Vermillion County, Indiana - The whole text, 1888 (part 6 of 15)

One of the chief business interests of Clinton Township is the immense stock farm of Claude Mathews at Hazel Bluff, on Brouilet's Creek, some three miles from Clinton.

It is said that in early day crime became so prevalent in the southern part of Vermillion County that a vigilance committee was organized, wjio executed a lynching or two and thus effectually checked the evil.

Some years ago the Indianapolis & St. Louis Bail road Company talked some of running a track through this portion of the county', but no subscriptions were taken. When the Cleveland & St. Louis railroad was projected via Clinton, a little effort was made for it, but nothing accomplished. Now the Anderson, Lebanon & Paris Kailroad is proposed, by way of Clinton, and A. V. Brown is the leading citizen of the place working for it, in conjunction with Eockville. Sections of this line, in other counties, are already bnilt and used.

Sims is a United Brethreti minister residing also on this creek. Betliel United Brethren Cluircli is located five miles southwest of Clinton, and the "Union Class," of the same church, worsliip at a point six and a half miles southwest of Clinton.

The Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church is located about five miles west of Clinton, where Lewis Walraven is class-leader; and Trinity Church, nearly south of Clinton, is a place wliere a prosperous class worships, of whom John Ryan, Harrison Cole and William 'Wright are official members. These two classes are in the Clinton Circuit, of which Kev. J. B. Combs is preacher in charge, with residence at the parsonage in Clinton. This is in the Greencastle District, Northwest Indiana Conference, of which Rev. A. A. (lee is presiding elder. Clinton Circuit, including the town, had 300 members lastyear.

Clinton

The town of Clinton was laid out in 1824, liy William Harris, a resident of Martin County, Indiana, who was a Government surveyor, and named the place in honor of DeWitt Clinton, of New York.

Up to the time the railroad was assured, about 1868, the growth of Clinton was slow, hut during all that long ante-railroad period it was nevertheless the entrepot for an agricultural district around it fifty miles or more in diameter. Across the Wabash the peoi:)le traded mostly at Terre Haute, only fifteen miles distant from Clinton, and always an absorbing factor in the country trade.

The first mercantile establisiiment opened at this point was by John and Benjamin R. Whitcomb, who kept a general store. Other early business men of Clinton were John Payton, John R. Whitcomb, Huram B. Cole, Jolm Ferrel, and John Marks. Later, were James McCnliocli, Ctis il. Conkoy. Jones &

Chestnut, from Paris, Illinois, Leander Munsell, from the same place, Alanson Baldwin, of Baldwinsville, Illinois, O. & D. Bailey, of Bloomfield, Illinois, who were extensive pork-packers at this point. This was for a long period a prominent shipping point for pork.

Many of the buildings occupied by the above parties are still standing, on the bank of the river near tlie wagon bridge, where tiie old boat landing was, as monumental 2'elies of the steamboat period. How many scenes of the past, and associations concerning the characteristics of the early business men of Clinton, does their venerable presence still suggest!

Clinton is now, and has long been, the largest town in Vermillion County; but what its population is we cannot ascertain. It is variously estimated at 1,200 to 1,800. The town is beautifully located, streets running " square with the world," and withal it is a pleasant place in every respect.

It was first incorporated about 1848 or 1849, by a special act of the Legislature, which empowered the trustees to prohibit the sale of intoxicants. In later years, about 1879, the town was re-incorporated, under the general law. It is divided into five wards, from each of which one trustee is elected biennially. The general officers are elected annually, - the president being elected by tlie board, and the other officers by the people directly.

Here, as elsewhere, have been the usual contests with the liquor traffic. The most remarkable movement in modern times was the "woman's crusade" of 187'^'76. In 1874 a band of praying women laid siege to a saloon day and night, being on duty in divisions and by turns. The proprietor surrendered. In April, 1875, a company of forty hidies, headed by Mrs. Maloneand Mrs. Kibby, marched in double file to the saloon owned by Tice & Mechler, to hold an interview with the proprietors; but on arrival found the fbrt evacuated and the doors wide open. The ladies guarded the place until evening and then retired. The next night one of the proprietors was arrested, and while he was in custody the citizens gathered at the point of contest and demolished everything that contained intoxicating liquor. Tlie proprietor sued fifteen of the citizens for $5,000 damages, but the case was compromised or dismissed. Otlier events of this crusade occurred, but of minor importance.

"While on the subject of municipal government, we may notice that under corporate management the streets have been graded and macadamized, nuisances generally kept in abeyance, and a satisfactory government generally administered.

Dr. Joseph Hopkins, from Ohio, was the first physician to locate in Clinton, in 1830 or previously. He was an acceptable practitioner. Died out West, leaving a wife and two daualiters.

Dr. I. S. Palmer, a well educated graduate of a medical college at Philadelphia, settled in Clinton during its pioneer period, accumulated some property, but finally became intemperate and lost it, althongh he was a gentleman of a shrewd intellect. He finally lost his life in a horrible manner, althoiigh not drunk at the time. Visiting & patient across the "Wabash one day about fifteen years ago, he noticed on his return many squirrels in the woods. On arriving home he took his gun, and started out to indulge in the sports of the chase. "While crossing the river on the ice, he broke through, but held himself from being drawn under by clinging to the edge of tlie ice; and there he lield fast until parties had arrived from points a mile or more distant for his rescue. But his strength gave out and he went nnder, never more to be seen; his body was never recovered. Charles Knowles nearly lost his life in his efforts to save him.

Dr. "William Kile, from Ohio, was a man of great energy and industry, and with an extended practice he accumulated a handsome amount of property. This lie finally sold and went to Paris, Illinois, where he engaged in mercantile business, and also ftirming and handling live-stock, for a number of years, and ultimately banking. In visiting patients on the other side of the Wabash he would sometimes swim his horse across the river on his return, rather than to come a few miles out of his way to the wagon bridge. One tinie he was violently attacked with small- ])ox, when scarcely any one expected he could survive; but his "vitativeness" was so large that, as he was being taken out into the country for treatment, passing a store, he called out to the proprietor, "Save me that largest pair of boots, v.'ill yon V He had

Dr. Rollin Whitcomb, a botanic physician from New York, came in 1841, and, after practicing here a number of years, moved away, and returned again and remained until his deatli.

Dr. I. B. Hedges was a boy when his parents brought him here from New York in 1824:. Commencing practice about 1845, he ])roved to be a successful physician as well as business man. On dying here three or four years ago, he left considerable property to his family, lie was a man of high standing.

Dr. P. R. Owen came to Clinton about 1854, from New GoshcL, Indiana, but was a native of Ohio. At the beginning of the war lie enlisted in the army, was elected Captain of Company I, Fourteenth Indiana Infantry, promoted Major and then Lieutenant Colonel of his regiment; came home and jH-acticed his profession until 1871, when he died, leaving a widow and several children. He was also an excellent Methodist preacher. The Grand Army post at Clinton is named in his honor.

Dr. William Reeder practiced medicine at Clinton for a period before the war, in which he enlisted and held some ofhce. About 1874 he moved to Texas, where he is now following his profession.

Dr. J. C. Crozier ai-rived here also some time before the war, entered the army as a Surgeon, continued in the service until the ;dose, then practiced here a number of years, and finally went to Washington, D. C, where he has for a number of years been engaged I in the pension department. |

"Judge" John Porter, who lived in the country in this township, followed the law to some e.xtent, was a man of considerable literary attainments, a member of the Legislature, etc. He died some time before the war period.

Henry D. Washburn was born in Yermont, in March, 1832; came to this county about 1S50; taught school three or four years - principally in Helt Township and some at Newport; studied law while teaching, with Thomas C. W. Sale at Newport; admitted to the bar in 1853, and opened office at Newport; was in partnership with M. P. Lowry for a time; elected auditor of the county in 1854, serving one term; entered the army as Captain of Company C, Eighteenth Indiana Infantry, promoted Lieutenant-Colonel, and then Colonel, and Brevetted General and then Major General, serving in the army about four years, first in Missouri, next in the Army of the Potomac, and then in Georgia; but in 1864, before the termination of the war, was elected, while a resident of

Clinton, to the lower house of Congress, against Daniel W. Voorhees, serving from March, 1865, to March, 1869, having been re-elected; was appointed in the latter year by President Grant to the office of Surveyor- General for the Territory of Montana; and while holding this office he died, in January, 1871, at Clinton, leaving a wife and two children. Commanding a company of fifty men, he made the first thorough exploration of tlie Yellowstone Valley, in 1870, in whichjourney the exposure brought on the illness which proved fatal. In his religion he was a Methodist, in his social relations a Knight Templar, and in his politics a Republican, and a good campaignist for his party. Mrs. Washburn now resides in Greencastle, this State. Dr. A. A. Washburn, her son, is practicing medicine at Atwood, Illinois; and her daughter is the wife of Professor J. B. De Motte, of De Pauw University, at Greencastle.

M. B. Davis, a native of this county, and a graduate of Asbury University at Greencastle, was admitted to the bar in 1881, commenced practice while a very young man, and was in partnership for a short time with 11. H. Conley, of Newport, and in 1885 left for Beatrice, Nebraska, where he is now practicing law and has an interest in the Beatrice liejniblican.

short distance west of the present Argus office, and was Republican in politics. F. L. Whedon, from Ohio, edited the paper for a short time. After a time Baker sold his interest to his partner, and Mr. Blackledge conducted the paper alone until the first week of November, 1876, when he sold to Lyman E. Knapp. In June, 1877, he sold to R. S. Knapp, but King Alcohol foreclosed a mortgage on the institution and killed it. It raised its fainting form at Perrysville, as the Perrysville Exponent, gasped a few months, and breathed its last. In 1877 H. A. White, a lawyer of Clinton, bought the office material, returned with it to Clinton, and started the Western Indianian, in the building now occupied by Harry Dudley as a meat market. Subsequently it was removed to the room now occupied by the Argus. By this time the organ was "National" in its politics.

White sold out to T. A. Kibby, H. S. Evans and John McMahon. The last mentioned soon left, and Evans became editor and publisher, Kibby remaining as a silent partner. Then Evans left, and Mr. Kibby, in September, 1879, leased the off.ce to L. O. Bishop and Mont. L. Casey. In June, 1880, this firm bought the Clinton .Herald, to which the Western Indianian had been changed by Mr. Evans, and published it until July 1, 1882, when Mr. Bishop sold to Casey. August 31, Mr. Bishop started the Saturday Argots. In twelve or fifteen montlis the Herald suspended. Shortly afterward Alexander Myers tried his hand at the business of journalism, by starting the Tomahawh and Scalping-Knife, which he immediately changed to the Democrat: died in six weeks. In June, 1884, Mr. Casey came out with the Clinton Siftlngs, which sifted occasionally and irregularly along for about three years, when it entirely sifted out.

