Madison County, Indiana - Chapter 69, 1897 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 69

Fall Creek township derives its name from its principal stream and natural falls. The history of no township in the county possesses greater interest, perhaps, for the " oldtimers " and their descendants than that of Fall Creek. It was here that the settlement of the county was begun and the first of all the interesting happenings incident thereto occurred. The township contains forty-two square miles and isbounded as follows : On the north by Anderson and Stony Creek townships; on the east by Adams township; on the south by Hancock county and on the west by Greene township.

As stated in a previous chapter, John Rogers, an Irishman, was unquestionably the first white man to locate in the county. He left a record written by himself in a book which indicates that he came to Fall Creek township December 29,. 1818. It is doubtless true that others visited the vicinitj' of the falls earlier than this date, but as they did not locate, their names are not known. Mr. Rogers located at a point east of the present site of Pendleton, on what has been known for many years as the " Vernon farm."

The first colony to settle in the township was composed' of Elias Hollingsworth, William Curtis, Moses Corvvin, Thomas McCartney, Manly Richards, William McCarty, Saul Shaul and Israel Cox. They were all heads of families excepting Moses Corwin. They came from the vicinity of Springfield, Ohio, and after selecting their respective tractsof land returned home for their families. The journey back, to the Falls was accomplished by the aid of an ox team and wagon and four pack horses. There being no roads west of New Castle their journey from that place to their new home ^vas beset by many difficulties and trials. Uncle Jimmy Hollingsworth, who is still living in Anderson, at the ripe old age of eighty-one years, was a member of the party, and still remembers trudging along behind the ox wagon, as well as many other little incidents connected with the journey.

William Neal, William, Isaac and Henry Seybert, Adam Dobson, Palmer Patrick, Nathaniel Richmond, Judge HoUiday, Adam Winsell, Jacob Shaul, Thomas and William Silver, Kilbourn Morley and Dr. Hiday. It is claimed by good that Judge Stanfield and a man of the name of Burras, were living on the prairie north-east of Pendleton about the time of the arrival of the Ohio colon)' in 1820.

Saul Shaul was the first of the early settlers to enter a tract land in the county, a portion of .Section 30, which he cleared, improved and cultivated. This farm is situated about two and a-half miles south-west of Pendleton and upon it was planted the first orchard probably in the county. Nathaniel Richmond, John Rogers, John Gunse and Adam Winsell, also set out orchards about this time - 1828 - 4. The trees were brought from Henry county by John Berrj-. The tirst nursery in the county was planted by William Williams, three miles east of Pendleton in the '30s. Mr. Williams died in 1847.

Adam Winsell started the first blacksmith-shop in the township on his farm, two miles east of where Pendleton is now situated. It is probable that this was the first blacksmithshop in the county. lie was one of the first Associate Judges elected in the county and notwithstanding he was uneducated, filled the office creditably to himself and acceptablj- to the people. He was one of the Judges who presided at the famous trial of the Bridges, Sawyer and Hudson for the murder of the friendly Indians on Fall Creek in 1824, a full account of which will be found in another chapter.

Othek Pioneers

Besides the pioneers already mentioned there came to the township at an early day : Thomas M. Pendleton, in whose honor the town of Pendleton was named, F. M. Richmond, Dr. Lewis Bordwell, Thomas and James Scott, Enos Adamson, Martin Chapman, Thomas and Isaac Busby, Moses Whitecotton, James Irish, Absalom Ulen, Jesse Boston, Thomas Snyder, Joseph Carter, Jacob Mingle, George Nicholson, Thomas Bell, J. T. Swain, and B. F. Gregory. Dr. Bordwell was the first physician in the township and enjo3'ed the confidence and and esteem of all who knew him. These early pioneers have all passed from earth, but many of their descendants are still living in the township and are universally' esteemed.

The First Markiage

The first marriage in the county occurred in Fall Creek township. This social event took place sometime during the year 1821, Stephen Corwin and Miss Hannah Ellsworth being the contracting parlies. Their marriage was consummated under difficulties. The county at that time was not organized and Mr. Corwin was compelled to go to Connersville on horseback to procure a marriage license. The incidents relating to the marriage are meagre, but the descendants of the early settlers still remember some of the circumstances as related by those who were present on that occasion. It is said that there was no table upon which to spread the marriage feast and that a door was lifted from its wooden hinges and utilized for that purpose.

The First White Child

The first white cliild born in the county was E. P. Hollingsworth, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elias Hollings worth and brother of James Hollingsworth, of Anderson. Mr. Hollingsworth was born in Fall Creek township, November 7, 1820. While he has the distinction of being the first child of civilized parentage born in the county it is shared to some extent, if not full}-, by Electa Shaul, who came into the world on the same night. Mr. Hollingsworth is still living.

The First Death

Sometime in the fall of 1823 a man of the name of Martin and his wife were stricken with fever and both died, it was supposed about the same time. The fact that they were sick was not known to the settlers and they died unattended. They were not discovered for several days after their demise. They were buried in the same grave on the west side of the present site of Pendleton.

The first suicide in tiie township occurred in 1838 on the farm owned at the present time by John Goul. An old man named Jacob Fo.x entered an untenanted cabin and hung himself. The cause of the suicide was not known.

An Incident Of Early Times

There were no .social cliques or classes aniong the early pioneers, the interest of one being the concern of all, and the consequence was that many acts of neighborly kindness were performed by them that are worthy of remembrance. A case in point is that of the generosity and good will displayed by Conrad Crossley on one occasion. In 1822 Mrs. Elias Hollingsworth was stricken ^vith a fever and \vas very ill. She conceived the idea that if she had some imported tea she would not only get better, but would soon recover. There was no tea in the settlement and the nearest point at which it was thought the commodity could be obtained was New Castle. Conrad Crossley heard of Mrs. HoUingsworth's desire for a drink of the beverage and at once volunteered his services to procure it. He immediately set out on horseback for New Castle, but on arriving at that place found that there was no tea in the village. Nothing daunted, he remounted his horse and rode to Richmond, where he was again disappointed, the merchants of that place having no tea in stock. He once more rode forward and at Eaton, O., found what he had gone so far to obtain. He returned to the settlement on Fall Creek after an absence of several days and the craving of his sick neighbor was fully satisfied. Such an exhibition of self-sacrifice is seldom heard of in these times. The journey was fraught not only with great inconvenience, but danger, matters that did not deter the big-hearted backwoodsman in his willingness to assist a friend in distress.

The First Corn-Cracker

The first settlers on Fall Creek experienced many difficulties in securing breadstuff for their families, there being no mill in the county, until the latter part of 1821, when one was built by Thomas McCartney. Previous to that they were compelled to go to Connersville for their meal and flour. In 1820 corn was very scarce in the settlement, and Elias Hollingsworth, Samuel Shaul and William Curtis went to Strawtown, Hamilton county, where thev purchased two canoe loads of that cereal. They pushed or " poled"' the canoe up White river to the present site of Anderson, when the corn \vas loaded into an ox wagon belonging to ^Ir. Hollingsworth and hauled to the Falls. It was afterward taken to Connersville and ground into meal. Monday morning was the usual time for starting to mill and very often the trip would consume a week.

The mill built by Mr. McCartney was situated on the south side of Fall creek at the Falls. The work of constructing the mill, dressing the stone and arranging the machinery was done principally by himself. Mr. McCartney also had a little store at the Falls which he kept in connection with his mill. Besides the pioneers, he did considerable business with the Delaware Indians, who had not yet left the county. He kept a small stock of beads, brooches and other trinkets which he disposed of to the red men in exchange for furs and other peltries. Mr. McCartney was among the first merchants in the county, if not the first.

The First Road

The first road surveyed in the township was known as the New Castle and LaFayette State Road. By an act of the Legislature Morgan Shortridge and Zenas Beckwith were appointed to locate this road, and on the 18th of December, 1828, they reported to the Board of Justices of each county through which it passed, that the line of the road had been surveyed. The road passed through Pendleton, and a portion of it is j-et known as the Pendleton and New Castle pike.

The First Pottery Works

Among the first industries established in Fall Creek township was a factory for the manufacture of potter3-ware, such as crocks, jugs, etc. The factory was erected by James Perkins at a point on what is now Tariflf street, on the east side of the Big Four railroad, in Pendleton. Mr. Perkins manufactured potteryware at this place for some time, when he sold out to Lewis, better known in his day as "Potter" Johnson. The product of this industry was in great demand at one time and it flourished for a number of years.

The First Tannery

It was in 1827 that Thomas McCartney built the first tannery in the township. It was located in the north-west part of the town of Pendleton, on out-lot No. 2, and was operated with more or less success until 1863, when it was abandoned. Among others who owned this tannery in its day were Aaron vShaul, Charles Mitchell, H. Neal, A. M. Ulin, A. E. Russell, James Thomas, Neal and J. O. Hardy.

The First Camp-Meeting

The first camp-meeting in the county was held in 1832, about three miles south-west of Pendleton on the Samuel Hundley farm, now owned by John Hickey, Esq., of Anderson.

