Baker Township (part 1 of 5)

Baker Township

THE earliest settlement of Baker Township is enshrouded in mystery. It is certain that white families lived therein as early as 1820, and possibly in 1819. A family named Evilsizer was living there on the old Thomas Hodges farm when the first permanent residents arrived, but how long they had been there cannot be learned, even if it be known by any one now living in the township or county. It is believed by some that this family lived there before the cession treaty of 1818, but this must be regarded with some grains of doubt. The family consisted of the father, mother, two or three sons and a daughter or two. They were professional pioneers, and preferred to live in the woods remote from the settlements. The father and the boys were skillful hunters and trappers, and several times a year visited the older settlements in the southern part of the State to sell their furs or exchange them for ammunition, traps, weapons, tobacco, or some article of clothing for the women. The men dressed almost wholly in deer or raccoon skins, and spent their time in hunting and trapping, in which they were very expert. As a matter of fact, much that is said of them rests largely on tradition, as they left for remote localities about the time the permanent settlers began to arrive. They had a garden, consisting of about half or three-quarters of an acre, which was cultivated by the women, as the men were above that sort of degradation. Accounts vary as to the intelligence of the family. It is quite certain, however, that their intellectual attainments were not of the highest order. They were guilty of sufficient acuteness to be able to hunt and cook, but they would not have cut a remarkably high figure, either socially or mentally, in the settled communities of that day. According to tradition, the men on one occasion had considerable difficulty with a band of four or five Indians that stopped at their cabin. The trouble arose over a trade of furs on the part of the Indians for ammunition and trinkets on the part of the whites. Arms were drawn, wounds were given, but the difficulty was adjusted before anything serious result- ed. It is said that this family killed many bears in various portions of Morgan County. Within two or three years they left the township, going, no one knows whither, but certainly out into the wilderness.

Permanent Settlers

The first tract of land was purchased on Section 28, on the 8th of November, 1820, by Thomas Hodges, who did not reside in the township until years afterward. William Burton bought land on Section 32 in 1823. The Burtons afterward became prominent citizens. George W. Baker came in late in the twenties, with a retinue of relatives, that was afterward considerably enlarged. Perhaps himself and relatives did. more for Baker Township than any other family. The township took its name from this family. They were among its most prominent and respected citizens.

The Lafavers came in soon after 1830, and soon exerted a wide influence in township affairs. The family of John Hodges was also very prominent.

The township was mainly settled in the thirties, although a few families were residents before. Among those who entered land were James Kerley, William Teag, George W. Baker, John Buckner, Jonathan Manley, Frederick Buckhart, W. T. Clark, Page Henslow, John Manley, Bichard Long, Jackson Long, Elisha Long, Elijah D. Long, John Hodges, Jr., Thomas Hodges, Thomas Mitchell, James R. Elston, John Burton, Isaac Lafaver, Josiah Goodwin, Robert Finchum, Ivison Ellis, David Low, Josiah Vandeventer, John Muncey, Stephen Collier, William Burton, Jacob Evans, Presley Johnson, P. Smith, Chris Shultz, J. B. Gibson, William Goodwin, Hiram McKinney, John Burnett and others.

The Poll Tax Paters Of 1842

The old Pumphrey Grist Mill on White River was an important feature in early times. The store which was started there about 1839 was continued several years.

Education

Schools were not started in this township until comparatively late. The settlement was slow, and the families had something else to think about than education. Too many parents in those days thought as the Spanish proverb directs :

They reasoned that their children ought to do as well in life as they had done, which was to pass from the cradle to the grave with only ''edication " enough to read a little, write a little and cipher a little. A man who had " larnin' " enough to attack and attempt to analyze an English sentence was regarded a prodigy.

The first school in the township, so far as can be learned, was taught in about the year 1838, on Section 28. The echoolhouse was of round logs, a wide fire-place filled the dark room with a ruddy glow, and in one end was a rude table, a sacred piece of furniture, belonging exclusively to the teacher, from which oracles as wise, no doubt, as those of Solomon were revealed to the wondering children. The second school was stai-ted about the same time on Section 31 or 32. These were the only established schools for several years, but along in the forties, when the good effects of the school law of 1843 began to be felt, other terms were taught in the northeast corner and in the southeast corner. The township in 1850 had three established schools, and a neighborhood or two where terms were taught semi-occasionally in buildings that had been built for dwellings and which were fitted up specially for the purpose. The school system of Baker Township, and the excellence of the instruction furnished, are not excelled by any other country township in the county.

Facilities For Worship

Baker Township has been well supplied since the earliest settlement with abundant opportunity for Christian worship. The Mount Zion Methodist Church, on the line between Sections 31 and 32, was organized about 1840 at the residence of Jacob Lafaver. The first class did not exceed ten members. Among the earliest families belonging were those of Jacob Lafaver, Isaac Lafaver, William D. Payne, Joshua Jones, Alfred Abel, John Myers, Isom Guy, Andrew Smith and others. Wesley Dorsey , organized the class and was the first preacher in charge. Henry S. Dane succeeded him. The church was built in the fifties. This class is yet in existence. The two other churches - a Methodist and a Baptist - were organized later, and are iii flourishing condition for country churches. The citizens of the township generally are moral and industrious. The township is next to the smallest in the county. During the early stages of the last war, it furnished more men in proportion to population than any other township in the county.

