Henry County, Indiana - The whole text, 1871 (part 3 of 3)

Odd Fellows

This brotherhood is the most numerous fraternity in the county, and "Fidelity Lodge," at New I iastle, rakes precedence in point of age, as will be seen by the table below: impments. i Biyer, No. 48 Knighist'n), 1st & 3d Wednesday! Henry, No. 69 [New < astle . 2d and 4th Wednesdays Farnsworth, No. 91 Lewisville , Isi and 3d Fridays

The Independent Order Of Good Templars

M as its piin ipal object to "reclaim the fallen" victims of Intemperance and "save others from falling," its objects being substantially the same as that of the Sons of Temperance, now obsolete in this part of tin1 State, anil in this philanthropic work males and females are admitted on terms of perfect equality.

Henry county, until within a few years, was so essentially rural, and the pursuits of cur people of such a character, that banks were not looked upon as in any way necessary to the growth or progress of the county. It is presumed that capitalists surveyed the field with equal indifference, as no serious effort was made to start a banking house within our borders-prior to the introduction of the national banking system. Under the old State Bank system, but a limited number of branches were permitted, and this county was in the Richmond District ; while our capitalists generally had a very judicious fear of the "wild oaf* system, and probably saved money and reputation by giving it a wide berth.

It is not to be inferred from the foregoing that no one in the county, during its infancy, engaged in the loaning of money, as almost every neighborhood had its money kings who were ready to discount good paper on private terms. Fifteen or twenty years since, an "old farmer" who could scrape together from $3,000 to $5,000, ready money, was regarded as a moneyed man and on the high road to fortune, if not already arrived at that ever-shifting point. One of the most noticeable effects of the late war was to so change the industries and financial wants of communities as to make the establishment of several banks seem desirable, where the want of so much as one was not seriously felt before. Accordingly in January, 1865, an association was formed, and

The Kirst National Bank Ok New Ca8Tlk

Wimu Into operation soon afterward, with a capital of $100,000 and a circulation of |90,000, as the law permits. Its career has been quite a successful one, the Btock commanding 25 per cent. premium, and the semi-annual dividends averaging about seven per rent., while it- "accumulated surplus" amounts to $10,725 62. It- quarterly transactions amount to about $150,000 in the way of loan- and discounts, and the individual deposits last quarter amounted to about $85,000. The present officers of the company arc: M. L. Bundy, S. T. Powell, J. T. Elliott, Wm. Murphey, « 1. incut Bfurphey, Directors; M. L. Bundy, President; John Thornburgh, Cashier; Augustus Bundy, Teller.

The First National Ma.Nk Of Knight8Town

institutions ha- been about equally successful, the figures setting forth the quarterly transactions of each not greatly differing. It is claimed that the stock in the Knightstown,bank commands a little higher premium than that of the other, though we presume this is a matter of precious little consequence except in case of the death of a stockholder, as there i- seldom any transactions in the stock of either. The semi-annual dividends of this bank have not been reported as being quite so high as those of its New Castle competitor, but, on the other hand, it reported an "accumulated surplus" of over (33,000 several months since. The officers are, so far as learned: Robert Woods, President; C. I). Morgan, Cashier; William Penn Hill and Perrj Wagoner, Clerks.

The Union Bank Of New Castle

CITIZENS1 hank ov dunreith. This is a private bank, instituted at Dunreith in 1869, by Strut tan, Qarrold «fc Co.. with a capital stock of $25,000, and intended to supply a local demand, and for the accommodation of the shipping interests of Dunreith and vicinity. Although the capital was small, its transactions for the first year were of a highly satisfactory character. In December last it was burglariously entered and victimized to the tune of about $6,000, which very materially interfered with its business calculations and success.

