Madison County, Indiana - Chapter 66, 1897

Chapter 66

This township derives its name from Abraham Adams, the first white man to settle within its borders, and not from the second President of the republic, as many suppose. It is situated in the extreme southeast corner of the county and has an area of thirty-five square miles. It is bounded on the north by Anderson and Union townships, on the east by Henry county, on the south by Hancock county, and on the west by Fall Creek township.

Adams was one of the first townships organized in the county. The first comers to the township found abundant game in its unbroken forests, and a soil not only extremely fertile but well-watered, a climate neither excessively hot nor cold but a happy medium between the two, in fine the prospect presented to the first settlers was such as to give them assurance that they had found a pleasant land, where they could with proper eftbrt secure homes for their families and a competency for their old age. Favorable accounts of the new country were sent back to their old homes, and soon after the coming of Abraham Adams, in 1828, the population began to increase rapidly. Mr. Adams settled near the present site of Ovid (New Columbus). About the same time Harper, Bridge, Sr., Hudson, Sawyer and Bridge, Jr., the murderers of the friendly Indians (an account of which is given else- settled in the township. Among others who came about this time, or a few years later, were Joseph and Moses Surber, Abraham Blake and Anthony Hill, of Ohio. The latter came in 1827, and located on what was afterwards known as the L. D. Reger farm.

During the years 1828-9, George Hudson, Sr., of Ohio, accompanied by his sons, Isaiah, Eli, George, William, Jonathan and David; Thornton Rector, of Wayne county, Indiana : Thomas. William and Garrett McCallister, John Gilmore, Sr., and Hugh Gilmore, Martin Hrown, Samuel and L.

Reger, of Virginia, settled in the township. In the spring of 1.S30, Levi Brewer and Joseph Ingles, of Ohio, settled in the township, and in ISiJl, Colonel Thomas Bell and Hezekiah Justice, also of Ohio, cast their lot with the early settlers of the township. Colonel Bell was afterwards elected Representative from the district of Madison and Hancock counties and served a number of terms. As an evidence of his popularity, it is said that at a certain election when he was a candidate, but one vote was cast against him in the township.

In 1834 - 5, Samuel Huston and Jacob Evans, of Wayne county, Indiana, Isaac Cooper, of Virginia, Harvey Chase, of North Carolina, and William Prigg, of Maryland, settled in the township. Isaac Cooper located on the land where the murder of the Indians occurred. The land upon which this atrocious crime was committed is situated one mile and a half northeast of Markleville, and is now owned by Solomon Hardy.

Including the names already mentioned, the following list comprises all, or nearly all of the first settlers in the township : Manly Richards, Hiram Burch, John Copman, William Sloan, Ralph Williams, vStephen and Henry Dobson, William Stanley, John Markle, David Rice, Thomas Shelton, Joseph Smith, James Collier, William Penn, Reason Sargent, David Ellsworth, William Xelson, Stephen Norman, James Pearson, E. Trueblood, James Peden, Caleb Biddle, Barnabas Clark and John Borman.

These are the men who cleared up the first farms in the township and prepared the way for all that has since been accomplished in the grand transformation of the wilderness to fruitful fields and meadows green. Many of them were honored by their fellow-citizens with positions of trust and honor, and all were identified with the progress and development of the county.

Early Events

The first house in the township was erected by Abraham Adams in 1823. It was constructed of unhewn logs and stood just east of the present site of Ovid.

The first school-house in the township was located on Section 19. It was similar in construction to all other houses of that period. The ne.xt school-house erected in the township stood on the east side of the present site of Ovid, but in Avhat vear it was built is not known.

The first school teacher in the township was a Mr. Hudson. He was followed by Reuben ^^'yatt, John Roberts, Hiram Burcli. George Kearney, Thomas McCallister, George R. Boram and others. Mrs. Susan Justice, who is at present making her home in Anderson, went to school to Mr. Wyatt when she was a child. Mrs. Justice is seventy-four years of age.

The first frame house erected in the township was built by Friend Brown. The farm upon which it was erected was one of the first that was "cleared up'" in the county. The first brick house was erected by Morris Gilmore in 1838 on what is known as the Morris Gilmore farm. The first elections were held at the house of Abraham Adams and later at the house of Manly Richards. In 1880 New Columbus (Ovid) was designated by the County Commissioners as the permanent voting place, and continued the only voting precinct in the township up to 1870, when the township was divided for election purposes by the Commissioners and another precinct was established at Markleville.

The first church erected in the township was built by the Baptists in 1834. It was situated half a mile west of New Columbus, and for many years afforded the members of that denomination a comfortable place of worship. The early ministers here were Nathaniel Richmond, William Judd and Morgan McQuay. Among the active membership were Caleb Biddle and Ira Davis, at whose homes meetings were held for a number of j'ears previous to the building of a place of worship. Owing to removals from the township and other causes the society declined in membership, and in the course of time the building was made the object, or target, of every mischievous person who passed that way seized with an inclination to throw a club or stone. The building was finally removed to a different locality and devoted to secular uses. Proper mention of the other churches in the township is made elsewhere.

In 1885 a man of the name of Bailey Jackson began the erection of a sawmill on the south bank of Fall creek, at New Columbus, but abandoned tiie enterprise before it was completed. James Peden afterward purchased the site and completed Jackson's undertaking in 1843. This mill was operated successfully for a great many years and finally went the way of all the water mills in the county. It was the first mill built in the township and furnished the lumber for the first frame buildings erected in this part of the county. Its last owner was Adam Forney.

The next mill erected in the township was built in 1!S41, by Isaac and Edmund Franklin. It was also a saw-mill and was situated on the north bank of Fall Creek on section 15. In 1843 tiie}' began the erection of a grist mill near the same site which wafe completed the following year. These mills were known as the " Franklin Mills," and did a lucrative business up to within a few years of their destruction by fire in 1888. They were owned and operated by manj- different persons in their day, the last owner and proprietor being James K. Lawson. The dam across Fall Creek is still standing where these mills were once situated and is still visited in season bv lovers of piscatorial sport from many parts of the county. In fact, Fall Creek at this point until recent years, was one of the most famous fishing grounds in the county.

