Shelby County, Indiana - Chapter 4, 1887

Chapter 4

Early Settlements - The Ixdl\x Trader - First Settlers, AND Where They Settled - Early Land Sales - The Log Cabin - Early Milling - First Crops - Wild Animals - A Reminiscence - Snakes - Trade and Commerce - Amusements - Incidents. Etc.

LEASAXT it is, vet sad, to recall the scenes of the past. Pleasant, because we see the faces of dear ones; sad, because the picture is unreal and will vanish like the mists of morning. Could the scenes of sixtv vears ago be reproduced the reader would behold a series of tableaux in \\hich would be seen the unknown loir hut, its crevices tilled with clay, the stick chimnev, the broad tire place, the rough, unseemly furniture and the small clearing. Such pictures were most familiar to the pioneers, and yet under all those uncomfortable circumstances they were happy and contented and enjoved life to the utmost. Some have lived to note the changes and improvements made since the first white settler pitched his tent on the bank of Blue River, now sixty-nine years ago. They have seen the " wilderness rejoice and blossom as the rose," savages and wild beasts disappear, the log cabins changed into the comfortable and luxurious homes, and thus, in the great transformation presented they have witnessed the culmination of civilization and refinement. While a few of the heroes of pioneer times still remain, manv have passed awav, and with them the landmarks thev erected. A few of the pioneer incidents have been preserved and cherished, but man is mortal and the memorv weak and uncertain, hence much of the early history is buried in eternal oblivion. At the time of the admission of Indiana into the Union, that portion which is now Shelbv Countv, as well as a very large tract in the Eastern and Central part of the State was in possession of the Delaware Indians. Their title to the lands was not finally extinguished until Oct(5ber, i8i8, as ma}' be seen in a foregoing chapter.

Prior to this time but few white men had ever set foot on the soil of Shelby County. It is quite probable that the first white men to cross this territorv were the French traders, who dealt largeh' with the Delawares, and whites traveling from Detroit to Vincennes, by way of Old Fort Valonia, in Jackson County: it is reasonable to conclude that thev followed the White Ri^-er and its tributaries and thus passed through the section now contained within the bounds of Shelby County. The lirst who is positively known to have entered the territory was William Conner, an Indian trader, who at that time had a trading post at the present site of Connersville. Early in 1 816, he floated down Flat Rock River in a small boat filled with such goods as he might exchange with the red men for their peltries. Later he traveled along the course of Blue River and to the bands that camped along its banks he became a welcome guest. Mr. Conner, who is often called the father of Central Indiana, was a typical frontiersman and being familiar with the customs and habits of the Indians, he was able to render valuable service to General Harrison during his struggle with the natives in the early part of the century.

No sooner had the news of the consummation of the treatv with Delawares, at St. Mary's, reached the settlement in Franklin County, than did Jacob Whetzel start out for the new El Dorado, blazing a road from Brookfield to the bluffs on White River. This blazed way, long known as Whetzel's trace, passed through Shelhy County in a northwesterly direction, crossing Big Blue River about four miles and a half north of the present site of Shelbyville. The Whetzels, Jacob and Cyrus, with their families, returned to the bluffs of White River in 18 19, and permanentlv settled there.

Richard Thornberry settled at the point where Whetzel's trace crossed the Flat Rock, now in Rush Countv. James Wilson, accompanied by a man by the name of Logan, and another by the name of Hanna, followed the trace to where it crossed the Big Blue River, and after selecting the site of his future home, returned to Fairfield, Franklin County, where he then resided. After a brief stay with his family, he returned to the wilderness, accompanied by his three sons, William, Jonathan and Weslev. Thev at once began to fell trees with which to construct a cabin home, and for the first time the wood-man's ax sent its peaceful echoes through the forest. Log was placed upon log until a cabin, 16x16 feet in dimensions, with slab floor, stick and clav chimnev, and big fire place, was completed. The location of this cabin was in Section i6, Marion Township, about 300 vards south of where Squire Wells now lives. After the cabin was under roof, leaving the boys to complete the work, Mr. Wilson returned and brought the first load. Remainino- but a few davs, he returned to the old home at Fairfield, reaching there late in December. Preparation* were at once begun to move the familv, and on the New 1 ear's day, 1819, father, mother, Isaac H. (then a boy of twelve summers), four little sisters, and the baby boy, bade farewell to the old home and the friends who had gathered, and began the journey to the forest home. A deep snow had fallen and the dav was severely cold, the creeks were frozen over, which enabled them to cross without dithculty, until they reached Flat Rock, where the wheels broke through the ice, but after much dela}' it was extricated. After a tiresome and tedious journey, they reached the cabin about lo o'clock in the night of the third day. The boys, in anticipation of their coming, had roasting, before the great tire place, some of the choicest venison, and when the supper was prepared, and the interesting group gathered around the table, who will say that with all their lack of comforts, with all their pinching poverty and all their isolation, the}' were not happy?

