Miami County, Indiana - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 18 of those read), 1887

PIPE CREEK TOWNSHIP joins Cass County on the west, is bounded on the north by the Wabash River, on the east by Washington Township, and on the south by Deer Creek Township. It is about seven miles from the extreme northern to the southern limits, four miles from east to west, and includes an area of about twentv-seven square miles, all of which lie in Congressional Township 26, North, Ranges 3 and 4, East. The country enjoys excellent water privileges. Tlie largest stream - Pipe Creek, after whicli the township was named - enters from the east about one and a quarter miles north of tiie southern boundary, and flows a norlliwesterlv course, leaving from Section ii, two miles south of the Wabash River. This water course, with its atlluents, affords ample drainage for the greater part of the township. Little Pipe Creek, a stream of considerable importance, flows through the northeast corner of the township, while se\eral small creeks, rising near the central part, flow a northerly direction into the Wabash. The surface of the township is equally diversilied with hills and valleys, bottom lands in certain localities along the streams, and considerable stretches of level and rolling country. The lands of Pipe Creek Township are proverbial for fine crops, the soil a deep, black loam, or some parts loam mixed with cla}', and, in others, sand mixed - all King favorable for natural drainage, and consequently dr}- and easily tilled. Few sections of the county are so well adapted to fruit culture, apples, peaches, pears, grapes, etc., being generallv culti\ated in profusion, and when not cut off by the late frost, are a source of considerable profit to the grower. The countrv at one time was covered with an abundance of flne timber, but the demands of trade ha\e thinned out the more valuable varieties. Large areas of woodland still remain, however, which, if judiciously used, will be sufficient for all practical purposes for many years to come. For transportation of countrv products the 1. P. & C. Railroad passes through the township from north to south, while the Bradford division of the Pan Handle crosses the southern part from east to west. //istorical. - The earliest settlements in Pipe Creek Township w ere made about the year 1838 or '39, but it is a matter of considerable doubt as to who was the actual pioneer. According to the testimony of Mr. Brandt, who has been a resident of the township almost continuously since i84J,the honoris justly due one John Wilson, who made a settlement on Pipe Creek w iiere Joseph Sheplar now lives, some time in one of the above years. But little is known of Mr. Wilson, save that he was a hunter rather than a tiller of the soil, and that he sold his claim in a abort time to a Mr. Finney, and emigrated to one of the W^e.stern States. John Betzner was perliaps the next actual settler. He located in tlie northeastern part of the township, on the Wallick place, but subsequently sold out and moved to Washington Township, where he is still living. Joel Julian came in 1839 '^'' 4° '^"*^ located near Pipe Creek, in the western part of the township, chosing for his lioine the land now owned and occupied bv Mortimer Smith. Mr. Julian died in a very early day, and liis widow afterwards married Alexander Abrahams, who was also a pioneer of the township. Michael Stroop, Sr., settled in tiie nortliwest part of the township, early in the forties, and made his first improvement on the farm now in possession of his son. He died in a short time after coming to the country. His son, Michael Stroop,

Jr., was an early settler also. In the year 1841 Isaac Vandorn settled near Pipe Creek, in the central part of the township, and was an honored resident until his death, which occurred in the winter of 1885. The place is now owned and occupied by his son, Andrew Vandorn. Willian Clark moved to the central part of the township about the 5'ear 184.1 and located a home on the farm owned at the time by Jacob Shively. His death in an early dav was one of the first events of the kind in the township. Another earl}- settler whose arrival is said to have been in 1840 or '41, was Moses Larimer, who purchased and settled on land adjacent to the town of Bunker Hill. Maston Thomas and his father were early settlers in the northern part of the township, where the former still resides, moving to that locality in 1840 or '41.

Prominent among the arrivals of the latter }'ear, was Jacob Brandt, who settled on land which his father, Martin Brandt, had previously entered in Section 14. Mr. Brandt moved to his purchase a little later, and for a period of over forty years has been one of Pipe Creek's most intelligent and trustworthy citizens. He has taken an active interest in the growth and welfare of the township; and for several years was prominently identified with its educational interests. Joab Mendenhall settled near the Deer Creek Township line in 1841, locating the farm now owned by Daniel Duckwall. Upon this place a man b}- the name of Shively, a brother-in-law of Mr. Vandorn, had previously "squatted," and between him and Mr. Mendenhall a bitter dispute arose as to who had the best right to the claim. From words the quarrel merged into more hostile demonstrations, and Mr. Mendenhall being the stronger man of the two, tinally succeeded in ousting his rival, who took his departure for other and safer quarters. James Pettj- settled in the northern part of the township, early in the forties, but soon afterwards sold his improvement to a Mr. Cripe, and purchased what is now the Garnand farm on Pipe Creek. David Carr moved to the northern part of the tow^nship, as early as 1843, and the same year Mr. Winters, and a man by the name of Watts, settled on the Duckwall farm, near Bunker Ilill. The last two being unable to enter the land, soon moved from the country. The iirst improvements on the Jacob Brandt farm were made about the }ear 1841 by James A. Lewis, a transient settler, who sold his claim soon after to Martin Brandt and located a home on Little Deer Creek. Jeny Shaffer settled in the east part of the township, on Little Pipe Creek, as early as 1842, and was joined the same year by Isaac Marquis, who improved an adjoining farm.

