of unhewn logs and stood on the nortlt side of the road a quarter of a mile east of what is now the site of the Fair Haven church. It was built about 1830. Manv of Mulberry's oldest people attended school there. One of the earlv teachers was Martha Crouse. Dr. I. S. Earhart taught there when he was a young man. He introduced the use of a blackboard. In those days there was often opposition to new things in school. This blackboard was at first the subject ot ridicule. All trace of the Slipher building has long since disappeared.

A contemporary of the Slipher school was the Old school, at first called the Hamilton school. Like the first, the building was of round logs. It stood three-([uarters of a mile southeast of the central part of Mulberrv on t lie west bank of a small stream and a few yards north of the present line of the Lake Lrie railroad. Some large stones and a square place among the bushes and tree-- ^t ill mark the spot where thi> building stood. Another school of those days was the Clendenning. The first Clendenning school building was located two miles due south of .Mulberrv on the east side of the road just where it joins the east-and-west road. A few years later the school was located on the west side of the road, and 'till later a half mile farther west. On this last >ite have stood two buildings, a frame and a brick, the latter erected fitter the war.

These three schools, the Slipher. the Ohl and the Clendenning. were for many years the educational centers of the surrounding country. Here every winter for a few weeks or months the Hoosier schoolmaster would hear the children recite. Sometimes the older bovs would make it so unpleasant for the master that the school would come to a sudden end. Singing schools and spelling matches were held in the schoolhouses. These were very popular, and people came from miles around to attend them.

Some time in the fifties a hewn-log school building was erected one mile east of Mulberrv. This was called the Bramble school. Xot long afterwards three frame school buildings were erected, all in the same year - one at Hamilton, two and a half miles east of Mulberrv; one at John Lewis's on the Dayton road, three-fourths of a mile west of Mulberry, and the third at Mount Pleasant, alxmt two and a half miles southeast of the town. George Earhart, trustee from 1853 to 1874. witnessed a steady growth of the schools. He erected the three buildings just mentioned. Later he built a two-story brick schoolhouse at Hamilton. The upper story was afterwards removed, but the lower room continued to be used for many years. The next trustee, A. D. Elliot, built a brick schoolhouse a short distance due west of Mulberry. His successor, Joseph Weidner, erected the first school building in Mulberry in 1878. It stood where the present school stands, and was of brick, forty feet bv forty feet, with two rooms below and one above, which was soon made into two. The first teachers were John Wolfington and Jennie Kvger. Charles and Oswell Weidner and Charles Pothenberger were among the first pupils.

Other country schoolhouses were built later by Trustee Dr. T. S. Motter. He erected the brick building called the Bryan school house located west of Fair Haven, and tile brick building at Clendenning already mentioned. Another school was located in the northeastern part of the township; it was called Xo. i. Jonas Kressel. trustee from 1888 to 1894, built an addition to the school house at Mulberrv. This school had grown rapidly during the ten years that had passed. John Cook, who was the trustee from 1894 to 1900, started high school work at Mulberry in 1896. J. B. Mortsolf taught the high school subjects. The first class was graduated in 1900. It consisted of two members, Ray Pyke and Nellie Bolyard. E. E. Rice soon became the superintendent of the school and held the position for five years. He obtained the fir^t commission for the school. The school continued to grow, and it soon became necessary to build again. \V. E. Lownian, the next trustee, removed the old building in 1904 and erected the present one. It is a two-story brick building, and is heated by steam.

A decline in the country schools was now distinctly noticeable. This decline continued throughout the term of trustee Charles Fretz. In 1909 Wayne C. Peter became trustee, and he is holding that office at this writing. The tendency toward centralization which had been growing for some time now resulted in the abandonment of the last of the country schools. Hamilton and Clendenning were the last two to go. In 19 10- 19 1 1 Richard Mohr taught the last term at Hamilton and Charles L. Hawkins at Clennenning. It was in Peter's term also that ''vocational education" was begun. Additional teachers were employed for the high school, and courses in cooking, sewing and agriculture were provided. At present there are seventy-three pupils in the high school and one hundred and ninety-seven in the grades. In all there are ten teachers - five for the grades and five for the high school. S. C. Morrill has been the superintendent for four years, and A. L. Bucks, the principal since 1912.

In the evolution of the schools it is interesting to note the stages through which the buildings have passed, for they mark the degree of the advancement of civilization. The first buildings were of round logs, the next of hewn logs. Then followed the frame buildings, and finally those of brick. The country schools served their generations well, but modern conditions demanded better buildings, better equipment, better teachers, and better organization. A new kind of school, therefore, took the place of the old. The movement can not stop. Still other kinds of schools will follow.

The writer predicts that the next stage will be one in which the schools will be still further centralized. Great county schools will take the place of those in the townships. Children will be taken fifteen or twenty miles to comfortable, swift-running automobiles in less time than is now required to haul them in the slow, township wagons. The courses of study will be as varied as the activities of the people.