The next to pitch his tent in the wilderness was Bennett Michael, a shoe-maker. He had for years followed his trade, but with indifferent success at the old home in Fairheld. He came at the solicitation of Mr. Wilson, who had provided for him a small cabin a few vards south of his own residence. In the spring of 1820, Benjamin Kaster, John Foeman,John Smith and Henr}- Fishel, with their families, came and settled on the school section in Marion Township. Later, in the same year, David Fisher, Balser Fox, James Grier, Benjamin Hodges, Adam Rhodes, John Sleeth, Caleb Sleeth, W. H. Sleeth and Abel Summers, came and squatted in and around the town of Marion. The land was surveyed b^' the government immediatelv after its acquisition by treaty, and the different parties who did the work in Shelby County, with date of its completion, were: W. B. Laughlin, July 23, 1819; A. Wallace, July 23, 1819: B. Bentlev, May 31, 1819; Abraham Lee, Julv 22, 1819; John Hendricks, April 20, 1820. The government land office at Brookville was opened for the sale of the land on the first Monday in October, 1820; and immediately afterward settlements were made in various parts of the county almost contemporaneously. It is claimed that two squatters, Joseph Hewitt and Firman Smith, had come into the territory, now^ occupied by Hanover Township, as early as the latter part of 1819, and began to carve out homes in the dense forest. Thev were soon followed bv Joshua Wilson, Richard Tvner, James Griffin, Josiah Glover, William Johnson, Rezin Davis, Seth M. Cole, David Calken, James Van Arsdell, Eli Lucas, William Smith, John Carmony, Nathan Young, Lewis Johnson, William and Augustus C. Handy, William AVolf, Dr. David Seth McGaughev, James T. Reid, James Tyner, G. Spurrier, Jonathan and Thomas Swain, Paris C. Talbert, William Montgomery, Joseph and John Davis, Maj. Ashbel Stone, Joshua Holding, Lathrop Francis, Rev. Samuel Morrison, Alexander Rittenhouse, Joseph Adams, Chauncv Butler, Jr., Jacob Fonts, Henry Buck, Thomas Tyner, Andrew Woodyard, George G. Righter, Dr. David

Early Settlements

Tracy, Moses Kitchell, Isaac Adams, William Dver, James and Thomas Philips, Ira Bailey, Benjamin Norris, Cyrus Stone, Jesse Miller, Benjamin Cole. The Yankee settlement, in the vicinity of Freeport, was one of the most prosperous.

The first settlement made in Addison Township, was in the northwest corner long known as the " Wray Settlement." The pioneers of that neighborhood were: Rev. James Wrav, Isaac and James -Templeton, Samuel and John Nail, Zeboniah Stubbs, James Montgomery, Zebedee and Barnabas Wray. These were all native North Carolinains. In and about Shelbyville the Hendrickses, Goodriches, Walkers, Davissons, Mayhews, Wingates and Williams with many others whose names are mentioned in the history of the city, constitute the first settlers of that section.

A settlement made in Jackson Township and for many years known as the " Haw Patch Settlement " three miles northeast of Edinburg, was one of the earliest made in the county. Many of the settlers of Jackson became active in the public affairs of the county. One of the first to take up his residence in that section was Colonel Hiram Alldredge, who was appointed ^by the board of commissioners, at their first term in 1822, to the office of County Clerk. This office he filled most faithfully until his death which occurred early in the thirties. Other prominent early settlers were - Judge Joseph Dawson, the Rev. James Clark, Moses Pruitt, Judge Joshua B. Lucas, Zechariah Collins, the P^ev. Alfred Phelps, Ivory H. Leggett, Dr. Benjamin Sanders, John Cutsinger, Jacob Wirtz, David and Jesse Scott, Abner Connor, John and George Warner, Dr. A. J. Treon.

It is probable that there were no squatters in the southeastern portion of the county, but soon after the land was surveyed Alexander Van Pelt came with his family and settled at the mouth of Conn's Creek, in what is now Noble Township. Others who came about the same time were Arthur Major, Isaac Avery, Josiah and Daniel Williams, William Major, Mathias Floyd, John and Anderson Winterrowd, Peter Bailey and Jonathan Paul. The last named was a conspicuous figure in the settlement of both Shelby and Decatur counties.

During the year 1821, settlements were made in almost every part of the county. Indeed, they, were made so rapidly that it is difficult to tell which is entitled to the priorty. Those who were prominent among the early settlers of the various part of the county, not elsewhere mentioned, were: Hugh and Jeremiah Campbell, James Woods, Peter Andrews, Nathan Simpson, John Andrews, Elijah Kirkpatrick, Wilhs and William Law, Peter Heck, Noble Grimes, Robert Kennedy, Thomas Vaughan, Hudson Ray,

For three months after the land office had been opened for the sale of the land c^ontained within the new purchase the office was overrun with buyers. Those who entered land in Shelby County in 1820 were:

It will be observed that the above shows that entries were made in a few instances prior to October, 1820. This is doubtless a clerical error made in copying from the original records.