During the summer of 1887 Mont. L. Casey started " Caser/s Si/tings," as an organ laboring for the "elevation of morals and horse-thieves," and as tlie only " religious " paper iu the county and the "best advertising medium on earth," published every Friday evening, " the Lord permitting," and on Saturday morning " any %vay."

It seems that the ^4/yHS-eyed journal has come to stay, having a clear tield and running steadily. It is a " free, untrammeled newspaper for the people," handicapped by no idiosyncrasy. In connection with the paper, Mr. Bishop has also a good job office.

Lucius 0. Bishop was born iu Clinton, a son of Francis M. and Melinda (Anderson) Bishop, April 17, 1859. Approaching the years of manhood he began the study of law in the office of Henry A. White, in his native town, but, before completing his course, he, in partnership with Mont. L. Casey, leased the printing office of the Clinton Herald, in 1879, since which time he lias been engaged as a journalist and job printer, as above related. He is a rising young man, and being endowed with energy and mental activity, he is destined to make a mark in this world of life. lie is a member of the order of Odd Fellows, and takes an active interest in the literary societies and other local enterprises of the community.

Late Enteepeises

The Clinton Building and Loan Association was organized in March, 1882, and is still alive. William L. Morey is president, and J. W. Robb, secretary.

The Clinton Natural Gas Company was organized in the spring of 1887, witli a capital stock of $2,000 to $1,000. C. Mathews, President; John Whitcomb, Vice-President; W. H. Hamilton, Secretary; N. C. Anderson, Treasiirer. The other directors ai"e J. J. Higgins, Decatur Downing, J. E. Knowles, C.

B. Knowles and W. A. Hays. The material for the derrick, etc., is now (June) on the ground, and the company intend to commence drilling within a few days, in the western portion of the town.

Educational

The first school-house in Clinton Township, as elsewliere described, was a log structure of the most primitive kind, located at tlie Davidson hill, a mile west of town, when the only school books were the English Reader, AVebster's Elementary Spelling Book and tlie New Testament, and sometimes a copy of Daboll's Aritlimetic. Since then a remarkable growth of the present free-school system has taken place. In the meantime, according to the character of the respective periods, two or three attempts have been made toward the establishment of special or select schools of an advanced order. For example, just previous to tlie war, Myrain G. Towsley's Military Institute and the Farmers' College, which went down on account of the war coming on. Part of the building, a large frame, was afterward converted into an opera house, and the wings into dwelling-houses.

The present fine school building, of six rooms, v/as erected in 1881, at a cost of about $8,000, including seating, furnishing and the ground. The enrollment last year was 368. The school is divided into ten or twelve grades, and prepares its graduates for admis-

Freemasonry was organized in Clinton previous to D. A. Eanger's arrival here in 1843, but interest in it declined and the charter was surrendered.

Jerusalem Lodge, No. 9D, F. cfi A. M., received its charter May 29, 1850, and has ever since then been kept alive. The charter members were - Sylvester Redlield, Worshipful Master, who afterward moved to Nebraska, John N. Perkins, Hiram Barnes, John li. Whitcomb, Benjamin E. Whitcorab, William S. Price, James Gazsoway, James McCuUoch, Nathan Sidwell, J. J. Moore and William Barrick. The present membership is fiftysix, with these officers: James Robert, Worshipful Master; Eobert B. Bailey, Senior Warden; Jasj)er Frisk, Junior Warden; N. C. Anderson, Treasurer; D. A. Eanger, Secretary; II. I). Dudley, Senior Deacon; John Ilorney, Junior Deacon; and William Hughes, Tyler.

Ainant Lodge, No. 35G, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted November 16, 1870, with about twelve members, who have increased to about seventy-five. The present officers are - A. V. McWethy, Noble Grand; J. II. Black, Vice Grand; Frank Swinehart, Eecordiug Secretary; W. H. Hill, Permanent Secretary; John II. Birt, Treasurer. The past grands number twenty-three. The lodge has an unusually nice room for their meetings.

Vermillion Lodge, No. 182, Degree of Rebekah, was organized July 9, 1877. It has at present about forty active members. The officers are - Mrs. Anna Davis, Noble Grand; Miss Ella Bishop, Vice-Grand; Mrs. Katie McWethy, Treasurer; Lillie Birt, Recording Secretary; Miss Lulu Allen, Permanent Secretary.

F. E. Owen Post, No. 3^9, G. A. R., was instituted April 15, 1884. (See a j)recedinf,r page for a sketch of Dr. Owen). The Post was organized X)j Captain li. B. Sears, of Newport, mustering officer, with about twenty-five or tliirty members. They now number fifty-four, and are in prospei'ous condition. Officers - L. H. Beckman, Post Commander; Cornelius Quick, Senior Vice Commander; T. B. Wells, Junior Vice Commander; S. Weatherwax, Adjutant; J. II. Wilson, Quartermaster; William Kelp, Chaplain; D. A. Ranger, Quartermaster Sergeant; Enoch Whitted, Sergeant.-

Cotmcil No. 3, Sovereigns of Indiistni. was organized May 5, 1874, with twenty-five members. James A. Greenwalt was elected President; David McBeth, Vice-President; J. C. Campbell, Secretary; T. Victor, Treasurer; S. B. Blackledge, Lecturer; J. C. Hall. Steward; D. Moore, Inside Guard.

The A. O. IT. W. organized here eight or ten years ago; soon had thirty or forty members, but in about a year they practically disbanded. Perry Jones, superintendent of a coal mine in tiie vicitiity at the time, Avas master workman of the lodge. He moved away some years ago. Probably he constituted the soul of the lodge, and \vlien he went away the body died.

Some eight years ago an orchestra was organized in Clinton, which is still efficient, and more recently a cornet band, led by White and Wells.

Methodism. - Itinerant Methodist ministers of pioneer times were especially marked fur their energy and daring in threading the wild woods and prairies in search of the isolated settler, for the purpose of preaching to liiin the gospel and of organizing "classes" (church congregations) as soon as he could iind three or four residents who were zealous enough to meet, coming from far and from near. The first Methodist class in Yermillion Connty was organized some time previous to 1830, at the house of John Tannest, the first settler of the county, comprising besides Mr. Vaniiest himself, also his brother, and George Eush, James, Amos and Joseph Reeder, the Brannons, etc. The minister, who walked his rounds, preached here every four weeks. Revs. Smith and McGinnis are remembered as being among the early Methodist preachers in this section.

Not having space to detail the particulars of Methodist history from that time to the present, we are obliged to leap in our imagination over half a century, to the present period.

At the present time the Clinton society comprises ninety-four members. Class-leader, L. II. Beckman. Stewards, James M. Hayes and Robert Allen. The flourishing Sundayschool is superintended by John Whitcomb and L. IT. Beckman. Pastor, Rev. J. B. Combs, now in his second year here, and occupying the parsonage, a neat residence in a retired place. This circuit is in the Greencastle District, Northwest Indiana Conference. Rev. A. A. Gee, of Greencastle, is the presiding elder.

As to a house of worship, the Methodists jiassed from the log-cabin residence and f-chool-house to a frame church, erected mainly by the Presbyterians in 1831; and next into a frame, 38 x 60 feet, built about 1852, at a cost of about $1,400, which is now used as a dwelling; and finally, in 1883, they reared their present massive and imposing brick edifice, 40 x 80 feet in ground area, at a cost of §6,500.

The African Methodist Episcopal Churdt of Clinton, was organized in 1876, by Kev. W. S. Langford, of Rockville, at the time, who was also pastor for a while. The class, led by George Harris, started out with only six members, but now numbers about twenty, with Mrs. Lida Brown as class-leader. Stewards, "William Bowen, John Cooper, Elbert Brown, John Bowen and John Walker. Sunday-school, of about fifteen pupils generally, is superintended by James Bowen. The pastor is Rev. W. R. Hutchison, now a resident of Lost Creek, Yigo County; this is his third year. The church building, 26 x 80 feet in dimensions, was erected in 1881, at a cost of $250, and is free from debt. It is located in the central part of town.

The Presbyterian Church at Clinton was also organized in pioneer times, being the first to erect a house of worship in the county, in 1831, with the aid of the Methodists. Ennning down somewhat in the course of years, they were re-organized about 1850, by Rev. John Gerrish, of Ilelt Township, who died in the spring of 1887, in Kansas. There are now fifty-five members. The ruling elders are E. V. lirown and David McBeth. They maintain a Sunday-school the year round, with an average attendance of ninety pupils, superintended by D. C. Johnson. The present pastor is Rev. L. G. Hay, D. D., of Terre Haute, who has been serving as " stated supply " since the first of February 1887. Former pastors (or supplies) have been, so far as can be conveniently remembered, Revs. James Boggs, in 1855; John A. Tiffner, of Bono, two or three years;

John Hawks, of Eockville, two or three years; Thomas Griffith, of Montezuma, three or four years, and L. H. Davidson, who resided here at the time, two years. The first church bnikling was converted into a barn, and is still used as such. The present house of worship was erected about 1852, is a frame 40x70 feet in dimensions, and located centrally, on the school-house lot.

'HE following list of early settlers of Kelt Township, altliougli apparently systematic, can not be supposed to be complete or free fruiii error, but it is as accurate, we trust, as such data can generally be made. The years indicated at the head of the respective paragraphs are the years in which those mentioned came liere as settlers, except where otherwise specified.

1817-'18. - In the winter of 1817-'18 came Obadiah Swayze, who occupied as a "squatter" one of the three cabins just built by the Helts, spoken of in the next paragraph. He, however, remained as a permanent citizen. His remains now lie buried in Helt's Prairie Cemetery, with his wife, two sons and a daughter. He has a grandson, "Wesley "Wright, living in Kansas City.

in the war of 1812 under General Harrison, and died March 25, 1879, a good man and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. George, John and Michael Helt - all now deceased. C. B., Thomas, Hiram, E. B. and F. M. Helt were all born here in pioneer times. Augustus Ford, from Ohio, long since deceased. His son John, born in Ohio in 1809, came with him, and died May 6, 1882, an exemplary member of the Methodist Episcopal church, after having lived upon the farm first occupied lor half a century. Mr. Rodney, from Maine. John Skidmore, who died at the age of eighty years. Hon. "V\'illiam Skidmore, who was born February 19, 1819, died several years ago. George Skidmore was born in 1824, and Josiah Skidmore in 1831. Samuel Eush, father of James, who was born in Ohio in 1817. This year, or soon afterward, C. C. Hiddle (or John Hiddle, according to one authority), and John Martin came and built the first cabins on Hiddle's Prairie.

