Miami County, Indiana - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 15 of those read), 1887

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 15 of those read)

JACKSON TOWNSHIP forms the southeast corner of Miami County, and includes a superficial area of twentv-four square miles lying in Township 25, North Ranges 5 and 6, East of the Congressional survey. It is six miles long from North to South, five miles from East to West and bounded as follows: Wabash County on the North, Grant Count}' on the East, Howard County . on the South, and the Township of Harrison on the West. The streams are Pipe Creek and its numerous affluents which traverse all parts of the township, affording ample drainage, water for stock and farm use, and, in some places, eligible mill sites. With the exception of the main stream and one or two others the creeks frequently run dry, although the country may be said to be well watered, llie surface of the township as a general rule is level with undulations along the various water courses. The character of the soil is a dark loam, exceedingly rich and productive, producing in abundance all the crops grown in Northern Indiana. The country was originally covered with a dense forest growth of the finest timber, the greater part of which has been cleared, although sufficient remains for all practical purposes. The leading varieties were walnut, poplar, beech, sugar, elm, a.sh and the different kinds of oak.

Sclllciiicnl. - As is well known, the Township of Jackson originally formed a part of the Miami Reservation, consequently but few settlers came to the country prior to the purchase of the land from the Indians. It is true that hunters and trappers, lured by the abundance of game with which the forests abounded.

traversed the country from time to time in quest of their favorite pursuit but it was not until about the year 1842 that the first actual settlers made their appearance. In that year "Thomas Creviston and Silas Bra'ffet two stalwart, energetic young men, having determined to trv their fortunes in a new countrv, came and built two cabins near the line of Miami and Grant Counties." "The cabin of Braffet stood just across the line in Richland Township, Grant County, while Creviston located in what is now Jackson Township on land still in possession of his heirs."

The next comer was probabl\- John Powell, who settled in the eastern part of the township on land now owned by H. Draper, some time in the above year.

Another settler of 1842, was Thomas Mason, who located a home in the northeast corner of the township, where he resided a few years, selling out in an early day to a Mr. Davis and moving from the county. Thomas Addington came as early as 1842, and settled upon the present site of Xenia, where he made a good farm upon which he resided for a period of about twelve or fifteen years. He left the township at the end of that time and moved to Henry County.

The 3'ear 1843 witnessed the arrival of quite a number of substantial men, prominent among whom was Oliver H. P. Macy, formerly an early settler of Grant County. He came January of the above year and located a tract of land which is now occupied by a part of the town of Xenia, and for forty-three years has been one of the leading citizens of the township. He has not only manifested an active interest in all the affairs of the township, but was formerh* a potent factor in countv politics, and on account of his superior business qualifications, was twice elected to the office of Sheriff. He is now an honored resident of Xenia, where he is spending his declining years in the enjoyment of that peace and quiet which onh' those who have successfully grappled with the world for a half century know how to appreciate.

John Gates settled about three miles north of Xenia, early in 1843, chosing for his home the farm now owned by Mr. Haskett; about the same time or perhaps a little later, James Que located near the central part of the township on what is now the Lad farm. In 1S44 James McKinley settled in the northwest corner of the township, where he lived until within a ver}' recent date. James Poulson located the Busby farm in the same year, and prior to 1845, William Bowman and Samuel Long were living in the same localitx'. Another settler in the northern part of the township was John Long, who early acquired an unenviable notoriety on account of his quarrelsome disposition. He was a true t\pe of the rovstering, backwoods bulh', and no occasion was allowed to pass by unimproved, where he could have a friendly little knockdown with somebody whom he knew was not his equal in the manly accomplishment of pugilism. He came to be dreaded b}- all the peaceably disposed people of the neighborhood and many could not repress a sigh of relief when they learned of his sudden "taking off"' in a blood}' encounter with a kindred spirit at an infair party. His widow afterwards married Samuel Long.

Among the settlers of 1844 and '45, were James Calhound, near the central part of the township; David Daniels, on the Helm farm, near Pipe Creek; Rev. Abraham See, a local preacher of the Methodist Church, about one mile northeast of Xenia, and Henry Thomas, who changed his habitation at frequent intervals. Samuel Butler located near the northwest corner of the township about the vear 1846 and was a resident for several years. He subsequently became a Mormon and in company with several others of that faith emigrated to Utah, since which time nothing has been heard of him.

Another early comer, whose arrixal antedates 1846, was Samuel Draper, who settled about one-half mile west of Xenia. David Draper came a little later and located a short distance north of the town. Henry Addington, father of Thomas Addington, was an early settler south of Xenia, and about the j'ear 1845 George Badger came to the township and made some improvements two and a half miles west of the present site of the town.

Additional to those mentioned, the following persons came to the township in an early da}-, viz: William Overman, Eli Overman, Arch Moorman, Jonathan Pearson, Nathan Arnold, Jabez and William Berry, William Bond, George W. Gates, Thomas Slillwell, William Bahnger, Solomon Wright, Calvin Edgerton, Jacob Robbins, Newton Tangury, Elihu Ensley, William Tangury (father of Newton), James Wimmer, Joseph Shook, Morgan Williams, Ira Steele, John Pearson and B. B. Lamb, the majority of whom became residents prior to the year 1848. After that date the tide of immigration set in more numerously and it will be impossible to give a complete list of all entitled to a mention as early settlers. Among the number, however, are mentioned: Thomas Shinn, F. M. Da\is, Joseph Powell, David Adams. Wm. Adams, Jesse Shinn, Frank Shinn, Abraham Bell, Elliott Walker, Willis Elliott, David Stanley, Henry Cooper, Turner Sullivan, Moses Kimball, Jacob Riggle, Jacob Hudlow, John Hudlow, Sr., John Hudlow, Jr., Jefferson Shinn, Moses McCoy, Wesley Draper, Elijah Draper, Robert Cook, Benjamin Benbow, Hiram Pearson and Michael Holintrsworth.