The meeting was held under the auspices of the Methodistsand was conducted by Rev. James Havens and others. Campmeetings were held at this place every summer or in the early fall for many years, and were always largely attended by the early settlers. The scenes of religious fervor witnessed at these annual meetings were peculiar to the times and people and are seldom, if ever, seen at the camp-meetings of to-day. People who had religious convictions were not ashamed to shout in those days. They were not afraid of criticism. They became happy when the old-time Christian songs were sung and gave expression to their feelings in loud but honest, heartfelt hosannas. Their descendants are Christians, too, but not demonstrative. They are "conservative." The old-fashioned religion and the old-fashioned songs that the pioneer ministers of the Gospel used to preach and sing are not "popular" in this age of " progress." They are too rude and boisterous to suit "society" as constituted to-day. Still, it is no doubt true that society, as constituted to-day, does a great many things that would have been quite as shocking to the early Christians as their old-fashioned singing and praise-oflFerings are to the modern Christian. The modern Christian, it may be said, is not always a Christian, except by profession.

The Falls Of Fall Creek

Much has been said and written about this historic spot and its picturesque surroundings, yet few, comparatively, of the younger class of people living in the central and northern parts of the county know anything about its beauties or its history. This freak of nature is not surpassed in the State for romantic beauty, and much of the interest attaching to the early history of the county arises out of the many incidents that have occurred in its immediate vicinity. It would be a matter of more interest than importance, perhaps, to know the name of the first white man who gazed upon the pellucid waters of the stream as they dashed over the solid rock, a distance of ten feet, to the eddying pool below. As stated elsewhere in these pages, the Falls had no doubt been visited by explorers and home-seekers before John Rogers located in the vicinity, but who they were or whence they came is not known. The quarter section on which the Falls are located, says Helm, is a part of the sixteenth section set apart by Congress in each township for school purposes. The proximity of the Falls made it a desirable point. Here there was a natural mill- site - a dam constructed by nature, and settlers were attracted to it regardless of the fact that the land was not in the market. No one took the matter in hand until the year 1850. By that time the peaceable possession of twenty years was about to expire. It was then suggested that measures be instituted to restore the land to the school fund, which, it was claimed, could then be done at a trifling expense; but the matter was neglected until it was too late.

The Falls property and surroundings have undergone many changes. The corn-mill erected by Thomas McCartney on the south side of the creek at the Falls gave way to a large grist-mill built by Thomas Bell which did a flourishing business for years. This mill, as well as the Falls property, was afterwards owned by James M. Irish, one of the early settlers of the township, who purchased the land of the County Treasurer at a sale of school lands. He transferred his interest in the property sometime during the '30s to his son Samuel D. Irish, and removed to Texas where he remained until 1848, when he returned and remained until 1859. During that year he removed to Texas again and died there. Mr. Irish was a man of progressve ideas and on account of his dark complexion was given the sobriquet of " Black Hawk " by the pioneers. Andrew Jackson, who afterward became one of the most prominent men in the county, had built a woolen or carding mill, in the vicinity of the present site of the Universalist church at Pendleton, and as Mr. Irish wanted to erect a woolen-mill on his Falls property he purchased Mr. Jackson's factory and sawmill on the north side of the creek opposite the grist-mill. These mills were operated very successfully for many years by Samuel D. Irish and attracted a great deal of business to Pendleton. It is said that this saw-mill supplied the lumber for the first court house built at Indianapolis. In 1850 the woolenmill was enlarged and provided with improved machinery ; trade increased with the development of the country and a large business was done in woolen fabrics and textiles up to the death of Mr. Irish in 1864. Soon after his death the property was sold at a Commissioner's sale by George R. Boram to a syndicate composed of J. W. Bomgardner, J. N. Zeublin, J. E. French and Dr. Madison G. Walker. This company, with Bomgardner as manager, constructed a system of stone work across the creek just above the falls for the purpose of augmenting the water power. The work was arranged in three semi-circles about three feet above the bed of the stream. This masonry may answer the purpose for which it was intended, but adds nothing to the primeval beauty of the Falls. In fact, every change, every improvement that has been made in their surroundings since the white man first settled in this vicinity has detracted from their native grandeur. No farther back than forty years ago the Falls and their environment presented a scene of picturesque beauty rivaled only in the idle visions of the romancer and poet. What they were in the solitude of long ago when the Mound Builders were here, can only be imagined.

The mills owned by the company were swept away by fire June 1, 1865, and a large two-story flouring-mill was afterwards built upon their site. This property is now owned by B. F. Aimen, one of the oldest and most enterprising of Fall Creek township's citizens.

The raising of flax in Madison county has nearly become a thing of the past. It was for many years one of the leading industries and yielded large and ready profits to the farmer, but as the soil became worn it was no longer a paving business, and now it is a rare thing to see a field of growing flax. It takes strong, fresh land to grow a paying crop, and it will not grow a second time on the same ground to a profit. In the flax-raising period all of the towns of importance had flax mills, where the straw was manufactured into jute for bagging and similar uses. Pendleton, not behind its rival towns, had one of these mills erected by J. Casely & Son, in 1869, at a cost of $5,000. It did a flourishing business until the production of flax ceased to be profitable, when it was abandoned.

Just above the Falls and west of the Big Four railroad, on the north side of the creek, is the spot where Hudson, Bridge and Sawyer expiated their brutal crime - the murder of the Indians - a crime which cau.sed the greatest alarm throughout the settlement at the time and aroused to the highest pitch the indignation of the pioneers against the murderers. Just below the Falls is where the noted negro politician and ex-slave, the Hon. Fred. Douglas, was assaulted by a mob of pro-slavery men in 1843, a full account of which will be found elsewhere in this work.

Town Ok Pendleton

of their homes gave the locality the appearance of a town. The ground upon which the town of Pendleton now stands belonged to Thomas M. Pendleton and the density of population in that vicinity suggested to him the idea of founding a town. With this end in view he had his property surveyed and divided into town lots on the IHth of January, 1830. He had entered this land in 1823. The lots were platted and duly recorded. Several additions have since been made to the original plat and the town to-day is one of the prettiest in the State. But few of the old landmarks of the original village remain ; the buildings devoted to business, to worship, to education, to private residences - all impress the beholder with the fact that while improvements have been going on in other parts of the county, the citizens of Pendleton have kept pace ^vith the tiines. To one not familiar witii the history of the place it would be difficult to believe that it is the oldest town in the county, and that for many years it ^vas one of the most important business points in central Indiana. There is an appearance of refinement, an air of independence and progress that is presented by but few towns of its size in the West.

The Bellefontaine railroad (Rig Four) was completed to Pendleton in 1850, and on the 24th of December, 1853, a vote was taken to determine whether the place sliould be incorporated as a town or remain a village. Nathaniel Richmond, G. M. Rogers and T. G. Mitchell were the inspectors and the vote stood 37 for, to 4 against the proposition. The first Board of Trustees was composed of Nathaniel Richmond, T. G. Mitchell and John Houston and the first meeting of the Board was held March 81, 1854. David Bowsman was the first Marshal of the town. The first street Commissioner was John Houston, who was elected in 1855. John Taylor Wall was the first School Trustee.

Religious Societies

The Pendleton Methodist Episcopal church was the first religious society organized in the county. Its organization occurred in 1828, before there was a frame building in the town or township. The first members of this society were Thomas M. Pendleton and family, Mrs. Thomas McCartney, Mrs. Samuel Holliday, Mr. and Mrs. Elias Hollingsworth, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hundley and Mr. and Mrs. James Scott. Religious exercises had been held in the township, however, two years at least before this society was organized, by a Rev.

Mr. Taylor, who preached at the house of Elias Hollings worth to the early settlers. Whenever a circuit rider would visit the settlement a courier would be sent out to inform the settlers that religious services \vere to be held, designating the time and place. Uncle Jimmy Hollingsworth, mention of whom has been frequently made by the authors, was then a mere lad and often discharged this office. Rev. Xathan Fairchild also preached to the early settlers of the township and is still kindly remembered by the few remaining old-timers.

On the 28th of April, 1832, or nine years after this society was organized, Thomas M. Pendleton and wife deeded to F. M. Richmond and others, trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the north half of Lot 32. in the town of Pendleton, forever, in trust, "in consideration that they erect, or cause to be erected, a house of worship for the use of the members of the Methodist Episcopal Churcli." Up to this time services were held at the homes of members. A log church was at once erected on the lot donated by Mr. and Mrs. Pendleton, where services were held until 183U, when it was torn down and a frame building, with a seating capacity of about 600, erected in its place. This building was enlarged and remodeled in 1877. Among the early pastors who have ministered to the congregation of this church were : Revs. James Reeder, James Havens, Edward Ray, F. M. Richmond, J. H. Hull and W. H. Goode. Many of the ablest and most eloquent ministers connected with theXorth Indiana Conference have visited Pendleton and preached from the pulpit of this church. The congregation is the largest in the township and is composed largely of the best and most prominent citizens in this part of the county.

The Baptists at one time had a small congregation at Pendleton, and in 1834 erected a house of worship, but in 1872 the society united with the Baptists at Anderson and disposed of the building. Nathaniel P. Richmond, Martin Brown and wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Irish and Susannah Richmond were among those who organized this society.