Among the settlers of 1843 were the following: John and Peter Redd, near the central part of the township, on the Clark farm; Jacob Pottarff, on the Maury farm, eastern part of the township, where he operated a blacksmith shop in an early day:

Mr. Burr, on the Oldfather farm; James McGinnis, near Bunker Hill; Herman Spermbarger, near the eastern boundary; Henr}- Crabb, central part of the township, where S. Need now lives; Godfrey Helderlv, on the Da\ id Snidcnian farm: Daniel Rife, in the western part of the township, on land belonging to his son, Jacob Rife; John and EH Oliver, on the Duckwall farm, near the town of Bunker Hill. As early as 1844 there were li\ing within the present limits of the township, additional to those enumerated, the following settlers, to-wit: Robert Jennis, on the Arnold place, near Pipe creek; Noah Townsend, in the western part; Frederick Keller, eastern part of the township, and Rev. Samuel Devvese, about one mile west of Bunker Hill. S;mniel Durand made a tour of Pipe Creek Township in the vear 1837, and the year following laid claim to what is now the Wisinger farm, near the Wabash river, in Section i. He subsequently purchased this place, and moved his family to their new home in the wilderness earl}- in the forties. In addition to farming, Mr. Durand early engaged in the manufacture of potash, which, business he carried on with gratifying success for several years.

In 1844 and '45 the township was rapidly settled by a class of substantial men, among whom are remembered the following: John Miller and Frederick Keller, near the Washington Township line; David Graj-, in the vicinity of Bunker Hill: L. \'. Shirley, central- part of the township; William Parker and Cornelius Cain, western part; Charles Luy, in Section i; David A. Carr, C\rus G. Carr, Daniel B. Tyler, Henry Brcoks and Tiiomas Skillman, all in Section 2, Township 26 North, Range 3 East; Lorenzo Shirley, in central part; Thomas Ken worthy and John Beeslev, on Pipe Creek. The following were early settlers, to-wit: George Warner, John W. Vance, Bernard Vandom, Stephen Abrahams, Thomas Dillard, Benjamin Hann, David and John Cain, Allen Jones, Mr. Hoover, E. Jones, N. D. Nicoles, Philip Raredon, Samuel Jones, George Vore, John Reed, Alexander Clark, David Chronister, Harvey Hoover, Stephen Clemens, David Striker, Cornelius Sullivan, B. F. Chaspie, Leonard Boniface, Jos. Sullivan, Samuel Sullivan, John Barker, David L. Bryson, Isaac H. Ha}nes, George Wright, John Hann, Rueben Shenebarger, Stephen Metsger, Samuel Bryson, William G. Vandorn, John Duckwall, David Duckwall and Samuel Murray-.

Mills, Etc. - "At an early date, probably about 1836, a saw mill was built near the present site of Wallick's mill, on Little Pipe Creek, by an Indian named Frank Godfroy." It was a primitive affair, and for several years manufactured lumber for the Indians. Jacob Betzner subsequently became proprietor and operated it with fair success, early in the forties. It fell into decay many years ago, and at this time no vestige remains to mark the spot upon wiiich the building stood. In the year 1854, Martin Brandt erected a saw mill on Pipe Creek, Section 14, which he operated for a period of four \ears. It was then purchased h\ John and Daniel Rife, who run it for a number of years, doing a verv successful business the greater part of the time. John and Jacob Rife operated it as partners for some time, and later Jacob became sole owner. The mill ceased operations about the year 1876. John Duckwall, in the spring of 1850, erected a saw mill on Pipe Creek, where his present mill now stands, one mile northwest of Bunker Hill, with which he (lid an extensive and lucrative lumber business. Five years later he erected a flouring-mill, on adjacent ground, which he operated in connection \\ ith ins lumber interests until Jaiuiar\', 1857, when both mills were completeh' destroved b\' tire, entailing a loss of over $5,000. Mr., Duckwall rebuilt the saw-mill in 1858, and in 1876 erected the present large frame grist mill, which, after having been remodeled several times and supplied with machiner\' of the latest improved grades of dour, is now one of the best mills in Miami County. It is operated by both water and steam power, has a capacity of seventv-rive barrels per da^ , and manufactures flour for both local and general trade. The saw-mill is operated on quite an extensive scale, and in addition to saviing lumber is supplied u ith a planing mill and machinery for the manufacture of wagon felloes, lath, fence pickets and various other articles.

