Baker Township (part 5 of 5)

In 1840, there were then two stores, one liquor shop, one blacksmith shop, one grist mill, one saw mill, a post office and about five families. James Whitesell started a store in 1841, continuing until about 1845. Johnson Stites sold liquor in 1840 ; Isaac Wampler sold liquor in 1841. A Mr. Manville was in business about 1846. H. R. Seall opened a good general store in about 1848, and continued nine or ten years. S. B. & 0. A. Harris started with about $1,000 worth of goods in 1848, and in one form or another have continued until the present, if their sons who succeeded them are included. Emanuel F. Faulkner opened a store in about 184y. Parks & Coffey started soon afterward, as did also John H. Reeves, Harris & Dean, Dow ell & Moore. The McCallas. of Bloomington, had a branch store in Ellettsville. Dowell & 8tearns were in business in the fifties; G. B. Moore the same, and is yet in business, having accumulated a fortune. R. W. Akin & Co. opened with a general store in 1866. J. M. Campbell started up about the beginning of the war, and F. E. Worley began during the war. W. H. Jackson opened a store about the close of the war, and still continues to make a living over the counter. Parks & Puett were in business early in the village. The Perry Brothers came to the village twenty or twenty-five years ago, and have amassed comfortable fortunes. They are now engaged extensively in the stone business. Among the business ventures at the village have been the saw mill of Sanders & Knighton, many years ago ; Houston's steam saw mill, started in the fifties, and transferred to Perry & Sedwick, was afterward burned. Late in the fifties, David Allen built and equipped a grist mill at a total cost of about $18,000. It was an excellent mill. After a few years, it was sold to Jesse Draper, and ten or twelve years later to W. H. Jackson, upon whose hands it burned down last winter (1882-83). S. B. Harris built a grist mill about 1870, at a cost of $9,000, and after four or five years added a set of machinery for carding wool. Both are yet in operation. The woolen factory cost $3,000. It is said that John Whisenand carded wool at the village as early as 1842, his motor being the tread-wheel. It ceased running about 1860. Early in the fifties, Gilbert May started a good cabinet shop. Shook & Faulkner began manufacturing carriages about eight years ago, and are still engaged in the same pursuit. F. E. Worley opened a private bank in the village about twelve years ago, with a capital of from $40,000 to $60,000. He still continues doing a general banking business, and has the confidence of the community. He owns one of the finest residences in Monroe County. George Fletcher started a planing mill five or six years ago. He is an extensive contractor and builder. About five years ago, a German from Indianapolis erected a spoke factory, which is now owned by Sedwick & Grant, and is not in operation. William Walls is now conducting a good wagon shop. Judson Sanders started a steam saw mill in 1883. These are the more important business industries. In 1860, the population of the village was about 60; in 1860, about 260; in 1870, about 460; in 1880, 586, and in 1883 about 625.

Incorporation

In 1866, the project of incorporating the village was talked of, but met stubborn opposition from the moneyed element. In June, 1866, a petition was presented to the County Board praying that the village might hold an election, and that in the event of a majority of votes in favor of incorporation, the village might be declared the incorporated town of EUetsville. The plan proposed comprised two hundred and two acres, and the petition was signed by the following residents : W. H.

Harris, J. L. Nesbit, H. S. Hughes, Allen Mills, T. J. Costin, J. M. Harris and Daniel Manpin. The population of the village by the census taken at this time was 388. The County Board ordered an election held, which was done the 16th day of June, 1866, a majority of votes being polled for the incorportion. In September, 1866, the County Board declared Ellettsville to be duly incorporated. Officers were elected, but within a year or two the interest died out and remained dormant so that elections were abandoned for several years, when the municipal government was revived and has continued to work until the present. The present ofiBcers are G. W. Houston, William Miller and Stevenson, Trustees; James Robinson, Treasurer: John Edmundson, Clerkj Robert Fletcher, Marshal.

Present Business Industries

The first school in the township was taught during the winter of 1822-23, in a log cabin which stood about where the residence of William Draper now stands. The building was of round logs, had a huge fireplace that could be induced to take in logs six feet long and two feet or more in diameter, and had a log left out on the south side about breast high over which greased paper was fastened to serve the purpose of windows. William Rawlins, son of Roderick Rawlins, the first County Trpasurer, was the first teacher. The term was three months long, and the children of James Parks, Benjamin Parks, Lewis Noel, Coleman

Puett, Samuel Ellett, Joseph Puett, Joseph Reeves, George Sharp, George Parks, William Milligan, two miles away, and William Edmundson, went to young Mr. Rawlins to learn how to read, write and cipher. This house was used for school purposes about five years, and was then displaced by a hewed-log structure erected near the cemetery, and used until the township was divided into districts in the forties. Late in the thirties. Porter Edmundson erected a building which he used for a schoolhouse for a number of years, himself doing the teaching. This was wholly a private school supported by subscription, or tuition, and was a good one for that early day. Another early school was the one taught in the southern part of the township in a log cabin on the Benjamin Reeves farm in the winter of 1823-24, William Matlock owned the farm then, and his son, Jefferson Matlock, was the teacher. He had as high as twenty scholars, and taught such a good school that it was continued every winter after that in the same neighborhood. In 1836, there were four schoolhouses in the township, besides two or three private schools. By 1846, the number had increased to seven, and in 1856 to eight, and by this time several frame houses could be seen where erst the log house with greased paper windows, puncheon floors, doors, seats and desks were to be seen. The following was the condition of schools and houses in 1880-81 :

Various schoolhouses were used in Ellettsville prior to about 1855, at which time a large frame house with two rooms was erected, and used until the present brick structure was constructed about twelve years ago. Maj. H. F. Perry was one of the first teachers in the old frame house. The present two-storied brick cost about $7,000, was built by the township, and is occupied by five teachers, who cannot properly instruct all the town children, and a small brick building near it is also used.

