Jackson County, Indiana - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 14 of those read), 1886

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 14 of those read)

FORTUNATELY this wort was begun before the few old landmarks, which still remain, had gone on to join the companions of pioneer days. A few years more and all would have been lost, and even now many important facts have passed beyond the weak and uncertain memory. Although a per¬ fect history is impossible, and, doubtless, many errors of omis¬ sion have been made,, yet most of the important events have been recorded.

Vernon Township lies in the richest portion of Jackson County, and when first seen by white men the surface was clothed with thick forests of oak, hickory, beech, and other growths indigenous to this section. Lying as it does between the east and west branches of the Muscatatauk River, the surface is low and level, and was originally covered with water from early spring till midsummer. But, with the modem methods of draining, these ponds and marshes have been converted into fine farms, and now produce abundant crops of all the cereals.

First Settlers

The first settlement made in Vernon Township was in the extreme northern part, not far from the site of the little town of Newry. The first settlers were Luther Beadle, who was said to have been present at Pigeon Boost massacre ; Hughes Hall, set¬ tled near State Ford; Robert Jillaspy, who made the second land entry in the township, 1820. Hiram Marling, who is one of the oldest now living, came at an early day. John D. Neal made the first land entry in the year 1819. The McDonalds and Ballards came at a very early day. John Bell entered a small tract of land in 1820, and Samuel Spaul in 1821. Moses Houghland, James King, and the Owenses are also classed among the pioneers. Set¬ tlements were made further south by George Langdon, Albert Nelson, the Riders, Blunts and Mitchells. About one mile west of Crotherville, Hugh Hall and Jacob Garrett settled, the latter part of the twenties. The Drapers and McKnights, Barrackmans and Applegates, came a few years later. Starling Yaughn entered land in 1825. Of these old families and their descend¬ ants the oldest now remaining are Hiram Marling, the Beadles, Albert Nelson, and John McDonald. The last named is now a resident of Seymour. .There are scores of other names that might be classed among the pioneers, but a lack of space will not permit us to extend the list.

Pioneer Customs

No sooner had the pioneer made his appearance in the wilder¬ ness than he at once began to clear a spot on which to build his cabin. When the cabin was built a field was cleared, and while the men worked early and late planting and harvesting, the women were spinning and weaving and cooking. They made their own clothing, and this gave the mothers and daughters employment. Socially they were all on an equal. There was no aristocracy in the pioneer days. When a cabin was to be raised, or logs to be rolled, all were ready to lend a helping hand. Then at the eve¬ ning gatherings, where all appeared in the homespun and engaged in the pioneer sports with a hearty good will, there was no one insulted because of some breach of etiquette or informality.

Early Enterprises

As in all the new settlements, first came the com cracker, which was to be found in nearly every settlement, and from this the pioneer secured his first meal. These were supplanted by the horse or water-mill, at which both wheat and com were ground. The first erected in this township was Pear¬ son's, located at Stateford, on the Muscatatauk, and was built some time in the twenties. This mill stood for many years and was considered one of the best mills in that section. About the same time a mill was built at Newry, a small town near the northern boundary of the township, and it is claimed by a few that this was the first mill in the township. A few years later Asa Carter built at the present site of New Jersey. This was succeeded by a steam saw and grist mill, by a man by the name of House. Many other saw-mills have since that time been oper¬ ated in this township. John Wilson owned a tannery which was located about one mile and a half northeast of Crotjiersville. For other milling enterprises, see the history of the villages.

Religion

The first religious meeting, it is claimed, was held at the residence of Luther Beadle. This was followed by others held in the same neighborhood, and soon there was a sufficient number to organize a class. A small log church was erected just east of the old Beadle graveyard. This was used by both the Method¬ ists and Baptists, to one of which belonged the Beadles, McDon¬ alds, Kings, Coys, Ballards and many other early families. Bev. Bussy, Dennis, Fisher, Freeman and Willey were prominent among the early ministers. This house long since crumbled to the ground and others have been erected in its stead, viz. : New Hope, Grassy Fork, Uniontown. The above named were Bap¬ tist Churches, have built large and commodious houses and are well supported. The Uniontown Baptist Church was organized

September 1, 1859. Since its organization there have been nearly 300 received by baptism. At present the membership is about 225. The Bethany Baptist Church was organized in 1867, and in 1884 had a membership of 118. The house is located two miles and a half southwest of Crothersville, and is a large frame edi¬ fice erected at a cost of $1,000. These are the oldest organized churches in the township and have exerted a salutary influence in every community. Other churches have been organized at a more recent date, and to-day the churches are almost as numer¬ ous as the schoolhouses.

The first town in Vernon Township, or the first point at which a store was kept and goods sold was Newry, a little village located on the Vernon branch of the Muscatatauk Biver. It was never platted or laid out, but for many years there was considerable business transacted.

Retreat

Betreat is a station on the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indiana¬ polis Bailroad, about four miles north of Crothersville. It had its beginning in the location of a saw-mill at that point by a man by the name of Willey. Goods were sold there as early as 1850. A postoffice was soon established, but after a short time was discontinued and the effects moved to Crothersville. The town was platted and laid out by John Gasaway, and consisted of twentynine lots. Gibson & McDonald manufactured staves at this point for a short time. There has been some kind of business tran¬ sacted here ever since the town was laid out

This little village is situated in the north central part of the township, and was founded by George King and Cornelius Con¬ way, by whom it was laid out and platted March 1, 1859. Goods have been sold by Jacob King, George King, Josiah Cobb & Son,

New Jersey

The first house built at what afterward became the village of New Jersey, was a saw and grist-mill in the thirties by Asa Car¬ ter. Next came a man by the name of House, who bought out Carter. Then followed W. M. Williams, N. Morgan, Henry railroad was completed, Fullenlove & House erected a substan¬ tial building and embarked in the banking business. They issued money in fractional denominations, but, failing to secure the con¬ fidence of the people, the enterprise failed.