About the vear 1855 or '56, Henrv Knell built a mill on Pipe Creek, on land owned at this time bv Christopher Shivelev. It was a saw-mill, with a corn cracker attached, and stood until about the vear 1871. Thomas Kenworthy, about the vear 1856, erected a sawmill on Pipe Creek, about one-half mile below the Duckwall mill, and operated it for a period of six or eight years, when he sold out to D. B. Shivelv. The latter built a flouring mill on the same spot in 1872. which was subsequenth' purchased and torn awav bv John Duckwall. The Wallick flouring mill on Little Pipe Creek, in the northeast corner of the township, was erected earlv in the flfties. The original building, a small structure furnished with insufficient machinerv. was subsequenth' enlarged, and became, in course of time, one of the most successful mills in the countv south of the Wabash. It is still in operation, though not upon quite so extensive a scale as formerlv.

In an earl\- da\' Charles Luv built a distiller\- in the northern part of the townshi]-), on what is now the Shepler farm. He operated it with encouraging success for several vears, but subsetjuently sold to other parties, who allowed it to fall into disuse.

C/iurc/ies. - The religious historv of Pipe Creek Township dates from about the \ear 1843. at which time divine worship was held at the residence of Isaac Vandorn bv Rev. Matthew Cin-r\-, of the Methodist Church. "A little later the same year meetin<,fs were held in the same locality b}- the United Brethren, of which denomination the Rev. Mr. Pugsley was an early preacher. Following these came ministers of the Baptist Church, among whom was Rev. Samuel Dewese, who organized the hrst religious society in the township, at his residence about one mile west of Bunker Hill. This was the Bunker Hill Baptist Church, of whicii a sketch will be found in the history of the town. The Methodists organized the next society, the history of which will be found on another page. The United Brethren Church in the northern part of the township, is an old organization, but its early history is involved in a great deal of obscurity. The societj' has a neat frame house of worship near the Wabash River, which is used at this time by an organization of the Evangelical Association, recently established. The United Brethren class is not so strong in numbers as formerly, but still sustains preaching at regular intervals. The German Baptists or Dunkards, began holding meetings in the township about the year 1850, and in 1852, the Pipe Creek Church, near the Cass County line, was formally organized. Among the early members were the following men and their respective families, viz: David Shepler, Abram Shepler, John E. Shively, D. B. Shively, Joshua Coblentz and others. The early preachers were Samuel Murray and Gottlieb Keller. Later came John E. Shively, Daniel B. Shivety, Joseph Shepler, Abraham Rinehart and Daniel Long. The hrst house of worship was erected in in the spring of 1856, on land donated by Daniel Shively. It stood until 1872, at which time the present large brick building was erected on ground donated for the purpose by Hannah Metzgar. This house is 40x70 feet, with a cook house attached, and is perhaps the largest church edifice in Miami County. The membership at this time numbers about 190. The present church officers are David Shively, John Klepinger, Isaac Shepler, Emerj' Puterbaugh and George Wolfe, elders; Joshua Coblentz, Eli Miller and Samuel Puterbaugh, trustees. A society of the old order of Dunkards was organized in the northwestern part of the township, several years ago, which meets for worship in a frame building erected in the the year 1883. At this time there is a membership of only about lifteen, ministered to at regular intervals by Rev. Aaron Metzgar. Pleasant Hill Chriitian Church was organized in the }ear 1865 by Elder Wayman. The following are the names of the original members: J. W. Brandt, M. A. Brandt, A. A. Brandt, John P. Britton, Daniel Marken, Nancy Marken, Eva Winters, Harriet Hopper, N. D. Nichols, M. E. Nichols, Mary E. Mendenhall, John W. Byrket, Gran\ille E. Mendenhall and Jane Reed. Jacob Brandt and N. P. Nichols were the first elders, and Peter Rife and Granville Mendenhall were elected first deacons. Meetings were held in a school house until 1875, at which time the frame temple of worship now in use was erected on a beautiful plat of ground donated by Jacob Brandt. The following pastors ministered to the church from time to time, to-wit: Elders Aaron Walker, M. Smith, David Hodson, Jefferson Hodson, Mordecai McKinney, W. R. Lowe, W. A. Hennegar, W. W. Henkins and W. A. Hough, the last named being pastor in charge at the present time. The society has made commendable progress, and at this time has the names of forty active members upon the records. The officers are: Jacob Brandt and D. A. McDowell, elders; J. S. Mays, Andrew VV'aggaman and Andrew Richardson, deacons.