Under the present order of things, the banks of Henry county seem like almost indispensable institutions. They are certainly great conveniences at times, but their being so extremely good for the stockholder at once raises the question as to whether the. community in general can be shown to be benefitted by their existence. One thing is certainly demonstrable : that the rate of interest is too high, as it can hardly be a healthy state of affairs in general, when the interest which money will command is greater than the per cent, of profits in any of the leading pursuits in which it is employed. It has been but a few months since the rate of discounts at our banks was reduced from twelve to ten per cent. Still it is extremely doubtful whether agricultural pursuits, which are the chief basis of wealth in this cotmty, have paid an average of six per cent, on the capital invested for the past five years.

Politi C A L D E V E L 0 Pment

In the earlier portion of our county's history, there was little known of what is called partizan politics. Party lines were but dimly defined. Personal popularity counted more at the polls, (especially in local elections) than political creeds. A difference of choice for Governor or President might engender considerable feeling between neighbors without separating them in choice for Justice of the Peace or County Commissioner . Names, too, were as liable to deceive in early times as at present.

A venerable and life-long Democrat, whose name frequently occurs in these pages, commenced his career by voting for John Quincy Adams, and afterwards voted for Mr. Clay, who he says

In early times the Democratic conventions at Indianapolis? trere styled Republican conventions, thus showing that words mi. be ami often are used interchangeably, which, at other times, convey Ideas of the most opposite character.

\hhough I Innry county, from an early day, was regarded as rery reliably Whig when it came to a general election, Dem- «>.iat <, Cor many years, enjoyed a considerable share of the places of" trusl and profit" in the county. After Jackson's election the lines began to be more closely drawn, and party machinery to be put In more successful operation on both sides, and the opposing candidates were often held up as political monitro titles, and the " glorious principles" of each were attacked with a rancor, or defended with a zeal on the stump, or through the press, that leaves the impression at this day that the actors must have helieveil great principles were really at stake in the contests between Whigs and Democrats, but just what they were we are unable at this remote period to accurately determine, and freely confess to having some difficulty in comprehending the "world wide" difference between the principles of the old Whig and. Democratic parties. Nevertheless there must have been a difference, for once the issue was made, the number of Democrats promoted in this county became smaller by degrees, and if we mistake not, Joshua Johnson, elected Sheriff In 1850, was the "last of his line"

The difference between Whiggery and Democracy , however, has not been the only element in Henry county politics. The county haying been for many years noted as a stronghold of Radicalism and sure for a heavy majority for Hon. G. W.Julian, rendei a re\ ie"H of some of the causes which led to such results. fitting in this place.

Many of the early pioneers were from the South, and had learned from actual contact with the " peculiar institution " to detest it from the bottom of their hearts. They cherished the dec trims of the Declaration of Independence as vital truths and not as " glittering generalities." They not only confessed with their mouths, but believed in their hearts, that God had made of one blood all nations of men, and that tially aggressive character of the " patriarchal institution,"' which, in spite of its professed conservatism and pleadings to be "let alone." was mustering its forces for a crusade, determined to rule or ruin, to bend or break to its accused purposes, parties, constitutions, unions, Bibles, churches and all else held sacred.

A National Anti-Slavery Society was formed about 1833, and had aroused great excitement and uncontrolable mobs in Boston and Philadelphia, but it took some time for this agitation to reach a* far west as Indiana, and there was not much concerted action here until after 1840.

Although the number who felt that the pandering of Church and State to the traffic in human flesh was a burning disgrace and a foul blot on our fair institutions, was ever on the increase, thousands who recognized the heaven defying character of slavery, and were "just as much opposed to it as any body" were not yet ready to carry their opposition into politics, or at least not ready for separate political action, and so when the movement in this direction was inaugurated in 1840, no electoral ticket was formed in this and some other western States, and the ticket received but about six thousand votes in the whole Union.

