Hamilton County, Indiana - Chapter 11, 1901

Chapter 11

The city of Noblesville is the county seat of Hamilton County. It is situate*) on the east bank of White River and on the west half of the southwest quarter of section 31. township 19 north, of range 5, east. It was laid out by William Conner and Josiah F. Polk in January, 1823. There were twenty-six scjuares in the original town plat, exclusive of fractional lots. The lots were 66x132 feet. The alleys were 16M2 feet. Additions to the town have been made from time to time by different persons to meet the demands for lots.

After the town had been laid out Josiah F. Polk, one of the proprietors and who was at the time engaged to a Miss Noble, of Indianapolis, asked the privilege of naming the town. This was granted and he named the town Noblesville in honor of the lady to whom he v/as engaged. This was before Noblesville was chosen as the county seat.

In March, 1824, a majority of commissioners appointed to select a site for the county seat of Hamilton County, to-wit: Martin M. Ray, Benjamin J. Blythe and jolin Sanii)lc. after exaniiniiiL;' all the sites offered as well as inducements offered, except Stravvtown. Ujcated the county seat at Noblesville, since which time Noblesville has remained such. As an inducement in such location Conner and Polk donated one-half of the lots owned by them to the county to aid in the erection of county building's. They also donated all of the fraction of land lying between the original plat of the town and \A'hite River to the county upon which to erect count}- buildings. They also donated the public square. ji

A postoffice was estal)lished in Noblesville in 1823. John D. Stephenson was appointed postmaster. His successors up to the year 1865 in their order were as follows: F. W. Emmons, Catesby Dale, James G. Brown, James Springer, John H. Butler, Joseph A. Messick and T. W. Oliphant. The establishment of the postofifice was the first business done in the town.

Joseph Willison soon after that time opened a blacksmith shop on the corner of Eighth and Cherry streets. Dr. John Finch located on the last lot on the south side at the west end of Connor street. J. D. Stephenson and J. F. Polk lived at Noblesville. In 1824 F. B. Cogswell settled in Noblesville. The lot upon which his cabin and tan yard stood has been described. John D. Stephenson was married to La\'ina Ross in 1824 or 1825 and settled in Noblesville about this time.| Dr. H. W. Clark settled here. His cabin was crectedl on the north side of the square. I first tavern in town. It was situated upon the lot south of the Hotel Wainwright on Eighth street. A part of the building is still standing and is occupied by George Hollenbach as a barber shop. Other early tavern keepers were Bethel Dunning, James Grovers, Joshua Cottonghani. A. Thompson. Thomas Demoss and Mr. Good.

R. L. Hannaman taught the first school in a log cal)in on the corner of Maple avenue and Eighth street. A Mr. Thompson taught the next school in the same cal)in. The next school house was a cabin on the corner of Tenth and Clinton streets.

One ^Iv. Simpson taught school in this house foseveral years. The next school house w^as a frame building situate on what is now Sixth street. It is now occu])ied by Jack Smith (colored). The next school house was the brick on East Logan about two squares from the court house. The next was the seminary. Simpson was succeeded as teacher by T. J. Kane and he by P. C. Lawyer.

Among the early blacksmiths were Joseph Willeson. \\'illiam Finch. Israel Finch and John Pontius. At that time the blacksmith from an iron rod forged and turned all the horseshoes and forged and turned all the ' horseshoe nails used by him. He pounded iron and manufactured from it all bolts and taps used. In like manner he made log chains and all other things incidental to his business.

History Op

Among the early shoemakers were George Shirts, Jahez Ross, Joseph Messick, Nathan Messick. Ebenezer Ridgeway, Joseph Messick, Jr., and L. N. Granger. They were compelled to manufacture the pegs they used in the following manner : A stick of sugar tree >\as taken from the wood pile and sawed into blocks the length of the pegs to be used. These were split into pieces the width of a peg. They were dried by the fire, then taken in bunches and held in the left hand. With the right hand the point of a shoe knife was inserted in a lap board, the handle remaining in the hand. The material held in the left hand was then placed on the board immediately under the knife blade. The knife was worked with the right hand splitting the material into pegs, lliey also manufactured the wax used in such trade.

Some time in the early fifties a mill with two rims of l)urrs, one for and one for corn, with carding machine, was erected by W. W. Conner on the corner r»f Conner and Sixth street. The mill was a custom mill. The factory did all kinds of custom w^ork, carding rolls, spinning rolls into all kinds of yarn, flannels, jeans and frilled cloth blankets of every variety w-ere manufactured. This mill was operated by different persons until some time in the sixties. In about the year 1855 J. L. Evans and W. N. Evans erected a steam mill on lot 8 in block 8 of the original town. This mill was constructed for three rims of four feet burrs, each of which was pul up in first class style, according to the mechanism of those days. In August, 1856, a few days before this mill would have been ready for operation, it was consumed by fire, evidently the W'ork of an incendiary. The loss was about $11,000, being without insurance. Undaunted, however. 'Sir. ]. L. Evans immediately after this disaster began the. erection of a new mill using the engine and boilers that had passed through the conflagration, overhauling, them to serve the purpose. In 1861 JNIr. Evans sold the mill, after a successful operation of it for about four years, to Messrs. Sohl and \Mld, who as a firm continued business for about three months, when Air. Levi Sohl w^as admitted as a partner and about three months thereafter Mr. Wild retired. Messrs. N. and L. Sohl continuing until about six months afterw^ard. At that date they sold a onethird interest to William Harvey. This arrangement not proN'ing satisfactorv. a further change took place some ten months later. Then by purchase from Mr. Harvey A. J. Sohl became the possessor of a one-third interest in the establishment. In the course of time Messrs. Sohl and Sohl sold a fourth interest to Leonard Wild, formerly one of the proprietors. This occurred in 1864, at which time the firm took the name of L. Sohl & Co. The firm of L. Sohl & Co. continued to operate this mill until 1865, when L. Sohl disposed of his interest to Wild and Sohl, the firm remaining unchanged. About six months after this sale these gentlemen transir(?

I'Rimitivio History Of

fcrrcd (tiic-lliird inkTcsl to jolm (". ('(Hiikt, operatingstill under tlic same name. Not Joni;- afterward Messrs. Wild and Sohl sold a third of their interest to N. Maine. After the lapse of four months N. Sohl was ai^'ain admitted into the partnership, the business being" conducted as before. Next Mr. Maine disposed of his onethird interest to Hugh Smith and at the same time William S])otts purchased a third interest. This change made the lirm of Smith. Spotts <!<: Co., N. Sohl retaining an interest.

tinware, stove and agricultural implement merchants. They first located in a frame building on the corner of Conner and Eighth streets on the west side of Eighth street. ^lore than half a century has passed since Wesley Hare established a wagon and buggy manufactory in a small log building then situated on the site how occupied 1)\- George Heylmann. Mr. Hare commenced this business in a small way. All of his work was done l)\" hand. There was then no machinery to help him. With his broad axe, mallet, chisel, augers and like tooli* he did his work. It was slow business, but he persevered. Ciradually his business increased and it became necessary for him to have more room, so he removed from the old log building into a frame building on the corner of Connor and Tenth streets. After this removal his business increased more rapidly than before. He did good, honest work and soon acquired a reputation that assured success. Some time in the fifties J. G. Heylmann was associated with him under the firm name of Hare & Heylmann. This firm continued to do business for a number of years and built up a large and lucrative trade. Mr. Hare has continued in business in one line for a longer period than any man in Hamilton County.