The Society of Friends once had a place of worship at Pendleton at an early day, but it was abandoned, and there is now no regular place for holding religious services in the township, although there are a good inanv Friends in the locality. John Middleton ^vas the first minister of the society, and held services at the house of Jonathan and Ann Thomas as far back as 1836.

The First Universalist church of Pendleton was organized February 20, 1859, at Huntsville, a previous meeting having been held on the 6th of that month at Pendleton for the purpose of taking preliminary steps towards organizing a society of those who believed in the doctrine of Universalism. A committee was appointed at the Pendleton meeting to draft a constitution and by-laws for the government of the society, and at the Huntsville meeting the report of the committee was received and adopted. Those who participated in this meeting were James Cassady, Joshua Crawford, John Tillson, John Houston, David Bowsman. Jacob Weford, Lewis Cassady, John Wert and T. G. Mitchell. A board of trustees, consisting of John Houston, John Tillson and David Bowsman, was elected, and preparations were begun at once for the erection of a church. Meetings had been held by members of the society previous to this in the second story of the seminary and other places. The late Rev. B. F. Foster, of Indianapolis, the memory of whose gentleness, benevolence and Christian effort is still fragrant throughout Indiana, preached the first Universalist sermon in Pendleton. Rev. Gibson \vas called to the pulpit soon after the church organization had been effected, and during his incumbency a place of worship was erected on the corner ot Main and Water streets. The paper circulated for subscriptions to the building fund declared that this church " shall always be open to moral, scientific, religious and political lectures so long as and whenever they are conducted in an orderly manner." The building was a frame, but in 1895 it was reconstructed and is now a brick edifice, of neat and substantial appearance. Many of the leading citizens of the town and township are connected with this society. The present pastor is the Rev. Forshire.

The Public Schools

The school enumeration for the present year shows that the number of persons in the township eligible to the privileges of the public schools is 928, of which 405 reside within the corporate limits of Pendleton. The enumeration alsa shows that there is but one colored child of legal school age in the township. The township has eleven school houses and thirteen teachers exclusive of the corporation of Pendleton, which has two buildings and employs nine teachers. The buildings at Pendleton are eligibly situated, and besides being commodious are supplied with everything necessary for the comfort and convenience of pupils. For many years Pendleton had but one school building, a two-story brick structure, kno\vn as the Pendleton Academy. This building was erected in 1864 upon the site of the second school house built in the town. The first school house stood just east of the Big Four railroad near the present thoroughfare known as Tariff" street. The new building erected in 1895 is modern in ever}' respect and one of the handsomest in the county.

Fraternal Societies

The first lodge of any order instituted in the county was Madison Lodge No. 44, F. and A. M., at Pendleton, on the 10th of Februarj', 1841. A meeting of Master Masons had been held, however, previous to this for the purpose of taking the initial steps necessary to the organization of a lodge. This meeting was attended bj' Henry Wyman, William Roach, J. L. Bell, J. H. Cook, S. D. Irish, Thomas Adamson, W. H. Mershon, Thomas Silver and Archibald Cooney, the original proiTioters and members of the lodge. Henry Wyman presented the petition for a dispensation authorizing that organization of the lodge to the Grand Master, and on the above stated date the lodge was organized. The first officers were, James L. Bell, W. M. ; W. H. Mershon, S. W. ; S. D. Irish, J. W. ; J. H. Cook, Sec. ; Thomas Silver, Treasurer ; Joseph Chittwood, S. D. ; Thomas Adamson, J. D., William Roach, Tyler. This was not only the first lodge in the county, but among the first north of the old national road and the parent of nearly all the Masonic lodges in this portion of the State. Bernard Thomas was made a Mason on the 15th of May, 1841, by this lodge, being the first person in the county initiated into the mysteries of the order. The early meetings of the lodge were held in the second story of a dwelling house owned by J. H. Cook.

Madison Lodge has experienced many vicissitudes since its reorganization, but to-day is one of the strongest lodges in the county, financially and otherwise, owning one of the finest temples in the State. This building was completed and dedicated in Februarj', 1893. It is situated on west State street, is constructed of brick and stone, and is three stories high. It will stand for years as a monument to the enterprise of the membership of Madison Lodge.

The lodge was organized in the hall of Madison Lodge F. & A. M., and continued to hold its meetings there until the Masonic Fraternity completed its lodge building on State street, when an arrangement was made by which both lodges occupied the same hall for a number of years. In 1880 the Trustees purchased lot 12 (original plat) as a site for a new hall. A two-story brick building was erected on this site in 1890 and in January, 1891, the new home of the lodge was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies. The lodge is in a flourishing condition, having an active and constantly increasing membership.

Knights Of Pythias

Sicilian Lodge, No. 234, was instituted December 19, 1889. It has a large membership and is in an excellent condition financially. The meetings of the Lodge are held in the hall formerly occupied by the Masonic Fraternitv.

Oconee Tribe, No. 159, Improved Order of Red Men, was instituted November 26, 1892. The Lodge is in a fairly prosperous condition. The meetings of the Order are held at present in Cook's hall.

Pendleton Grove U. A. O. D., No. 20, was instituted April 5, 1S95. This was the first lodge of Druids organized in the county. The membership is active and the Lodge is in a flourishing condition.

Major Henry Post

Major Henry Post, No. 230, G. A. R., was organized August 28, 1883. This Post was named in iionor of the gallant Major Henry, who was murdered by guerillas in Mis- souri, an account of which is given elsewhere in this work. The Post has a membership at this time of about 25. W. H. H. Benefiel is the present Commander.

Manufacturers And Other Interests

For many years the milling interests created a great deal of business and attracted a large and profitable trade to Pendleton. The inills at the Falls, flour, saw and woolen, had an extensive patronage and it was not uncommon to see as high in number as 50 wagons waiting to discharge a load of grain or wool or to receive a grist or load of lumber, when they were in operation. As stated elsewhere, there is but one mill now at the Falls. The busy scenes that once gave to that locality an air of thrift and industry have vanished and the patronage that was concentrated there so long has been diverted to other places.

Pendleton at this time has three glass factories, one a bottle works and the others window glass establishments. The Pendleton Window Glass Co. was the first organized after the discovery of natural gas. B. F. Aiman is at the head of this company. The factory is situated across Fall Creek, north of town and when in operation employs a large number of hands. The Indiana Window Glass Factor^' and Bottle Factory are located south of town. Besides these industries there is located here one of the largest tile and brick factories in the count)', a wire fence factory, the Star flouring mills and elevator, a saw-mill, one planing-mill and three grain elevators.

Pendleton Bank

In 1872 A. B. Taylor & Son organized the Pendleton Banking Company and after doing a safe and profitable business for a number of years sold out to E. P. Rogers, who subsequently disposed of an interest to T. M. Hardy. In 1891 Aaron Morris, of Milton, Ind., purchased an interest in the institution and has been identified with it ever since. On July 1st of the present j'ear Mr. Rogers retired.

This institution buys and sells exchange and does a general banking business. Its cash capital is $25,000. It is conducted on safe, though conservative, business principles, and enjoys the entire confidence of the public.

Hotels Of Pendleton

side of West State street. His patrons were principally immigrants to the " new country." About the year 1885 Jesse Boston erected a two-story frame house on the south side of State street, west of Main street, where he furnished " accommodations for man and beast." This hotel (or tavern) was known as the Madison House, and was the favorite resort in early times of the lawyers who " rode the circuit." Mr. Boston died in 1837, and his widow conducted the business until her decease several years later. After her death the property was closed, but in the course of time was leased and re-opened as a hostelry by D. R. Franks, who afterward disposed of it to D. S. Clark.

The Commercial Hotel

This hostelry stood on the north-east corner of State and Main streets. It was built by James Gray and occupied by him as a residence and place of business until his death, after which it passed into the hands of James H. Smithers. Many different proprietors had charije of the property in its day, among whom were A. K. Rockenheld, J. Hixon, Amos Birchfield, J. H. Badley, F. E. Ireland and Mrs. Tallie O'Toole, the last named being the proprietor July 7th of the present year, when it was entirely consumed by fire.

Back in the "50s and early "(50s Hezikiah, better known as " Daddy,"" Bates was proprietor of a hotel that stood on State street, where George Ireland's harness and saddlery shop is now situated. This hotel was known as the " Bates House," and under the management of Mr. Bates enjoyed a full share of the public patronage.

"Daddy" Bates was a blacksmith bj- trade and at the time he engaged in the hotel business was reputed a good one. He was a man of unquestionable courage and in his younger days capable of holding his own in feats of strength with men even of much larger mold. He was naturally of equable disposition, but when imposed upon, a dangerous man. Bates had a bar connected with his hotel and was probably the first man to sell intoxicating liquors in Fall Creek township under a license. Shortly after the breaking out of the Civil war three men, who had just enlisted in the service, made a " raid" upon his saloon. Bates ran for his shot-gun and the men ran out into the street and tried to escape the vengeance of the infuriated proprietor. Two of them succeeded in getting away, but the third, a man of the name of Hankins, was shot in the side and dangerously wounded. The man recovered, however. Bates was tried upon a charge of shooting with intent to kill, but was acquitted on the ground of selfdefense.

