Hancock County, Indiana - Chapter 28, 1882

Chapter 28

Among the things most noteworthy which distinguish modern from ancient civilization is the progress which all classes have made in regard to education. Our intelligent and energetic forefathers early saw that a system of education must be established to protect freedom, to create enterprise and to establish institutions, of which the world may well feel proud, but we must observe that the progress has been slow, and we notice as it has passed along it has gained a steadfast footing at every step.

In Hancock count}- the first school-house w^as erected in 1823 in Blue-River township. A similar building was established in Greenfield in 1824. School buildings were erected in Jackson, Sugar Creek and Harrison (now Center) in 1830, and in 1836 in Green and Brown, and in Vernon a little later. And what kind of buildings do you think they were? Structures which, in dimensions, were sometimes twenty feet square, constructed of logs and poles, cracks daubed with mud, but not excluding the cutting blasts of wind ; a fire-place of huge dimensions occupied a prominent position, wliich admitted logs that required the muscular power of the large boys to be brought into action ; desks without backs, and seats made out of split saplings, which ever now and then precipitated the occupants to the floor, to the delight of the rest of the school ; oiled paper for lights and a puncheon floor. Two pins over the teacher's desk held the onlv needful apparatus (at least so they thought at that time) to make a good school. The supply of switches was always abundant.

General Topics. 43

The schools were then organized by subscription, lasting through a period of thirteen weeks, the teacher receiving $25 or $30 for the term. Then the light of science had not dawned upon the people, and school was lield from early in the morning until late in the evening, allowing five minutes in the morning and evening for recess and one hour at noon. Oh, how these energetic "lads and lasses" longed to breathe the fresh and pure air without such a dilapidated inclosure. Think of the idea of sitting on backless poles for ten hours a da3\

The men who came forward to instruct and cultivate the minds of the rising generatien were not always men of culture themselves, coming from England, Ireland and other countries and engaging in the profession until thev could find a more suitable calling. Then another class of unsuccessful business men came forward to instruct the most brilliant minds in our country. How could it be possible to have a competent corps of teachers when the examinations and qualifications was a matter of minor importance, the great requisite being the ability to use the " rod" unsparingly on all occasions. But we can not but admire their feeling in regard to morality ; strict in morals and of unquestionable integrity, spurning an insult, and not afraid to stand by what they considered their rights and privileges. Frequent fights on this account often occurred, and it was hard to tell who was the innocent party.

"Loud schools" were held throughout the countrv, and it would be interesting to hear a school preparing their lessons ; and this plan, although having its defects, probably had some advantages. Examine their methods of instruction, teaching what the}- called the three R"s, " Readin', Ritin' and Rithmetic," giving very little instruction on any branch, but allowing their pupils to use their own energy if they desired to succeed. Books of all kinds and in every condition were used, and classes were nunier- ous and xcvy small until 1857, when all were required to obtain a certain class of books suitable for their instruction, and they were ready to engage in a more methodical and orderly way of learning, and it has truly been said that " Order is the first law of God."

Our county seminary was established in 1842 at Greenfield, and continued to flourish until 1852, when the law eflecting all similar buildings was passed and abolished the institution.

The public policy of our nation has alwa3-s been for the advancement of the interest of her people, and in this she has been followed by the States. Virginia, although she has probably in after times made blunders, came nobly and majestically to the front and donated to the General Goyernment the yast domain of which our State is a part. The people of Indiana should eyer feel grateful to Virginia for her unexcelled patriotism and devotion. The ordinance made in regard to this vast domain, in 1787, showed on its face that this section was destined to have a happy and glorious triumph in the future ; for in the third article it was declared that "Religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to the good government and happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged." Section sixteen in each Congressional township was reserved for school purposes, and this has assisted greatly in establishing our grand school fund.

In 1816 superintendents were appointed to lease the lands, but not for more than seven 3'ears. In 1824 a new law took effect, and established three trustees to look after the educational interests of each township. In 1836 the county school commissioner was created, and in 1843 the State Treasurer performed the duty of Superintendent of Public Instruction, but how different were their powers from what the}' are at present. Like the articles of confederation, a great many things might be suggested, but ver}^ few enforced.

General Topics

before the minds of a portion of our honored citizens. The schools had mostly been carried on by private means, and in a rude manner. The system of free schools was beginning to be discussed, but public sentiment seemed to be against it. The people had not yet been brought up to view education in its proper light. The voters of Hancock county, in convention, advanced fearlessly to the front and denounced a system of free schools, with all of its proposed advantages, yet it had its supporters, and in 1852 the law establishing the free schools triumphed over its foes, and soon won most of them to its support. How great the progress in education. Schools and colleges were established and comfortable buildings supplied the places of the worthless and neglected log pens.

