Madison County, Indiana - Chapter 67, 1897

Chapter 67

The following concerning the early history of Boone township has been kindly contributed by the Hon. J. R. Brunt, a native of the township, but at present a resident of Anderson.

" Boone township was first settled by immigrants from North Carolina. James Brunt in 1829 emigrated from that State and settled on Blue river, in Rush county, and was followed by his sons and sons-in-law later.

"In the spring of 1886 Thomas Brunt and his brother-inlaw, Wright Smith, came to Madison county and selected land in what is now Boone township. They went to Fort Wayne, where the government land office was located and entered the land, paying $1.25 an acre. Smith's land was in the south part of the township on a creek ; Brunt's some two miles further north on the same creek. This creek, on account of the great quantity of blue Hag, commonly called lilies, that grew along it, they named ' Lily Creek.'

Smith moved his family onto his land and lived in a tent till he cleared a ' truck patch ' and built a cabin. He was the first white man to build a home in the township.

" Brunt rented a cabin and truck patch of 'Granny' Ballance, in the north part of Monroe township. He moved onto his land in Boone township in January, 1837, and was the second to move into the township.

Soon after came his father, James Brunt, and another brother-in-law, John Moore, from Rush county, and located between Thomas Brunt's and Wright Smith's farms.

The first school house was built on John Moore's land and was a rude atl'air of rough round logs, covered with clapboards, weighted on with weight-poles. In one end was a large fireplace, with a mud and stick chimney; the door was made of clapboards, and there were no windows. The floor was made of dirt, pounded down, and the seats of logs split in two, with four pegs for legs. James Smith, son of ^\'right Smith, taught the first school.

The first white child born in the township was Joseph Taylor Smith, son of Wright Smith. He was the captain of a company in the Seventy-fifth Indiana Regiment during the war for the maintenance of the Union. He afterwards practiced law in Anderson, and now resides in Manhattan, Kansas.

In 1837 and 1838 many bought lands and made homes in the township Bazilel Thomas, John and James Tomlinson and Hugh Dickey, frorh North Carolina ; Dudley and George Doyle and Peter Eaton, from the same State ; Robert Webster, from Delaware ; John W. Forrest, Ben Sebrell and Micajah Francis, from Virginia - but mention cannot be made of all.

These early settlers depended upon their guns for all their meat. Game was plentiful. Deer and turkey were to be found everywhere, while coon and squirrel were so numerous that the pioneer had to fight both day and night for a few bushels of corn, and then take it on horse back to Pendleton to mill, taking two days to get a bushel of meal. No wonder that hominy and coarse meal pounded in a '' mortar" with a pestle, was a staple article of diet.

Wright Smith, the first settler, died on his farm December 23, 1863, and Thomas Brunt December 31, 1879, both having been useful citizens, always active, honest and industrious.

These men found Boone township a wilderness. They gave it the name of Boone ; also named the creeks, laid out the roads, helped to raise nearly all the houses and barns, and built all the first schoolhouses and churches. Providence raised them up for the times and place and their work under the circumstances was well done."

Boone township was named in honor of the famous frontiersman and Indian fighter, Daniel Boone. The township is bounded on the north by Grant county, on the east by Van- Buren township, on the south by Monroe township and on the west by Duck Creek township. It is six miles from the east line to the west line and five miles from the north line to the south line, containing thirty square miles.

Among the early pioneers of the township not named in Mr. Brunt's contribution to these pages, who are worthy of honorable mention, are Bryant Ellis, Enoch and Morgan B. McMahan, Eli Freestone, Elijah Ward and Ambrose Keaton, all of whom settled in the township, with the exception of Mr. Keaton, who is still alive, in 1825. From that time until 1847 they and their families constituted the population of the township. During the latter year and year following they were joined by William Schooley, Jesse Windsor, William Hyatt, Andrew Taggart and J. Purtee. The last named was the first white man in the township to settle on the Miami Indian Reserve. After Mr. Purtee settled there the Reserve became popular with immigrants to the township and a majority of them located within its borders.