When J. G. Birny, a practical Abolitionist, who had manumitted his own slaves, was put forward by the Liberty party in 1844, to make the race with those well-known slaveholders and apologists for oppression, Henry Clay and James K. Polk, he received but 188 votes in the county, and 62,263 in the whole country. When separate political action was inaugurated the fires of persecution were made to burn fierely. "Abolitionist" became' a supreme epithet of reproach. Among the boys it was sometimes changed to " niggerlitionist." No effort was spared to harrass and crush out the growing hostility to an institution, which, from being allowed to exist by the sufferance and forbearance of our forefathers, had come to arrogantly demand the chiefest place in State and Synagogue. Those who had the temerity to oppose its progress, soon found themselves not only outside of a "healthy political organization," but their fellow church members were looking askance at them as disturbers of the peace of "God's family" - the "household of laith." and two, at least of the churches of this county suffered disruption on this score.

But none of these things minted ihem, despite threats, despite personal violence principle sustained the moral heroes. These " agi tutors' were fighting the buttle of human liberty in general, but yet it was in behalf of a despised race and their very disinterestedness was made an occasion against them. They were " natWIjng with other people's busin

Rotten eggs were often tried, but found incapable of hitting truth. The ball put in motion, though BO small at first, soon doubled in size, and, although most unfortunate in their selection of a standard hearer, the " impracticables'' of the county gave him -i");") rotes in L848, nearly one-fifth of the vote cast; and this, too, in spite ot the military renown and prowes> oi one ot tht- opposing candidates.

The demands of the slave, power became still more arrogant. Slavery, instead of being a domestic concern, circumscribed by Stale line- with the prospect of gradually if not soon, dying out, began to insist on being the normal condition of the laborer everywhere. It laid claim to being a divine heritage, entitled to be every where recognized. It insisted on new territory and new guarantees, and asserted, that by force of the constitution, it was to be at home wherever our flag waved. Petitions agaissl it were held to be an outrage. No disrespectful reference to it was to lie tolerated in Congress. The citizens of the North were to catch and return the panting fugitive to his divinely appointed master.

e* n oti r in trj ing t< aeel the demands of the nation's conscience, with reference to this Lonal curse. In a spasm ot goodness the Democracy 01 Indiana went as far in' its oppo.- tdttea to slavery a- a -black abolitionist" could well demand.

Wilmot Provisos and similar literature seemed to have become wondrously and suddenly popular. But the scene shifted as suddenly, the great political parties were whipped int» the service of the task-master- more completely than.

Political Development

ever before, and 1350 witnessed the dawn of the slave-hunting era. The Democracy in National Convention assembled and resolved to " resist all attempts at renewing in Congress or out of it the agitation of the slavery question under whatever color or shape the attempt may be made,'* and two weeks atfer the Whigs in the same capacity, and place, resolved to " discountenance all efforts to continue or renew such agitation wherever or however made, and we will maintain this system as essential to the nationality of the Whig party and the integrity of the Union."

Here were the accredited representatives of the two great political parties of the nation in solemn conclave assembled deliberately and witli one accord pledging each other that henceforth no voice should plead the cause of the down-trodden and oppressed - anywhere or in any manner, in all this broad land- It was a diabolical covenant to stifle at once the voices of religion, morality and humanity.

The stupendous folly of thus defying the liat of Jehovah, and attempting to turn backward the progress of the nineteenth century, was answered by such a storm of agitation the land over as had never been witnessed before, and as if to set the seal of madness to this compact, no sooner had Congress as-embled than the portals of agitation were thrown wide open by a resolution against agitation, introduced too, by a Democrat.

The Whig party, which, in time- past, could lay some claim to be called the party of liberty, in consequence of it< stand in favor of freedom of debate and the right of petition, had, since its successes in ]s4->. been licking the dust from the feet of its Southern master-, and was ready to barter its all of principle, justice and humanity for a continuance in place and power, but there being no longer a vital issue between the two great parries, . the Whig party paid dearly for its treachery, by a defeat in L852 which blotted it out forever.