In 1852 the Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Board were established. In 1865 teachers' institutes were established in all the counties of Indiana, and at the same time the State Normal at Terre Haute. Both of these have been of great advantage to our teachers. Previous to this time, in 1834, ^^^' State University was established at Bloomington. Thus we have the advantage of learning in all its branches of knowledge. In 1873 the county superintendency was established, and at the same time the county board and township institute, all of which tend to better prepare the educators of our county.

Our common school fund, which exceeds that of any other State by $2,000,000, is from the following sources: Congressional township fund, which, as has already been described, from the sale of lands ; the bank tax fund, said bank being established in 1834. Twelve and one-half cents was deducted from the dividends of each share of stock, to be set apart for the school fund, amounting to $80,000. During Jackson's administration all debts were paid, and left a large surplus in the treasury, which was distributed among the several States, Indiana's portion being $860,254. Our Legislature set apart from this amount $573,502 96 for school, purposes. This is known as the Surplus Revenue. At the same time that the bank was established, in 1834, ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ provided that after the indebtedness, principal and interest, had been paid, the remainder, to the amount of $5,000,000, passed into our school revenue. This is known as the Sinking Fund. The Saline Fund, arising from the sale of the lands in salt districts, not exceeding thirt3^-six sections, obtaining for educational purposes $85 ,000. Deriving also from the sale of swamp lands, which were not otherwise set apart by our Government, what is known as the Swamp Land Fund. In 1852 all of our county seminaries were disposed of, and the remainder, after deducting expenses, is known as the Seminary Fund. Then last we have our Contingent Fund, under which we have the fines of courts, forfeitures, escheats, &c. These immediately increased the school fund of the noble State of Indiana, of which Hancock is a part, and whose people are directly benefited thereb}'. These several fvmds swelled our school revenue to the sum of $9,000,000, whicli may be increased, but never diminished.

Now, my dear readers, let us for a moment look at the condition of things to-day as compared with the schools of thirty 3'ears ago, wheij our present school system was established. Pass through our townships and 3'ou will see substantial buildings instead of mere huts. In those buildingsyou will find competent and energetic men and women, for women are now standing side by side with men in the profession, and indeed surpassing him in many cases, a thing supposed to be impossible thirty years ago, for then within that structure of learning must be kept a vast amount of "beech tea," w^hich was issued in liberal doses to the applicants, the quantity being beyond the intellect or judgment of woman to determine. Now we have comfortable seats and desks ; not split poles. Then w^e were able to have a goose-quill pen ; now the skill of man presents us with a better and more useful instrument. Tlien our only apparatus was the rod ; now we have suitable maps, charts, globes, &c., for the explanation of things necessar}' for every boy and girl in our land. Now teaching is a protes- sion, and the man deser\inf^ honor receives it. Our teachers thirt}- years ago were few in numbers, and their literar}' attainments were very questionable ; now they are numerous, and some of them educated men. School buildings are now within a convenient distance of every child in the State ; then our children walked two or three miles, throus^h sleet and snow, rain and mud, to attend a school, where they scarcely received an}- instruction. Then we had but a handful of children ; now we have a o-rand army of nearly a million young warriors, read}' to engage in the great battle ignorance and superstition. Now a uniform system of grading and examination exists, and many applicants fail in passing through the tr^'ing ordeal ; then the answer to one or two simple questions was all that was required to qualif}- a man to give instruction. Our progress in this respect has been so great that it is almost beyond our power of comprehension, and still we are advancing, and will continue to advance in time to come, until the American people will lead the world in the number and importance of her institutions, in religion, moralit\' and education.

In going back to our earl}- history it almost seems as if it would be impossible to have made such progress and now to rank amono- the leadiuLj counties of Indiana. Go back to sixty 3ears ago and you will find a wilderness, a dense forest of undergrowth so thick that it was almost impossible for man to pierce, water covering a great portion of our now fertile and productive soil. See the pioneer wading and struggling to find his way through the depths of the forest, surrounded on all sides by the savage red men, who were ever eager to take his scalp or destroy' his propert}'. We who live in the midst of civilized life, surrounded b}' everything which man could desire, can it be possible for us to imagine their sulferings, their privations and trials, the Indians harassing their journey at every