Early Events

The first death in the township was occasioned by the falling of a tree on John Huff in 1843. The second death was that of Mrs. Adam Doyle, which occurred January 21, 1844.

The first election was held September, 1843, at a log schoolhouse near the site of what was afterward known as the Tomlinson schoolhouse. At this election Dudley Doyle and Morgan B. McMahan were elected Justices of the Peace for a term of five years. Peter Eaton acted as Inspector at this election by appointment.

The first Sunday School in the township was organized by the Methodists in 1853. Wright Smith was the first Superintendent. The second school was organized by J. W. Forrest in 1854.

Public Schools

The first school house in the township was built in 1840, but it was not until 1853 that educational matters received much attention. During that year Thomas Brunt, Benjamin Sebrell and M. L. Overshiner, trustees at that time, caused to be erected four or five school houses at as many different points in the township. These buildings were all log structures and built upon the general plan that obtained during the pioneer period. They have all disappeared, and the school children of to-day enjoy all the conveniences of modern school buildings, as well as the advantages of a school system that is acknowledged to be second to none in the Union.

In 1858 the school enumeration was 296 ; in 1874 there were 390 children of legal school age, and at the present time 414. There are nine school houses in the township, and nine teachers are employed.

The first church organized in the township was the Methodist, in 1851. During that year Rev. William Boyden organized a society at the home of Aaron Taffe. This society was composed of seven members. Wright Smith was selected as class-leader, and not long after built a log church at his own expense. He afterwards sold this building to the township for school purposes, and erected a substantial frame structure, which has since been known as Smith's chapel.

Statistical

In 1850 the population of the township was 299 ; in 1860 it was 678; in 1870 it was 1,078; in 1880 it was 1,110, and in 1890 it was 1,325. The value of lands at the present time, as shown by the assessor's returns, is $528,225 ; value of lands and improvements, $584,450 ; total taxables, $742,405. No township in the county has made greater progress in the way of improving lands during the past twenty years than Boone. It is one of the finest agricultural townships in the county.

Prominent Citizens

The following citizens of the township have been elected to office in the county : Benjamin Sebrell, Sheriff, from 1860 to 1864; Thomas Brunt, Commissioner, from 1860 to 1870; James W. Thomas, Treasurer, from 1870 to 1872 ; Edward Peters, Commissioner, from 1887 to 1893 ; Nathan T. -Call, Treasurer, from 1884 to 1886 ; Timothy Metcalf , Commissioner, from 1894 to 189-.

The site of this village was in Section 21, near the center the township. It was selected by John W. Forrest and laid out into lots on the 24th of July, 1850. Several houses \vere subsequently erected, among which was a church. There was a general store and a post-office at one time. But these have all disappeared and nothing remains to indicate that such a place ever existed.

Independence

Mention is made elsewhere of this village. It is situated in four townships, two of which are in Madison, and two in Grant county. A portion of the town is in the extreme northwest corner of Boone township. But little business is done here, and it is probably only a question of time when it, like other towns that have been similarly situated, will be abandoned.

This village was laid out by Benjamin Clark and is situated just across the west line of Van Buren township, in Section 13. There is no post-office here and but one small, general store