The Democratic party in many part- of the North, at least had been studiously making amends for its Waterloo defeat of 1848, by saving utterance to sentiments that would have clone credit to a Garrison or a Phillips. By its happy efforts in this direction in Eastern Indiana, George W. Julian was elected to < -ono-res* in 1849, Isaac Kinly sent to the constutional conven- tion and George Evans to the State Senate from this county. The conversion of the party, it is feared, was not genuine as by its prompt acceptance of the "Baltimore platform," it readily fell from grace and returned to its w;illow, and, although suciftil in 1858, and again in 1866, ir was at the expense of the last vestige of good in the party, which seemed at once to become the rendezvous of most of the thieves, cutthroats and treason mongers in the whole country. Just how completely such encompassed and cngulphed the party " Bleeding Kansas" a torn and distracted country four years of sanguinary strife, mountains of debt and the sacrifice of more than a half a million of lives must attest.

The terrible bugbear of a "dissolution of the Union" and the wonderful qualities of a panacea labeled "The Compromise Measures," were most industriously exhibited by the party nurses from 1850 'to 1855. But the "plantation manners" adopted by Congress and the humiliation of the free men of the North by the effort to convert them into "blood hounds" to chase the flying bondsmen, aroused great indignation throughout the country and " personal liberty bills" and indignation meetings were the order of the day, and the "Free Democracy" with Hale and Julian as standard-bearers polled a vote of more than a quarter of a million in 1852. In this county the gain was, however, tor various reasons, but small.

In 1851 a series of meetings wen- hold throughout the county, in which the repeal of the fugitive slave bill was discussed and demanded. One appointed for the county seat and coming on an inclement day, the attendance from the country was small, and the occasion was seized upon by certain politicians, and portions of the populace to pervert the meeting from its original purpose. For the resolutions condemnatory of the law, substitutes were offered, the floor was occupied at great length by the apologists ot the law, and those who called the meeting were greeted with biases, bowls, and cries of " question !" " question !" when they attempted to reply. The mob had its way for the time, but " Kadicals" learned a lesson not soon forgotten, and more than once since when it has been necessary to hold conventions, those who, for many years, manasred the -iffairs of the county, have been astonished at the interest taken

So soon as it became apparent that the anti-slavery forces of this county held the balance of power, it became a matter of some consequence to secure their aid in the contests of the time, and they were alternately caressed and scolded by the Whigs, besought or cuffed by the Democracy. Still they maintained to an admirable extent the even tenor of their way - not that they made no mistakes, but what they kept constantly in view, was the early triumph ot their cherished principles, and the sacred cause of human liberty.

Among those who stood fast through good and evil report and bore the heat and burthen of the day, might be mentioned old Dr. Reed and young Dr. Hiatt, Dr. Darr, Emsley Brookshir.*. T. R. Stanford, Jonathan Macy, and Jabish Luellen; the Bonds, MarshaUs, and Wickershams, on Flatrock; John H, Bales, the Macys and Jp^sups, on Blue river; the Edgertons, Antrim-, and others, at Spiceland: about Greensboro, the Cooks, Saint-, Bransons, Wrights, "Old Uncle Seth," and the Hinshaw family generally; and in the North-west part of the county, Shuhal Julian. John Swain and sons, a Mr. Wright and an Adamson, and of course, many others, of whom want of space forbids mention.

After the sudden demise of the Whig party ,Knownothingism sprung into being, and swept like a tornado over the land. Its novelty, a natural love of change, a weakness which seems inherent in afflicted humanity to try all the quack nostrums and curealls proposed, together with the speciousness of the claims set up for the movement by its wily propagandists, all conspired to sweep into its secret conclaves thousands of excellent men.

The purposes and tendencies of the party, soon however, became so apparent that multitudes turned from it in disgust,* and to-day, scarcely. one in ten of all those "taken in" will admit they ever saw " Sam." Doubtless the earlier Abolitionists were believed by honest thousands to be little less than monsters, holding and teaching the most atrocious sentiments,

* Although this new phase of politics swept through many of the States irresistably for a time, its force was speedily spent, and in this county its votaries numbered but 49 in 1856, and 16 in 1860.