Mr. Macy circulated a petition to tliis effect which was signed by all the citizens of the township except two, who gave as a reason for not allowing their names to be placed on the paper that they wanted "to keep law and order out of the country as long as possible." The majority of the petitioners expressed a preference for the name of '-Libert}-," by which the new township should be designated. After visiting every citizen of the township, Mr. Macy walked to Peru and presented the paper to the County Commissioners, who, after some deliberation, granted the request of the petitioners, substituting the name of Jackson (in honor of Andrew Jackson) for that of '-Liberty." Under the order designating the boundaries and setting apart this area as a separate jurisdiction, a further order was entered fixing the date at which an election would be held for the purpose of choosing the necessary township officers. The election was held accordingly, at the cabin of James C. Poulson, near Xenia, Abraham See, acting as inspector. At this election David Daniels was chosen Justice of the Peace, and Abraham See, Constable. Probably the earliest Trustees were James McKinley and Gabriel Hayes, and later Christian Life, Mr. Bond and A. D. Kimball, held the office. Among the early Justices were Henry Cooper and Moses Kimball. The following citizens of Jackson have been honored by election to county offices at different times, viz: Dr. M. D. Ellis, Auditor: Enos Massey and Jos. B. Mills, Commissioners; O. H. P. AL'icy, Sheriff, and J. W. Eward, Representative.

Early Deaths, Births and Marriages. - The first death in Jackson Township was that of an infant child of Thomas and Mary Addington, which occurred a few years after the family moved to the county. It was buried in the Xenia grave yard, the first cemetrv in the township, laid out on the land of Thomas Mason. Susannah Poulson, daughter of James C. and Delilah Poulson, was born May, 1844. This from the most reliable information appears to have been the first white child born within the present limits of Jackson. Among the early marriages celebrated in the township were those of Charles Marine to Maria Balinger, Oscar Addington to Mar}- A. North, and Peter Cluster to a Miss Wright. Among early marriages deserving special mention was that of David Draper to Miss Elizabeth Balinger, which was solemnized under very peculiar circumstances. It appears that the lady in question resided with a sister a short distance across the line in Grant County, while the groom, who was resident of Miami, made the serious mistake of going to Peru to procure the document necessary to legalize the union. The license properly signed and adorned with the seal of the Miami County Court, was procured in due time, and with this in his pocket the happy young man wended his way to the residence of the expectant bride, who, with a number of invited guests, was anxiously awaiting his arrival. Everythinp- was <rotten in readiness for the ceremon}', when the clerical gentleman, who was to ofliciate, astonished the assembled company by the startling intelligence that a marriage in Grant County could not be legally solemnized under a license from Miami. As an escape from the embarrassing dilemma which followed this announcement, some one suggested that, as the county line was not far distance; the whole party should walk over to the proper territory where the ceremony could be performed and much disappointment saved. This was no sooner said than acted upon, and the jolly crowd, headed by the clergyman, made its way across the border, where in the midst of a thick woods, were said the words which forever made the happy couple man and wife.

Rclig/OHS. - The first religious services were held about the year 1845 by the Methodists at the residence of John Powell. The first ministers of this denomination were Revs. Abraham See, Alfred Sharp and Elias Masters. Not long after the United Brethren held services at the house of James C Poulson, where Rev. George C. Smith administered to the spiritual wants of the few settlers in the vicinit}' with considerable regularit}- and good effect. The first permanent organization was the Xenia Church, of which a sketch will be found in the history of the town. About the year 1846 the Friends began holding meetings in various parts of the township, and one year later an organization was effected at the town of Amboy, which has since grown to be one of the largest and most flourishing societies in the southern part of the county.

Religious services were held by those several denominations with more or less regularity during the earlier periods of the township's history. Churches or meeting-houses designed especially as places of worship are of more recent date. The first one erected so far as information goes, was at Xenia. in 1849, by the Methodists, and about the same time or perhaps one year later, the Friends built a log house a short distance northwest of the town of Amboy. Still later another building was erected by the same denomination near Xenia in which a society, organized in 1851, still meets for worship. The preachers of the last named church have been Albert Smith, Calvin Lawson, Eliza Stanley, Mary Malott. Among those of the Amboy congregation were Mordecai Painter and Hannah Edgerton. At the present time there are several religious societies in the township, all of which are enjoying a reasonable degree of prosperity.

