Jay County, Indiana - Chapter 12: Coukts Officers - Attoknets, 1864

Chapter 12: Coukts Officers - Attoknets

Let us now turn our attention to the necessary paraphernalia of organization - courts and officers. By appointment of Governor Noble, Christopher Hanna notified the people that there would be an election on the - day of August, 1836, to elect county officers. That was the first county election. There were but three precincts : one at B. Goldsmith's, one at Daniel Farber's, and the third in Lick Creek Township, now Blackford County. The following persons were elected : Commissioners, John Pingry, Abraham Lotz and Benjamin Goldsmith ; Associate Judges, James Graves and Enoch Bo wden ; Clerk, Christopher Hanna; Sheriff, Henderson Graves. B. W. Hawkins was a candidate for clerk, against Hanna, and had the vote of Lick Creek Township been returned, would have been elected. James Graves did not accept the office of Judge, and Obadiah Winters was subsequently chosen.

The first marriage license issued was to Casper Geyer and Kachael Clark, April 11th, 1837, and they were married on the 18th of April, 1837, by "Wade Posey.

The first session of the Board of County Commisssioners convened at Mr. Cuppy's on the 8th of November, 1836. H. H. Cuppy was appointed County Treasurer, Lewis S. Farber Assessor, and Jacob Bosworth agent to superintend the sale and conveyance of the lots donated to the county in Portland. Mr, Bosworth not having been in the State long enough to be eligible, B. "W". Hawkins was appointed in his stead. David Baldwin was appointed superintendent of the three-per-cent. fund, being three per cent, of the money arising from the sale of public lands within the State, appropriated to making roads and bridges. That office and that of the county agent were very important offices at that time. Cuppy was granted a license to retail merchandise for one year for ten dollars.

At a special meeting of the Board, December 5th, 1836, the county seat was named Portland. Many persons desired it should be called Piedville, in honor of Daniel Pied, who donated the site. Joshua Pennock was allowed ten dgllars for aiding in clearing off the county seat. Afterward, John E. Ware, T. N. Jones, William Highlander, John Martin and others were paid for laying out and clearing the town site. Mr. Ware paid his board at Cnppy's by grating corn in the evening for meal. D. W. Mc]S eal was appointed County Surveyor. The next month he was appointed Trustee of the Seminar}^ Fund. Here is a copy of the order by which the lirst Court House was erected :

" Wednesday, May 3d, 1837. " Ordered^ That there be a house erected on some suitable lot in the town of Portland, for the use of the county, and that Christopher Hanna superintend the letting of the same on the 13th da^' of June next. The terms and descriptions to be made known on the day of sale."

No direction being given as to the size, price or materials, such an order, in these days of speculators, would be rather an unsafe specification.

L. S. Farber was allowed $23.27 for assessing the county. James Marquis was appointed Collector of the taxes for the county. The first tax assessed was at this term, being $1.25 on every $100 valuation of property for county purposes, one cent on every $100 for road purposes, and seventy-five cents on every poll.

J. J3. Gillespie was granted a license to keep a ferry where the Quaker Trace crossed the Wabash. The prolits probably never paid for the license.

November Term, 1837. At the opening of this term Henderson Graves took his seat as Commissioner, as successor of John Pingry, and P. W. Hawkins as Sheriff.

Thomas Wheat was appointed School Commissioner. In January, 1838, H. C. Fouts was allowed $11.75 for his services as County Treasurer for four months. At the March Term, 1838, John Pingry was appointed Loaning Agent of the surplus revenue fund, and William Yail Collector of taxes for that year.

January Term, 1839. Contracted with Moses Knapp to build a public Pound for $17.87^. It was a post and rail feiice, a i'ew rods north of the present jail.

Joshua Pen nock had built a jail, for which he had received $181 ; but it not being according to contract, the Commissioners sued him for damage. It was a log house, poorly built, and stood north of the present jail.

A man from Blackford County was at one time convicted of stealing a log chain, and sentenced to. three or four days' imprisonment. As the jail would not hold him, Sberijff Hawkins took him home with him, and kept him there rocking the . cradle, until his time was out !

At this time Lewis N. Byram was contracted with to build the walls and roof of a brick Court House for $1,750, and he was to "warrant it to be a substantial building for twenty years." William Haines finished the house. The wall was very poor ; the building was abandoned in 1859, and in March, 1860 was sold at auction for $153.

In January, 1840, John Pingry got the contract for building another jail for $800. That was the old log jail sold for $32 in 1862, torn down and converted into the wagon shop of y. H. Williams.

The first term of the Circuit Court, in Jay County, was held on the 17th day of April, 1837, at the house of Henry H. Cuppy, which house is still standing on the farm of Colonel Shanks, south of Portland, Hon. Charles "W. Ewing, of Fort Wayne, president Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, and Enoch Bowden, Associate Judge for Jay County, occupied the bench.

The grand jury, at that time, consisted of the following named persons : Hewy H^ Cuppy, Benjamin W. Hawkins, Obadiah Winters, Hawkins C. Fouts, James Marquis, David Baldwin, John Pingry, Samuel G. Hanna, Conaway Stone, William Yail, Joseph Wilson, John S. Mays, Daniel W. McNeal, William Clark, JohnEblin and James Stone. Henry H. Cuppy was foreman, and Anderson Ware was bailiff.

This jury found but one bill of indictment which was against two of its members, H. H. Cuppy and Daniel W. McJ^eal, for an affray. Cuppy was tried, defended by Jer. Smith, and found guilty. McNeal plead guilty. This constituted almost the entire business of the term. The court was in session two days.

The two succeeding terms were held by the associate judges alone, without the aid of president judge, prosecuting attorney, or other lawyers.

December, 1838, before the associate judges. The court, at this term, assumed more importance tlian liitherto. Jeremiah Smith acted as prosecuting attorney. Several cases were tried, both criminal and civiL

Jacob Bosworth, Benjamin P. "Wheat and Andrew E.ied were appointed school commissioners for Jay County. There was quite an array of lawyers in attendance.

In January, 1839, the Eleventh Judicial Circuit was formed, of which Jay County constituted a part. Morrison Rulon, then a young man, who had but recently been admitted to the bar, was, by the legislature, elected judge of this new Circuit. He resigned, without ever having held a court, and David Kilgore was, by the Governor, appointed to till the vacancy.

Judge Kilgore held the office under his appointment until December, 1839, , when he was elected by the legislature, and held the office until the spring of 1816.

Judge Kilgore has since then served in the convention for the revision of Constitution of Indiana, was speaker of the House in the Indiana legislature, and represented the tifth district of Indiana, in Congress, two terms. He still resides in Delaware County, Indiana.