H M. BAKEE, leading stock-breeder, was born September 28, 1843, in Washington Township, Ind., and is the third of the four children of William and Delia (_Manley) Baker, natives of Kentucky, and of Irish descent, who removed to this State about 1822. Our subject, when a boy, was inured to farm work, but attended select school for some time. August 26, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Eighty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, the regiment being assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, and taking active part in the battles of Thompson's Station (where the regiment was taken prisoners, and exchanged after thirty days), Kesaca, Dalton, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek and Atlanta, and was discharged September 28, 1864, the day he attained his majority. After returning, he served three years as Deputy Sheriff. February 15, 1871, he married Sarah J., daughter of Jefferson and Sarah Farr, by which union were born four children - Zulie A., Emma, Sarah D. and Charlie J. In 1871, he moved to his present abode - a farm of 240 acres, well improved,- cultivated and stocked. Mr. Baker has made a specialty of stock-breeding with Duke thoroughbred cattle, and by industry and ability has established himself in life. He has served two terms as Township Trustee, is an active Republican and an honored citizen.

E. B. BUSKIEK is a native of this township, was born September 30, 1859, and is the eldest of the seven children comprising the family of Bennett Van and Arvy (Smith) Buskirk, the former a native of this township, born in the same house as our subject, the latter of Georgia. E. B. Buskirk was brought up a farmer, and received some education from the common schools, which he attended by times until sixteen years old. In 1876, he went to Texas, and engaged in buffalo hunting and herding cattle for about two years, and later followed the same line in Nebraska. In the winter of 1880-81, he took a departure for Wyoming Territory, and worked on a ranch near Cheyenne, and engaged in herd- ing on the Platte River until the year 1883, at which period he returned to his father's home in this township. In politics, he is a Republican. JEFFERSON FARR (deceased), was born December 25, 1812, at Lexington, Ky., and was one of the family of James and Catherine (Kurry) Farr, respectively of English and Irish descent. James Farr was a soldier of the war of 1812, and came to and settled in Ray Township in 1824. Jefferson Farr married, February 26, 1834, Sarah Miller, to which union were bestowed twelve children, eight of whom are living - Julia, James, Thomas, Jane, Martha, Joseph, Angeline and William H. In 1841, Mr. Farr moved to this township, where he met his death December 29, 1883. He was owner of about 300 acres, well improved and provided with a good residence. During life, he gave to each of his children about $1,500. He was an industrious and prudent man, by the exercise of which virtues he accumulated his property. He was a leading Republican of his township, and served several terms as Township Trustee. Mr. and Mrs. Farr were both members of the Baptist Church. Chableb H. Gut was born September 1, 1856, in Ray Township, this State, and is a son of Martin V. and Martha (Stout) Guy. Charles was reared as a farmer, and September 18, 1879, married Angeline A. Farr, daughter of Jefferson and Sarah Farr, by which union were born two children - Arthur Roscoe and William A. Mr. Guy died April 22, 1882. He was an active Democrat, and was elected Road Commissioner. He was a highly-esteemed citizen, and a member of the Baptist Church.

WILLIAM H. FARR, enterprising young farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of this township, was born March 23, 1861, and is the young- , est of the twelve children of Jefferson and Sarah (Miller) Farr, natives of Kentucky and of English extraction. William H. passed his youth, between attendance at school and assisting at farming; he remained with his parents until August 31, 1879, when he married Mary J., daughter of Presley and Louisa (Hodges) Johnson, and to this union were bestowed two children - Elmer Edgar (deceased) and Roscoe. Mr. Farr is the owner of 160 acres of highly cultivated land, with much necessary stock and implements, also a comfortable dwelling-house, barns and the like. Mr. Farr is a liberal and esteemed citizen, a Republican and a member of the Baptist, whil,e his wife united to the Christian Church

JONATHAN H. HENRY, stock-raiser and farmer, was born August 3, 1831, in Clark County, Ohio, and is the fifth of the nine ciiildren of Hamilton and Rebecca (Dalrymple) Henry, natives respectively of Kentucky and South Carolina Jonathan was reared on a farm, and attended two terms of select school in Fayette County, Ohio. His father died in 1842, whereupon he assisted his mother, and also taught during the winter. December 3, 1857, he married Miss Anna, daughter of Elder James and Ellen (Rider) Simpson, of England, who emigrated to this country and purchased land in Ohio, where they died; Mr. Simpson was a Baptist minister. Three children followed this union - John C. (deceased), James H. and Ella N. ; they have also one by adoption - Juniata. After his marriage, Mr. Henry taught two terms of school; then took charge of a Christian Church in Harrison, Ohio, for two years; thence he moved to Martinsville, Ind., in 1863, where he had a church; thence to Gosport, in charge of a church for six years, and also for a time in business. In 1875, he moved to where his home now is, but was some time in Martinsville, and acted as Deputy Treasurer, and as Trustee two years. He has a fair farm of 120 acres, with good buildings, stocking and various improvements. In addition to preaching, he served as County Examiner two years. In 1879, he was elected Trustee of Gosport, and afterward as a member of the School Board. Mr. Henry is a member of the Masonic fraternity, a Eepublican and a highly-regarded citizen.