About the year 1830 the first jail building, heretofore described, was moved to the northwest corner of the public square. In 1832 the brick building known as the recorder's ofifice was erected on the southwest cor- iier of the public square. About this time the fi-cinic court house was removed to the public square. Between the years 1830 and 1840 a number of cabins were erect cil in various parts of town by persons moving in and were used as residences. Business rooms were also erected at different points around the public square. In about the year 1835 B. F. Cogswell sold his tan yard, heretofore described, to Pleasant Williams. He then built a frame building, part residence and ]iart business room, on the north side of the square. Mr. Williams removed the log cabin and erected a frame residence upon the lot, which residence is still standing. About this time Albert B. Cole erected the first brick residence in towai. It was a one-story building situate on the corner of Eighth street and Maple a\enuc and is yet occupied as residence property. About the years 1840, 1842 and 1843 the frame business rooms now standing on the w^est side of the square were erected respectively by William Conner, T. T. Butler, Guy, Daubenspeck and W. Wooster. In 1848 or about i that time Daniel Hare erected a frame business room on the corner of Conner and Ninth streets, in w^hich he 1 did business until his death in 1850. In about the year 1850 the brick building now occupied by the Old Corner Drug Store was built by Dr. Shaw, and about the j same time a frame business room was built on the cor- ; nor wliere the Citizens' State Bank is located, by J. L. and W. N. Evans. The timber and lumber for this building were sawed and framed at Augusta, in Marion County, and hauled from that point to this on wagons. A brick building about this time was erected on the corner of Ninth and and Logan streets on the west side of Ninth. A brick building was also erected by Conner and Massey on the corner now occupied by Carlin & Peck. The building still stands. Other brick buildings were afterward erected on at least three sides of the square, the dates of wdiich I cannot now give.

In the year 1850 L. N. Emmons, on his way from Washington City to his home in Noblesville, was attacked by the cholera. He died in a few^ days after his arrival. As soon as it became known that Mr. Emmons had been attacked by the cholera fear and consternation overcame many of the good citizens of the town. Some of them made their way as soon as possible to the country ; others remained away from where they supposed they w^ould be likely to be infected. Especially did they remain away from the stricken district and from those who were infected by the disease. There were, however, many noble men and women who gave aid and comfort to the stricken ones during all their days of sorrow and trouble. Among those who succumbed to the disease 1 recall the following: Mrs. Ross, mother of Mrs. Joseph Messick, and her brother; Daniel Hare, wife and mother; Mr. A. Hare and one of his children ; Andrew Passwater, Eliza Carver and two children. The citizens of Noblesville were again attacked by (.-liolcra in 1S33. hut the attack was not so fatah It was a long time l^efore the i)eople recovered from the shock. Aside from the fearful loss of life, the town sniTcred in the loss of trade. ]t was a long" while before the people of the surrounding country could he induced to visit Noblesvillc.

In 1851 the Peru & Indianapolis Railroad was completed (llat bar) to Noblesville. Prior to this time the farmers liad been compelled to haul their wheat to Lawrenceburg or Lafayette and sell it for '^'jV-i to 40 cents per bushel, and their hogs and cattle were either driven to Cincinnati or sold to men \\\\o did drive them to that market. Our merchants also, prior to that time, had been compelled to employ teamsters to haul their goods in wagons from the Ohio Ri\-er. In expectation of a change in this business, warehouses were erected bv the business men of the town in sullicient numl)ers in which to store all grain that would be likely to come to this market, ready for shipment over the line of this road and its connections. Some of the men who early engaged in this business were: J. L. and W. N. Evans, Lawyer & Hall, P'hilip Stoops & Sons and Leonard W^ild. J. L. and W. N. Evans were also engaged in the shipment of ^logs and cattle. Soon after the arri\-al of cars to this point the business of buying and shippingcorn and wheat began in earnest, (irain was brought to this point from almost all parts of the county. The Evans brothers erected in 1854 a large merchant flour- ini;- mill in Iho town. The Hour was shipped to the Eastern markets. From this time forward Noblesville had a gradual but healthy growth in almost every way. Pursuant to an act of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, approved January 15th, 1851, Noblesville was incorporated and knowni by the name of the "Corporation of Noblesville" and as provided by section 2 of that act an election was held for the purpose of determining tlie fa\'()r with which the i)roposed incorporation was received and for the further purpose of electing the necessary corporation officers. The vote for incorporation was 54. while the opposition vote was only 2. For corporation officers the result of the election was as follows: Mayor. David Moss; Councilmen, J. AI. Mallery, J. B. Loehr, Jesse Lutz, J. D. Stephenson, William Bauchert; Treasurer, John J. Cox; Secretary, J. J. Patterson, who subsec[uently resigned, and E. R. Cole was appointed ; Marshal, Emery Powell ; Street Commissioner, Joseph A. Messick. On the fifth day of April following the first meeting was held, at which no other business was transacted than perfecting the organization and appointing a committee to draft ordina'.:ces composed of the following persons: J. D. Stephenson. Jesse Lutz and David Moss. On the 21st of April Douglas Dale was appointed town engineer, and on the 8th of May the committee on ordinances reported and their report was adopted. At the meeting of June 26th Jesse Sparks was appointed sexton of the hiiryint;' i;i"()niHl and I'-lijali C"( -llint^liani was appointed Town I'jis^inccr. Ui\lcrcd also that the regular meetings of the Council be held on the first Thursda}' in each month at the oflice of David Moss. May 2ist. 1853, it was resolved that the town of Noblesville be henceforth incor|)orated in accordance with an act passed l)y the Legislature of Indiana entitled "An act for the incorporation of towns, defining their i)()wer ])roviding for the election of ot^cers thereof and declaring their duties," approved June it, 1852. ]\Iay 28th the board met at the court house and adopted a seal. Under this incorporation trustees were chosen instead of councilmen.

The first meeting place for the members of this church was at the house of John Finch, Sr., at Horse Shoe Prairie, in the year 1820. They continued to meet at this place until 1832, at which time John Finch renio\-ed to \\'ayne Township. After this period the members met at the house of Dr. John Finch, in Noblesville, and at other private residences until the year 1827, when William Conner donated to the Baptist Church the lot on the corner of Ninth and Cherry streets. Upon this lot a log cabin was built and in the

"The undersigned brethren and sisters met, having previously requested help from the Lick Creek and Indianapolis churches, and did adopt the within covenant and articles of faith ; and in token of our love to each other and to God, have given ourselves in a church compact.

"ANN HURLOCK, "CAREY W. HARRISON, "ROBERT COLBORN, "MARGARET FINCH, "MARYHEATON, "JORDAN PAYTON." "Whereupon from Lick Creek Church came Elder Abraham Smock, Deacon Archibald C. Reed, James M. Laughlin and Henry Bowland, who were cordially received and invited to a seat in the council, and upon mature deliberation and examination, had according- to the gospel, did proceed to give the right hand of fellowship, and thus constituted them a church. (Signed) Abraham Smock, moderator; Archibald C. Reed, James AI. Laughlin and Henry Bowland."

Organization being completed, C. W. Harrison was chosen clerk and Isaac Hurlock, moderator. The church was without a minister. On the 8th day of May, 1830, Nathaniel Richmond was called to preach once a month.

Primitive History Op

In the month of August, 1834, John Jones and Chauncv Butler preached the new doctrine cahed the "reformation" in the frame court house in Noblesville. At this meeting- Garret Wall, Nancy Wall, his wife. Albert B. Cole. Michael Reveal and Elizabeth Wall made confession and were immersed on the 8th day of November, 1834. Jones and Butler preached again, after which the above named persons, together with Jordan Payton, Purity Payton, his wife; Stephen Carey and wife and Margaret Byron, who had been previously immersed, associated themselves together and organized a Christian Church. Payton was selected to act as bishop and Colburn to act as deacon. A. B. Cole was chosen church scribe.

On the 5th of August, 1835, the Baptist Church ap- I)ointed a committee to examine the rules and' inquire as to the faith and practice of the Christian Church with a view of uniting with them. Isaac Hurlock, a member of the Baptist Church, and also a member of the committee, was given full power, if the investigation was satisfactory, to transfer the property of the Baptist Church to the Christian Church. On September 13, 1835, this committee made formal application for the admission of the members of the Baptist Church into the Christian Church, and as the basis of the proposed union was entirely consistent with the doctrines of the Christian Church, the proposition was accepted. Whereupon Isaac Hurlock, Anna Hurlock, his wife; C.

W. Harrison and Matilda Harrison, his wife; Robert Colborn. Ebenezer Hnrlock, Joanna Granger and Mary AX'ood. of the Baptist Church, being- present, presented themselves for membership and were received into the Christian Church and thus the Baptist Church was merged into the Christian Church and completely lost its identity as a Baptist Church.