The Log Cabin. - After arriving and selecting a suitable location, the next thing to do was to build a log cabin, a description of which may be interesting to many of our 3-ounger readers, as in some sections these old-time structures are no more to be seen. Trees of uniform size were chosen and cut into logs of the desirable length, generally twelve to fifteen feet, and hauled to the spot selected for the dwelling. On an appointed day the few neighbors who were available would assemble and have a " house-raising."

Each end of every log was saddled and notched so that thev Mould lie as close down as possible; the next day the proprietor would proceejl to '-chink and daub" the cabin, to keep out the rain, wind and cold. The house had to be re-daubed every fall, as the rains of the intervening time would wash out a great part of the mortar. The usual heiirht of the house was seven or eio-ht feet. The crables were formed by shortening the logs gradually at each end of the building near the top. The roof was made by laving very straight small logs or stout poles suitable distances apart, generally about two and a half feet from gable to gable, and on these poles were laid the "clapboards" after the manner of shingling, showing about two and a half feet to the weather. These clapboards were fastened to their place by "weight-poles" corresponding in place with the joice just described, and these again were held in their place by " runs " or " knees," which were chunks of wood about eighteen or twenty inches long fitted between them near the ends. Clapboards were made from the nicest boards in the vicinity b}^ chopping or sawing them into four-foot blocks And riving these with a frow.

The chimney of the western pioneer's cabin was made by leaving in the original building, a large open place in one wall. The fire-place thus made was often large enough to receive, fire-wood six to eight feet long. The more rapidly the pioneer could burn up the wood in his vicinity, the sooner he had his little farm cleared and ready for cultivation. In the interior, over the fire-place would be a shelf, called the " mantle," on which stood the candle-stick or lamp, some cooking and table ware, possibh' an old clock, and other articles: in the fire-place would be the crane, sometimes of iron, sometimes of wood - on it pots were hung for cooking ; over the door, in forked cleats, hung the ever-trustful rifle and powder-horn; in one corner stood the larger bed for the " old-folks," and under it the trundle-bed for the children: in another stood the old-fashioned spinning wheel, with a smaller one by its side: in another the heavy table: in the remaining corner was a rude cupboard, holding the table ware. These simple cabins were inhabited by a kind and true-hearted people. They were strangers to mock modest}-, and the traveler seeking lodgings for the night or desirqus of spending a few days in the community, was always welcome. A single room was made to answer for kitchen, dining-room, sitting-room, bed-room and parlor.

JMillitig. - Not the least of the hardships of the pioneer was the procuring of bread. The first settlers must be supplied, at least, one year from other sources than their own lands; but the first crops however abundant, gave only partial relief, there being no mills accessible to grind the grain. Hence the necessity of grinding by hand power, and man}' families were poorly provided with means for doinfr this. The "frrater" was used by many, and in not a few instances the hominy block resorted to. - *

There was probably no mill built in the county for more than three years after the first settler came, therefore it was necessary' to manufacture the bread-stuffs by the means above mentioned or return to the mills at White Water, in Franklin County, a distance of nearly forty miles. A few years later what was for many years known as Quary's Mill, was built near Moscow, Decatur County. This was extensively patronized by the people of Shelby County, until mills were built nearer home.

Going to mill says one, who spoke from experience, was quite an undertaking with the pioneers. It was, perhaps, a two or three days' journev. Sometimes a pair of oxen attached to a two wheel cart carried the farmer and his grain on his journey: but frequent^ he went on horseback seated on a bag of grain. This was a tedious journev, and his. return was anxiously awaited by mother and children.

There are some recollections of " going to mill " that bring with them pictures of weary, watchful nights when father did not return as promised and expected, being delayed by the number of "grists" before him, or the impassable condition of the roads or traces. Those were dismal phases of pioneer life, when the darkness closed in upon the anxious mother and crying children, when the winds beat upon the rude cabin, bringing to their ears unwelcome sounds, laden with howls of starving wolves, when hunger' pressed heavily upon the helpless inmates.

Soon enterprising citizens of the county began to embark in the milling business. A desired location along a stream being found, an application was made to the authorities for a writ of ad quod dauiniim. This would enable millers to have adjoining land officially examined and the amount of damage, by making a dam, named. Mills were such a great public convenience that objections were seldom made to their location, and in many instances they were built and operated for months before a writ was applied for. According to the statements of those whose opinions deserve most credence, the first mill built within what is now Shelby County was that of J. C. Walker, on Blue River, at the present site of the Shelby Mills, in Shelbyville. This was a small frame building and was probably completed earh' in 1S23. Nathan Johnson was the millwright. Later in the same year, Abel Summers built a mill in Marion, which stood on the same lot now occupied b}' the Marion flouring mill. Contemporaneous with the building of the Marion mill, but possibly a little later, Ira Bailey built a mill on Blue River near the present site of Freeport. Lathrop Francis was the manager. In the summer of the same year, 1823, a writ of ad quod danuuiiJi was procured by Isaac Drake, and the records show that a mill had been constructed and in operation some time previous to the procuring of the same. This mill was located on the northeast quarter of Section 25, Town 11, Range 6, on Flat Rock River. Although there were other mills built a few years later, these were the principal early mills that supplied the settlers with bread-stuff.

To nearly all of these, saw mills were attached that supplied the people with necessary lumber for the construction of frame buildings and repair of the old log cabin. A few years later this became one of the greatest sources of wealth. The oak, the poplar, the ash, the wild cherry, the black walnut, the maple and many other varieties indegenous to this section have yielded large quantities of lumber which have been transported to the markets of the world.

Pioneer Dress. - The dress of a people throw much light upon their conditions and limitation. The dress of the pioneer father and son was either a coon-skin cap or home-made wool hat for the head. The feet were covered with moccasins made of deer-skins and shoe-packs of tanned leather, but shoes were worn by most of the pioneers of this count}', except in summer, when old and young, male and female, went barefoot a considerable portion of the time. The blue linsv hunting shirt was almost universally worn by men and boys, and says one of the pioneers, " I have never felt so happy and healthy since I laid it off." It was made with wide sleeves, open before, with ample room so as to envelop the body almost twice around. The pantaloons of the masses were at a very early day made of deer-skin and linsy, but to the early settlers of Shelby County cotton and jeans were most common.

As to how women's dresses were made in those earl}' days, the following from the recollections of Aunt Susan Goodrich, given in her own language will best tell the story: " Now let me tell you how we made our dresses. When the right time of the year would come around, father, Cynthia and I would put the flax-brake on the log-sled, and haul it down near the river where there were plenty of nettles, Cynthia and I would carry netdes to father and he would brake them. It took an arm full to make a hand full when it was broken. We would work on this way until mother would say we had enough for one piece, and then we would hackle and spin it for chain; then take an equal quantity of wool cord and spin it for filling. We would then dye it in different colors, by using different kinds of bark, place it in the loom and weave it when we would have beautiful striped linsy.

Savs Dr. Robbins: The first crops raised were corn, potatoes and flax. It was deemed all-important that flax should be sown on Good Friday, and by the moon. The women and children were to pull it and spread it out to rot. Then the men would break it upon breaks, and the women would scratch, hackle, spin, and weave it into linen. They would then make it up into wearing apparel for the summer use of men, women and children. If there was any more on hand than was absolutely needed, it was sold to the merchant for calico for Sunday and wedding occasions.

The first wool we had was carded by hand, and then spun, Avove, and made up into linsey, jeans, flannel and blankets. It was used for dresses, pants, coats, shirts, and all other necessary winter clothing. As we had no tailors or professional dress-makers, it was necessary- for the women to do all work of this kind. Not\vithstanding all this exertion and labor, they were just as healthy then as now. There were no more headaches, backaches, and other diseases peculiar to females in those days than now - when they can luxuriate in their silks, satins, tiebacks and all other finery.

Time soon wrought a chauLre, and now the cotton and woolen frocks, spun, woven and made by their own fair hands stripped and cross-barred with blue dye and Turkey red has given place to gowns of silk. The feet before in a state of nudity, now charmed in shoes of calf-skin or slippers of kid; and the head formerh' unbonneted, but covered with a cotton handkerchief, now^ draping the charms of the female face under many forms of bonnets of straw, silk, etc. The ladies instead of walking a mile or two to church on Sunday, carryinjy their shoes and stockin^rs in their hands until within a few yards of the place of worship, as formerly, now come forth arraj-ed complete in all the pride of dress, in fashionable equipages.

JVative Animals. - -The principal wild animals found in the count}', b}' the early settlers, were the deer, wolf, bear, panther, wild-cat, fox, otter, raccoon, ground-hog. skunk, mink, weasel, muskrat, opossum, rabbit and squirrel. These animals furnished meat for the settlers for a few years, deer being used most abundantly. The wolf was the most troublesome of all wild animals, it being the common enemy of sheep and some other domestic animals. Their hideous howlincrs at nifjht were so constant and terrifying, that they seemed to do almost as much mischief by that annoyance as by direct attack. Bears and panthers were not so numerous, but were often seen and sometimes encountered as will be seen b}^ the following:

Early Settlements. 31I

Solomon George, who was a skillful hunter, and asked him to shoot a deer for him. George consented, and the two started upon the chase. They had not gone far when they suddenly happened upon two young bear cubs. George immediately said, ' Now we'll have some sport.' He directed Hendricks to pinch the ears of the young bears. Their loud and piteous howling soon caused the motherbear to appear. George then took dehberate aim and fired. The bear turned back and ran; and Hendricks, confident that she had been mortally wounded, hastened to the pursuit. He had not gone far, however, before the bear turned suddenh* upon his unarmed pursuer, and with great fury, threw him down. The situation was critical. But with wonderful bravery and presence of mind Hendricks doubled up his two fists and boldly pushed them into the mouth of the bear. In this desperate condition the intrepid George rushed to the spot, and, plunging his hunting-knife deep in the bowels of the bear, saved his friend's hfe. Hendricks bore the scars of this fierce encounter ever after."

Reminiscences of Dr. Milton B. Robins : " Mv Indian and hunting experience is limited. I never saw an Indian here or killed a bear or wolf. The only bear storv I have, is, that one night a bear attacked a hog near our cabin and made a meal of it. We heard the cries of the hog, but were afraid to venture into the woods. I often saw three or four deer at a time in going to the mill, but never killed one. We often heard packs of liungrv wolves howling in the night. Our dogs were sometimes injured by attacking porcupines and getting, their quills in their mouths, necks and paws. Squirrels were very numerous, and would eat almost all our corn by taking it up when first planted, but more especially eating it after the ears were formed. The earlv settlers formed hunting parties, took sides and offered premiums for squirrel scalps, the side killing the greatest number obtaining the prize.

" In the early days the settlements were all on the low bottom lands, and we dreaded the fever and ague and bilious fever as we would now the cholera if it made its annual visit. This was before the days of quinine. Then the woods were one dense forest, the undergrowth being nettles and pea-vines, often so thick you could scarceh' penetrate them. Having no grain to feed our horses, they were compelled to run out at night in order to obtain food; they would have to be hunted in the mornings when the dew was on the vegetation, and a man would get perfectly wet chasing them, and then go to work plowing in his wet clothes and keep them on until they dried out towards noon.

tuckians and Ohioans, with a few from Tennessee, Carolina and Pennsylvania. It being just after the Indian war and war of i8i2-'i3, there was no foreign demand. We had nothing to sell, no one had anythino- with which to buy. Evervthing- bartered: one dollar then would go farther than five or six now, but then it was merely nominal as we rarely handled a dollar.

" What little wheat was raised, was cut with sickles, it being before the days of cradles and reapers. We thought this never would be a wheat country, as the ground was so rich that the grain would fall down. After we began to raise more wheat than was needed for home consumption, the nearest market was Lawrenceburg; consequently the}' brought their grain from midway between Lawrenceburg and Michigan City - this way to, the Ohio, and the other wa}' to Lake Michigan. The old Michigan road would be lined with wagons containing from ten to fifty bushels of wheat drawn by one yoke of oxen and one horse; by two horses, and by three and four horse teams. They would be on the road ten days or two weeks, take their horse feed and provisions along with them, and bartered their wheat for salt, leather, cotton, yarn, coffee, etc. Hogs were driven the same way, either to Michigan City or Cincinnati. The number of grain wagons in the fall, and hogs in the winter, was astonishing, as the hogs from the north as far as Crawfordsville and Greencastle were driven through here to Cincinnati."

Snakes. - In the pioneer days of Shelby County, snakes were numerous and consisted of many varieties, viz. : rattlesnakes, vipers, adders, milk snakes, garter, water snakes, black snakes, etc. Many of these varieties were venomous and exceedingly dangerous. It. was the practice in some sections for the settlers to form themselves into companies, and with stick mattocks and crowbars attack the principal dens and sla}' large numbers of them. An incident of this kind is given by Mr. James Smith, an early resident of the county, who says : " While en route home from Edinburg in the summer of 1834, "ear the present site of the Baptist Church, in the Scott neighborhood, my attention was attracted b}' a noise in the leaves near the roadside. I stopped suddenly, and soon discovered that it was a combat for life between a rattlesnake and a black snake. Drawing near, the black snake became frightened at my presence, and quickly disappeared in the brush. The rattlesnake after a few seconds of apparent rest crawled slowly away to the base of a small cliff near the creek bank. Following but a few paces behind, and as I came near the cliff, I discovered what appeared to me at first sight to be hundreds of those venomous reptiles. I immediately repaired to the nearest house, and with the father, sons and dogs, w'e returned to the spot armed with various