DR. WILLIAM N. HODGES was born on the section on which he now lives October 22, 1836, and is the fourth of the twelve children of John and Lucy (Newlin) Hodges, the former a native of Indiana, born 1810. The grandfather of our subject, Thomas Hodges, emigrated to Washington County, Ind., about 1808, and his great-grandfather was a soldier of the Revolutionary war. John Hodges came to this county in 1830, and died in this township September 7, 1856; he was a pioneer, and owned about 1,000 acres, most of which was improved. Dr. Hodges was reared on a farm. After studying medicine, and graduating from the Cincinnati Medical School, he located at Edwardsport, Ind., in 1866, as a practitioner, after which he traveled extensively until 1871, when he returned home and engaged in farming. October 1, 1871, he married Marv A. Baker, which union produced five children - Louisa A. , John L. , Joseph H., Lucy and Rachel C. Dr. Hodges' farm is well stocked, cultivated, improved and appointed, and embraces 300 acres. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, Seventy-ninth Indiana Volunteers, and served in most of the battles of the Southwest. He was discharged June 7, 1865. Dr. Hodges is a Freemason, a Republican, and has served as Justice of the Peace and County Coroner. He and wife are members of the Christian Church.

JOHN P. HYNDS, stock-raiser and farmer, was born June 10, 1854, in Jefferson Township, Morgan County, and is the youngest of the eight children of William and|Susanna (Laakford) Hynds. He was reared on a farm, and remained until manhood. June lO, 1874, he married Nancy C. Hodges, of this county, a union which produced four children - Emma, Susanna E. (deceased), William T. (deceased), and Lilly B. Mr. Hynds is the possessor of 127 acres, eighty-seven acres of which lie on White River bottom, and all of which is in good improvement; the additions are a fine residence, with barns, outhouses and the like. Mr. Hynds has succeeded well in life, notwithstanding many losses; having lost at times his house and barns, valued at $1,500. He is an active Eepublican, and has served one term as Assessor. He and wife are consistent and esteemed members of the Baptist Church, as well as liberal and benevolent neighbors and friends.

PRESLEY JOHNSON, stock-raiser and farmer, was born August 15, 1835, in Monroe County, Ind., and is the fourth of the family of Joab and Elizabeth (Smith) Johnson, natives of Tennessee, who emigrated to this State in 1832, settled in Monroe County and entered and improved 240 acres, and where Mr. Johnson died October 12, 1846. After the death of his father, our subject labored on the home farm, as a consequence of which his educational advantages were spare. January 20, 1859, he married Miss Louisa, daughter of John and Lucy (Newton) Hodges, to which union were bestowed two children - Mary Jane and Jarvia J. Mr. Johnson was elected Trustee of this township for two terms of two years each. He is a member of the I. O. O. P. , and in politics is a Democrat. In 1867, he settled near where he now resides on a proprietary farm of 256 acres, well cultivated, improved, and stocked with short-horn cattle. He is now mainly engaged in raising stock, and is comfortably situated, having given to his children and sold about 200

ISAAC LAFAVEE was born in Virginia in 18.01. He is the third of the eight children of Abraham and Mary (Brock) Laf aver, natives of Virginia, the former of French and the latter of Dutch descent. Isaac was reared on a farm. His parents moved to Wayne County, Ky. , about 1806, where he attended the primitive schools of that time. About the year 1816, his parents moved to this State and settled in Washington County, where they entered 300, and cleared about 100 acres thereof. About 1823, they came to this county, entered land in this township, where Abraham Laf aver died in 1840. October 23, 1823, Isaac married Mary, daughter of Michael Cooper, a soldier of the Revolution. To this union were born nine children - John, Jacob, James, Isaac, Mary, Louisa, Nancy, Lovina and Abraham (deceased). In 1824, our subject came to this county, entered eighty acres on White River bottoms, and forty where he now resides. To this, he has added 100 acres, since purchased. This land is well stocked, cultivated and improved, with good orchards. In 1826, Mr. Laf aver moved to this township. He has been a worthily successful man; has served nine years as Justice of the Peace, and is a Democrat, having given his first vote for Gen. Jackson. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as was his wife, who died in 1880, aged seventy-five years.

JAMES LEMON is a native of Johnson County, Ind., was bom February 6, 1847, and is the second of the five children of William P. and Lucinda Lemon, natives respectively of Kentucky and Indiana, and of Dutch and English descent. James moved to Gosport with his parents in 1860, but returned to Johnson County in 1871, and worked at carpentering and farming. October 5, 1873, he married Miss Cynthia, daughter of Malachi and Sarah Collier, by which union they had three children - William E., Ira Francis and Thomas J. After marriage, Mr. Lemon moved to this county, and purchased twenty acres, in good cultivation, and with good dwelling and some improvements.' July 17, 1863. he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fifteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which regiment joined the Army of Cumberland. He was discharged March, 1864, and re-enlisted January, 1865, in Company C, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry; was stationed at Nashville and Decatur, and finally discharged November, 1865. Mr. Lemon is a Democrat, and a much respected citizen. Mrs. Lemon is a member of the Baptist Church.

JOHN WESLEY LEONARD, stock- raiser and farmer, was born September 26, 1850, in Fayetteville, Ind., and is the youngest child of Isaac and Lucy (Culver) Leonard, respectively of German and French descent. Mrs. Leonard had been previously married to Mr. John Dunning, and was mother of two children. Our subject was reared on a farm, his parents having moved to Owen County, Ind. , when he was one year of age, where they purchased a farm and resided about six years; this they sold and removed to near Spencer, where they remained' until the spring of 1865; this land they likewise sold, and removed to near Martinsville, where John resided until May 27, 1874, when he married Eliza M., daughter of James and Eleanor (Peten) Maxwell, natives of Indiana. The fruits of this union were two children - Nora M. and Minnie lolia. Mr. Leonard has a farm of 102 acres, containing a good dwelling, barns and other buildings, and which is well cultivated, stocked and improved, the whole a result of successfal farming and judicious management. Mr. Leonard has been twice elected Justice of' the Peace, and is now serving as Trustee. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and an active Democrat.