Some time after this, a temperance mob made an attack upon his place of business with the intent of destroying his stock of liquors. The mob was in front of the hotel, the doors of which were securely bolted, when Col. Hervey Craven happened along on the opposite side of the street. Curiosity led him to join the crowd and just as he stepped into the outer circle of the excited throng. Bates fired a rifle from an upper window, inflicting a painful, but not serious, wound in the Colonel's left arm. Bates was arrested but Colonel Craven refused to prosecute him, insisting that it was an unlawful assembly and that he had no business there.

This town was laid out May 24, 1830, by Eleazer Hunt and Enos Adamson, both of whom were early settlers in this locality. It is situated about one mile north-east of Pendleton, on the south-west quarter of Section 15 and the southeast quarter of Section 16. Among other prominent early settlers here were the Swains. Thomas and J. T. ; Abel Johnson, John Montgomery, B. F. Gregory, John Jones, William Wright and Dr. McCain. A spirit of rivalry existed between Huntsville and Pendleton until the completion of the Bellefontaine Railroad to the latter town, when it gradually began to die out.

For many years the township elections were held here, but in 1838 a petition was presented to the Board of Commissioners, asking that the place of voting be changed to Pendleton. This petition was strenuously opposed by the people of Huntsville, but after due consideration it was granted. The election laws were changed in 1890, the Australian system being adopted by the State Legislature, and there are now four polling places in the township, Huntsville being one of them.

First Manufactories

As remarked elsewhere in this work, every village at an early day had a tannery and Huntsville was not an exception, A. S. Underwood having established an industry of that character in 1830, on what is now known as Main street. This tannery afterwards passed into the hands of many different pioprietors, and finally was abandoned in 1863. Eleazer Hunt also started a tannery during the year 1831 and operated it for six years, when he sold it to Isaac Wright. This tannery was abandoned during the ownership of John and William Hunt.

In 1830 the first grist-mill was erected by Enos Adamson. The mill was located on the north bank of Fall creek, in the southwest part of the town. Mr. Adamson afterward increased the capacity of the mill by adding new macliinery. He also operated a woolen mill and an oil mill in connection with it. The property was destroyed by fire in 1848.

Not long after the destruction of the property Nathan Wilson, Jonathan Wynn and Thomas Kocuin erected the present mill. This mill, together with a sawmill just east of it, was operated by Cook & Aimen for a number of years, and in 1872 Mr. Aimen became sole proprietor. Extensive improvements were made to the property by Mr. Aimen, who subsequently sold out to the present owner, Mr. George Phipps. This gentleman is one of the most prominent business men in the township, progressive in his ideas and thoroughly reliable. The first distillery in the township was erected on the mill race at Huntsville in 1831, by Robert Childers. This enterprise was short lived, as it was abandoned in 1833. The village had a hatter in the person of James Hackney, who opened a shop in 1831 and continued in business until 1838, when he removed farther west.

John Conrad was the first tailor to locate in the village - 1881. He was elected Justice of the Peace and took an active part in securing the location of the Bellefontaine railroad.

The first store in the village was owned by Benjamin Snodgrass. Other merchants of early times who did business here were Simeon Lewis, Dr. McCain, John Tillson, Benjamin Lukens, Nathan Wilson, H. Lewis, and William Johnson. The late William Roach, of Anderson, so well and favorably known to the older residents of the county, was once a resident of the village and clerked for Mr. Snodgrass.

first postmaster was David P. Hazleton. He was succeeded by J. W. Roberts, who held the position for sixteen years. Horace Lewis was the hist postmaster. Among the prominent physicians who have practiced at Huntsville are John Hunt, Joseph Weeks, W. H. Lewis, E. C. Prigg and W. P. Brickley.

Save the United Brethren church, one residence and a cemetery, there is nothing at this place to remind one of the Menden of long ago. It is situated at the intersection of two country roads, three miles south of Pendleton. A post -office was located here at one time, but was abolished in 1851. Thomas Joi'dan established a store at this point at an early day, but subsequently sold out to Morgan Drury. Mr. Drury was appointed postmaster and served for a number of years. He was succeeded by John Pyle, and J^Ir. Pyle by Jonathan Wiseman, who was the last postmaster at this place.

Population And Taxables

Thomas M. Pendleton, who is still remembered by Mrs. Alanson Russell, of Anderson, and others, is described as a rather courtly gentleman, who did not take kindly to modern customs, particularly in dress. He wore the continental frock coat, knee breeches, low-cut shoes with silver buckles, and a queue. Thomas or " Major " McCartney also wore a queue and continental frock, but did not affect knee breeches. These gentlemen were the only persons in the county who adhered to the continental style of dressing.

The First Cook Stove

But few of the pioneer women of the locahty had ever seen a cook stove, and when they learned that Mrs. Patrick was the proud possessor of one a great many called to see it. Mrs. Russell, a daughter of Mrs. Patrick, to whom the authors of this work are indebted for much information contained herein, says that the stove was regarded as a wonderful appliance, and that the women who called to inspect it expressed a great desire to have one like it.

A Pioneer Bully

Nearly every locality at an early day had its "best man," or " bully," who was always present at every meeting of the militia or other gathering to defend his title. These men were not always desperadoes, nor of ugly disposition. They simply prided themselves on their strength and ability to endure punishment and would fight simply for the " glory" of whipping their man. Fall Creek township had a character of this description. He had, however, a vicious disposition and became very offensive, both in language and conduct upon the slightest provocation. His principal business was running horses, racing in that daj-, as in this, being very popular. His associates were men of like character, not so notorious as Rick, perhaps, but equally bad and reckless. Rick had been so successful in his fights that he had become '' a terror." But his downfall came just as it always does to men of his class. He got into a controversy on a certain occasion with a Mr. Cottrell, a man much older than himself and wholly unable to cope with him in a fight. He used very abusive language to Mr. Cottrell and among other things applied to him a vile epithet. James Cottrell, a nephew of the insulted man, heard of the affair and one day met Rick whom he asked about the name he had called his uncle. Rick admitted that he had applied the epithet and at once prepared to whip Cottrell on the spot, an undertaking that resulted in curing him of fighting forever afterwards. Young Cottrell got hold of Rick and before he let loose of him beat him almost into insensibility. It is said that Rick never attacked a man after this affair ; his spirit was crushed and he was no longer a bully.

Among Rick's intimates was a man of the name of Joseph Snodgrass, whose character in the community was equally as bad, if not worse, than that of his friend. Counterfeit money had been placed in circulation, and suspicion pointed to Snodgrass as the counterfeiter. He was closely watched, and when sufficient evidence of his guilt had been secured to warrant his arrest, Sheriff William Roach and a deputy went to Fall Creek township and placed him under arrest. Snodgrass went along with the officers quietly until he came to Fall creek, which he crossed in advance of the Sheriff and his deputy. After getting across the stream he turned round, said " good-by " to the officers and dashed into the heavy underbrush and was gone. If he was ever heard of afterward by his friends it was kept very quiet. Certain it is that he was never again seen in the county. It was also noticed after his disappearance that counterfeit money did not circulate so freely in the township.

An Old And Prominent Citizen

William Cox, of Fall Creek township, ex-county commissioner, while not a pioneer of this county, is in every sense of the word an old-timer. He was one of those men who was built on the old-time style - came forth in a day when a man's word was considered as good as his note. Uncle Billy prides himself on always making his word good. He is as punctual as any man in the wide world in the performance of any agreement he makes. He came to this county fully forty years ago from what is called Blue Rock, Colerain township, on the Colerain pike, not far from Cincinnati.

A large settlement of the " Blue Rockers" in an early day removed to this and Henry county to seek their homes and fortunes, prominent among whom were the Williams, Hughes, Runyans and Coxes. Mr. Cox has mingled somewhat in politics, always being victorious in every race he has made for office. He is a Democrat from " away back " and loves the teachings and traditions of that grand old party.

He is the founder and owner of Billy Cox's famous drum corps and martial band, which has done service in every campaign for the last thirty years ; all of his sons are musicians of more or less prominence. When campaign year comes around you can safely rely on Billy Cox's band being " in it." Billy has the distinction of doing an act that he may well be proud of as long as he lives. There are but very few men in the world who would have done what he did under the circumstances. He is entitled to the honor of making Hon. Joseph E. McDonald a Senator from Indiana in 1871.

vention and nominated William Cox, of Madison county, as a candidate for State Senator, which honor he accepted and set about to fix up his political fences in order to win the fight. This, was the Granger year - when the Grangers and Independents came nearly sweeping the two old political parties from the face of the earth. Soon after the nomination of Mr. Cox, the Grangers met in convention and placed in nomination Robert H. Cree, of Monroe township, a very popular farmer, formerly a prominent Republican. The Republicans nominated Rev. Cornelius Q.uick, of Frankton, as their candidate. So it became a three-cornered fight. The Republicans, as a rule, were very hostile toward the Grangers, as the organization drew more largely from their ranks than from the Democracy. The situation became, plain to politicians that in case Mr. Cox could be induced to withdraw from the race there was a fighting chance to win the fight, with Cree in opposition to the regular Republican nominee. An agreement was secretly entered into between Cree and the Democratic leaders in the district, that in case Cox would withdraw and Cree be given a clear field, if elected, he should vote for a Democrat for United .States Senator. A committee waited upon Mr. Cox and laid the case before him, and after considering the matter, although he had a good fighting chance himself of going to the Senate, like a hero gave up his place on the ticket and Mr. Cree was substituted in his stead. Mr. Cox and all his friends did valiant service in the campaign and were largely instrumental in bringing about Mr. Cree's election.