Trade a)ui Coninicrce. - In pioneer times, the transactions of commerce were gennerally only neighborhood exchanges. Money was little known and seldom seen among the early settlers. Indeed, they had but Httle use for it, as they could transact all their business about as well without it, on the " barter " system, wherein great ingenuity was sometimes displayed. Peltries came nearer being money than anything else, as it came to be the custom to estimate the value of everything in coon skins. Even some tax collectors and postmasters were known to take peltries and exchange them for money required by the government. The surplus products of the farm that did not find a market at home were taken to Lawrenceburg, by way of the old state road, or to Madison, by way of the Michigan road. These were two important thoroughfares, and it is said that processions of a score or more of wagons were often seen en route to one of these points. January 26, 1824, Flat Rock was declared to be a navigable stream and public highw^ay from its mouth to Little Flat Rock, and Blue River was declared navigable to the north line of Shelby County. January 28, 1828, Sugar Creek was declared navigable to Manan's mill, in Moral Township, in this county, and William Dobble was made commissioner to keep it free from obstructions. Blue River was the first of these avenues of commerce used. The Goodrich Brothers, in the latter part of the twenties, built a flat-boat, loading it with various kinds of produce, launched on the placid waters, headed for New Orleans. This boat was a large one, and to get over the dam on Driftwood River, near Rockford, was a matter that gave the boatmen much concern. On this occasion Mr. Nathan Goodrich accompanied his father as far as the dam; there he left the boat and returned on foot. A man by the name of Isley, launched a boat laden with produce, probablv the next year. William Farris and a man by the name of Vanasdol, sent two boats from near Freeport. John C. Walker built and sent two from Shelbyville. Another was sent from Wolf's mill, and still another, with a cargo of lumber, from the mouth of Brandywine. It is claimed by those best informed, that at least ten boat-loads of produce were shipped to New Orleans in this way.

Gal]icri)}!^-s and Auutscuicnts. - The people of to-day might imagine from the nature of the surroundings, that the pioneer settlers seldom engaged in any kind of social intercourse. However strange it may seem, it is nevertheless true, that the opportunities were greater then than they are to-day. The log-rolHngs, house-raisings, corn-huskings, bean pickings, wool pickings, quiltings and apple- parings, while attended with hard labor, Avere never without their social elements. The "corn-husking"' was engaged in by both sexes. Thev usually assembled in a laK<2"e barn, but not unfrequentlv in the field; each gentleman would select his lady partnei and then the huskin<j[' would beo-in. When a ladv found a red ear she was entitled to a kiss from ever}" gentleman present; when a gentleman found one he was allowed to kiss every l^dy present. It is related that at such a rratherinij held in the barn of one Mr. Hunt, an earlv settler of Brandy wine Township, there were present a young lady of the neighborhood and two gentlemen admirers, each of whom had most diliirently soug'ht her favor. Early in the work one of them found what each had so persistently searched for - the red ear. He immediately sought the privilege that his prize guaranteed, but was confronted by his rival, and a fight ensued which resulted in the maimincj of one of the combatants for life. Such proceedings, however, were of rare occurrence. The night following these gatherings were usually spent by the 3-oung folks in dancing. Such social gatherings were known as the "frolic" or "shindig," and not the german or ball. The young gallants would gather in for miles around and bring their "gal«," and it was not uncommon for them both to ride on the same horse. When a sufficient number had gathered, the Aoiceful fiddle would send forth its inspiring strains and the dance would begin. Some would dance the "double shuffle" while others would "cut the pigeon wing" or other hiah vaultin<r figures. David Calclazier, who hved near Marion, was the most famous of all the pioneer "fiddlers" of the county, and his services were in demand wherever he was known. Those happy days are gone, and with them many of the old forms of amusement, which for true enjoyment far surpassed the formal social o-atherinas of to-day.

The pioneer wedding, which was one of the interesting features of pioneer life, is desc'-ibe'^ by one who often attended the festivities in the following lanov, '^re: For a long time after the first settlement the people married young. There was no distinction of rank and but little of fortune, consequently the first impression of lov^e generally resulted in marriage. The marriage was generally celebrated at the house of the bride. In the morning of the wedding day the groom and his intimate friends would assemble at the house of his father, and after due preparation departed for the mansion of the bride. The journey was some 'r^es ma^-e on horseback, sometimes on foot and sometimes in a farm wrgon or cart. It was always a merry journey, and to insure merrimc it .he bottle .was taken along. After the marriage ceremonies were performed, supper eaten, dancing commenced and usuall}- lasted till morning.

At the proper time for retiring a deputation of young ladies would steal off the bride and put her to bed. This done, a deputation of young men would escort the groom to the same apartment and place him snugly b}' the side of his bride. A romantic incident of a marriage of pioneer da3-s as written by Rev. George Sluter, is of sufficient interest to be inserted here :

"Abel Summers, who built the first mill at Marion, in 1823, employed a man by the name of Cor}-, from Fayette County, to frame his mill. This millwright brought with him his three sons, Whitman, Stephen and Alman. Now, it so happened that at that time one Samuel Endslev lived just across the river from where the mill was in process of construction. His family consisted of a wife and six children, the oldest of whom was an unmarried daughter of eio-hteen. It seems that Alman Cory soon became enamored of this voune ladv and determined to marry her. His suit being suecessful, he obtained leave of absence from his father to go home after clothino- suitable for the occasion. There he was detained several days longer than he had intended, without being able to explain the matter.