JOHN McDANIEL was born January, 1834, in Pulaski County, Ky., and is the fifth of the nine children of John and Unia Elizabeth (Littlejohn) McDaniel, natives of Kentucky, and of Scotch and Irish descent. John, our subject, was reared to the plow, and in 1852 came to this county, lived with an uncle and worked by the month for several years. About 1858, he lived in Missouri and Kansas, and afterward was employed to drive a cattle team across the plains. From Salt Lake he assisted in driving one thousand head of cattle to California, where he engaged at farming by the month, but soon afterward returned to his present location. April 1, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, Thirty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, the regiment marching immediately to join the Army of the Cumberland, which took part at the battles of Franklin, Cumberland Gap, the Atlanta campaign and the march through Georgia. While in the hospital, his regiment was captured by the enemy, and he was thereafter assigned to the heavy artillery, in which he remained for ten months, and was discharged April, 1865. January 11, 1866, he married Mary A., daughter of James and. Ellen Martin, which union was cemented by six children - James H. , William Franklin, John E., Clinton H., Kelle B. and Ella J. Mr. McDaniel is owner of eighty acres, being a good farm and comfortable home. He is a member of the G. A. R, and of the Baptist Church, also an active Eepublican.

BAKBARA A. MARTIN is a native of North Carolina, and was bom December 24, 1828. Her parents emigrated to Morgan County, Ind., where, January 28, 1849, she was united in marriage to Dr. Isaac Martin, a native of Monroe (bounty, who died about 1873, having been the father of nine children, four of whom are living - William A., John M., Mary S. (Mrs. Russell) and James L. The parents of Dr. Martin were early settlers of Monroe County, and had traded considerably with the Indians.

Mart A. Milleh, one of the oldest settlers of Morgan County, was born in North Carolina, January, 1800, a daughter of Robert and Catherine (Troutman) Warren, also natives of North Carolina. Oar subject was married to John W. Miller, a wagon-maker, who afterward abandoned his trade and became a farmer. Their union was made happy by eleven children - Robert A. (who perished in the late war), John M., Catherine E. (Mrs. Masley), Barbara A. (Mrs. Martin), Susan (deceased), Betsy L. (deceased), Henry W. (died in the late war), Mary A. (Mrs. Harvey), Peter C, Zelny (deceased), and Eliza A. (Mrs. Hickson). Mr. and Mrs. Miller moved to Morgan County about 47 years ago and purchased land on White River bottoms, but afterward moved to the hills. Mr. Miller was about one year older than she, and died about 1869, having cleared a good farm. Mrs. Miller owns 220 acres of good land, with a comfortable house and productive orchard. Mr. Miller was a member of the Baptist Church, as has been Mrs. Miller for nearlv fi.fty years.

SARAH C. REGESTER is a native of Monroe County, Ohio, was born December 30, 1843, and is the fifth of the seven children of Thomas and Catherine (Lewis) Gray, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and both of English extraction. The father of our subject was a Quaker, and shortly subsequent to his marriage, moved to Harrisville,

Ohio, where he labored as a tanner, and a few years later purchased a farm in Harrison County, whither he moved, and on which he resided for about fifteen years. While there a reward of $2,000 was offered for his and one of his neighbor's heads, in consequence of advocating the anti-slavery movement. He was counseled to remain on this side of the slavery line, but, being a man of strong determination, gave no heed thereto, remarking that, were he slain, a thousand would rise in his place. And so he removed to -Jay County, Ind., about 1858, where he purchased a farm, remaining until his departure for Iowa, where he and his wife are now living v/ith a daughter. Mrs. Sarah Regester has been twice married - first to John Sumption, with a gift of three children - Mary E. (Mrs. Bobbins), Eva I. and Mercy Ann (Mrs. Rice). Mr. Sumption died December 21, 1865. Her second marriage, November 11, 1869, was to Robert Regester, with an issue of one child - John F. When alive, Mr. Regester was in the hotel business in Jay County, and died September 16, 1881. In 1882, with her two children, she removed to Morgan County and purchased 76 acres, for the purpose of cultivating fruit and having a congenial home. She is a member of the Methodist Epis copal Church.

JOHN H. THOMAS was born in Spencer, Ind., December 13, 1840, and is the seventh of the thirteen children of Alvin atid Jane (Christison) Thomas, natives of Kentucky, and of Irish descent. John H. Thomas was bred to the farming profession, but received little education, inasmuch as his father died when he was eleven years old, and his services were required to assist the family. July 6, 186l, he enlisted in Company D, Twenty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteers, in which he was engaged at Baton Rouge, where he was wounded in the left thigh, and at the siege of Port Hudson. In consequence of his wound he was discharged June, 1864. December 5, 1869, he married N. Frances, daughter of James M. and Elizabeth Campbell, which union was followed by seven children - Nettie, James Madison, Cynthia, Mary, Bessie, John A. and Jane. Mr. Thomas is the proprietor of 102 acres of good farming land, which is well stocked, cultivated and improved, and containing a good dwelling house. He is a strong Republican in political faith, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

E. M. WAMPLER, farmer and stock-raiser, was born August 26, 1853, in Monroe County, Ind., and is the sixth of the ten children of Andrew and Margaret (Cowden) Wampler, natives of Virginia, and of German descent. Our subject was reared a farmer, yet received some educa, tion from the public schools. When of age, ha went to McLean County, 111. , and thence to Daviess County, Ind. , where he remained fifteen months, and then returned to Monroe County to engage in farming. April 12, 1877, he married Mollie, daughter of Madison and Elizabeth Huston. To this union were born four children - Homer M. , Lora Estella, James C. and Maud E. Since his marriage, Mr. Wampler has farmed in this county, first on rented land, and moved to his present place in 1881; this comprises 256 acres, all in good cultivation and improvement, with valuable stock and a fine orchard. Mr. Wampler is a promising young man and a Democrat in political views.