When Mr. Cree was elected it was ascertained that he held the key to the situation; he was an "Independent." By his assistance the Democrats could control the organization of the State Senate and send a Democrat to the United States Senate. In order to make assurance doubly sure, Mr. dec was given the privilege of naming anj- officer of the Senate, for which he in return and by reason of former pledges made, cast his vote for Joseph E. McDonald, making him a Senator for the term of six years. Mr. Cree dictated the organization of the Senate tliat year.

James Buchanan, the editor of the " Independent" organ of the State, was made Principal Secretary; all the balance was made up of Cree's friends in Madison county - all Democrats. Edwin P. Schlater was Assistant Secretary ; Dr. E. H. Menefee, of Alexandria, was Sergeant-at-arms ; Major Edgar

Henderson was Assistant Door-keeper ; Charles L. Sherman was Postmaster, and several other offices of minor importance were filled by Madison county Democrats. It was called the Madison County Legislature. The Republicans never got done cursing Cree. while the Democrats praised him. George Harding, in the Indianapolis Herald, never missed an opportunitv to scorch Cree on every hand. So you see Uncle Billy Cox's pure patriotism and self-denial gave the Democracy in that campaign a grand victory and sent a great man to the United States Senate.

Isaac Busby, An Early Settler

Among the earlj- settlers of the southern part of Madison county, Isaac Busby.was a prominent character. He was the father of a large family of children, many of whom yet reside within the county, and are prominent as farmers and business men, and all thoroughly respected by the communities in which they live.

" Isaac Busby was born in the State of Virginia on the 10th of March, 1796. He came to Wayne county, Indiana, in 1818, and was married to 'Sallie' Willetts, October 14, 1819. He made his residence in Wayne county until 1825, when he came to Fall Creek township, where he entered a fine tract of land, which was afterwards known as the Swain farm. One circumstance in connection with the entering of this land from the Government is spoken of by a writer on this subject. Martin Fever, who had also come from Wayne county, had bought the land owned by S. A. Rogers and Charles Rogers. This was a tract that had been occupied by Brazelton Noland, who had ' squatted ' there without purchasing the same from the Government, trusting to luck for the means with which to pay for it in the future.

" Mr. Fever on his return to Wayne county was full of admiration for the Noland land and particularly for a remarkable spring which burst from the ground before the house. Isaac Busby went to Indianapolis and entered this land at the Government land office. Mr. Noland was anxious to go to law about the matter, but he and Mr. Busby made an amicable settlement, and Noland took his household goods and ^vent to Union to^vnship, where he lived for many years.

" Mr. Busby was deficient in education, but the goodnessof his heart made up for all shortcomings in that direction. A very promising family grew up around him, and his respected wife, 'Aunt Sallie ,' was beloved by everyone who knew her. He often expressed his feelings in regard to his lack of education, saying that it was his hope, if opportunity offered, to give his children a good education. He was true to that purpose. If Fall Creek township has deserved well of her faithfulness to education and to all that the term implies, the honor thereof belongs pre-eminently to three men, Isaac Busby, John J. Lewis and Neal Hardy. They gave a tone to public thought that caused an impetus to the proper training of the young in the community, of which they were the leading spirits, which is felt to this day and which will be manifest through an indefinite future.

"Mr. Busby was a devoted follower of the political banner of Henry Clay from early youth, and continued to be an ardent Whig until the organization of the Republican party. He naturally hated slavery and the Democratic party. It was therefore impossible for him to be anything else but a Republican, and so he remained through all the long years of the momentous struggle which closed with the recognized equality of all men before the law. Several years before his death he sold his farm and retired from business and spent the evening of his days in well-earned repose. He died on the 12th day of April, 1874, and sleeps in the cemetery which overlooks the lovely country which was once the scene of his labors and joys."

Moses Cox, the first clerk of Madison county, was certainly an oddity. The old citizens who knew him have related many incidents in relation to him that are laughable.

He was a sturdy backwoodsman, possessed of a noble disposition, and a kind heart. A man with limited education, but possessed with a store of good " horse sense." Cox was a man of convivial habits and a " knocker " of no small pretentions. In his day the man that passed the lie expected a fight, and one who would take it without resenting it \vas no man at all.

During Co.x's term as Clerk in 1S2'2 and 1828 the record showed a number of cases against him for assault and battery where he had punished the hardy pioneers in royal style.

court time in this way. One time wtien court was in session at Pendleton, the Judge convened the session and no one appearing behind the clerk's desk, inquiry was made as to the absence of the clerk, and a search was made for him, when he was found behind a log heap in the woods in the rear of the <;ourt grounds sleeping off a night's debauch after an indulgence in his favorite game with some friends. He was aroused and Inade his appearance in court with his hair disheveled and one side of his coat tail burned off by getting too near the log-heap.

After a slight reprimand from the Judge for his absence from duty, the court went on in its usual manner and Moses kept the minutes in his peculiar way.

While he had his faults, with all his shortcomings he was made of the stern stuff of which all pioneers were composed, and filled a position in the rank and file of men of his day, better perhaps than many others would have done with the means at hand and his surroundings,

John Rogers And Moses Wiiitecotton

The Kingmans,in writing their history of Madison county, merely made mention of such a man as John Rogers, without any further account of him or his early adventures. Harden, in his book, issued in 1875, simply refers to him. The subject of this sketch was beyond doubt the first white man who made his way into the wilderness of this county. A brief description of him is given by a correspondent to the Herald, of August 26, 1881, whom we take to be J. B. Lewis, a prominent and well-informed citizen of Fall Creek township. In this statement he gives a long account of Mr. Rogers, together with some reminiscences relating to his life.

"John Rogers was a tall, raw-boned man of Irish lineage, who came from North Carolina to Fall Creek township and settled there December 29, 1818, on an eighty-acre tract of land, now known as the Thomas Wilhoit farm, about one and a half miles from Pendleton, near the turn-pike road leading to New Castle. He cleared some lands, but when the United States survey was made, siiortly after his settlement, he found himself on land, a part of which he did not like or wish to enter from the government, so he removed a few hundred yards to the south-east and settled on the land afterwards known as the Edward B. Vernon farm. Here Mr. Rogers lived until 1838, when he sold the land to Abraham Vernon, the father of E. B. Vernon, after which Mr. Rogers removed to Iowa, where he died at an advanced age some years since. The late Lewis W. Thomas stopped over night with him at his Iowa home a little more than a quarter of a century ago. In passing, it is worthy of note to remark that the Vernon farm still remains in the hands of the family to which it was transferred by the first holder, something which is true of but very few lands in the township.

"John Rogers had four sons and two daughters, like himself, stalwart, James died in early manhood. Hugh and Henry worked together at the carpenter trade in Pendleton fifty years ago, Hugh remaining there until 184(5. Polly, one of the daughters, married Alfred Kilgore, brother of the late Judge David Kilgore. Alfred Kilgore was himself an attorney. He was a man of brilliant parts and was well beloved by his neighbors, but he had rather convivial habits and a love for strong drink. He died young and his widow married Enos Adamson, a man of ability and energy, and once owner of the Aimen Mill, at Huntsville, and who removed to Iowa about the time that his father-in-law, John Rogers, went there. Mr. Adamson was at one time County Commissioner in Madison county.

" Mr. Rogers had the shrewd wit of the Irish race and many anecdotes of him were formerly current about Pendleton. It is said that a neighbor once spoke to Mr. and Mrs. Rogers about inducing Alfred Kilgore, their son-in-law, to subscribe for a paper, when Mrs. Rogers broke in, ' Och, don't do that, for papers are Polly's ciiafe pestherment,' alluding to Alfred's law books and papers.

" Another old citizen of Fall Creek township related that he at one time met John Rogers on a very cold day on his way to Pendleton, and when he spoke to him, Rogers said: ' I have just been to town, where I was owing a friend a little money, and I heard he was very sick and I knew that if he died he would want to take it with him, so I went down to pay him oft'.'

"Even now the face of this tall personage, with his gray locks and his shrewd look, rises before me as I write and as he appeared to m}- childish eyes, and so having rescued him for a moment from the oblivion to which the historian has

Moses Whitecotton was also an early settler in Fall Creek township, and a neighbor of John Rogers. Moses was one of the first Justices of the Peace in that locality. He was a natural poet and kept his docket in rhyme. The old record would be a curiosity if it could be unearthed. At one time he got out of provisions and was in limited circumstances on account of continued sickness in his family. He appealed to his neighbor, Mr. Rogers, in a way that would melt a heart of stone. His petition %vas as follows :

" My family is sick, with nothing to eat, I pray you the loan of two bushels of wheat ; This favor, if granted, shall ne'er be forgotten, As long as my name is Moses Whitecotton."