Step, some of our noble forefathers falling by the tomahawk of the merciless savages and enduring every privation. When we think of their hardships we must feel a thrill of admiration run thrt)ugh our veins for their heroism, a sincere regard for their patriotism and a feeling of sympathy lor their suffering. Those who were successful in passing liirough the many privations now began the construction of their rude cabins, not palatial residences, where wealth was exhibited in any of its forms, but just something to protect the brave pioneer from the howling winds and storms, the fierce animals which were prowling in the forest, and the treacher\' of the original inhabitant of this now glorious country, "the home of the brave and the land of the free." Examine his houseliold utensils and you will find nothing but a rude bed, pots, skillet and some minor things of less importance. What a contrast with the present, when we have everything that art and skill can invent. They were men of energy and determination, having very little to subsist upon but hominv and the meat ot wild beasts, going twent}' and thirty miles to get their corn or wheat ground in a rude way by machinery which would now be of little benefit to mankind. Tree after tree has been felled and log after log has been rolled, piled and burnt, and the farmers, by great difficulty, prepared the soil. At that time there were no idlers, and the daughter of the sturdy pioneer came forward and engaged noblv in the work of raising the crops for their sustenance, thinkingnothing of fine dress, the piano being something heard of, but not seen. How different from the girl of to-day. What does the dear old grandmother think of her granddaughter as she sits in the grand parlor of her lather, and, with nimble fingers, passes over the keys of the piano-forte, sending forth sweet and melodious music that calls for praises from the attentive listeners? What does the old, gray-headed man, bending under his many years of lite and pri\-ations, think of the man of to-day with his many machines and inventions to assist him in his work? And stop and think for yourself, when the soil was turned, not by a steam or an Oliver Chilled Plow, but by a wooden mould-board, attached to which were horses or oxen, having" on harness constructed of ropes and the roots of trees, not having any particle of leather or iron in their composition. Some of these were known as the famous "kicking plows," which, in coming in contact with an obstruction, rebounded with such force that they were ''said to kick a boy over the fence." Year after year in our history, the improvement in our plows having continued to advance, until we now have them in almost a perfect condition.

Wheat in early times was cultivated with great difficult}', and carried or hauled long distances to market, very often bringing to the seller tw^enty-five to forty cents per bushel. Then appeared no self-binders to save to the producer a vast amount of time and labor ; then the sickle was the prominent machine by which to reap the waving fields of grain. Afterwards the scythe and cradle came forward, saving to our sturdy farmers time and labor. Improvements in this respect, like in the plow, have continued from time to time. Hvindreds of acres may be slain now while one was cut in former times. Then the flail was in use to thrash the grain ; then also horses were used to tramp it out. In 1856 the Hrst thrashing-m.achine was introduced into this county, not a machine to thrash tw^elve or fifteen hundred bushels of grain in a day, as may now be done by our magnificent thrashers, but a machine which was a great improvement on the older methods.

As we now look around us and behold the giant iron horse running at the rate of forty to sixty miles per hour : when we see our beautiful fields of grain placed in a condition for thrashing in a few hours, which before would require as many days ; when we see that agriculture is now studied as a science, and the great improvement in all our lands ; when we see the railroads all over our countrjready to carry our productions to market ; when we observe along these lines of railway telegraph poles and wires ready to convey messages as quick as lightning to all sections of the country, we can not help but acknowledge that our advancement since the brave old pioneers settled this country has been marvelous, and we can also sa}-, "Truly we are a happy people."

In 1850 tiiis county was still almost a wilderness, and since that period our improvement has been almost as rapid as a current of our swiftly-flowing streams. Eminent men have arisen from among us who, by their own exertions, have gained distinction and success. Our educational interests have sprung up like the trees in the forest, and we have sent forth men to the field of action whose fame shall ever live and be cherished by the American people.

"If we could but live as of old. For a thousand long years, What thinj^s might we know. What things might we do, And all without hurry and care."