ABRAHAM WEAVER, stock-raiser and farmer, is a native of this township, was born November 21, 1830, and is the fourth of the five children born to John and Elizabeth (Davis) Weaver, natives of Wythe County, Va., and of German and English descent respectively, who came to Indiana in 1830 and entered land in Monroe County. Abraham was reared on a farm, attended school but a short time, working closely for his father. November 5, 1857, he married Mary Jane, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Languell, a union which was followed by four children - Cyrus, John T., Henry Washington Halleck and George' Mc- Clelland. Mrs. "Weaver died September 13, 1865, and December 12, 1866, he wedded Nancy S., daughter of David and Eliza (McCown) Allen. To this union were bom three children - James S., Daniel Vorhees (deceased) and Albert Homer. Mr. Weaver has taken two degrees in Masonry. He has 400 acres of excellent land, which is under fine cultivation and well stocked; also improved by a comfortable residence. Mr. Weaver has been generally successful, having lost $6,000 by misplaced confidence. In politics, he is a Democrat.

HENRY W. H. WEAVER, an enterprising young farmer and stockraiser, is a native of this township, was born September 8, 1862, and is the third of the seven children of Abe and Mary A. (Languell) Weaver, natives respectively of Virginia and Indiana, and both of Dutch descent. Henry was bred to the independent profession of agriculture, and obtained the rudiments of an education at the public schools. November 13, 1881, he married Miss Matilda, daughter Of Stephen and Ellen (Loller) Bolin, natives of the State of Indiana. Mr. Weaver is the owner of forty acres of timber land in Monroe County. He is a much- esteemed young gentleman, a Democrat in political classification, and a promising farmer.

JOHN C. WILSON, farmer, is a native of Owen County, Ind., was born January 24, 1841, and is the. second of the four children of Thomas and Orphy Wilsbn, natives respectively of Kentucky and North Carolina, and of German and Irish extraction. John C. labored on the home farm during summer, and attended subscription school during winter. His father was one of the early settlers of Monroe County, who there entered land, and afterward moved to Owen County, where he entered 300 acres near Gosport, and where he died May 24, 1883, aged eighty-six years. He had also entered about 1,000 acres in Jasper County, 111., which he bestowed among his children. May, 1861, our subject married Catherine, daughter of Jefferson and Sarah Parr, a union cemented by seven children, five of whom are living - Albert J., Frances (Mrs. Hodges), Joseph P., Thomas O. and John Otto. During the war, Mr. Wilson enlisted in Company F, Twenty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until July, 1865, when he returned to his home farm and remained until October, 1879, when he removed to his present abode. Mrs. Wilson died January, 1880, and on September 13 he married Mrs. Guy. Mr. Wilson owns 365 acres of fruitful land, on which has been found a vein of gold, yielding $300 to the ton, becoming richer as descent is made. His farm is well improved, cultivated and valuable, bearing some of the largest, poplar and tulip trees in the State, one so large as to admit of a vehicle, hors^ and driver when hollowed out. He and wife are members of the Christian Church.

The Indian Occupancy

HE territory now comprising the county of Monroe was formerly the undisputed domain of the Miamis. This is also true of all of Indiana. At the treaty of Greenville, Ohio, in 1795, Little Turtle, or Mish-e-keno-quah, the head chief of the Miamis, and one of the most intelligent and renowned aboriginal Americans of any tribe, that ever lived, stated to the Government Commissioners that the Miamis formerly owned all the territory within the following bounds : From Detroit south to ' the Scioto River and down the same to the Ohio, thence down , the Ohio to the mouth of the Wabash, thence up the same to near Covington, thence north to Lake Michigan, thence east to Detroit. Immediately after the Revolutionary war, the efforts to colonize the lands west of the Atlantic coast were so extensive and persistent that the natives inhabiting those regions were forced slowly back into the wilderness upon the territory of their Western brethren, and thus the broad domain of the Miamis was invaded by homeless natives of various tribes, who were given tracts of territory upon which to hunt and live. At what time the Delawares, Shawanees, Wyandots, Pottawatomies, Piankeshaws, Weas, Kickapoos, etc., gained a footing upon the soil of Indiana cannot be stated with certainty, but there seems to be no doubt that Little Turtle stated the truth when he claimed all of the above bounded territory as the former domain of his people - the Miamis. It is possible that some of the tribes named above occupied portions of Indiana before the Revolutionary war. The former home of the Delawares was on the Delaware River, and later in Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio, and still later in Indiana. The original home of the Wyandots was in Canada, and later in Michigan and Northern Ohio, and still later in Southern Indiana. , The Shawanees were of Southern origin, and were wanderers, but finally were given a home in Southeastern Indiana, and also a section of country on the Wabash about La Fayette. The Pottawatomies seem to have owned territory in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin, and to have gained from the Miamis at some early period by invasion or conquest much of the land of Indiana north of the Wabash. The Weas, Kickapoos, Piankeshaws and Pecankeeshaws seem to have owned land along the western boundary of the State. At the treaty of Fort Wayne on the 30th of September, 1809, the second article was made to read as fqllows : " The Miamis explicitly acknowledge the equal right of the Delawares with themselves to the country watered by the White River. But it is also to be clearly understood that neither party shall have the right of disposing of the same without the consent of the others, and any improvements which shall be made on the said land by the Delawares, or their friends, the Moheuans, shall be theirs forever." As to the territory of Monroe County, it seems to have been on the boundary between the land of the Delawares and that of the Piankeshaws and Pecankeeshaws, so that it was the home and hunting ground of the three tribes as well as the Miamis.