The good-hearted Mr. Rogers complied with the request and supplied the wants of the afflicted family, like a pioneer of those days naturally would, and in payment for the accommodation Whitecotton executed his note therefor in the following strain :

He also at one time went to Kentucky and purchased a " jack " and brought him to the county, and in giving his pedigree he started out by giving his name " Daniel Boone :"

In other places in this volume we have spoken of Judge Adam Winsell in connection with the courts of Madison county. In Kingmans history the Judge was dismissed with a very brief comment. It seems from his prominence in this county in the early days that he should have had at least proper mention. In looking over the files of the Herald of September 22, 1881, we find from the pen of Joseph B. Lewis a very good account of this once distinguished gentleman, in which he says : " Adam Winsell came to Madison county in 1819. He was, at the first term of the Circuit Court, held in 1828, one of the associate judges. He entered the west half of the northwest quarter of Section 22, Township 18 north. Range 7 east, also an eighty-acre farm just east of this. He gave out to his neighbors that he had entered it himself, rather than run the risk of having it entered from ' under him,' for more than ten years before he procured the title from the United States. Judge Winsell was a blacksmith, and it was he who made the irons and placed them upon the men who had committed the Indian murders, in 1824. He said that he had put them on so tight that no 'corpus' could take them off without his consent. At one time he came to Anderson to live and remained one year, and then returned to his farm. On one occasion, when about to gather the corn from his field, he found that he had been anticipated by the squirrels, who had eaten it all up. The county, at the time referred to, swarmed with migratory squirrels, which were as voracious as lean kine, and who devoured everything in their way. They were as destructive as the Kansas locusts, which made such a memorable record in that State only a few years ago.

Caleb Williams, one day during this squirrel visitation, made a lot of bullets and went out on the edge of his corn to shoot squirrels. He stood in one place and killed fifty-one of these little animals, but missed his fifty-second shot.

Judge Winsell remained upon his farm until 1887. when he sold it to Joseph Weeks, and went west." He was as well qualified for the absurd position of associate judge as was the average citizen.

The Judge for many years had a lot of hogs that ran wild in the woods south of Lick creek, in Fall Creek township, and his neighbors jokingly charged him with claiming all the hogs in those parts. One day in front of the court house in Anderson, during term time, an old man by the name of Samuel Morley, one of the Madison county pioneers, remarked : " There's a hog running wild in the woods by my place and he has the strangest marks on him that 1 ever saw. He is perfectly white except a large heart on his right shoulder, which is as red as blood." Judge Winsell, who was present, listened with the greatest interest. " Why," said he, " that is my old white hog; he's been gone all summer." At this Morley burst into a loud laugh. "There's no such hog there ; I just wanted to see if you would claim it." The joke was on the Judge, and he was compelled to treat the crowd.

The late J. J. Lewis once met Judge Winsell in the woods. Both were hunting squirrels. Mr. Lewis was about to shoot at a squirrel in the top of a tree. " Hold on," said the Judge, " you'll strain your gun if you shoot it so far." And no argument could convince the Judge that he was not right. He always obtained religion at camp meeting, just after the harvest times, and continued in good standing in the church until the shooting matches began in the fall, when he would get drunk, and, as a necessary consequence, be expelled from the church and remain outside until camp meeting time came around the next year. It is due to truth, if not to the dignity of history, to say that the Judge was a good shot and a boon companion of the boys at these shooting matches.

Justice to this brave old pioneer also requires us to say that his good nature was boundless, and that he was never known to have been cross to his well-beloved wife, "Aunt Sallie," or the children.

Of course, such a character as this would be very popular in those early days, and the good Judge was so to the fullest extent. After living in this county many years he departed for Iowa - a fact which was very much regretted by his neighbors. He was a much better n^an than many of those who make higher pretentions. His memory, although associated with some grotesque happenings, will be long cherished for his many kind deeds.

Death Of Ax Old War-Horse

Colonel G. W. Parker, of Pendleton, was for many years a resident of Indianapolis, during which time he was elected to the high ofHce of Sheriff of Marion county, and served in this capacity for two terms. Colonel Parker is a man of a very genial disposition and was popular with his fellow men, which aided him largely in his success as a politician. During the war he served as a Colonel of an Indiana regiment. When he retired from the service he brought home with him his old war-horse, upon whose back he had ridden through the battle of Stone River and many other engagements. He kept him upon his farm near Pendleton until he died, the Colonel having removed to that locality from Marion county. He ^vas very fond of his old comrade-in-arms and kept the horse as a remembrance of the many days of happiness and sorrow spent by him during the war marching through the South, where he had given his services in defense of the flag of our country. The horse died on Friday, the 28th of February, 1885. His remains were kindly cared for and decently interred on the Colonel's farm near the beautiful Falls of Fall Creek.

Accidents And Incidents An Odd Suicide

In the year 1838 a man of the name of Fox took his own life about one and a-half miles north of Huntsville by hanging himself. He was a single man in the employ of a man of the name of Gunn, who had died a few day.sJpreviously. Mr. Gunn was a man very highly respected and his death was the cause of much regret. The eulogies pronounced over him by his neighbors together with the assertions from the piously inclined that all his troubles were over, and that he had gone to a brighter and better land above, where all was peace and happiness, and where the wicked came not and where there was everlasting joy, sounded in the ears of Fox until he had grown very much excited and finally determined, as it is supposed, to go to that beautiful land himself, the quickest route.

The Sunday after Gunn's funeral the family all went to church leaving Fox at home. When alone he placed a halter strap around his neck and threw the other end over a joist in the room and then kicked the chair on which he stood from under him and swung himself into eternity. When the family returned from church and opened the door of the cabin the ghastly and horrible countenance of Fox stared them in the face, his body having swung around facing the door. The horror of the people was indescribable. As soon as possible the remains were removed and the family got out of the house and could never thereafter be induced to reside there.

Much has been said and written about the mob which assaulted Frederick Douglass, the great colored orator, in Pendleton, a brief account of whicli appears in Samuel Harden's book, published in 1875. The people who lived in the neighborhood of the occurrence have differed as to the correct date when it transpired, but this we shall give beyond a reasonable doubt. Although a stain has been cast upon Madison county because of this outrage, it cannot be considered to have had its origin in politics, because at that earl}- period neither of the then existing parties had espoused the cause of the abolitionists, who desired to witness the down-fall of human slavery. To call a Whig in those days an abolitionist meant about the same thing as if the "epithet" was applied to a Democrat. This episode came about through hatred for the negro, regardless of political affiliations. Not until the great war of the Rebellion had spent its force, and had ended in victory for the Union cause, were many people found who would squarely confess that they were abolitionists. However, there was one sect of people in this land of ours who gloried in this name. They were the '' Friends," or " Quakers," many of whom resided in Fall Creek township in the days when Douglass was mobbed, and many of whose descendants are yet to be found in that vicinity. These people, however, were not numerically strong enough to give much aid or comfort to either partv.

The Hon. Frederick Douglass, just before the assault upon him, had been making a tour through the Western States, and it was his custom to stop at such places as Fall Creek township, where there was a settlement of Friends or abolitionists, and deliver addresses in behalf of the freedom of his colored brethren.

The meeting which he addressed on Fall Creek was held in the woods, and had been under way but a few moments when an interruption of its proceedings was made by a man named Rix. who deliberately walked up to the stand and set to one side a pitcher of water standing there, at the same time urging some others that \vere with him to make an effort and "they would clean him out."

Among others prominently connected with Rix were Peter Runnels, Duke Scott and Thomas Collins. Mr. Douglass, seeing his perilous condition and recognizing the evident intent of the assailants to do him bodily harm, attempted to escape by getting over a fence in the rear of the platform. W^hile in the act he was struck with a stone and knocked to the ground, receiving a severe hurt. He was taken care of by kind friends, who rescued him from the angry mob, and kept by them until such time as he could make his way out of the neighborhood with safety to himself.

Inasmuch as so man}- different stories have been put into circulation about this event, we have taken the liberty to use the following extract from a letter written by Joseph B. Lewis, of Pendleton to the Iiidiatiapolis youriial in the spring of 1895, on this subject. Mr. Lewis was familiar with all the circumstances and we believe his statement to be nearer the truth than any account of which we have knowledge. Mr. Lewis was a resident of Fall Creek township at the time, and being a facile writer, a close observer of facts, and a man of undoubted veracity and integrity, his statement cannot be questioned.

In his letter to the yoi(r?ial, he says: "I observe that some citizen of Pendleton has recently given his recollections of an attack by a mob upon Frederick Douglass in tiie town of Pendleton in 1843, in which he gives the event as having occurred in 1847 or 1848."

"The gentleman's recollection is wrong in some particulars as the event occurred in 1848. Mr. Douglass was at no time in or near the house of Dr. M. G. Walker, although that gentleman undoubtedly saved Douglass from death at the hands of a brutal rufHan who was swinging a heavy bar of iron over the head of the prostrate man when Dr. Walker, a very powerful man threw his whole weight against the murderous villain and hurled him away just as Neal Hardy, also a brave and powerful man, and Edwin Fussel gathered around the falling orator and drove the mobocrats away.