1819 - Samuel Ryerson, who died January 31, 1862, at Clinton. His wife, Phebe, died in the fall of 1874, at the age seventy-nine years. She wa* a remarkable woman. At tlie age of twelve years she had never heard one pray. At that time she attended a Methodist meeting, where the expected preacher did not arrive, and the class-leader sang and prayed, which was tlie means of her conviction and conversion, and she remained a zealous member of tlie church all her life. She and her husband formed the first Methodist class on Helt's Prairie, consisting of eight persons, soon after their settlement here. A short time before her death she willed §1,500 to the Missionary Society, $500 to Asbury University, $200 to the educational fund of this county, and $200 to the Biblical Institute at Evanston, Illinois, besides other sums, to various individuals.

1820. - Mr. Hood, father of Charles D. and S. S., both of whom were born in Tennessee, in 1814 and 1815, and are still living here. According to one authority, Joel IIollingsworth arrived in Ilelt Township this year.

1821. - Abraham and Enoch White. The latter was born in Kentucky, in 1814. James Harper. Stephen Harrington, who was born in Ohio in 1814, was a resident here during most of the connty's existence. Warham (or " Wirnm ") Mack, born in Ohio in 1801, died here. The other Macks came later: see under 1832 and 1886.

1822. - William Andrews, Sr., tanner and farmer, born in Ohio in 1807, (see under 1832), and died of heart decease in December, 1879, two miles southwest of St. Bernice, a member of the United Brethren church. (For others by the name of Andrews, see under 1832.) John Conley. M. A. Conley, long a resident, was born in this township this year. James Conley, born in Ohio in 1817, is still living here. William Conley was another pioneer.

was born here, September 29, 1823, and died January 7, 1884, two and a half miles west of Summit Grove. Eleven of his twelve children are still living. John Peer, Sr., born in Virginia in 1803, and deceased. John Peer, Jr., a resident, was born here in 1834. The Pearman family; of the younger members, John is living, I'enjamin is dead, and besides these there M-ere S. D. and AVilliam.

1824. - John Van Camp, whose house this year was where the first township election was held, moved to Missouri. John Langston, father of Oliver, of Dana. William L. Malone, born in Ohio in 1805, deceased. Richard, his son, was born in the same State, in 1826, and lives in Dana.

1827, settled in this county in 1831. William F. Bales was born here in 1829. Chandler Tillotson, who came to the county abont this pei'iod, is dead. Daniel G. and G. B. Tillotson were born here in 1825. 1826. - Edwin (or Edmund), William and Elijah James. S. R., Joseph, W. A. and S. S. James are all natives of this C(ninty. Mr. Keyes, father of Dr. C. F. Keyes. The doctor was born in Indiana, in 1822, brought up in Ilelt Township, became a competent physician, although somewhat eccentric in style, and died at Dana, February 8, 1884, leaving a wife and five children. John Vanduyn born in New Jersey in 1803, still i-esides in this township. M. Thompson. Mr. Rhoades, father of Stephen, was born in Kentucky in 1822. William Kearns, born in Kentucky in 1806, is dead. John, his son, was born in 1832, and is still living here. Samuel Pyle, was two years old at this time, when he was brought here; he is still a resident of this township.

1827. - Washington Engram, bom in Kentucky in 1812. John 0. Rogers, born this year in Helt Township, resides in Dana. Asa Mack came this year or previouely. His son, Dr. Erastus Mack, was born this year, and another son, N. B., born in 1832, went to California.

1828. - Joel Ilollingsworth, who was born in South Carolina in 1801, died May 30, 1875, in this township. (See sketch of Simon Hollingsworth, in the biographical department of this work.) George Hollingsworth, a carpenter, was born in 1827, Indiana, and was brought here in 1839.

1829. - The French family. Eelix French, born here this year, went to Michigan. Samuel French, long a resident. Joseph and John Staats, brothers, are still living here. Joseph, born in Virginia in 1801, came in 1830, and John, who was born in Ohio in 1806, came in 1829. Israel and Abraham Leatherman were lads when they arrived this year. Samuel Hoagland (deceased), was born in this county in 1829, and was a citizen here for a life time. Wesley Southard (deceased), was born in Virginia in 1811. William Ruisell, Sr., born in Virginia in 1797, is still living here. David and Mahlou Russell were born here, in 1830 and 1833.

1830. - James L. Wishard, born in Kentucky in 1794, was a soldier of the war of 1812, and died two or three years ago. John O. Wishard, born in the same State, in 1805, came in 1834, and is now deceased. J. H. Wishard, a life-long resident, born this year. James L. Payton, born in Kentucky in 1800, is dead. James Payton, born in 1835, also deceased. A. M. Payton, born in Kentucky in 1823, was seven years of age when brought here. James A. Edmanston, born in Indiana in 1828, was brought here in 1830 and lived here many years, but is now living in Illinois. Robert Norris, born in South Carolina in

1796, died here in 1878. His sons, John and Lewis, are living. John T. Boren, Sr., born in Tennessee in 1800, is not living. J. T. Boren, Jr., was born in this county in 1831. Jacob Miller, born in Kentucky in 1818, is still a resident here. Mary E. Miller, born in North Carolina in 1816, came iu 1831. John and O. R. Blakesley, born here in 1830 and 1833, remained as residents until their death.

1831. - Joseph Jones, born in Kentucky in 1810; Matthew Jones, born in North Carolina in 1818; Thomas Jones, shoemaker, born in the same State in 1820; and AViley Jones, born also in the same State in 1824, all came this year. Wiley soon moved on to Illinois. William Jones, an old resident, was born in Indiana in 1829.

1832. - James Andrews came previously to 1834. John Andrews, still living here. Sara Eliza Andrews, born in 1820, married Mr. Dethrick and moved West. Hannah Andrews, born in Massachusetts in 1823, came to this county in 1839. John W. Reed, born in North Carolina in 1822, resided here from 1832 until his death September 14, 1885, at Dana. David Reed, born in North Carolina in 1825, is still living. P. M. Stokesberry, born in Ohio in 1808, is not now living. James H. White,Vho was born in Teunessee^in 1805; and O. J. White was born this year in Helt Township. William Higbie, born in Ohio in 1814, lived here until recently.

1833. - J. S. Fisher (deceased), born in Kentucky in 1808. Benjamin, James and Joseph Fisher, pioneers, and life-long citizens, are all deceased. Benjamin Miles, born in Kentucky in 1813, is still living here. Mr. Foncannon, from Virginia. H. W. and John R. Roshstan, living in Dana. James A. Elder and James R. Finnell, the former from Ohio, and the latter from Kentucky, were both eleven years of age when brought here in 1833, and are still living in Helt Township. O. Chambers and Charles Craig were burn here tliis year.

1834. - Saninel Aiknian, born in Indiana in 1814, is living in Dana. Robert Mc- Dowell, born in Kentucky in 1820, is deceased. J. D. McDowell, born in this county in 1836, is a life-long resident. Mr. Johnson, some time this year or previously. John R. Jolmson, born in Ohio in 1833, was brouglit here in 1834; and S. Johnson was born liere in 1835.

1835. - Samuel Tullis, born in Virginia in 1794, resided here until his death, at Bono, October 14, 1877, a member of the Christian ciiurch. His wife died two months previously. Jolm Jenks, born in Vermont in 1803, is not living. S. Ponton, born in A'irginia in 1787, is deceased. John 8. Ponton, born in Ohio in 1831, died here about a year ago. John Jackson, who had several sons, and is deceased. Anflrew Jackson, born in Oliio in 1823, is still living here. Joseph Jackson. James C. Burson. Isaac N. BuUington, born in Kentucky in 1807.

1836. - Cephas Mack, born in Massachusetts in 1815, died April 29, 1885, in Ilelt Township. His brother, Spencer, born in the same State, in 1818, settled here in 1838, and is not living.

1837. - Benjamin Harper, born in Virginia in 1796, died August 2, 1877. His wife, Charlotte, died March 2, 1884, aged nearly eighty-two years. John R. Porter, born in Massachusetts in 1824,died in 1878. James F. Barnett, Sr., born in Kentucky in 1815, after settling here became- a merchant in Eugene.

1838. - Henry Mitchell, blacksmith, born in New York in 1809, died here, June 20, 1881. AVilliam M. Price, born in Maryland in 1811, is still a resident of this township. W. C. and Abel Randall, from Oiiio.

1839. - William Thompson, born in Kentucky in 1818, died here in the spring of 1887. David D. Thompson, born in the same State, in 1827, died i^^ebruary 1, 1880. Erastus Crane, born in Vermont in 1804, resided in Helt Township from 1839 to the time of his death. Elijah and N. E. Taylor, Reuben Puffer, F. S. Aye and many others.

Other early settlers were - Samuel Rice, William Hays, Peter Higbie, Henry Bogart, Richard, Isaac and John Sliort, Carmack, etc., etc., nearly all of whom are dead.

The first white child born in Helt Township was Honorable William Skidmore, in 1819; and it is not a settled point whether he or Jolm Vannest, Jr., of Clinton Township, was the first born in the county.

The first mill in the township was built upon the bank of Coal Branch, a little stream which takes its rise in the central part of the township and flows southwest. This mill was built by William Anderson in 1836, but it has long since fallen into disuse, and Coal Branch looks as if it could never have run a mill.

The Davis Ferry, at Opeedee, about three and a half miles below Newport, was a famous place in early day, as it was the favorite place of crossing the Wabash for those who were traveling north, the second bottoms on the west side of the river attbrding much better wagon roads than the east side. By

Helt Township has contributed an interesting share to the science of archseology. In the summer of 1884, a number of workmen, while digging gravel in the mound Just east of William Bales' place, brought to light the skeletons of more than half a dozen of the aborigines. Various relics were found, consisting of bone and stone. There was no metallic tool of any sort in the grave. Under the skull of the first skeleton found, - undoubtedly the chief or sachem of the tribe, - was perhaps half a bushel of arrow-heads. A pipe was found, the bowl of which was perfectly hollowed. It was made of a hard species of soapstone. . Was it his calumet of peace? Two pieces of what one would suppose to be a tish-spear, made from the aiitler of a deer, was procured from the heap of arrow-heads, together with the jaw-bones of a dog and several beaver teeth. One spearhead, six inches long, the middle portion of which was gone, had barbs, about an inch apart, on one side only. The absence of firearms indicates that these remains have been lying here since a period prior to the advent of the white man.