Court Officers

until the sp.ing of 1853. He was succeeded by Joseph Anthony, of Delaware Connty, who presided over the Circuit Court of Jay County two years. He is still a citizen of Delaware County.

In January, 1855, the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit was formed, Jay County constituting a part of it. Judge Jeremiah Smith was appointed Judge of this Circuit, by the Governor, to serve until the next general election. Under this appointment he held two terms of the Jay Circuit Court.

In October, 1855, Jehu T. Elliott was elected Judge of the Thirteenth Circuit, and was reelected in 1861. He is at this time Judge of the Jay Circuit Court.

The first associate judges of Jay County were Enoch Bowden and Obadiah Winters. Judge "Winters served from 1837 until 1850 ; Judge Bowdon, from 1837 until 1843, and again from 1850 to 1851, at which time the associate judges were abolished by the adoption of the present constitution of Indiana.

Abraham C. Smith served as associate judge from 1843 to 1850, when he was succeeded by John Current, who held the position until the office was abolished.

Jehu T. Elliott was the first prosecuting attorney for the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. He served, in that capacity, in Jay County, but one year, and was succeeded by Jeremiah Smith, who served two years. John M. "Wallace next filled that office for one term of two years. Mr. Wallace then resided in Madison County, but afterward removed to Grant County, where he still resides. He has been Judge of the Judicial Circuit in which he lives, and, since the rebellion broke out, he was for a time Adjutant General for the State of Indiana, and, more recently, was an assistant paymaster in the army of the United States.

John Davis, of Madison Count}^, succeeded Judge Wallace as Circuit presiding attorney. The oflfice was next filled by Joseph S. Buckles, of Delaware Count}^, who served until 1848.

Mr. Buckles has since been a member of the State Senate, and is now Judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. He is still a resident of Delaware County.

In 1849, the law having been changed so as to provide for the election of a prosecuting attorney for each county, John P. C. Shanks was first appointed and afterward elected by the people to fill that office, and served two years.

Mr. Shanks was born near Harper's Ferry, Virginia, came to Jay County with his father, in 1840, studied law with Judge N. B. Hawkins, and was admitted to the bar in 1849. He represented Jay County in the Indiana Legislature, in 1855, wa*s elected to Congress in 1860, and served on

Courts And Officeks. 13Y

General Fremont's staff in his memorable Missouri Campaign. By his exertions the Tth Indiana cavah'j regiment was raised, of which he was appointed Colonel, and is now serving in that capacity. He gave his earnest support to all the great measures adopted by the Thirty-Sixth Congress of which he was a member. In 1862 he was re-nominated, by acclamation, by his party, for re-election, but was defeated.

In 1851, the law authorizing the election of a prosecuting attorney for each county, having been repealed, David Moss, of Hamilton County, was elected prosecuting attorney for the Eleventh Circuit. He was succeeded by William Garver, of the same county.

Silas Colgrove, then and now a resident of Randolph County, held the office of prosecuting attorney from 1853 to 1856. He has several times represented that county in the Indiana Legislature. He is now Colonel of the 27tli regiment of Indiana volunteers, in which capacity he has seen much service, and has been twice severely wounded. Colonel Colgrove was succeeded in the office of prosecuting attorney by Thomas M. Browne, of Randolph County, who filled that office six years. Mr. Browne has been a member of the State Senate, was on General Wood's staff at the battle of Shiloh, is now Lieutenant Colonel of the 7th Indiana cavalry and was lately wounded.

James N. Templer, of Jay County, was elected to the office of prosecuting attorney in 1861, and still holds that office. Mr. Templer came to Jay County, with his father, when a boy, was educated at Farmers' Academy and Liber College, studied Law with Judge Haynes, and was admitted to the bar in 1857.

Christopher Hanna was the first clerk of the Jay Circuit Court. He served until the year 1843 when he was succeeded by B. W. Hawkins, who held the office until 1850. Ira Denney was his successor, and filled the office until 1859, when B. W. Hawkins was again elected, and still holds the office.

Henderson Graves was the first Sheriff of Jay County by election. He served until the fall of 1849, when he was succeeded by B. W. Hawkins. Mr. Hawkins served four years, and was succeeded by Robert Huey, who filled the office until the fall of 1844, when Jason Whipple was elected.

Two years later, Hugh P. Hanna succeeded Mr. Whipple, and, after serving four years, Alexander Johnson became his successor. Mr. Johnson filled the office until 1854, when Jacob E. Lotz was elected. In 1856 Alexander Johnson was again elected Sheriff, and, after serving two years, he was in turn succeeded by Mr. J. E. Lotz, who held the office until 1862, when Alexander Hanlin, the present incumbent, was elected.

Nathan B. Hawkins

The first term of the Probate Court of Jay County was held at the Court-house in Portland, on the 14tli day of May, 1838, before Enoch Bowdon and Obadiah Winters, assistant judges of the Circuit Court.

The first letters of administration were granted to Ellis Davis on the estate of Aaron Eigby, deceased, the 20th day of September, 1837. The associate judges also held a term of the Probate Court in November, 1838.

In August, 1839, George C. Whiteraan was ^ elected Probate Judge for Jay County, and con- » tinned in that office until the court was abolished, in 18.52.

The first term of the Court of Common Pleas for Jay County, was held by Nathan B. Hawkins, on the iTth day of January, 1853. The common pleas district then consisted of the counties of Randolph and Jay.* Judge Hawkins was elected judge of this district in October, 1852, and died, in ofiice, in October, 1853.

There were but few men who occupied a more prominent position in Jay County, during the period of his manhood that he spent in the county, tlian Nathan B. Hawkins. He came to the county with his father in 1829, and remained here until he was about sixteen years of age, when he went to Wayne County, Indiana. He there went into mercantile business, first as a clerk, and after- ward on his own acconnt, remaining in that county nntil 1839, when lie returned to Jay and engaged in selling goods at Portland. Ilaving a taste for study, he employed his leisure hours in reading Blackstone. At the May term of the Jay Circuit Court, 1841, he was admitted to the bar, and immediately commenced the practice of law. In 1842 he represented the counties of Jay and Adams in the Legislature of Indiana, and was a member of tbe convention for the revision of the Constitution of Indiana, in 1850, - representing the counties of Eandolph, 'Jay and Blaclcfoid. Judge Hawkins M-as a man of decided ability, an excellent business man, a fluent, forcible speaker, and a successful lawyer. He was a good citizen, of generous impulses, public spirited and liberal. His early death was regretted by all who knew him.