The old Vernal Baptist Church was one of the very first, if not the first, organized in Monroe County. Meetings were held during the winter of 1817-18, but probably no organization was effected until several years later. Among the first members were the families of James Parks, Benjamin Parks, George Parks, Lewis Noel, Leroy Mayfield, John Sanders, the Coffeys, Mr. Shreeves, the Martins, Frank Hall, and others. A rude log church was built in the Sanders neighborhood, in about 1826, and was used until about 1838, when a frame church, built further north and within about three-fourths of a mile of Ellettsville, took its place. The old log house was so open that in cold weather meetings were held in the residences of the members - principally in that of James Parks, who for many years was Deacon of the church and its most, prominent member. Rev. James Chambers was the first minister, but within two or three years he was succeeded by Rev. Leroy Mayfield, who was pastor over thirty years. The Bethany Baptist was organized quite early, some of the early members being the families of John Wilburn, William Sparks, Abe May, Henry Flood, William H. Treadway and Henry Sanders. Another famous early church was the Cumberland Presbyterian, of Richland Township. Citizens of Bloomington of this faith often went out to attend this church. It was organized before 1830, and among the members were the Sharps, Constables, Figgs, Johnsons, Halls, Clays. The church was built on Section 4, and was known as the Pleasant Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Thomas J. Sharp furnished the land on Section 4. Another early class was the Christian Church, organized in the thirties, among the early members being the families of Pleasant York, Andrew Reeves, James Everman, Wesley Acuff, James Hall, J. H. Houston, and others. The Church was called North Liberty Church of Christ. The old Methodist Church in Richland was organized in the twenties. It was called Wesley Chapel, and among the early members were the Kerbys, the Smiths, the Hopewells, the Sedwicks, the Reeveses, the Knightons, the Stinesons, the Moots, the Sharps, and others. Others were organized early and later. The Presbyterians, Methodists, Christians and Baptists, remnants of the old organizations, have churches in BUettsville and in the township.

Introduction

THIS subdivision of Monroe is one of the most productive in the county. There is perhaps more good soil for the producer than any other portion of equal extent. , This became known at a very early day, and led to rapid settlement and growth. Many of the best citizens came here and made it their abiding place, and those valuable adjuncts of civilization - education and religion - took here in early years a deeper root than in any other place in the county, except Bloomington. Institutions were estaljlished here which had for their object the widest diffusion of knowledge, and the establishment of the highest and purest system of morality. And the country was suited for such institutions. The lands were rich, fertile and promised that plenty which always brings prosperity and peace. Many of the earliest residents were descendants of the chivalrous stock of the South, possessing culture and refinement fit to adorn any society, and an appreciation of the advantages of social, intellectual and moral improvement which promised enduring benefits to the fabric of society. Here let the natural resources of the township be set forth,

The Timber, Soil, Stone, Etc

The surface is less rolling than many other portions of the county, but is well drained, as well as well watered. Several small streams take their source here, which accounts for the numerous springs of good hard water, and for the productiveness of the surface soil which has not been denuded of its rich alluvial properties. The township originally contained heavy bodies of the best black and white walnut, hard and soft maple, some half dozen varieties of oak, chestnut, elm, beech, sycamore, white and yellow poplar, ash, cherry, gum, sassafras, dogwood, spicewood, etc. Much of this - all the better grades - has been cut away. An important natural feature is the big cave in the northwestern part. Its real depth is unknown, as it is probable that all the ramifications have never been explored. It is safe to say that the numerous branches, cuts, and turns aggregate one mile in extent. Within, the air is warm and salubrious, and the revelation of geologic formations repays the student for his dark visit. Valuable fossils, geodes containing crystals of dogtooth spar of great beauty, stalactites and stalagmites of great size, masses of limestone and shale, highly colored with iron and magnesium, and sandstone with variegated colors and numerous partings may be seen in the walk through "Puett's Cave." It is quite a resort for pleasure- seekers. Picnic parties from Bloomington come out to view the wonder, and students of geology come to view and study the mysteries of that science. Once upon a time, a party of students came here in the morning, tied their horses in the grove near by, entered the cave, but came not forth even when darkness set in. A resident near the cave saw the horses, and suspecting that all was not right, lighted a torch and entered the dark chamber, and after walking some distance found the students who for hours had been endeavoring to get out without avail huddled together, frightened, bewildered, lost, and reconciled to pass the night without food or sleep in the cave. Their joy and thanks were profuse when they at last stood outside. The following is the geologic formation on Section 4 :

Land Entries, Settlements, Etc

The following purchases were made in Van Buren Township in 1816: Arthur Patterson, Section 1; Jacob Cutler, David Matlock, Daniel Sears, James Parks, James Matlock, on Section 2; John Cutler, on 4; Archibald Wood, 320 acres on Section 10; John Allen and George Matlock, on 11; George Matlock, 12; Jonathan Rains, on 13; also, on the same section, John Carr and John W. Lee ; John Allen, James Borland and John Carr, on Section 14; Archibald Wood, Michael Wood and David Matlock, on 15; John Collins and Joseph Berry, on 21; William Wilson and William Newcomb (320 acres) on Section 22 ; John Harvey (820 acres), Jonathan Nichols and Arthur Patterson, on Section 24; Solomon Green and Archibald Wood, on Section 25; Levin Lawrence on 26 ; Adam Darling on 27; Joseph Berry, Adam Bowen and John Bris- coe on 28 ; Jesse Tarkington, Arthur Patterson and John Sadler on 3 1 ; Arthur Patterson and Joseph Berry on 32 ; Joseph Berry on 33 ; John Storm on 34 ; Thomas McCrang on 35 : Josiah Jackson, John Johnson and Joseph Richardson on Section 36. The following tracts were bought in 1817 : David Matlock on Section 2; Francis Charlice on 11; James Matlock on 12 ; Eli Lee on 14 ; William Newcomb on 15 ; Pierre Chacurn on 22; Solomon Phillips on 23; Joseph Gerrard and James Parsons on 26; Adam Kern and Isaac Rogers on 27 ; John Berry on 33 ; Joseph Berry on«34. No other entries were made until 1823, as follows: Austin S. Reeves on 9; and Littleton West on 21; Vincent Lindsey bought on Section 1 in 1824 ; Eli P. Farmer, on Section 2 the same year; John Mahala on Section 10 the same year ; John M. Berry on Section 29 ; Lemuel Lyons on Section 1 in 1825; George Moss on 5 in 1829; Thomas Snoddy on 6 in 1826; John Watson on 8 in 1828; Robert Rice on 9 in 1828 ; Henry Sanders on 10 in 1827 ; William Deskins on 10 in 1828; George Milam on 12 in 1827; Isaac Rogers on 21 in 1825 ; Joseph Berry on 21 in 1825; Gaspard Koons on 26 in 1825; William Morris on 29 in 1829, and on 33 also ; John H. Bunger and Orion Crocker on 33 in 1829. The above were all the entries of land prior to 1830. The name of the first actual resident in the township cannot be stated, but was doubtless one of the above-mentioned men. Several are known to have come with their families in 1816, but if any came before, such fact cannot now be stated with certainty, though there are strong -presumptions that in 1815 the township contained white families.