The members of this church residing- in and near Nol)lesville prior to the year 1828 met for worship at the residence of George Kirkendall, very nearly five miles southwest of Noblesville. The first quarterly conference that included Hamilton County was held at Wise's school house in December, 1828. This school house was in Delaware Township, six or seven miles from Noblesville. It was called the Fall Creek Circuit. Its boundaries included Madison County on the east, the Indiana reserve on the north, the Michigan road on the west and included a part of Marion County on the south. At this time Allen \A'iley was presiding elder, Charles Bonner circuit preacher, Jeremiah S. Williams local preacher, Stephen Masters and Thomas M. Pendleton exhorters, Thomas M. Pendleton circuit supply, and Charles McCarty, James Vest and William Bell class leaders.

Allen Wiley served two years as presiding elder, for which he received as quarterage $21.24, while the preacher in charge for the two years received $115.20.!. Kail Creek Circuit thought the circuit was strong enough to support two preachers. James Armstrong and William Evans and Charles Bonner were the preachers in charge.

The first quarterly conference of the Noblesville Circuit was held on the 12th day of December, 1835. James Havens was presiding elder and J. C. Harbin circuit preacher. The following is a partial list of the officials at that time: Silas Igo, local preacher; William Perkins, local preacher; Thomas Hare, Jacob Mahen, Henry Shetterly, Jonathan Carey, George Poland,, r.elhel J. Dunning, Pleasant Williams and John Lutz.

eiice. The officials were John Hall, presiding elder; L. A\'. Munson, local preacher. The presiding elders from 1853 to 1862 were John N. Hull, Augustus Eddy and H. A. Barnes.

Pursuant to the notice given from the pulpit of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a meeting was held on the 20th day of December, 1848, at which time a number of persons favorable to the organization met after a sermon by Rev. ^^^ H. Rogers, who acted as moderator at that time. The following persons formed themselves into a Presbyterian Church at this place : Curtis Mallory, Joseph Carlin, John T. Carlin, Robert T. Carlin, Margaret Carlin, J. S. Lower. Sabina Lower, Abner Jones, Nancy Jones, W. F. Wagoman and Mrs. Dunlap. J. S. Lower was chosen secretary and Curtis Mallory and Joseph Carlin ruling elders. Afterwards, on the 14th of February, 1849, Mrs. A. H. Rogers and Rachel Potts were received as members, and later J. R. Gray, Margaret P. Gray and Peter Bare were received. On the 3rd of March following James G. Lane,

( )n the iSlh of Jiil\\ 1856, l\ev. James McCoy commenced, tlie church being without a pastor in the inter val. On March 4th, 1859, the record of the church was examined hy Rev. Edward Scholield and approved. March 23rd, 1863, tlie followini^ persons were elected trustees: J. A. Carver, Peter Bare, Abner Jones, J. T. Carlin and R. T. Carlin. Then on motion it was resolved that the Rev. L. P. Webber l)e authorized to sell the bell belonging to the church for not less than ."^lOO.oo, the money to be appropriated to the i)ainting of the church and fence. Mr. Webber was the minister in charge at the time.

On the 4th of December, 1865, it was further resolved that if a purchaser could be found the church be sold for $1,250.00. This church building was situate on Ninth street, one square from the court house. At that time services were held regularly each Sabbath. Connected with and under the control of the church was and is an excellent Sunday-school.

In the month of August. 1834, John Jones and Chauncy Butler preached the new doctrine called the reformation in the frame court house in Noblesville. At this meeting- Garret Wall, Nancy Wall, his wife; Jona- than ("olhoni and jane C'olhnrn, liis wife; All)erl V>. Cole, Aliehael J\eveal and Eliza1)eth Wall made confession and were immersed on the Stii day of November, 1834. Jones and Butler preached again, after which the al)ove named persons, tog-ether with Jordan Payton, his wife. Purity Payton ; Stephen Carey and wife and Margaret P>yron. who had j)revious]y l)een immersed, associated themselxes together and organized the Christian Church. Jordan Payton was selected to act as bishop and Jonathan Colburn was selected to act as deacon. A. B. Cole was chosen church scribe. From this time forward the members met for worship at the court house as often as possible. There was preaching' at intervals and new members were added to the number above named.

Isaac Hurlock. Ebenezer Hurlock and Robert Colburn being the acting trustees of the Baptist Church, were now made trustees of the Christian Church. Social meetings were kept up and there was preaching at intervals until 1837, when the subject of erecting a new church l)uilding was discussed. A committee was appointed to submit a plan and probable cost of a new building. This committee reported favorably in 1838 and the building now standing on the lot first referred to was erected.

'llio inonil)crs niol rc.^ul.iiiy for social worslii]) ami to altciid to tlic ordinances of Ihc chnrcli. There was ])reacliinL;- occasionally until 1849, when Rew llushaw was eni])]o}e(l for eight months. The first - regulai" preaching- hy the year was done by Rev. Hopkins. lie was employed to ])reach at Noblesville and Cicero for one year, for which he recei\'ed $300.00 and his honsr rent paid.

Tn itS55 the lot on the east side of Ninth street, where the Christian Church building now stands, w;i l)urchased and a brick building erected thereon. .\ Sunday-school under the management of this church lias for a number of years been well attended.

This church was organized about March. 1862, by Mr. Indicutt, a local preacher of Indianapolis. For the ]Hu-pose of so doing he used the old log school house situate three and a half miles northwest of Noblesville, on the southeast corner of the Pleasant Evans farm. Thirteen members joined this organization. Mr. Indicutt continued doing pastoral service for this church about three years. He was then in succession followed annually by Elders Langford, Brown and Depugh. During the administration of Elder Henry Brown a very large, interesting and successful cam]) meeting wasj held in the woods near the old school house. At the' termination of his services the church was in a very prosperous condition.

This church was organized in September, 1853, at the public school house in Noblesville by Rev. Jesse Young, of Indianapolis, with a membership of fifteen. Meetings were held every Sabbath. Although preaching was held only once a month, Rev. J. Young remained as pastor for the congregation up to about the fall of 1859. Regular services were then discontinued until about September, 1865, when Rev. J. Young, at said school house, again succeeded in getting this church to organize. Rev. Zachariah Roberts assisted much in the reorganization.

At the retirement of Rev. Young in 1859 this church was made up of seven communicants, and here it is worthy to record that those faithful seven constituted the membership in 1865 at the reorganization. As formerly, preaching was held only upon days of the sacrament or once a month until a church building was erected.

On the 29th day of March, 1828, the Free Masons met for the first time in Noblesville. The record shows that this meeting was at their lodge in the building then occupied and used by George Shirts as a tavern, and was situate on the west side of Eighth street, where Hollenbach's barber shop now stands. The record recites that the following named persons were present:

Jeremiah Learning, worshipful master ; W'ilHam Con ner, senior warden; Nathan D. Shoemaker, junior war (Icn; 1)rothers present: Francis B. Cogsw^ell, George Shirts, John D. Stephenson and James Hall. Visiting from Center Lodge, No. 23, Bethel Dunning an entered apprentice. The lodge was opened in an cient form in the first degree of Masonry. On motion of Brother William Conner the dispensation from the Grand Lodge of the State of Indiana, empowering them to hold a lodge was accepted, which was ordered recorded. On motion, John D. Stei)henson was elected secretary, Francis B. Cogswell treasurer, Daniel Heaton senior deacon, George Shirts junior deacon and James B. Hall tyler. At the second meeting those present weve Jeremiah Leaming, W. M. ; William Conner, S. W^ ; Nathan D. Shoemaker, J. W. ; John D. Stephenson, secretary; Francis B. Cogswell, treasurer; J. B. Hall, S. D., pro tern.; George Shirts, J. D., and tyler pro ten.!., and Bethel Dunning as a visiting member. The minutes of several subsequent meetings show the same ofBcers present. The lodge, on November 26th, T828, was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Indiana, F. and A. M., and Jeremiah Leaming, W. M. ; \\'illiam Conner, S. \\'., and Nathan D. Shoemaker, J. A\'., were named in the charter as the principal ofificers. This is the last entry and so far as appears from the records it was the last meeting until May 28th, 1847, when a reorganization of the lodge was effected, the charter bear- ing- the last named date, and was ealled Noblesville Lodge, Xo. ^y, F. and A. AI. The records and charts of the first organization were preserved by the last named lodge. An interesting feature of the meetings of this early lodge is that in the winter the lodge met at 5 o'clock P. ]\r. and in the summer at 6 o'clock P. M.