March 31, 1883, occurred the first " fox drive" ever held in Vermillion County. The citizens placed themselves, according to advertised programme, in a kind of circle around a large section of territory, mostly in Helt Township. They started forward at 9:30 A. M. All the marshals exercised due diligence to keep the uien in proper shape, none of whom wei-e allowed to be intoxicated or to have a dog or gun. The east and north divisions, having to travel over a very broken section of the country, and some of the men also disobeying orders, permitted eight foxes to escape. At half past 11 o'clock men and boys could be seen in every direction, about

800 strong, approaching the center; and it was also observed at this moment, that three red foxes were surrounded. Forming into a ring about forty yards in diameter on the meadow near the Conley school-house, three of the most active young men entered the ring to captvire the game by their unassisted hands. One fox, which was crippled in trying to pass out, was soon caught; but the other two were chased for some time, when finally one of them broke the line where some women were standing and got away. The remaining one, after being chased fur some time by dififerent ones, was finally caught by Fred Ford.

William Darnell was called for, who at auction sold the two foxes to the highest bidder, Richard Wimsett, of Opeedee. Every one present enjoyed the sport.

It could plainly be seen that many important improvements could be made in the plan and execution of the " drive," and accordingly the next spring, March 15, 1884, they tried it again, on a larger scale, Muthout catching a single fox. The conclusion was that there were no foxes on the ground to be caught; but some say the territory was too large. It comprised a portion of Helt and Vermillion Townships.

In looking through the ijlesoi the Iloosicr State five to twenty years back, one finds many crimes and misdemeanors reported from every part of the county, - appropriate enough for a newspaper but inappropriate in a general history like this. The execiition of Walter Watson, for the murder of Ezra Compton at Highland, has already been related in this w'ork. AVe hope every reader will pardon us for introducing one more item from that newspaper, as an example of the amusing style in which many of the squabbles in this county were related.

Township: Two Belligerent Females Get on Their Muscle and Make the Hair Fly. It becomes our sad duty this week to record a big hair pulling by a couple of young women of Helt Township. Both bear a respectable character, and also a first-class temper. The time was Sunday, December 20, 1874, and the Brick Church, three miles west of Highland, was the place. The young ladies met in the aisle after services were over, and, after a few hot words, the hair pulling commenced, and was continued with fury for several minutes, hair, ciirls and chignons flying in every direction, to the dismay of the assembled multitude. Both will now have to wear wigs for a spell, to conceal their prairie heads from public gaze. It is through fear that we withhold their names from the public; for we don't want to be put to the necessity of buying a wig these hard times."

TORONTO. This is the name of the postoffice at the village called Bono, in the southwestern part of the township. The village was started in 1848, by Tilly Jenks and others, when the site was covered with a thick growth of timber and under-brush. The first store was established by James Bacon, between 1850 and 1860. In the spring of 1863, Edward English established a grocery, selling out in August of the same year to Francis M. Austin, who now keeps a "general store" at the place. John F. Hays is another merchant here. The village, although never laid out and platted, has all the elements of a little town. The population now is over eighty. There is one physician here, three church organizations, - Presbyterian, Baptist and Methodist, - one church building, a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop and a post of the Grand Army of the Republic. In early day a society of Sons of Temperance existed here, and later, in the '60s, a lodge of the Good Templars. The postoflice was established here in 1871, with Francis M. Austin as postmaster, who still holds the office. There being anotlier Bono in Indiana, the postoffice was named Toronto, the office by this name a mile and a half north having been previously discontinued.

John C. Jenl-s Post, No. 263, G. A. 7?., was chartered with the following officers and members: Francis M. Austin, Post Commander; William L. Kerns, Senior Yicc- Commander; Henry Barnhart, Junior Vice- Commander; George W. Campbell, Quartermaster; Edwin Tiffany, Chaplain; Lewis II. Beckman, Adjutant; Henry H. Aye, Ofiictr of the Day; A. J. Pitts, Surgeon; Solomon Carpenter, John Beard, William F. Morrison, Francis C. Combs, William A. Goodwin and John Myers. The post is in good working order, enjoying peace and hainiony. Membership, twenty-six, meeting the first Saturday of each month. Present officers - Henry H. Aye, Post-Commander; W. F. Kerns, Senior Vice-Commander; Henry Barnhart, Junior Vice-Commander; Stej^hen Jenks, Quartermaster; William A. Goodwin, Chaplain; L. L. Goodwin, Adjutant; F. M. Austin, Officer of the Day ; Edwin Tiffany, Officer of the Guard.

This is the most appropriate place we can find for the list of deceased soldiers of tlie last war, from Helt Township, compiled under the auspices of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Dorsliam, Christopher Ford, Josephus, Leander and Perry- Fisher, James Gerrish, Charles Gosnold, Oscar Harbison, James Harris, John Hamilton, Benjamin James, Joseph L. Jackson, Ross Longfellow, "William JIalone, William C. Millikin, Lintott Miller, H. B. Martin, William Morgan, Marion Osborn, William Pollard, Absalom Price, David Staats, George Smith, John Strain, George Spriggs, Enoch Taylor, Leroy Thompson, James White, Frank Winesburg, Henry. Ashnry Lodge, JS^o. 320, F. db A. M., was organized at Bono in 1861, but the merabersliip is now transferred to Dana, which see. Toronto Presbyterian Church was organized as early as 1850 or '51, by Kev. Gerrish, the house of worship was built during the latter year. It is a frame, 36x40 feet in dimensions, and is still in a good state of preservation. Among the early members of the church were James A. Elder and wife, Samuel Elder and wife, etc. Rev. John A. Tiflany was pastor from 1858 to 1866. There are now about twenty commnnicants; a large proportion are changing their membership to Dana. Rev. Thomas Griffith is the present pastor. A union Sunday-school is kept up throughout the year: Edwin Tiflany, superintendent. A union prayer-meeting is sustained in the church by the Presbyterians, Baptists and Methodists.

laddie's Prairie Baptist Chitrch. - In 1852 a branch or " mission " of the Bloom - field Baptist Church was established at Toronto, and July 23, 1853, it was organized as a separate body in the Toronto Presbyterian Chapel, by Rev. G. W. Riley. The constituent members were Chandler Tillotson, John Depuy, James Drinen, Reiiben Pufter, Daniel G. Tillotson, John Newton, A. II. Depuy, Hannah Martin, Mary Newton, Eliza J. Depny, Harriet Puffer, Elizabeth Tillotson, Rebecca Tillotson, Rametha Scott, O. Z. Derthic, Harriet Derthic, Adalinc Derthic and Mary Derthic.

Toronto Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in February, 1853, by Rev. John Lach, who had just conducted a successful series of revival meetings here. He died twenty years ago. Among the first members were John Jenks and family, William Jordan and wife, Mrs. Tiller Jenks, John R. Wishard and wife, Almeda Jenks (now Eatoii), and others. In 1875 a great revival was held by Rev. Jacob Musser. There are now about sixty members, Avitli Stephen Jenks as class-, leader. Services every two weeks, by Rev. William Smitb, in the Presbyterian church. Sunday-school, union: Peter Aikman, superintendent.

Tliis point is at the southwest corner of Ilelt Township. It was named for Philip Jones, who owned a part of the ground upon which it was founded. It was laid out in 1862, by Junes tt Wellman, the surveying being done by James Osburn, now of Dana, assisted by Josepli C. Lane and DeWitt Watson. A log cabin was upon the site, and also a better dwelling, erected by Dr. Grimes the previous year. John Amnierman established the first store. There are now two general stores, one" drug and grocery store, a flouringmill, built in 1879, a blacksmith shop, a carpenter and a cabinet-maker, a post of the Grand Army of the Kepublic, a brick schoolhouse, a United Brethren church, one physician, a justice of the peace, a constable, and a postoffice, named St. Bernice, there being another Jonestown in the State. The office was established here in 1863, with Dr. Wilson Grimes as postmaster. It was first named "Jones," but it was soon found that there was already a Jones postoffice in Indiana.

The population is about 100. There are four brick buildings in the place, - the schoolhouse, a store and two dwellings. The store, a fine business block, was built in 1880, by William D. JVIcFall, who occupies it with his large stock of goods and the postoffice, he being the present postmaster.

Dr. Tliomas M. Lownsdale, practicing physician at Jonestown, was born in Petersburg, Indiana, August 12, 1841, graduated at the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery in February, 1875, and came to this place in October, 1885.

Pleasant Chaj^el United Brethren Church was organized first at Sugar Grove, Edgar County, Illinois, in pioneer times, and removed to Pleasant Hill School-house, No. 13, about 1867. Their present commodious church edifice, 30.\42 feet in size, and costing SI, 350, was erected in 1875. There are now eighty or ninety members. Services every two weeks, conducted by Rev. S. S. Sims. Prayer-meeting, Wednesday evening. Sunday-school all the year, at 9:30 A. M. Class-meeting when there is no preaching.

A Christian Church was organized here in April, 1883, with nineteen members, now increased to fifty-two. Elders - Walter Paulley and James Holston. Pastor - Elder Williams, of Parke County. Sunday-school during the summer.

situated mostly on section 2, Township 15 north, range 9 west, Ilelt Township, was laid out in 1873, by E. Montgomery. The first house was built by Hart Montgomery soon afterward, and the same year he and his son established the first store, comprising a general stock. A saloon came next, and the third building was a dwelling, erected by Levi Bonenbrake. There are now two general stores, a restaurant, a church (Methodist), and one physician. Dr. Erastus Mack. The Chicago & Eastern Illinois and the Indianapolis, Decatur & Springfield Eailroads cross at this point, having a union depot.

Just across the Little Kaccoon Creek south is the hamlet of Alta, where there are a blacksmith and a machinist. The two villages are regarded as one, and taken together they contain a population of 200.

The mineral resources are good, coal, building stone and fire-clay being mined in abundance. The fire-clay is of the very liest quality, and there is an excellent opening liere for the investment of capital. A mile nortli is a fire-brick factory doing a profitable business. Coal, wood and M'ater being plentiful here, a flonring-inill would also do well at this point.

The factory referred to is the Montezuma Fire-Brick Works, Iniilt in 1872-'73, by Burns, Porter A: Collett. It is now owned and run by' Joseph Burns. The main building is 70.\90 feet, \vi4;h an addition 30x40 feet, used as a boiler and machinery room. The proprietor uses the Foster A: Kinehart crushers, the Martin brick machine and the Totten dry-pan. The power is fLirnished by the Sinker-Davis fifty-horsc-power' engine. Capacity, 10,000 lirick daily. The brick made at this factory will not glaze or melt, are of the best quality and used in several States. The drying rooms are underlaid with a series of furnaces, which, when heated, transmit the heat through the tile flooring upon which the damp l)rick are laid for drying.