Indian Cession Treaties

The territory now composing the county of Monroe was not obtained from the Indians wholly at one time. The old Indian boundary which extends from near Gosport in a southeasterly direction, leaving the county at Section 26, Benton Township, divides two important Indian cessions. The territory of Monroe County south of that boundary was part of Harrison's Purchase, obtained from the Indians by the treaty of Fort Wayne, September 30, 1809 ; and all of Monroe County above that boundary was part of the New Purchase, obtained from the Indians by the treaty at St. Mary's, Ohio, October 2 to 6, 1818. As Monroe County was organized before the last-named treaty was effected, it will be seen that all of the present county north of the Indian boundary was not at first a part of the county. The exact boundary of the county when first formed will be seen from the act creating the county, quoted entire a few pages in advance.

I'He Survey And First Entries Of Land

The survey of all the lands of Monroe County lying south of the old Indian boundary occurred in the autumn of 1812, Arthur Henrie and William Harris being the surveyors. All of the county north of the Indian boundary was surveyed in 1819 by Thomas Brown and J. Hedges. Although that portion south of the old boundary was surveyed in 1812, the land was not thrown into market until 1816, at which many entries were made, the following being a complete list for that year : In Township 7 north, Range 2 west: William Bigger, Richard Beam, John Kutch, Isaac Withers, John M. Sadler, Archibald Wood, William King, John Storm, Elzy Woodward and Henry Speed. In Township 7 north, Range 1 west: Henry Burkhart, Thomas Grimes, William Anderson, Bartlett Woodward, Adam Darling, Robert Fields, Roult & Brenton, William Bigger, Fetters & Hughes, George Buskirk, George Paul, John Musser, Michael Buskirk, John Vanderoot, Michael Harvey, Jacob Mumma, Jonathan Lindley, John Durham, Samuel Caldwell, John White, William Carl and William Craig. Township 8 north, Range 2 west: Arthur Patterson, Wright & Morgan, Jacob Cutler, William Wright, David Sears, James Parks, James Matlock, John Cutler, John Allen, Jonathan Rains, John Carr, John W. Lee, James Borland, Michael Wood, David Matlock, John Collins, Joseph Berry, William Wilson, William Newcomb, John Harvey, Jonathan Nichols, Solomon Green, Levin Lawrence, Adam Bower, John Briscoe, Jesse Tarkington, Thomas McCrang, Josiah Jackson, John Johnson and Joseph Richardson. Township 9 north. Range 1 west : John Ketchum, Henry

Wampler, Thomas Smith, James Matlock, William Julien, William J. Adair, John Kell, C. and F. Bullett, John Owens, Daniel Stout, Samuel Caldwell, Roderick Rollins, Joseph Taylor, David Raymond, Jacob Benderback, Eleazer Dagget, James Borland, Gideon . Frisbee, John Lee, William Matlock, Samuel Camphreys, Thomas Graham, Abraham Appier, Chris Esling, George Ritchey, George Hedrick, David Rogers, Henry Rogers, John Thompson, Wheeler Mallett, Samuel Scott, Nicholas Fleener, William Jackson, John Jackson and Thomas Heady. Township 9 north, Range 2 west : Joseph Evans, Asa Osborn, Lewis Noel, Jonathan Gilbert, George Cutler, George Sharp, James Goodwin, Joseph Harris, Ambrose Carlton, John Simons, John Gordon, John McCormlck, William Thornton, Abel Bigelow, David Johnson, John FuUen, William Baker, David Sears, Samuel Zunicks, William Oliver, Thomas Hodges and Benjamin Johnson. Township 10 north. Range 2 west : John Fullen about all of Section 4, Abner Evans, Archibald Wood, Jonathan Gilbert, C. & F. Bullett, Fettus & Hughes, John Mc- Cormick, Julius Woodward, William Milliken, William Kelso, John Bigger, Samuel Jennings, nearly all of whom entered several hundred acres each. No entry was made before September, 1816, and during the remainder of that year entries were only made west of the meridian line and south of the old Indian boundary. These entries were all in the present towj^ships of Clear Creek, Indian Creek, Van Buren, Richland, Bloomington and Bean Blossom. Several tracts were purchased by speculators, but the greater number passed to actual residents or to those who became actual residents.

Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembh/ of the State of Indiana^ That from and after the 10th day of April next, all that part of the county of Orange inclosed in the following bounds shall form and constitute a new county: Beginning on the line of Orange and Jackson Counties where the line dividing Townships 6 and 7 crosses the same ; thence west with the last mentioned line to the line dividing Ranges 2 and 3 west of the Second Principal Meridian; thence north with said range line to the Indian boundary ; thence southeaitwardly with said boundary to the line of Orange and Jackson Counties ; thencs south with the same to the beginning ^to be known and designated by the name and style of the county of Monroe. And the said county of Monroe shall enjoy all the rights, privileges and jurisdictions which to separate counties do or may properly belong or appertain.