Tin- repeal or the Missouri Compromise, the "grinding out" of the Dred Scott decision, the attempt to blast Kansas and i virgin territory with-that most insidious piece of diabolism know n as "squatter sovreignty,'' andthe open and shameless

- ul ,llr hlill(l politicians to the deadly aggressive charactei of slavery. \ Minimrst of righteous indignation swepl over the land, and the Republican party was formally organized in ed an indignation meeting at New Castle, and resolved igainsl the dastardly Leeompton measures or the Democratic idministration In terms as vigorous or fitting a- any body ot radical abolitionists could havedesired. indeed it seemed much like re-enacting the Decalogue and Declaration of Independence.

During all the vicissitudes of parties, and amid all the revolutions in platforms, changes of base, and frequent "new departures," the Democratic party of this county has "held its >wn." The relative strength of parties in this county since 652, taking the Presidential vote as a basis, has been nearly as follows : cent.; Democrat, 33 per cent. ; Know Nothing, % per cent- 1864 - Republican, 74 percent.: Democrat, 25 per cent. 1868 - Republican, 70 per cent.; Democrat, 30 per cent.

man, cast their fortunes with it, or more properly speaking, they were the very life of the organization. It is true that its platform of principles embodying little more than resistance to the fUrther spread of slavery was regarded by some as lowering the standard too much, but it was a great step to have the masses, as well as the leaders of public opinion step upon this high platform, and progress was patiently awaited. Revolutions could not go backward. The genuine lovers of freedom had faith that

Henry County lias been a Radical stronghold for twenty years, but homogeneity of opinion lias never prevailed here. Many opposed slavery after it had well nigh destroyed the Government, who utterly repudiate and despise the earlier Abolirionists. Many who cheered most lustily for Fremont in L856 would have been on the other side, had they suspected Republicanism would advance to the utterances of 1866, and when years alter they helped to sing the requiem of slavery they were read\' to swear that the smell of abolition was not on their garments, and never forgave pioneers. From exalted places in the County t laggards strove to stop the current of progress. In lsi;i-2 some of them favored meeting and treating with the rebels to stop the war. In 1863 they were still clamoring for the "Union as it was and the Constitution as it is." Freeing the negro as our armies advanced, was not to be thought of, and arming them to shoot their masters was simply intolerable.

In February, 1864, in county convention assembled, a Republican committee of 13, stifled a resolution endorsing the Emancipation Proclamation, which, upon being presented by its originator, in the body of the convention, passed ainid deafening applause; illustrating how the mere politician is ever behind the people. On a memorable day in April, 1865, a committee charged with the duty of preparing suitable resolutions for the obsequies of a Martyr President, refused to report a resolu-

.; -;. i.-i> I'hi- ,00 was reported by Its originator to the enfion and more completely touched the popular chord than any thing else - ; » i « l or done, notwithstanding it- introduction was pronounced unnecessary bj one of its original opponents. After it- passage its publication as having come from the hands of tin' committee was privately requested, showing thai politicians sometimes Learn when it i- 100 late.

"Military necessity" placed the musket and the ballot in the hand- ofthe negro in -pile t.i the settled convcition6 and expressed opinions of many a Henrj Count] politician. Thereconstruction of the Southern States was also declared against by man\ "goo ; Republicans," since, i<> admit that they were lapsed into a territorial condition, or had lost any of their rights . nit that "the rebellion had succeeded."

nth and Fifteen! h Atnendmei - h the party is now so fully committed, had each to be fought for in the political circle or Henry County republican- Ism, hui the battle seems at last almost won. The"logic of >vents" lias jarried us beyond the most advanced out posts the anti-slavery men. till it almost seems a- it the Garrisons, Lps\ and Griddings', the Sumners and Julians, were respec- -. The clogs of the party of freedom have been . u off or carried irresitably along till they have had time position taken by those denominated as Radicals, adopted bj the partj at large, and the heresy of yesterday made the orthodoxy of today. And now. since to go back is impossible and Democracy itself is beginning to the situation;'' and the results ol a victory it never intentionally I to win, cannot ail say " let us iiave peace."