James Brown, of Randolph County, where he still resides, was appointed by the Governor to fill the oflfice of Common Pleas Judge, until the succeeding general election. He lias represented that county in the Indiana Legislature. ^ In 1854 William A. Peelle was elected Judge of the Common Pleas Court, and held the oflice two years. At tbe time of his election he was a citizen of Eandolph County. At the expiration of his term he resumed the practice of law. In 1860 he was elected Secretary of State^ which office he held two years. He is now engaged in the law practice at Centreville, Indiana; In 1856 Jacob M. Ilaynes, of Jay Coiinty, was elected Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. In 1860 the district was enlarged so as to consist of the counties of Randolph, Delaware, Jay and Blackford, and Judge Ilaynes was the same year elected to preside over the courts of tlie enlarged district, which position he still holds.

Judge Playnes came to Portland to commence his career as a lawyer, where he still remains. He has always identified himself with the best interests of Jay County. His integrity of character, honesty of purpose and thorough knowledge of his profession, have given him the confidence of the people in an eminent degree, and made him a successful, honest lawyer. He prepared for college at Monson Academy, Massachusetts, and took a literary course at Phillips' Academy, Andover, Massachusetts. He commenced the study of law with Hon. Linus Child, at Southbridge, in the same State. In September, 1843, he came West, resumed the study of law with Hon. Walter March, of Muncie, Indiana, where he taught the Delaware County Seminary, and was admitted to the bar in March, 181:4:. At the age of twentyseven, in December, 184:1:, he came to Portland, where, in 1846, he married Miss Hilinda T. Haines. He was appointed School Commissioner in 1846, to fill a vacancy, which occun-ed by the resignation of "Wilson Milligan. In August of the same year he was elected to that office, and served for two years; he was appointed School Examiner in 1848, which office he filled for four years.

The first prosecuting attorney of the common pleas court of Jay County was William Moorman, who was succeeded by John J. Cheney, and he by Enos L. "Watson, all of Randolph County. Thomas J. Hosford, of Delaware County, held the office from 1860 to 1862, when Enos L. Watson was again elected, and still holds the office.

The lawyers who have been residents of Jay County are Moses Jenkinson, Morrison E-ulon, IS'athan B. Hawkins, Jacob M. Haynes, John P. C. Sliauks, James B. Jaqua, John E.. Perdieu, John W. Headington, James N. Templer, "William D. Frazee, John J. Hawkins, David V. Baker and Allen Jaqua.

Moses Jenkinson now resides at Fort "Wayne, Indiana ; is a lawyer of considerable note, and has represented Allen County in the State Legislature. He removed from Jay County in 1845. Morrison Rulon was twice elected to the legislature from Jay County ; is now a resident of Union City, Indiana.

Ootjnty C0Mmissi0Nee8

Among the attorneys not residents of Jay County, who have practiced in its courts, are Jeremiah Smith, Moorman Way, Zachariah Pucket, Beattie McClelland, Silas Colgrove, William A. Peelle, James Brown and Thomas M, Browne, of Randolph County ; Joseph Anthony, Thomas Anthony, Andrew Kennady, Thomas J. Sample and Walter March, of Delaware County.

The following shows the names of those who have been members of the Board of County Commissioners, when they assumed the office, and expiration of their terms :

Jay County was first represented in tlie State Legislature by Lewis W. Purviance, of Huntington County, in 1839. The district was then composed of Jay, Adams, Wells, Whitley and Huntington counties. In 1840 it was represented b}'' Morrison Rulon. In 1841 the district embraced only Adams and Jay counties, and Elder Robert Tisdale, of Adams, was the representative. He was succeeded by Nathan B. Hawkins in 1842, and he by Samuel S. Mickle, of Adams, who has since been in the State Senate. The representatives succeeding were as follows : 1844, Robert Huey, of Jay County ; 1845, S. S. Mickle, of Adams. In 1846 the district was composed of Jay and Blackford counties, and "William F. Jones, of the latter county, was the representative ; 1847, Morrison Rulon ; 1848, George S. Howell, of Blackford ; 1849, Robert Huey ; 1850, William T. Shull, of Blackford; 1851, Joseph W. Holliday, of Blackford. Mr. Ilolliday was a lawyer of Blackford County ; was elected representative to the legislature for Jaj and Blackford counties in the year 1847. Before the meeting of the legislature he resigned and went to the Mexican war as lieutenant of a company of volunteers. He died in 1851, about the close of the session of the legislature.

In 1852 Jay County became entitled to a representative independent of other counties, and Robert Iliiey was elected ; in 1851:, J, P. C. Shanks ; in 1856, Joseph J. McKinney ; in 1858, George C. Whiteman ; in 1800, Isaac Underwood, and in 1862, Samuel A. Shoaff.

The following persons have been State Senators from districts of which Jay County has been a part : In 1839, John Foster ; in 1840, Michael Aker, of Randolph ; in 1843, Isaac F. Wood ; in 1846, Dixon Milligan, of Jay ; in 1849, Jacob Brugh, of Blackford; in 1851, Thomas D. M. Longshore, of Randolph ; in 1853, Theophilus Wilson, of Jay ; in 1857, Daniel Hill, of Randolph; in 1861, David Studabaker, of Adams, and in 1863, George S. Brown, of Wells.

Henry H. Cuppy was the first County Treasurer and Hawkins C. Fonts the next. His successor was William T. Shull, who was succeeded in 1841 by Jonas Yotaw, who held the ofiice^ until 1853, at which time Alexander White took it, but died in 1855, before the expiration of his term. G. W. Templer filled the vacancy thus occurring, and in

1856 was elected and served two years. Joseph P. Winters served from 1858 until 1862, when Royal Denney was elected, and resigned in July, 1864, when Thomas Black was appointed to till the vacancy.

Prior to 1850 the County Auditors were Alexander White and Joseph Wilson. At this time John Coulson took the office and served until 1859, when William G. Sutton was elected, and is the present incumbent.

Geo. W. Templer was the first County Recorder (1843), and was succeeded in 1850 by Thomas Black, who served until 1859. Harvey Humphries was then elected, and served until 1863, when Cyrus Stanle}'' was elected, and now holds the office.

D. W. MclSTeal was the first Surveyor, was succeeded by Thomas Brown, in 1842, and he^ by William H. Montgomery, in 1845, who served until 1852, when John C. Bailey was elected ; in 1856, Nimrod Headington ; in 1858, Thomas Brown, who served two years, and in 1862, B. R. McCoy, the present incumbent.