Miscellaneous Items. - Pipe Creek Township was organized as a seperate jurisdiction on the 6th day of September, 1843. An election for the purpose of choosing the necessary officials was held a little later the same year, at the cabin of William Clark. "Thomas Kenworthy was elected first Justice of the Peace." "Isaac Vandorn was chosen Trustee, but, refusing to servd, Rollin Huffman was appointed." The following gentlemen held the office of Trustee in an early day, viz: George Wright, Daniel Duckwall, George Shawman and I. E. Vandorn. The present incumbent is J. W. Liston. The following were some of the earliest marriages in the township: James McCrary to Sarah Larimer, in 1843; John Tillett to a daughter of Cornelius Cain, in 1844; Alexander Abrahams to Mrs. Saraii Crane, the same year." "Among the earliest births was that of Nancy J. Larimer, born to Moses and Nancy Larimer in 1844. One of the first deaths was that of an infant child of Noah Townsend."

Village of Leonda. - The town of Leonda on the I. P. & C. Railroad, Section 29, Township 26 North, Range 4 East, was laid out August, 185 1, by Jacob Pottarff and H. Hoover. It was an outgrowth of the railroad and early became a good trading point, and until the competition of the Pan Handle road it was the rival of Bunker Hill. Among the earliest residents of the place was Walter P. Shaw, who opened a general store and sold goods for a couple of years. Jacob Arnold was the next merchant, and after him came Samuel Jones, who, in addition to dealing in merchandise, opened his house for the accommodation of such travelers as saw fit to accept dnd pay for his hopitalities. Henry Rosenthal sold groceries for a period of five or six years, and did a reasonably fair business. Dr. Rollen Hufford moved to the village and practiced the medical profession for some time. He was succeeded by Drs. Murphy and Albaugh, who left the town about the time the Pan Handle Railroad was finished. Among the mechanics of the place were Peyton Jenkins and Mr. Cook, wagon-makers; Frederick Betzner, James Bevans, Henry Poor and John Nieman, shoemakers ; Thomas

Ewing and William Holipeter, cabinet makers. The first postmaster was Joseph Arnold. The removal of the office to Bunker Hill in 1859, ^^'^^ accomplished b}' a piece of cunning strategy, in which Dr. James A. Meek took an active part. Leonda for a number of \ears entertained sanguine hopes of securing the Pan Handle Railroad, but the completion of said road through JJunker Hill pr()\ed a deathblow to its further aspirations, and from that time the fortunes of the town began to wane. The business men and mechanics moved to other and more favorable localities, the most of them going to Bunker Hill, to which the construction of the Pan Handle gave new life, and in due time Leonda became a thing of the past. The plat was subsequentlv vacated, and at this time but few vintages of the once flourishing village remain to mark the spot where it formerly stood.

Bunker Hill. - The town of Bunker Hill is pleasantK- situated at the intersection of the I., P. & C and Pan Handle railroads, in tiie southeast corner of the township, distant about eight mile^ from the citv of Peru, and sixteen miles from Xenia. It was laid out and plattecl in 185 1, and the plan recorded August of that year for James M\ers, Ji)hn Duck wall and Alexander Galbraith, proprietors. The original town includes forty-six lots and eight streets, in Sections 29 and 30, Township 26 North, Range 4 East, to which an addition of twentv-four lots was made b\- John Duckwallin June, 1852. According to the testimony of those best informed, the first house on the present sight of the town, was a small dwelling erected by James Mvers, on lot No. 13, sometime in the vear 1851. Mr. Myers was a carpenter by trade and assisted in building man}- of the early residences and business houses of the village. Andrew Bache purchased lot No. 2, the same year, and built a house where the dwelling of Jacob Lease now stands. Lot No. 4 was purchased and improved by Anthony Nieman, a short time after the surve}', and contemporary with him was James Sawyer, an old bachelor, who erected a small dwelling on lot No. 5 in the same part of town. Dr. Hufford was one of the earlv residents of the place. He erected a residence on Elm street, lot No. 14, and also built the first business house in the village on Third street, which is still standing.

Merchants. - The first stock of goods in Bunker Hill was offered for sale by Dr. Hufford, in the building mentioned above, but of the success of his business enterprise we are not informed. The next store was opened by Messrs. Heward & Lowe, who kept in a building on Third street for about two years. Heward subsequently disposed of his interest to Daniel Duckwall, and he in turn to Mr. Lowe. J. G. Ewing and Mr. Heward sold goods as partners as earlv as 1861 or '62, and, in 1865, Jacob Arnold had a general store in the north end of the town, on the corner of Fourtii and Main streets, where he carried on business until some time in 1866.

His building is still standing on lot No. 62, used at this time for a dwelling. D. H. and John Cain opened a general store in 1868, which he subsequently sold to Alfred Bell, and he in turn disposed of the stock to James Cain. Eli Hochstetler started a small grocery business about the same time, or perhaps a little earlier, but remained for only a limited period. Frank Hartman and Simon Kalter effected a co-partnership in general merchandising about the year 1867 or '68, and the firm, thus constituted, continued until the former's death, at which time Mr. Kalter took entire control and continued the business until 1873, erecting the building now occupied bv M. Finney in the meantime. The hrst business house in Hendrick's addition w'as erected about the year 1868 by Albert D. and Joseph Jones, who occupied it about one year, selling out at the end of that time to Timothy Scott. The last named merchant brought a stock of goods from Miami in 187 1, and was identified with the mercantile interests of the town at intervals for six or seven years. Jacob Betzner began merchandizing in 1 87 1 or '72, and about the same time John F. Reynolds moved a store from North Grove, and for two years thereafter carried on business in a building on the corner of Railroad and Broadway streets. The lirst hardware store was started in 187 1 by C. T. Miner, who, after a short time, sold his stock to Messrs. Patterson & Meek. The latter effected a partnership with D. T. Gilmore, which lasted for some time. In August, 187 1, Messrs. Kalter & Keegan started a boot and shoe store, the first of the kind in the town, and continued the same until 1873. The following business men and firms were identified with the commercial interests of Bunker Hill from time to time, viz: S. J. Hockman, W. T. Wilson, D. T. Gilmore, Wm. B. Patterson, Dr. Da\is, J. B. McKinnev. Noah W. Trissell, John F. Busey, Samuel Sommers and Trissell & Blue.

Mcchiinics. - The early mechanics of Bunker Hill were Chas. B. Mason, R. T. Jones and Joseph C. Lamborn, blacksmiths: Artemus Morris and Henry Coffman, carpenters. Samuel \?\- entine opened a tin shop early in the sixties, and about the year 1865 a man by the name of Lane engaged in the cabinetmaker's trade. Three years later Abraham Billheimer opened a cabinet shop, which he operated quite successfully in connection with the undertaker's and general furniture business. The tirst shoemaker ^vas John Nieman. Peter Keegan was perhaps the next to open a boot and shoe shop, at which trade he is still working.

Jlotch. - The tirst hotel was built by George Larimer about the time of the construction of the Pan Handle railroad. It was first kept b\' Ralph Jones and William Busey, who run it a short time. William R. Breckenridge purchased the property in 1879 and enlarged the building, adding many necessary improvements. It is situated at the crossing of the I., P. & C. and Pan Handle railroads, and is kept at this time by W. W. Robbins.

JManuJactnres. - The first saw-mill in Bunker Hill was built by William Hendricks prior to 1868. It was operated for some time by Walter Shaw, who did a good local business. It was subsequenth' replaced b}' the present steam saw-mill, brought to the town by A. C. Bennett, who, after doing business some years, sold out to W. H. Croucher & Co. Samuel Clark operates the mill at this time. In 1879 Messrs. Billheimer & Blue erected a planing mill, which the}' operated with encouraging success for several years, manufacturing all kinds of furniture in the meantime. It passed through the hands of various parties, and was operated last by W. N. Wilson.

Physicians. - The first medical man to locate in Bunker Hill was Dr. Hufford, to whom reference has already been made. The next was Dr. James A. Meek, who, with the exception of a few months, has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession since 1866. Drs. O. C. Irwin, H. C. McClurg, John Cain, H. P. McDowell, S. H. Davis, I. C. Cooper and Dr. Ha\'es have practiced in the village at different times. The present physicians are Drs. Meek, Wilson, Davis, McDowell and Cooper.