Reminiscences And Early Hunting Incidents

In opening up and developing the north part of the county, particularly Boone township, Thomas Brunt's cabin was always selected as " headquarters '' by land buyers, hunters, and the " comers and goers " generally to the new country. Mr. Brunt was well informed concerning the lands in his vicinity and was accjuainted with all the tracts that had been entered. He was frequently employed by persons desiring to enter land to go to Fort Wayne and act as their agent. He would invariably go on foot, the distance being 60 miles from his cabin to the land office. Much of the road he was compelled to travel w^as nothing more than what was called at that time, a " blazed trace." Houses were from three to six miles apart the entire distance. Among those who used to Inmt in season and make Mr. Brunt's home an abiding place was Jesse Forkner, father of the late Samuel and Madison Forkner, of Richland township. One of the sons would usually accompany the fatlier to assist in taking care of the game. Mr. Forkner was an excellent marksman and well versed in woodcraft. William Scott, father of the late Daniel M. vScott, of Monroe township, also of James P. Scott, at present one of the leading merchants of Alexandria, was another of the early pioneers who used to make an annual visit to Mr. Brunt's for the purpose of hunting deer and wild turkey. Another successful hunter and trapper of that day who used to " stop "' with Mr. Brunt while hunting in the nortli part of the county was Matthew Taylor, of Lafayette township. He would always go prepared for a season of enjoyment, carrying on a large gray horse his gun and ammunition, a " fiddle " and a three-gallon jug filled with whiskv.

Whenever it was known that "Uncle Matthew" was in the neighborhood the boys would gather at Mr. Brunt's with full assurance that they would have a good time, and it may be said that they were never disappointed.

The most successful and intrepid hunter in the north part of the county in that day was Elijah Williamson. Jle is described by Mr. A. J. Brunt, who has kindly contributed a share of these reminiscences, as a large, active, powerful man with an iron constitution and absolutely fearless. Frontier life was his glory and there was nothing too hazardous to turn him aside in the pursuit of game. He knew the grand old woods of that day like the experienced navigator knows the ocean. He was familiar with the habits of game and knew the habits of fur-bearing animals thoroughly, having been reared in the woods and having as associates men who had learned no lessons save those which had been taught them by nature. He was besides a practical joker and enjoyed a funny situation. He was continually playing pranks on his neighbors, particularly those who ^vere afraid of Indians or the savage animals that infested the forest. He came from Maryland and about the same time and from the same place came another man of the name of John Blades and settled in the south-east corner of Monroe township on the Fort Wayne trace which afterwards became the Fort Wayne state road. Blades was just the opposite of Williamson in nearly every respect. He was afraid of Indians and wolves and was ready to start at the slightest indication of danger. On account of his cowardice he was made the victim of many of Williamson's jokes. Indians would often pass through the neighborhood and frequently stop at the cabins of the settlers who always received and treated them kindly. The settlers had nothing to feed their horses and would let them run at large. Very often they would stray off and it would be reported that they were stolen by the Indians when the latter had nothing to do with their disappearance.

On one occasion Williamson reported to Blades that the Indians were around stealing horses and that he would better -' look out." Blades, like all the settlers, while tending his little corn patch would hitch his horse so that he could graze during dinner time. One day Williamson directed his oldest son to put on a pair of moccasins and go to the place where Blades had his horse hitched, or hobbled, and after making tracks that could be discovered to ride the animal through the woods a mile or so and hitch it securely. Tlie boy did as directed and when Blades discovered that his horse was gone and saw the moccasin tracks, he concluded that the Indians had stolen the animal. He at once went to Williamson and informed him of what had happened and asked him to take the lead in an effort to recover his property. Williamson said that the Indians had undoubtedly stolen his horse and that the proper thing to do was to gather the neighbors together with their rifles and go in pursuit of them. Blades mounted his remaining horse and, with Williamson's two boys, started out to arouse the neighbors. In a short time a small number of the settlers had assembled at the place where the horse had been stolen. Williamson gave directions as to the way the pursuit of the Indians should be conducted. It was agreed that if anyone should find the animal two shots were to be fired and these to be followed by two more in the course of a few minutes. After riding through the brush for an hour or so two shots were heard, which were presently followed by two more. Williamson had found the horse ! He was soon surrounded by the entile party to whom he related a thrilling story of his pursuit of the Indians and capture of the horse. He said that he " pushed the Indians so close " that they had to abandon the animal. Blades was delighted to get his horse back and had no idea that he was the victim of a joke. The moccasin tracks were evidence enough to him that a prowling Indian had stolen his property.