Chaptek Xiii

Much of the early history of the townships can never be obtained. The official reports of the first elections are not in existence. The records of the County Commissioners appointing the elections, and the recollections of the early inhabitants, are the only sources from which any information can now be drawn. From the former we can only learn the time at which these elections were held. The facts ascertained from the first settlers concerning them are vague, uncertain and often contradictory. An instance will illustrate : In one township the confident testimony of the earliest residents would show that the first election was held at three different places and at as many different times. Similarly conflicting statements are given in most of the townships. The mem'>rj of the pioneers is confused by the fact that at most of the precincts several special elections were held during the tirst year or two after tlie township organization. This leads many to give the first election they attended as the first township election. The same uncertainty exists, also, with reference to the officers of the election and the persons elected. In these circumstances, that only is stated here which is known to be true-

The first township organized, was Penn, by oi'der of the County Commissioners at their iirst sitting. It was named by Samuel Grissell, in honor of William Penn. The iirst house was built by John Gain, in 1823 ; the first settler was John Brooks ; the next was Moses Hamilton, who remained long enough to acquire the honorable distinction of first permanent settler. Samuel Grissell came next, and was soon followed by John McCoy, both in 1831.

The town of Camden was laid out August 27th, 1836, by Jeremiah Smith, Samuel Grissell being the proprietor. It was first called New Lisbon . Mr. Grissell made a sale of town lots. Job Carr being the auctioneer, and sold at prices varying from $15 to $30. John D. Jones built the first house in the summer of 1836, (William Samuels had partially raised a house before this,) and became the first settler. It took the few hands that could be collected three days to raise it. The town site was then partly cleared of underbrush, but Mr. Jones has the honor of having taken out the first " grub." The elections for several years were generally held at his house. William Samuels was the second person to settle in the town.

In 1836 H. Z. Jenkins brought his family from Ohio, and a stock of goods, consigned to him to sell on commission, with which he opened the first store in the town - first occupying Job Carr's house, just west of the town, and afterward one of his own, in the village. Mrs. Jenkins generally waited on the customers. Job Carr, junior, kept the second store ; and in April, 1839, Anthony Pifcnam, now of Richmond, Indiana, opened the third. The Friends built the first meeting house in the township, situated east of the town. This log house, though still standing, is now superceded by a neat frame structure. At the first meeting held in Camden, by the Methodists, H. Z. Jenkins joined the church. James Coulson and his wife H. Z. Jenkins, Mary Belong and Sarah Gove formed the first class. Mr. Joseph A. Lupton was the first blacksmith, opening a shop in the winter of 1839-'40. Stephen Kees and Joseph J. Paxsgu were among the earliest pioneers of the north part of the township. The prudent forethought of Joshua Bond led him to bring a pair of hand mill stones when he moved from Ohio.

These be made into a Land grist mill, in tlie spring of 1836, which was the first mill in Jay Cuunty. There was mnch rejoicing in tlie vicinity when this successor to the hominy block was put in operation. It was constantly thronged, each man grinding bis own grist, no toll being charged. But it would by no means supply the demand, and Mr. Bond soon fixed it to run by horse-power. This contrivance also failed to supply the wants of the region, and in 1837 Mr. Bond built a good mill, which was run by four to eiglit horses. That was the most celebrated mill ever erected in Jay County. To it the settlers flocked from far and near, some coming twenty miles. No public improvement was ever more welcome to the needy settlers. Sometimes so many w^ould be at the mill over night that there was not room on the floor of Mr. Bond's house for all of them to lie down. This mill was in the basement of the loo; barn, in which he afterward built a threshinof machine. That was the first threshing: machine in the county. The customers then brought their grain to the mill in sheaves and took it away in flour ! What modern mill can excel this pioneer establishment?

About 1838 Samuel Grissell started a saw mill on the Salimonie by Camden, and in IS-H put in operation a water grist mill. In 1850 Mr. Grissell and Lukins Griflith built a steam saw mill,

First Election

The iirst election in Penn Township is involved in much obscurity. The County Commissioners' record shows that the first election appointed was to be held at New Lisbon (Camden) on the second Saturday in December, 1836, Samuel Grissell, Inspector. At the January terjn, 1837, another election was ordered, to be held at Jonathan Iliatt's, John M. Carr, Inspector, on the last Saturday of that month. And again, at the May term, 1837, still another election was appointed for the first Saturday in June - place not given. All these elections were to elect a Justice. Elihu Hamilton says he was elected the first Justice at the election held at Jonathan Hiatt's ; that he would not accept the office, and that at a subsequent election, Ellis Davis was elected. The first township officers were appointed by the Commissioners in May, 1837, and were as follows : Inspector, Elihu Hamilton ; Supervisor, Jonathan Hiatt; Overseers of the Poor, Joshua Bond and William Swallow ; Fence ^ iewers, Moses Hamilton and David Canady.

The Post Office was established in Camden on the 19th of January, 1839, and John D. Jones appointed Postmaster. He held the office just six days, durincr which time he opened one mail and found one letter for that office. John M. Carr succeeded Mr. Jones as Postmaster. It was first called Penn, then changed to Pennville,

Bear Creek Towistship was organized in November, 1836, the first election held on the second Saturday in December, 1836, at the house of John Pingry, Biram A. Peareon being Inspector. The first township officers were as follows : .Inspector, James Marquis ; Supervisors, William Vail and James Marquis ; Overseers of the Poor, William Baldwin and Edward Buford ; Fence Yi ewers, Frederick Wible and William Gray.

The first settler was John Pingry, sen. The first store was kept by Lewis N. Byram, at Bloomfield. The first Post Office (Bear Creek) in the township was also at Bloomfield, established on the Yth of February, 1840, L. N. Byram, Postmaster, On the 14th of July, 1851, the office was removed to West Liberty, in Jackson Township, and W. P. Coldren appointed Postmaster ; but in July the following year it was returned to Bloomfield, and J. L. Grigsby became Postmaster, John H. Smith holds the office at present, and is the only merchant in the place. In 1854 George W, Porter started the first store at West Chester, and in April of that year the Post Office was established there, and he was appointed the Postmaster. Soon after, A. K. McGriff and I. N. Green purchased the store, and they sold it to William H. Montgomery,- who still remains there and is the present Postmaster. Monroe Post Office was established on the 24th of November, 1854, and John A. Smith appointed Postmaster, who held the office until July, 1864; when it was discontinued on account of a change in the mail route. It was on the Wabash river, near the farm of William Siberry, sen.

The lirst marriage in the township was that of Addison D. May and Miss Lucinda Pingry, Nov, 6, 1834, by William Odle, Esq., of Deerlield. In the fall of 1835, Tandy Dempsey came to John Pingry's, and on the 8th of August, 1836, he died, being the first death in the township. In 1836 a large hickory tree caught fire near Mr. Pingry's. The fire ran up the tree about forty feet, there burned it ofi", and then slowly and constantly burned downward for nearly one year. It was known as the '" burning tree."