Mounds, Kaktiiwokks

The most notable earthworks of the county are pel those on the " Hudeison place," formerly the "Allen Shepherd farm." Here are fortifications which have defied the ravages of the "tooth of time" for aught we know for a century, ami fee plowman's share for half that time, and yet, in some instances from the bottom of the ditch to the top of the embankment is still four to six feet, though generally much less. Several of then enclose near a half acre, and generally there is in !lie centre a mound which was probably at one thne mucl than the surrounding embankment and served as a sort of obeervatory and as well perhaps as a resting place for the dead. There are >»n<- or more mounds without the surrounding ditch and embankments. Oneofthe most noticeable is about two rods across at the base and near live feet in height although some b -snatcher has »»*-«- 1 1 thrusting his sacrileg ous spad< to it, with what result we know not. Like the famous general who " tit " in the Mexican war, these aboriginal enginec - w - ed to prefer having the ditch on the inside of the embankment, which probably Berved as a r«-n<-*- for the retention of st« - - for defense from without. Some of these enclosures appear to have been circular, others quadrangular, one octagonal and some of irregular outline, though from the partial obliteration - walls the exact state is n<.t easily determined. Some ol the w:.ll- i re probably eight or more feel in height in early times

One of these old forts is on the premises and nearly in front of th-' residence of Mr. Joseph Dor rah, about one and a half miles north of New Castle, the New Castle and Northern Pike cutting it in two. There are two stumps in it, the remains oi trees, probably more than one hundred ana fifty years old. There arc also similar relies in other portions ol I ounty, all speaking to n- of the trials, hardships and strugg - whose extinction seems near at hand. Tb face"1 seems ever againsl them, even the sacw incts elry , with a few trilling whites and bottles of whisky for cam panions. In point of honor, integrity, aud some of the sterner virtues they were but little behind half the white men with wham they associated.

M ,\ Benjamin Harvy lived in their midst tor two or more years and pronounced them "just a*, good as the whites." We secured their good will by upright dealing with them, and when the orders came to remove them to certain reservations, their parting with the family was with tears and every demonstration of affection.

Asahel Woodard says they would never take so much as a "roasting ear" from him without the asking, and that they were exceedingly prompt in the return of everything they borrowed.

Dernp.-o Rees saj - thej often came t<> his house ami I trade wild honey for corn bread and give pound for pound. They were inveterate beggars for small favors, and were never known to ; fuse an invitation to take a meal.- victuals, and when in sel upalonetoa well fillet! table they seemed to un ' - ill the victuals set upon it were intended for them, and what they could not get outsicleof, tiny would empty into a pouch or haversack with which thej were generally provided ; br< =, gravy etc., being dumped in promiscuously. They much prefered sleeping on the floor to a bed.

They were not proverbial for personal cleanliness or squeamish in choice of food. The venerable Mrs. Hannah Symons relates being called upon bj one of their braw 5, - >ied a iot of <^^ that some of the children had brought, in, part of a nest full which a faithful hen had abandoned after weeks of fruitless effort at hatching. These he must have, and no amount of explanation as to their addled chara er was of any avail. Then he must have her skillet to cook them in, ti - cooked and ate toe whole lot with the utmost g isto, and many an "ugh," expressive of satisfaction.

have not been able to learn of an Indian levin- - a killed by a white man within our borders, or any white -ettier falling bj of the Indians. Those of the earlier *e

The early settlers found here pretty much all wild animals to be foun ' in the State, and many of them in great abundani i thougl are not aware that the county was especially noted in I his respect.

Bought n- -« chimney of a new house, helonging to Alexander Poster*. So late as 1848-60 three created some excitement in Hpiceland Township.

porki beep. vii>' count \ records? ow that no inconsiderable pari ol the funds in the Treasui it an early day went for- >uite a number o' men more than paid their

- Panthers were occasionally found, bin oftener heard of in early times. The lynx, sometimes called the wild cat, was not an uncommon animal here at one time, though very rare for thirty years past. Something ofthis sort perhaps the Canadian Lynx) \va> shot by one of the Garrotl boys, about live miles north <>[' New Castle, only two or three years since.