The Press. - The first newspaper enterprise of Bunker Hill was the V^illagr A^czus, established about the year 1870, Jasper Keves, who run it for a period of one vear, at the end of which time George F. Metzger became editor and proprietor. He changed the name to that of Phc Indcfcndcnt Press, and in partnership with John F. Busby, continued the publication about one year, during which time the paper reached a verv fair circulation. The next editor was E. M. Howard, who enlarged the paper and changed it from a neutral to a political sheet. He ran it for a limited period and then sold the ofiice to Messrs. Walters & Larimer, under whose management the name was again changed, this time to that of The Bunker Hill Press. O. A. Larimer subsequently became proprietor, but in a few months sold out to the present editor, John W. O'Hara, one of the most successful newspaper men in Miami County. The Press is now a five-column quarto, independent in politics, but fearless in the discussion of all the leading to]iics of the day. Its mechanical execution will compare favorabl\' with that of any other local paper in the county, and its circulation and advertising patronage, already quite remunerative, is constantly increasing. Mr. O'Hara is an able writer, and we bespeak for the Press a prosperous future.

lage; but the opening of said road marked an important era in its history. From that vear until 1873, the growth and development of the town was quite rapid, and it became one of the best shipping points for lumber, grain, live stock, etc., in the county. Real estate during that period commanded good prices, business of all kinds was quite prosperous, and the population was increased by the addition of a large number of substantial and enterprising citizens. This growth, while quite rapid, was not spasmodic, and the town has since been able to maintain the reputation of one of the best commercial points in the county outside the city of Peru. The following additions have been platled from time to time, viz: William Hendricks' addition, eight lots, April, i860; John Kripe's addition, six lots, April, 1868; Larimer's addition, si.xleen lots, March, 1869; D. H. Cain's addition, forty-one lots, April, 1870; James A. Meek made an addition of several lots in April, 1871: Trissell's addition of eighteen lots was surveyed and recorded May, 1873; David Duckwall's addition of several lots was made June, 1873: Frick's addition of four lots, March, 1874, ^"^ Kroutter's addition of four lots was platted December of the latter year.

lucorporat'nni. - In 1873, the citizens of Bunker Hill decided b\- a majoritv vote of the population, to take upon ihemsllves the responsibility of erecting and maintaining a town corporation. Accordingly a board of three trustees, a clerk and treasurer were elected to put the municipal machinery in motion. The board was composed of the following gentlemen : H. P. McDowell, Robert C. Foor and Cvrus Baker, trustees, and Dr. James A. Meek, clerk and treasurer. The officers for 1886 are as follows: Cyrus Baker, Stephen Finnev, George Armstrong, W. W. Robbins and Eli Bowman. Trustees: R. C. Foor, Clerk and Treasurer, and John N. Davis, Marshall.

Bunker Hill Lodi^c, ^'So.jjdg. I. O. O. F., was innitiUed June 16, 1871, by Special Deputy E. H. Barry, Grand Secretary, assisted by John Stewart acting as G. M., Frank Blair as Grand Marshall, I." M. Runvan as G. Secretary: John Reynolds, G. Tre;isurer; F. S. Hadlev. G. Conductor; John W. Edward.s, G. vSentinel. and James W. Highland as G. Guardian. The following names appear upon the charter: James A. Meek, Cyrus Baker, Peter Keegan, Jesse L. Hobson, Daniel Baker, James Bennett. Noah W. Tris:<ell. George W. Mort, Benson Sullivan and William B. Patterson. At the organization the following persons were duly elected to till the various offices, to-wit: James A. Meek, N. G.: Noah W. Trissell, V. G. : Peter Keegan, Per. and Rec. Sec. ; William B. Patterson, Treasurer; Cvrus Baker, Warden; George W. Blue. Conductor; James Bennett, O. G. ; G. W. Mort. I. G.\ Benson Sullivan, R. S. S.; Timothy Scott, L. S. S.; J. L. Hobson, R. S. to N. G.; David Baker, L. S. to N. G.; John Hann, R. S. to V. G., and D. H. Cain,

L. S. to V. G. The hall in which the lodge meets was built in iSjTi, and with other property, represents a value of $1,500. The membership is not so large as formerly, there being at this time only about twenty names upon the records. The present electi\e officers are: J. E. Rinehart, N. G.; Robert C. Foor, V. G.; Peter Keegan, Secretary, and Cyrus Baker, Treasurer.

'Jo/ii/ M. Wilson Post, Ao. 112, G. A. /?., was established October, 1882, with a membership of about thirty. Among the tirst officers were the following, to-wit: Timothy Scott, Commander; R. C. Foor, S. V. C: J. F. Busey, J. V. C; M. M. Howard, Chaplain; and W. W. Robbins, Officer of the Day. The organization has made commendable progress, and at the present time has a membership of fifty. Present officers: W. W. Robbins, Commander; M. M. Howard, S. V. C; Jacob Metzgar, J. V. C; David Apger, Chaplain; Jacob Clemens, Officer of the Day: David Hochstetler, Officer of the Guard; J. G. Hedrick, Quartermaster, and R. C. Foor, Adjutant.