James Marquis and family settled on the farm now owned by Kev. Aaron Worth, April 14th, 1836, purchasing the claim of Michael Zimmerman, who lived in a split log house. The chickens roosted on the joists at one corner of the house, while at one end on the outside was a shed.

under which the horses were kept, and, at the other, against the chimnev, there was a pig pen. In May, of this year, a Methodist Episcopal class was formed at Mr. Marquis' house, being the first religious organization in Jay County. The members were: James Marquis, William Yail, Jesse Gray, senior, David and William Baldwin, and their wives.

]n June, 1837, Mr. Marquis commenced building a water grist mill on that place, and, in January, 1838, put it in operation - the second mill of the kind in the county. Like all other pioneer mflls it was a great blessing to a large section of country. Many persons were waiting at the mill to get some grinding done when it started. Persons came to that mill from Adams, Wells and Blackford counties. Most persons came <m horseback, some on ponies, and some brought their grists on their shoulders.

The first temperance meeting ever held in the county was also held at Mr. Marquis' house, in 1837. In 1839 the first temperance society was organized in the same neighborhood, and Dr. Jacob Bosworth delivered an address full of sound sense and convincing arguments. The following scraps are specimens of its bold, manly utterances :

First Temperatstce Society

Tliis virtue is not to be conceded to the drunkard. Tliis noble and generous plant cannot live in a soul so uncultivated so overrun with foul and noxious weeds. Can a man be a patriot who violates every obligation of domestic and social life ? whose example is a moral pestilence in the community, and who, for the sake of a beastly gratification, inflicts misery and wrong upon all who have the unhappiness to be connected with him. The good man loves his country because it contains much that is excellent and much that is dear to him. He knows it to be the home of the wise and good, of his kindrefl and friends, whom he venerates; he reveres the liberal and holy institutions it contains ; in their prosperity and perpetuity he takes the deepest interest, and his most s trenuous eiforts are ever ready to remove what is evil and to advance that which is excellent and useful. Nothing of this kind can be attribiited to the drunkard. His conduct and example, instead of advancing the welfiire of his country, are eminently calculated to destroy its best interests. Do patriots discourage habits of industry and encourage habits of idleness, pauperism and crime ? Intemperance destroys the intelligence and virtue of the people - those pillars of our republican system ! it endangers our civil and religious institutions, with all that is held dear by the true patriot."

The first settler on the Limberlost, between William Gibson and William Chapman, was Ira Towle, who came in the spring of 1837. In three weeks Samuel Towle settled beside him. Within the next year or two a whole settlement of Eastern people joined them. John C. Montgomery,

Ilarrj Reed, Reuben Montgomery, David Antles, George Axe, M. P. Montgomery, and Aaron and Thomas Brown. Ira Towle burned the top of a hirge stump in concave shape, which answered for a hominy block, and above it built a frame, in which was a contrivance to pound the corn in the stump. In this way the neighbors made their meal. Samuel Towle kept many travelers the iirst year. Twenty-five strangers staid in his fourteen by-twenty -feet cabin one niglit. They lay upon the floor, commencing under the bed, the last one lying by the door, who had to get up in the morning before it could be opened ! For three years John C. Montgomery's house, which stood just north of Westchester, was most of the time full of v/estward travelers on the tiantington road. Sometimes they went in caravans; at one time forty, at another seventy persons were in one company. Once, when Mr. Montg. mery was sick, he put his gun out of the window and shot a wild turkey, which with a fiock had come into the door-yard. The wolves killed several calves for Samuel Towle, and once caught a deer and tore it in pieces within fifteen rods of his door.

A whirlwind more terrific than any storm that has since visited Jay County occurred on the 2Sth of March, 1840. It commenced half a mile west of Adam Stolz', near Westchester, taking nearly an eastern direction. A very small cloud first appeared, which soon began to whirl, and in a few moments the sky presented a vast mass of confused whirling clouds. It would strike the earth, and follow the ground for perhaps half a mile, then rise above the trees, and soon again descend and renew its devastations. Its disastrous track was not more than forty rods wide. It took half the roof from Mr. Stolz' house, and tore down all the trees in his fields. It appeared to be in the height of its fury when it reached the old farm of "William H, Montgomery. Darkness came as suddenly as the tornado ; - the terrible roaring and crashing swallowed up all other sounds.' The windows were blown in, and while the family endeavored to hold blankets against them, one side of the floor rose up several inches, the roof was taken off and carried several rods, and a limb fell into the chamber which took two men to lift. A straw bonnet belonging to Miss Jane A. Montgomery was torn to pieces, wrapped around a large tree, and the tree lying upon the ground. A dress belonging to Mrs. Harriet Walter was taken four and a half miles, and left in a tree top. All the fences were scattered ; trees were torn down, and nothing fairly in its course withstood its fury. Trees three and four feet in diameter were twisted into splinters or snapped ofJ, as if by the power of Him who holds the winds in the hollow of His hand. When it reached the farm of Eben- ezer Drake, Mrs. Drake was at home, alone with the children. With commendable forethought she took up a puncheon, put the children into a hole under the floor, and was just going down herself when a piece of flying timber struck her, inflicting severe injury. In a few moments the storm had passed, and she found only a few rounds of logs left of their house. Its noise was heard, distinctly a distance of nine miles. A similar whirlwind passed through Madison Township before any families hatl settled in Jay.

The first settler in Wabash Township was Peter Studabaker (1821) ; the second was Orman Perring, and the third was William Gibson. The first election was held at William Gibson's, on flie 23d of September, 1837. John B. Gillespie settled on what is now the town site of New Corj'-- don in 1837, and in 1839 built the old grist mill, having only a brush dam. In 1811 Samuel Ilall built a saw mill on the south side of the river. James Gillespie erected a saw mill adjoining the gristmill, in 1812. In August, 1843, Theophilus Wilson purchased the town site and the Gillespie Mills, brought a stock of goods, and opened the first store. Gillespie had laid ofi" a few town lots in 1840, but none had been sold. In March, 1844, Mr. Wilson employed, Thomas Brown to survey the town of New Corydon. Jesse Snyder put up the first blacksmith's shop in 1844. Theophilus

"Wilson put a tan yard in operation in 1845, which he afterward sold to Timothy H. Parker, who disposed of it to David Walter, the present owner. In 1845 Almon Sparling opened a cooper's shop. Wilson's store was the only one in the town until 1847, when Joshua Gift'ord commenced selling goods, and continued until his death, in September, 1853, Wilson sold his store to Sherburne A. Lewis in 1848, who subsequently took C. J. Plumb as a partner, and the store was kept in Plumb's house, at the lower end of Main street, which ha? since been a hotel. Samuel Hall and Harper Tyson sold goods a few months in Wilson's old stand, were succeeded by C. W. Scott, he by J. B. Cecil, and he by David Beardslee, whom George Steckel bought out, continuing the business, though at present in the hundred-days' service of his country.