The first fair in this county was held in 1856, east of Greenfield, on the north side of the National road, near the present flax tactor}-. A. T. Hart was the first president. This was a successful agricultural meeting, but the next year the place of display was changed, and the fair held east of Brandywine and sotitii of the railroad, on the land of Samuel Milroy. Here it continued to be held annually until the fall of i860, when the proprietors reorganized and formed a society of stockholders, dividing the stock into shares of $10 each, when the name of the organization was changed to the Agricultural Society, differing in name but not in character. So far the fairs were well attended, and held an equal rank with similar corporations in the surrounding counties. Thus the holders of stock in the new organization looked forward to bright prospects in the future. New officers had been elected and a new constitution and by-laws had been formed which differed materiallv from the old method. At the annual meeting of the Hancock Joint Stock Association, held in Greenfield, at the court-house, on the loth of November, i860, the following persons were chosen as officers for the ensuing year : Robert E. Barnett, President ; John Hinchman, John P. Banks, Vice Presidents ; James L. Mason, Secretary; John II. White, Treasurer. On motion, Henry Newby, Samuel Heavenridge and Joshua Meek were appointed as the committee to examine and report upon suitable grounds for the association, and to receive proposals for the sale of the land. A unanimous report of tlie committee appeared December 8, 1S60, and on April 5, 1861, the society purchased eight acres of land of Samuel M. Milro}' for the sum of if 500. Here for years was held the fair of oiu" county ; here appeared the best blooded horses, the best sheep, the best cattle, hogs and live stock of all kinds which our section of the countr}' was capable of producing; here were people from all parts of our county to see the stock of other sections, and thereby improve their own. In 187 1 the floral hall was destro3'ed by fire, and never rebuilt. The society flourished until 1879, when debt, jealousies and lack of enterprise caused its natural demise.

It has been well said that there are three great educational motive powers, viz : the press, pulpit and school ; and indeed it would be useless in this highly enlightened age to waste words upon the power and influence of the press.

While the pulpit may furnish a higher grade of moral instruction, the press reaches a far greater number, and does more towards forming the opinions of the masses of mankind.

paper in Greenfield called '^ The Reveille,'" the first paper published in the county. In 1847, Mitchell Vaugh established ''T/ie /iivestigator,'" which he edited for about six months, when he failed, and R. A. Riley became the editor for another six months, after which Thomas D. Walpole started "^Thc Sentinel," a weekly paper, which was published for about four or five years, being edited for a time In' William Mitchell. In the year 1859, Noble Warrum, David S. Gooding, William R. West, and George Y. Atkison started ''The Ifaueock TJenioeraf," which was edited tor a time bv D. S. Gooding, followed by William Mitchell, who soon became and is still the editor and sole proprietor. About the year 1864, one Wright started a native American paper, tiie "Kaniil\ Visitor," which, alter running for a time, was transferred to Mr. Hinshaw. In 1867 "The Greenjield CouDuereial" was started and edited for a while by Amos C. Beeson. afterwards by L. E. Rumrill. The next paper that made its appearance was "The Greeiifield JiezL's,"" edited by Will T. Walker, succeeded by Walter Ilartpence. "- The Greenfield Republican, '" b}' T. B. Deem, next made its appearance, but ceased after twelve issues. In July, 1878, R. J. Strickland started ^' The Hancock Jef- /erso)iian,'" a weeklv paper which is still published. He also continued the publication of "" The Odd Rel/ozvs" Chronicle," which he had been publishing at Centerville tor a number of years. In August, 1880, Greenjield Republican" was started by Robison & Cooper, and after running for a time was transferred to the Republican Compan}', by which it is still published. In the fall of 1879, Drs. Boots and Marsh commenced the publication of "The Independent Medical Investigatory In 1881, "The Home and School Visitor"' was started by Aaron Pope as publisher and Lee O. Harris as editor. The present proprietors are Harris and Goble.

Recapitulation. - The first paper published in Hancock county was in 1844. The numbers published from time to time are numerous. The kinds published, medical, miscellaneous, educational, lodge, literary and news. The papers now published in Greenrield are four in number, three news and one educational. The proprietors are William Mitchell. R. J. Strickland, The Republican Company, and I larris and Goble.

Kky ro AiiOVE Table. - To find the distance between any two points in the county or from any village or post-office therein to Indianapolis follow the columns of each to where they intersect, and note the numbers at said point of intersection, which is the required distance. To illustrate, for instance : To find the distance between Greenfield and Junction, follow the vertical column beginning below Greenfield to the lateral column beginning opposite Junction, and the distance is found to be only five miles. The distance from New Palestine to Westland is ascertained by the same method to be twelve miles ; Gem to Junction, twelve miles; Westland to Willow Branch, nine miles, and thus the distance from any two points is readily learned. It is proper here to remark, however, that the above distances are such as are necessarily traveled in taking the mo.st direct wogon route. For example, the distance given above from Indianapolis to Warrington is thirty-one and a half miles, while to travel the distance with the cardinal points of the compass, passing through Greenfield, would be thirty-six miles, but by taking the most direct wagon route, passing through Kden and McCordsville, thence south-west on the pike direct to Indianapolis, the distance necessarily traveled is, as above stated, thirty-one and a half miles. '