During- the }ear succeeding reorganization under the new charter, the lodge gave promise of more than usual prosperity, the record showing that the number of its members had been increased by twenty-two initiations, of whom seventeen had passed and raised, making an aggregate of thirty-nine. The year following was almost equally satisfactory, sliowing that eleven had been initiated, thirteen passed and raised, one admitted to membership, one w'ithdrawn, four rejected, two suspended, one died and one reinstated, showing an aggregate of forty-five members. Jesse Lutz, W. ]M.. represented Hamilton Lodge in the grand body from Alay. 1849. to May, 1850. The working activity of the lodge was diminished but little, nine having been initiated and passed and eight raised to the master's degree. During this period, however, some dissatisfaction having arisen, from what cause does not now appear, fourteen of the members withdrew and subsequently asked for a dispensation empowering them to work as a separate body, which was granted under the name of Noblesville Lodge on the 13th of February. 1850, to Jesse Lutz, W.

iM. ; Joseph Liitz, S. \V., and James G. Brown, J. W ., a^ ilie first officers. 'I'o thcni also a charter was i;i\cii hy the Grand Lodge on the 29th of May following with the suggestion that "it may be that the wants of Nobles ville require two lodges, but, as a general rule, it e\idences to your committee when a lodge divides in a town of that size that brethren are not dwelling to gether in unity. We hope, however, better things of Noblesville, though we thus speak.'' This new lodge took the number 103. On the roll the following are the names of the members of the Hamilton Lodge, who, having withdrawn on the 4th of February, 1850, became the original members of Noblesville Lodge, No. 103 : Jesse Lutz, Joseph Lutz, James G. Brown, James M. Jamison, Thomas J. Lindsey, John P. Patterson, John T. Cox, H. G. Finch, John Beal, Pleasant Williams, B. W. Royer and Gardner Perry. This new lodge notwithstanding the suggestion made by the Grand Lodge committee before cited, after a career of less than three years, ceased to work and surrendered its charter and the members in part subsequently affiliated with Hamilton Lodge. Aside from this disunity the lodge has enjoyed success. A chapter was organized in 1850.

/. (\ (). Noblesville Lodge was organized on the 24th of January, 1853. O'"* that night the following named persons were present: George F. Wainwright. Peler

Bare, George Statts, H. W. Clark and E. C. Long. They were found qualified and Noblesville Lodge, No. 125. was declared constituted and the following persons were initiated: W. W. Conner, Levi Farley, W. A. Wainwright, John Pontious, Daniel Kemp, J. Cox. Wes ley Daubinspeck. I. L. and W. S. Davenport were admitted by card. The following named persons were elected as officers : G. F. Wainwright, N. G. ; Levi Farley, secretary; H. W. Clark, treasurer; Peter Bare, warden; E. C. Long, conductor; Henry Garboden, guardian; W. A. Wainwright, host. On the second night trustees were elected as follows: G. F. Wainwright, John Pontius and H. W. Clark. On the third night the following persons were initiated : Jesse Auburn and S. R. McCole. The meetings were then held in the Shaw Block. At the end of the first term the lodge numbered thirty-three members. During the second term of the first 3'ear there were three initiations, three admissions by card, two expulsions, one for improperly communicating the pass word and one for drunkenness.

In January, 1854, the lodge was moved to the north side of the square over the Evans Building, as it is now known. April 19th, 1861, a meeting was held to grant traveling cards to brothers who had enlisted in the service of their country under the first call of President Lincoln for 75,000 men. Cards were granted to John D. Evans, C. J. McCole and W. A. Wainwright.

About the close of the year 1865 the trustees were empowered to purchase the present hall from Dr. Miesse. In 1866 the hall was formally dedicated.

On the cxcning- of February 17th, 1853, a special meeting of the lodge was called for the ])urpose of conferring the degree of "Rebekah" upon eligible subjects. A goodly number of members and visitants were present to receive and to witness the conferring of thidegree with its beautiful ceremonial and appropriate lessons. The services were conducted by W. A\'. Wright, of Capital Lodge, Indianapolis, and many brothers and their wives Avere conducted into the sol emn mysteries. At the meeting held on the i6th m March following, the lodge subscribed for $100 worth of Grand Lodge Hall stock, an investment with fair promise.

ward Laurence. P. H. P. J. \\\ ; Ed. S. Tyler, P. C. P. Treasurer; Benjamin McCord, P S. W. Inside Sentinel. The following- persons presented cards : J. W. Harvey, Joseph K. English, E. S. Pope, E. M. Laurence, W. W. Wright, J. G. Waters, E. S. Tyler. The following persons were the Past admissions in Golden Rule and Royal Purple degrees : E. S. Tyler, E. S. Pope, L G. Waters, H. W. Clark, W. A. Wainright, John Pontious, Eli Cohn. ^L S. Davenport, George F. Wainwright, A. J. Ferguson, S. R. McCole, William Haines, Charles Swain. Of these the following were elected permanent officers : John Pontious, Chief Patriarch ; G. F. Wainwright, High Priest; L S. Davenport, Senior Warden; W. A. Wainwright, Scribe; S. R. McCole, Treasurer; ]\L S. Davenport, Junior Warden; Eli Cohn, Sentinel; W. H. Clark, Guide; A. G. Ferguson, First Watch; W. Haines, Second Watch ; C. Swain, Third Watch ; George Brown. Fourth Watch. The receipts of the evening- were $132.

\\'oodville and Strawtown are situate on the south bank of A\'hite River in \Miite River Township, seven miles northeast of Noblesville. Woodville was laid out by Jesse ]\L \W^od, July 2;^,. 1829. Woodville was situate on the bank of the river south of the bridge no\y spanning the river at that point. The fii-<^<- taverns were kept by Wood, Carey, Wallace and Cole, all in Woodville. The first merchants, grocers and saloon- keepers received their license for Woodville. Jiicknell Cole was the first man who started a general store. This was in Woodville on the 27th day of July, 1836.

Strawtowii was laid out by Bicknell Cole and William Conner immediately west and adjoining Woodville. Gradually the town of Woodville lost its identity and the town thereafter was known as Strawtown. iVmong- the first settlers in Strawtown and vicinity were the following named persons : Zenas Beckwith. Henry Poland. Lambert and Jerry Heath, A. Johnson, Jacob Hyer. John ShintaiTer and Caleb Harrison. The latter was a soldier in the war of 181 2, was in the battle of Tip- ]:)ecanoe, assisted in firing the first alarm guns on that occasion and had a bullet shot through the top of his hat. He was a relative of Col. Harrison of the 39th Indiana Regiment in the war of 1861, and also a relative of R. W. Harrison of Lebanon. He died at Strawtown in 1833, leaving three or four sons, all now de- \:eased. Some of his grandchildren yet live in Hamil ton County.

It has been asserted by the reminiscence writers tliat John Shintaffer's cal)in stood within the present limits of Strawtown. 1'liis is not true. The Shintaffer cabin stood on the first hill from the river north of Strawtown near the brick house afterwards erected V)\ Dr. Grubbs.

out. |. K. l.camiiii;' was of the pioneer band of merchants. His store was kept at his farm below Strawtown on the river. The merchants who suceeded Bicknell Cole were Conner & Cole, Conner & Stephenson and Cole & Ross. Strawtown by reason of its location was at one time a strong rival of Noblesville. It was situated on one of the lines of emigrant travel from the east to the Wild Cat prairie on the Wabash. The farmers on both sides of White River sold the products of their lands to the emigrants and did their trading at Strawtown. AVhen this trade ceased the prominent merchants of the town moved to Noblesville. There was a lack of enterprise among the citizens. The town finally settled down to the position of a country village with its store, post-offtce, blacksmith and wagon shop, hotel, saloon and district school house. Southeast of Strawtown and near thereto was an addition to the town called the "Neck of the Woods." This- addition was never laid out regularly, but w'as for many years known as an annex. A few cabins were erected at and near the "Xeck." The occupants lived by hunting and fishing. Among the attractions at Strawtown in the early days was the race track near the distillery, operated l)y Jacob Hyer, where whisky could be had at any and all times.