finest acricultural regions of Northern Indiana is such by nature is to indicate that it was intended to be an important commercial center, a fact which the original proprietors seem to have had in view at the time the survey was made. The original plan of the town embraced a small area on the east half of the northwest quarter and the west half of the northeast quarter of Section 32, Tow'nship 25 North, Range 6 East, containing in all thirt\-two lots and four streets, viz: Wabash, Marion, Sycamore, running east and west; and Jefferson, north and south. This unpretentious plat was surveyed April, 1849, for Willis Elliott and O. H. P. Macy, who immediately thereafter offered the lots at very reasonable figures, in the hopes of inducing immigration to the newly formed city. According to the testimony of Mr. Macy, who is still a resident of the town, one of the first houses on the present site of Xenia was a small, round log cabin, about eighteen feet long and fifteen feet wide, erected by Henr}' Overman in the summer of 1849 °" ^^^ Delphi road, which, since the surve\', has been known as Miami Street. A large rough shed was subsequently attached to this building, a part of which was partitioned off foi' a store room, where was offered for sale the first stock of merchandise ever brought to the place. The arrangement of this primitive building was such that persons wishing to make a purchase were obliged to pass through the family room in order to inspect the goods, which were thrown together in a promiscuous heap in the shed back of the main apartment. Mr. Overman's stock consisted of a limited supply of groceries, notions and a few pieces of coarse dry goods, all of which, with a feather bed, were freighted to the town in a ten bushel box. After remaining in the town a short time our pioneer merchant moved to other parts, and, if any reliance can be placed in the statements of his friends, we are safe in saying that he failed to realize a fortune in his stupendous business venture. Another early settler in the town was James Mote, who built a residence on the southwest corner of Marion and Jefferson streets, where the dwelling of Chas. M. Wales now stands. Mr. Mote was a carpenter by occupation, and in connection with his trade turned an honest penny now and then by opening his house for the accommodation of such travelers as saw fit to accept and pay for his hospitalities. Joseph Brazington, one of the first mechanics of the town, erected a small dwelling on S3'camore and Jefferson streets in 1849, and for several }ears thereafter worked at the trade of cabinet making, in which he is said to have been quite proficient. One of the earliest business houses was the one on the southeast corner of Marion and Jefferson street erected by Isaac Carter and first used by Quincy Baldwin, who subsequently effected a co-partnership with John Baldwin, which lasted for some time. Christian Life began merchandising in an early day with a small stock of goods on the north side of Jefferson street, and a little later came Cooper and Scott, who carried on a fairly successful houses on Main street west of the main crossing. In the year 1852, O. H. P. Macy erected the building now occupied by Daniel Mendenhall, in which he carried on a general mercantile business for three or four years. He had previously sold goods with Quincy Baldwin and was one of the first substantial merchants of the town. Nathan Simons sold goods in a part of the Mendenhall building a short time, and in an earh- da\- Jehu Willcutts opened a small general store on the southeast corner of Marion and Jefferson streets. Elisha Draper was an early merchant, as were also John Grimes and Mr. Fisher, all of whom sold goods in the Mendenhall building. Thomas Addington built a frame house, two stories high, on the northeast corner of the main crossing, where the Peters building now stands, in which he kept a hotel, one of the first of any note in the town.

L.alcr Business Enterprises. - The following are among the most prominent who haye done business here since 1864. Daniel Mendenhall opened out in the general goods business the abo\'e year, purchasing the Macy building on lot 12 which he has since occupied, being the oldest merchant in the place at this time. The first druggist was A. P. Stout, who was succeeded in a short time by Ilenr}- Thomas. Dr. Lacy sold gooHs for a short time in a house erected by the Masonic Fraternity on lot number 20, southeast corner of Marion and Jefferson streets, and was succeeded b}- Messrs. Flynn and Eward, who effected a partnership which lasted until 1872, Mr. Eward retiring that year. E. S. Lee began the general goods business about 1872 and in connection with that branch of trade, dealt very extensively in staves and lumber until 1874. A. B. Fisher became identified with the tommercial interests of the town in 1872 and for several years carried on a very successful mercantile and lumber business. The first hardware store was started in 1872 by Hunt and Osborne who were subsequently succeeded by Osborne and Wales, and they in turn b\' the firm of Lillard and Philips.

Powell and Norris sold general merchandise from about 1874 till 1876 and the firm of Powell and Keys lasted some time longer. J. M. Wright, Jonathan Small, A. Ke}s, j'. J. Keys, William Denmth, Newby and Cain, Banks and Bowman, the Sumpter Brothers, James Dale, John D. Mcllwain and others were in business from time to time but it will be impossible to give the e.xact dates at which they came to the town.

all the lots embraced in the original plat had been purchased and the majority of them improved. The influx of population after that year continued such that an extension of the town limits became necessary. Subsequently in March, 1856, an addition of forty lots was made bv Thomas Addington and O. H. P. Macy. The next addition, consisting of twentv-nine lots, was made September, 1S67, and two years later, J. M. Eward and J. N. Converse, each platted additions. Other additions since then were made as follows, viz: Smith and Lee nine lots September, 1870. Summer and Peters eighteen lots June, 1874, "^^^ Belinda S. Davis thirteen lots Julv,

Miuiitfactones.. - The construction of the Pittsburgh & Chicago Railroad through the countr}' in 1S55 marked an era in the history of Xenia, and its importance as a trading and shipping point early became assured. The road was not completed, ho we\er, until 1868. at which time the lumber business became the leading industry of the town, and ere long several saw-mills were in successful operation, giving employment to a large force of men. Prior to that time, however, a small steam saw-mill was brought to the place by Henry Overman, who operated it for a short time, its business being purely local. It was subsequently purchased bv Alexander Street and closed operations about the year 1869. The second mill was started by Macy & Overman soon after the completion of the raiU road, and for several \ears did an immense amount of sawing for the local and general markets; The mill stands in the western part of the town and is still operated b\ Mr. Macy. Elisha Clark engaged in the lumber business a number of years ago, erecting a large steam mill near the railroad in the east end of the village. The mill has been extensively patronized and is operated at this time bv L. M. Reeves.