In 1857 Blake & Hudson built a saw-mill near the present site of Markleville. This was the first mill run by steam in the township and was successfully operated until 1863, when the machinery was sold and shipped to Frankton. Abisha Lewis and John Houston built the next steain saw-mill in the township in 1872. It cost about $3,000 and at the time of its erection was the best in the county. Two years after it was built a shingle-machine was added to the mill which proved a profitable investment. This mill is still in operation at Markleville, and is owned by the Markle Brothers.

Soon after the completion of the southern extension of the C. W. & M. Railway (Big Four) through the township, a saw-mill was built at Emporia, two miles north of Markleville. The mill is owned and operated by William and Edward Trueblood.

As there is but little valuable timber left in this part of the county, it is safe to say that it will be but a short time until this class of mills will have disappeared from the township as thev have in other localities.

The Public Schools

With the increase of population the demand for enlarged school facilities became more urgent and the log school houses of the township began to disappear. In 1854 several frame school buildings were erected at different points and the school law of 1851 was thereafter observed in the regulation of the schools until it was supplanted by the present school system. In 1873 the frame buildings began to disappear, two brick structures being erected that year, one of which was at Markleville and the other at Ovid. Each of these buildings cost $1,- 100. In 1877-8, three more brick buildings were erected. There are at this time ten buildings and eleven teachers in the township. The school enumeration for 1858 in the township showed that there were 584 school children ; in 1874 the total number was 538 and this year it is 500, including both Markleville and Ovid.

There are at the present time in the township five religious societies and six churches. In 1834 a Baptist society ^vas organized at the home of Mrs. Rebecca Collier about a mile and a half south-east of where Markleville now stands. This society at the time of its organization was composed of thirteen members but grew rapidly and in 1852 a place of worship was erected. This building was used as a place of worship until 1872, when it was torn down and another of larger dimensions erected by the society about a mile further north. J. F. Collier donated the land upon which both buildings were erected and also served the congregation as pastor for a number of years, being assisted by Revs. O. P. Hawkins, J. E. Ellison and T. S. Lyons. This church has a large membership.

In 1848 a meeting of a ninnber of members of this denomination was held at the Baptist church west of New Columbus (Ovid) and a society was organized, the first eldership being composed of Eli Ilodson, Andrew Bray, J. I. Seward and Jesse \'^an\Vinkle. The society continued to hold meetings here and elsewhere in the township until 1852, when the congregation concluded to build a place of worship, which was accordingly done, the church being situated two miles east of Columbus. About two years after its completion it was destroyed by fire ; but the membership being large another building was immediately erected at a cost $1,400. It was known as White Chapel. This church organization flourished for a number of years under the pastoral care of Elder Daniel township and other causes, the membership declined and tlieir place of \vorship passed into the hands of Thornton Rector, who converted it into a place of residence.

German Baptist Church

This society was organized in 1860 by Elder George Hoover, and in 1878 a place of worship was erected a short distance north of Columbus. The building is a brick structure and cost ^2,500. The membership of this church was also large at one time, but has been gradually declining for many years. Regular services are no longer held here.

Methodist Church

Ministers of the Methodist faith were the first to hold religious services in the township. Other denominations had larger memberships, however, and it was not until 1856 that the Methodist society erected a church just south of Markleville. Previous to this meetings were held at the homes of the membership and in an old log schoolhouse near the site of the present edifice. Prominent among the active membership of this society in the past were .Stephen Noland, Ralph Williams, L. D. Reger and James Small. The society at the present time is in a fairly prosperous condition.

Church Of God

In 1887, the year following the coming of Mrs. Maria Wood worth, the noted female evangelist, to the county, a number of her followers organized a society at Markleville and built a church. Regular services were held there for a time and the societv flourished; but through various causes unnecessary to mention, interest in the work began to wane and regular services were discontinued. At this time the congregation is without a minister.

Lutheran Church

This society was organized at New Columbus (Ovid) in the '50s, and in 1861 a place of worship was erected just west of the village. The Lutlierans are not strong numerically in the township and consequently regular services are dispensed with.

The Union Church

a place of worship, tlie same to be used at stated times, or alternately, by each denomination. The church is situated near the village on the west and is known as the " Union Church." While any of the three denominations is entitled to worship in the building, the Christians have taken charge of it and at the present time hold services there exclusively.

On the 24th of May, 1854, Ovid Lodge No. 164, A. F. <S; A. M., was organized at New Columbus, the following constituting the charter membership : Iliram Peden, R. E. Poindexter, John J. Justice, David Fesler, .Solomon Pool, James Biddie, John McCallister, Joel Pratt, Josepbus Poindexter, William Sebrell, John Hicks, B. W. Cooper, Garrett McCallister and John Slaughter, all of whom had been initiated into the mysteries of the order in the Masonic Lodge at Pendleton, the parent lodge of all the Masonic organizations in the county. The nieetings of Ovid Lodge were held in a two-story log building on the west side of New Columbus until 1860 when a new building was erected by the organization. The meetings of the Lodge have been held in this building eversince.

The new lodge room was dedicated on the 14th of Julv, 1860, Joseph Eastman, S. B. Irish and William Roach officiating as Grand officers for the occasion. Following the dedicatory ceremonies there was an open-air dinner, speeches and a general good time. Of the charter members of this lodge Hiram Peden, no\v and for manv years past a resident of Anderson, alone survives.

Rural Lodge

On May 24, 1864, Rural Lodge No. ^524, A. F. & A. M., was organized at Markleville, the charter members being, Samuel Harden, John Justice, David Johnson, John Boram, E. B. Garrison, Levi McDaniel, Daniel Cook, Samuel Cory and W. B. Markle. This lodge held its meetings for a year in the second story of Samuel Harden's residence, when it moved to a room above a shoe-shop owned by W. A. Lynch. Meetings were held here for a number of years when a lodge room was erected over a store owned by Hardy & Lewis. This continued to be the home of the lodge until March, 1879, when it surrendered its charter. The lodge has never been revi\ed, the membership preferring to attend Ovid Lodge.

Markleville Lodge I. O. O. F.

On November 18, 1875, Markleville Lodge No. 502,1. O. O. F., was organizedjwith the following charter members : A. J. Blake. Joseph P. Blake, S. F. Hardy, J. R.Leakey, Joseph Wilkinson, A. Van Dyke, George Cooper and Reuben Wilkinson. This lodge flourished for a while when it gradually went down and finally surrendered its charter.