Growth And Development

The old Hamilton Grist Mill was erected by Robert Hamilton early in the twenties, and of course was operated by water-power secured in the usual manner by means of a dam. It was an extremely rude affair at first, but owing to necessity received a liberal patronage. Orion Crocker was the miller. A man named Hamill bought the mill probably about 1834, and operated it with some improvements until soon after 1840, when it passed to John Shirly, who practically rebuilt and refitted the structure and the dam, and very materially improved the quality and quantity of flour produced. He introduced an improved method of regrinding the shorts that increased the yield of flour to the bushel, and also improved the quality. This useful old mill continued to run until a comparatively few years ago, when it was abandoned. About the year 1830, James F. Leonard erected a grist mill about three hundred yards from the Hamilton Mill on the same stream. His dam was rude and often broke, and after a few years he introduced steam and used the two motors, steam and water, to operate his mill. The mill did good work from the start, and under difierent hands and greatly improved in building and equipments, is yet running. It has always been a good mill. Saw mills were early operated in connection with these mills. Among the earliest residents of Van Buren Township were the families of James Gentry, Absalom Baker, Robert B. Givens, Andrew Gray, George Grubb, Samuel Grabeal, Solomon Green (one of the very first ; came in when the Indians were as thick as wild turkeys), Seth Goodwin (very early), William Gray (very early), Andrew Gray, Lewis Harman, Jasper

Koons, Felix Landers, Matthew Legg, Benjamin Neeld, William Neeld (very early, ^ith the Indians), the Prices, Hiram Pauley, Solomon Phillips, Rebecca Rawlins, the Renshaws, Benjamin Rice, Robert Rice, William Rice, John Saddler, Henry Sanders, L. G. Shryer, James G. Sparks, Noble Stockwell, James Shipman, John Shipman, Thomas Snoddy, John Tarkington, W. C. Tarkington, Sylvanus Tarkington, Samuel Turner, Reuben Ward, Luke Ward, Booker Wit and many others mentioned above as entering land. The Berrys were early and prominent.

Poll-Tax Payers Of 1841

This little village was laid out by Jesse Tarkington late in the thirties, and soon afterward a store was established there by James Crane, who conducted his establishment for several years. This store was started about 1889. It is said that Kemble, Klein & Co. also established a store in the village about the year 1842. In about 1845, Zachariah Catron opened a store in the village, and from that on, for several years, kept a general stock, worth about $2,000. Sylvester Dory started up about the same time. In 1848, Nicholas Dillinger and Victor Dory formed a part- nership, and began a general mercantile business, under the firm name of Dillinger & Dory. Sylvester Dory and Zachariah Catron were yet in business. The following year (1849) Odell & Walker began business with a stock estimated to have been worth |5,000. In 1850, Elmore Walker established a store. Dudley & Adams engaged in the same pursuit in 1852, and Street Cox & Sons about the same time. There were at this period about four general stores in the village, two or three blacksmiths, a saw mill, etc. etc., and a population of about 150. The town has kept about this size until the present. A. J. Ritchey, P. M. Holder & Co. have general stores at present. Carmichael & Fields were in with goods before, as were Young & Smith, Baker Bros, and Sparks Brothers. Drs. Cook and Gaston have drugs. Joseph Green is the blacksmith. James Gaston is Postmaster. The little village has a tri-weekly mail from Bloomington. The population is abotlt 200.

In general, the citizens of Van Buren Township have been a very well-behaved people. A large portion, since the earliest settlement, has been connected with the various religious classes ; and the other portion - the non-professors, or unbelievers - has been sober and moral. A class of the Church of Christ was early organized - about 1830 - and for a time met for worship at the house of Joseph Berry, who was one of the leading members. Robert Hamilton, Joseph Berry, John Porch, John Goodnight, Dudley C. Smith, John Givens, John Bunger and their families, were members. This class was made up from Van Buren and Indian Creek Townships. A log church was built quite early - about 1834 - and was used for many years. The Methodists established a class in the southwestern part early in the thirties, the leading early members being Lewis Harman, David Carpenter, Dennison - Whaley, B. W. Tarkington, Maiden Baker, Jacob Baker, William Higgins, Lewis L. Allen, Jesse Tarkington, Samuel Day, George G. Walker and their families. Lewis Dale was the pastor in 1850. This class has endured until the present, and early built a church at Stanford, which is yet used. Early in the forties, the United Baptists organized a class in the vicinity of Stanford, among the earliest members being the families of John Griffith, Jesse Goss, James Steele, Henry Flood, William Sparks, Abe May, W. H. Treadway - the latter four also belonging to the Baptist Church in Richland Township. This class grew, thrived, and built a church about 1850. The old Union Meeting-house, on Section 36, also had a large membership in the four townships - Van Buren, Perry, Clear Creek and Indian Creek. The old Baptist Church in the southern part of Richland Township, drew a strong membership from the limits of Van Buren. The citizens in the northeastern part joined the churches at Bloomington. The educational and religious community at the village of Harmony, northeast of Stanford, was the earliest union of religious sentiment in the county. Members of any orthodox denomination were eligible to membership. Later years have seen the organization of other religious classes, and the increased membership and prosperity of the old, until no portion of the county is better supplied with moral advantages.