Sec 2. John Penicks and Jonathan Jones, of Orange County; Daniel Connor, of Daviess County; David Fouts, of Washington County, and Samuel Burcham,'of Jackson County, be, and they are hereby appointed Commissioners for the purpose of fixins: the permanent seat of justice in Monroe County, agreeably to an act of Assembly entitled "An act fixing the seat of justice in all new counties hereafter laid off." The Commissioners above named shall convene at the house of Abner Blair, of said new county, on the first Monday of April next, and then proceed to discharge the duties assigned them by law.

Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the Sheriff of said new county to notify the abovenamed Commissioners, either in person or by writing, of their said appointments and of the time and place at which they are required by this act to meet, at least six days previous to the day appointed for their meeting, and the said Sheriff shall be allowed a reasonable compensation for his services out of the first money in the treasury of the said county of Monroe to be paid as the county claims usually are.

Sec. 4. The Board of County Commissioners of said new county shall, within twelve months after the permanent seat of justice shall have been established, proceed to erect the necessary public buildings thereon.

Sec. 5. Until suitable accommodations can be had (in the opinion of the Circuit Court) at the seat of justice for said county, all the courts which by law become necessary to be held at the county seat shall be holdeu at the house of Abner Blair aforesaid, or at any other place in the same neighborhood to which the Circuit Court may, for the purpose of getting better accommodations, think proper to adjourn, after which time the said courts shall be adjourned to the seat of justice established as aforesaid.

Sec 6. The agent to be appointed for the county of Monroe shall reserve in his hands ten per centum out of the net proceeds of the sales of lots, which may be made at the seat of justice of said county for the use of a county library, which sum or sums of money so reserved shall be paid by said agent or his successot* in office over to such person or persons as may be authorized to receive the same, in such manner and with such installments as may be directed by law. This act to take effect from and after its publication in print.

In accordance with the provisions of this enactment, the machinery of the county was immediately put in running order. An election was ordered held under the supervision of the Sheriff, John W. Lee, appointed by the Governor, for the necessary county oflBcers. Bartlett Woodward, Michael Buskirk and James Parks were elected County Commissioners ; William Lowe, County Clerk and Auditor; Chesley Bailey, Recorder; Joseph Berry and Lewis Noel, Associate Judges. The details of this election cannot be given, as the tally-sheets were not preserved. The election took place early in 1818. The house of Abner Blair was the first court house, but Bloomington was immediately laid out and a log court house built. The Commissioners appointed by the Legislature to locate the county seat met, deliberated, and finally submitted the following report to the first County Board :

We, the undersigned Commissioners, appointed by an act of the last General Assembly, for fixing the pemanent seat of justice in and for said county, having met agreeable to the above recited act, and after being duly sworn, proceeded to business as the law directs in such cases, to receive donations from persons dffering lands to fix the county seat on, and after examining the same and taking into contemplation the future as well as the present weight of population, together with additions and divisions that may take place hereafter, do agree that Ihe southwest quarter of Section 33, in Range 1 west. Township 9 north, is the most eligible and convenient place for the permanent seat of iustice for said counly, and have accordingly purchased the same of D. Rogers, at $1,200; also have purchased 150 acres out of the northeast quarter of Section 32, of Robertson Graham, for $900, in the same range and township above mentioned, the said Robertson reserving the balance of the above described quarter section of land to himself in the northeast corner of said quarter section of land, beginning at the northeast corner and running south twenty poles, thence west eighty poles, thence north twenty poles, containing ten acres.

The first meeting of the Commissioners of Monroe County was held at the house of Abner Blair on the 10th of April, 1818. The Commissioners were Bartlett Woodward, Michael Buskirk and James Parks, the time which each was to serve being determined by the comparative number of votes polled for them. Mr. Woodward received the highest number of votes, and was to serve three years : Mr. Buskirk the next highest, and was to serve two years ; and Mr. Parks, the lowest, and was to serve one year. The first official act was the appointment of William Lowe County Clerk, pro tempore, and the second was the appointment of Capt. James Bigger as Lister or Assessor of the county for the year 1818, his bond being fixed at $1,500. Roderick Rawlings was then appointed County Treasurer, and required to give bond in the sum of $20,000. On the second day of this first session, the board adopted a temporary county seal, which was simply a scrawl inclosing the words, " Temporary seal of Monroe County." William Millikan was appointed Superintendent of the sixteenth section in Township 10 north. Range 2 west ; George Parks the same in Township 9 north. Range 2 west ; William Newcomb the same in Township 8 north, Range 2 west ; James Wright, the same in Township 7 north, Range 2 west ; John Storm, the same in Township 7 north. Range 1 west ; William Matlock the same in Township 9 north, Range 1 west. Benjamin Parks was appointed County Agent, with bond at $20,000. By order of the board the county seat was to be known as Bloomington. The Commissioners who had been appointed by the General Assembly to fix the county seat of Monroe County were ordered paid as follows: David Fonts, $33; John Pernicks, $30 ; Jonathan Jones, $30 ; Samuel Burcham, $30. The first petition for a county road came from William Hardin and others, and was to extend from Bloomington to Scott's Ferry on Salt Creek, and thence to the Lawrence County line. William Jackson, John Scott and William Craig were appointed Viewers. This road was ordered built and was the first constructed wholly at the expense of the county. The town of Bloomington was then ordered laid off, the County Agent to have exclusive management. On the third day of this first session a double-log court house was ordered built for the temporary use of the county, an account of which will be found elsewhere. On this day the first grand jurors of Monroe County were selected as follows : Dudley Carl, William Chambers, David Chambers, John Scott, John Mercer, Thomas Grimes, John Berry, William Newcomb, Jesse Tarkginton, Solomon Green, Jonathan Nichols, George Sharp, William Milliken, George Parks Sen., Coleman Puitt, Eli Lee, William Hardin and Henry Wampler. ' The Sheriff in attendance, John W. Lee, was ordered to notify the above men to meet for action at the house of Abner Blair. The tfaverse jury was then selected as follows : William Matlock, George Birdrick, John Thompson, Samuel Scott, Thomas Clark, Jonathan Rains, John Storm Jr., John Couch, John Matlock, John Cutler, Joseph Peeshaw, David Sears, Elijah Morgan, James Wright and James Matlock. The first county road above referred to was reported on by the Viewers in May, 1818, and ordered built. Jonathan Rogers, Robert Russell and Samuel Scott were appointed Road Supervisors. The Sheriff', John W. Lee, was paid $18 for notifying the locating Commissioners of their appointments, and was also - paid $7 for making the returns of the first election held in the county.