Statistical Matters Towns And Villages

This town was laid out by Abraham Adams in 1884. It has a beautiful location, being situated upon a hill just south of Fall Creek. It is six miles south of Anderson, and at the present time has about one hundred inhabitants. The town was given the name of New Columbus by its founder, but on account of the annoyance occasioned in the delivery of mail, there being a town of the same name in Bartholomew county, the name of Ovid was given the postoffice when it was established here in 1837. Previous to that year the citizens of the village and surrounding country went to Huntsville to post and receive their mail. The first postmaster was William Miller; the next was William Gray, who was followed by James Peden and his two sons, Joseph and Hiram, in the order named. Hiram Peden was succeeded by George Hodson. The present postmaster is William Carmody. The first merchant in the village was Hiram Burch. William Miller succeeded iiini. J. M. McClaniilian was also one of the early merchants. The first physician to locate here was Dr. C. Horn. Other early physicians were Drs. Parry, Smiley, Hildreth, Pratt, Cooper, Bair, Troy, Edwins, Rider and Myers. The first and only tannery in the township was located here. It was built in 1837 by Henry Armstrong and Bartholomew Fort, but was not a success and was finally abandoned.

Iiistorv Of Madison Countv, Indiana

As pievioiisly stated, New Columbus was for many years the only voting place in the township, and whenever an election occurred there was more or less turbulence. It is related by old-timers still living in the vicinity that an election seldom occurred without beini^ attended by as high as fifty or sixty fights. The fighting would sometimes begin before the voting and would continue at brief intervals until after the polls had closed. Those days have passed, however, and there is not a more peaceable or law-abiding community in the county to-dav than this. The spirit of politics is cjuite as lively as it was in the old days, but the argument of physical strength has given way to more rational methods. It is not known save to a few of the old-timers who still remain that the town was once incorporated, but such is the fact, as will be seen by the following :

The Board of Commissioners ordered an election held in New Columbus on the first Monday in April, 1840, to incorporate the same as a town, as follows : " On a petition of a majority of the citizens of New Columbus, Madison county, Indiana, it is ordered that the citizens of said town hold an election in said town on the first Monday in April next, for the purpose of electing the proper officers to govern the said town as an incorporated town. And upon the citizens complying with this order the said town thereafter be considered as incorporated."

This town derives it name from John Markle, who owned the ground upon which it stands and who laid it out in 1852. It is situated eleven miles southeast of Anderson on what is known as the southern extension of the C, W. & M. (Big Fear) Railway, and two miles west of the Henry county line. What is still known as the "Pendleton and New Castle pike" passes through the town. Among the early merchants of the place may be mentioned Newton Busb)', E. B. Garrison, Ralph Williams, David Johnson, J. W. .Shimer, H. H. Markle, J. W. Blake, Harrison Coon, Sebrell & l?lake, and Hardy & Lewis. The latter firm did a large business in the '70s and erected the finest business room in the town. Mr. S. Hardy and Mr. N. Monevhun are the principal merchants at the present time.

David Johnson, S. F. Hardy and William Coacheran. The present incumbent is O. H. Seward. The first physicians in the place were Daniel Cook, William Hendricks, William Swain, Jacob and William P. Harter. The population in 1870 was about 100 and at the present time it is estimated at 250.

This is a station on the southern extension of the C, W. & M. Railway (Big Four). It is situated about two and a-half miles northeast of Ovid and is one of the three places in the township at which trains stop regularly. A general store is located here, but no manufacturing enterprises, and the future of the place is consequently not very bright.

Emporia

This is a small station situated on the southern extension two miles southeast of New Columbus and two miles north of Markleville. It was located upon the completion of the railroad to that point in 1801. There is a general store here owned by William Mauzy, also a sawmill owned and operated by William and Edward Trueblood. William Trueblood is the Dresent postmaster.

Poi.Eywalk

This is a name given to a thickly settled locality in the southwest corner of the township, about a quarter of a century ago, on account of the roads and " walks"" being constructed of poles. These corduroy roads were necessary in many portions of the county at an early day, but with the draining of the country and the building of pikes they gave way to the new order of things.

This particular locality was noted among other things for its many social gatherings, especially dances, which the young people, after working hard all day at their domestic duties or in the fields, would attend and dance from "early candle lighting"' until dawn, ^^ery frequently a fight would take place to vary the programme on these occasions, but as deadly weapons were seldom resorted to in those times by young men in adjusting a difficulty, no one was ever seriously injured. The boys and girls who contributed to the merry-making in this locality at the time of which we write are settled in life ; many of them the heads of families, but they still take delight in relating the experiences of their younger years.

The Big I.Ick

This famous hunting resort in the early settlement of the county is located in the southeast corner of the township at the source of Lick Creek. It was a favorite hunting ground of the Indians before they left for their reservation beyond the Mississippi. Deer and other animals would come to this spot in great numbers to lick the ground which was largely impregnated with salt, and the hunter had but little difficulty in supplying his larder with an abundance of meat. Long after deer had disappeared from that part of the county the " perches " made by hunters in the forks of trees at the Big Lick, from which tiiey would shoot unwary animals when they came to lick or drink, could be seen.

Prominent Citizens

The following citizens of this township have been connected with tiie administration of county affairs: Thomas Bell, Representative from 1831 to 1838, Madison and Hancock counties then being a district for representative purposes. Mr. Bell also represented these counties in the State Senate from 1835 to 1841, and subsequently (1844) represented Madison county in the Lo\ver House of the State Legislature. Thomas McCallister, Representative from 1840 to 1842; elected again in 1844 and served one term, and again elected in 1850 and served one term. Stanley W. Edwins, Representative from 1879 to 1880; Joseph Peden, Circuit Clerk from 1862 to 1865 (died before term expired) ; John W. McCallister, Sheriff from 1874 to 1875 (died before term expired) ; Randle Biddle, Sheriff from 1876 to 1878; John McCallister, Commissioner from 1851 to 1857 (died while in office, and George R. Boram, of same township appointed to serve out his term) ; Eli Plodson, Commissioner, 1858 to 1860; George R. Boram, Commissioner from 1860 to 1862 ; Peter Fesler, Commissioner from 1862 to 1864; John McCallister, Commissioner from 1870 to 1873; Cj. W. Hoel, Commissioner from 1872 to 1875; A. Cunningham, Commissioner from 1891 to 1894; Allen Boram, Commissioner from 1894 to 189- ; A. \V. McCallister, County Assessor from June, 1892, to 1896.