" These fello\vs lived in Adams township in this county, and in the north part of Hancock county, and not in Anderson, as stated bv your correspondent. They went away leaving Mr. Douglass lying on the ground in insensibility, being sure that they had killed him, and they long enjoyed that delusion. "

Mr. Douglass was raised from the ground bv kind hands, and placed in charge of Mr. William Lukens, who took him to the home of Neal Hardy, where he was cared for and nursed with a tenderness which he never forgot and which led him years afterwards to say, " Since 1843 Xeal Hardy and family been a part of my life."

Frederick Douglass in writing of his life has this to say on this subject: " At Pendleton the mobocratic spirit was even more pronounced than in many other localities visited by me. It was found impossible to obtain a building in which to hold our convention, and our friend Dr. Fussel and others erected a platform in the woods where ciuite a large audience assembled. Mr. Bradburn, Mr. White and myself were in attendance. As soon as we began to speak a mob of about sixty of the roughest characters I ever looked upon, ordered us through its leader, to be silent, threatening us, if we were not, with violence. We attempted to dissuade them, but they said they did not come to parley but to tight and were well armed. Thev tore down the platform on which we stood, assaulted Isli. White and knocked out several of his teeth, dealt a blow to Mr. Bradburn, striking him on the back part of the head, badly cutting his scalp and felling him to the ground.

"I undertook to fight my way through the crowd with a stick which I had caught up in the melee. I attracted the fury of the mob, which laid me prostrate on the ground under a torrent of blows, leaving me thus with my right hand broken and in a state of unconsciousness.

"The mobocrats hastily mounted their horses and rode away. I was soon raised up and revived by Neal Hardy, a kindhearted member of the Society of Friends, and carried in his wagon about three miles in the country to his home, where I was tenderly nursed and bandaged by good Mrs. Hardy until I was again on my feet. But as the bones broken were not properly set, my hand never recovered its natural strength and dexterity."

The Mr. White mentioned by Mr. Douglass was William A. White, brother of Maria Lowell, first wife of James Russell Lowell. Mr. White was a very able and prominent man, who met a tragic fate at Milwaukee some years later.

Mr. Lewis in his article further states that he has a very vivid remembrance of Mr. Douglass and his description of the mob in a speech which he made at Jonesboro, at some time subsequent to this attack. Douglass was then about twentyfive years old ; he was an athlete and in the prime of a splendid young manhood. He was at that time a more eloquent orator than later in life. He was full of eloquent words, to which was added a bitter sarcasm, all of which made it very easy for anyone who then heard him to understand that he would become famous. The ring of his voice was quite different from that of his maturer years, when his husky voice and his soul's utterances seemed to belong to another.

The mobbing of Mr. Douglass caused great excitement in the community, and was not only severely criticised by all good and law-abiding citizens, but quite a number of the parties implicated in the mobbing were arrested, taken to Anderson and placed in the county jail.

the assailants lived, took the part of the rowdies. The excitement ran very high ; a company of men was formed at the village of New Columbus under the leadership of the Hon. Thomas McCallister, who was then a power among the citizens of the county. These men started for the Court House for the purpose of demanding the release of Runnels and the other prisoners in jail. Before reaching Anderson they halted their wagons a mile or so distant outside of the place and prepared their accoutrements of war, and ammunition for battle.

They sent a delegation ahead to demand of the Sheriff the surrender of the prisoners. For a time it looked as though there was going to be a real war. Colonel Nineveh Berry, a prominent citizen, accompanied by William B. Allen, ex-Sheriff of the countj', were foremost among those who desired to maintain the laws. These men went out to meet the belligerents. They endeavored to treat with them and to allay their excitement. The release of Runnels was agreed to and Mc- Callister said that hostilities should cease and accordingly the mob disbanded.

Since this outrage, public sentiment has not only been changed in Madison county, but everywhere throughout the land, where the flag of the United States floats to the breeze. There are now but few spots in our country where a negro or any other citizen cannot, from a public platform, indulge in free speech and proclaim his sentiments, upon any proper subject without molestation.

The Hon. Frederick Douglass in after years - on at least two occasions - visited Madison county. ,At one time not many years prior to his death he addressed a large meeting at the fair grounds at Anderson. In private conversation he spoke freely of the Pendleton affair and blamed no one for other than the natural dislike for the colored man at that time.

Arrested For Counterfeiting

On the 28th of December, 1854, Adam Anderson, John Jones, a man of the name of Huston, and William Brown were arrested by Benham Nelson, then Sheriff of Madison county, for passing counterfeit bank bills. These parties lived on what was called the Prairie road, in Fall Creek township, near the Anderson township line, in the neighborhood of the farm now occupied by James Qjiiinlan.

was with some difficulty that the officers were able to locate it, from the fact that the counterfeiters were very shrewd in the management of their operations and the circulation of their bogus money. Finally suspicion became so strong from some acts of the younger members of the gang that the officers felt justified in making arrests, and calling a posse, headed by the Sheriff, proceeded to the locality to place the parties under arrest. Their crime being a violation of the United States laws, they were at once taken before Judge Sample, of^'Muncie, who was then United States Commissioner, and a preliminary trial was held and they were bound over to the District Court at Indianapolis on a bond of !t!2,000 each.

Anderson and Jones were each about sixty years of age and had lived a long time in the community, and each had raised to maturity respectable families. Huston and Brown were young men of good parentage and had enjoyed a good reputation in the community in which they lived. It was strongly hinted that some other prominent people who are yet living in and around Pendleton were also engaged in this nefarious business, but sufficient evidence was never obtained upon which to arrest them and convict them of the crime. At the trial in the court Jones and Brown were convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary for a number of years, the term of which is not known to the writer.

Joseph O. Hardy, of Fall Creek township, was at one time one of the wealthiest and most influential farmers of that locality, being a public-spirited, high-minded gentleman, and full of push and enterprise. He was the leader of men in his neighborhood until one misfortune after another overtook him, causing him eventually to be reduced almost to poverty. ^Slan}' of the old-time citizens of the county can remember him and the many business transactions in which he figured.

He was once the owner of the large and elegant farm now in possession of Philip Matter, about four miles south of Anderson, on the Pendleton turnpike.

On Friday night, the 6th of November, 1874, a large barn situated on that place was discovered to be on fire. The building was a structure of about 60 x 100 feet, which had been erected but a short time, and contained an immense amount of

several tons of hay, farming implements, and six head horses, all of which were consumed. The whole interior of the barn was ablaze when first discovered, and nothing could be done to arrest the flames. The total loss on the property, -was estimated to be in the neighborhood of $(j,()00, and the insurance amounted to only !(>3,00().

The farm on which this fire occurred has a history connected with it not enjoyed bj' any other piece of property in the county. It was once owned by a man of the naine of James Carson, who, during the war of the Rebellion, went to the State of Arkansas, where he remained until the close of the war and for a long time thereafter. In the meantime he had sold and transferred the farm to one E. A. Russell, who formerly resided in Anderson. Mr. Russell gave notes and executed a mortgage for the same. The former owner of the property to whom Mr. Russell gave the notes not having made his appearance in Madison county before the termination of the Rebellion, action was brought through Judge W. R. Pierse and others for the purpose of having the notes and mortgage executed for the purchase of the property confiscated on the ground that Mr. Carson, who had gone to Arkansas, -was disloyal, and not a citizen of the United States. The case was tried in the Circuit Court, and after a patient and careful hearing, it was decided that the notes and mortgage were null and void, and they were therefore canceled by order of the court, and thus Mr. Russell and his co-plaintiffs became the owners of this beautiful and valuable property without the payment of any money whatever.

The title subsequently passed into the hands of one Railey Davis, a wealthv farmer of Fall Creek township, and subsequently became the property of Mr. Charles L. Henry, of Anderson, who received a warranty deed under Mr. Davis for the same. During all this time, and during these transfers no demand was ever made by any one to test the validity of the title. Nor was there any such demand made until after Mr. Henry had come into possession of the property. Sometime about the j'ear 1885 the owner of the property from whom it had been confiscated unexpectedly made his appearance in Anderson, and demanded compensation for the land, which being refused, he employed the law firm of Robinson &. Lovett, who brought proceedings in the United States court to have the judgment of the Madison Circuit Court confiscating

The case was hotly contested. The court, however, held that the plaintiff having proven that during his residence in Arkansas he had never committed a disloyal act against the United States, and that he had been true to his government, the real-estate was, therefore, decreed to him as being the lawful and rightful owner.

This decision left Mr. Henry but one alternative, to fall back on 'Sir. Bailey Davis, the only responsible party from whom he held the warrant of title. In the further transaction of this matter, Mr. Bailey Davis proved that he was an exceptionally honest and upright man, doing what but few people would have done under similar circumstances. Instead of employing attorneys and going into court to defend himself, as he might have done, and thus added costs to Mr. Henry and others, he simply, after having determined the amount of the purchase money with every cent of interest on the notes reckoned to the latest date, went down "into his jeans"' and planked down nearly six thousand dollars of his hard-earned money, and paid the same over to Robinson & Lovett, the attorneys for the lawful owner. And thus ended one of the great legal battles of this county.