A-bout the year 1869 a planing mill and stave factory was built in the north part of the town by E. S. Lee, who operated it with gratifying success for a period of four or five years. Machinery for the manufacture of tow from flax was subsequently attached, and this branch of industry was carried on quite extensively by Messrs. Lee & Patterson until the destruction of the mill by fire in 1874. A. B. Fisher began the manufacture of staves in 1870, and continued the same until 1875 or '76, when he moved his mill to Union City.

A large tow and flax mill was built in Xenia about the year 187 1 by John Coyle, who operated it two j-ears, when it was purchased by Lehman & Co., of Peru, by whom it was run until 1876. This enterprise proved quite successful, but to the regret of the citizens of the town was moved away the latter year. The first and only flouring mill in Xenia was erected in in 1868 by Wright & McFeely, who operated it as partners until 1870, at which time the latter became sole owner. It was afterwards purchased by E. H. Shirk, who, after owning it a short time, sold it to William Rankin. In 1882 it again came into the possession of Mr. Shirk, since which time it has not changed hands. The mill is a three-storv frame building, supplied with good machinerj-, and, under the management of Aydelott & Son, the present proprietors, commands a fair proportion of the current trade. Another industry of Xenia was a tanner}-, operated by A. J. Saxton prior to 1866. J. W. Eward purchased it in 1870, and sold two years later to J. W. Marine, who in 1874 disposed of it to Levi Hall. The tannery has done a very good business, and is still operated by the gentleman last named.

Hatch. - Contemporar\- with the earlv settlement of Xenia came the primiti\e inn, which differed from the simple cabin of the private citizen, principalh' in that its hospitalities were dispensed at ii fi.xed price. Its patronage was largely derived from the prospectors who visited the new town, the temporarj- character of whose stay rendered such an establishment necessary. The earliest' of this class of houses was the cabin of James Mote, to w^hich reference has alread}- been made. The next caterer to the traveling public was one Clayborne Wright, who kept the same house for several years, and who earned the reputation of having been a popular host. In 1868 a building expressly for hotel purposes was erected south of the railroad, on Jefferson street, by George Wood, who ran it until 1884, at which time the entire structure was destroyed by tire. Another hotel was built sometime later, on the northeast corner of Marion and Jefferson streets, by John Saxon: it was burned about the year 1873. At the present time there are two good hotels, viz: The Cottage House, kept by John Martin, and the Tilman House, by N. T. Tilman.

Professional Men. - Dr. Frazier was the first physician to practice his profession in Xenia, located here when the town was but a niche in the surrounding forest. The second Medical man was Ur. Pope, after whom came Drs. M. D. Ellis, A. D. Kimball, T. C. Kimball, George Egbert. D. B. Snodgrass, R. K. Robinson, O. A. Mendenhall and J. C. Dillon. The physicians at this time are, A. D. Kimball, R. W. Smith, J. S. Kel.sev,"0. B. Litzenbarger and O. A. Mendenhall.

Mechanics. - The early mechanics of Xenia were James Mote and Samuel Glands, carpenters, Jacob Holinger, Joseph Cle\inger, A. J. Gehring and Andrew Dine, blacksmiths: John Grant, shoemaker: Joshua Howell, cabinetmaker, and Tiiomas Jesup, wagon and carriage maker.

The Press. - The first newspaper enterprise in Xenia was the Xenia 6rV/^-r//(r, Established in the }ear 1868 by Charles P. Thew, under wiiose management it was regularly issued for a period of two years, when R. K. Robinson became editor and proprietor. JNIr. Robinson continued the publication until 1874 '^^ which time the office and contents were completely destro3ed by the conflagration of that year. T/ic Gazette was a si.x column folio devoted to the interests of the town and at one time reached a very respectable circulation.

The Xcnia Times, a four column quarto, began to be published in 1879 by Cleveland J. Reynolds as editor and proprietor, who designed it as an independent weeklv, through which the productions of local writers might be given publicity. At the end of about eighteen months the office was. leased bv Ward and Frank who run it one vear when N^r. Revnold again took charge and shorth- afterwards moved it from the town. In the meantime Samuel F. \\ inters, an old newspaper man of Peru, and J. O. Frame, of Xenia, formed a partnership under the firm name of Frame and Winters, for the'piu'pose of continuing The Times, the material for the same being that formerlv used in the publication of The VValuish ] 'alley Blade, a campaign sheet pre\iously issued at the county seat. Under the management of this firm the paper was conducted with more than ordinarv abilitv for one vear, at the end of which time Mr. Frame retired, Mr. Winters assuming entire control. The paper was a five column quarto and at once grew in popular favor until it reached a circulation of over eight hundred. From some cause not known to the writer it w^ finally discontinued the last number bearing date of September 8. 1886.