But Strawtown will, at least, be an interesting relic of the past, if the future has in store for it nothing better. Here were enacted some of the early scenes in llic sctllcincnt of llaniiltoii ('(tiinty and nearly t'\cr\- foot of the area is historic ground. Jlere, too, an ancient race of ])coi)lc made their al^ode and left the traces of their liandiwork. with no other traces of their existence, their nationaHty or their destination. These peo pie were the builders of the mounds near Strawtown, ot which none, not even the Indian tribes who dwelt ncaiby. could give the date by tradition or otherwise. Here, too, in the early days, the establishment of groggerieattracted an unenviable element of society and for years the moral atmosphere was bad. Not a single church building was ever erected in Strawtown until the year 1865 ^I'ld probably later. Those wishing to attend church were compelled to go elsewhere. Many good men and women were to be found in and near here, but it appears that the bad element w^as in the majority.

One of the evidences of the state of society as late as 1849, was shown in the murder of a man by the name of Davis by John Murphy. Davis and Murphy had a quarrel which did not at that time result in a fight. Murphy was a clerk in a store in the town. Davis aft erw-ards came to the store. A quarrel ensued and Da vis w^as stabbed by Murphy with a knife, causing his death. Murphy w^as indicted by the Grand Jury for murder in the first degree. He was tried upon this charge at the October term of the Hamilton Circuit Court. The jury failed to agree. It was reported that all of the jurors favored conviction. The jury was discharged. Murphy asked for a change of venue from the county, which was granted The case lingered for a long time in another county and was either dismissed or tried, resulting in an acquittal. Murphy was prosecuted by G. H. Voss and defended by Stone and Garver at the first trial.

Cicero is situated six miles north of Noblesville, on the line of the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, and was laid out by Dennis Pickerill and James B. Freel, January 15th, 1835. The first stock of merchandise was exposed for sale at this point in 1835 by Duncan Hannaman. His trade was lucrative and he continued in the business for about three years. At the end of that time he sold his stock to Ira Kingsbury and moved to IlHnois. After a short time Mr. Kingsbury sold the stock to Jesse and Ellis Evans. The firm of Baird and Beasley sold their stock to Jesse and Ellis Evans and retired from the business. The firm of Ellis & Ellis continued in business until 1843, when they retired with a competency. Ellis remained in Cicero until his death. Jesse removed to Illinois. Wooster & Loehr bought the Evans' stock and continued the trade for about three years. Other merchants of Cicero up to the close of the year 1865, were as follows: Robert Forkner, John Threlkeld, John D. Cottingham, Neal & Thompson, Thomas Leonard, Jesse Lutz, VV. H. Pickerill,

Daniel Kcni]) and ( iood I'.rotlicrs. Jn 1845 a tannery was established by Mr. Buskirk. He subsequently sold it to Henry ISlartz, who operated it until his death. The vard was then jiurehased by George Ross. ;

On Dcceni])er 7th, 1833, the first election in the 1 township was held in Cicero, resulting- in the choice of { Elijah Redman and I'^lias Evans for Justices of the ^ Peace. '.

The first post-office in the township was established 1 at Cicero about the year 1839. Henry Jones was the | first postmaster and held the office for several years. | His successors for a number of years were as follows: Jesse Evans, John Criswell, William Neal, John. D. Cottingham, Samuel Bussel and Edward Reeve.^.

The first warehousemen and gl'ain dealers were Cot-i tingham and Pickerill. William Neal, Hall and Samuel Bussell were the pioneer saw mill men. Dr. Warford was the pioneer drug man. j

In 1 841 a school house was erected in the western; part of Cicero by the trustees. They received $50 fromj the iniblic fund which was used for the support of

Mem1)ers of the Christian Church met at private houses and at school houses, as early as 1840. They continued to meet in this way until ahout the year 1851, at which time a clun-ch buildini;- was erected in Cicero.

The Methodists organized at Cicero in about the year 1843. ^vith fort}--three members. The meetings were held in a house that had been erected for a residence, but subsequently fitted up for a church by Dr. Clifford. The class worshiped in this building for four or fi\'e years, then at private houses, and later at the school house. In 1854 they erected a house of worship at a cost of al)out $1,500.

The Lutherans organized at Cicero in the year 1857, with about thirteen members. The first meeting was conducted by Rev. A. H. Scherer, of Arcadia, in a school house in Cicero, where meetings were afterwards held until the year 1862. Tn that year the society erected its present church at a cost of $1,800. This is a neat brick building, 32x48 feet.

Cicero Lodge, No. 199, A. F. and A. M., was organized in June, 1854, wath fifteen members and worked iLinder dispensation until May, 1855, when it received its charter sii;nc(l l)y Sol D. Bayless, G. M. Tlie first officers of the lodge were: Jesse Lutz, \\\ M. ; (i. ]\. (irul)b, S. W. ; Thomas Chapel, J. W. The first meci ing was held in a room in the unoccupied building of C. W. Harrison. This room was fitted up by the order and occupied as a lodge room until 1861. Tn that year the building, together with the records and regalia of the lodge, was destroyed by fire. Another room was furnished to serve until the lodge should be able to erect a hall of their own, which was done in 1873. This was the only secret order or society organized in Cicero until after the close of the year 1865.

The town of Westfield is situated six miles west of Xoblesville on the Noblesville and Lebanon Gravel Road. It was laid out by Ambrose Osborn. Simon | Moon and Asa Beales, on the 6th day of May, 1834. The original plat contained 48 lots. But additions to the original plat have from time to time been made to j meet the growing demand. Asa Beales opened the I first store in Westfield in 1832, before it was laid off I into town lots. He conducted a successful business and kei)t a good stock for that time. Isaac Williams was a clerk in Beales' store for a number of years, after / which he opened a store of his own. At one time Wil- |i Hams was engaged in the mercantile business with L. R. Bowman, but Williams purchased the interest of Mr.

I Bowman and became sole proprietor. In 18^3 Isaac and B. W. Williams became associated together in business and this relationship continued for two years, when B. W. Williams retired from the firm. The firm of Bowman, Kenyon & Poe was prominent among the early merchants of \\'estfield.

'. \\'ashburn opened a pottery and conducted that business for quite a nunil^er of years. Mr. Shy was the pioneer shoemaker. A ]Mr. Jackson operated a hatter's shop and a man 1^\- the name of Hunt manufactured

' mould board ploughs ever sold in the county, at \\^estfield. Nathan Beales did the wood work. V. N. Arnett, who is still li\ing. opened a blacksmith shop in \\'estfield in the year 1854. and he has worked at his trade longer than any one else in the town. At the time Mr. Arnett came to ^^^estfield. B. F. Pfafif was en-

: gaged in the reiJairing and manufacturing of wagons. A. E. Funderburg and Joseph Conklin began the business of tanning on Penn street before the war of '61. Conklin sold his interest to Funderburg and enlisted in the army. He was killed at Atlanta. Ga.. in 1863. Soon after Conklin's retirement from the business, Funderburg sold a half interest to J. F. Yow. The

Inisiness was then moved to the west i'ide of .Main street, running east and west. This was the property owned prior to that time by Mordecai White. Tannino was a great industry at that time.

The first wagon shop in Westfield was situated in tlie north part of tow'n, and was erected by James Antrim, the Iniilding being used prior to that time for a hotel. In 1861 it was purchased by John Manlsbv and converted into a wagon and carriage shop.

The Westfield post-office w^as established in 1837, and Isaac Williams was appointed postmaster. The first report made by Mr. Williams showed that from May loth to June 30th, 1837, postage on unpaid letter^ received from other offices during this quarter wa> $1.10%; postage on paid letters sent from the office was 35 cents for the same time. The revenue of the postmaster for this quarter was 39% cents. Mr. Williams kept the office until July, 1853, when he was succeeded by George White. White was succeeded by Harrison Goodwin, then B. F. Miller, Nathan Overman and A. B. Talbott each held the office.

The Westfield Flouring JNIill was erected in 184S. by Isaac Williams & Company, and was operated by this firm until 1854, at which time J. L. Seamans, who is still Hving, purchased the interest of Isaac Williams. Mr. Seamans purchased from time to time of his jxirt ners until he and Peter Rich became equal partners. In 1855 r'eter sold his interest to Jonathan E. Pike, who.

ill 1857, sold to Micajali C White t!v Conii);!!!}-. About one year later they sold to Joshua Wilson and he to Seamans. In 1862 Seamans erected an addition to the building and fitted it with the necessary machinery for a woolen mill. In 1S64 Jal)ez Neal bought a half interest in the mill. The building it occupied was a frame structure three stories high and was 37x40 feet. It had a capacity of sixty barrels of flour per day, which was considered a large mill in those times.