The first school kept in the township was by Miss Elizabeth Montgomery, now Mrs. Thomas Towle, in the summer of 1840. The first school in New Corydon was taught in the summer of 1844, by Miss Sophronia Lewis, - a hewed log " smoke house" being converted into a schoolroom. A Post Office was established at New Corydon in September, 1844, and T. Wilson appointed Postmaster, who held the office until January 1st, 1852, when he resigned in favor of C. W. Scott, who resigned in a year, and George

In 1844 tlie Rev. I. N. Taylor was stopping at Mr. Wilson's, who had just been repairing his old log house by ceiling up the rafters. Mr. Taylor proposed that a Presbyterian Church should be built there, and when Mr. "Wilson made some objection he read to him these words from Hosea : "Is it time for you to dwell in your ceiled house, and this house lie waste? Go up to the mountains, and bring wood and build the house, and I will dwell in it, and I will be glorified, saith the Lord." Mr. "Wilson replied, "You have got the Bible on your side ; we will build the house !" and immediately gave Mr. Taylor the choice of his lots, and started a snbscription paper by putting his name down for fifty dollars. The paper was circulated, and persons signed work, lumber, hauling, grain, etc., no money being promised. Rev. I. ISI. Taylor and the Limberlost settlement aided very much. Mr. Reuben Montgomery took the subscription and built the house for $250, without money. This pioneer church has been occupied b}^ all denominations with good feeling. In 1855 ' a Methodist Church was built.

The first Sabbath School in 'New Corydon was established on the 26th of June, 1842. The preliminary steps of organization were taken at the house of Asahel W. Lewis, in February previous.

Kobeet Tisdale

The old mills have now good successors. About 1858 John Hall and Vynul Arnett started a steam saw mill on the south bank of the river at the bridi^e, and in August, 1859, set in operation a steam grist mill. In 1862 William and Henry McMakin erected a large water grist mill at the old mill site. All these mills are now in successful operation. In 1859 Henry Reed opened a drug store in l!*[ew Corydon, which he still owns.

The earliest minister in Wabash Township was Elder Robert Tisdale, a Baptist. He continued to travel and preach until his death, at a good old age, at Montpelier, in the autumn of 1856. In early times he carried a hatchet with him, in the winter, with which, fastened to a pole by withes or linden bark, he would sit on his horse and cut the ice before him, sometimes making but three or four miles a day, camping out at night or climbing a tree to avoid the wolves. He traveled extensively over Indiana and sections of Ohio ; was a strong advocate of temperance and Sabbath Schools ; noted for long s ermons, and in late years for his liberal Christian sentiments.

Rev. F. Baldwin, Rev. J. W. Allen, Rev. Mr. Drury and Elder Chaffee were, at different periods, the preachers for the Baptist church at New Corydon, until 1854, when Rev. J. C. Skinner became its pastor, and still holds that relation.

He was succeeded by Rev. Andrew Loose, who remained some over one year, when Rev. James Boggs became the pastor of that church and the Presbyterian church on the Limberlost, and continued until 1S54, when he moved to Clinton, Indiana, and afterward to Fairton, New Jersey, where he still resides. Rev. Joseph H. Jones then became pastor of the two churches, and still retains that position. He settled first in Adams County, bnt, in 1863, moved to "Westchester, where he now resides.

The many Methodist circuit preachers in New Corydon and other circuits in the county, deserve honorable mention for their self-denying labors in the dissemination of christian principles, but their large number prevents us from obtaining a complete sketch.

Among the most valuable of the Jay County pioneers was Theophilus Wilson. He settled in Liberty Township, Mercer County, Ohio, in 1811, where he bartered goods for the furs, skins, deer hams and everything the surrounding forest produced. He settled on the Wabash in 1813, from which time his identity with the physical, moral and political interests of Jay was conspicuous. He was the proprietor of New Corydon, its first merchant, post-master, and leading spirit in all reli- gioiis, temperance, educational and other enterprises, while he remained. He was loved and respected by all who knew him, always relied on as a citizen who was constantly looking to the best interests of the community. He represented this county and Randolph in the State Senate one term. His ceaseless activity, superior intelligence and large generosity made his loss deeply felt by the people, especially those at New Coryden, who knew him best.'when he moved to Avondale, near Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1855, where he now resides, as deeply interested in Jay as though he were yet a citizen.

The Urst settlers were James Stone and Henderson Graves. The first election was held at James Graves', who was elected the first Justice of the Peace. Here the name Limberlost finds its source. This singular name was given this stream from the/ollowing circumstance: A man named James Miller, while hunting along its banks, became lost. After various fruitless efforts to find his way home, in M-hich he would always come around to the place of starting, he determined he would go on a straight course, and so, every few rods would blaze a tree. While doing this he was found by his friends who were hunting him.

Beins^ an agile man, he was known as " limber Jim," and, after this, the stream was called " Limberlost." A cnrious phenomenon can be seen in its waters. Bubbles are constantly rising, which, on reaching the surface, burst and leave an oily substance upon the water. Perhaps they are ebullitions from a coal oil fountain. Among the many hunters who have lived in this township, perhaps David Money is chief. lie first settled about half a mile from the Jay County line, in Ohio, October, 1830, moving into IN'oble Township in May, 1839, his brother Alexander having preceded him several years. Hunting has been his chief business during life, and in this respect he has acquired considerable celebrity and much skill. The lirst winter after settling in this county, he hunted steadily for three weeks, killing from three to nine deer each day, except two days, on each of which he killed two. During that fall and wnnter he killed one hnndred and twenty deer! He received, at one time, one hundred dollars in Fort Wayne, for furs anc^ skins. At one time he was hunting with a companion who lost his gun-lock. Mr. Money sent him back to hunt the lock, and take care of the deer they had already shot, telling him that he (Money) would meet him at a certain place the next day, at noon. At the appointed time they met, and, since their separation, the old hunter had killed eleven deer and one fox ! The next winter he hunted three weeks, and killed sixty-seven deer. He took to market at one time thirty-two deer, all having their skins on. There were two sleigh loads of them. The first sleigh had a fine old buck with high horns and many " points," standing erect at the front, presenting a most novel and amusing spectacle. Daring his life he has killed eighteen deer at nine shots, two at each time. Onl}'- a few years ago he shot thirty-two consecutive times at deer, foxes, pheasants and other game, without missing. His chief hunting ground, in later years, has been Paulding County, Ohio, whither he goes once or twice a year, camps in the woods, after the good old hunting style, and hunts for weeks at a time. In the fall of 1861 he killed eleven deer and one wolf in that county.