But a few weeks previous to this writing this celebrated farm was again visited with a fire which destroyed the large barn recently built by C. L. Henry on the opposite side of the road from the former one. It was then owned by Mr. Philip Matter, of Marion, Ind. The structure and its contents were swept away.

Highway Robbery

In the month of November, 1875, one of the most daring highway robberies ever committed in the county took place on the Fishersburg pike, between Pendleton and Fishersburg, in which a man of the name of Andrews was held up and robbed of the pitiful sum of $6.

Andrews was a brother of Whitfield Andrews, who lived in the country, and had drawn .$700 out of a bank at Indianapolis, which belonged to a lady friend, for whom he was an agent, and to whom he had paid the money shortly after receiv ng it. When he had done this lie took the evening train on the Bee Line road for the purpose of visiting friends in Madison county. He left the train at Pendleton, and after partaking of a lunch started to walk from there to Fishersburg. About two miles from Pendleton, near the residence of a man of the name of Clark, he was met by two men whom he recognized as having seen at Indianapolis, and who had dogged his steps during the day. Before he scarcely had time to stop one of them struck him on the head with some kind of a weapon which felled him to the ground, after which he was beaten in a most terrible manner so he was rendered unconscious. In that condition he remained for some time, and when his senses returned found that both his boots were gone, his stockings taken off and his pockets rifled of their contents. The robbers received nothing for their pains except the small sum of )f6.

Mr. Andrews was so injured that he could scarcely stand, and after almost superhuman eflbrts he succeeded in reaching the residence of Harvey Gwinn, in Stoney Creek township. Mr. Gwinn conveyed him to his residence and then took him to the home of Alfred Gates, just across the line in Hamilton county, Mr. Gates being a cousin of Andrews. The wounded man remained for several days at the residence of his relative in a critical condition, but finally recovered and returned to his home. He had no doubt but that his assailants had been present in the bank at Indianapolis when he drew the money, and that they had shadowed him to this point, where they intended to kill him and then rob him. No clue to the robbers was ever obtained or their whereabouts made known.

Found Dead In Bed

On the 28th of June, 1868, J. W. Pavey, of Fall Creek township, suddenly and without warning gave up the race of life, being found dead in his bed. He had been in his usual good health and early in the morning got up to do some chores as was his custom, and after doing his work he returned to his sleeping chamber and retired again.

The members of the family, in due time, got up and breakfast was prepared at the usual hour. Mr. Pavey was called for his meal, but did not respond. In a short time he was called again, with no response, when the family became alarmed and on going to his room were horrified to find him cold in death.

Suicide Of J. L. Hensley

J. L. Hensley was a prominent farmer, who lived about three miles north of Pendleton, and was a brother of the late Doctor Hensley, of this county. On Thursday, the 21st day of January, 1885, he took his own life by hanging. On the morning of his death, a neighbor, William Sisson, visited his home, and chatted with him upon various subjects. Mr. Sisson did not notice anything peculiar in his manner or words and was very much surprised a few hours later to be informed of his death. The deceased was a man of a very kind disposition, and lived at peace with his family and neighbors. He was a veteran of the Mexican war, and had also served in the 69th Indiana Regiment in the War of the Rebellion. His body was found hanging in a corn-crib, to the end of a rope which he had used for the purpose.

Mr. Hensley was born in Virginia in the year 1821, and was about (34 years of age at the time of his death. During the war he distinguished himself as a good soldier, and at the battle of Pittsburg Landing was, for meritorious service, promoted to be First Lieutenant in the company in which he enlisted. He was a charter member of Sam Henry Post, G. A. R., of Pendleton, and was buried by that organization with all the honors of war. He left a wife, six children and one brother to mourn their loss.

Suicide Of Dr. Hensley

Dr. William Hensley, of Fall Creek township, was a wellknown personage in Madison county for a great number of years. He lived at Pendleton for a long time, and was an agent for a life insurance company. He had in his earlier days prepared himself for the practice of medicine atConnersville, Indiana, but for some cause abandoned it. He never practiced after he located in Madison county. He was a farmer at the time of his death, and lived on a piece of land which he owned north-east of Pendleton. He was of a very jovial disposition, a fluent talker and a good story-teller, and was the last person any one would think ^vho harbored the idea of self-destruction.

On Saturday morning, the :?8th of February, 1888, he arose about (5 o'clock to start the fire as usual, and before any of the family was aware of his intentions he took a loaded shotgun and blew out his brains. His death was simultaneous with the discharge of the gun. The load entered below his right jaw and blew off the top of his head. It mutilated his face and head in a terrible manner. No special cause could be assigned for this rash act other than despondency, caused by the failure of his crops and financial troubles. He was a man about sixty-five years of age and lived with his third wife» He was a native of Virginia. He left a wife and six children, two of whom were married. He was a brother of J. T. Hensley, whose suicide is given above.

Drowning Of Charles Haines

Charles Haines, a young man about twenty years of age,, a son of Abner Haines, who resided about four miles south of Pendleton, was drowned in White river on the 12th of August,, 1887, six miles west of Anderson. He with several others were spreading their seines in the river for the purpose of catching fish, when young Haines attempted to swim across a small whirlpool where the water was quite deep. The current proved too strong for him, and he was carried down and drowned in the presence of twenty men, who stood around apparently dumb from fright. Gideon Knopp, a young man' of the neighborhood where the occurrence took place, made an effort to rescue Haines when he came to the surface for the first time, but he received a blow on the head from the drowning man that stunned him.

The body was recovered almost immediately after it sank: to the bottom, but life was extinct, and all eflforts at resuscitation were without avail. The remains were taken to thehome of his parents, and his funeral occurred at the neighboring cemetery a few days afterwards.

Burning Of A Barn

On Christmas morning, 1884, a large barn situated in the rear of Todd & Taylor's store in Pendleton, was discovered to be on fire, the flames bursting through the roof. In a few moments the entire building with its contents was destroyed. The building had been erected for a livery barn and belonged to Eliza Taylor and was occupied at the time by George Hollowell, a butcher. It contained five valuable horses belonging to him and one belonging to Clinton Mowery, three buggies, three sleighs, three meat wagons and a large quantity of hay and feed, all of ^vhich were destroyed. Great efforts were made to save the horses, but the fire drove back everyone who attempted to go near. Otto Lackey made heroic efforts to rescue the animals, but was so overcome by heat that he was taken away from the place in an unconscious condition. The building stood in the center of a square and was surrounded by other buildings, two of which nearly touched it, but a heavy sno^v on the roofs saved them from destruction. There %vas no insurance either on the building or its contents.

In the month of February, 1885, a large two-story house that stood upon what was known as the '-Junction Farm," two and one-half miles south-west of Pendleton, was destroyed hy fire. It had been built by Mr. John Hussey, of Indianapolis, about a year or so previous and was occupied by William Tyler, a tenant. A portion of the household goods was saved, principally from the lower rooms in the building. The house and contents were insured, but not sufficiently to cover the loss. The fire started in the kitchen but its origin is unknown. Tyler and his family were left w^ithout shelter but were taken of by kind neighbors, who went to their relief.

Fatally Scalded

On the 28th of August, 1891, Mrs. Peter Coverdale, living three miles north of Pendleton, while scalding a chicken left a pan of boiling water on the ground near where her two-yearold daughter was playing. The mother's attention was called away for a moment and the little one fell over and submerged one of its arms in the boiling water, from the effects of which she took lock jaw and died on the morning of August 31.

Burning Of The Cataract Mills

What was once known as the Cataract ]MilIs at Pendleton, situated at the Falls of Fall Creek, was on the 13th of July, 1882. destroyed by fire. This mill was one of the landmarks in that localitj', having been built many years ago. For a long time it was run as a flouring mill in connection a large ^voolen mill. It was at one time considered one of the most valuable pieces of property in Madison county,

For a long period it was the property of the Irish estate and was owned and operated by Samuel D. Irish, who was the father of Volney B. and James Irish, now residents of Anderson. The lire was discovered about 10 o'clock in the morning ; it was in the upper part of the mill and did not manifest itself until it had attained such proportions as to be beyond control. In a short time the building and its contents were in ashes.

It was owned at the time of its destruction by Colonel Parker and a gentleman of the name of Potts, who had only a short time previous to the fire been engaged in overhauling it and making repairs, thus making one of the most complete mills in the county. The loss was estimated to be fully iflo,- and was covered by insurance. Colonel Parker, one of the owners, was at one time a resident of Indianapolis, and had served two terms as Sheriff of Marion county. The mill was afterwards rebuilt and is at present standing on the old site near the Falls, but it has never been considered since the day of the fire a financial success.

Poisoned By Drinking Lemonade

In the month of August, 1881, Mr. Thomas M. Carter and family, who resided in the south part of Fall Creek township, while attending an old settlers' picnic near Greenfield, were poisoned by drinking lemonade.