The first election held in Westfield was at the house of Asa Beales on the 7th day of December, 1833, for the purpose of electing two justices of the peace and other township officers.

The town of \\'estiield was incorporated in June, 1848, and an election for officers was held July 24th, 1848. The following persons were elected as trustees: W'illiam N. Jackson, for the first district; William 'Haines, second district; George ^\'hite, third district; Anslom Rayle, fourth district, and Nathaniel Wdiite for the fifth district.

W^estfield was settled largely by members of the Friends Church ; in fact, for many years the place was known as a Quaker town. They very early took a decided stand in favor of education and were against slavery and the use of intoxicants as a beverage. In about the year 1835, they employed a teacher and a school was taught in the old log meeting house of the Friends. This and all other schools, until the adoption of the conslitutioii and llic [)a.ssagc of the sclujol law, in jS^j. was conducted on the subscription plan, except what the}' may ha\e received as their share of interest on what was known as the seminary fund. Jn al)out the year 1837, some men of means in and near W'esttield donated lands to be sold and the proceeds to be put on interest for the benefit of the schools. Consideral)le mone}' was raised in tliis wa\'. the interest alone being used. This move was made in tlie interests of the Monthly Meeting school house, which was, in fact, the foundation of Union High. To this fund, howe\"er. was added many other donations.

The High School building in the town of Westfield was erected by the trustees of the town in 1858. It was a frame building, 30x40 feet, two stories higli. The first term began in September, 1858, with A. P. Howe as teacher. The upper story was not then completed and the school had but one department. In the fall of i860, it was first organized as a graded school. Another teacher was employed and another department added. Mr. How^e was made principal and had charge of the higher grades or the Grammar school. It continued then with the two grades for about twenty years.

The Union High School was organized in 1861 by the Society of Friends at Westfield. It was to be a permanent institution of learning, where students should

Hamilton Counts, Ind

Iia\-c an oi)portunity of preparing- themselves for college and where those wishing to teach could get the proper training. It was also to be a school where those : who were unable to take a college course could get a practical education that would fit them for usefulness in life, and at the same time surround them with excellent moral and social influences at little expense. Although this institution was under the care of the Friends' Church, yet the money for the purchase of the ground and erecting and furnishing the school building was largely made up of private subscriptions. It was obtained with much difficulty, often in small sums, but the donations were made with willing hearts. Prominent among the early Friends of the institution were Cabin Hunt, David Baldwin and Levi Pennington. These three gentlemen frequently filled the office of trustee of the school. They watched the progress of the institution as time passed, they cared for its interests, prayed for its prosperity and rejoiced in its success. The first board of trustees was appointed in May, I i860, and they immediately proceeded to erect a sub- I stantial brick building, two stories in height, with three , rooms on each floor, which were neatly furnished. The school opened under the care of John R. Hubbard, A. I M., and with his wife, Susan Hubbard, as associate pnncipal. Those, in part, who succeeded to the position of principal, were Enos Doan and Martha A.Doan ; Zenas Carey, Jr.; Lewis A. Estes and wife Hulda.

But the scope of this work will not permit nic to follow these institutions farther. I have devoted this much space to this institution of education because of its prominence in educational circles in the county, and because for years it was regarded as one of the leading high schools of the State.

The first religious services ever held in West field were conducted by the Society of Friends, they havini; formed themselves into an organization in 1834. They met that year at the home of Ambrose Osborn, south of Westfield, and perfected an organization. The original membership consisted of ten or twelve families and meetings were held at their homes until some time in the year 1835, when their first meeting house was erected. This was a log building, 24 by 48 feet, and contained two rooms, each twenty-four feet square, and separated by a log partition. It was erected by the members of the society and cost but very little. It was used until 1848, when it was replaced by a frame building costing near $1,000. It was 56 by 60 feet and in it was held the quarterly of all the monthly meetings in the county. On each Sabbath before the regular meeting a children's meeting or Sabbath school was held.

agement of Rev. J. L. Pfaff, M. D. Pfaft was succeeded l)y Rev. Alexander Haywood, and after him came a number of ministers warm in their advocacy of the anti-slavery cause. These people held their meetings at private houses until the year 1856, when they erected a house of worship at the cost of $1,500.

In the year 1855, the Congregational Church was organized at Westfield by the Rev. Jabez Neal, and a few years later a house of worship was erected at an expense of ? 1.500 and $300 additional for a bell. This church prospered for several years and its membership increased, but they became scattered and others events, especially the Civil War, caused them to disband.

John Smay came to ^^'esttield in the year 1865, and organized the Alethodist Episcopal Church. There were twenty-five faithful members who held their meetings at private houses until they purchased the building formerly occupied by the Congregational Society.

The Westfield Lodge, No. 115, A. F. and A. AI., was organized under dispensation, in June, 1850, with the following charter members: G. N. White, Nathaniel John Scott. B. H. Williams, S. S. White. J. L. Seamans and William Haines. They worked under dispensation until the session of the Grand Lodge in 18^1. when a charter was granted them. The first ofifi-

Pontius Lodge, No. 160, I. O. O. F.. was organized l'\'bruary 23d, 1855, with five charter members, vi/c. : G. F. \\'ainwright, S. R. McCole, W. A. W'ainwright, G. S. McMurty and H. G. Kenyon. The lodge was instituted by John Pontious. D. D. G. M., assisted by several brothers from Noblesville. On the night of the institution petitions were received from William H. Jackson, George White, Jonathan E. Pike, ^\. D. Stoneman, A. B. Talbot, Charles Kenyon, William A. Pfaff, William Haines, Sell)urn White and ^L C. While. Business was suspended and the candidates were initiated with the exception of Stoneman, who was absent from town. The following" men were the lirst officers of the lodge; H. G. enyon, N. G. ; S. G. McMurty. \\ G. ; \V. A. Pfaff, Secretary ; ^^^ H. Jackson, Treasurer. They met in the hall of the Westfield Lodge of A. F. & A. M., until the spring of 1865, when they ])urchased lot No. 3. in the original town of Westfield, and remodeled the building thereon into a lodge room. I'he lodge was at that time in good financial condition.

Boxleytown was laid out in the year 1836 by Addison and Thomas P. Boxley. The first election ever held in Adams Township was held at the home of Thomas P. Boxley in this village in the month of October, 1836. Also the first store opened in the township was opened here by the two Boxley boys. Thomas P. Boxley also being the first postmaster, in which capacity he served for a number of years. Reuben Tansey was the first Justice of the Peace in the township, being elected at the election herein spoken of. In 1830, and within a few miles of Boxleytown, Vinton Spencer, the first white child, was born. The first marriage in the township was also celebrated here, the contracting parties being Stephen Blevens and Elsie McKinsey. Addison Boxley kept the first tavern in Boxleytown, which was the first in the township. In an early day this was a prominent point, as it was in the direct route from Strawtown to the Wabash. Mr. Boxley did a good business in his line.

No mill was built in or near Boxleytown until the year 1861, when Robert Drake erected a saw mill and subsequently a grist mill. Among those who have been in business in Boxleytown are Thomas P. Boxley, Smith and Rodeman, George Palmer, J. R. Ogle and Stefify Brothers. Some of the physicians were J. M. Richardson, T. J. McMurty and J. C. Newby.

In about the year 1H37, the Methodists first began to hold meetings in the townshij). A class was formed and attached to the Xoblesville circuit. The meetings were held at private houses until a school was erected at Boxleytown, when they met there. From this was organized the Boxleytown Methodist Church, but they did not erect a building of their own until the year 1852. The Society of the Christian Church was organized at an early day and for some time they had the only church building in the town. About the year 1S44, the first class of the denomination of the W'esleyan Methodists was organized at the old school house in Boxleytown. under the leadership of Eben Teter. During protracted meetings they were granted the use of the church by the Christian society. In 1846 Mr. Teter donated a lot upon which they erected a church.