A Post-office was established in Noble Township, May 28th, 1851, called Hector, and J. C. Brewington appointed Postmaster. For several years Wilbur Morehous has held the office.

Near the " ninety mile tree," - a tree on the state line, between Indiana and Ohio, just ninety miles from the Ohio river, - Ebenezer Woodbridge now of Lee County, Illinois, settled 'in 1838, bringing his family two years after. Their cooking stove was the first in that part of the county, and created much curiosity among the neighbors. 8*

He was an earnest temperance man. When he wanted to raise his barn, out of many persons invited, but few came the first day, and it was hinted to him that it Avas because he would not furnish liquor. He indignantly mounted a stump and made a regular " stump " speech to his neighbors, saying that if his barn could not go up without whiskey, the logs might rot upon the ground. The next day his barn was raised.

In 1861, Daniel Forner and Charles Joseph commenced the manufacture of crockery ware at Mr. Forner's residence, in Noble Township. They are still engaged in the business.

Wayne Township was organized in September, 1837. Most of the early history of this township has already been given. The iirst election was held on the third Saturday in September, 1837, Daniel Farber, Inspector. The first settler was Philip Brown, who built the first house (1832). The next was William Brockus, and the third James Morrison. Then came Obadiah Winters, the Highlander family, and H. H. Cuppy. The latter built the "Conner house" on the south side of the Big Salimonie, now owned by Colonel Shanks, in the fall of 1833. That house is celebrated as the one in which the first Commissioners' and Circuit Courts were held.

Jacob Bos Worth. 16Y

was the second one in the county. He also built the first house in Portland, which was in 1837. It was a lonw, log structure, and stood on the corner, since the Jay Inn. He moved his store into that house. The next house in town was the court house, built by Robert Huey. The next year Lewis S. Farber built a house, where D. L. Grow's tan-yard is now situated ; and James Simmons built one for D. W. McNeal on the corner where Miller's building now stands. The first farm house was built by Dr. D. Milligan, on the corner south of Miller's buildinp;. The first regular tavern was kept by William Haines, who built what is known as " Hickory Hall " for that purpose - still standing.

In 1839 Kathan B. Hawkins and William T. Sliull opened the second store in the place. The town was full of native trees then, and it is related that hickory-nuts would often fall upon the log court house while court was in session.

Dr. Jacob Bosworth moved from Massachusetts to Ohio in 1817. While passing through Darke County he found Jesse Gray, who urged him to go to Jay 'to look for land, which he did. He and his family arrived March 1st, 1836. He was the first physician in the county, and for many years his practice was extensive. In the summer of 1837 he opened a Sabbath School in the Wringer cabin at Liber, which had then been used for a sngar-making house. It was the second school of that Jcind in the county. Afterward it was moved to his house southeast of Liber, where it was continued for nine years.

John Smith built the next house in Liber in 1836. It was on the farm so long the home of Deacon Jonathan Lowe, now owned and occupied by Jonathan R. Wells. Mr. Smith also built the " old log barn," still standing, and now owned by Mrs. Mary S. Montgomery, which was the subject of the following verses by R. S. Taylor, Esq. :

Chorus

They were set to music also composed by Mr. Taylor, and after being sung at an exhibition at Liber College, were published in the Minnehaha Glee Book.

In the tummer of 1845 Rev. Joseph H. Babcock came to Jay County, residing first at Portland, where he organized a Presbyterian Church November 29th, of nine members, consisting of J. H. Babcock, Eliza Babcock, Jacob Bosworth, I^ancy Bosworth, Josiah H. Topping, Hector Topping, Amaretta Topping, Joseph C. Hawkins and Amanda Frazee. The meeting was held in the Court House. In 1847 he moved to J^ew Cory don, preaching in Portland and in the old Limberlost Church. He died at I^ew Corydon, March 15th, 1848, universally lamented. He was a favorite with all classes, adapting himself with ease to the society around him : a fluent speaker, and possessing a complete education as a lawyer as well as a minister, he was well calculated to be a leader in all the moral movements of the time, and especially to lift the Banner of the Cross in the heterogeneous society of a new country.

The temperance reform, the Sabbath School and the common school received his active attention. He was a model preacher, a good citizen and a true-hearted Christian man. No death in Jay County has been so lamented by those who knew how to value such a man in the forming of new communities. " Though dead he yet speaketh" to those who knew him in his self-sacrilicing labors in this county.

AVhen the Commissioners organized Pike Township, in 183Y, they gave it that name at the suggestion of J. C. Hawkins. Most of its early history has been given. The first settler was John J. Hawkins ; the next Thos. J. Shaylor, and the third Sarah Riddley.

Jacob Sutton relates that one night, soon after he settled there, his dog became much alarmed. He saw in front of the house some animal, and shot at it while in the house. It proved to be a wolf, and the shot had broken its back. The excited dog caught it and would not let go until he had dragged it into the house, where it was killed.

The oldest settler, now living, in the west part of the township is Henry Harford. The first election was held at Jacob Sutton's, and Heniy "Welch, who lived on the farm now owned by John J. Adair, was elected Justice. David Garringer has held that office the longest of any one in the township. The first school house built was on John Kidder's farm, and Miss Lncetta Kidder, now Mrs. Waldo, taught the first school, commencing July 1st, 1840. The first tavern was kept by Abraham C. Sutton, on his farm near Bluff Point. This village was surveyed in 1854 by W. H. Montgomery, for L. J. Bell and I. N. Taylor. It was first called Iowa. December 17th, 1840, the Post Ofiice was established there, and David Garringer appointed Postmaster. It was then called Yan, which name it retained un- 1853, when it was changed to Bluff Point.

Boundary City Post Office was established May 11th, 1852, and Daniel Heaster appointed Postmaster. He still retains that position, and has a store.

The village of Antioch was surveyed in 1853. Amos Hall, C. H. Clark and David Frazee were the proprietors. Mr. Clark named it after Antioch College. Peter Couldren kept the first store.

The first sermon ever preached in Jay County was by Rev. Pobert Burns, a Methodist, at the Hawkins cabin, in the fall of 1832. His text was, " Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest."

Jeflerson Township was organized at the last meeting of the Commissioners in 1837. The first election was held at the house of Jacob H. Sanders, who was elected the first Justice, and John Nixon was chosen Constable. Peter Dailey was

Inspector of the election. J. H. Sanders laid out New Mount Pleasant, and named it in honor of a Quaker meeting-house in Ohio of a similar name. WilUiam Ilite was the lirst settler in the town, and kept the lirst tavern. The grand jury found forty-two indictments against him at one time for selling liquor, all of which were sustained. It brought out the true manhood that was in him. He abandoned the business, and became a sober, highly respected citizen. John Bell built the second house in the village, and kept the first store. The first school in the township was taught by an Irishman named Thomas Athy, near the farm of William Finch, sen.