SCHOOLS. The first school was taught in about the year 1824, at what afterward became the village of Harmony, the teacher being, so it is stated, Jonathan Nichols. The house was a vacated log cabin that had been erected for a dwelling, and was temporarily fixed up for school purposes. It is not certain where the next was started unless it was at the village of Harmony, where two or three terms of excellent school were conducted under the supervision of the Blue Spring Community. A school was started in the southeastern part about 1828, one of the Berrys, it is said, being the first teacher. A schoolhouse that was erected in the southern part of Richland Township was attended by the children of Van Buren, in the northern part, but soon after 1830 a log schoolhouse was constructed on Section 4 or 9, which answered the purpose for several years. Some state that the first school in the township was taught near what is now Stanford, one of the Tarkingtons being the first teacher. In 1836, there were four school districts and schoolhouses. In 1847, there were eight school districts in the township, and during the winter of 1846-47, six schools were taught. The enumeration in the districts at this time was as follows : No. 1, 78; No. 2, 94; No. 3, 64; No. 4,47; No. 5, 72 ; No. 6, 19 ; No. 7, 66 ; No. 8, 48. School was not taught during the winter in Districts No. 5 and 6. The average daily attendance was as follows: No. 1, 48; No. 2, 15; No. 3, 17; No. 4, 16; No. 7, 14; No. 8, 18. Six months school was taught in District No. 3 ; two months in No. 7, and three months in the others. The teachers were paid for the term, exclusive of a small amount of tuition or subscription, as follows : No. 1, $30 ; No. 2, $25 ; No. 3, $75 ; No. 4, $45 ; No. 7, $36; No. 8, $45. The School Trustees at this time were Conrad Koons, John H. Porch and James P. Givens. In 1849 (March), there were eight school districts, as above given, with the following enumeration : No. 1, 38 males and 48 females ; No. 2, 26 males and 24 females ; No. 3, 36 males and 1 2 females ; No. 4, 30 males and 23 females ; No. 5, 34 males and 42 females ; No. 6, 45 males and 81 females ; No. 7, 24 males and 25 females ; No. 8, 28 males and 28 females. Total enumeration, males 261, females 233 ; grand total, 494. The schools at this time were not surpassed by any other country portion of the county. When the new school law came into effect in 1853, and one Trustee took the place of three, and new funds were created for the common schools, within a few years many of the districts built new houses - not of logs, but of the best native lumber. Great improvements were made during the fifties in school methods and systems. During the sixties, still greater improvements were made, and now the school system of the township, the county and the State, is not only the pride of the residents, but the admired object of neighboring States. The following table explains itself :

From the table it will be seen that Stanford (District No. 4) has two schools. The old frame house at Stanford, built late in the forties, was succeeded by a better frame building, with two rooms, some eight or ten years ago. Now there are two teachers, as indicated in the table.

The Blue Spring Community

From 1820 to 1860, there arose throughout the United States a tendency to unite means and influence in the formation of what was called a "Community," for the purpose of increasing the sources of a better system of education and morals than was afforded by the denominational and educational organizations of that day. Many families would place their property in charge of a committee empowered to manage the common interests and benefits, and would farm together, live together, eat together, work together in all things, being governed by a constitution and by-laws. Men as eminent as Horace Greeley, Charles Fourier and the Owens, of Posey County, Ind., were connected with organizations of the kind, and used their best endeavors to render the system successful, popular and universal throughout the country. One institution of this kind sprang up in Monroe County, in 1826, and was called the Blue Spring Community.

The members gathered at what soon was called Harmony, placed their property in common, erected dwellings, laid out a public common or square, started one or more stores, opened an excellent school in a log schoolhouse just erected, and soon were in as flourishing a condition as could be expected in the backwoods. It was a very new country then, let it be remembered, to establish and maintain such an institution where the purity of intention and performance was made the sole condition of membership. Neighbors laughed at the pretensions of the communists and scornfully predicted the speedy or ultimate dissolution of the community. But the members, with noble intentions, went resolutely at work, determined, if possible, to make the attempt a success. Things went on quite smoothly the first year, or until cold weather came on, when many left, going back to their former cabins. Some conflict had occurred, some misunderstandings from human imperfections, and when the spring of 1827 arrived, all attempts to continue the community was voluntarily abandoned, to the sincere regret of some of the purest-minded citizens ever residents of Monroe County.

Geological Structure

THIS subdivision of Monroe County lies in the extreme southwestern corner, and is one of the richest tracts of land to be found within a radius of many miles. There is more loam in the soil than is usually found in the townships of the county, and this, combined with the fact that the township as a whole is not so rolling, renders it a more desirable place of residence for farming. The township is drained by the branches of Clear Creek and Indian Creek. This is one of the few localities of the county where the celebrated Chester sandstone appears at the surface, and consists of light gray and bright red laminated stone, highly ferruginous and usually irregularly bedded. ' The iron deposit on Sections 6 and 7 - unusually rich and heavy, but hardly rich enough to work, belongs to the group of Chester sandstone. There are fine displays of this sandstone at Buena Vista and elsewhere. The principal stone of the township lies next underneath the sandstone and belongs to the Upper St. Louis Group of limestone. The formation of strata on Section 7 is as follows :

Limestone (Upper St. Louis Qroup) light gray, hard, silicious, and irregularly bedded, containing zaphreniit tpinulosa Athyristrinuelua, Pellerophon sablaevis and Syringopora multattennata 30

This table illustrates the stone wealth of the township. Sandstone and limestone are both found in abundance. The iron deposits are rich, and furnish all wells and springs with tonic for the blood. The soil is rich and the timber is less stripped of its finer grades by vandals than other portions of the county contiguous to railroads. In short, Indian Creek is one of the best townships of the county.

Government Land Entries

The following entries of land were made in the year 1816 : William Bigger, Richard Beem and John Kutch on Section 1 ; Isaac Withers on Section 3 ; John M. Sadler on Section 6 ; Archibald Wood on the same section ; John Storm on Section 12 ; William King and John Storm on Section 13 ; Henry Speed on Section 19 ; John Storm and Elzy Woodward on 20; Archibald Wood on 30. In 1817 the following entries were made: Moses Olds on Section 1 ; William Crum, James Wright and William Leahy on 2 ; Benjamin Freeland on 5 ; Benjamin Freeland 450 acres on Section 7 ; John White, Isaiah Wright and James Wright on Section 11 ; James Wright, James Mitchell and Jacob Beals on 12, and the latter also on 24 ; William Wyman on 25 ; James Wright on 26 ; Thomas Wilson, Alexander Clark each 160 acres on Section 33 ; Zachariah Dicks 160 acres on 34 ; William Wright and James Smith on 35. John Burch hought a tract on Section 5 on the 11th of November, 1819. Peter Sansiford bought on Section 18 in 1823. Lemuel and Joel Sexson bought on Sections 19 and 20 in 1827 and 1828. Joseph Arthur bought on 21 in 1818, and Richard Wright on 23 the same year. Solomon Morgan bought 160 acres on Section 24 in 1829. Caleb Lowder bought 80 acres on Section 27 in 1819. Jonathan Howell on 28 in 1818 ; Alexander Clark on 34 in 1818 ; William Jones on 34 in 1825. This comprises all the entries prior to 1830.