The village of Demiiig is situated in the southwest corner of Jackson Township. It was laid out by Elihu Pickett. Solomon Pheanis and Lewis Jessup on August loth, 1837. Elihu Pickett opened the first store in the town, and Joseph Hadley the second. Hadley was succeeded by Davis & Stanley. A ]\Ir. Williams came next, then B. F. Holliday. Holliday was the first i)lacksmith and ADen ^Nleek the second. A tan yard was also operated at this time by Milton Stanley.

The Methodists at an early date organized a class in Deming and for some time met for worship in the school house. In 1865 they erected a church. The Wesleyan Methodists erected a church west of Deming on the old Foulke farm. When the town was first laid out a mill, one half mile east, was erected on Hinkle Creek. It was called a corn cracker. No other mill was erected until 1865.

Hinkle Lodge, Xo. 310, A. F. & A. M., was chartered in 1863 by the Grand Lodge of Indiana. The first olificers of the lodge were : M. A\'hite, W. M. ; C. Davis, S. W. ; William Peacock, J. W. ; W. R. Thomas, Treasurer; Jabez Neal, Secretary; M. Workman, S. D. ; F. Baldwin, J. D., and B. F. Holliday, Tyler. In 1865 the order erected a lodge room over the Methodist Church.

This town was laid out on the 13th day of April, 1837, by Seth Green. It is situated four miles south of Westfield on the road leading from Westfield to Indianapolis. This road at this point is on the dividingline between Clay and Delaware Townships and a part of the town in each. The original town consisted of fourteen lots but a number of additions have since been added. The first dry-goods store was opened by a tlrm by the name of Boggs & Boggs, the store room being an old log cabin. The second store was also opened in a log cabin by a firm whose name cannot be learned. They did not remain long, but were succeeded by Haines & Harvey. The firm was succeeded by Elijah King. In 1846 ^less, Wesley & Little of Indianapolis were associated with King. During this partnership the old log cabin w^as torn down and a substantial frame building erected to take its place. After the withdrawal of Wesley & Little, King, Drum & Anderson associated themselves together and carried on the business. This firm was succeeded by King. Carc}- & Jessup; then King & King. The following men w^ere also among the early merchants: Elam & Brown. in 1850; succeeded by Mendenhall & Stanton; succeeded by John Kenyon in the year 1857. The Griffin Brothers, in i860, succeeded by Alfred Brown, succeeded by Randall, who sold out the stock. James Stanley then opened a drug store in the room vacated by Randall. Carey & Simons succeeded Stanley in the drugbusiness ; then \\\irren & Kinzer had the store and from them it went to L. J. Small. At an early date David Kinzer opened up a variety store. The first blacksmith shop was run by the Hunt Brothers. Other blacksmiths were Harrold & Haines, Binford & Stuart, Joseph Hilcher, John Patty and Richard George. Hilcher was succeeded by Isaac Roberts. A wagon shop was opened in 1850 by Benjamin Ball. In the year 1854. John Patty and Simeon Hawkins erected a wagon shop. They continued in business for about one year, when Hawkins sold his interest to Patty. Patty was succeeded by D. \\'. Patty and W. C. Kane, who were succeeded by D. W. Patty. David Connell, some time in the fifties, opened a carriage and blacksmith shop and continued in the business until the breaking out of the Ci\il War. when he enlisted and died in the service. Caleb Harvey opened a tan yard in or near Carmel when the town was first laid out, and continued in the business until his death. The business was conducted by his sons and Isaac W. Stanton and was finally abandoned. Other business men were: M. L. Long & A. Peacock, shoemakers; R. Craven & Isaac W. Stanton, harness makers; Harrold & Green, tile manufacturers; Blanchard & George, livery stable, and Calvin Bond, the first undertaker.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was first organized in Carmel in 1848, the membership consisting- of about twelve members. Services were at first held in a log house which had formerly been used as a blacksmith shop. In 1850, a frame building was erected, which is still in use. A Sunday-school was organized before the church.

The first meeting of the Society of Friends' Church ever held in the county was a little north and west of Carmel, in 1830. A meeting house was erected about the year 1833. It was called Richland. The name was given it by Benjamin Mendenliall. who had moved from a meeting of the same name in Green County, Ohio. Richland belonged to the Fairfield Monthly Meeting, which was located in Hendricks County. It was at first an Endulged Meeting, but in 1833 a Preparative Meeting was established by the Fairfield Monthly Meeting. In 1835 Richland Preparative joined with Westfield Preparative, and the Westfield Monthly Meeting was established by the White Lick Quarterly Meeting, held in Morgan County. The committee appointed to attend this monthly meeting were Eleazer Beales, Robert \V. Hudson, John Carte, Jr., Richard Day, Eliza- both Mendenhall, Ann Beales. Ester Xewlin and Asenath Moore. These persons were all present with the exception of Richard Day and Elizal)eth iNlendenhall. The Westfield Yearly Meeting was held alternately at Richland and Westfield. In 1840 the Richland Monthly Meeting was set off from ^\'estfield by the White Lick Quarterly Meeting. Those appointed to attend the opening of the Richland Monthly ^Meeting were Samuel Spray. Robert W. Hudson, William Whitson, James Kersey, Samuel ]\lillhouse, Ester Spray, Rhoda Carey, Asenath ]\Ioore. Margaret Coffin and Lydia Tomlinson. The first clerks of the Richland Monthly ^[eeting were Levi Haines and Lydia P. Cook. In 1868 the Richland Quarterly Meeting was established. It was composed of Richland, Poplar Ridge and East Branch Monthly Meetings. In 18 - the name of both Monthly and Quarterly Afeeting was changed from Richland to Carmel.

The first child born among the Friends was Elizabeth Ann Stanton, daughter of Benjamin Mendenhall. The first marriage according to their discipline was that of \\'illiam Hiatt and Mary ]\Ioon. Education early claimed the interests of the Friends in this vicinity. L'nion High School at Westfield received a great deal of aid from the Monthly Meeting at Carmel. In fact, the schools at Poplar Ridge and Carmel were under its 'control for some time.

Primitivk History Ov

witli the work of llic cluircli. was the i2^n)\vlh and rcc oL^nition of the Sal)l)ath School. The Ih'st preacher that 1)elons'C(l to lliis Meeting was Samuel StalYord, wdio settled there in 1836. The first minister recorded was Asaph Hiatt, in 1841. The first church building; erected after lea\ing" the cabin was a log house, i8xjn feet. In 1835 another room, about the S'lme size athe first, was added. The next building- was a frame, commenced in 1843 ''^"<1 finished in 1845. The first frame house in Carmel was erected by Thomas MilK. The first grist mill was operated by ('p.rey & Rolic. It stood on the west side of the ro'ul near tlie north line of Carmel.

Nicholsonville, now Clarksville, is situated five and one-half miles southeast of Noblesville on the Noble-- ville and Pendleton Road. It was laid out by Abraham Nicholson on the 18th day of September, 1849. The first stock of goods for sale was opened by the proprietor of the town. He was the only merchant here for several years and was the first postmaster. Besides this, he operated a tannery. One Air. Commons, father of J. A. Commons, who now resides near Clarksville. opened the first blacksmith shop in the town. Abraham Nicholson was succeeded in the mercantile business by Conner and Massey, Henry P. Crull and Plenry Heiny. Mr. Nicholson was succeeded in the tannerv business bv his son, William Nicholson, and

Garret Wall. Anion^- the first physiciai's in the town was Dr. P. P. ^\'hitesell. llciiry Heiny was probably the first Justice of the Peace. Benjamin Heiny was a pioneer saw mill man. The early schools for Clarksville were tan^-ht three-fourths of a mile west of Clarksville. Subscription schools remained in vogue until about the year 1854. The present system of free education was then inaugurated and a district school building was erected under this system ; but it was not erected in Clarksville. The first school building in Clarksville was erected in 1867.

Members of the Methodist Church, residing in and near Clarksville, belonged and worshiped at Bethel Church, one and a half miles west of the town.

Afembcrs of the German Baptist denomination, residing in and near worshipped at the churcli built by that denomination, one and three-quarter miles west of Clarksville. An organization \vas effected in 1851, but their church building was not erected until i860.