Bloomington was immediately laid off, and the lots were offered for sale at public auction. A full report of these sales will be found in the chapter on the town. The proceeds from the sale of lots were the principal source of revenue for a number of years. The board from the first were forced to issue orders at a discount, which were afterward ordered received for county dues. Wild-cat bank issues were the only paper money then, and almost every early report of the Treasurer shows an entry to his credit of certain per centum of depreciation on the bank bills in his possession. The holder of a bank bill in those days was not sure that the next morning would not find his bill greatly depreciated in value, if not absolutely worthless. What a contrast with the excellent stable paper currency of the present.

Capt. James Bigger, County Lister, was ordered paid $32 for his services. A tax of 37J cents was levied on each horse ; 50 cents on each 100 acres of first-class land ; 43f cents on each 100 acres of second-class land ; and 25 cents on each 100 acres of third-class land. In February, 1819, the board fixed store license at $7.50 in Bloomington, and at $5 in the country. They also, curiously enough, fixed the charges of tavern keepers as follows : 25 cents for breakfast ; 25 cents for dinner ; 18f cents for supper ; lodging 6 J cents ; corn or oats, per gallon, 12J cents ; horse at fodder or hay, 25 cents ; one-half pint of whisky, 12J cents ; one-half pint of brandy, 18| cents ; one-half pint of rum or French brandy, 375- cents ; one-half pint of wine, B7^ cents. We may now smile at the folly of our fathers ; but, after all, are we any wiser or better? The following standard weights and measures were also ordered obtained : A foot measure ; a yard ; a dry bushel of 1,075.2 cubic inches ] a dry half bushel ; a wine gallon of 231 cubic inches ; one set of avordupois weights ; a quart ; a pint, and a half pint. Lewis Noel became Lister in 1820. In August, 1820, Benjamin Parks, County Agent, reported that the total sales and rents of the town lots and other donated lands amounted to the surprising sum of $27,874.58|, with which figures he was charged. He was credited with notes worth $18,360.54 ; with cash paid over, $9,383.73 ; with discounts on bad currency, $98.80 ; balance on hand, $32.61J. This exhibits the rapid growth of Bloomington.

In August, 1820, Addison Smith succeeded Benjamin Parks as County Agent. Late in 1820, James Borland succeeded Roderick Rawlins as County Treasurer. Addison Smith was the Census Enumerator in 1820. He" was also the Lister for 1821, and C. J. Hand in 1828. Jesse Moore was Lister in 1819.

The first term of this court was held on the first Monday in June, 1818, at the house of Abner Blair, by Hon. Thomas H. Blake, President . Judge, and Joseph Berry and Lewis Noel, Associate Judges. The first act of the court was the issuance of a writ of ad quod damnum for the ^ benefit of Robert Hamilton to ascertain what damage would be caused by his erection of a grist and saw mill and a dam on his land - on Section 24, Township 8 north. Range 2 west, on Clear Creek. The Sheriff, John W. Lee, was directed to summon twelve fit persons to ascertain the damage. They reported that the land of James Speed would be damaged to the amount of $158. Nothing farther seems to have been done until the September term, at which time the first case came to trial. It was David Teague vs. Leonard Nicholson, trespass on the case for words ipoken, damages being laid lat $,000. The attorney for the plaintiff was Addison Smith, and for the defendant John F. Ross. Before suit was begun, the defendant stated that if the plaintiff would desist from farther prosecution he would pay all costs thus far ; which proposition was accepted by the plaintiff, and the defendant was discharged. At this term the court convened at the new log court house in Bloomington. The following men constituted the first grand jury: Jonathan Nichols,. William Anderson, Edward Armstrong, John Treat, David McHolIen, Thomas B, Clark, Abner Blair, Julius Dugger, John Tullen, James Ellege, John Storm, Joseph Cox, Joseph Baugh and Joseph Gilbert. They were sworn, sent out, and soon returned with the following " true bills :" State of Indiana vs. James Green, larceny (stealing a rifled gun owned by John W. Lee). John Law was the Prosecuting Attorney. The defendant pleaded " not guilty " to the charge, and the following first petit jury was impaneled to try the case : Joseph Perisho, John M. