Franklin County, Indiana - Chapter 5: Organization and Noundarv Cflanges of Townships, 1915 (part 2 of 2)

Before 1830, the great mass of new-comers to the western lands were beyond Franklin county, where a rich soil could be had to build homes for themselves. .About 1831, the unoccujiied area of the southern and western part of the county began to attract the atteiuion of certain German emigrants, who had assembled at Cincinnati as a center from which to diverge for final settlement. Many of the good people came in parties of two <jr more families, and had lived in the same neighborhood in the Fatherland.

There were a few farms settled and improvements begun between i?J(J and 1830, mainly by the following persons: John Lefforge. 1829; Joseph S. Whitney, 182 1 : John Bradburn. 1828, he was the pioneer doctor of the township; Samuel Ward, 1826; John Hardin, 1826; Colvin Owen, 1826; Henry Speckman, 1826; Valentine Dill, 1826; William Spradling. 1827; John Spradling, 1833: James McCleary, 1830, the last named settling in what was long known as "Burnt Woods."

In 1832-33 the German people began to settle this part of the county. The immigration came from Cincinnati, by way of Harrison and Dearborn counties, and was entirely independent of the Brookville settlement, except for legal and civil purposes. Among the earliest Germans were Michael and Ignatz Ripperger. who entered lands in section 31, in September, 1833. adjoining the town of St. Peters.

Later settlers were : Louis Shockley, William Sturwold, Conrad Schomler (who was killed by a falling tree), Christian Floor, John Stockinger (who was bitten by a rattlesnake in the harvest field, and from it lost his life), Catherine Ripp, John R. Dirkhuesing, Henrj- Holbert, Joshua Bacher. Philip Waldorf, John H. EUerman, Henry Beckman. Henry Mires.

Henry Poppe, Valentine Dill, Valentine Fuller, Sarah Keeler, all of whom settled here previous tu 1837. John Bath settled in section ^^ in 1837.

In 1838 Godfrey Seibel built a brewery on the branch of Blue creek. This was the tirst brewery in all this section of the country, save one in Springfield township.

Among the English-speaking settlers may be named Jaincs Robf-sun, of Keinucky, who came in i(Soy to Brookville toun.slii[) and to Highland in 1816. William Robe.son. uhr; settled in iX^i, was justice of the peace and county treasurer two terms, as well as county conmiissioner.

The first school house in the township was on Joshua Baker's land, built of buckeye logs, which persisted in sprouting for a long time after the logs had been laid up. George W. Matthews was one of the t"irst teachers.

The first meeting house in this township was built of logs. .->ituated west of present South Gate village. . It was first used by the Meth(xli.-,t denomination.

The towns and postoffices of this township are, Cedar Grove, with a population of 185; St. Peters, with 150; Blue Creek, with j^; S<nith Gate, with 100, and Highland Center, a mere hamlet.

Cedar Grove is situated on the White Water river, on the railroad and the old \'alley pike. It was platted and christened "'Rochester." by John Ward, in September, 1837. Iii i^44 D. F. Cooley made an addition to the town. This place sprung into existence on account of the construction of the old canal, and was fori'^^rly a very important point along tliat waterway. The Wards erected a large flouring mill on the opposite side of the river and were important factors in building up what was at one time a busy commercial center.

The great flood of 1847 destroyed the Ward mills, and parts of the saved machinery were taken to the Cedar Grove side of the river and placed in operation as a mill by Withers & Knote. The present mills, built about twenty years ago, are operated by Casper Fohl.

The first church of the town was a union building erected in 1850, and built by subscription, and it is still used by any Protestant denomination who chooses to use it. The churches of today are the Catholic and Methodist Episcopal (see Church chapter).

Canal boat building was at one time quite a proiitable industry in tiiis town. A lar,L;e number of the boats used on the White Water canal were built there. The following from a newspaper published in October, i>i42, is self-explanatory:

"Canal Boats. - The subscribers have cstabli.Nlied a f'.'jat Yard, for building Canal Uoats at Rochester, on the White Water Canal. Tuo of the Company are regular ship-builders of long experience, and will be engaged in the construction of boats in a few weeks. They solicit the patronage of the public. They have good lumber ready, and boats will be built on reasonable notice. The business will be transacted under the style of T. Morse & Co.'

Cedar Grove was incorporated in 1907 and its fu'st (jfficers were: John Fohl. president; Charles Jonas. Charles Wiwi. Its officers in 191; are: Thomas ]\Ioore, president; John II. Schuck, Charles G. Jonas; clerk and treasurer, Alfred Moore; marshal, E. Merkel. The council meets at the townhall.

Lumber and Wood Work - Louis J. Brow^n, who for years operated at New Trenton, but the flt^od of 1013 swept all he had away, including the land on which his plant stood, causing a total loss to him of all that he had accumulated by years of toil. He is an ex-county commissioner of Franklin county. He is now installing modern wood-working machinery and has a fine lumber business.

Another village is South Gate, situated in the southeast portion of Highland township. This was platted in September. 1850. by Richard Wood. The postoffice goes by the same name. The population of the village is about one hundred. The usual amount of stores and shops of a hamlet of its size are found there. In February. 191 5. the list of business places were: General dealer, Jacob Shuck: blacksmith, Peter Emerein: the postoffice is a star-route office, and its postmaster is Adam Stinger. The place has a brick school house. The following have been postmasters at South Gate since June, 1843, flate of the establishment of the office: Tames Tread. June 7, 1843: John E. Shilling, September 29, 1852: Joseph Saner. March 23. 1855: J. J. Ripperger, October 31. 1856; Albert Knabe. April 29, 1858; Jacob Schuck. December 5, 1859; Philip Eschemback, February 19. 1862; Jacob Schuck, April 9, 1862; Adam Stenger, November 8, 1878'.

St. Peters is another little village of this township: it is the seat of a large Catholic church and a German settlement established in 1853 and added to later by that nationality. The moving spirit in establishing this colony was Rev. Maurice de Palais. It is located at the corners of sections

-25. 30, 31 and 36 in to\vnslii]i S'. ranges 13 and 14. Its present population is about one hundred and fifty. It receives mail over the rural free delivery route from Brookville. Its present dealers are: General stores, Anthony Gillnian and Zeif^Ier Brothers. Zeigler Brothers also conrluct a hotel, or at least accommodate travelers passint^ to and from the villaj^e.

Highland Center is situated between South Gate and St. Peters, in this township. It is on the rural free delivery route from St. Peters and "has but few residents. Its business interests consist of a f^eneral store, conducted by Joseph Schuck, who also runs a small saloon. Mr. Strothnian is the village blacksmith.

Klemme's Corner (old Blue Creek) is on section 17, township 8, range 14, and receives its mail from Brookville over the rural free delivery system. There are two Lutheran churches there, an account of which will "be seen in the chapter on churches. There is one general store oj)erated by Albert Klemme. The village has a population of about seventy-five persons.

The St. Peter's Mutual Fire Associatic/U was organized in 1869 by a of ])roniinent citizens in the vicinity of St. Peters. The first officers were as follow: Godfried Huber, president; Mathew Fussner. treasurer; Joseph Boehmer. secretary: Conrad Weiler and George Zimmer. appraisers. According to the incorpc^ration articles, tiie membership was restricted to those living within a radius of eight miles from St. Peters. This means that the company does business in Ripley and Dearborn as well as in Franklin county. The companv insures both personal and real property against fire, whether caused by incendiaries, spontaneous combustion or lightning.

This company has done a safe and conservative business for more than forty-five years and now has a membership of more than four hundred. The present officers are as follows: John Hornberger (Dearborn), president; Henry Ranch (Franklin), secretary; George A. Ripperger (Franklin), treasurer; Frank Rosefeld (Franklin) and John Huber (Dearborn), appraisers.

Fairfield is on the north line of the county, the second civil township from the eastern boundary. It is situated west of Bath, with Brookville on the south and Bloomini,' Grove on the west. The western line of Fairfield township is the old Indian houndary hne. On l'"ebruary 12, 182 1 (the commissioners' record l'\ page 75), "ordered that the tenth conj;jres.sionaI tmvnship in range 2, compose and constitute an election town in said county of Franklin and be called Fairfield township, and that all elections for township purposes shall be held in the town of P'airfield, it bein;^ taken oil of Bath township, said county." This made the township three miles wider than at present and it so remained until Union county was organized. On May 6, 1S2S, the commissioners defined the limits of Fairfield as follows :

"Beginning at the scjutheast corner of town.ship 10. in range 2 west; thence north on the township line to the line of Union county : thence west on said line to the (jld boundary line ; thence southwardly on said boundary line to the corner of Brookville township; thence east to the place of beginning to be called Fairfield township." This gives the township its present limits.

The township as now constituted comprises fifteen entire and three fractional sections of township 10 north, range 2 west, of the original \\'a\ne Purchase of 1795. The sections are numbered from 20 to 36 inclusive, while the fractional sections are 19, 30 and 31, and are made so by the bounci:iry line.

This township is broken, with here and there a level tract of upland. Along the water courses there are strips of fertile bottom lands. This township was originally well timbered, some of which remains today. Ir.it the the greater part has been cut into lumber, split into rails and posts or burned for fire wood. The East fork of White Water river flows across the township, a little to the west of the center. Templeton's creek, a branch of East fork, rises in I'nion county near the northeastern part of the township and flows southwesterly to its union with the main stream. Another branch of Templeton's creek rises in Bath township, running through the southeast corner of Fairfield. Bath creek empties into East fork a short distance south of the village of Fairfield. Blue Lick is a branch of Bath creek. Salt Well creek is another stream which unites with East fork from the west about the center of the township. Wolf creek also comes in from tlie west, after crossing the southwest corner of the township.