The First Families

Among the early settlers of the township were the Dicks, the Lambs, the Crums, the Burches, the Morgans, the Walkers, the Wrights, the Mays, the Joneses, the Easts, the Clarks, the Adamses, the Carpenters, the Tatums, the Oliphants, the Carmichaels, the Brosfields, the Penningtons, the Phillips, the Teagues, the Graves, the Smiths, the Gwinns, the Treadways, the Turners, and many others. It is probable that Lamb was the first permanent settler, though the Walkers were in early and also the Easts, the Wrights, the Burches and others whose names have escaped the recollection of the old settlers. The first settlers were scattered over the township in rude log cabins surrounded by small open tracts of cultivated land which were inclosed by rail fences made by the settlers. Neighbors lived miles apart, but intercourse was begun and kept up.

Milling Enterprises

Owing to the fact that Indian Creek Township had no streams of sufficient size, there were no early mills or other industries operated by water-power in early years. Two or three hand mills and horse mills were operated in several neighborhoods at times, but no mills of wide popularity and patronage were built within the limits of the township, unless the old mill in the southwestern part can be considered as such. The old Hamilton Mill in Van Buren Township and the Ketchum Mill in the northwest corner of Clear Creek Township, were the sources whence were obtained the supplies of flour and meal. These were the earliest mills which supplied Indian Creek Township. Two or three other mills were built on Clear Creek, and south in Greene County nn Indian Creek, at a later date, which received some of the later patronage, though the Ketchum's mill and the Hamilton's mill were the stand-bys, even until a comparatively recent date. A saw mill was started in the southern part at a very early day, and it is said that the first whisky shop in the county was opened in this township.

The Virginia Iron Works

The most notable industry ever in the township was the iron furnace established in about 1839, in the northwestern part, by Randolph Ross, a Virginian, who had been engaged in the same business in his native State, and was familiar with the details of iron manufacture. In about the year above mentioned, he erected the necessary buildings on the north- east quarter of Section 7, employed a few experienced men, whom he brought from Virginia, and began mining from the side of the hill there, crude iron ore contained about twenty per cent of good iron. His tax in 1841 was $52.26, more than that of any other man in the county. His tax in 1842 was $100.49, more than any other man's. He owned 156 acres, the land being valued at $468, and the improvements at $6,360, and his personal property was worth $1,600, making his total taxables worth $8,428. The father and his son, Randolph Ross, Jr., under the name Randolph Ross & Son's Virginia Iron Works, within a year after starting had in their employ about twenty men engaged in mining the ore from the hill, carting it to the furnace, where it was melted and the iron run off into bars to be shipped by wagon to Louisville or Vincennes. The company was incorporated under the laws of the State with a capital, if necessary, of $20,000, and was to continue for a period of ten years with power to renew the continuance an additional ten years, at the option of the incorporators. If any others had an interest in the works such fact is not now known. It is stated by some that a portion of the capital was furnished by several Eastern parties, who were members of the incorporation. The facts cannot be stated. Besides manufacturing pig or bar iron for shipment, the company began, the general manufacture for the local trade of all kinds of cast-iron ware needed in the new country, such as kettles, spiders, andirons, pots and machinery castings as rude hoes, and a few mold-boards for plows. The most of the iron was thus manufactured into articles for farm and domestic use. After running successfully for about five years, the company became involved in some manner, and was forced to suspend operations. The enterprise had been highly successful, but the incorporators were forced to suspend by reason of having lost heavily in speculations elsewhere, and not by reason of the failure of the iron 'furnace in Indian Creek Township.

Poll Tax Payers Of 1841

Elijah Tarkington, E. W. Tarkington, Abraham Young, Peter Wright, Silas Woodward, John White, Elijah Wright, Thomas Walker, Andrew Walls, William Weaver, Sr., Isaac Weaver, James Wooter, David Wright, Elmore Walker, Joseph Walker and Jacob Zikes. The total number of polls was 174 ; acres of land, 10,394; value of lands and improvements, $52,307 ; other taxables, $27,117 ; State tax, $448.01 ; county tax, $250.08; total tax, $698.09. The heaviest tax-payers were: George Adams, $10.52; Charles Burch, $7.58 ; Isaac Brown, $11.95 ; Byrd Cambs, $7.58; Richard Carmichael, $8.25; Zachariah Dicks, $7.60; John Evans, $17.72; Spencer Griffin, $5.18; James Gillam, $7.25 ; Hugh Hill, $5.35; William Jones, $11.40; Lewis Jones, $7.70; Alexander Lamb, $9.65; Elijah Morgan, $6.19; Solomon Morgan, $8.87; Absalom Morgan, $9.20; Abraham May, $7.70 ; Jacob Myers, $6.12; Solomon May, $7 ; Randolph Ross, Sr. (iron works), $52.25. His land, the northeast quarter of Section 7 was valued at $6,000, and his improvements at $-3,800. He owned 156 acres. Nicholas Shipman, $8.10; John Sadler, $8.29; John White, $7 ; James Wright, $11.55; William Weaver, $7.15; David Wright, $8.10; Joseph Walker, $5.63.

It is said that the first school in the township was taught near the cabin of Elmore Walker, in about the year 1824, but it is quite certain that another was taught not far from the same time in the Burch neighborhood, and probably one in the Dicks neighborhood. Each of these schools was taught in a log cabin; two of them, at least, in cabins that had been erected for residences, and had been vacated by the builders, who had left the township or neighborhood. After this early date, sessions were usually held in the three localities named during the winter months, first in one house and then in another, shifting the location to suit the majority of children. The Burches were among the early teachers, and the younger members of the Walker family also instructed the pioneer children. In ihe year 1836, there were three log schoolhouses, and one or two neighborhoods where school was taught semi-occasionally, as the wants of the children demanded. In 1846, the number of schoolhouses had been increased to five; in 1856, there were eight, and possibly nine. The eight country houses were located on Sections 2, 8, 9, 14, 20, 26, 28 and 30. All were log houses except two. The families that attended the house on Section 2 were the Morgans, Wrights, Gwinns, Koons, Turners, Treadways, Perrys, Ballingers, Thrashers, et al.; Section 8, the Burches, Sadlers, Carpenters, Adamses, et al.; Section 14, the Walkers, Whites, Carmichaels, Chipmans, Mays, Kirks, et al.; Section 20, the children of Buena Vista, the Lambs, Carmichaels, Carters, Carvers, Phillips, Tatums, Gordons, Mays, et al.; Section 26, the Stevensons, Lowes, Joneses, Easts, Sares, Hazels, Teagues, Smiths, Couders, Gilhams, Wrights, Millers, Morgans, et ah; Section 28, the Waterfords, Graveses, Dicks, Joneses, Teagues, Stones, Easts and Nances ; Section 30, the Simpsons, Oliphants, Hardens, Graveses, Pedigos, Brasfields, Penningtons, et al. At this time the schools were in comparatively good shape. The following table is the later condition of the schools :