On another occasion Blades was working on the roof of a small log stable that his neighbors had assisted him in raising, when he heard the crackling of some dry twigs. He glanced around and seeing an Indian by the side of a tree trjing to draw a bead on him with his rifle, lost control of his nerves and rolled off the roof to the ground. The fall aroused him and he ran to his house, where he remained for some time before venturing out. While Blades was rolling off his stable his neighbor, Williamson, was off some distance enjoying the joke he had played him. Williamson had dressed one of his boys like an Indian and, knowing that Blades would run at the sight of one, concluded to have a little fun at his expense.

The Tables Turned

frequently indulge his appetite for intoxicating liquors to the extent of becoming tipsy. In fact, May rather enjoyed being "mellow," and never refused to imbibe when invited. It was arranged between Williamson and Campbell that the latter was to invite May to accompany him to Alexandria and get him tipsy. Williamson had a large bear skin and the scheme for him to envelope himself in the shaggy coat, secrete 'himself in a thicket near the trail by which Campbell and May would return from Alexandria, and as they approached for Williamson to make a noise in the brush and imitate the growling of a bear. In order to prepare May for the anticipated " scare " they purposed giving him, Campbell talked about bear on the way to Alexandria and the danger of going about without being armed, as he had noticed fresh bear tracks and felt satisfied that there were several large ones in the vicinity, designating a particular thicket situated near the path they were traveling as a probable bear haunt. They stayed in Alexandria until dusk, when Campbell suggested that it was time for them to start home. May was feeling the effects of the liquor Campbell had treated him to, and, like a great many others who sometimes get in a similar condition, did not care what might happen. It was quite dark when they reached the' thicket where Williamson was waiting for them. As they approached they heard the brush crackle and a ferocious growling. Campbell shouted, "There comes a bear!" and started to run. May attempted to follow, but being intoxicated, could not run as fast as Campbell and was overtaken by Williamson, who growled more ferociously than ever. May saw that he could not escape and stopped, saying "D - n the bear." He had no weapon with which to himself, care having been taken by Campbell that he should be without even a knife, and he promptly resorted to his only means of defense - his fists - and these he used with such herculean vigor about the ears of the " bear " that Williamson soon realized that the joke was turned on him and cried out, "It's me, May; it's me!" Williamson extricated himself from the bear skin and frankly acknowledged that his neighbor had the best of the joke. He and Campbell often referred to their experience with May, as they enjoyed a joke even if it was at their own expense.

Williamson had another neighbor of the name of Bryan Ellis, who, while not an experienced hunter, had a verj' superior coon dog. Williamson was aware of the dog's good qualities and would often invite Ellis to go coon hunting with him. They would usuall}- have good luck as Williamson, besides being an expert hunter, had a number of good coon dogs himself. It is related that on one occasion in the month of March, when the streams and branches were open and clear of ice, that Williamson called one evening at the cabin of his neighbor and asked him to go hunting with him. Ellis was not inclined to go, but while they were talking the dogs struck out and treed a coon across a small creek that had its course near Ellis' cabin. Williamson called his attention to the fact that a coon had been treed and finally Ellis consented to go and help catch it. The spring rains and thaws had swollen the stream to unusual proportions and after going as far as they could without getting wet, Williamson told Ellis to climb on his back and he would carry him across. Williamson took the torch and axe, ^vith which they had provided themselves, and with Ellis on his back started across the deepest part of the creek. As he proceeded and the water got deeper, he would squat and tell Ellis to climb higher. Ellis finally got on Williamson's shoulders when the latter purposely stumbled, "ducked" his head and let Ellis go head foremost to the bottom of the creek. Williamson appeared A^er}' sorry and expressed great regret about the mishap that had befallen him, but in relating the occurrence to others, which he often did and for years afterward, he expressed no regret unless it was that the water was not a little colder and perhaps a little deeper. It is proper to say that they caught the coon, but never after would Ellis go coon hunting with Williamson.