Raccoon. - This little representative of the bear family was always quite numerous in this county, and it is not improbable that they have been on the inn-ease for the past few year-.

Opposstjms. - These animals were once plentiful ami are still found occasionally, though hardly in sufficient quantities to supply the wants of our citizens who count them a toothsome dish. At a .Masonic festival in New Castle, a few years since, a couple of them graced the well-filled hoard.

Skunks. - This unpopular but rather pretty little animal defying public prejudice, seems to be wonderfully on the increase for a few years past. There are said to be some eight or ten varieties ofthis animal in the United state-. Perhaps there is but one variety in this county and that must he the real Mephitis Americana. One variety is considered quite enough, althougn the kittens are said to make splendid pets, if they are not kept too long.

Beavers. - The earthworks of this industrious and sagacious engineer were not nnknown to the early settlers, though we judge few if any of the builders were ever seen by the whites.

Thk Otter, Mink and Muskrat are still found in the county though rapidly decreasing in numbers. The pells of se, especially of the Mink and Muskrat, have al times furriished the basis of considerable traffic.

The Rabbit, or properly called Flare, is able to hold his own amidst all his foes. It is hard to tell what the hoys would do if -'cotton tail-"* should become extinct.

rat many your- since expelled tlic old fashioned black rat, and ha? wade himself perfectly at home, in such numbers as to aliiiH-i dispute the right of possession with tyrant man. The establishment of a line kid glove manufactory in each villagers probably the only way to "clean out " the pests.

Sqi [BREXS. - The common Grey Squirrel or chip-munk Was so namerous for many years as to be a terrible tax on the patience and energies of the husbandman, and more than once the greys, with a considerable admixture of the blacks, Lavs made their appearance in such countless numbers as to almost defj the farmer to save any thing from their ravages. He appeared t<» be emigrating from some unknown region to the south or southeast. Joseph K. Leaky, who had in several acres of corn, in IS.'.!, had occasion to be from home for a few days, returned to find he had not an ear left. George Evans could only save a portion of his one season by pulling- it when green and drying on a dry-kiln. Dempsey Bees hired a man by the day to shoot them around his corn field: the gunner killed over one hundred and said he could have done belter bur for his gun getting so hot. Others had a similar experience, till dogs and boys became tired of slaughtering them. For about twenty year- the Fox Squirrel has been rapidly supplanting the aborigines.

Elk. - We have no reports of the elk having been Been in till - county, though from the frequent finding of their immense antlers in various parts of the county, it is interred that thej were numerous al a period not very remote. We have in our possession parts of two specimens, a pair ol which could not have weighed less than 25 or 30 pounds. R. 11 Melleti cently found a specimen over four feet in length, and Dr. Jont Ross bad aii "elk horn," a lew years since, over six feel in length.

oilier animals of little importance, such as the weasel, flying squirrel, mole, mice of various species we suppose an numerous here as almost anj where.

rare, there arc still enough left for pretty fair .-port at the proper season of the year. Some of our expert hunters can Still bag several in a daj at tunes. They breed in the county to

Aid Im P&Esebvikg The Union

The Great Blue Hbbon, mere commonly called r Crane, is not infrequently found here, during the wanner months of the year, while the Green Heron, or Fly-up-the-creek, i* much more numerous.

There are numerous other birds, large or small, as the crow, vulture or buzzard, a half dozen kinds of liawks, large and small, several varieties of the owl, occasionally a stray eagle, a numerous retinue of the smaller songsters and chatterers, <£c, &c, to be found in the county, either temporarily or the year round, which there is not room even su much as to attempt to enumerate.