The A'oiia yottrmil, a six colimin quarto published weekly, was established December 12, 1883. A. L. Lawshe and Roscoe Kimple, two energetic voung men, began the enterprise with a guaranteed subscription of four hundred and an ample advertising patronage. On Mondav preceding the issue of the first number there, was not a press nor line of type in the town, but so intent were the publishers upon getting the paper out on the dav promised, that everything was gotten in readiness in less than a week, and in due time the younial made its apjiearance, full\- meeting the expectations of its subscribers. Mr. Lawshe purchased his partner's interest at the end of the first year, since which time he has been sole editor and proprietor. In its editorial make-up the foiinial is an independent local paper devoted to a manlv and fearless discussion of the leading questions of the day, upon all of which the editor has verv decided opinions. In its mechanical make up the paper is a model of neatness, and, with a present circulation of over eight hundred we bespeak for it a large increase in the number of its patrons. Mr. Lawshe. while still a voung man, is a vigorous and terse writer, and has already proved himself to be one of the most successful newspaper men in Miami County.

Jidiiks. - The Xenia Bank was established June, 1S84, b\- Robert Spencer, George W. Webster and Burr Dean, and continued until sometime the following 3ear. It was a bank of private exchange and did a fairly successful business until the several partners withdrew tiieir stock.

In the spring of 1S85 the present Exchange Bank was established bv Mark Tally, with a large capital. This is one of the most successful banking houses in the county, and promises to remain a permanent feature of the town. The greater part of the business is looked after by the accomplished cashier, ISIr. John Martin.

A'^ciiia Union A^rict'ilfurdl Socictv was organized in 1S71 by a joint stock company, with the following officers: L. M. Reeves, president; R. K. Robinson, secretary; J. W. Eward, treasurer, and J. M. Wright, superintendent. The original stock was divided into about eightv shares, but few of which have been transferred, the enterprise ha\'ing proved a safe and satisfactory investment to the se\eral stock holders. The organization being perfected a tract of land was leased by the Association as a fair ground, of sufficient dimensions to subserve all the purposes for which it was intended. The needed buildings and conveniences were soon after built, and the Hrst fair was held in September of the abo\e 3'ear. Since that time an increased interest has been manifested, justifying the expenditure of liberal sums of money in the erection of suitable buildings with all the improvements appertaining to such grounds that experience has found necessary to completely adapt them to the wants of the public. Annually, since the first, fairs have been held and largely attended, proving the efficiency of the Association in accomplishing the purposes foreshadowed in its organization. The present officers of the Association are L. M. Reeves, president: J. W. Eward, secretar\'; D. E. Warnock, treasurer, and L. W. Powell, superintendent.

School Bitil(li)i<^s. - The first school house erected for the accommodation of the children of Xenia stood a short distance west of the 'town, the site being now within the corporation, and was built by the township about the year 1866. This was a small frame building, and served the purposes for which it was intended until the year 1872. In that year the present twostory brick structure, 32x76 feet in size, containing four conuriodious school rooms, was erected at a cost of $8,000.

J^irc Dcfxirtmait - Xenia boasts of one of the most efficient and well equipped fire departments in .Miami County, and those who have witnessed its effective work will not call in question the justness of the claim. The department was organized July I, 1885, with a membership of twenty-two, a number which has neither increased nor diminished since that date. A Little Giant engine was subsequently purchased, and a house for the same, 16x50 feet in size, erected. The company has done efficient service since its organization, and is a feature of which the citizens feel justly proud. The officers at this time are Aaron Michaels, chief; L. G. Murphy, assistant chief: Joseph Sellers, secretary; Amos Fowler, treasurer; Joseph Sellers and Frank McConnell, hoseman. Prior to the organization of the department, Xenia suffered severely from several very destructive tires, the first of which occurred about the year 1870 or '71. The fire, which was wholly accidental, originated in the southeast corner of the town, and before it could be arrested, five or six business houses and a number of smaller buildings were entirely destroj'ed, entailing a heav}^ loss upon the people, from the effects of which some have never recovered. In 1877 another destructive conflagration occurred, which laid in ruins the greater part of the business portion of the town, including among others the following buildings, viz: Saxon's Hotel, the store of Flynn & Eward, Powell & Norris' business house, and the office of the Xenia Gazette, the entire loss amounting to about $20,000. With commendable energy, the citizens immediateh' went to work and within a short time the scene of the fire was rebuilt with a number of substantial brick business houses, a fact which proves that calamities are sometimes blessings in disguise. A fire in 1882 completelv destroved a number of buildings, and since that time several portions of the town have been greatlv damaged bv the devouring element.

Lodgxs. - Xenia Lodge, No. 267, F. and A. M., was organized anterior to i860, and flourished with a fair degree of prosperity until the destruction of the hall and other property in the fall of 1872. The loss being greater than the society could well afford to meet, it was decided to abandon the organization, and from tliat time until 1874 no meetings appear to been held. In the latter year however, an organization was effected, a hall for lodge purposes rented, and fullv equipped for work, the society, under many favorable auspices, started out upon its second career, which was destined to continue but a short time. In 187S another visitation from the fire fiend destroyed the hall and paraphenalia, after which it was decided to surrender the charter, as the organization found itself unable to procure a room and the necessary equipment. The officers at the time of the dissolution were Jos. Boswell, W. M.: L. B. Carver, S. W.: J. W. Eward, J. W., and Joseph A. Philips, Treasurer.

society now numbers about tift}-tive members, and holds its meetini(s in a beautiful brick hall erected in 1879. T^^ entire building, representing a capital of $4,000, belongs to the organization, and in 1872 a cemeterj-, costing $2,000, was laid out near the town. The lodtre is stroniT financially and has been the means of accomplishing a vast amount of good in the community.