These are only a few of the many pranks played by Williamson on his neighbors. Mr. A. J. Brunt says that when he was a small boy Williamson taught him how to make and set mink and coon traps, also how to construct wild turkey pens, and that he gave him the first twenty-five-cent piece he remembers of owning for a coon skin. Years after he paid him many dollars at difl'erent times for coon, mink and deer pelts. Mr. Brunt and the Williamson boys were " great friends," and did much of their hunting together. When it was impossible for one party to go they would let the other take the hounds. Like all boys, they were full of life and fun, and played many jokes on the early settlers. Nothing was done maliciously, and no heart-burnings were engendered. In the language of

In the early settlement of Iowa Williamson emigrated to that state, where he continued to hunt and trap as long as there was any wild game left worthy of the name. At the age of seventy-two years he could hunt all day and never complain of being fatigued. At this age he could see to read and shoot his rifle without glasses. He has one son, Robert, who is yet living in Iowa, and two daughters, who are still living in Boone township. Lily was married to Jesse McMahan.and Ann to Morgan B. McMahan, deceased. Both daughters have lived in the same vicinity in Boone township since they were children, and have always been held in the highest esteem by all who know them. Their father would frequently return from Iowa and pay them and his grandchildren a visit, and they would invite the neighbors to call and see him of evenings during his stay. On these occasions the young and old would gather round him and listen with eager interest, often until the midnight hour, while he related his early experiences in the township, recounted his "hairbreadth escapes by field and flood," and recalled old recollections generally. Elijah Williamson lived to the ripe old age of ninety years, when he departed for the "happy hunting ground" of paradise.

Hunti.Ng Incidents

One day in summer Thomas Brunt was in the woods hunting for meat. As he was noiselesslv passing along he saw a deer in a thicket fighting flies; the foliage was so thick he could onl)' see a small part of the animal, but " no shot, no meat," so bringing his gun to his face he fired. At the crack of the gun the deer made an immense leap and bounded away. Quickly loading his gun he went to the place where the deer stood to see how badly it was wounrled, for a wounded deer always leaves signs that the practical hunter read like a book. On reaching the place, great was his surprise to find a deer struggling on the ground, when drawing his knife he dispatched it. The two deer had been standing side bv side and tlie ball passed through the brisket of the first and the body of

One day Moses Moore, son of John Moore, was passing along a path in the woods with an axe on his shoulder, when he saw a deer coming toward him. It was coming slowly along the path smelling the ground and had not seen him. He stepped quickly behind a tree beside the path and as the deer came opposite, dealt it a blow with the axe, killing it on the spot.

One Sunday Thomas Brunt was sitting in his cabin and, looking out of a hole called a window in the side, he saw two large wild turkeys in his corn patch. He watched them for some time, being a strict church member he did not like to violate the Lord's day. but finally the temptation was too great, and turning to his wife, he said : " Sallie, I believe I will take - Old Betsie " (his gun) and make these gentlemen acquainted with her voice."'

"Oh, no, Tommy, I wouldn't go hunting on .Sunday." " No, I'll not go hunting, but I'll just slip down the fence and let ' Betsie ' speak to those fellows once." So off he went ; crawling into a fence corner, he poked "Betsie" through, and she spoke, and over tumbled a fine gobbler ; the other evidently thought the turkey flopping on the ground was funning, so he bristtled up as if to fight him. "Tommy" had slipped in another load and " Betsie " soon spoke again, and over tumbled the other gobbler. They had plenty for a Sunday turkey dinner.

The Last Wild Deer

Morgan Sebrell, who still resides in the township, has the distinction of killing the last wild deer seen in the county. On the 24th of November, 1871, while he and Timothy Metcalf were out hunting in the woods near the house of T. B. Eaton, they discovered fresh deer tracks which they cautiously followed some distance when Sebrell got a shot at the animal and killed it. It was a large buck, each of its antlers having seven prongs. The antlers are preserved by Mr. Sebrell as a trophy, as he is justly, though modestly, proud of the fact that it was his fortune to kill the last wild animal of its species in the county.