His brother. Whitman Cor}', who had been his rival, thought this the time for him to speak. So he told the young lady that Alman had no intention of returning, and that he himself was very much in need of a wife. He artfully insinuated that as he was a widower and had known what wedded bliss was, he was far more lonely than one who had never been married. He put the case so strongly that Polly told him, if those things were so, then the sooner he got his license the better.

Of course. Whitman was m great haste for fear his brother should return before he had secured his prize. So having borrowed a suit of clothing from James Carr, who lived in Marion, late in the evening, he crossed the river in a canoe, accompanied by Carr and Squire Kennedy. Mrs. Carr had kindly agreed to set her house in order for the reception of the bridal party, as soon as the two were made one. They arrived at the bride's residence in due time. The ceremony was soon over. And, after partaking of some ginger and whisky to keep out the cold, the bridal party started for Marion. But,"^ upon reaching the river, the canoe was gone. They searched diligently, but it could not be found. Their embarrassment was great. It was no laughing matter to them. They were compelled to return to the log cabin they had left but a short time before. It was a rude structure, only sixteen feet square, with round poles for joists, so low that a man of ordinary size could hardly stand erect under them, and two-thirds of the space of one end taken up by the huge fireplace. This would be considered a scant}" accommodation in om- da}-, for so large a number as were now beneath that roof. No supper had been prepared for the unexpected guests. But the crisis was only momentary, for the father of the bride came to the rescue. He seized his mattock, made an opening in the turnip-hole, and said : " Come, gentlemen, help yourselves; here is plenty."

The next da}' the canoe was discovered, and the wedding party brought over to Marion, it is said, "with shouting and great joy." And some time afterward it was found out that William Wilson and William Michael, two young bloods of the neighborhood, had actuallv swam the river throuo-h the mush ice in order to brinrr the canoe to the opposite bank, and concealed it about half a mile above the landincr in the bushes.

First Indcfoidcuce Day. - On the day upon which the Legislative Commissioners arrived at a decision - the Fourth of July, 1822 - there was the greatest gathering that had yet been had by the early settlers, at a barbecue, immediately north of our present Fair Grounds. The selection of the seat of justice was there announced and received with general applause, and the occasion was long and pleasantly remembered as important and memorable.

There were present about 200 persons on that occasion, hailing from half a dozen different settlements - Marion, Freeport, Wray's Settlement, Tucker's, Handpack and some live or six families from the immediate vicinitv. We had a delightful day, and enjoyed ourselves as well, probably, as the same number of persons ever did in the same length of time. We had provisions in abundance, such as beef, pork, mutton, deer, bear, turkey and fish. The bread was excellent, and plenty of it, and all donated. No one thought of asking pay for anything that was furnished. Nimrod Gatewood, a brother of Peter and William, was chief cook. Our meats were barbecued, over a ditch that had been dug for the purpose, and filled with live coals. John Cherry went out that morning, killed a four-pronged buck and brought him in as his contribution. Mother Young; furnished a loaf of raised corn bread about the size of half a bushel, which had been baked in a Dutch oven, and I defy you to produce anvthing equal to it, baked in the stoves of the present day. Our tables were hastily gotten up by driving forked sticks in the ground; poles were then put crosswise, and upon these were placed slabs.

When all things were ready to be put upon the table, we were brought to a dead stand for the want of dishes upon which to serve our meats. But our delay was only momentary. An old lady by the name of Goodrich, who, it was reported, had been a captive among the Indians in her youth, upon hearing of the difficulty directed a couple of young men to cut down a young hickory tree. They then peeled off the bark in sheets about two feet long, and tied up the ends in such a manner as to form a dish larsre enouoh to hold a saddle of venison. She next showed them how to sharpen their knives, using one as a steel to whet the other.

I remember well on that memorable dav, ridino- throuirh the beautiful fertile bottom, now owned by Messrs. Gordon and Senour, upon a horse, fifteen and a half hands high, carrying a stick in my hand to keep the nettles out of m}- face. There is one other incident of that day which has left a deep impression upon my mind. It was this : Some fifteen persons formed a circle, one of them had a violin. It was passed round, each one playing a tune; after which we dispersed and all went home, well satisfied and contented. This was the first celebration of the Fourth of July in the newly organized county.