Eli Iiodson, A Pioneer

days of its settlement. In addition to being a prosperous and well-to-do farmer he figured extensively as a politician and leader of men in the community. He was verj- suave and polite in his manners, and treated his fello\vs \vith a courtesy excelled by none. In the early times he was one of the associate judges of Madison county. At that time there were three judges composing the Circuit Court - one the Circuit Judge, who was required to preside at the sittings of the court in the different counties which went to make up his judicial circuit. In addition to this there were two associate judges, elected by the people of each county in which the court held its meetings, and sat with the President of the Court. Mr. Hodson at one time was County Commissioner, and he it was who caused the proper grading of the public square to be made. He also had shade trees planted in the little park that surrounded the court house, making it one of the prettiest places in the county. In this he was assisted by Samuel B. Mattox, ex-Recorder. The trees served in the summer time as a shelter from the rays of the burning sun, and the people from all parts of the county, when in attendance a*: court or in the city on business, made good use of this beautiful retreat. The trees remained until 1882, during the erection of the new court house, when they were cut down and hauled away. For incurring this expenditure Samuel Mattox, who was then the Recorder of Madison county, and Mr. Hodson, were subjected to a good deal of abuse, and considerable loud talk was indulged in by the tax-payers for the expenses incurred in the grading of the lot and in the planting of the trees ; but as time wore on, and the little trees grew into large and stately oaks, public sentiment changed, and they who had been the severest in denouncing Mr. Hodson and his associates took great pleasure in reclining beneath the shade trees and singing the praises of those whom they had once denounced.

Mr. Hodson was born in Guilford county. North Carolina, in 1805. In 1828 he emigrated to Madison county and entered eighty acres of land in the adjoining county of Henry, and also eight)- acres in the county of Madison, on which he resided until the time of his death. In January, 1830, he was married to Miss Lydia Hart, who died in 1834, and in 1836 he was married again, this time to Miss Cynthia Ayleshire. IVIr. Hodson was a consistent member of the " New Light Church," and was ordained a minister of the same. He remained with them a few years and then he became a promi-

Mr. Hodson died at his home on the 27th day of Febriiar)-, ]S8tl, at the age of seventy-four. Tt was said of him by his neighbors that he was always kind and obliging, and ever ready to aid his fellow-man ; that lie never gave offense knowingly to anyone; tiiat he was always a peacemaker in his neighborhood between those who indulged in unhappy wrangles. He was universally loved and respected by all who knew Iiim.

Carshena McCallister is a farmer who has since his childhood lived in Madison county. He is the sor. of the late John McCallister, who was once a prominent farmer and business man of Fall Creek township. Carshena, like many others, takes the world easy, and is fond of out door sports. He was in his younger daj's a great hunter, and kept (juite a pack of hounds. In 1882, when the writer was Auditor of Madison county, in making up the ta.x duplicates, opposite the name of Carshena jSIcCallister was placed by the assessor, thirteen dogs. This being an unusual number of canines for an ordinarv farmer, it was thought to be a mistake of the assessor, and the book was laid aside until an interview could be had and the error corrected.

In a few days Carshena came into the office, and was taken into the vault in a quiet manner, and confidentially told that a great injustice had been done him bv the Township Assessor. He seemed much surprised, and said that the officer ^vas a special friend and wanted an explanation. He was told that he had been charged with thirteen ilogs.

Tliere are but few who have gotton more out of the routine of life than Carshena McCallister, or who enjoys the world's blessings as they are presented to them more than he.

Joseph Wilkinson

Joseph Wilkinson, who was once Trustee of Adams township, removed to some other part of the country. He was, during his residence in this county, decidedly a man of affairs. No political meeting in his locality was complete without his presence. No candidate for a county or township office stood much show if he did not stand in solidly with Joe.

He was one of the "machine" men of Adams township, who helped to work up a candidate's case - make and mold sentiment for him. Adams township has for years contained many of the makers and unmakers of county candidates.

Joe Wilkinson did not have any religion. He often argued against the thing, just for argument's sake. He was a good-hearted fellow and generally did right as nearly as he knew how, and was willing to rest his case and take his chances. While he was Township Trustee, about 1880 to 1884, he had a good time running the public business. He ran it on his own schedule and took the results as they came. At times the County Commissioners would " tackle" him, to curb him in matters over which they thought they had control, but generally got worsted in the fight. Joe generally had his fences built high, and burned the bridges behind him.

One time he was making his annua! settlement with the County Board whose duty it was to see that the trustees had proper vouchers for money expended by them. Jacob Bronnenberg was one of the Commissioners. He was always on the alert and lookout for leaks and waste ways in the public treasury. He thought Wilkinson was a little too "slack" in his use of the public funds, and was eyeing every voucher filed.

Joe was slashing them down and reading them of!" in a great hurry, slapping them down on the table a great deal like a man in an interesting game of " seven-up " would play a trump in taking a " trick."

The Board of Commissioners could do nothing but order his report filed and make a record of it, and let him and his constituents fight it out if there was anytliing wrong in it. Law, gospel, death, hell or the grave had no terrors for Joe Wilkinson, let alone the wrath of a Board of County Commissioners.

But in all Joe Wilkinson was one of the best fellows in the world at heart. He hung his worst side out. The deeper you dug into him the better he got.

Mock Legislature

In the rural village of Ovid, or Xew Columbus, as it is familiarly called, during the winter months of 1879 the citizens of that place and surrounding country indulged in a good deal of pleasantry by organizing a mock legislature and holding meetings once a week, in which all the prominent men of the township took an active part.

The " house" was formally organized on Tuesday evening, the 14th of January, 1879. The plan of organization was such that every one desiring to become a member should select a certain county in Indiana and work for its interest, after subscribing to the constitution and by-laws of the organization. An election was held for officers, with the following result : A. W. McAllister, representing LaPorte county, as Speaker; Mr. Galloway, of Madison county, as Clerk; Samuel Gray, Sergeant-at-arms ; and M. Y. Spaulding. Door-keeper. George Fesler assumed the name of His Excellency, Governor Rosecrans, and acted as the Chief Executive.

After the organization the Governor sent in quite a lengthy message recommending certain internal improvements and other business matters. The following were a few of his recommendations : An amendment to the fish law. that persons should never fish until they were sure of making ;i catch. He also recommended the construction of a belt railway around the capital at New Columbus, and asking for the annexation of the suburban town of Anderson, in order to provide it with a more efficient municipal government; also recommending a bill for facilitating commercial intercourse between the capital at New Columbus and the town of Anderson.

The first bill introduceol was for opening Fall Creek as far as Fornev's farm for the purpose of navigation. These bills went through the ordinary committees as though they had been in a legislative body and were reported back to the house, where they were warmly discussed pro and con, when they were either passed or met defeat as other legislative bills do. These meetings were kept up during the winter months and not only furnished amusement for all those who participated therein, but served as an education to them in parliamentary law. as they were held down by the speaker to a strict construction of all parliamentary usages in the discussion of bills and other matters pertaining to legislation.

The Governor, George Fesler, has long ago passed beyond this vale of tears, while the Speaker of the House, A. W. McAllister, is now a resident of Anderson and fills the important ofKce of Assessor for Madison county.

About three miles southeast of New Columbus in tiie year 1834, there occurred one of the most horrible suicides that ever transpired in Madison county. The person who took her life was a Mrs. Surber. It appears that her husband had left home early in the morning to go to Pendleton to attend a muster. The law then required all able bodied male citizens between the ages of 21 and 45 to appear at designated localities once a year to drill in the manual of arms. Failure to do so meant a fine for the person offending. Mrs. Surber was opposed to her husband going and endeavored in every way to dissuade him from so doing; but in order to avoid the payment of a fine, Mr. Surber concluded to attend the muster despite the protestations of his wife, and started away leaving her alone.

From all that can be learned, his wife took umbrage at his going, and determined that he should never see her alive again, and went about deliberately to kill herself. From the floor to the joi«t in the cabin was about seven feet. To this she securely fastened a rope. She then mounted a stool and fastened the other end of the rope with a noose around her neck. She then kicked away the stool and swung oft', her feet almost touching the iloor and her body turned around with her back to the door.

Mr. Surber, all unconscious of the terrible deed which had taken place during his absence, returned at three o'clock in the afternoon. He was unaware of the condition of affairs, and approached the body, took hold of it by the right arm, and asked her what she was doing there and why she had closed the door. In doing this he caused her body to turn around, and the countenance of his dead wife stared him horlibly and ghastly in his face. So tightly had the rope been drawn by the weight of her body that her tongue protruded from her mouth and her teeth were firmly imbedded in it.

The neighbors gathered at the house and gazed upon the sickening sight. From a foolish feeling prevalent at that time that the body of a suicide must not be touched by any person until the Coroner had viewed the remains, it was allowed to stay in its position until the following day. Tliis occurrence was fixed on the memory of those who had witnessed it as long as they continued to live. It was the talk of the neighborhood for years and many persons were afraid to go into the house or venture upon the premises for fear of being bodily captured by ghosts or spooks.

Burning Of A Little Girl

A little tliree-year-old child of Stephen Orr, wiio resided on tile farm of Jesse Skinner, near Markleville, was burned to death on 21st of March, 1879- The mother of the child had gone to a neighbor's house, leaving the little one with a sister. When she returned she found the little one lying on the floor, with its clo'.iiing entirely burned off its person. The cries of the child failed to reach tiie father who was in the woods near by making rails, and he did not know of the sad affair until his wife gave the alarm. This \vas indeed a terrible accident, and will long be remembered by Mr. and Mrs. Orr, and their neighbors who witnessed the horrible spectacle of tlic unfortunate child in its charred and lifeless condition.

Mr. Bray was one of the well-to-do farmers of that locality and always had more or less cash about the house, there being no banks in Madison county in which to deposit it.

No one was ever apprehended for the crime, although suspicion pointed strongly to two well-known characters, but no evidence of a positive kind could be adduced against them.

Mr. Bray enjoved the distinction of being the richest man in Adams township, and he knew it as well as his neighbors. It is said when any one in the locality would sell a farm, Andrew would swell up and walk up and down his possessions, and interrogate himself, "why don't some one buy Andrew Bray?" " JVo one able.'"''

Killed Hy Lightning

John Markle, a young farmer living one mile north of Markleville, while cutting logs in the woods near White Chapel, about one and a-half miles from his home, was overtaken by a storm on the 7th of August, 1890, and he and one of his horses were instantly killed by lightning. Mr. ^larkle and a boy had gone into the woods with the intention of loading logs and hauling them home, from which place he intended to remove them to the saw-mill the ne.xt morning. The boy was terribly shaken up, but suffered no serious injury, and after returning to his senses spread the news in the neighborhood of Markle's sad fate. Tiie dead man was taken home to his young wife, to whom he had been married but a short time, and whom he had left shortly before in the best of spirits. It was a terrible blow to her. and she was completely overcome by her grief. Young Markle was only about twenty-two years of age. He was sober and industrious, and was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him.

On the 26th of November, 1882, the citizens of Adams township were thrown into a state of excitement and consternation by the rumor that Mrs. Maggie Sho-ver, wife of

Ilenr)' Shover, liad conimitted suicide. Mr. Sliover was a wealthy and highly respected farmer of tliat township. Upon investigation, it was learned that Mrs. Shover had gone into the cellar, and finding a rope, had thrown it over a joist, and by this means had strangled herself to death.

It is said that domestic trouble was the cause of her untimely end, as she and her husband did not live together happily. A Coroner's inquest was promptly held and a verdict returned in accordance with the above facts.

William Rector was an epileptic who for many years lived in Adams township, and who on the 9th day of July, 1889, was drowned in Fall creek while in the act of bathing, in company with his brother-in-law. He had been in the water for some time and after coming out for the purpose of changing his clothing he went in again. He made a jump and immediately sank to the bottom. He evidently strangled or had been seized with an epileptic fit. His brother-in-law became frightened to such an extent that but little attempt was made to rescue the drowning man. Rector's body was not recovered until a day or two later, when an inquest was held by the Coroner of Madison county, who returned a verdict of accidental death by drowning. His remains were interred in the neighboriiood of his home on the following Wednesday.

Suicide Of Oren Vax Winkle

Oren ^'anWinkle, a young man of Adams township, committed suicide on Sunday, the 27th day of April, 1885, by shooting himself. He was a farm hand employed by Isaac Jones, of that neighborhood. For a year or more he had been paying attention to a most estimable young lady of iiis immediate \icinity. who received his attentions as a friend, but not as a lover. It seems that young VanWinkle was very much devoted to her and became deeply enamored of her. A few days before this occurrence, in a conversation with the young lady, he made known his love, and, it is supposed, asked her hand in marriage, to which she had not given her assent. Her refusal had such an eflfect upon him as to cause him to become temporarily deranged. Several days prior to his death he wrote a letter to his sweetheart, in which he told her how dearly he loved her and if she would not marry him he did not care to live any longer. The weapon used was a small 22-calibre pistol. Shortly before committing the deed he laid down upon a lounge and then placing the muzzle of the pistol against his head pulled the trigger. The ball penetrated his brain and death was instantaneous. He was a very quiet young man and was only eighteen years of age. His mother, two sisters and a brother lived nearElwood. He was a cousin of John Quincy \'an\Vinkle, who is the present Superintendent of the Big Four Railway system. His funeral took place from the residence of Charles VanWinkle, near Mechanicsburg, on the following Tuesday.

A Peculiar Inquest

William Creason was for many years a resident of Adams township and was considered a very peculiar and inoffensive man, of a harmless disposition. He knew enough to go about his business, was industrious, temperate and observant of his obligations. He was about forty years of age and had been married, but his wife had secured a divorce from him.

In the month of August, 1881, he mj'steriously disappeared from the neighborhood and his whereabouts were unknown to his relatives, who manifested a great deal of anxiety, but could find no clue of him. On Sunday, the 21st of August, a man of the name of Socrates Campbell was riding through the edge of a swamp about two miles southwest of Markleville when he was startled by coming suddenly upon what appeared to be a human skeleton partly hidden from view by the thick growth of bushes. A hasty inspection enabled him to identifj' the clothing as belonging to William Creason. Mr. Campbell rapidly rode to a neighbor and informed him of the discovery. Coroner Michael Ryan was notified. The remains were permitted to lie in the position in whicli they were found until his arrival late at night, when an inquest was held. The verdict of the Coroner was that the deceased came to his death by a pistol shot fired by his own liand with suicidal intent.

The cause assigned for this act by Mr. Creason's friends was that his wife, after having been divorced from him for some time, had given evidence of wanting to return to live with him, but a few days prior to his disappearance, at a meet- ing between the two, the wife had changed her mind and' refused to again become his wife. Over this announcement he brooded so much that liis mind became deranged, and he took this means of putting himself out of the way.

In holding the inquest Coroner Ryan, while making an examination of the head, and for the purpose of ascertaining the location of the ball, chopped the skull open with an ax. This action on the part of the Coroner subjected him to a good deal of unfavorable comment for a long time afterward.

A Sad Case Of Suicide

On the 18th of June, 1872, Decatur McCallister, a son of John McCallister, a prominent citizen of Adams township, committed suicide by shooting himself. He was one of the leading young men of that neighborhood, well educated, and refined. He had a pleasant home and his relations with his brothers, sisters and parents were most happy. No cause could be assigned for the rash deed other than that he had been suffering from some trifling ailment, altiiough nothing serious was thought of it by his friends. He had been to Anderson on the day of his death and returned home in the evening, when he started in company with his father to the barn to feed a lot of hogs that they were fattening. He complained of not feeling well and stopped before reaching the barn saying that he believed he would return to the house. On reaching the house he sat down on the veranda, drew a pistol from his pocket, said to his sister, who was standing near by, "Good bye, Mary," and putting the pistol to his forehead, fired. The bullet entered his head, he fell over and expired within a few minutes. He was about 21 years of age and was of remarkably good habits, and paid close attention to business. It was difficult to account for his strange conduct.

His father and mother were deeply affected, and it is said that John McCallister, the father of this young man, never really recovered from the shock, and was never the same genial,, lively companion with friends and neighbors that he was before the sad occurrence. The father \vas a prominent Democrat, and at one time held the ofHce of County Commissioner, and was on several occasions a candidate for the .Sheriff's ofiice of Madison county.

Found Dead

corner in his field where he had been plowing. Mr. Rector was a bachelor, and had resided on his farm for many years. He was an upricjht, straightforward man, and had but one fault - that of too free indulgence in alcohol, to the use of Avhich his death was attributed. It was a very warm day, and having been exposed to the burning rays of the sun, this, with the alcoholic poison which lie had imbibed, was believed to be the cause of his sudden demise.

He was alone in the field at the time, with no one to witness his last moments. Some neighbor passing along found his remains. Word was sent to Anderson, and it was not long before the Coroner was upon the ground and held an in- A verdict of death from over-heat and from the excessive use of stimulants was returned.

Mr. Rector will be remembered by the older residents of the neighborhood in which he died, as being one of their most thrifty and useful citizens. He always kept his farm very neat and clean.

He was a familiar figure on the streets of Anderson, as hardly a Saturday passed on which he was not in the city. He was a very free-hearted, jolly, good-natured fellow, and was fond of mingling with people, which was largely the cause of his drinking habits. If he chanced to be in a place where liquor was obtainable he never waited to be asked to drink, but invariably called up the " house." He was wellliked by people who congregate in such places, and his arrival ^vas always anxiously looked for.

An Accidental Killing

Frank Alain, a young man in Adams township, met with a fatal accident on Monday, the 9th of December, 1889, while out hunting with Joseph McCleary. They had started up a rabbit which took refuge behind a log. Main ran to the log and standing the butt end of the gun at the end of it, stooped over to look after the rabbit, and in doing so accidentally discharged the weapon which was heavily loaded. The entire charge struck him in the side just above the right hip, passing upward and lodging in the region of the heart from the effects of which he died about 5 o'clock on the same evening. The deceased was an excellent young man and his death cast a gloom over the home of his childhood, he being well beloved by all the neighbors in the community. He bad been at one time a resident of Anderson, having purchased a lot in Hazel- wood, and it is said that lie was engaged to an estimable young lady of Ovid to whom he would soon have been married had iiis life been spared. The parents of the young man now reside in Anderson.

R03Bery At Markleville

Mr. S. F. Hardy, of Markleville, is one of the oldest merchants in Madison county, having kept a store at that place and been postmaster of tlie village for many years at different periods. On Monday night, the 8th of December, 1884, burglars effected an entrance to his store and took away with them goods and merchandise to the value of .^800. Mr. Hardy was at that time postmaster and kept the ofhce in his store, but the thieves did not disturb the mail or take any of the stamps. There was never any clue obtained as to the guilty parties although Mr. Hardy offered a liberal reward for their arrest and conviction. Markleville was at that time without any railroad or telegraph office and therefore the escape of the criminals was a very easy matter. Suspicion rested on certain parties known to Mr. Hardy, but no arrests were made for "want of positive evidence.