Cm Sunday morning, the 14th of April, 1861, news reached Indianapolis of the fall of Fort Sumprer. and Governor Morton tendered President Lincoln ten thousand men to uphold the authority of the Government, the President having called for seventy-five thousand three months troops, of which Indiana's quota was subsequently fixed at 4,t'.S;5 men.

thousand four hundred in three days more, and in seven days twelve thousand men were in camp. The object of this brief I li i show how promptly and thoroughly Henry County I' [filled the part assigned her.

In the rirst regiment organized under the call, ami only six days alter the Governor's call, seventy-eight citizens of Henry County were mustered into service, and only two days later seventy-live others, making about double the quota of Henry County.

By the enrollment of October, 1862, Henry County was found to have 2,652 men liable to military duty after deductions for disability, etc. At this time there were 1,008 already in i ; - service. The volunteers from this county under the first and se son - - so largely in excess of its quota that under the 'Jiird call, (August 4th, '62) but 160 additional men were required to fill the county'* quota of 300,000 men. These were promptly forthcoming and the draft avoided.

In "863 there was acall for 100,000 men. soon followed by another for 300,000. To fill this couuty's quota required about 360additional men and they were promptly supplied without a draft.

In 1864 the calls in February, March and July, amounted to 500,000 more. This county's quota under these calls was 1 - >ese 939 men were supplied by new recruits, 97 re-enlistmenfc of veterans, making 1,036 volunteers. One hundred and seventy men were drafted which supplied the deficiency "I',. ss of 52 men in the service.

in the forego' ig pnears that Henry County had in the I i - - 8< ' - ogether a gram! total of 3142 soldiets. Ofconrs' ; ._< number ot these Were counted twice, as most oi th< three months men immediately re-enlisted and a largi . ber of the one, two and three year men veteranized.

Aid In Preserving The Union

did so as drafted men. In addition to these, under the Governor's eall to resist the Morgan raid, about 500 citizens of Henry County enlisted in the State Service as "Minute Men."

We have relied mainly on the report of the Adjutant General for the tacts given above, but this is very unsatisfactory in many respect, as it does not give the residence of the men in many instances, and acredits whole companies of Henry County soldiers to other counties. The following are the regiments in which Henry County men most conspicuously figured, with the number in each; the number, in most instances being the original enlistments. The residences of those afterward sent forward to rill up the depleted ranks, often being omitted or wrongly stated :

In addition to these there were a few Henry County soldiers in each of at least twelve other regiments. In short, there was scarcely an important engagement during the dark days ol battle vin which some citizen of Henry County did not take a part.

Hopewell neighborhood, challenges the world for large men and women. Within a radius of 1'4 miles of Hopewell Meetinghouse, there lived, a short time since, no less than nine persons who weighed between 250 and 365 pounds each. One young lady weighed 304 at seventeen years of age. Another lady weighed 300 pounds. There are twelve women living in the neighborhood, or have recently done so, whose weights ranged from 225 to 300 pounds. In one family of nine children and the parents, there were but two who failed at some time of their live> to reach the goodly weight of 200 pounds, the average of the whole family being 248 7-11 ; omitting the two small ones, the "runts" of the family, and the others averaged 271 2-9.

Signs OF Growth. - In early times the bonds of the Con- Btahle aud County Treasurer were equal. Since that time the bond of the Treasurer has been eight hundred times that of thf (\mstable, or about twenty-Jive times as much as the bonds of all the Constables in the County.

$3 for swearing three illegal oaths as follows: "two by-God and one by-Jesus Christ," and on a subsequent occasion, a similar amount for three others as follows : "one by-God, one by-God ami one by-Jesus Christ."

To-mobrow Morning. - The usual formula for the adjournment ol the Commissioners' Court, in early times, was ordered by the Board that "the Court now adjourn till to-morrow morn - ing, nine o'clock."

The Pioneer By B. S. Parker

From many a good wife's quilting bout He treasures home-spun blisses. Where old folks talked, and young folks played Their games "of forfeit kisses.

The Pionekr

'-And ^o when all your hea white. And death comes l i eeping nearer, You'll think the old ways, perfect waj s, Old friends grow hourly dearer."