JIaJo,' Ami Post, No. 370, G. A. L'., was chartered July 13, 1884, with the following members: J. A. Souders, L. Xewell, J. Y. Whitson. AV. A. James, T. S. King, B. G. Senders, W. J. Lake, A. B. Casebeer, J. W. Justice, II. Casebeer, Cooper Jackson, J. W. .A[iddlebrook, Dr. E. Mack, J. A. Luce, E. Short, A. Pearman, F. M. Lake, William Pearman and W. A. lioeback, - nineteen in all. The first officers were - Cooper Jackson, Post Commander; W. A. James, Senior A'ice- Commauder; J. A. Luce, Junior Vice-Commander; A. B. Casebeer, Adjutant; J. F. Whitson, Quartermaster; J. A. Senders, Oflicer of the Day. There are now twenty-one members, who meet on the second and fourth Saturday evenings of each month, in the Hillsdale school-house. The present ofiicers ..re - W. A. James, Post Commander; A. B. Casebeer, Senior Vice-Commander: B. G.

The Methodist Ejnscojxd Church at Hillsdale was organized July 11, 1880, by Eev. Thomas Bartlett, with the following members: J. W. Casebeer, class-leader; S. E. James, Matilda James, Margaret Owens, Dr. E. Mack, Mrs. Mack, Martha Strowbridge, Ella Casebeer, Martha Casebeer, A. B. Casebeer, C. M. Casebeer, E. M. Casebeer, Sarah Wilson, Mary McLaughlin, Jane Williamson, Wallace Thompson, Mrs. Thompson, Elizabeth Newell, E. Wilson, Thomas J. Williamson, Bertie Casebeer, Billy Ponton, Charles Bassett and Mrs. Mary Marvin.

The present church edifice, a fine frame 34 X 40 feet, and costing $1,650, was built in 1883-'84, principally with money bequeathed by a Sister Bricker. The ground was donated by Mrs. Mary Gibson. Trustees - J. W. Casebeer, J. T. Ponton, S. E. James, W. A. James, E. Mack, A. B. Casebeer and Charles Bassett.

The first pastor was Eev. J. F. McDaniels, two years or more; the second, E. R.Johnson, two years, or until 1884; tlien Eev. Joy was pastor from the fall of 1884 until the fall of 1885, J. T. AYoods till March, 1887, since which time W. A. Smith has liad charge. Preaching every two weeks. Sunday-sclioo! is maintained throughout the year. The membership of the clinrch is now about twenty-five. Class-leader. William TiucheK is a hamlet of about 150 inhabitants a mile north of Hillsdale. It is one of the oldest trading points in the county, having been in pioneer days a stage station on the route between Terre Haute and La Fayette. For many years a postofiice was tliere, but when Hillsdale was started it was transferred to the latter place, and the name correspondingly changed. Tlie leading merchant of Highland is W. J. Hendrix, who keeps a full line of general merchandise, and has a good trade. There are also a small grocery and drug store here, and a blacksmith shop.

A " Christian" Church exists at this point, organized in early day. The present membership is estimated at about thirty; but tliey are not strong. Elders - John Pearman and Israel Leatherman. Minister - Elder Marshall, who resides near Eockville, Park County. Sunday-school througliout the year.

Summit Grove

is a hamlet situated on the northwest quarter of section 26, and the northeast quarter of section 27, township 15 north, i-ange 9 west, Holt Township. It was surveyed by A. Fitch, March 14, 1871, and tlie plat recorded December 23 following. The first house was a store I'oom bnilt by A. H. Depuy, in the spring of 1872. The second was a residence bnilt -by N. T. Leiton, the same year. The first blacksmith shop was built by Otho Chambers. William Skidmore also built a warehouse earl^^ in 1872, which burned down in May of the same year. The present warehouse was erected by Leiton & Depuy, in the fall of that year. Tiiere are now two stores, one blacksmitli shop, one harness and shoe shop combined, a saw-mill, a warehouse, and a postoffice. Population, sixty-four.

Sale in Methodist Episcopal Church, meeting a mile north of Summit Grove, is a ])ioueer institution. The first Methodist preaching in the neighborhood was by Pev. Mr. Chamberlain in 1821-'22. The next preacher was Ilev. Dr. William James, a N'irginian, who had lived awhile at Mansfield, Ohio, and then in Butler Coun'ty, that State, and came to this county in October, 1822, when he preached in the log barn of John

Helt, and later in a small log cabin schoolhouse with split-pole seats. He preached and practiced medicine until 1826, when he started for New Orleans with a boat load of corn, and died on the way. The next minister was Rev. Warner, from Parke County, who organized the class in this neighborhood in the spring of 1828, in the log schoolhouse on Kelt's Prairie, under the name of Kelt's Prairie Class. Samuel Ryerson and wife were the leading members. Other members were John Kelt and wife, Samuel Rush and wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Helt, Mrs. Mary Helt, Edmund James and wife, Collon James and John James and wife.

These people worshiped in the schoolhouse and in the house of Samuel Rush until 1846, when they built a frame house at the center of section 22, township 15 north, 9 west. In 1878 this building was sold and a commodious brick structure erected on the same foundation, about 32 x 60 feet in dimensions, at a cost of $2,838.36. The present trustees are Robert Davis, A. L. Mack, Wright James, N. T. Leiton, Albert Miller and D. E. Strain, Jr. There are now over 100 communicants. Public services and class-meeting every two weeks. Pastor - Rev. W. A. Smith. Class-leaders - James Harrington, James A. Miller, Wright James, Martin Harper and Frank Kelt. Sundayschool sustained throughout the year and superintended by N. T. Leiton.

Spring Hill Class, Methodist Ediscojxd., was organized in 1834, in the house of Joel Blakesley, with Samuel Rush and wife, Joel P>lakesley and wife, Zachariah D. James and wife, Jane Ford, Sarah Ponton, Stephen Harrington and wife, William Kearns and wife, Lydia Jackson, Enoch White and wife, Martha Ponton, Betsey Ponton, and Nathaniel

Biinies and wife. In 1835 they built a liewcdlog house, near the center of section 10, township 15, range 9, which tliey used several years. The class was then known as " Goshen." They next removed to the sclioolhouse a half n^ile north. The present house, of worship, a frame 30x40 feet, w-as built in 1879, at a cost of $1,775. There are now about tliirty members. Sunday-scliool all the year, with A. Harvey Kearns as superintendent. Trustees - William A. James and Moses Thompson. Pastor - Kev. James Smith. The present name of the class, " Spring Hill," was adopted at the time of tlie building of the present church.

Ashunj Chapel, Methodist Episcopal. - The class meeting here was organized as early as 1830. One of the iirst ministers was Rev. DeLap. Services were held at private residences and in school-houses until 1850, wlien a frame church, 80 x 40 feet was erected on tlie southeast quarter of section 36, township 16, range 10. The most successful revival was held in 1852, under the pastorate of Rev. Arthur Badley, who was living in Iowa wh.en last heard from. Among the pastors who have had charge of this church since the building of the present house of worship have been Revs. J. W. Parrett, Shaw, Thomas I'artlett, Salsbury, Clark Skinner, McDaniel, Wood, Barnard, Nebeker, Barnett, Morrison and E. R. Johnson. The class has, of later years, been considerably reduced in number, and they now have no regular preacliing.

The Center Methodist Episcopal Church was organized about fifty years ago, at the residence of James Wishard, where services were held for many years. In 1853 the present commodious frame structure was erected, 30 x 40 feet in size, at a cost of about ftl,400. Present membership, ninety-seven. Class-leaders, George Campbell and Alanson

Church. Stewards, H. P. McCown, B. F. Smith and Henry Shaffer. Class-meeting every two weeks, and public sevices every two weeks. Prayer meeting every Thursday evening during the winter. Sunday-school all the year, at 9:30 a. m. Rev. J. B. Combs, of Clinton, is the present pastor.

Liberty Class, United Brethren Ch^irch, was organized in 1878, by Rev. Henry ]S'olan, with about sixteen or eighteen members, in Liberty school-house, on section 15, township 15, range 10. The first pastor was Rev. Thomas 0. Baty, who served from the fall of 1878 to the fall of 1880; W. A. Wainscott, 1880-'83; James Smith, 1883-'84; Levi Byrd, 1884-'86; S. S. Sims, 1886 to the present. Membership twenty-six, worshipping still in Liberty school-house. Class-leader, Frank Skidmore. Thomas Skidmore, superintendent of the Sunday-school, which is at present maintained only during the summer, but efforts are made to continue it the year round. Public service every three weeks. A prayermeeting is also sustained.

Midwaij United Brethren Church was organized in 1857, by Rev. Joel Cowgill, with probably fifteen or twenty members, in the Castle school-house, which is still their place of worship, though it has been purchased by them and converted into a church. Its size is 22 x 30 feet, and is situated on section 13, township 15, range 10. Public services were discontinued August 28, 1887, with no definite plans for the future.

United Brethren Chnrcli at Ilancman Chapel. - As the nucleus of this society, services were first held here over fifty years ago, in the house of Christopher Haneman, deceased, the principal founder. The class was organized as early as 1837, with a few members, among whom were Christopher Haneman and wife, Harriet -McDowel, George AVellman and wife, Jeremiah Hammond and wife, Silas Hollingsworth and wife. Emily Bales and Isaac Johnson and wife. The present church edifice, a brick structure, was begun in 1842, but not completed until 1872, thirty years afterward. It stands on section 6, township 15, range 9.

Among the many ministers who have preached here were Revs. John Shoey, William Eckles, Andrew Wimset, Mr. Conoyer, John Miller, Thomas Hamilton, Joseph Nye, Mr. Nugen, John A. Mast and Samuel Potts. There are now twenty-eight communicants in good standing. Class-leader, "William Underwood. Trustees, Jacob Underwood, William Underwood and Richard Malone. Sundayschool half the year, superintended by Miss Delia Boren. Pastor, Rev. S. S. Sims. Public services once in three weeks.

Tennessee Valley Baptist Church was organized in September, 1872, in the Staats school-house, by Rev.Wil]iamMcMasters,who had been preaching here some time previously, sustaining the point as a "mission" of iliddle's Prairie Baptist Church. The first members were Thomas Dugger and wife, Benjamin T. Dugger and wife, James G. Lewis and wife, Henry J. Howard and wife, Rosa J. Pierce (now Underwood), James A. Dugger and wife and John F. Dugger, all of whom came by letter from the Kiddie's Prairie Church. Rev. McMasters was the pastor of this new church from the date of its organization until his death in 1886. He was an industrious, earnest worker, endearing himself to all. Rev. John H. Rusraisel succeeded him, and is the present minister. Public services on the second and fourth Sunday's of each month. Sunday-school throughout the year, with James G. Lewis as superintendent. Trustees, Benjamin T. and John F. Dugger and James G.Lewis. Deacons, Benjamin T. Dugger, James G. Lewis and L. L. Goodwin. Clerk, John F.