Killed By Dynamite

Many years ago there was a dam built across Fall Creek on what is now the farm of John Forney, for the purpose of damming the water sufficiently to run a little mill that at one time stood on the stream. Roman Gilmore came into possession of the land adjoining on which the dam was located, and spent considerable money in trj-ing to prevent the water from flooding the portion of his land adjoining the stream. It was a source of much aggravation to him, and he finally made up his mind to get rid of it. On the 21st of July, 1890, he accomplished his desire to a certain extent by blowing up the dam with dynamite. A camp of railroad builders was located near the Gilmore farm. At the camp a large quantity of dynamite was stored for the purpose of blasting. Gilmore .had talked considerably to the railroad laborers and spoken to them in regard to his trouble. Some of the parties suggested to him that the way to rid himself of the nuisance would be to blow it up with dynamite. Following the suggestion Mr. Gilmore, with his two sons. Hugh and Michael, procured a quantity of the explosive from some source, and about half past 10 o'clock in the night repaired to the place and placed a couple of charges under the dam. One of the cartridges was placed in a piece of gas pipe and the other, containing about seven pounds, was put at another point. Both charges were fired, but only the one in the gas pipe exploded. Hugh Gilmore was standing about eight feet from the charge, and when it was fired failed to hear the warning given. When the explosion took place a piece of the burst gas pipe was driven ^vith fearful force through his body, terribly lacerating it. The terror stricken father and his other son, as soon as they had sufficiently recovered from the effects of the explosion, were horrified upon returning to the scene to see Hugh writhing in mortal agony upon the ground. The wounded boy was taken home and Dr. Lundy Fussell, of Markleville, was summoned. The j'oung man lived but a few hours after he reached his home, as no medical aid could be of any benefit to him. The father of the boy, as well as all the neighbors, was very much affected by the affair. The Gilmores were a prominent family in the community, and they had the sympathy of all who knew them. Forney, the owner of the dam, felt greatly outraged over the matter, and for a time threatened Gilmore with prosecution, but on account of the fatal result in Gilmore's family his heart was softened and no proceedings wei"e ever begun against him. This affair caused a profound sensation throughout the county at the time. Roman Gilmore is still a resident of Adams to\vnship near the spot where the explosion took place.

The Bkown-Cummins Murder

In the annals of crime Adams township, though a peaceful and law-abiding community, has furnished many bloody affairs that are within this volume, handed down as a matter of history, without comment or conclusion.

Among the most honible of these affairs was the murder of young Cummins by Luther Brown, which is yet fresh in the minds of manv people in the county who lived here prior to the age of natural gas. It darkened the homes of two neighboring families, and caused the death of a well-respected young man and ruined the life of another. The facts gleaned from papers printed at that time and memoranda made are as follows : afiFections of Cynthia Ayleshire, the daughter of Mr. Isaac Ayleshire, at, whose house the dance was given. Both young men were about the same age - twenty-one, perhaps.

Cummins was of a stalwart build, while Brown was slender and small. The former had rather supplanted Brown in the affections of Miss Ayleshire, and, stung by jealousy, the latter conceived the bitterest hate for Cummins.

Young Brown belonged to the neighborhood orchestra that had been invited to play for the dance, and went without any other invitation. Upon his arrival at the liouse he and Cummins became involved in a quarrel, which ended in a fight, and Brown was worsted. Smarting under the humiliation of the affair, and maddened by jealousy, he remained outside the house until the dance was over, and skulking in the shadow of the barn, armed with a rock, he waited for Cummins to pass hv. His opportunity came. Cummins, unconscious of the fact that Brown, with murder in his heart, born of jealousy, lay in ambush, passed by the barn, when the latter, with the ferocity of a tiger, rushed out and struck Cummins on the head with a stone, fracturing the skull.

In spite of this, Cummins grappled with his antagonist, and the two rolled to the ground. During the struggle, Brown, who was underneath, stabbed Cummins in the heart with a pocket knife, and death immediately ensued.

The case aroused the utmost interest, and the neighborhood at once took sides. The trial came off at the October term of court, 1885. It was one of the most memorable in the history of criminal cases in this county. The prosecution was conducted by D. W. Wood, and Robinson & Lovett were for the defense. The latter made a strong plea of self-defense, and, while it failed to win the jury, it stemmed the tide of popular opinion against the ac.used. A sentence for life was returned against young Brown. The case was taken to the Supreme Court, but the finding of the lower court was sustained.

After nearly six years of imprisonment in the Northern penitentiary at Michigan City, Brown obtained his liberty through the tireless efTorts of friends and the interposition of the executive power, being paroled on the 4th of May, 1891.

The verdict of the jury which sentenced him to imprisonment for life stood six long years, only to be annulled by the stroke of a pen in the hands of the Governor.

don, and from the day ihe Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the lower court they had been tireless in their efforts to secure the exercise of executive clemency.

Petition after petition had been filed with Governor Gray and Governor Hovey. Hon. John W. Lovett, who wa& Luther Brown's attorney, together with Judge M. S. Robinson, directed all the efforts looking to young Brown's release.

In getting up the petition to the Governor, eight of the jurors who returned the verdict sentencing him to imprisonment for life signed the petition for his pardon. Judge Moss,^ of Noblesville, who occupied the bench during this trial, refused to sign it.

One of the main things that induced the Governor to extend clemency to the prisoner was the fact that the prison officials gave the warmest recommendations touching his conduct while in the penitentiary.

After being released and returning to Anderson he was utterly dumbfounded. Anderson had struck gas in the interim and it was altogether as much changed in its appearance as he had been in his personal appearance by his confinement. It was not the same town ; all landmarks had vanished and gone. And never was man more completely bewildered in the midst of scenes that were once familiar to him than he. Even the points of the compass had passed from his memory and he could not tell north from south.

The changes, however, in the objects around him were not any greater than the transformation in himself. He had aged in the fleeting six years of his confinement wonderfully.

The trial of this case lasted for several days and was attended by the entire community where the killing occurred, as well as by many of the citizens of Anderson.

The effort of Colonel !M. S. Robinson, made in behalf of young Brown, was undoubtedly the effort of his life. His masterly argument still rings in the ears of all those who heard it, although his tongue is now still in death.