Two or three small villages have flourished in this township. In March, 1849, Jesse W. East, proprietor, assisted by Henry Farmer, surveyor, laid out ten lots on the south part of the east half of the northwest quarter of Section 20, and named the village thus started Buena Vista, a name then peculiarly fresh and distinct in the minds of all Hoosiers. About the same time, Mr. East started the first store, and soon a blacksmith and a few families located there. Since then there have usually been a store, a blacksmith and about a dozen families at the village. John Evans sold goods there, as did Henry Oliphant, Woodward & Clay and others. The present merchants are King & Woodward. Another .early town, now deserted, was Palestine, founded by Alexander Sutherland, during the thirties. He was the first storekeeper there, and continued several years, going then to Harrodsburg. Thomas Shipman probably succeeded him as the merchant. One of the Koons also sold goods there. Kirkville is a recent village named in honor of the Kirk family. Lane & Carmichael started the store, but sold out to Mr. Kirk, who yet continues.

The first religious class organized in this township was the Methodist Church, founded in the Walker neighborhood, about 1825. For several years, meetings were held at the houses of Thomas Hill, Elmore Walker, and elsewhere in the same portion of the township. Among the earliest members were the families of Thomas Hill, Elmore Walker, David Wells, George Oxsheer, Michael Teague, Burrell Reeves, Joseph S. Walker, Pleasant O'Brien, Rev. Isaac McElroy, Farris Howard, Rev. Lewis Dale and others. This was called Mt. Salem Church, and was famous in early years for the number of its revivals and the amount of good done in the neighborhood. As the years passed it gradually split up, several of the prominent members joining the Methodist Class at Stanford, and several others the class at Harrodsburg, though a few of the old members still remained faithful to the parent organization, which continued to meet in the residences and schoolhouses in the vicinity where it was first founded. The legitimate descendant ^f the old class is still in existence. The old Hebron Baptist Church, organized in the southern part of the township during the forties, was another class that produced marked effect upon the morals of the younger generations. The Oliphants, Abel Edwards and family, and Joseph Pennington and family were early mem- bers. This class met for many years in schoolhouses and residences, and is still in existence under different hearts and hands. Later religious organizations have sprung up, but none have produced more extended and lasting benefit than the two old ones mentioned above.

Geological Formation

THIS township is one of the best in the county for agricultural purposes. It has an abundance of low land, as it lies principally in the forks of Clear Creek and Salt Creek, the two principal streams of the southern half of the county. Between the forks the land is gently undulating as a general rule, and the surface soil contains an abundance of food for almost aU farm productions. Along the two streams are rather precipitous blufifs, which, back some distance, gradually blend with the general undulating surface of the country. Immediately adjoining the streams are narrow valleys very rich and productive. The geological formation is revealed in many places - at quarries and along the New Albany Railroad principally. In places where the storms have washed away the surface soil, hundreds of geodes, comprising crystalline and butryoidal, are found. The railroad track at Harrodsburg is 509 feet above the level of the sea, and at Smithville is 710 feet. This shows a railroad grade of 201 feet between those two places, distant about four miles and a half. The altitude at Bloomington is 745, and northwest of Bloomington at the highest point of the grade is 883 feet. The track at EUettsvilie is 685 feet above the sea. In the vicinity of Smithville, covering about a section of land, the Keokuk limestone makes its appearance at the surface. A little distance west, extending a little east of north, is the general overlying edge of the Keokuk group, lapping upon the knobstone. A short distance further west is the St. Louis limestone. On Section 2, about a mile northeast of Smithville, the geological formation is as follows :

Limestone (Keokuk), buff-colored with bands of chert and geodes, the cavities of which are lined with beautiful crystals of ofuartz and calcareous spar. This stratum contjiins plates and stems of crinoids ; also fragments of shells, too imperfect, however, for accurate identification 8 feet.

Entering the township from the east, it will be seen from the above tables that the first stone found would be the Knob sandstone ; then a trifle west of the center the Keokuk limestone would be found lapping upon the Knob sandstone, and a short distance further west the Warsaw Division of the Lower St. Louis limestone would be found lapping upon the Keokuk limestone. This gives the township both sandstone and limestone of the first quality at the surface.

The First Land Holders

The following entries of land were made in Clear Creek Township in the year 1816: Henry Burkhart, Thomas Grimes, William Anderson and Bartlett Woodward on Section 3 ; Adam Darling on Section 4 ; Robert Fields on Section 5 ; William Bigger and Routt & Brenton on 6; Fetters & Hughes on 7 ; Bartlett Woodward 160 acres on Section 10 ; George Paul, Thomas Grimes and John Musser on 15 ; Michael Buskirk on 17; John Vanderoot and Fetters & Hughes on 19, also Michael Harvey on the same section ; Jacob- Mumma and Jonathan Lindley on 20; George Paul on 21; John Durham and William Chambers on 28; Samuel Caldwell, Jonathan Lindley 320 acres, and George Paul 160 acres on 29 ; John White all of Section 30 ; Jonathan Lindley and Fetters & Hughes on 31 ; William Carl on 32 ; William Craig on 33. The following entries were made in 1817 : Solomon Lucas on Section 2 ; Thomas Hancock, James Cully on 5 ; John Scott on 9 ; Bartlett Woodward 160 acres on 10 ; Silas Woodward on 11 ; Jacob Beals on 18; Joseph Strean 320 acres on 20 ; William Chambers on 21 and 28 ; Samuel Allen and John Farley on 32 ; Conrad Hanson on 33. In 1818 the following intries were made : James Mitchell on Section 5 ; John Storm on 8 ; George Buskirk and Thomas Grimes on 10 ; William Way more and John Storm on 17 ; Thomas Duffield on 18 ; Samuel Smith on 19 ; John Smith on 32 ; William Shields on 33 ; Elias Bruner on 34. Andrew McKean bought on Section 22 in 1819 ; Michael Myers on 2 in 1825 ; John H. Anderson on 4 in 1824, and again in 1827 ; David Scott on 8 in 1828 ; John Deckard on 11 in 1824 ; George Kimberlin on 14 in 1828 ; Edmund Phillips on 18 in 1824 ; Anthony Chambers and William Chambers on 21 in 1829 ; George Paul on 21 in 1829; Michael Deckard on 22 in 1824; John Scott on 26 in ls<19; George Reddick on 28 in 1821 ; Elijah Elliott on 32 in 1827, and William Lemon on 33 in 1829. These were all the entries prior to 1830. Many settlers came in and bought of other settlers. Many others owned no land for ten or twenty years, and several lived in the township several years, owning no land, and leaving finally for some other locality.