Jackson Township was organized in March, 1838. Prior to this it had been attached to Bear Creek Township. The first settler was Edward Buford. The first person who died in the township was Aaron Rigby, in September, 1837, near the farm of Isaac Russell. There being no lumber, the cotfin was made of "puncheons,"* by Joshua Bond. Gillum Post Office was established January 8th, 1856, and George Fish appointed the first Postmaster. In 1857 Abel Lester opened an establishment for the manufacture of crockery ware. It was in operation only about two years.

* The word " puncheon" is used in this yvovk in the pioneer sense, which means a plank which is spUt out of a log, and hewed instead of being sawed.

Silas S. Pingry was Justice in this township for seventeen years. He married two pairs of twin sisters out of the same family. The first name of each of the husbands was John.

During a thaw in the winter of 1837-8, Mr. James Snow, father of Dr. B. B. Snow, then about sixty years old, who lived six miles northwest of Portland, being out of tobacco, of which he was a passionate lover, started to Camden on foot to procure some. Soon after leaving home the weather began to turn colder; but though thinly clad, he was sufficiently comfortable until his return, when it began to snow very rapidly, making him quite wet and hiding the trace he was following, except the blazes upon the trees. Soon the snow covered most of these, and he discovered he had lost the track entirely, which he tried in vain to regain. Finding that he was suffering from the cold despite all his exercise, he endeavored to retrace his steps to Camden. This he found very tedious work, and soon impossible, on account of the darkness. He now became seriously alarmed for his safety ; wandered about, and called loudly for aid, but received no answer. By this time he was discouraged and exhausted. He had waded across runs and through slashes until his feet and lower extremities were very wet ; his clothing w^as freezing upon him, and he had eaten nothing since early in the morning.

He was forced to choose between an effort to save his life bj exercising all night or submit to his fate ! Being drowsy, he was strong!}^ inclined to the latter course. Finally, he sought a clear, level place between two large trees, and there continued walking and running from one to the other until morning. His family, supposing he was lost, procured the assistance of some neighbors, and went in search of him, at daylight. About 9 o'clock in the forenoon they found him crawling on his back track and badly frozen. He was a long time recovering.

Richland township was organized in May, 1838. It was named by Benjamin Manor. The first election was held at William Richardson's who lived where Laban Hickman now does, on the second Saturday in June, the same year, John Booth, Inspector. James Ewing was the first Justice. Matthew A. Smith held this office for fourteen years. Half Way Post-office was established September 19, 1853, and Samuel J. Current appointed Postmaster. Half Way Creek was so named from being halfway between Portland and Muncie, and, from this stream, the Post-office received its name. The village of Mount Yernon was laid out by W. H. Wade, and surveyed by John C. Bailey. Michael Coons, who settled in the township in 183Y< has killed several bears and over three hundred deer there.

The first settlers in the vicinity of Dunkirk were Isaiah Sutton and William Shrack, who came in September, 1837. One day, while the men were absent, Mrs. Sutton saw a deer, and, though she had never tired a gun, she took careful aim and shot, killing the deer instantly.

Green Township was organized in March, 1838. The first settler was T. J. Shay lor, the next William Coffin. Samuel Kouth, William Bunch, Greenbury Coffin and Henry Delong were also early settlers. The Rev. G. C. Whiteman settled where he still hves, Oct. 22d, 1837. Mr. Routh and Christopher I. Timberlake were from Green County, Ohio, and named the township after that county. The first election was at Delong's, the first Monday in August, 1839.

Rev. Wade Posey, who was then on the Winchester Circuit of the Methodist Church, preached the first sermon in the township at Mr.Whiteman's. The first school was taught in the winter of 1845- -6, in a school house situated near James Whaley's. The township had no post office until May 22d, 1862. when one was established called Green, and John Strieker appointed Postmaster.

Gaunt went to Portland to get the township ori^anized. After hunting some time they found the Commissioners in session out in the woods, near the court house. The old township name of Salinionie had not been given to any of the new townships, and Jacob Bosworth, avIio was then one of the Commissioners, insisted that at least the last township should ha,ve that name. But Mr. Gaunt wanted it named after Knox County, Ohio, and succeeded.

John Brooks was the first settler. Brittan Beard, Joseph Gaunt, John Gaunt, Adam Zeigler, Abraham C. Smith and Joshua Bowers were among the early settlers.

The first election was held at Gaunt's, on the first Monday in April, 1839, A. C. Smith, Inspector. There were just seven votes cast, and six ofticers elected, as follows : Trustees, A. C. Smith, Michael Roland and Joseph Gaunt ; Justice, Michael Roland; Clerk, Cornelius Smith; Constable, Adam Zeigler.

The first death in the township was that of Mrs. Jane Beard, wife of Brittan Beard. She died in the fall of 1839, and was the first person buried in the township cemeter3^ Cornelius Smith taught the first school in the winter of lS38-'89.

surveyed by D. "W. MdSTeal. Salimonie Post Office was established in 1852, and G. W. Abel appointed Postmaster. He still retains that position. Jordan Post Office was established in 18 - , but it was then in Randolph County. For a few years it has been on the Jay side ot the county line. The village of New Pittsburg, like Salem, is on both sides of the line separating the two counties.

One hindering difficulty in the development of the resources of the county has been the rage for hunting which most of the early settlers possessed. Instead of clearing a farm, only a small spot was generally opened on which to raise a patch of corn, and the time principally spent in hunting. It would have been much more profitably eraployed in making wider aggressions upon the forests and thus adding new fields to the farm. During the first stages of the emigrant's life this hunting was an absolute necessity; but was often, from lono; habit and love of the excitement of the hunt, continued after the necessity liad passed away. The liberal prices paid for skins by the fur traders also encouraged the hunting, and the money thus distributed was for many years the chief dependence of the pioneer families in mak- ing purchases of mercliandise and grain, and in paying taxes and doctor bills. Cotfee, tobacco, muslin, and, we are sorry to say, in some neighborhoods whisky, were the staple articles of trade for the first few years. A boy once called at Theo. Wilson's store, in New Corydon, with one bushel of corn, half of which he left for tobacco, and the other half took to the mill, remarking that it was the last grain they had. As game became scarce in Jay and adjoining counties, hoop poles came to be the chief exporting product. Jay County hoop pole teams have been seen at Eaton and Camden in Preble County, Ohio, and that, too, before there was a turnpike on any part of the road.