Hon. David \V. Wood, the young and eloquent prosecutor, excelled all his former efforts in the prosecution of the case for the State. His effort was worthy of one older in years and the practice of law.

After serving nearly' five years in the State prison young Brown was paroled by Governor Hovey and is yet living at this writing, and is said to be a peaceable and law-abiding citizen.

John Adams was a quiet, inoft'ensive farmer who for many years lived in Anderson township, about tliree and a half miles southeast of Anderson. He was occasionally in the habit on coming to the city of getting more to drink than was good for him.

On the 19th of December, 1872, Adams with a number of friends was returning from the city, when a difficulty arose between the son of Mr. Adams and Thornton Rector. After several blows had been exchanged between the parties, Rector got up against a fence and took out a knife and warned his antagonists to stand back, telling them that if they interfered with him anj- further they would be hurt. John Adams, the father of the young man engaged in the fight with Rector, stepped up, and drew a revolver and pointing it at Rector, fired, the bullet taking effect in his lip, passing through his mouth and knocking out several of his teeth. After the shot was fired. Rector came back to Anderson and had his wounds dressed, and Mr. Adams went on his way home. The weapon used was a small Smith & Wesson seven-shooter, which accounts for the fact that so little damage was done to the recipient of the shot. No arrest was made for several days until the convening of the grand jurv when Adams was indicted and placed under arrest by the Sheriff of the county for assault and battery with intent to kill. He immediately gave bail and was released to appear at the next term of court for trial.

At the convening of the court, Adams attended from day to day during the proceedings ; the evidence had all been adduced, the arguments of the counsel were made, charge delivered to the jury by the Hon. Hervey Craven, Judge of the court, and the jury had retired for deliberation. The jury were out but a short time when they returned to the court room with their verdict to be read in open court. The verdict was about to be handed to the judge for publication when it was noticed by one of the attorneys for the defense that Adams^ the prisoner, was absent. . The sheriff called him in the Court House yard and made a diligent search in the immediate neighborhood, but no traces of him could be found. After the retirement of the jurv Adams had become alarmed and had quietly got awav from the scene. The question was immediately raised by the defense that it would be improper and contrary to law to publish the verdict of the jury in the absence of the accused and therefore moved to suppress the same. After some arguments pro. and con., the judge sust'ained the motion and the jury was discharged. This was a complication that had never risen in the courts of the county and gave rise to a legal battle on the points involved. The cause was taken to the supreme court for determination of the questions raised by the defense. In the meantime A. J. Ross, sheriff of the county, had re-arrested Adams and placed him in custody again. Judge Craven admitted him to bail by his giving a bond for his appearance. At the succeeding term of the court Adams -was again placed upon trial and was finally acquitted.

Death Of Harry Irish

Harr)' Irish was born and reared in Pendleton and was a respected and fine young business man who embarked in the drug business at Wilkinson, in Hancock county. At this place, it is sad to relate, he died on Sunday, the 27tli day of February, 1887. He was alone at the time when he took the fatal drug, consisting of twenty drops of belladonna. During the temporary absence of his wife, about noon time, he went into the drug store, which occupied a part of the same building as his residence, and procured a phial containing a drachm of belladonna, swallowed about one-third of its contents, first taking the precaution to return to his bed. he having been sick for several days. He died a few minutes afterward without speaking. He formerly had conducted a drug store at Markleville, in Adams township, and had moved from that place to Wilkinson about a year prior to his death. His wife was a most estimable woman, heing the daughter of Dr. S. B. Mc- Crillus, of Anderson. His funeral took place at Pendleton on the Tuesday following the occurrence. His remains were interred in the Falls cemetery. His widow is now a resident of Los Angeles, California.

Rohbery At Alliance

On the 23d of January, 1894, the store of Michael Stohler, who lives in Adams township, six miles south of Anderson, on the Rushville extension of the Big Four Railway, was entered by thieves. Among other things stolen was a large amount of coffee, tobacco, cigars, sugar and miscellaneous articles, including a shot gun, amounting in value to perhaps two hundred dollars. The thieves had with them a two-horse wagon in which they loaded their plunder and made good their es-

Herron Richardson was placed on trial at the May term, 1896, of the Madison Circuit Court, for this theft, and after a long and hard fought battle was acquitted. He was prosecuted by Hon. B. H. Campbell and defended by W. A. Kittinger and G. M. Ballard.

Killing Of Joseph Railsback

About half past 7 o'clock on the evening of the 8th of September, 1888, there occurred on a lonely road, three miles south of New Columbus, one of the bloodiest homicides ever perpetrated in the county. On that evening two young men, Thomas Surber and Joseph Railsback started from Pendleton ostensibly to attend a Republican meeting at Markleville. On the way they stopped at the house of a brother of Surber, living near the scene of the crime in Adams township, where they appeared to be in a friendly mood. After remaining a while at the house of his brother, Surber left accompanied by Railsback, but instead of proceeding to Markleville they went west along a country road in the direction of Pendleton. They had not gone very far when it appears that they began to quarrel, whether about politics or some other matter will never be known. It was thought, however, that the difficulty had its origin in a scandal in which both were invohed as it was intimated by parties attending the inquest held by Coroner W. A. Hunt over Railsback's remains that rumors of that character had been in circulation i-n the neighborhood.

While the men were quarreling a man of the name of Joseph t eedy came up, and from him the only testimony concerning the homicide was elicited. And his testimony was not satisfactory, as it was evident that he had either been in an intoxicated condition at the time, or so badly frightened that he could not remember what the men were quarreling about. He stated that Surber and Railsback were apparently' sober, and that they had been fighting before he met them, as the former called his attention to a wound on his face where Railsback had struck him with a stone tied in a handkerchief. While Surber was talking Railsback again assaulted him and the fight was resumed. Surber pulled out a knife and used it so effectively upon the person of his antagonist that the latter soon sank to the ground from loss of blood.

and before assistance could be summoned, expired. Surber returned to his brother's house, and, after informing him what he had done, left the country. No eflFort was ever made to apprehend him for the reason, doubtless, that the testimony indicated that he acted in self-defense.

After an examination of Railsback's wounds had been made by the Coroner his body was delivered to his father who conveyed it to Fall Creek township, where it was properly interred.

Neither of the men had any social standing in that part of the county, and, aside from the stigma of the crime upon the fair name of the community, their fatal encounter caused no regret.