Old Settlers^ Association. - Meetings of the old settlers have been held at various places and at irregular periods for more than a score of years. Within the last few years they have been of more frequent occurrence, and more largely attended. A joint association, composed of Shelby, Johnson, Rush and Bartholomew counties, was organized a few years ago with a regular meeting place at Riverside Park near Flat Rock in Shelb^' County. These meetings are attended by thousands of people from the counties composing the association, and much interest is manifested, not only by the old settlers themselves, but by the generation of younger people who are now reaping the rewards of the industry of their fathers, and lose no opportunity to make their decHning years pleasant. These exercises consist of addresses by some of the most distinguished men of the county and State, and reminiscences of the pioneer days, portraying in their own language the trials and hardships encountered in order that>they might lay the foundation of homes, the blessings of which their children might enjoy.

" It is now more than half a century ago since I came to Shelby ville. I had left the Theological Seminary in 1829; and, feeling that it was important for a minister to be suitably married, upon my return home, I turned my attention in that direction. I met my first wife and proposed successfully. Her father's favorite maxim upon the subject of marriage was that daughters should be married oj' and not on. When my wife and I were ready to start for our

Home Mission field in the then Far West, it seemed as if his daughter had been married too far off. The trip to Indiana at that time was an immense affair, an undertaking of far more magnitude than a journey to Europe would be in our day. It was a sad leavetaking, and we parted ^^-ith many tears. We came down the Ohio River on a steamboat, and arrived at Madison at night. I preached for the Rev. James H. Johnston, the Pastor of the church, for two Sabbaths, while he went off on a missionar}- tour into the country. I purchased a horse, saddle and bridle, paying the sum of $35- My wife rode in the stage. In this way we reached Bartholomew County. Thence we entered Shelby County, and reached the house of Mr. John Conover. While there, Mr. James Hill, the grandfather of Mrs. Teal, sent his son James with a horse for my wife. This family was better off than most of the early settlers, for they had a log cabin with two rooms. From there we went to Shelbyville, to the house of Maj. Hendricks. We were well received everywhere. I \vas now upon my field of ministerial labor, and engaged boarding in the house of Dr. S. B. Morris. There were two rooms in his residence, and one of them, ioxi6 in size, became the parlor, study and bed-room of ni}- wife and self. After three months, we moved into a small two-story brick building, just finished, which stood opposite where the post office now is. In the lower room my wdfe immediately opened a school, and we lived up-stairs.

"As I stand here to-day and look back, I feel that it is ver}^ difficult to realize the changes that have taken place within this time. The limits of the town then were very small. From Hendricks Street to Franklin, and from Tompkins to Pike was all there was of it - and that small space was occupied by but a few cabins. At some seasons it was extremely muddy. From where I now live it was often impossible to reach town on account of the bad roads.

" Once, a young minister, Mr. Danforth, and I, had been preaching in the country. Upon our wa\' back we were overtaken by night. It was so very dark, and the creeks were so high, that we concluded to remain in the woods overnight. So we hitched our horses and entertained ourselves the best we could: and if I have ever in all my life danced, it was that night - danced to keep myself'w'arm. Earh' in the morning we started, not knowing what direction to take, but soon found a pig path, which led us to the house of Mr. Curran. who had been at our meeting the da}' before; and he piloted us to Shelbyville.

the ii-'jisionarv- labor we were engaged in, and on her dying bed said she never regretted coming here. The Presbyterians were anxiuus to have preaching of their own faith, and treated us with the greatest of kindness. I would often take ni}- wife with me on Saturday to my preaching places. We always found the latch strino" out. It is true there was generally but one room in the house. When we suggested perhaps it would not be convenient for us to stay all night with them, the invariable reply was, it would be entirely convenient. At bed-time, the one bed would be made into three or four, and then the task was, how to get in. This was a little mortif3'ing to m}^ young wife at first, but after a time we got used to these unavoidable inconveniences of a new country."

Shelby County is second to none in almost everthing that goes to make a prosperous community and a happy and contented people. But the people of the present generation must know that they owe a debt of gratitude to those who opened up the avenues that have led her to such a condition. Energy and preseverance have peopled every section of her wild lands, and changed from a wilderness to gardens of beauty and profit, where but a few years airo the barkinrr of the wolves and the screaming of the panthers made night hideous with their wild shrieks, now is heard only the lowing and bleating of domestic animals. On the spot where but little more than a half century ago the savage pitched his tent, now rise the palacial dwellings, school-houses and church spires. The transformation has been brought about by the incessant toil and aggregated labor of thousands of tired hands and anxious hearts, and the aspirations of such noble men and women as make any country great.

There are but few of these old pioneers yet lingering on the shore of time as connecting links of the past with the present. Their trials, their privations and hardships were many, and they bore them without a murmur; of burdens, they have borne their share, and now as they are fast passing far down the western declivity of life, they should be cheered up, revered and respected, for beneath those rough exteriors beat hearts as noble as ever throbbed in the human breast.