Xetja Cornet Band, Was organized September, 1886. with fifteen members. The several parts are carried as follows; Henr}- Fields andOscar Arrick, leaders: Rufus Michaels, B flat, principal; Charles Wimmer, second B flat; Claude Murphy, Tuba; Edgar N orris, B Biss; Logan Summers, Baritone: William Rhodes, ist Tenor; Llenrv Summers, 2d Tenor; James Howe, 2d Alto; Charles Wintz, ist Altn; A. L. Coan, Solo Alto: Joel Jackson, Bass Drum; D. Wimmer ani Bert Goodwin, Snare Drum.

Churches. - The first religious societ\- of Xenia was a class of the Wesleyan Mehodists, organized within a couple of 3ears after the survey of the own. A log house of worship was erected in an early day on thelot now occupied by the U. B. Church, and for a number of years tie societv held its meetings regularly, ha\ing at one time been the leivling organization in the township. Owing to internal dissensions, dtaths and removals, the membership began to diminish, and the lack if interest continuing, the society was finally abandoned, the last meeing being held in 1870.

United Bretheru it. Christ. - The Xenia class of the U. B. Church was organized aliiut the vear 1856, by Rev. C\ rus Smith, and among the early menbers were Seth Summers, Mary Summers, Zachariah Cleving6 and wife, Thomas Darby, Hannah Darbv, Charles Branam ancMarv A. Clevinger. Meetings were first held at the residence of Seth Summers, in Grant County, and subsequently in the Wesleyan louse of worship in Xenia, which \\ as used b)- the society for a perio' of about two years, the membership increasing quite rapidly duringVhat period. In the course of time this building became insufficient to meet the wants of the church, and steps were taken by both or^inizations to supply that want by the construction of a new house ir.which to worship. Accordingly, in 1859, the old building was torn away and the present comfort- able frame edifice, occupying tlie same site, erected at a cost of about $Soo. After the disorganization of the Wesleyan class, the United Brethern purchased the entire property, which was remodeled and formally dedicated as a U. B. Church in 1872. The following list embraces the majority of pastors of the societ\', yiz: Revs. C3-rus Smith, B. F. Holcomb, Frank Morgan, Alexander Carroll, A. J. Stout, Wm. Ovyler, Mr. Mosier, J. Y. DeMumburg, Thomas McFadden, Thomas Eyans, Irwin Cox and John Cramer, the last name being pastor at this time. Of the original member.^ but three are now liying, yiz: Thomas Darb\', Hannah l)arb\- ard Mary Summers. Present membership about thirty-five. Present officers: Thomas Darby, William Herman and John VanDol.^tan. Trustees, and Charles Sullivan, Steward.

Methodist Episcopal Chiirrh of Xcnia - Of the earliest ifforts to establish a Methodist Church in Jackson Township no record now remains; the majority of the families of that faith vho resided here in the first years of the country's history having moved away or passed to the life beyond. Meetings vere held in the neighborhood by itinerant ministers, as early a."^ 1845 and it was about that date, or perl^aps a couple of year.» later, that an organization was effected which met regularly 'or worship at the residences of the different members. Among th' early preachers were Revs. Bowman and Bradshaw, men noted <)r their zeal in the cause they represented. Among the first memJers of the class were Joseph Powell and family, John Powell and fanily, Louisa Kimball, Shadrock Elliott and family, and Jesse Elliat and family, the majority of whom have long since passed frorr the church militant to the church triumphant. Services we-c held in private dwellings until the completion of the Wesle.an Church building in Xenia, when the societ}- was granted th; use of the same until it had gained sufiicient strength to ^rect a house of its own. The church continued to grow ap-Ce and in 1855 a neat frame temple of worship adapted to the -vants of the congregation was erected on Wabash street at a cost of $600. This building ans^vered the purposes for w'lch it was intended until 1886, when the wants of the church oegan to foreshadow the necessity of the erection of a house o worship of enlarged proportions for the accommodation of its increased membership. Accordingly in that year the necess'*'}' steps were taken toward the erection of a new building, the church disposing of the old house with that object in view. L due time the present stately brick edifice occupying the orig-wl site, was pushed toward completion as rapidly as the magiitude of the undertaking would allow. This building is one of >-he finest specimens of church architecture in the county, 59x0 feet in size, surmounted by a stately spire and w ill cost whe finished and furnished the sum of $7,000. The present pastor of the church is Rev. George S. V. Howard, to whose untiring efforts the success of the building enterprise is uu'gely due. The condition of the Church at this time is very encouraging and tlie amount of good accomplished in the past gives hopeful assurance of a prosperous future. The membership is about 70. The officers are as follows: Mary Winters and Joseph Powell, class-leaders; Joseph Powell, R. Powell and James Douglass, stewards; R. Powell, A. Keys, J. E. Flinn. L. J. Reeves and James Douglass, trustees. The Sunday School is large and the teachers therein are active and zealous, doing all in their power to make their work interesting and beneficial. The school numbers about one hundred including teachers and pupils and is under the efficient superintendenc\' of George W. Rider.