The first settler in this township and in Monroe County, according to old Col. Ketchum, who settle in the northwest corner of Clear Creek Township in 1817, was David McHoUand. This man whose wife is either now living or was a few years ago, at a very advanced age, came to the township for permanent residence when the State was yet a Territory, or in 1815. Col. Ketchum, who came in two years later, and was well acquainted with Mr. McHolland, often stated that the latter was, no doubt, the first settler in Monroe County. Of course the Territory now comprising the county, had previously been invaded by white hunters and trappers, but, so far as known, no white family, including wife and children, became actual residents until Mr. McHolland arrived. He was a famous hunter and supported his family mainly with his rifle. He killed numerous bears in various portions of the county, often under circumstances of great personal peril. His wife always boasted of having baked the first corn pone in Monroe County, and was, no doubt, justified by fact8 in doing so. The McHoUands cultivated an acre or two of ground, upon which they squatted, and after a few years went to the northwestern part of the county, where they continued to reside many years. The name of the second settler in this township cannot be indicated. Bartlett Woodward came to the township in 1816, and entered considerable land upon which he erected a rude log cabin for his family, which either came out the same fall or the next spring. Several families were residing in the township at this time. Mr. Woodward became a prominent citizen, and was elected one of the first County Commissioners of the county in 1818. Col. Ketchum built a grist mill on Clear Creek as early as 1818, which for many years was famous in all the surrounding country. Green's mill was another one ; Chambers and Shirley each owned early water mills. The Taylors probably sent the first flat-boat loaded with pork, grain, etc., down either Clear or Salt Creeks from Monroe County. They built their own boats, and knew how to manage them on their way to Southern markets. The Chambers brothers also sent early boats of pork and grain down the creeks. Col. Ketchum was about as early in shipping pork, grain, flour, etc., as any one in the township or county. He also shipped lumber. Later, Elias Bruner shipped cherry and other finer varieties of lumber down the creeks. These were some of the early enterprises in Clear Creek Township.

The village of Harrodsburg, now third in population and importance in the county, was laid out by Alexander Buchanan, proprietor, and John Sedwick, surveyor, in December, 1836, on the northeast corner of the pouthwest quarter of Section 29, Township 7 north, Range 1 west. Twenty-four lots were laid out, and the village was named Newgene. In ' May, 1837, Levi Sugart laid out an addition of three lots, and at this time, for some reason unknown, the name of the village was Jchanged to Harrodsburg. It is said that the first store was started by Berkey & Isominger, who took out a license in 1836. Jacob Corman took out a liquor license in 1839, paying therefor $25. Tilford & Glass early established a store in the village. It is said that A. & P. Carmichael, who were in the mercantile business at Stanford, were also in Harrodsburg. Mr. Berkey bought a lot conditionally in the town before it was laid out. The early families of the village were those of Henry Berkey, Joseph Cranshaw, Job Horton, Samuel Baugh, Richard Empson, Alexander Buchanan, the Widow Cully and others. This was about the condition in 1844, at which time no store had been in the town for a year or two. In 1844, S. W. & J. D. Urmey opened a store of general merchandise, worth about $450, and the following year Paris Vestal also established a store. James Beatley was the first resident physician ; he was also a pedagogue of considerable repute. Baugh k Empson were tanners. Rufus Finley erected a tannery about forty rods down the little creek at the village.* Vestal continued about two years, then sold to Moore & Baugh. Greason was Vestal's partner for a short time, as was also McCrea. In 1848, Vestal and Sutherland were partners, but after a short time each continued separate. James W. Carter was in business about 1849. Sutherland & Graham were together for a short time about 1850. The Urmeys still continued, with increasing business. Odell & Walker were in business about this time. Sutherland & Baugh were partners for a short time, closing in July, 1853. In April, 1852, Alexander Sutherland and Dugan Jones formed a partnership for the general business of merchandising, packing pork, buying and shipping grain and provisions and buying and selling real estate. Sutherland furnished $4,000 capital and Jones $2,000, and two-thirds the profits and losses

* The old Bettlers state that this stream took its name from Bo-si-neah, an old chief of the Delawares, who, when the fitBt eettlement was made, was encamped in a large hollow sycamore tree on the bank of the etream, remaining tliere for some time. In speaking the name, accent the last syllable.

were assumed by the senior partner. Henry Baugh was alone in business about this time; also W. N. Anderson. Among the business men afterward were Carter & Dunn, Mr. Waldrip, Julius Sues, Harmon & Buchanan, East & Deckard, Judy & Kinser, Oliphant & Pearson, Oliphant & Girton, Carmichael & Urmey, Oliphant & Woodward, Woolery & Wolf, Wolf & Son, Perdue & Wolf, Urmey & McFadden, Perdue & Woolery, Stevenson & Perdue, Woolery, Stevenson & Carmichael, H. C. Smallwood, Deckard, Anderson, Stevenson, J. W. Sears, Brown & Fields, Litzman, Deckard & Chambers, Kinser & Smallwood, W. Kinser, Granger's store. Strain & Woodward and perhaps others. Sutherland & Jones, beginning in 1863, did a large business in packing pork and shipping the same and grain down the creeks to the markets of the South. They sent out from eight to twelve boats each year and employed during the busy seasons forty or fifty men. The aggregate business per annum was little less than $100,000. This gave the appearance of great thrift to the little town, and induced many to locate there who otherwise would have passed on. Urmey & Isominger shipped grain by boat during the forties. The Urmey brothers did the same. Sutherland & Jones lost considerable money on pork, and were gradually forced from business though they paid their debts. Carmichael & Urmey in 18 il, began a big business in packing pork. The first year they packed 1,800 hogs. The business was increased so that forty men were employed, and as high as 3,500 hogs were slaughtered and packed in one season. Considerable wheat, corn and flour was bought and shipped also. The railroad had been completed in 1853, and this afforded a much better way of reaching market than by water. These men continued the business until 1877, when they failed, by reason of heavy losses, and compromised honorably with their creditors.

Among the leading industries which have flourished in the village was the distillery built and operated by Brown & Deckard, about 1865. Two stills were used, and the capacity of the distillery was about twenty gallons daily. Chambers & Strain were afterward the owners. It operated until a short time ago. J. M. Anderson conducted an extensive cabinet factory, beginning early in the fifties. Stipp & Strain built the present grist mill in about 1866, at a cost of about $8,000. It afterward passed to Woolery, Stevenson & Co., and finally to John Stevenson, who yet owns and operates it. A large domestic patronage is enjoyed, and a limited merchant work done. Oliphant, Woodward & Carmichael built the woolen factory during or just at the close of the war - about 1864. The building and machinery cost $18,500. All the necessary help was employed, and the factory began to turn out considerable quantities of yarns, flannels, jeans and cassimeres ; but the enterprise was started at the. wrong time, and did not come up to the hopes of its builders. Various changes were made in the ownership, and at last the business was abandoned about three 1 years ago. The village has a present population of about 260.

Fairfax was started at an early date, but has always been a village of modest pretensions as regards size. So far as can be learned, N. Whisenand and R. Wilson opened a liquor establishment there in about 1835, and continued on for several years, adding a small stock of goods in about

1837, and afterward increasing the business. Scarborough & Wilson opened a store there in 1838, and did a good business for several years. Helton & Houston began merchandising about 1840. The old Helton grist mill was built early, and considrable flour was sent by boat down the creek. Helton packed considerable pork, which was shipped away by boat. He continued there, doing a large business in his store and mills and factories, until the fifties, when he removed to Bloomington. A large amount of furniture was manufactured there during the forties and fifties. In about 1847, L. Q. Hoggatt became Mr. Helton's partner. The Redfields succeeded Helton. Since then, the village has been small and uneventful.

Smithville was started when the New Albany Railroad was established, in 1852-53. It was laid out in November, 1851, by Mansfield Bennett and George Smith, owners, on Section 3. Thirty-eight lots were laid out on both sides of the railroad. Mr. Smith probably opened the first store. He was soon joined by a blacksmith and a few families. Davis & Humphries were also there about the same time, with a good store. The business was lively while work on the railroad continued. It is probable that the stores were started before the town was laid out, to accommodate the wants of the workmen. P. & J. Holland were also early at the village with a stock of goods. One or two stores have been in the village, usually one at a time, ever since. About fifteen families comprise the population.

It is said that the first school in the township was taught near the old Woodward homestead about 1822. This was a short distance south of the present Smithville. The school was held in a vacated log cabin that had been occupied for a short time by some family. Another early school was taught near Fairfax, and still another in the Rogers neighborhood. The Chambers were the founders of a school about 1830. In 1836, there were three schoolhouses in the township, and one or two old residences which were used for that purpose. In about 1840, the old log schoolhouse at Harrodsburg was erected, which was used for school and church purposes until about 1851. School was taught at Fairfax as early as 1838. In 1846, the township consisted of four school districts, two schools being held in District No. 2. During the winter of 1846-47, school was not taught in Nos. 1 or 3. The enrollment in District 2 was 53 and in District 4 was 25. The length of each term was three months. Twenty-two children attended in No. 4, and 34 in No. 2. All these houses were of logs. In 1856, there were schoolhouses at Harrodsburg, Smithville, Fairfax, and on Sections 8, 11 and 29. The only frame house was at Harrodsburg. The old log schoolhouse at this village had been burned down about 1851, at which time a small one-story frame was erected to take its place. Early teachers in this frame house were Jonas May, Maj. Grimes, Luther De Motte, William Brown, Elzy Woodward et al. Dr. James Beatley taught in the old log house as early as 1844. He was a better teacher than physician. The small frame house was used until war time, when the present two-storied frame building was erected at a cost of about $1,000 ; three teachers are now employed in the Harrodsburg schools. William Neill is the present Principal. The township schools were greatly improved during the fifties and more so during the sixties and the seventies. The following is for the schools of 1880-81 :

An early Baptist class was organized in the Nichols neighborhood about the year 1828. Among the first members were the families of John Nichols, W. F. Siscoe, William Chandler, William Smith, Henry Landers, Henry Fritz, Alfred Coffey and others. Early meetings were held at the house of John Nichols. Another early class was the one in the McCrea neighborhood, among the members being the families of John McCrea, Jacob Zike, James Jenkins, Rufus Rough, Andrew Pickle et al. The Church of Christ was organized at Harrodsburg late in the thirties. Henry Burkey, W. S. Holmes, Andrew Holmes, Jacob Graybell, R. R. Richardson, Hiram Butcher, Francis Holmes, James Wright and John Kitchum, and their families being members. W. C. Walker, Joshua Moore, James Smith and Robert M. Parks, and their families, were early Baptists at Harrodsburg. The Methodists Church at Smithville was organized in the fifties. The families of Joseph Davis, James Woodward, Perry Gater, Farris Howard, Daniel Ketchum, being early members. Rev. B. P. F. Wells was pastor in 1855. The Cumberland Presbyterians formed a class at Harrodsburg in the fifties, meetings being held at the schoolhouse. R. M. Strain, James Woodward, William Chambers, and others and their families were members. Rev. E. Hall was pastor in 1857. The Christian Church at Smithville had for early members James Fox, Matthew Floyd, John Hines and others. Among the Methodists there were Perry Gather, Daniel Ketchum, H. Barrett and others. William Leonard belonged to the Christian Reformed, as did H. Burkey, John Hornbaker et al. A Union Church was built. Other classes have been formed in the township since.