On the preceding page will be seen a full list of the post-offices in the county, commencing with Greenfield, the lirst, and closing with Binwood, the last established, being sex'enteen in number. Indianapolis is not in the county, but, being our State capital, and one of our chief business points, and so intimately connected with our interests and history, that it properly appears on the table of distances. Junction is only a tin}' village, and not yet a post-office. It is a new place, at the junction of tlie Pendleton pike and I., B. and W. railroad, live miles north of Greenfield.*

We contemplated another table of post-offices alone, arranged alphabeticall}', with names of postmasters, salaries or pay received, when supplied with mail, whether dail}', weekly, semi-weekl}^ or tri-weekh', number of papers and periodicals passing through the office, the mone3'-order offices designated, and various other matters of interest, all the facts of which are of record in the Post-office Department at Washington, and the writer once had the pleasure of seeing the whole plan, but on writing for the desired information we received the following reply, which is self-explanatorv :

Washington, October lo, iS8r.) Sirs : In reply to your communication of the ^th October, requesting to be furnished with infi)rm:ition as regards postolfices, postmasters, &c., in Hancock county, Indiana, you are informed that, in consequence of the insufficiency of the present clerical force in this office, it \v\\\ be impossible to complv \vitli \ our request.

*A11 of the post-offices and villages are definitely located and dc?cril)eti in their proper places, as shown by the index and table of ci>ntents.

Iiistokv Ok Hancock Cointv

Many persons who hnve not given the subject special attention suppose that in buying real estate or accepting a loan on the same that all the precaution necessary is to see that there is a perfect chain of title, and that there are no mortgages, judgments nor delinquent taxes, but such is not the case. These are a frza of the important things to be looked after, but not all b\' any means. It would be wise and only an indication of business tact on the part of those interested not to pin"chase or make a loan upon real estate until they are certain that tlie records show the title to be w'ithout a flaw, and free from liens of any kind or character wdiatever : and it is not always safe in so important matters in dealing WMth all classes of mankind to trust to "friendship," "honor," or anvtliing outside the odicial records. To avoid an}- risks in the matter, have the title tested and the liens examined bv a competent attornev. or better require an abstract by experienced, responsible parties ; and do not for a moment suppose that simply an abstract gives y^ou a good title, as some have erroneoushthought, but, on the contrary, a good and complete abstract shows the kind of title, whether good or bad, and the liens, if any, on the realty. Then, to be more specilic, we would caution parties as a general rule before buying or loaning not to fail to see :

5. That there are no judgments nor decrees from the District or Circuit Court of the United States in and tor the district wherein the land is situate.

8. If the property has ever been sold at sheriff's, executor's, administrator's, commissioner's or guardian's sale, see that the proceedings were regular, for there is no warranty in any of these sales, and such conxeyances are only equivalent to quit claims.

11. See that the owner is neither principal nor surety upon any recognizance or official bond, which, by the law of Indiana and consequently of Hancock county, is a lien upon the premises. Our statutes provide that every recognizance shall bind the real estate of the principal from the time it is taken, but shall only bind the real estate of the surety from the time judgment of forfeiture is rendered.

12. Sec that the deed, which mav be regular and absolute upon its face, is not counteracted and changed in nature by outstanding cotemporaneous defeasances.

13. Ascertain whether the deed is for a legal consideration or simph' as a security for a debt. If for the latter, it is in effect and reality only a mortgage, and may be foreclosed as such. Our courts hold that where a deed of conveyance of real estate, though absolute on its face, is executed and intended simph- as security for the payment of a debt owini; from the <xrantor to the <>"rantee, it amounts to a mortgage only, and confers no title upon a person who, having notice of such fact, obtains a con\e\ance of such real estate from such ifrantee.

15. Lastly, know that the instrument of conveyance or security contains a definite and correct description of the lands, and is properly executed, signed, sealed, acknowledged and timely recorded.

I^c))iarks. - It will be seen from the above that instead of there being but three or four points for grantees and mortgagees to look after, there are nearly forty, all essential and of vital importance.

By the statutes of 1852, dower is abolished, except such rights as had already vested, but the section of the statutes of 1843, providing for the assignment of dower, was continued in force in the statutes of 1852, and is still in force.

Our Supreme Court has held that "a surety upon an official bond, as well as the principal, is a debtor, within the meaning of the statute," which provides that "judgments on official bonds, payable to the State of Indiana, shall bind the real estate of the debtor from the commencement of the action."

Under the Statutes of Indiana now in force, every conveyance, mort^^ajje and lease for more than three years must be recorded in forty-five days from the execution thereof in order to be good as against any subsequent purcliaser, lessee or mortgagee, '* in good faith and for a valuable consideration."*

Many persons very erroneously suppose that the '* warrant "in deeds and mortgages to be ample security for any (nerlooked liens that in the future may be discovered, but the warranty, like any other security, is available and valuable after the purchase money is paid, only in case of responsible parties. Again, the grantor may be good and

*The main facts in the above anicle I have heretofore furnislieci some of the pa;)ers <)ver my full name, but, considering tlie subject of sucli vital importance to the common reader, I have revised and rewritten the entire article, and trust it will not be considered out of place in a county history as the law of Indiana, and <-onscquentl y of Hancock county. J. II. HIM Oin).

perfectly responsible at the tinr' of the conveyance, but perhaps in a few years, when some defect is observed or lien is to be enforced, he is dead, moved away or insolvent, hence it is not always advisable to rely on the warranty, however good at the time.

An auxiliary of the American Bible Society was organized in this county in the year 1837 ^y Rev. Richmond, the prime mover in the charitable enterprise, and the first president thereof. Among those who have since filled that office we may note Joseph Mathews, John Rarden, II. B. Wilson, D. S. Gooding, George Barnett, F. M. Gilchrist and G. W. Dove, the latter of whom is the present chief officer. The object of this organization is to promote the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, without note or comment, among all classes, and especially the poor and neglected. The recipients are expected to pay a part of the price of the sacred volume, where they are able and can be induced to do so, in order that they may be more highly appreciated, and secondly, that the finances of the society may be the most advantageously and economically used, yet none are to be denied on account of their poverty. There being no mone}' consideration for the keeping of the records of the society, we are unable to find any reliable account of its sales, donations and doings, but for these facts have to rely on the memory of the older citizens.

About the year 1850 several families moved from Kentucky, chief among which were the Sebastians, Branhams, Offults and Rainses. Most of these were members of the Cliristian Church, or had been indoctrinated before leaving Kentucky. As early as 1840, ministers of the Christian Church occasionally visited this place, and held meetings in private houses, county seminary and the old M. E. Church, and sometimes at the court-l^.ouse. wSoon the court-house was sold and torn down, and the members accepted an invitation from the Methodists to again occupy their house. After the new court-house was erected, the society occupied it for a time. In the spring of 1854, April 4th, an organization was affected in the M. E. Church, at which time thirteen names were enrolled as original members, viz : William and Elizabeth Sebastian,

Jonathan Smith

Joseph Clayton, Humphrev and Eliza Offutt, Benjamin and Hannah Porter, Elizabeth Phillips, Stephen Dickerson, Amanda Branham, Lewis Sebastian and Mrs. Amos. After the or<;anization, the meetino- \vas continued for several days, increasing the membership to about fort}', when the necessity of a house of worship was felt by all.

A. K. Branhani, ihouijh not a member al thai time, soon secured a six-hundred-doHar subscription, donated himself thirty-five feet of the lot on which the church now stands, and induced Col. Tague to donate ten more. He and Lewis Sebastian then boujjht the old court-house for two hundred and fift}' dollars, and when it was torn down he ordered the masons to begin work, agreeing to pay them three dollars and a half per thousand to put the brick in the walK When the work was begun there was yet not a dollar collected, but he succeeded in paying the workmen ever}' Saturday night, not knowing on Monday morning where the money was to come from for that week. With the "same persistent effort wdth which he started out he continued, until it was under roof, expending about six hundred dollars more. In about two years the building was completed, except the wash-boards, with a cost of two thousand dollars. The church was organized in the spring of 1854 ^y ^^'' Thornbury. Among those who pointed out the way of life and salvation to the little flock are Elders Thornbury, Littleton, Raines, New, Edmonson, Hobbs, J. C. McCollough, George Campbell, Thomas Lockhart, James Sloan, Dr. Thomas and William Anderson. The pastoral work of the chmxh has been mainly done by four men, Raines, Hobbs, Sloan and Thomas. The numbers added by these men were respectively one hundred, one hundred and nine, seventy-five and fift\-seven. About ifli 1,000 have been paid out for preaching and $6,000 for other expenses. Resident membership, one hundred and seventy-five; non-resident members, fitt\'. William J. Sparks is superintendent of the interesting Sunday-school in connection therewith.