Bunker Hill Light Guards. - This well disciplined military company was organized November 7. 1885, by W. W. Robbins, with forty-seven members. Mr. Robbins was elected captain, and the company was mustered by Col. A. J. Parks. At this time there is a uniformed membership of forty-tvs'o, and a military band of eleven instruments, mustered in as part of the company. The Light Guards are mad6 up of a class of fine looking young men, and with their beautiful uniforms present, when on parade, a decidedly military appearance. The officers are W. W. Robbins, Captain; J. W. Reeder, First Lieutenant, and J. W. O'Hara, Second Lieutenant. David Long is leader of the band.

Churches. - The oldest religious society in Bunker Hill is the Baptist Church, organized early in the forties. Among the first ministers of this denomination in Pipe Creek Township were Revs. Samuel Dewese and Asel Waters, and among the earliest members of this church were Mr. Lawrence, Daniel Striker, William McCrary, James McCray, B. H. Hann, Mrs. Hann, Joseph Frazee. William Piatt and wife, Mr. Ensco and wife, Jolin Murphey and wife, and James Mays and wife. Meetings were held principall}' at the residence of Rev. Samuel Dewese until the spring of 1848, at whicfi time a hewed log house of worship was erected about one mile west of the \illage. It was a comfortable structure, 30x40 feet in size, and answered the purpose for which it was intended until about the year 1S60. The present large frame building in the town was erected that 3ear, on a lot donated by John Duckwall and James Myers. It is one of the most commodious houses of worshi]i in the southern part of the county, having a seating capacity of 500. The church has made substantial progress during all the years of its history, and at this time has an active membership of over one hun- dred. Among the pastors were the following: Revs. William Cool, Leonard Cool, Mr. Coon, John Blodget, B. R. Ward, L. D. Robinson and E. J. Delp. The present officers are: John Duck wall, John Hagerty, Joseph Quinn and B. Hann, Deacons; Lafayette Flagg, Clerk : John Duckwall, Cyrus Baker and George W. Blue, Trustees. A large and flourishing Sunday school is kept up throughout the )-ear. Jos. Quinn is the present superintendent.

M. E. Church of Bunker Hill was organized in the spring of 1846 with the following constituent members, to- wit: David Hockman, Malinda Hockman, John Townsend, Eliza Townsend, John Barnes and Eliza Barnes. The organization was brought about bj' Rev. Mr. Davis, who held the first meeting in a little log cabin which stood on the farm owned at this time by John N. Huffman. For the first eight or ten months the . societ}' made no visible progress, but the two succeeding years the membership was increased bv the following persons, viz: Lewis N. Snodderly and wife, A. C. Lamborn and wife, Mrs. Moses Larimer, Jacob Coucher and wife, James Dabney and wife, Andrew Cunningham and wife, Benjamin Fish and others. The first house of worship, erected in the year 1S55, and known as the Railroad Chapel, stood near the Deer Creek Township line, and ser\cd as a meeting place until 1869, at which time it was abandoned and the society moved to the village. The present beautiful brick edifice on the corner of Elm and Broadway streets was built slome time in the above 3'ear at a cost of about $2,000. It will be impossible to give a list of those who have sustained the pastoral relation to this society, as much of the early history is involved in considerable obscurity. Rev. Davis, however, was the first pastor, and, according to the best information accessible, the second preacher in charge was Rev. Mr. Ricketts. Rev. Mr. Badly was an earl}- pastor, and had charge of the circuit when the first building was erected and dedicated. The following are among the ministers who served the society in later times, viz: Revs. Steven.s, John McElwee, W. K. Hoback, George Havens, E. S. Preston, John W. Lowery, L. J. Naftzgar and the present pastor, J. H. Jackson. The society has a membership of about 100, and is reported in a prosperous condition. Daniel Duckwall is class leader; Newton Reeder and Caroline Williams, stewards, and James E. Rinehart, superintendent of the flourishing Sunday school, which has an average attendance of about ninet\- scholars.