The Christian Church at Clarksville w^as organized in i860 by Rev. Thomas Burnau. Their first meetings were held in school houses or private residences until their present church building was erected in the town.

Clarksville Lodge, No. 118, A. F. & A. M., was organized in January, 1850, and worked under dispensation until the following May. at which time it was duly chartered by the Grand Lodge of Lidiana. The char-

Eagletown is situated ten miles west of Noblesville on the Noblesville and Lebanon road. It was laid out on lands owned by Ephraim Stout and Jesse Waller, March 21, 1848. Cyrus Bowman and F. Wells were | the pioneer merchants of this town. In later years, William Vance conducted the only dry goods and gen- ) eral store in the town. Barker and White w^ere pio- 1' neers in the drug business. Nathan I^ike was probal)ly the first blacksmith of t.he town.

In about the year 1865. N. White and Samuel and Joseph Cloud erected a flouring mill at Ihi^ ]^lace. They ' were succeeded by Imri Hurst a'xl Hurst by Henry ' Deer. i

The Union Christian Band was organized in the year 1859 at school house No. 11, near Eagletown. It conducted services at that place about one year, at the end of which period they erected a house of worship a half mile east of Eagletown. It was denominated the "Union Blue." Within a few years the principal members moved to other places and the membership became much reduced. There were scarcely enough left to maintain an organization and the church building was donated to the United Brethren, reserving its use for meetings of the Christian Band, when wanted by them for that purpose. The l^uilding was moved to Eagletown by the latter denoimination, where union ser\ ices are conducted at regular inter\als.

The United Brethren organized in 1849 or 1850, and in the same year erected a log church half a mile south of Eagletown. There were about twenty-five members at the date of their organization. About twelve years later they removed their building to Eagletown, where they continued to worship.

In 1841 or 1842 the Friends organized near Eagletown in a log cabin, which stood on the land of Ephraim Stout. There were about fifteen members in this congregation and meetings were held in the same cabin for two years, when a house of worship was erected. This congregation was composed of members who were radically anti-sla\ery in sentiment and had withdrawn from the Westfield Monthly Meeting on that account and

Jiniily united with the anti-slavery iM-iends. In 1S55 they reorganized at Eaglctown and erected a comfortable house, in which meetings have sine been held | every alternate month. The membership has increased . to over one hundred. A Sabbath-sclux^l was organized by this society with good results.

New Britton is situated four miles south of Nobles- [ ville on the Peru & Indianapolis, now the Lake Erie & j Western, Railroad, and was laid out by William Brandon, March i8th. 1851. Soon after that one Mr. Brozier opened up a stock of merchandise at that place. A blacksmith shop was also soon after opened at this point, but I have been unable to get the name of thv proprietor. Dr. Cyrus was the first physician to locate at that point. ^Ir. Brozier was succeeded in the goods business by Samuel Trittipo. who also bought grain. He did a large and profitable business. The postoffice was kept by Brozier during the time he was in businc^- and by Trittipo at the time he owned the store. In about the year 1862 Sydney Cropper bought a farm adjoining the town on the west. He opened \\\) a blacksmith and repair shop which he conducted for a number of years. He also acted as justice of the peace.

The school house was. one mile east of the town. The Methodist F.piscopal Church orga- ized a class as early as 1852 and met for worship at the school house above naiiK'cl. New Britten has ne\er impro\ ed much. At the beginning" it was a country village with its store, postoffice, doctor, blacksmith and justice of the peace. It will have its place in the history of the county by reason of the fact that two of the five commissioners appointed to locate the capital of the State voted to locate the same ui)()n what was called the Conner Bluff, on the east bank of White River, not more than one mile west of New Britten.

This village is situate about four miles west of Atlanta on the line dividing Hamilton and Tipton counties. This is a thriving little village, with its stores, its blacksmith shop, physicians, school and church. It is situate in a good farming community, but the products of the farm for sale go to some point on the railroad. The same is true as to stock raised on the farm.

This is a small village situate on the south bank of Cool Creek eight miles southwest of Noblesville in Delaware Township. It has one store, one blacksmith shop and a postoffice. The nearest church building is White Chapel, east of Mattsville, and the nearest school house is near the church referred to. There is quite an amount of trade and business done at this point, but not much prospect for improvement.

'This cily is located on the north line of Hamilton County on the line of the old Peru & Indianapolis Kail- way, now known as the Lake Erie & Western. Caleb j Sparger owned land in an early day west of the ])resent j line of railway. Ife laid off a town on his land and | named it Sparg"ers\-ille. He sold a few lots, kept a j store for a short time and then sold his land and moved awav. Michael Shiel was the owner of land east of j Sparger. 'He laid out a town and named it Shielville. | He also sold a few lots. On the 21st day of March, [ 1 85 1, Andrew Tucker laid out and platted the town of Buana Vista. The name has been changed to Atlanta. So Spargerville, Shielville and Buana Vista combined is known as Atlanta. At the time Buana Vista was laid out the country all around it was new. the land wet and swampy and co^-ered with a hea\\\- growth of timlHiand iniderl)rush. The first merchant was Caleb Spaiger, the second Michael Shiel. The third store ^\as opened by Bicknell Cole. The fourth firm was the Eshleman Bros. This was the first firm to sell goods in a frame building. The next \\'as E. S. Tyler, ficni Indianapolis. The next was William Ivooker. T'l - next was John S. \\'olf. This store was afterwards owned and operated by Wolf & Walton. Shielville was j laid out in 1839. Its ])lat was ne\er recorded, but the postofifice bore the name of "ShieKille Postoffice." No great improvement was accomplished until the com])le- tion of the railroad to that ponit. Messrs. Wahon & Whetstone at or al)out this time formed a partnership for the pnrpose of carrying on the hnnber and timl)er business. They commenced purchasing timber, which 1 1 was sold in the log, made into lumber, staves and head-

'. ing stock. In this undertaking they were very successful. Mr. Walton retained his interest in the stock of .1 goods during all of the time he was in the lumber trade.

The first church building in Buana Vista was built by all denominations and by contributions from those not members of any church and was called Union Church. It was used by all denominations harmor.iously. The building was used for other purposes, such as public meetings and the like. The schools did not system of 1852 better i)i-ogTess was made than had \)vv\\ made prior to that time. No other church l)uil(Hiiother than the Union Church heretofore spoken of \v,ierected in Buana \'ista until after the year 1865.

The town of iVrcadia was laid out by Isaac Martz in j 1850. It was situated on the Peru & Indianapolis, now the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, nine miles north oi Noblesville. Between that time and the close of the year 1865 the town attained a position of mercantile importance and was and is recognized as a good trading point. It is surrounded by a good farming community composed of enterprising men. In 1852 the first stock of merchandise was opened for sale by Josephus Mundle. Two years later he disposed of his stock of goo(l> at auction and Isaac Martz opened a store in the same building. This house was occupied from the time ]\Ir. Martz vacated up to the year 1859 by Mr. Myers, G. B. Scribner and Seth Maker. In the fall of 1859 J. S. Carroll and brother rented the room and opened up a 1 stock of goods. This firm continued in business about two years. They then sold out and J. S. Carroll and John I. Caylor formed a partnership. In 1864 Mr. Carroll erected a new business house and associated W. T. Smith with him as a partner.

later tliis house was sold to the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Arcadia Christian Church was organized by Carey \\'. Harrison in 1845. There were about twenty-five members in the original organization. Mr. Harrison remained in charge for a number of years. In 1850 Isaac Martz donated a lot upon which a building was soon after erected for a church and school house. Services were held in this house for about fifteen years. About 1866 they erected a new church building on ]Main Street.

After the passage of the school law of 1852 the people of Arcadia took great interest in the promotion of education. The school fund under this law did not for a few years accumulate rapidly and progress was slow\

The Arcadia flouring mill was erected by Isaac Martz in the year 1863. In 1864 he added a saw mill to this grist mill. The building is frame, 30x40 feet, the main building being two and a half stories high. It has three runs of buhrs and is conducted as a custom mill. A steam elevator was erected by \\'. B. Gentry. It was a frame building 40x90 feet, having a storage capacity of 8,000 bushels. The grain bought at this elevator was shipped to Eastern markets. A steam saw mill was erected by Niedham & Tucker. The main building was 35x90 feet and was two stories high. Furniture was made at this mill.