It was in what is now Fairfield township that occurred the first acttial settlement of Franklin county. The first land was entered here bv Robert

Green. January 15, 1804, the same being the second entry in the county. This land was the southeast quarter of section 23. The tradition that men came in for settlement in i(So3 is jjrobably without any foundation. The "Carolina Settlement" was no doubt the lirst. Before giving the circumstances conncrted with tliis colony from Carolina, it is well to note the principal land entries from i<So4 to 181.S. which were made in alx)ut the following- order :

1804 - Robert Hanna, southeast quarter of section 28 and the northeast quarter of section 33; Rolx-rt Templeton, the northwest quarter of section 28; William Logan, tlie northeast quarter of section 28. 1806 - Obadiah I"".stes, the southeast (|uarter of section 33; Robert (ilidewell, the southwest ([uarter of section 34. 1808 - Thomas Osborn, then followed Benjamin Wilson, 1809; Thomas W'orman, 1810; John Mint, 181 1; Rijbert White, 1811 ; Archibald ]Morrow. i8ti; Benjamin Nugent, 181 1; Ralph Williams, 1811 ; John Hornaday. 181 1 ; John Smith, George Johnson. James and Joseph Stephens, William H. Charlott and John Gills, in 181 2.

Following these came in the remaincler who settled prior to 18 18: James Watters. James Johnston, Hugh Abernathy, Richard Freeman, Daniel Osborne. Joshua Butler. Abraham Rose, Daniel Powers, Jonathan )5a>- sett, Thomas Har\ev, Thomas Powers. F-'niory Hobbs. Obadiah F^tes. John Dickerson, John Watt'^, Aaron Frakes. William Sims, all who came in long before 1816 and 1818.

The reader's attention is called to the complete list of original land entries for the congressional township of which Fairfield is a part. The list appears elsewhere in this \olume, and gives the complete record from the land office books,

The Carolina Settlement

The facts regarding the ad\ent and settlements marie by the abovenamed pioneers, under the one common name of Carolina Settlement, has been handed down by survivors and descendants of the pioneer band who braved the dangers and made the sacrifices coincident with opening up this township more than a century ago, and to such notes the author is indebted for the following account :

In 1801 a colony from Laurens district, South Carolina, emigrated, with their families, to the Dry fork of White Water, and made a short halt. This was made near the present site- of Harrison, Ohio. They remained there while the lands were being surv^eyed in the Wayne Purchase, ready to be thrown on the market. This was not accomplished until al>out 1803. At first not less than a whole section of land could be entered by a purchaser, but early in 1S04 the rule was established whereby an eit^hth of a section, or eighty acres, might be entered, and the price was reduced as well as provisions made for partial payments to the government.

It was while waiting near Harrison, Ohio, that the would-be land seekers had ample time to explore much of the surrounding country. In their wanderings they had discovered the charming valley of the East fork, with its fine soil, timber, water and general attractive features. So, in the early summer of 1804, the vanguard of the colony started for the land of promise. They blazed their way through the dense forests by chipping the bark from trees here and there. This trace was seen fr)r long years afterward and was known as the "Carolina Trace."

This trace commenced on Lee's creek, then crossed the country to a point west of the present village of Mt. Carmel. from which point they went to where later stood the Big Cedar Baptist church. There the trace crossed the creek and took a northwesterly course over the upland until it reached the valley of the Soutli branch of Templeton's creek; thence down the creek valley to its junction with the main stream, near where later the old brick school house was situated, from which point it crossed south to the East fork, near the bridge on Brookville and Fairfield turnpike.

This trace ran along the old Indian trail which crossed from the Great !^Iiami to the White Water country, at least as far as it was possible to do so.

Upon their arrival, all hands were busy at selecting good buiMing sites and in cutting down the trees from which to erect their humble cabins. The first of such cabins was erected in 1804 in the valley of East fork. It was described in 1880 as being "about one hundrerl vards north of the present residence of Mrs. Keturah Templeton." It was the home of Robert Templeton and family. Some of the blue ash logs from which it was built were still in a good state of preser\'ation thirty years ago.

Work went forward until nine cabins had been completed, sufficientlv homelike to allow the families to enter for winter quarters. These cabins were scattered all the way from the first one named up into Union countv. as now known, near Brownsville. This settlement was under the direct leadership of Robert Hanna and Robert Templeton. The heads of families represented in the colony from Carolina were as follow: Robert Hanna. Sr., John Templeton. William Logan, George Leviston, John Hanna,

Franklin Col'Nty, Indiana

Others who came in later from the South CaroHna exodus from 1806 to 1809 were: James Nich.jls. Rr.bert GHdewell, Thomas Glenn, James Stephens, Hugh Abernathy and the .\dair family.

Character Of The Pioneers

John Logan was a native of Ireland, born in 1758, and settled on the west side of East fork, south of the Templeton bridge. He died in October, ' 1833, and is buried on his old farm.

William Logan was a native of Ireland, born in 1762. He came to America with his father, who settled in South Carolina, coming here with the colony now under discussion. He was a soldier of the Light Hor.se Brigade during the Revolutionary struggle. His son, Thomas Logan, is said to ha\e been the first white child boraJn \Vhim^.atcr_j-alley aix)ve the "Narrows." His cabin stood a half mile south of Fairfield village. He died September 11, 1S38, and rests today in Sims cemetery. Robert Hanna was born in Delaware in December, 1744. His cabin was a favorite camping-ground for emigrants and travelers for many years. Mrs. Hanna died in 182 1. Four of his sons came with him, two of whom. John and Joseph, were married. One of his daughters was the wife of John Temijleton.

Gen. Rolx-rt Hanna, Jr.. was a son of the la-t-nanied pioneer. He was a member of the constitutional convention which paved the way for the admission of Indiana as a state, in t8i6. He moved to Indianapolis, and was there killed by being run over by the cars in October. 1856.

John Hanna, eldest son of the pioneer, Robert Hanna. Sr.. built his log cabin on the farm later owned by A. S. Carter, Esq. In his younger days he was a noted "fiddler." He became an associate judge in this county and finally died in his home at, Indianapolis.

John Ewing's house was erected on the west bank of the East fork. where James Harrell later resided. He was among the first justices of the peace in Franklin county.

Joseph Hanna located on East fork, near the mouth of Hanna's creek, frcjm which the stream was named. He was a noted politician and a "hardmoney" advocate. He died in Carroll county. Indiana, at a ripe old age.

within a mile of wliat was later known as Quakcrtown, over in Union county. His daughter was the first white child born on tiie East fork. She was Catherine R. Tenipleton, burn July 15, 1805, and became the wife of George Newland. who is claimed to have run a tlat-boat, loaded with whisky and other produce, from Dunlapsville to New Orleans. The craft stuck fast on Churchill's mill dam, opposite the Roberts farm, and was only cleared tlie united efforts of his neis^hbors. John Templetfjn. it should be added, was a iucni])er of the territorial Legislature when the act creating two new counties was i)asscd in iSi i. and is said to iiave given the name of Franklin to the southern p(;rtion (>\ the set-oft' territory.

John Hanna was a cousin of Robert Hanna, Sr., and was known as "Big John," to distinguish him from the son of Robert Hanna. He is so styled in some of the early county records. Four of his sons intermarried with the Crawford family.

Robert Templeton, Sr., who occupied the first cabin erected after the arrival of the pioneer exploring party in 1804, ^^'^-^ born in South Carolina and died November 10. 1(845. He was buried in :i family burying ground on Mrs. Keturah Templeton's farm.

One of the last of the nine pioneer cabins erected, notice of which has already been given, was finished at night, by the light of brush fires and while the snov^- w^as falling. The roof had to be put on in order to let the famil\- in as soon as possible. They worked all night riving and placing the clap-boards on the roof. By daylight the snow was se\'eral inches deep in the cabin.

The first death was that of Anna Cunningham, who lived near Quakertown. She was buried on the old Osborn farm in 1805. The next was Mrs. Mary Hanna. mother of John Temi)leton's wife. Imried in 1807.

The first school house on East fork was near the Sims cemetery, now in Union county. The first teacher was Thomas Harvey. The Baptists frequently preached there.

The first orchard in the township was planted by the hands of Roljert Hanna. Sr.. who obtained the trees at Lawrenceburg. This was about 1806. possibl}- a year later.

The first wagon in this township, possibly in Franklin county, was brought in here by Robert Templctoii. Sr., and he also brought a cart. The old tar bucket, used to grease the wooden axle of the wagon, was still preserved in the eighties.

The following autograph letter from Hon. Thomas Jefferson was in reply to a petition forwarded by Gen. Robert Hanna to President James Monroe, through the hands of Thohias Jefferson^ asking that Revolutionary widows be granted a pension. Jefferson and Hanna were schoolfellows at William and Mary College, in Virginia. The letter rearls :

"A letter from you, dear sir, comes to me like one from the tonibs of the dead. So long is it since I have had any evidence that you were in the land of the living and so few are now who were fellow-laborers in the struggle for the liberation of our country. And I rejoice to find that advancing years are the only assailants on your health mentioned in your letter. Time, as well as ill-health, bear heavily un me. Immediately on the receipt of your letter, I forwarded it to the President with the expression of interest I felt for your petition, and he will not be slow in giving his attention to Revolutionary mothers.

Village Of Fairfield

This place was platted October, 18 15, by Hugh Abernathy, George Johnston, Thomas Osborn and James Wilson, the four corners of their respective lands being in the center of the platting. An addition was made in 1817. It is situated in secti(jn 21, township 10 north and range 2 west.

The village was incorporated as a town. May 9, 1876. had a municipal existence as long as there was any demand for such corporation, and disbanded many years since.

In 1816, or possibly 18 17, Thomas Eads ("father of the now worldfamed Captain Eads of jetty fame, the man who built the great steel bridge at St. Louis) conimcnced merchandising at Fairrield. Messrs. Emerson, Drew and Rose succeeded Eads in the store. Rose always claimed to have built tlie fir^t frame house in Fairfield.

A Mr. Lariniorc, from Cincinnati, was the first produce dealer. He ran a wagon through this settlement and paid as low as two cents per dozen for fresh eggs.

The earliest physicians of Fairfield were Doctors Smith, Michael Miller and St. John. The last named was grandfather of ex-Governor St. John, of Kansas. For thirty years and more Dr. O. H. Donogh practiced medicine in Fairfield.

An early singing master was T. W. Bonham. who taught a term of thirteen evenings for one dollar per scholar in 1838, the pupils finding their own tallow candles.

Fairfield has had its share of fires and consequent loss of property. Commencing in 1859, the block from where IMiller & Tyner's store is now located to the Odd Fellows' hall was destroyed by fire. This fire swept away the old hotel. Doctor Babb's drug store. Wash Adams' tailor shop, a shoe shop, harness shop and furniture store.

In December, 1877. the residence of .Mrs. Mahala Cheney fell before the furious flames. Three years later the residence of J. H. Whitney barely -escaped destruction by the burning of a wash-house near bv. Coming down to the autumn of 1897, on Saturday afternoon, October '30, the cry of "fire" was heard in the village, and an hour later five families were homeless. Twelve thousand dollars' worth of property was destroyed. Among the losses were th<:»se sustained at the Cushman home, the Mary P. Cory place, the Logan house, and the Tyner and Loper places. Loper & Sons' carriage factory- was on fire twice, but finally was saved by heroic efforts.

Fraxklix Culxty, Ixdiaxa

Fairfield was once a rival for county-scat honors in Frankliii-r'nion counties. Before the rlivision of the counties, lion. Mr. McCarthy was elected as representative to the Lejjislature. and during his term of office the matter of creating- a new county came up and, finding that the bill was to pass, making what is now known as i'"ranklin county, he, though elected by the votes of the upper portion of the county, saw more money for himself in aiding Brookville to secure the county seat. He had friends purchase a large amount of lands in and near lirookville, and thus what had been planned from the early date, namely, to make Fairfield t!ie scat of justice, fell through and Brookville was awarded the honors, so state the citizens of Fairfield. Before the division of the county, Fairfi.cld was nearer the center of the territory than was Brookville.

When Fairfield was laid out, the proprietors donated a public square in the center of the plat, and this is still used for such, minus the coveted court house which it was intended should at no distant day be erected thereon. Some good hitching posts and a town pump are all that now mark the "square" as being public property.

The business and social interests of Fairfield in the spring of 19 15 were in the hands of the following citizens : General dealers, .\mzv Banning, George Jinks; drugs. Dr. John M. Linegar; meats, J. B. Lukcr; physicians, Drs. John L. Linegar, A. L. Preston; barber, D. N. Hanna; boarding house. C. R. Dare and wife; milk collection station, the French Cream Company, which runs two wagons ; blacksmith shops. FI. O. Ward. Tohn Snider: steam saw-mill, George Personette.

The lodges of Fairfield are the Masonic, Oddfellows, Red ^len and Knights of Pythias, with their ladies' auxiliary societies. See Lodge chapter for detailed account of these societies.

Ray Towxship

Ray township is the southeastern subdivision of Franklin county. It is north of Ripley county, west of Butler township, south of Salt Creek township and east of Decatur county. It comprises a fraction more than forty sections of land and is made up from a part of four congressional townships. Six whole and two fractional sections in township 11 north, range 12 east: six whole sections of touii.shi]) 11 ii'^rtli, ranj^'c 11 east: nine sections and five fractinnal sections in townsliip 10 nt^rth, range 12 east; and eleven whole sections and five fractional sections in township 10 north, range 11 east. It has a triangular point extending to the southwest, containing about six sections of land.

The first mention of Ray township in the commissioners' records is found in Record G, page 102, and it appears that on that date, January 8, 1828, Ray township came into existence. It is not stated that it was created on that date, but since no mention is found concerning it previous to that time, it may be taken as conclusive evidence that the above date marks the beginning of its independent career as a township. At that time it was "ordered that the sixth township be bounded as follows : Beginning at the northeast corner of township 11, range 12 east; thence west to the western boundary of the county; then south to the southwest corner of Franklin county; thence in a northeasterly direction on the Grouseland purchase line to where the south boundary of said county intersects said line: thence east on said line to where a line drawn due north will strike the southeast corner of township II, in range 12 east; thence north to the place of beginning, to be called Ray township."

It was named in honor of James B. Ray, governor of Indiana at the time, a former resident of Franklin county. Subsequently, with the creation of Salt Creek (May 8, 1844) and ]\Ictamora and Butler (September 5. 1849), Ray township was reduced to its present size. The ]May following the organizing of this township by the commissioners, an election was ordered held at the house of Thomas Cooskey.

There are many hills and valleys in the township. The soil is a clay, with here and there small deposits of loam, with some gravel scattered here and there. Big Salt creek crosses the western part of the township in the northeasterly direction. Harvey's branch unites with Big Salt creek north of the township line. Laughery creek rises in the center of the township and courses southward into Ripley county. Smaller streams tributary to those already mentioned, include Clear fork. Bull fork and Davidson's branch.

Through the thrift and labor of the German people, this township has been developed and stands high among the sister townships. The population in 1890 was 2,224; i" IQOO it stood 2,788, while the 1910 United States census gives its population as 2,017, including Oldenburg.

On account of not [jropcrly wci.i^hin;,^ the value of the soil and timber in this part of Franklin county, it was not settled quite as early as other parts. But when tlie great Cicrnian ininiigration set in, wending: its way from the Ohio river points to the west, it was carefully examined by a sturdy class of agriculturists, who saw in the hills and valleys of the southwestern part of the county a good spot in which they might build homes for themselves, organize schools and churches after their own liking. Today it is populated almost solely by these home-loving, school and church-loving and money-making people. Thrift is seen in the scores of good farms, excellent farm houses and barns, now I)eing enjoyed by the second and third generations since the township was first settled.

The record shows the first land entry there was made December 17, 1 8 14, by B. Fitzpatrick, who made a permanent settlement and at once commenced improving his land, which was located in section 30, township il, range 12. The same year came Jnhn FTawkins, who. however, did not remain long nor make substantial ini])r(,nements. The first settler of whom much is known was William George on the east half of the southwest quarter of section 4, township 10, range 12, the same being included in the present town site of Oldenburg. This ^^fr. George, with a brother, came to the township in 1S17. The following year came in Nicholas Longworth from Cincinnati, Ohio, and he entered many tracts of land here and there throughout the township. Records show that home-seekers flocked hither in great numbers from 1S36 to 1838 and on, until all lands were entered. With scarcely an exception, tliese settlers were German-speaking people, many direct from the Fatherland. The major part were of the Catholic religious faith, with now and then a colony of Protestants, who vrere of the Lutheran faith, and both sects early established churches of their choice in the community in which they entered lands. The Catholics settled in and near the section now known as Oldenburg and Enochsburg, while the Protestants located near present Huntersville. It should be added, before leaving the matter of pioneer settlement, that there were not a great number of immigrants to this township until about 1836. Among the vanguard of these thrifty settlers were two prominent characters, John H. Pla.spohl and John 'H. RonnebauuL These men possessed considerable means and saw a chance to make vastly more by enduring the hardships and privations oi frontier life a few vears. Thev resided in the city of Cincinnati, and entered large tracts of land in Ray township, inducing many of their friends and countrvmen to accompany them. It was hy tliis colony that (Jldenburg was finally platted by autJK-rity (»f tlie Catholic jJCople. and it has ever been populated by the membership of this church, and here a great church and scho(jl society have sijrung up and its work is known far and near.

While it is impossible to trace the comings and goings of all these what might properly be termed "early settlers," it may be stated that in addition to those already named as having entered lands, there was Edward Wacchtur. a former member of the board of county commissioners for Franklin county. He was a wheelwright by trade and emigrated from Clermanv in 1838. He remained two \'ears in Cincinnati, settling in Ray township in 1840. His earliest residence was the log cabin erected by the William George, above mentioned.

Among the first to engage in tlie sale of merchandise was John Henry Fisse. who became independently wealthy and was well known up and down the White Water valley.

The history of the Catholic church and Sisters school, now so prominent a factor in this county and state, is given in the chapter on Churches, hence need not be mentioned in this connection.

The only business in Huntersville is the general merchandise store of Richard Schroeder, who also runs a saloon. The only church building there is the Evangelical Lutheran. (See Church chapter.)

St. Bernard was the name of a town platted in 1869 by Bernard Kamps. who purchased a cpiarter section of land in section 4 of this township, about two and a half miles to the west of Oldenburg. It was a speculative, scheming plan upon the part of its proprietor to realize a lot of money by selling town lots. It was advertised extensivelv. excursions run from Cincinnati.

Franklin Countv, Indiana

and on a certain day the lots were sold at public auction. A goodly nimil>c-r were disposed of. hut all whcj invested lo.st what they put in. as the land upon which the town had been platted was covered by a first mortgage for purchase price, and when the payments were not met the first mortgage owner came in and foreclosed, taking all upon the grounds, even to fences that had been built by innocent purchasers. The history of the \illage was all made from 1869 to 1875. There was a steam saw-mill, a two-story frame building with a store situated in the first story, and a blacksmitii shop, and this was about all the improvements that were made. "It leaked out," said an old pioneer who was posted, "that the land was mortgaged anrl as soon as people at the public sale found this out. they were not anxious to buy lots." The place is, and has been for a numljer of decades, in the midst of a plowed field.

Hamburg, platted in 1864. has a jxjpulation of about eighty. This place is on the line Ijetween Salt Creek and Ray townships, and was platted by Wesley Marlin. the IMarlin family I)eing among the ])ioncer settlers. St. Ann's Catholic school and a day school were located at this jx^int.

The following have ser\ed as postmasters at Hamburg since the establishment of the office, in July. 1867. The dates given and list of postmasters were furnished by the postoflice department at Washington especially for this work. Dates indicate time Avhen appointed: John Huber, July 11, 1867: Vincent Welling. August 23. 1867: Joseph Clementz. July i. 1873; Henry Seibel, February 23, 1877; William Dwenger. November 28. 1882: Williatn B. Dwenger. April 5, 1888: Daniel Seil)el, April 15. 18S9: William Dwenger. Jr., December 30, 1890: F. C. Xoble, April 12, 1893; Conrad Hittle. March 30, 1894; Francis Dwenger. January 9. 1901 ; Conrad Hittle. December 17, 1901 ; William Huser. March 9. 1903; Anthony Zielglcr. December 29. 1904; Frank Bedel, January 12, 1912.

Having located the plats of the township it now remains to give a clear understanding as to what the development has been from the first to the present date.

It should be said of Enochburg. the oldest platting in the township, that it is on the extreme western side of the township and county. Also that it is partly built in Decatur county. It was laid out by Enoch Abrahams and Woodson Clark, March 12, 1836. and named in honor of one of its proprietors. Here St. John the Evangelist church is located. The part of the village within Ray township has a few stores and shops for the accommodation of the surrounding settlement.

The next larger town to the seat of justice in Franklin county is Oldenburg, a beautifully situated place, where all nature seems to have lavished her elements l)roadcast to make it an ideal location for the purpose which the pioneers put it t'l - the seat of a j^reat religious and school center f<jr the Catholics. It is on the banks of I farvey's creek, a tributary of Salt creek, and but three and a half miles north from Batesville, on the Big Four railway system. A solid rock turnpike connects Oldenburg with Bate^^ville. and hacks carry passengers to and from the two points. The town of ''Oldenburg was platted I)y settlers already named, John H. Ronnebaum and John H. Plaspolil, in July, 1837. It had a population of 673 in 1880, and at the last federal census it was given as 956. It is within a prosi)erous farnn'ng section, with peace, contentment and much wealth, as a result of many years of frugality on the part of the thrifty, painstaking German element there found as sole owners of the land. Looking back to the records of more than a third of a century ago. one finds located there numerous factories (this was in a time when such industries were more common in small towns than today), and among these may be recalled the St. Joseph woolen mills, that in iS'82 employed about forty hands, producing an excellent quality of woolen goods. This factory was built in i860, just before the opening of the Civil War, by J. H. Sellmeyer. who, in 1872. sold to D. H. Flodder & Company, who continued until the death of Mr. Flodder. in May, 1880, after which it was operated by Val Duttonln/'efer & Company, who put in better, more up-to-date machinery. It continued a few years longer, but, with hundreds of other small town factories, had to quit the field, as such industries were being centralized in larger trade centers and controlled by larger concerns.

A tannery was established there in about 184^ by the same gentleman that established the woolen mills. It was in the hands of the Sellmeyer family many years and operated under the name of Sellmever & Son. .Vn excellent grade of home-tanned leather was here produced bv the aid of more than a dozen competent workmen. The leather thus tanned found ready market at home, and many persons still long for those days when leather was honestly made by home tanners, and not rotted by acids now used in the "trust" tannery concerns of the covmtry.

The township officers in 1915 are: Trustee, Frank Flodder: assessor, John Fluser; advisory board, Henry Ilaverkos, Joseph Xeise. Frank Raver; constable, Peter I'istner; su[jcr\isors. Jacob Etter, Tom E. Bedel, Leo Bauer. Anthonv Brandes.

Frankm.V Col'Xty, Indiana Oldenburg

Oldenburg was incorporated in i88i. The town recorrls have been lost, so that the names of early officers cannot be secured. It is a matter of record, however, that the following have served as presidents of the boarrl of trustees since 18S5 : C. Hunnemeyer. Bernard Robbcn. Henry Klcinnicyer August Ortinann, Bernard Rol)l)en. Joseph Suhre. John Lamping, J. H Haverkos, Ben 3.foellers, John Ortniann, Daniel Schwegtl, J. F. Burdick Henry Wittenberg. Joseph Haverkos, Jr., Joseph B. Mollaun, Frank E. Moorenian, Henry Baumer, Joseph Freihage.

The town officials in 1915 are: Joseph Friehage, president; Henry Gehring, Theodore Heitlage, Joseph Schmidt, William B. Schcele ; clerk, Harry Mollaun ; marshal, Stephen Karg; treasurer, Harry Burdick.

Electricity is produced by a private home comjiany and electric lights illuminate most of the buildings in the town, including the schools and churches.

The business interests of Oldenburg are now summed up as follows: Steam saw-mill and planer, George IToltcl. which business was established in the eighties at the place that had just failed as a furniture factory. The flouring mills, owned and operated by Frank B. Moorman, date back in their history to 1S53, when a steam saw-mill was set in motion by Fisher & Dickman, w^ho later added a run of stones and ground flour. This mill was burned in 1884, and the present roller-process mill was erected and operated for ten years by Joseph A. Luesse, who sold it to }i[r. Moorman. The mill has a capacity of fifty barrels per day and does a custom exchange business.

The retail dealers and shops of the town are as follows: General dealers, William Hoelker, J. H. Kessing & Son. J. F. Burdick. C. H. Kessing; confectionery, Henry Koepde ; barber, Peter Kellermann ; hotel. The Gibson House, by Joseph ]\Ierchen, another conducted by J. H. Macke; farm implements, John Struewing; livery, Joseph Freihage; furniture. R. 'SI. Blank; undertaker, B. J. Kessing; millinery, Airs. H. Hermann. Loretta :\Iollaum; jewelry, C. H. Kessing ; harness shop. John Lampking, J. B. MoUaum ; shoe repairs, Joseph Kessing. J. IT. Haverkos: blacksmith.?. Pau.l Munchel, Herman Eiineking, Clem Fisher; veterinary surgeon, Christ BischofY; phvsician, P. L. Mull; lumber, George Holtel & Company; tailor, J. H. AMttenberg;

At an early day there was a brewery built there and ojicrated by its owner, B. Koell, until about 1900, when he sold the ijrounds and buildings to the Catholic Sisters, who removed the buildings and erected otheri for their own use. What is known as "conmion beer" was made here and found ready sale among the nearby German settlers.

The following have served as postmasters at Oldenburg since the establishment of the office, December 9, 1845. The dates given show when appointed or commissioned, the same having been furnished for this work by the postal department at Washington, D. C. : Joseph Hugle, December 9, 1845; J. F. Xiedhamer, October 24. 1849: J. F. Fisse, November 28. 1S50; J. B. Fisse, March 9, 1864: Joseph Suhre. December 9, 1864: J. H. Sellmeyer, Februar}- 19, 1866; Conrad Mohr. T'ebruary 21. iSi^i : August Hackman, April 2^, 1883: Frank Scheper. May 15, 1885; A. A. Hackman. April 12, 1889; John H. Haverkos, June 24, 1893; '^- ^^ Romweber, June 10, 1897; A. A. Hackman, January 4, 1901 ; Peter Schreiner, January 3, 1907; George Holtel, Jr., February 11, 1913.

Farmers Mutual Insurance Company

The first mutual insurance company organized in Franklin county was the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, which dates its beginning from April 18, 1868. Its membership is confined to Ray township, with headquarters at Oldenburg. The first officers were as follow : George Giesting. president ; Bernard Fehrmann, treasurer : George B. Holtel, secretar}- ; John Pohlmann, Frederick Brockmann and Bartholomew Oswald, appraisers.

That the company has lieen prospennis is indicated by the fact that it now has one hundred and ele\en thousand dollars worth of policies outstanding. The company empltns no agents and the business is in charge of the president and secretary. The present secretary of the company. Frank J. Raver, has proved an efficient official and has handled the atitairs of the company in a very satisfactory manner since taking charge of them. The

Franklin Colxtv, Indiana. I7I Salt Creek Townsiiii'

Salt Creek township is on the western line of the county, with Kay township at its south, Posey and Laurel on its north, and Metamora and Butler townships to the east. Tliis sulxlivision of Franklin county comprises the territory situated within sixteen sections of township 1 1 north, range 12 east, and twelve sections of township 11 north, range 11 east, and contains twenty-eight square miles. On May 8, 1844, the commissioners - Eliphalet Barber, Enoch Abrahams and Amos D. Martin - established a new township known as Salt Creek, the township being formed out of Ray. The record reads as follows :

"On petition of numerous citizens of Ray township, praying for division of said township, thereby forming two separate and distinct townships, it was ordered by the Iioard that said division line should commence at the eastern extremity of said township of Ray between sections 24 and 25, town II, range 12, and nm due west to the western extremity of same township, and furthermore ordered that the new township called Salt Creek should be formed of all that territory lying north of said division line and comprise sections i, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, of township 11, range 12, also sections i, 2, 3, 10, II, 12, 13, 14, 15. 22, 23, and 24 of township 11 of range 11 and all that remaining territory consisting of sections 25. 26, 2"], 28, 29. 30. 31, 32. 33- 34- Zi' 36. township 11 and range 12. and sections 25. 26. 2~, 34, 35. 36, of township 11 and range 12; also sections i, 2. 3. 4, 5. 6, 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 of township 10, range 12, or all that part of the former township of Ray not included in the new formed township of Salt Creek shall be knowai and designated as the township of Ray.''

This is the first township established by the commissioners, which is represented in the records by a map. There are two small maps defining both Salt Creek and Ray townships by sections, townships and ranges.

The surface of the township is rough and broken. The soil is clay, with a mixture of loam. The bottom lands along the streams tliat course through its territory are the most valuable and productive in character.

In places the uplands are very desirable for agricultural purposes. Like Ray and other townships, this section of the county was left until the last, the early settlers looking for good timber and larger water courses for a place in which t(; make homes for themselves. /Ml of the eastern portion of this townsliip lies within the celebrated Twelve-mile Purchase strip, hence did not come into market until a number of years after lands within the Wayne Purchase did.

The first land entered within Salt Creek township was the northwest quarter of section 4, township 11, range 12, by William Henderson, under date of October 21, 181 1.

The first improvements were effected along the streams. The first clearing in the township was on the bottom lands, near the junction of Little Salt creek with the main stream, not far from where Rev. John Baker, the pioneer preacher, located.

The towns and villages of the township have been as follows: Peppertown, in the eastern portion, on the main road from Metamora to Oldenbiirg, in the center nf a large, thrifty German settlement. It v.-as laid out by Fielding Berry, a surveyor, for John Koener, proprietor, in August, 1859, and received its name from August Pepper, who located on the site in 185 1. It now has a population of one hundred.

The present business, etc., of Peppertown consists of the following: A general merchandise store by Louis Koerner ; a blacksmith shop by Jacob Reifel. and it is situated on the rural free delivery from r^Ietamora. Its only church Ijuilding is the Lutheran.

Stips' Hill, once an important place in the township, a little to the northwest, has a population of about one hundred. It was here that the first postofiice was established in the township. John Wildridge was post- master. Charles Marlin is supposed to have been the first person to sell goods at this place; he used a part of his residence for a storeroom. See "Stips' Hill Postoffice" further on in this chapter, a valuable contribution.

Buena Vista, another small village along the northwestern border of the township, is partly in this and partly in Posey township. It was laid out in July, 1848, by William Pruct, who owned land adjoining in both townships. What is known still at Stips' ITill postoffice is located there. There are a few stores and shops, such as are usually found in small inland hamlets.

Hamburg, with a present population of about eighty, partly in this and partly in Ray township, was platted in 1869. Here one finds a small trading center, much appreciated by the surrounding community.

Sometime prior to 1858, Ward postoliice was established in this township, but since the days of rural free delivery it is unknown as a postoffice.

Reminiscexcks Of Pioneer Days

August , Pepper, an early settler in this township, and for whom the village of Peppertown was named, was by trade a calico printer and carried on the business when he settled in this section. Pie was associated with Mr. Koener, the founder of the village, and they conducted a country store. These two excellent gentlemen left a record of many thrilling incidents connected with the early history of this county. One of the stories runs thus : "Nat jMarlin and I went into the woods in November to hunt our hogs. We soon agreed to separate, one going in one direction and the other in another. Toward night I lost my way and became confused as to my whereabouts in the woods. I saw a light which indicated a clearing and soon found myself at the cabin of Mr. Scott, where the large stone house later was built. I was lost not far from the old brick church."

In the extreme northwest corner of the township, and running over into Posey township, there was once quite a settlement of colored people. It also ran over into Decatur county, and there was enacted many a scene connected with the fugitive slave workings in this and adjoining counties.

A block-house once stood on section 33, in what is now Laurel township, near the Salt Creek line. In later years the land was owned by Spencer Wilev, Esq. The remains of the block-house were visible in the eighties, if not later. This place of refuge was built as a protection against the Indians in the War of 1812. It has gone under three or more names: "Baker's block-house," "Hawkins' block-house" and the "Salt Creek block-house." There it was, or near- that point, that Rev. John Rakfr, the indepcMidcnt minister, located. The Baker improvement was entered l)y Isaac Stips, in January, 1814, and later was owned hy the Hawkins estate.

It was proljably in March, iSu. when two youn;^ men named Stafford and Toone were ciiopping' f(jr Father Baker on the bottom lantls, near the confluence of Little Salt creek and the main stream, and not far from where the road from Hawkins to Stip^' Hill begins to ascend the valley. These men were cutting "rolling lengths."' and had agreed to chop one more tree before quitting work for the night. It being dark, th.ey lighted a brush campfire, by the light of which a party of Indians crept up and shot them. Toone was wounded in the abdomen and escaped to the cal)in of Father Baker, where he died the following morning. Stafford was shot through the hips and was unable to escape. He was tomahawked three times and three scalps taken off his head, but he probably lived several hours thereafter. The Indians stripped him of his clotliing and took their departure. The road to Stips" Flill, before mentioned, was formerly tlic "Shawnee Trace."' or not far from it. These Indians escaped along this path and tore StatTord"s shirt into fragments, which they scattered along the way to lure the pursuers into an ambush. The news of this act spread rapidly from station to station, and soon brought together a band of frontiersmen, who recovered Stafford's body . and went in pursuit of the Indians. This band was composed of five or six men, who were the most experienced in woodcraft, and among the number were two or three of the Brison family. They followed the trail until nighr, when they discovered the Indian camp, and early next morning opened fire upon them (there were but three of the Indians), killing one in his tracks and badly wounding a second. The third escaped by hiding in the tall grass nearby, while the whites were scalping the first two. Having accomplished their object, the party returned, but they had been watched by the Indian in the tall grass and he resolved to have revenge upon them. That Indian was Bill Killbuck, an account of whose death is commonly known to the readers of Indiana history.

The following was contributed for a weekly paper some years since by M. A. Ailes, and it is too good an account to be lost to the historical collection of the township and count}', hence is here reproduced :

The passing of Stips' Hill postoffice closes an interesting chapter in the history of Salt Creek township, one that is of more than local interest, for

In the year 1814 Isaac Stips hought or entered land near the confluence of the Little Salt creek with the stream called Big Salt creek and at the foot of the hill afterward known as Stips' hill. This territory is located in what is known as the Twelve-mile Purchase and the road that ascends the hill is the old Stale road.

The first postoffice in the township was at the foot of Stips' hill, with Isaac Stips, John W'ildrig and James Halsey, in turn, as postmasters, but eventually the office was removed to Robert Ward's, on the top of the hill. It was again moved further to the west and Thomas Gard held it for some years. Gard kei)t a small grocery store, and some persons went there to get a drink and got their mail, while others went there for mail and got a drink.

The office was again moved westward and Aaron Ailes was postmaster for some years. Following him came Alexander Davison, who held the office many years, including the time of the Civil War. A.t that time the mail was received only once a week - on Saturday.

When you remember that Salt Creek township gave more men. in proportion to its population, to the w-ar than any place in th.e county, possibly in the state, you can understand what "mail day" meant to the anxious ones at home, with mail only once a week. The writer has stood with the crowds that gathered at Alexander Davison's house and yard impatiently waiting, yet fearing to hear the '"news" fnjm the boys at the front. After a battle, old men with pale faces and throbbing hearts would listen for their names to be called, for !Mr. Davison always called the letters off. There were aged parents that had bid "Godspeed" to three or four stalwart sons, and Saturdays would bring letters from some of them. Sometimes the address was in a strange hand and a comrade had written the heart-breaking news that disease or bullets had laid low one of the dear ones. Mothers, wives and sweethearts almost held their breath until the roll was called. While many messages of love and hope came to gladden their lives, others brought grief and distress. While they had come hoping, they went to their homes bowed down with grief and sorrow. Those days can never be forgotten.

At last the postoffice found a permanent home at Buena Vista, four miles west of the starting place, although it has changed hands a number of times. Among the number holding it were James Osborn, Mr. Gaskil. Arthur Alford and Corydon Brown, the latter being postmaster at the date of its demise, August 14, 1909, after eighty or ninety years' existence. The record of the numerous carriers and their experience would be a chapter of itself.

The territory which tiie carriers passed in the early clays was almost an unbroken wilderness, in which was heard the cry of the panther and other wild animals, while Indians, also, were numerous. A few rods from the first postoffice the Indians shot two boys who were at work in the woods, and their graves are with us today.

When we grow old we cling to the things of the past, and when the ruthless hand of Time makes changes we look upon them with disapproval, even when we know it is better thus.

Laurel civil township is on tlie northern line of Franklin county, bounded by Blooming Grove and xMetamora townships on the east, Metamora and Salt Creek townsliips on the south and Posey township on tlie west. It contains all of congressional township 12, range 12 east, except sections 2;, 26, 35 and 36, which are within Metamora townsliip.

On March 6, 1845, the board of commissioners divided Posey township and out of a portion of said township erected the new township of Laurel. The record reads as follows : "On petition of a large number of the citizens of Posey township for the division of said township in the words following, to wit: 'To the honorable board of commissioners of the countv of Franklin state of Indiana : The undersigned petitioners of the township of Posey labor under great inconvenience on account of the township being too large, we therefore pray the honorable board to divide the said township, to wit T Commencing on the corners of sections 5 and 6 and running thence due south on the section lines until it intersects the line between the township of Posey and Salt Creek. This division will make the new township two by six miles and the old township five by six miles.' Said petitions being publiclv read and no objection being made, the board ordered said township divided as follows, to wit : Commencing on the line between the counties of Favette and Franklin between sections 5 and 6 in congressional township 12 of range 12 east, m said Franklin county ; running thence due south on the sections lines till it strikes the south boundary line of said township 12 of range 12. and that part of the aforesaid Posey township being on the west side of the aforesaid division line be called and known by the name of Posey township, and that part of the aforesaid Posey township being on the east side of said division line be known by the name of Laurel township."

As to the topography and water courses, it may be said that a large part of Laurel township is bottom land and is unusually productive. The banks and uplands of the western portion possess a large amount of excellent building stone, elsewhere mentioned. The West fork of White river courses through the central portion, fr(jm the north, the principal tributaries of which are Salt creek, which crosses the southeastern corner; Sillimon's creek, Seine's creek and smaller streams from the righ.t-hand side. Little Duck creek drains the eastern portion of the township, on its course south to meet the waters of Duck creek in ]Metamora township.

Land Entries And First Settlers

The government land of^ce records show the following to have been the first land entries: Elijah Lympus, southwest quarter of section 3; James Agins, southeast quarter of section 9; William VanMeter, northeast quarter of section 21 ; Hugh Brison, southwest quarter of section 22; James McCoy, southwest quarter of section 21; John Conner, northwest quarter of section 27; George Crist, southwest quarter of section 27; Eli Stringer, southeast quarter of section ^t,.

These land entries were all made on October 21, 181 1, but the first entry in this township was that effected by Archibald Guthrew% who claimed the northeast quarter of section 3, October i, 1811, three weeks prior to the entries above named. A week later, October 28, 181 1, entries were made as follows : Samuel Garrison, northwest quarter of section 3 ; -William Smith, southwest quarter of section 3 ; Robert Russell, southw-est quarter of section 9; James Russell, southwest quarter of section 24; James W. Bailey, southwest quarter of section 27.

To the north of the town of Laurel, in the White Water valley, the pioneer settlers w-ere unquestionably these : Nathan Stringer, Samuel Garrison, Elihu and James Abbott. Jesse Stubbs, Johnson Clark, John Arnold. George Bellenger, Barrett Parrish and Abner Conner.

On the land now occupied by the town of Laurel, Benjamin Maple settled, and the first to locate south of the present town in the township were : James Brison, Hugh Brison. John Brison. George and Jolm Crist, John and William Wilson, George Conn, James Allison, Edward Toner anrl James Toner. John H. Faurot settled in Laurel in 183 1 and many years ago gave his approval of these settlements, as they were then understood by residents themselves. It should be understood that many of the first settlers never entered land in the township.

In October, 18 16, Edward Toner laid out a town site on the level bottom lands back from the river, in the southeast corner of section 9, and named it Somerset. For many years this was the trading center lor a large area of country. This tract is now but an out-lot of Laurel. Settlement gradually spread over the township until the construction of the canal was an assured fact, when many came in and engaged in various enterprises and speculations. About this date came James and Francis Conwell. James Con well was full of real enterprise and was a potent factor in the upbuilding of the community. He located at wdiat was many years styled "Bocum," a little above the village of Laurel. He entered all the vacant lands in that vicim'ty. and reallv laid well the foundation stones for civil and religious society.

Benjamin i\Iaple, it is related, was the first man to settle on the site of Laurel. He was an immigrant from Pennsylvania and first went to Kentucky, coming to Indiana Territory in March, 181 r. He first lived in a log cabin he built, but later had a stone resilience. By trade he was a tanner and sunk a few vats below his house. He was a strict ]Methochst and aided in forming the first class at Laurel. His death occurred in 1824.

Stephen Maple cleared the first ten acres of timl)er land on the great bottoms near Laurel, in March and April, 1812. He died at Rushville, in 1873. aged seventy-nine years.

John Maple Imilt a cahin w ht-re, later C. W. Burt lived. He dug and walled up the first well in the town, and it was still used in the eighties, and possibly now. A log school house was erected in 1812; it had a dirt floor, and there John ]\Iaijle taught the fir.st school. James Agin was elected a justice of the peace in 18 13. The first mill for corn grinding was constructed in 1813 by Benjamin Maple on his farm. It was only a hand mill and the "stones" for grinding corn were lime rock. Before that, settlers were obliged to "go to mill" at Brookville or over to the Great ^liami.

Indian Aggression

When this township was first settled and up to the War of 18 12, the Indians in the White Water valley, in which this towtiship is located, were very troublesome. For this reason block-houses were constructed for protection against the savages. One of these stood on Garrison's creek, near the county line; Martin's block-house, on Seine's creek; Brison's bluck-house, on section 32, and Hawkins' block-house, on Salt creek, were all built for the purpose just named. After the War of 1S12 the Indians soon departed for the north and west, and peace was enjoyed by the settlers. In March, 1S12. tlie Indians killed Stafford and Toone, an account of which is found elsewhere in this work.

In 1814, during the month of ^larch, the Indians killed a Mr. M<)rgan and two boys who were boiling sap in the woods. It has been often related that the savages burned the parties in the fire under the sap-boiling kettles, but there is no positive proof of such a horrible crime. The man and boys were killed, however, and Captain Hull, with a company of rangers, followed the Indian band and captured and scalped them near Blue river town.

Another incident is to the efifect that at another date Benjamin ]^Iaple was working near his mill, when an Indian came up in a half drunken condition and wanted to shake hands and get some liquor. Maple hung back from the hand-shaking and started for his cabin with the Indian after him. The race was a lively one, but ^laple sticceeded in getting into his cabin and fastened the door. The savage commenced kicking and beating the door, when John Maple, who had seen the whole performance, came up and knocked the Indian down with a club. At this juncture two or more Indians came to the scene and led their companion away. After a short time the Indians returned and told Maple that tli^y would declare peace for a gallon of whisky, but this was not accepted. Later they offered to make peace and shake hands for a quart of whisky, which was given them and truce was granted.

In March, 1849, h'^^^ immediately after gold had been discovered in California, the following persons, citizens of this township, went overland to California: Edward Johnson, J. C. Wright, James H. Morgan, James "yi. Tyner, Henry Reed, John Evans, C. P. Ed^on, J. C. Burgoyne, Alex. Houston, W. A. Patterson and W. X. Dougherty. Of these men, J. C. Burgoyne was the only person of the entire party then residing in Laurel.

This township is now well settled and improved. There are hundreds of happy homes and many contented people within its boundaries. Schools, churches, roads and other internal improvements have kept pace with the advance of years.

The present township officers are: Trustee, S. W. Brier; assessor. Xick Hanncfey; advisory board, W. E. Ensminger, L. E. Seller and Clark Tague ; justice of the peace, C. H. Rciboldt: constable, Jess Reese; supervisors, Alex Hill No. I, Chas. Raham Xo. 2, John Hokey Xo. 3.

Laurel was platted, originally, Xovember 30, 1836, by pioneer James Conwell, who had been selling goods from his house before that date. At first he intended naming his new town site Xew Baltimore, but later changed his notion and called his town Laurel after a town in his old home state, Maryland. It is situated on the old canal and is described on the maps as being situated on parts of sections 9 and 10 in township 12, range 12 east. It is on the Big Four system of railroad. During the first few years of its history it grew very rapidly, especially during the years in which the canal was being constructed, which was from 1839 to 1845. "Dove," the first canal boat to pass through the canal at this point, was owned by W. Harding, of Laurel. The opening of the canal brought in several new business factors, including IVIessrs. William S. Geyer, George and Samuel Shoup, David Hazzard, Louis Steffey, the Snyder brothers. Doctor Giftord, James A. Derbyshire, Horatio Burgoyne, Joel Palmer and a few others. The population of Laurel in 19 10 was five hundred and three.

Without further evidence of the spirit of enterprise and busv industries at this point, one has, today, but to look upon the ruins of numerous stone and brick structures, many years ago the scene of shops and factories and flouring mills. A wonderful talc conld these old buildings tell were they gifted with tongues. Here men bought anfl soM, manufactured an<l .>hi[)ped by water navigation many useful products. The old canal, completed in 1845, was the great artery of trade to and from the town, which grew rapidly until 1852. Fortunes were here made, and in several instances lost. Many men of more than ordinary note have, at one time or another, resided in Laurel.