Dugger. Communicants about ninety. The present house of worship, a neat frame 30 x 45 feet in size, was erected in 1875, at a cost of $1,600. It is situated on the northeast quarter of section 18, township 15, range 9.

Dana

The Indianapolis, Decatur iz Springfield Railroad was completed through Vermillion County, laterally, and through Helt Township longitudinally, in 1873. In April, 1874, the railroad company fixed upon a point on their road near the head of the Little Raccoon Creek and about two and a half miles east of the western boundary of the township for a " town," naming the place " Dana," after one of the stockholders in the road. For a depot Samuel Aikman donated a half interest in forty acres, John B. Aikman a half interest in twenty acres, and Samuel Cofland a half interest also in twenty acres. Besides, these gentlemen gave $1,500 cash. The land thus donated became the town plat.

The next year W. M. Taylor built the first business house in the place, a frame, in which he kept a general store and the postofliee. The postmasters since Mr. Taylor's period of service have been John Bilsland and, since April 18, 1885, John W. Redman.

Dana is the most rapidly growing town in Vermillion County, comprising a shrewd and enterprising class of business men, and surrounded by an unusually good agricultural district.

It was incorporated in January, 1886, since w'hich time the trustees have been John Linn, President, D. W. Finney and W. T. Davis; II. Wells, Clerk; J. E. Bilsland, Treasurer; and John Malone, Marshal.

The school trustees are G. O. Newton, Charles Hunt and J. O. Rogers, appointed by the above town board. The school-house, a brick structure 27 x 62 feet . in dimensions and two twelve- foot stories high, was built hy the towuship in 1879, the contract price being $2,200. It is now the property of the town corporation. It has three rooms. The enrollment of pupils is about 150. Fred Rush is the principal.

(By the way, the historian was referred to the stone over the door for the date ot the building. Repairing thitlier, he found, instead of any date, only the legend, " Keep out of debt!")

The Dana News was established in October, 1885, by M. L. Griffith, from Monticello, Illinois, as a Democratic organ. April 15, 1887, he sold it to the present proprietor, J. L. Smith, who immediately enlarged it to a six-column quarto, making it the largest paper in the county, and during the first ten weeks (up to date of this writing) increased the subscription list by 250! He has in every way improved the paper, still conducting it in the interests of the Democracy. In connection with the paper Mr. Smith has a nice little job office.

Mr. Smith was born in New England, in 1860. When he was an infant, his father was hilled, in the war of the Rebellion. His mother then returned with her three children to New York, and placed them for six months in an orphans' home on Randall's Island. In May, 1867, he and one sister were brought to Wiliiamsport, Indiana, where they were indentured out. Mr. Smith was in the care of various parties, - of Hugh James for eight years. Up to the conclusion of this period he had had no educational advantages, and his noble nature asserted itself in an effort to educate himself in spite of his poverty and the absence of sympathizing relatives. Accordingly, during the school year of 1875-'76 !ie worked for his board and sent himself to school. lie came to Vermillion County in 1878, whore he worked for one man, on a farm, for five years, attending school during the winter seasons. In 1881-'82 he attended the Terre Haute Normal School, and in the fall of 1882 he began teaching, in Helt Township, continuing in the profession five consecutive years, - up to the time of his purchase of the Dana News. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Dr. Hiram Shepard was born in Newport, this county, graduated at the Miami Medical College at Cincinnati, and has been practicing at Dana since 1874.

Dr. Granville O. Newton M-as liorn in Helt Township, this county, graduated at the above mentioned college, and, after practicing in the country in this township for a time, came to Dana, in September, 1885.

Dr. Thomas C. Hood, also a native of this township, graduated at Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia in 1884, located in Terre Haute for a short time, and moved to Dana in 1885.

Dr. John C. Harrison was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana, was a soldier in the late war, graduated in medicine at the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, began to practice in partnersliip with his brother in 1868, and located in Dana in 1886.

Dr. A. H. DePuy, who practiced in licit Township 1856-'71, is now a resident of Chicago, but sometimes re-visits this point as a physician. He is a regular graduate.

Ashay Lodge, No. 3S0, F. & A. J/"., was ori;;inized at Bono in 1865, the charter being dated May 24, that year. fSelah (or Sahla) Temple was the first master, for two years. Tliomas Edmanston (or Edmnntson) was the Jirst senior warden and Thomas S. Hood, juniur warden. The lodge was instituted by Aquilla Nebeker, assisted by others. Some years ago the place of meeting was removed to Dana. The present membership is about thirty, and the officers, George W. Sturm, AVorshipful Master; C. N. Hunt, Senior Warden; Joel Hollingsworth, Junior Warden; W. M. Taylor, Secretary; C. Bales, Treasurer; O. M. Keyes, Senior Deacon; AVilliam F. Ford, Junior Deacon; William P>. Wood, Chaplain; G. W. Allen, Tyler.

Bana Lodge, No. 581, L. 0. 0. F., was instituted February 10, 1881, with eighteen members, and Hiram Shepard, Noble Grand; Julius C. Groves, Vice Grand; and Fred Rush, Secretary. The present membership is forty, and officers, Solon Johnson, Noble Grand; L. H. Eeed, Vice Grand; H. AVells, Secretary; G. H. Fisher, Permanent Secretary; J. M. Taylor, Treasurer; Samuel Jackson, Inner Guard; T. J. Hutchinson and H. Herbin, Supporters. The lodge has a very nicely furnished room in the Peer Block. Tlie furnishings and regalia cost about §2,000.

//. D. Washhurn Post, No. 220, G. A. R., was organized in 1883, with about eighteen members, and the following officers: William B. Hood, Post Commander; G. H. Fisher, Senior Vice-Commander; O. 13. Lowry, Quartermaster; H. Wells, Adjutant; J. B. Fillinger, Officer of the Day. The present membership is twenty-six, and the officers: J. B. Fillinger, Post Commander; G. W. Saxtou, Senior Vice-Commander; James Burnett, Junior Vice-Commander; J. N. McClure, Adjutant; James Knight, Officer of the Day; Henry Thomasmeyer, Quarter-master; G. H. Fisher, Quarter-master-Sergeant; Daniel Riland. Officer of the Guard; J. C. Harrison, Surgeon ; W. B. Hood, Chaplain. Financially, the post is in fair condition. This year they are building a hall, being the second story of the brick business block to be erected by Charles Norris, wliich is to be 22 x 50 feet in dimensions. For a sketch of H. D. Washburn, in honor of whom the post is named, see historv of Clinton.

Methodism in Helt Township has of course existed from the earliest pioneer period, and has always been strong and influential. The Methodist class in Dana was organized in 1879 by Rev. Daniel Morrison, of the Greencastle District, Northwest Indiana Conference. The pastors since liis time have been Revs. Elijah Johnson, J. C. McDaniels, Mr. Woods and William Smith, the present incumbent, wlio lives west of Terre Haute, although there is a parsonage at Ilelt's Prairie. There were about forty members at the time of organization, led by J. O. Rogers. Tlie present membership is about sixty, and the class-leaders, J. O. Rogers and Andrew Carmack. Sunday-school is maintained throughout tlic year, with an attendance of sixty to 100, superintended by J. O. Rogers. The liouse of worship, 30 x 50 feet, was erected in 1882, at a cost, including grounds, of $1,800.

The Toronto Presbyterian Church, at Bono, was organized many years ago, but the members are now changing their places of meeting to Dana, wlu^-e they have just completed one of the most beautiful frame church edifices in the nation. Its size is 32 x 54 feet, besides a "rostrum" 8x14 feet; its style is of course modern and of fancy finish, and the cost about |l2,800, not counting the pews and other funiture. It was dedicated June 26, 1887, by Rev. T. D. Fyfle, of Eoseville Indiana. The location is in the northern part of the village, in Samuel Aikman's addition. The leading men in building this church were "W. M. Taylor, Samuel Aikman and Samuel Hall.

Dana Baptist Church was organized in 1880, with twelve members, by Rev. G. T. Willis, of Hoopeston, Illinois. Pastors, Revs. Willis, Cartwright, of Fountain County, Indiana, William McMasters of Montezuma, Palmer, of Waveland, and Mr. Franklin. At present there is a vacancy. The membership numbers twenty. Charles Thompson has been deacon from the time of organization, and G. H. Fisher, at the first clerk, is now also deacon, Elizabeth Thomas Meyer, clerk. The church, a fancy brick structure, in the northern part of the village, is 36 x 60 feet in dimensions, and was erected this year (18S7) at a cost of about $2,500, not counting the pews.

Dana Christian Church was organized temporarily about the first of September, 1886. A Sunday-school of about sixty pupils is superintended by Prof. A. J. Wilson. A few zealous Christians, led by Rev. J.W. Jarvis and his business partner, John Morris - although the latter is not a member of the church - have just built a tine house of worship at Dana, in the northwestern part of the town, the first church erected by this people in Vermillion County. It is a brick structure, 32 X 54 feet in ground area, neatly finished and furnished in modern style, and cost $2,335.38. It was dedicated April 17, 1887, by Elder L. L. Carpenter, of Wabash, Indiana. The present membership of the church is about fifty. Elder J. W. Jarvis is the " temporary " pastor.

ONCERNING some of the earliest dates in tlie owing compilation, there is, as is always the ease in such sketches, some doubt, as it is iinpofe'iible for tlie historian to reconcile contradictory accounts, to \erify all the guesses or to fill out the blanks desired.

1819. - Alexander and Elizabeth Morehead, natives of Ohio, settled in Vermillion Township either this year or in 1822 (authorities vai-y). They died in 184i and 1849 respectively. Their son Samuel is now a resident of ISTewiJort. Jacob A. Morehead, who died many years ago, and Joseph A. Morehead, still living, were both born in this county in 1826.

1820. - Richard and Susan (Henderson) Ilaworth, said also to be the first settlers of Vermillion Township, came from Tennessee in the fall of 1820. Mr. Haworth died in 1850, aged fifty- seven years, and his wife died in 1854, also at the age of fifty-seven. (See biography of George F. Ilaworth.) John Hopkins, who died in 1873, at the age of sixty-eight years, was a lad of fifteen years when in 1820 he became a resident of this couhty. His mother is yet living.

1821. - Joel Dicken came from Prairie Creek, Kentucky, settling where Newport now stands. His son, Benjamin K., long a resident in the vicinity, was born in 1818, and died recently in Michigan or AVisconsin. Daniel V. Dicken, born in this county in 1822, find Simeon Dicken, both died in this township. M-irtha E., widow of the latter, \ was born in North Carolina, September 1, 1821, brought to this county in 1826 or 1827, and died December 30, 1881. Another Martha Dicken was born in Kentucky in 1804, and emigrated to this county in 1822, and died February 18, 1882. Joseph Eggleston, father of William the lawyer, came to this county in 1821, and died many years ago. John L. Eggleston, boru in 1827, is a resident of Newport.

is still a resident. Jacob Ciistar settled this year on the Vermillion about a mile and a half above Newport. Philemon Thomas came this year and remained a resident until his death in 1860. His wife, n4e Catharine Custar, came in 1828, and is still living. (See sketch of Jacob Thomas.) Nathan Thomas was five years old when in 1827 he was brought to tliis county.

1823. - Carter and Catharine Ilollingsworth, from North Carolina. Mrs. Ilollingsworth died in 1880, aged eighty-eight years. Eber IloUingsworth, born in Union County, Indiana, in 1822, was brouglit to this county the next year. He is a well known farmer and stock-trader two miles west of Newport. Henry Hollingsworth, born in this State in 1830, recently died in Newport.

1826. - Adam Zener, born in Kentucky in 1803, came to Clark County, this State in 1812, and in 1826 to this county, where he remained until his death, March 14, 1877, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Either this year or next came Philip W. Osmon, who was born in Kentucky in 1803. His son, Archibald W., born in 1829, is a farmer ten miles southwest of Newport, and Jabez B., born in 1836, resides at Newport. (See sketch.) Jeremiah and Mary (Taylor) Highfill, from Maryland: he died about 1867, aged eighty-five years, and she in 1852, at the age of about sixty years. See sketch of their son John, who was born here in 1828.

1827. - Richard Potts, who was sheriff two terms, and died in 1875. His widow died in 1883, at the old homestead two and a half miles south of Newport. Of their two childi-en, Thomas died a number of years ago, and Charles P. survives.

1828. - Robert Wallace, a native of Virginia, became a resident of Vermillion Township this year, and died at Newport, May 27, 1881, at the age of ninety-one years. Hu was a man of line physical appearance, and was never sick to exceed a week during hi> life. William Wallace, who was born in Ohio in 1817, and was ten or eleven years of age when brought to this county, died several years ago. Joshua Nixon, born in Ohio in 1813, came to Newport this year, and resided here until his death. May 23, 1875, a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. James Asbury, born in Virginia in 1815, is still residing on section 21. (Sec sketch.) Aaron Jones, from New Jersey, and William Jones, from Union County, Indiana, both came this year; the former is dead (see sketch), and the latter is still living in this township. Samuel Jones, born in Ohio, came in 1830, and died about 1881. George Brindley, born in Kentucky in 1800, died in 1878; and his wife Sarah, born in 1806, died in 1867. (See sketch of John Brindley, a son.) Benjamin Shepherd, born in Kentucky in 1808, and David Brown, born in Indiana in 1823, are still living in this township.

1829. - Robert Stokes settled in this township in 1829, and is still an active man, residing in Newport. His wife, whose maiden name was Rebecca Wallace, was born June 8, 1809, in Virginia, and died November 25, 1884. They were married January 31, 1833. Of their five children, none are living except Finley. Samuel Davis, born in Ohio in 1811, is also still living in Newport. Elizabeth Frazer, widow of William, who died in 1873, aged fifty-seven, was born in this State in 1822, and is still living.

1830. - Jacob Sears came from North Carolina, and died in 1859, aged eighty-five. His wife, nee Mary Hofstetter, died in 1856, aged eighty. (See sketch of Daniel Sears.) E.

Jackson, Sr., born in Ohio in 1807, lives in Dana. Thomas J. Brown, born in Kentucky in 1801, died in this township. Iloss Clark, born in Ohio in 1797, died in this township in the fall of 1878; the farm is still occupied by his son, G. W. Jacob and Mary (Harlin) Groves, from East Tennessee; he was born in 1794, and died in 1843; she died in 1873. (See sketch of William C. Groves who was born in Tennessee in 1817, and has been a resident here since 1830.) William L. Tincher,born in Kentucky in 1814, was living in Montezuma a short time ago. William W. Doss, born in Kentucky in 1817, is living in Montezuma; his sou Winchester still resides in this township. Eobert S. JSTorris, from South Carolina, died in 1877, seventythree years old. See sketch of his son John, who was born here in 1834. Other life-long residents of this township, who came this year when children, are Richard and John W. Clearwater, John L. White, James H. Hutson, George Weller, etc.

1831. - William Nichols, born in Virginia in 1804, died October 11, 1876. Isaac and Henry Nichols, boys when brought here in early day, lived here many years and are both now deceased. Isaac and Mary Carraack, from Tennessee, settled in the Lebanon neighborhood, he died in 1863. Alfred, a son, born in Tennessee January 8, 1814, died May 18, 1817; and Andrew, another son, lives in Dana. Henry Wiltermood, born in this State in 1821. Charles Herbert, from Kentucky; his son, William J., born in 1819, is still living here, on eection 27. (See sketch.) John Henderson, from Ohio, still living, on section 7. (See sketch.) Archibald B. and Melissa Edmoiiston; the latter died, a widow, at the age of seventy-three, in 1865. Samuel Deheaben lives near Newport, Charles S. Little is deceased.

1832. - H. F. Jackson, born in Ohio in 1798, died in Missouri. John Jackson and wife Lydia, from Ohio; the latter died December 21, 1880, at the age of seventy-four years. Joseph Jackson, from England, deceased. Ezra Clark, born in Ohio in 1811, lives in Highland. John G. Gibbon, born in Oliio, 1819, remained here till his decease, Julius Bogart, born in Tennessee in 1811, still living here. William B. Hall, who died here in 1863, aged forty-two; his wife died in 1872. (See sketch of Samuel J. Hall.) James A. Elder, born in Brown County, Ohio; deceased. James Reniley, born in Ohio in 1823, who finally committed suicide.

1833. - Eli Newlin came from North Carolina to Montezuma, Indiana, in 1828, and to this county in 1833, where he died in 1872, aged seventy years. His wife, nee Mary Edwards, died in 1886, at the age of eighty years. (See sketch of Alfred R. Newlin.) Alexander Dunlap, born in Maryland in 1813, is still living in this township.

1834. - John C. Johnson, born May 16, 1807, in Belmont County, Ohio, married February 24, 1833, Miss Elizabeth Shaver, a lady of superior education, and the next year located in this county, arriving at the mouth of the Little Vermillion, April 8. Here he entered a small tract of land, built a cabin and began life on what is known as the " first bottom." In 1854 he built a new liouse, which he occupied until 1880, when he moved to Newport, where he died February 22, 1883, after having brought up an exemplary family of children. In 1834 came also Benjamin Davis, who died in 1854, at thj age of sixty-four years. His wife, whose maiden name was Rusha Sears, died in 1869, at the age of sixty-two years.

1836. - David Aldridge, born in North Carolina in 1790, and died September 11, 1877, being at the time about the oldest citizen in the county. lie was a soldier in the war of 1812.

1838. - Hiram Hastey, born in Indiana in 1818, was a harness-maker at Newport, where he died. J. F. Weller, merchant at Newport, now at Petersburg, Indiana, was born in Kentucky in 1818.

Mr. Dillow came some time prior to 1810, from Virginia. Abel Sexton, still one of the most prominent citizens of Newport, was born in New York in 1820, and settled in tliis county in 1813. (See sketch.) Other prominent citizens of Vermillion Township, who either settled here or were born here in pioneer times, are Alvah Arrasmith, living; Tiionias G. Arrasmith, wagon-maker at Newport, now in Terre Haute; Samuel and G. W. Clark, living; David Fry, living; James Kaufman, who now lives in Dana; Leonard Sanders, deceased; his sons, Samuel, Daniel and William, are living; John Rice, who died in 1880, at the age of seventy years; his son, William Z., is sketched in the biographical department of this work: Daniel E. Jones, who became a wealthy citizen of Chicago and died there; Major John Gardner, IFenry Betson, etc.

McPiierson, Philip Sheridan and Schofield; crossed the western plains in 1854 as Lieutenant and Aid-de-Carap on General Garland's staff; served in the regular army ten years, being one of the best Indian fighters, ami greatly admired by Kit Carson and others; and finally died in the Southwest, in 1880.

The above are the initials of one of tlie most prominent citizens of Vermillion County; namely, Oliver P. Davis, and have also become the name of the 1,300 acre farm which he owns tliree to four miles below Newport, and of the railroad station at that point, when it is generally spelled Opedee.

Hon. O. P. Davis was born in New Hampshire in 1814; learned the art of papermaking; came to Indiana in 1838, traveling by coach, steamboat, canal and horseback, througli the States of New York, Ohio, Michigan and the province of Canada. In New York he rode behind the first locomotive built in that State, then running out of Albany. At Toronto, Canada, he was employed in a book bindery and mill, doing the work more rapidly and efiiciently than any of the native hands. In Ohio he fell in with a jolly dentist, of whom he began to learn the art of dentistry, afterward practicing his new trade at Fort Wayne. After residing at Logansport and Delphi, this State, for a time, he went to Greencastle and commenced the study of law in the oflice of Edward W. McGoughey, read two years, and then in 1840, moved to this county and began the practice of his profession, continuing for five years. Since then he has been a tradesman and agriculturist. At first he purchased forty acres, to which he has since made additions until he has 1,300 acres of rich Wabash bottom, whereon he sometimes raises immense crops of corn, occasionally 50,000 bushels or more, and sometimes, by flood or frost, he also loses immense crops. The sediment deposited by the Wabash floods keeps the soil very rich. During the year of the famine in Ireland, Mr. Davis took to New Orleans by llat-boat 25,000 bushels of corn, some of which he bought at 18 cents a bushel, and sold it at 45 cents to §1 per bushel. He is said to have sold in one season §18,000 worth of corn raised by his own hands.

Mr. Davis is familiar with legislation, being a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1850, a member of the General Assembly three terms, a delegate to various important conventions, etc. In his politics he has been a Democrat, Republican, National, etc., and in his religion he is a " freethinker." He is a man of firm principles and a high sense of justice.

One night some years ago, Mr. H. F. Jackson, residing about three and a half miles south of Newport, heard his dog making a terrible noise. About midnight he arose, went out, and discovering the smoke-house dour open, concluded it had been inadvertently left open by the family, closed it, and returned to bed, thinking all was safe. But by closing the smoke-house door he unawares locked up a thief within. Next morning Mr. Jackson reconnoitering around to see what he could discover, noticed a hole in the ground dug out under the wall of the smoke-house. The thief had to work his way through a large puddle of water in order to get out, thinking doubtless that he was lucky to get off as well as he did.

In September, 1873, Mr. and Mrs. Brennan, living a mile west of Newport, received a visit from their daughter, whom they thought they had lost twenty-one years previously, when they left her temporarily in the care of some one at New Orleans during a fearful siege of cholera. She had been found during the preceding summer by a relative in Ohio, advertising in the Irish Republic, a Boston newspaper. She was then a resident of New Orleans and the mother of four children. Mr. and Mrs. Brennan, on learning their daughter was still alive and residing in New Orleans, immediately concluded to visit her; but before starting they received a letter from her stating that she was coming to see them. Accordingly she soon arrived at Newport, late at night, on her way; and such was her an.xiety to see her parents that night, although it was dark and raining, that she engaged a team and was immediately taken out to the desired goal, where a meeting occurred too exciting to describe. The daughter remained until spring. Her mother died a few weeks after the visit.

Of anecdotes of the chase, perhaps the latest is the account of the " fox drive " had February 26, 1886, in this township, when 200 men, women and children succeeded in catching one fox.

A great human curiosity exists in Vermillion Township. Ludia J. Clark, about three and a half miles southwest of Newport, was born in March, 1882, and at the age of five years weighed 105 pounds, and was apparently as mature in her intellect and physical development as a girl in her 'teens. At the date of writing, July, 1887, she is still gaining in weight as rapidly as ever. Her parents do not seem to be characterized by anything abnormal.

Quaker Hill, sometimes called Quaker Point, is the name of a fine neighborhood in a romantic section of country on Jonathan Creek near the western boundary of Vermillion Township. The place takes its name from the fact that an unusual proportion of the settlement consists of " Quakers." The

Dr. Joseph C. Cooke, of the Willow Brook farm near Quaker Hill, was an influential physician here for a number of years. He was born in Piqua County, Ohio, in 1819, emigrated to this county in 1845, died January 22, 1875, and was buried under the honors of the order of Patrons of Husbandry, his funeral being attended by probably a thousand persons.

The Hopewell FrleniVs Chiirch was organized many years ago, and is of the same "monthly meeting" with Friends' Chapel and Pilot Grove in Hlinois. The present membership here is 230. Ministers, James P. Haworth, William F. Henderson and Kuth R. Ellis. The minister at Friend's Chapel is Noah Dixon, and at Pilot Grove, John Folger, and meetings are held at each of these places in turn. The overseers at Hopewell (or Quaker Hill) are Jonathan E. and Kate E. Ellis, and Albert and Jane Henderson. Dinah T. Henderson is recorder. The church building, a frame, was erected in 1873, at a cost of $1,250.

The Lehanon Methodist Exjhcopal Church, east of Quaker Hill, was organized in pioneer days. The present membership is about thirty_ Class-leader, Robert Holliday; stewards, R. P. Little, J. L. Thomas, Frank Carmack and Samuel R. AVhite. Pastor, Rev. R. S. Martin, of Newport. The church building, a frame, 30 X 36 feet in dimensions, was built over thirty years ago. Sunday-school is maintained all the year, with an average attendance

Vermillioii Chajjel, Methodist Ejpiscoj'il Church, three and a half miles south and a little west of Newport, has a membership of about twenty. Class-leader, W. P. Carmack ; steward, Allen Clearwaters; Pastor, Rev. R. S. Martin, of Newport. The Sunday-schuil was recently organized. The old churcli building, erected about forty years ago, has recently been sold, to give place to a flue brick church, costing $1,500 or $1,800,

Bethel Church, United Brethren, two miles southwest of Newport, was organize! many years ago. Present number of members, forty-seven or forty-eight. Class-leadtT, Levi Erindley; steward, Thomas White. Nn Sunday-school at present. The house c!' worship, about 28 x 36 feet in ground arcvi, was built twenty-four or twenty-five years ago.

0_pedee Church, United Brethren, organized about 1880, has increased in membership from eight to sixteen. No class-leader at present. Steward, Miss Ella Wimsett. A good Sunday-school has recently been established, of which E.D.Brown is superintendent. Meetings are held in a school-house.

A few United Brethren are meeting at the Eggleston school-house, preparatory to organization. They have a Sunday-school, of whii-li Mr. Dixon is superintendent.

Newport

in an arni-fiiU or two. He obtained his start thus: He was shipping some hogs, a part of which died. These were rendered into soap, which was sold for the goods. Mr. Jones afterward became wealthy, and went to Chicago, where he became a millionaire and finally died.

The first good residence built at jS^ewport was the building nortli of the present Methodist Episcopal church, recently occupied by Mrs. Hiram Hasty and now by Frank Turner- Conspicuous in this town are several very old, large planted trees. A number of locust trees were planted here in 1832, which are now over two feet in diameter, and one apple tree, near the soTithwest corner of the public square, appears to be over three feet in diameter four feet from the ground, though at this point the tree bifurcates and is hollow. Decay will soon overtake the growth and bring the venerable old tree down.

The old court-houses and jails are noticed in a previous chapter. The present tine court-house was built in 1866, at a cost of over §30,000. County ofiices below, large and neatly kept, court-room above. The old log jail was many years ago superseded by a brick building on the hill, which is now used as a residence. The present jail, and sheriflf's residence, built in 1868, is a good, substantial brick structure on East Market street.

Newport was incorporated as a town early in the spring of 1870. By the records of March 28, that year, we find that the first trustees were - AVilliam E. Liven good, President, Clark Leavitt, Benjamin K. Dicken and E. Y. Jackson; J. A. Souders, Clerk. The presidents and clerks serving since that time have been: Presidents - E. Y. Jackson, 1871; James A. Bell, 1872-'73; F. M. Bishop, 1874; S. H. Dallas, 1875; James A. Foland, 1876-'78; William P. Henson, 1879; Oliver Knight, 1880; James Hasty, 1881-'82;

Three attempts have been made to dissolve the corporation. The last one was made June 21, 1877, when the question was put to vote, and a majoi'ity of nineteen was given in favor of continuing the corjiorate capacity of the town.

The population of Newport is estimated at 600 to 700. The village is beautifully situated but retired, - rather more so than the citizens wish. Its only railroad passes nearly a mile distant.

There was for a long time a good gristmill at Newport, on Market street, named the " Eureka Mills," run by steam. It was built by James A. Bell, deceased, who sold to Curtis &, White; who in turn sold to B. J. Abbott; and while it was in the possession of the latter, January 26, 1882, it was burned down, by a careless act of some employee, and has never since been rebuilt. The loss was $3,500.

The First National Bank of Newport was organized in 1871, by Josephus and John Collett, Abel Sexton, Isaac Porter, R. H. Nixon and Clark Leavitt, and opened their place of business in a fine brick building, erected and fitted up for the purpose, at the northwest corner of the public square. Its " national " character was afterward surrendered, and the bank changed, by the same board of directors, into the "Vermillion County Bank," with a paid up capital of

$60,000 and a surplus of over $6,000, contiiiuiug to do a general banking business. In January, 1880, it was again changed, taking tiio name of » Collett & Co.'s Bank," and comprising Prof. John Collett, of Indianapolis, Stephen S. Collett, of Newport, Mrs. Mary H. Campbell, of Crawfordsville, and Joshua Jump of Newport. Since then Mrs. Campbell's stock has been transferred to Mrs. Lieutenant M. T. May, of Greencastle; and now S. S. Collett is general manager, and J. D. Collett, cashier. Capital, $27,000.

The Olive Branch

The predecessor of the Hoosier State was the Olive Branch, the iirst paper printed in Newport, and established by A. J. Adams, now of Danville, Illinois, and edited by A. D. Patten. The number for December 29, 1853, which we presume was the first number, sliows the motto of the organ to have been, " We hold the balance with an equal hand, And weigh whatever justice doth demand." The paper was AVhiggish in politics, becoming Kepublican on the organization of that party.

The number above referred to, like all the country papers of that day, has but little local news or original matter in it, the salutatory, a column in length, being about all the original matter in this number. The following gentlemen were advertised as contributors to the paper: Rev. David Taylor, Terre Haute; Eobert Eoss, Principal of the Terre Haute graded school; Samuel Taylor, Principal of the Newport Seminary; Dr. H. H. Patten, Princeton, Indiana; and Dr. J. S. Sawyer, Vincennes, Indiana.

The latest telegraph news in the paper was dated December 17, twelve days before the date of issue. A long letter from W. S. Turner, Bodega, California, dated October 31, 1853, is published. Charity Moss and Susannah Dyke give notice that they will apply at the next term of the common-pleas court for a divorce; "William Utter, the county treasurer^ gives notice that he will be at Perrysville the 5th, Eugene the 6th, Indiana Furnace the 10th, and Clinton the 11th, days of January. 1854, for the purpose of collecting taxes due for the year 1858; Joseph Eeeder, of Clinton Township, advertises an astray mare taken up liy him, and appraised at $55 before Esquirt' Ben Harrison; Eichard Potts, Sheriff, advertises a tract of land in Clinton Township for sale, belonging to Isaac Van Nest, and in favor of Benjamin E. and John Whitcomb. At that time James A. Bell was county clerk.

W. A. Henderson was the only merchant of Newport who had an advertisement in tlie paper. He occupied about one inch of space in notifying the people that he kept drugs, all kinds of patent medicines, groceries and flour. J. M. Hood gives notice that he is a notary public, and also keeps the telegraph office, on the east side of the public square, with ^Y. A. Henderson. Dr. J. E. AVillitts flings his card to the breeze as a physician and surgeou. T. C. W. Sale, H. D. Washburn, S. CI. Malone and D. M. Jones have cards in this number advertising themselves as attorneys at law.

Most of the advertisements are of Terre Haute business. There is an item of news stating that the Evansville & Terre Haute Eailroad was completed between those two points.

The Hoosier State

Clinton for a time, but brought back to Newport, where it has since remained. The proprietors and editors have been Pratt & Adams, James M. Hood, Samuel II. Huston (1855, at Clinton), Mr. Campbell, Mitchell, Vaul (1858), a company, William E. Livengood, George W. English (1862-'63), Colonel II. D. Washburn, S. B. Davis, Joseph B. Cheadle and S. B. Davis again. It is almost impossible now to give all the above names in exact chronological order.