Made His Will

In Boone township, there lived an old Virginian, of the true "Old Virginy" style, by the name of Dudley Doyle, whom all of the early settlers of Madison count}- will remember. Dudley was one of those industrious, hard-working pioneers, who helped to make Madison county what it now is - the garden spot of Indiana. He was honest with himself and as true as steel to his friends. He came as nearly fulfilling the commandment to " love thy neighbor as thyself " as it is possible for it to be done. At one time, Dudley had a long spell of sickness and it was thought that he could not recover. He was informed by the attending physician that he had better prepare his worldly affairs, which he was about to leave behind, in the manner in which he desired to leave them, as his time was very short. He accordingly sent for a " 'Squire " to draft his will. The 'Squire came, and Dudley dictated the document in solemn accents from first to last, while the 'Squire slowly and carefully penned it down. After the last line had been written, the last bequest made, Dudley signed his name, called his friends around him, and bade them goodbye. All was solemn and silent as the tomb, save an occasional sob, or sigh, from the sorrowing friends. The 'Squire placed his " specs " in their box, picked up his statutes and was in the act of stealing quietly out of the room, when Dudley halted him and said ; " Say, 'Squire, I forgot something ."

" Why, I want you to put in there that Dudley Doyle died a Democrat." The codicil was added as directed and Dudley turned his face to the wall to die, but as fate would have it, he was not called away. He recovered from his spell of sickness and lived for many years thereafter. He was continuously elected Justice of the Peace as long as he would accept the office. Living to a ripe, old age, but making his words in the codicil good, he died a Democrat.

Thomas B. Eaton, late of Boone township, was one of the pioneers of Madison county. He was a brother-in-law to Dudley Doyle, who came to the county many years ago. Thomas was one of those eccentric kind of fellows - had his odd ways and whims, but was no fool by any means. He

Away back in the early history of the county he was for a while Deputy Treasurer. It is said he could tell any man's taxes off-hand to a cent without looking on the books. The County Commissioners at one time named a ditch in honor of him, and appointed him to see that it was completed according to the plans and specifications. This was one of the proudest distinctions of Thomas' life. He put in his whole time and energies in seeing that nothing was left undone. He was a terror to those assessed on the ditch. Many wanted to slight the work, but it would not go with Thomas. He was armed with copies of the law and specifications, and nothing would do but the fulfillment to the letter.

He consulted every one in authority in regard to the ditch law, from County Attorney to the Attorney General of the State, until he had it pat, and no evasion whatever was allowed in his management of the affair.

In an early day when there was no machine shops nearer than Richmond, some parties were running a threshing machine in his neighborhood, when they broke the " concave.'* They sent Thomas to Richmond for a new one. This he took as quite an honor, and performed his duty in elegant style. He rode to Anderson on horseback, where he took the train next day for Richmond. There was but one train each way on the road between Anderson and Richmond. He succeeded in getting his repairs made and started to the depot for his train towards home, carrying the concave on his back. When he got nearly to the station, the train began to move out. Thomas immediately began to motion them to stop. " Whoa, there,, whoa! Hold on, hold on! Thomas B. Eaton, of Madison county, with a concave! Whoa, there! " But the train did not whoa ; it moved out leaving him, where he had to remain until next day. He thought he was greatly outraged and long talked about the iniquities of the infernal railroad companies. Thomas is now dead, but he left behind him many recollections. He was an odd character, but honest and true to his friends. He filled a place in Madison county's history, and is entitled to his share of her greatness.

26th day of July, 18U5. Mr. Jones was the second Mayor of Anderson, having been elected to that position in the spring of 1866, and served two years, at the end of which time he removed to his farm where he resided until the time of his death. His wife was a sister of Benjamin Sebrell, who was from 1860 to 1864, Sheriff' of Madison county, Mr. Jones being his chief deputy. Mr. Jones never accumulated much of this world's goods, but he saw a good deal of the bright side of life and was a hale fellow well met, who enjoyed the respect of nearly everybody, and had but few enemies.

Laban Andrews, who lived on the line between Madison and Grant counties, died very suddenly on the 16th day of November, 1888, having been found dead in bed. At first it was thought that foul play had been the cause of his taking oflF, but upon investigation made by Dr. William A. Hunt, Coroner of Madison county, a verdict was returned of death from natural causes. The house at which he died was situated about a mile east of the road, on the line separating Grant and Madison counties. He was about twenty-one years of age and left a wife and one child. The inquest showed that there was a hereditary tendency to heart disease on the part of his family, and this was supposed to have been the cause of his demise.

Nathan T. Call, ex-Treasurer of Madison county, met with a serious accident on his farm in Boone township on the 9th day of March, 1892, while sawing down a tree. In falling, the tree caught Mr. Call beneath its weight and severely wounded him, breaking one of his legs and otherwise maiming him. It was thought for awhile that he would die from the effects of his injuries, but he finally revived, although a cripple for life.

Mr. Call was in 1884 elected Treasurer of Madison county and served for two j'ears. He is one of the leading Democrats of the north part of the county.

The Brunt schoolhouse in Boone township is one of the old landmarks of Madison county, and has witnessed many scenes of pleasure and merriment which will be long remembered by those who attended school and " spelling bees " at that place, prominent among whom are A. J. Brunt, John R. Brunt, Isaac D. Forrest, Albert J. Ross and many others who are now the leading citizens of Madison county. But while speaking of the pleasures enjoyed at this schoolhouse it is our melancholy duty to record one unfortunate affair, which took place on the 19th day of November, 1874. While the boys were out at recess, romping and plaj'ing as boys at school usually do, and some of them were engaged in the game of town ball, a bat in the hands of Richard Brunt slipped from his grasp, striking a comrade by the name of McLane in the forehead, injuring him so badly that he died on the following day. Both of the parties were prominently connected in the neighborhood, and the unfortunate accident cast a gloom over the entire community, which hung for a long time like a pall over the sad scene of this accident. Voung Brunt was nearly heart-broken and did everything he possibly could to alleviate the sufferings of his playmate until death relieved him of his pains. Richard Brunt is now living in the township. He is a good neighbor, an honest and upright citizen and well respected by all who know him. He is the youngest son of the late Thomas Brunt, frequently spoken of in this volume.

Burned To Death

On the 10th day of May, 1888, the house of Enoch Mc- Mahan, of Boone township, was burned to the ground, and Mr. McMahan and Henry Streets, a farm hand, nineteen years old, the only occupants of the building, were burned to death.

Enoch McMahan was a widower, his wife having died several years prior to this occurrence. He and his farm hand lived alone in the house, and were on the night of the fire sleeping in the same room, unconscious of the flames that were about to enwrap them. Some neighbors discovered the fire and ran to the house to notify the occupants, but the unfor- tunate men did not awaken in time to extricate themselves. They could be clearly seen through the flames by those who first arrived at the burning building. It was a shocking sight for the old neighbors and friends of the deceased to be compelled to stand by and behold them perish before their eyes when no help could be rendered them.

Enoch McMahan was one of the early settlers of Boone township, who helped to fell the forests and make it one of the most beautiful localities in the county. He was a man possessed of truly Christian virtues, and it was often said of him that if ever there was a man beneath the heavens who was really a Christian, Enoch McMahan was one. He believed in the Golden R"le and practiced it. He was a man who had the highest regard for his word and obligations ; he was a kind neighbor and a benefactor to many beginners in the locality in which he lived.

Mr. McMahan was related to Thomas J. McMahan, ex- SherifF of Madison county, and now President of the National Exchange Bank, of Anderson. He was also related to A. J. Brunt and John R. Brunt, of Anderson

This shocking fire left a lasting effect upon all those who witnessed it, and will long be remembered in the locality in which it occurred. No sadder event ever took place within the bounds of Madison countv.