The milling industry was > luc of much importance, but it has all disappeared with the passage of years. The water power, once derived by tapping the canal, has been cut off, as now the canal carries no water in its bed above a point about one mile south of the town. From there on down to Erookville it has a steady, year-round current and gives the towns of Mctamora and Brookville a splendid power for mill and factory purposes. The first mill on the White Water river was built by one Van Meter, a fourth of a mile l>elow the feeder dam. Later, it was known as the Jcnks mill ; it was destroyed by the building of the canal, and it is related that Thomas Henderson, its owner at the time, recovered three thousand dollars in a suit at law against the state for the damages he had sustained.

The next mill built was by John Ferris, three and a half miles below the town of Laurel. This mill burned and was never rebuilt. Mr. Webster then constructed a rude mill, near Laurel, at the site of the later "Laurel Wreath mills." It was of but little account. In 1843 Samuel Fisher removed and enlarged this mill and it was rebuilt by the Conwells once if not more times; it was burned in 1855. David Hazzard rebuilt in 1857, selling out to Johnson & ]Moak, and they in turn to James A. Derbyshire. It burned again in 1868, and in 1879 it was again rebuilt by Fisher & Withers. Later it was operated by Flerman B. Buhlmann. It was originally propelled by the waters of the river, but later utilized the water from a cut-oflf of the canal.

The Laurel mills were built in 1845 ^^y Shoup, Cullum & Company. It was on the right bank of the canal, below the present railroad station. It was, perhaps, the most extensive mill ever erected in the White Water valley. It. was burned in March, 1877, never to be rebuilt. In the early eighties there was a small pulp mill operated on its old site.

At an early date, a few hundred yards above the iron wagon bridge, there was erected a carding and woolen mill by Dennis Calhon. It was later purchased by Elias Macey, and finally burned. Macey rebuilt farther down stream, but, owing to the washout of his dam so many seasons, it was long since abandoned and but little trace of its foundation can now be seen. In this connection, it may be .stated that ahead of all these various mills there was the pioneer affair known as the old Maple hand-mill of a Mr. Davis, who set it in motion in 1816 on Garrison's creek. He aUo had a pottery there. The stones of this pioneer mill were to be seen as late as 1890. With the change of times and the process of making flour, now largely centralized in large grain centers, the milling interests of Laurel passed out of existence many years since, and t(?day flour is shipped in. instead of out of. the place.

"In a very early day," says a pioneer, well posted, "you could stand on a hill and count the chimneys of thirteen distilleries up and down the river from Laurel." The one nearest to Laurel was the Webster distillery, operated in 1822. In 1874 John Colter built an extensive distillery in a large brick building near the railway station. It was really built for a general store in 1833 by James Conwell ; later it was used as a pork-packing establishment, in canal days, then as a store and finally converted into a "still." In the seventies it ceased to distill and the machinery was removed, Vvhile the building stands a monument of former greatness, if not usefulner^s.

In 1822 pioneer Webster planted out a peach orchard on all that portion of Laurel between Washington street and the canal and Conwell and Baltimore streets. These trees stood there until they were cut down the summer before Laurel was laid out.

In 1823 Webster had a distillery running where, in later years. Williams & Day's slaughter house stood, and at about the same date he established his tan-yard.

The railroad was completed through Laurel in the summer of 1867, and this gave a new life to the business interests, which, however, were seriously crippled by the great iires of 1872 and 188G, an account of which is given in this chapter.

There was also a paper box factory at Laurel about twenty years ago, but this industry has, like most all others, ceased to exist. Twelve or fifteen years ago the stone quarry business was one of much magnitude. The Laurel limestone quarry, three miles to the west of the town, had a spur running from the railroad tracks and shipped as many as fifteen cars of dressed stone daily, employing from one hundred to one hundred and fifty men. The introduction of cement greatly crippled the stone industry, and it was finally abandoned entirely at this point.

A new feature of industry, if such it may be called, is that of the experimental fruit farm, overlooking the town. It consists of a seven-hundred-acre tract, three hundred acres of which are already set to fruit trees. It is owned by a large company, members of which live in Chicago, while its part owner and superintendent, E. A. Schultz, is a resident of Laurel.

The churches of the tow;n are the Alethodist Episcopal. Christian. Catholic, United Brethren and Evangelical Lutheran. The last two have buildings, but no regular services are held at this time.

The fraternal orders here represented are the Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of I'ythias and Iiniirnved Order of Red Men. Eioth churches and lodges arc fully described in separate chapters.

The old schoolhonsc, a three-story building erected in 1852, is still used, though condemned. A new ten-lhousand-dollar building is to be erected tliis year.

Corporation Items

Laurel became an incorporated town in 1S77. With the passing' years, the incoming and outgoing of hundreds of f>fficers have caused the records to be misplaced or lost, hence the early hist(jr\- can not here be given. Suffice to say that a fairly good town government has always Ix^en maintained. The place has no water works or lighting system. The electric lights of the town are now supplied by the proprietor of the moving picture show. The town board meets at Brier's drug store.

The officers of the incorporation (jf Laurel in 1915 are as f(jllow : Board members, William Johnson (president), D. T. Reese, George (joehringer, G. H. Foster, Thomas Tharp: marshal, Charles Davis; clerk, Gilbert Tague ; treasurer, William ]\Ioster.

The Postoffice

What is now known as Laurel postofhce has had the following- postmasters since the establishment of the office known as Somerset, and later as Conwell's ]\Iills. The dates, furnished by the department at Washington, show time of appointments:

Great Fires

On Thursday, ^March 21, 1872, there occurred a fire about the noon hour from a spark falling on the dry shingled roof of James Haley's salor.n. By speedy work this was extinguished, but that same night at about two o'clock it was retiewed, and this time it had every appearance of being the work of an incendiary, as an explosion was heard and there were exterior signs of oil having been thrown on materials near the burned buihlings. In this fire, which devastated the place, there were twenty-three buildings lost: all fences, outbuildings and trees in the burned district were destroyed by the ravages of the flames. The heaviest loser was W. F. Hazzard, who had a large dry goods store and lost about all he possessed. It was carefully estimated at the time of the fire, that tlie total loss was not far from one hundred and ten thousand dollars, and on this amount there was only eighteen thousand dollars of fire insurance available. The following is a list of the seventeen buildings wdiich were totally leveled to the foundation stones : The two-story brick block, the upper story of which was occupied by J. C. Durgoyne. a justice of the peace and insurance agent; a two-story building, in which a stock of clothing was carried by Fred Batt ; Williams & Day's livery barn; the Hazzard House, a two-story frame structure, occupied by Mrs. J. O. Van Horn ; a two-story frame, the "Haley House.'' used as a residence and saloon ; a twostory brick building of Charles Hubbard, who carried a dry goods stock below, and the Chronicle office in the second story; a two-story brick building in which Jacob Secrest had a grocery ; a two-story brick building in which was located the dry goods concern of A\\ F. Hazzard. with a tin shop in the rear; the one-story frame building in which a shoe shop was kept and which was torn down to stay the spread of the fire; a two-stor}- frame in which was conducted the saloon of David ]McCarty ; a two-story double frame house : the two-story residence of John Nestle; the story-and-half house of Williams & Day, used as a warehouse ; the two-story frame building in which was carried a stock of dry goods and millinery by 'Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Cooper; also what was known as the Pearl Street House, occupied by Mrs. Pike and Mrs. Cooper; a story-and-a-half building of Morris Londgain, and the calaboose, all of which were totally consumed.

Another fire visited Laurel, January 7, 1886. which did much damage, while another, the same year, on Sunday morning, ]May 9. consumed the large store building of John F. Geyers. This structure was forty by one hundred feet in size. An e.xplosion occurred in.sidc which was thought to have been a stick of dynamite, hut this was never clearly proven. The fire spread from the oritjiiial building to Mike Herman's dwelling and tailor .shop, Mrs. Lynn's fancy notion store, a coffin store belonging to A. & L. Moster, and the large barn of Frank \\'instoring. The total loss was placed at fifteen thousand dollars.

Metamora township was established as one of the civil subdivisions of Franklin county, September 5, 1S49, ^Y '^^ ^^^ c>f the board of county commissioners. Its territory was formerly a part of that included in Salt Creek, Laurel and Brookville townships. It is bounded on the north by Laurel and Blooming Grove, on the east by Brookville, on the south by Butler and on the west by Laurel and Salt Creek. The township contains about twenty square miles, and includes sections 5. 6, 7, 8, 18 and 19 of township 11 north, range 13 east; sections i, 2, 11. 12, 13 and 14 of townshp 11 north, range 12 east; sections 29, 30, 31 and 32 of township 12 north, range 13 east, and sections 25, 26, ^^ and 36 of township 12 north, range 12 east. Its population is 693, according to the latest census reports. 235 less than in 1S90.

The West fork of White Water crosses the township in an easterly course. a short distance above its geographical center. Pipe creek drains the southeast quarter of the township; Duck creek flows from the north and unites with the waters of the main stream at the town of ^Metamora; Salt creek empties into White \\"ater a short distance abm'e the town of Metamora. The streams already mentioned have branches known as Deer creek. Indian, Silver, Trace branch. Gate's branch, etc.

There is here found a goodly amount of rich bottom land, with much sloping surface farm land more or less abrupt. There is a limited acreage of upland within the borders of the township. A third of a century ago there was much of the original forest still left, but since that date it has steadily disappeared before the wondman's axe and the saw-mill.

The water-power is good, especially that afforded by the numerous locks along the old canal. There is now a large A'olume of water going to waste for want of development of factories and mills. There is now only one mill in operation in the township, and it is located at Metamora.

This portion of the county, prior to i8ri, was held solely by the Indian tribes and a few hardy hunters and Indian traders. As soon as the land be-

The following were among the original settlers in the township: David Mount, iSii; Richard Williams, 1811; Hezekiah Mount, 1811 ; William Flood, 1811 ; George Adams, 181 1 ; George Guiltner, 181 1 ; John Reed, 181 1 ; Larkin Simes, iSii; Thomas Curry, 181 1; William Gordon, 181 1; Charles Woodwurth. 1811 ; George Wilson, 1811 ; Isaac Wilson, 181 1 ; William Arnold, 181 1, and a few more in the same year.

In 1812, among the settlers wlio claimed lands and commenced homebuilding, are recalled Samuel Alley, Davitl Alley, James Alley, with possibly a few more.

In 1813 came Jonathan Osborn. In 1814 the settlers were Philip Richie, William Adams, Cyrus Alley, Jonathan Allen and Elisha Cragan. Jonathan Chapman arrived and made his land entry in 181 7.

Lands were obtainable from the Twelve-mile Purchase in 1809, and a few men came to the township and claimed lands as "squatters."' Among such characters are recalled the names of Thomas Smidi, on the Gordon farm of later years; Julius ^Miller, of the Blacklidge farm; Jake Krist, James Williams and "old nuui" Taylor, who married a widow and then eloped with her pretty young daughter.

David Mount, who made his advent in 1811, came in from near Pennington, New Jersey, entering the southwest quarter of section 36 (near the present village of the date of his entry being October 21, 181 1. Later he secured other large tracts of land and became a man of force and influence for good in the community. Some of his lauds he claimed by original entry, while other tracts he purchased from men who had entered and became sick of the country. During the exciting days of the \\'ar of 1812 a blockhouse was erected on the farm later held by John Curry. This was known far and near as the Mount blockhouse and was one of the numerous blockhouses up and down the valley, built for defense against the red men. Mr. Mount built a grist-mill on the river, near the present village and also had connected with it a saw-mill, a carding-mill and a fulling-mill, all propelled by the waters of White Water river. These mills and small factories were commenced about 1812 and were indeed greatly appreciated by the pioneer settlers of this section of country.

ber of the riuliaiia L<',t,M-,Iaturi.' a number of terms. One of the landmarks of the White Water valley was the "(Jld Mount House." While it was never operated as a hotel or inn, yet in it all weary travelers were welcome. It was burned in 1S82.

The old ]Mount mills were tieprived of a large part of their original water-])owcr by the construction of the canal, and Judi^e Mount brought legal action against the canal corporation for damages, but in 1847 the great flood swept through the valley and destroyed the mill and much other valuable property.

The earliest tavern was kept by one Goble, who bought the land entered by William Flood, on the northeast quarter of section 35. a mile up the river from the village of present Metamora.

The first schoolhouse was the log structure on the Gordon farm, and one of the earliest teachers u as "Old Collins." of White Water fame, who was succeeded by Samuel D. Woodworth, Henry Benton and Lewis Sally.

Further Developmexts

With the flight of years vast changes have taken place in this township. Forests have been cut down and sawed into lumber, and fields have vielded up their annual harvests ; the old settlers have passed from earth's shining circle, and sons and grandsons have come into possession of the farms throughout the township, while many have removed to distant parts of the world, and newcomers have purchased the lands entered away back a hundred years and more ago. It is but true to state that the prosperity today is not as flourishing, neither is the population nearly so large, as it was thirty and forty vears ago. But here and there one finds one of the time-honored homesteads occupied by frugal farmers, the descendants of original pioneers, the lands not having passed out of the family name during the scores of years which have passed into oblivion. In these homes one finds contentment and refinement, and all that would indicate a happy home and prosperous circumstances.

Franklix Col'Ntv, Indiana The Town Of Metamora

This town, ur village, properly speaking, was platted by David Mount and William Holland, March 20, 1838, to which have been added several extensions. It was named for a character found in a novel - "Metamora, the beautiful squaw." It was named by Mrs. John A. Matson. Its population in 1910 was five hundred and eighty-eight. It is situated on the north side of Whitewater river and directly on the old canal, with one of the locks within the center of the town, the same now furnishing the water-power for the flouring mills, but which in former years afforded water-jKjwer for numerous factories. This was when the town was in the zenith of its commercial glory. The geographical location of the town is in section 34. The first man to sell general merchandise at this point was David Mount, who conducted a small store in his residence. The next to engage in merchandise v/as John Adair, who finally sold to William Holland.

A flouring-mill was built on the lock of the old canal in 1845-46 by M. B. Gordon & Brother. In 1S47-48 another mill was built, near the last named, by William Rubottom & Hyatt. The fire of 1856 destroyed these mills. In 1857 the Gordons rebuilt their mill. Again, in 1850-51. Gordon Brothers built a more extensive milling plant on the lower or east lock. This was also burned, and rebuilt by Clifford & Davis, and in 1882 was owned by Andrew Miller. The Gordons also had a woolen-mill, which was destroyed by the same flames that took the flouring-mill. The woolen-mill was not rebuilt. The Gordon flouring-mill was dismantled and the building used for a woodworking factory, where woodenwarc was manufactured.

In 1845 Jonathan Banes, who had resided there since 1837. came in as a contractor on the old White Water canal, and at the first date named constructed a cotton-mill on the south bank of the canal, near the lock. In 1856 the machinery was removed and the building converted into a flouring-mill by Murray & Banes. Other owners of this plant were John Curry & Son, Thomas Tague and Trembly & Hawkins. Richard ^McClure also had the property at one time. It was later styled the Crescent mill. There was a mill erected on Pipe creek by William H. Eads. In 1846-47 a distillery was built here by Walker Brothers. Henry C. Kimble later owned it, and in March, 1873, it was burned and never rebuilt.

Present-Day Metamora

Much of the long--ago hum and bustle of this httlc village has ceased. Time changes all things. The abandonment of the canal, the construction of railroads through this section of Indiana, the death of many sturdy pioneers and the removal of many more of their immediate descendant.^, have all combined to lessen the spirit of commercial enterprise once known in the town. However, the place still has a number of excellent business factors, and in February, 191 5, these interests were in the hands of the following persons and companies:

The following have served as postmasters at !Metamora since the establishment of the office, first known as Duck Creek Crossing, in April, 1826. The dates given are time of appointment. These names and dates were furnished the author by the department at Washington : Duck Creek Crossing - Daniel Churchill. April 14. 1826; J(3hn Reid, April 2^, 1S2Q: Asahel Gilmer. November 19, 1830; William Holland, February 25, 1833. Name changed.

For several years after its organization in the spring of 181 1, Franklin county extended nine miles above its present northern limits and included a large part of what is now Fayette and Union counties. Fayette county was set off by the legislative act of DeccmiK-r 28, 1818, and began its independent existence on January i, 1S19. During the eight years that it was a part of Franklin county it had been first included within Posey township and after July 16, 1 8 16, had been divided between Posey and Connersville townships. With the establishment of Fayette at the date above mentioned Connersville township drops out of Franklin county history. Connersville township, as organized July 16, 1816. included "all that part of Posey township which lies north of the center of the thirteenth township in twelfth range, and the center of the thirteenth township in the thirteenth range, sliall compose a township and the same shall l)e known and called by the name of Connersville township, and that all elections after the first Monday in August, next, shall be held in Connersville."

Union county was created by the legislative act of January 5. 1821. and formally organized on the first of the following month. During the ten years that it was a part of Franklin county it had first been included within Bath township and between July 16, 18 16. and Febniaiw 9. 18 19, had been divided between Bath and Union townships. On the latter date Liberty township was created, and from then until Union county was organized on February i, 182 1, that part of Franklin county now within Union county included all of Union and Liberty townships and a part of Bath. Union and Liberty townships drop out of Franklin county history on February i. 182 1. Union township, as organized July 6, 1816, included '"all that part of the township of

Bath C()ni[Kjsing- the elLnenth township in tlic first ran,£,^e and the eleventh township in the second ran^e, shaU form a township to i)c called and known by tlie name of Union township, and all elections after the first Monday in August, next, shall he held in a schuolliouse known by the name of Union schoolhouse."

On February 9, 18 19, it was ordered that Unif;n township be divided by the line dividing- ranges i and 2 west and all that part lying west of said line in said township to constitute a township to be called Libertv township, and all future elections in Liberty tmvnship be held at the house of Samuel \V. Scott in Dunlapsville.

In addition to these three townships which no longer exist as a part of Franklin county, there is one other, Somerset, which had a very brief histOfA". Organized 'May 14, 182 1, out of Posey township, it flied a quiet death at the hands of the county commissioners on November 12 of the same year. What brought it into existence and what caused its early demise the historian has failed to discover. Its name and boundary limits are all that is known about it. On May 14, 1821. the commissioners "Ordered that all that part of Posey township lying north of an east and west line drawn between sections 25 and 36 in township 12, range 12 east, compose a township to be called Somerset township, and that all future elections in. said township are to be held at the town of Somerset.''