C/irisliaii (D/st'/J>/c) Church. - This society was organized by Elder Henry Olinger, a pioneer preacher of piety and ability, and dates its history from about the year 1868. Meetings were rirsl held in the village school house and private dwellings, and among the earliest members of the organization were W. J. T. Saucer and famiU', D. F. Howe and family, James Lewis and famih', Joel R. Davis and family, George W. Ammon and family, and Lewis Winthrow and family. The first Elders were Henry Olinger and G. W. Ammon. The organization thus constituted soon increased in membership to such an extent that in 1872 a lot was purchased in the east part of town upon which a substantial house of worship was erected and dedicated that year. Since that time the church has prospered satisfactorily, the labors of the various pastors having been very etlicient, and de\'oted to the devolopment of Christian example, worthy of imitation. Commencing with 1873 the following are the names of the ministers who have sustained the relation of pastors of the society, viz: W. V. Trowbridge, J. A. Taylor, \V. T. Huff. Mr. McKenzie, W. R. Lowe and D. A. McDowell. The membership at this time is about seventy-five. Lewis Winthrow and J. R. Davis are the deacons and W. J. Saucer, elder.

Presbyterian Church. - The Xenia Presb\terian Church was organized November 12, 1870, b\' Re\-. William Armstrong, who visited the town as missionary of the Muncie Presbjtery, for the purpose of establishing a societ}'. The petition for an organization was duly signed by the following members, viz: J. AI. Darby, Catharine S. Darby. LydiaJ. Kimball, J. A. Douglass, J. K. Darby, A. D. Kimball, F." .M. Shinn, T. N. Shinn. Elizabeth Piatt, Carrie D. Murray, Elizabeth Jones, A. B. Kimball, Henrietta S. Kimball, N. Dangerfield, David Coppock, Letelia Summers, James Parker, V. Flora Darby. A. Cordelia Douglass, J. M. Wright, Mrs. J. M. Wright, J. A. Phelps. Eunice Hand, Jackson Saxon, A. P. Stout,

M. P. Keasb}' and Emma A. Zeek. The society has met since its organization in the U. B. Church, but at the present time steps are being taken to erect a house of worship. The pastor in charge at this time is Rev. C. T. White. The officers are A. B. Kimball, Elder, and Dr. Keasy, Deacon. The society, though no stronger in membership than at the time of organization, is in a prosperous condition and bids fair to remain one of the substantial churches of the town.

Xenia Christian C/iurc/i. - To Elder J. J. Copeland is due the credit of sowing the first seed, which, under his careful culture, germinated and in due time developed into the Christian Church of Xenia. After visiting the town at intervals for several months and preaching with great acceptance, he succeeded in gathering together about thirty members of his faith, who, on the 13th day of Mav, 1886, were united into a society which has already increased until more than forty names now appear upon the record. In September of the above year the Methodist house of worship was purchased and removed to the opposite side of the street, where it has undergone a complete remodeling, being at this time a comfortable and commodious edifice. The society, although in its infancy, has a substantial membership, and has already been the means of leading many to forsake the ways of sin and seek the better way leading to virtue and holiness. The officers at this time are as follows: Cyrus Babcock, Elder; E. Edwards, E. Smith and Nathan Johnson, Deacons; Alfred Arrick, Treasurer: J. J. Copeland, C\rus Babcock, E. Edwards, Alfred Arrick and Nathan Johnson, Trustees.

Xenia To-day. - The growth of Xenia since the completion of the Pan Handle Railroad, in 1868, has been fully up to the expectations of its friends, and it is to-da\' a flourishing town of over one thousand inhabitants. It commands the trade of a large and fertile area of country in Miami, Grant and Howard Counties, and is the principal shipping point between the cities of Logansport and Marion. Its present business is as follows: General Stores - A. Keyes, W'illiam INIinor. R. Powell, Hem-\' J. Rausman and D. Mendenhall. Grocers - J. W. Dale, W. A. Banks, Amos Fowler, J. J. Rosbrough and G. W. Havworth. Hardware - D. O. C. Marine and B. F. Agnes. Druggists - x\gnes Brothers and O. A. Mendenhall. Boots and Shoes - J. E. Harrison. Milliners - Mrs. H. J. Rausbaum, Mrs. J. S. Sellers and Mrs. Willcutts. Jewelers - James Sullixan and Amos Tillman. Photograph gallery - Mrs. Amos Fowler. Attorneys - ^J. W. Eward and Roscoe Kimple. Mechanics A. Michaels, J. S. St. Clair, Sylvester Meek and Peter Michaels, blacksmith : Fisher Brothers and J. S. Wilson, wagon makers. Planing mill and lumber \ard - L. G. Murphy. Lumber and coal dealers - Osborne & Anderson. Livery stables - Wimmer & Judy. Butchers - ^John J. Reyburn and A. J. Saxon. Barbers - William Bryan,

Frank McCollins and Lemuel Ney. Undertaker - Mr. Acker. Tile mill - L. M. Reeves & Son. Saddle and harness maker - A. L. McLane. Postmaster - C. M. Wales. Railroad Agent - Nathaniel Moore. Saloons - Jo.shua Barnes, Berrv Goodwin and Silas Brumbaugh.