Evangelical Lutheran Church. - "In the year 1855 Rev. B. Uphouse and his colleague. Rev. F. Geisel, from Fulton circuit, Indiana Conference Evangelical Association, came to the vicinity of Bunker Hill to preach the Gospel." "The following families opened their houses for services, viz: Messrs. Kurtz, Walters and Mohr." " In the year 1859 Rev. F. Geisel had a revival, during which the above named families were converted. A class was organized, of which Peter Walters was elected leader." "From the fall of 1861 to the fall of 1863 R. J. Trometor had charge of the work." " He moved to Bunker Hill and had preaching at regular intervals in his house." From 1863 to 1864 Rev. D. Bartholomew was pastor in charge, and after him came Rev. H. Fisher. " The school house west of the town was rented, and afterwards purchased, for meeting purposes." Rev. J. Kaufman was pastor from 1865 to 1867; Rev. B. Uphouse, from 1867 to 1868; P. Roth, from 1868 to 1870; J. Miller, from 1870 to 1872: William Koenig, from 1872 to 1874. About this time several members moved to the town, and steps were at once taken toward the erection of a house of worship. The work progressed satisfactorilj', and in due time the neat brick temple of worship on Elm street, in the south part of the village, was completed and formally dedicated. The pastors since 1874 have been the following: Rev. A. J. Troyer, from the latter year until 1876; George Schmall, from the fall of 1876 to the spring of 1879; A. Irvan, from 1879 '^^ 18S1: J. Beck, 1881 to 1882: J. Brackert, 1882 to 1883: John Huffman, from 1883 to the present time. The membership at this time numbers about twent\-eight or thirty. The Sunday- school, under the superintendency of Jacob Wagler, has been the means of accomplishing much good among the youth of the town.

Sf. Michael Roman Catholic Church. - Efforts to establish a Catholic Church in Bunker Hill were made several vears before an organization was effected, priests from different places visiting the town at intervals, and conducted services at the residence of Mr. Garman. In 1874 a lot in the north end of town was purchased, and a building wliich had formerly been used for a shoe shop, was refitted for church purposes. In 1882, Father Kcll}-, of Marion, brought about the present organization, of which some fifteen families constitute'd the original membership. The house of worship, a beautiful frame edifice in the north end of town, was erected the same vear, at a cost of $1,300. Among the first priests who visited the town were Rev. Fathers Kroeger and Weichman, and since 1882 the following priests have had charge of the society, viz: Fathers Kelly, Twigg, Joy and Grogan. The church is in a fairly prosperous condition, and has a membership of about fifteen or sixteen families. Services are held once a month by Father Grojfan.

Church of the Seventh Day Adz-enlists was organized in the year 1879, ^y Rev. S. G. Lane. The following were among the first members of the society, to-wit: Allen James and wife, H. G. Curtis and wife, Marv Crovvder, Alexander Baxter and wife. Gran- ville Hedrick and wife, John Turner and wife, and Mrs. Mary Clouse. Religious services were held at the residence of different members until 1883, at which time a frame house of worship was erected in Buckwall's addition to the town. The societv has made but little progress, the membership at this time being about the same as the original number. Services are held occasionally by visiting brethren, but a Sabbath school, with good attendance, meets regularU- ever\- week.

Schools. - Piior to 1868 the children of Bunker Hill attended school in a frame building a short distance west of the town, where the tile mill now stands. In the above year work was commenced on the present building, a part of which was completed and ready for use in due time. The constant increase in the school population soon foreshadowed the necessity of enlarged accommodations, and accordingly in 1872 an addition of two rooms was erected, making the building as it is now, one of the best school edifices in the county. The schools were properly graded in 1868 with Prof. Oscar King as principal, and Miss Alice Williams, assistant. The principals since that time have been the following, viz: Profs. A. McW. BoUman, George Custer, George Snvder, S. D. Miller, W. H. Williams, Noah Tnssall, J. H. Neff and John W. O'llara. The schools at this time are under the etTicient management of Prof. J. H. Neff, assisted by J. E. Rinehart, Jennie Haggarty and Eva Wilson.

Present Business of Bidikcr Hill. - Benson Sullivan, large general store; George W. Blue, dealer in general merchandise: Finney & Clem, hardware and agricultural implements; William Pansier, groceries; Joseph Austin, groceries and restaurant; W. W. Hammaker, druggist; Dr. James A. Meek, drug store; EH Bowman and John Neiman. carpenters and builders: John Flitcher, A. T. Cook and Henr\- G. Fisk, blacksmiths; Jacob Seisler and Mr. Jordan, wagon-makers; Claude M. Rvan, tinner; Peter Keegan, shoe-maker; O. D. Hughes, tailor; C. Meisse, harness-maker; Samuel Clark, manufacturer of Clark's patent bed springs; Herman Eagle, manufacturer of drain tile; Samuel Lindermuth and Jacob Metzgar. plasterers; William Davis, Cyrus Baker and Samuel Armstrong, brickmasons; Eugene Fletcher, warehouse; the Misses Lueas, dressmaking and millinery; B. N. Blue, John N. Davis and Benjamin Scott, painters: Frank Mote, barber; Murden & Deisch, livery stable; J. E. Smith, railroad agent: Peter Keegan, notary public; W. W. Robbins, hotel, and John W. O'Hara, postmaster and editor.