AiiihoY. - The town of Amboy, on the Pan Handle railroad, four miles northwest of Xenia, is situated in Section 23, Township 25 North, Range 5 East, and dates its history from August, 1867, at which time the original plat, consisting of tiftv-one lots, was laid out by Bennett Fellows, Abijah Ridgewa\-, John Ptomey and John A. Lamb. The village is an outgrowth of the railroad, and for several years after the completion of that thoroughfare acquired considerable reputation as a shipping point for lumber, which was first manufactured in immense quantities by Elisha Clark and Messrs. Lowder «& Smith. Kir. Clark located his large steam saw mill in 1867, and the firm of Lowder & Smith came later the same year and did a flourishing business until some time in 1868, when their mill passed into the hands of other parties, who subsequentlv moved it from the place. Clark operated his mill quite successfull}- for about two years, when he disposed of it and abandoned the lumber business. These mills formed the nucleus of quite a flourishing village, and within a few months a number of residences were erected on the town site. In the summer of 1867 Benjamin Bond came to the place with a stock of general merchandise and erected a business house on the corner of Main and Pennsylvania streets, the location he has since occupied. A two-stor}' building was shortly afterward erected on the northeast corner of the same crossing by J. F. Overman, who remained about two years, when he moved his stock of goods to Miami. In the meantime a number of substantial citizens became residents of the village, anions whom were B. F. Revnolds, a carpenter and builder: Martin Morgan and D. Mc- Donald, blacksmith, and William Reynolds, \\ho built a planing mill in 1S67, which he operated with good success until some time the following year. Messrs. Lowder & Smith, in connection with their lumber business built a grist mill shortly after locating in the village, and operated it as long as they remained in the place. William Patterson was probabl)' the third merchant in the town, after whom came from time to time the following business men, viz: Thomas & Wilson, general store; Mr. Josephy, who carried on a clothing and dry goods house for a short time: Robert Coats, general merchandise, from 1875 until 1879; Spencer & Sweetser, general goods: Jacob Arnold, Dr. Schooley, Philip G. Yoars, Calvin Edgerton; Edgerton &

The mercantile interest at the present time is represented by the following men and firms, to-wit: Benjamin Bond, general merchandise; Jonathan Pearson, general stock; Overman & Son, groceries; W. M. Daly & Son, groceries, and Elleman & Sons, drugs and hardware.

In 1873 A. A. Votaw engaged in the manufacture of brooms, which he still carries on, operating a factor}-, requiring the work of several hands. The manufacture of drain tile has been an important industrv of the village for several years, and at the present time a large and flourishing business is being conducted b}- Messrs. Ridgeway & Lamb.

P/i\'sicia>is. - The first phvsician in Amboy was Dr. J. A. Baldwin, who located in the fall of 1S68, and is still .in the active practice of his profession, being one of the oldest resident physicians in the township. Dr. H. D. Hatterv, of Logansport, practiced there for some time, as did also Dr. John Wright, E. K. Friermood and Isaac Carey.

Additions and I ncorf orations. - The tirst addition to the original plat of the town was made November, 187 1, by B. B. Lamb, who surveved and offered for sale four lots, w'hich were soon purchased and improved. An addition of seven lost was made the same month by E. C. Fellows, and in August, 1S75,. the last addition consisting of ten standard lots, was platted for Mr. Reynolds. In 1881 the citizens of the village by a very decided majority decided to take upon themselves the task of maintaining a corporation, and a board for putting the same into effect was accordingly elected and duly qualified. The ofiicers of the town at this time are as follows, to-vvit: L. D. Lamb, Lewis Daily and Elias Niccum, Trustees; E. F. Cox, Clerk and Treasurer, and George Woodward, Marshal.

Schools. - Amboy enjo3S superior educational advantages, and boasts' of two as fine and commodious brick school buildings as there are in the county. The first of these was erected bv public donations in 1872, and afterward leased to the township for a graded school. It is a two-story building, with two large school rooms, and cost the sum of $3,300. The township building, in the same part of the town, was erected a few years later, and represents a value of $1,500. It is a two-story brick, and with the other building affords ample accommodations for the children of the town and adjacent countrv. The present school board is composed of the following gentlemen, viz: J. A. Baldwin, Jonathan Pearson and T. C. Overman.

Biographical Sketches

'48, in a small cabin a short distance west of the present site of the village. Among the early members were John Pearson and family, Nathan Arnold and family, William Overman and family and Eli Overman and family, and one of the earliest members was Mordecai Painter. The house in which the first meetings of the society were held was a deserted dwelling, and this unpretentious building served the congregation until a more convenient log structure could be erected. About one year after the date of the organization a plat of ground, northwest of the village was purchased, and within a short time a hewed log structure 25x40 feet in size was erected and ready for use. The buildserved the purpose for which it was intended until about the year 1865, at which time the wants of the society foresliadowed the necessity of a house more in keeping with the rapidly increasing congregation; accordingly in that j-ear work was commenced upon the present commodious frame building, just north of the village limits, which in due time was completed and formerlv dedicated to the Master's service. This is one of the largest church edifices in the count\-, and will comfortabl)' seat an audience of 500, and cost the sum of $2,000. The church is in a prosperous condition, and at this time has a membership of over 300. Alpheus Trueblood preaches for the congregation and William Small is the efficient Supei'intendent of the Sunday School, which has an average attendance of over one hundred, including teachers and pupils. The Elders of the Church at this time are Oliver Canady, William Small, Calvin Edgerton and William Overman.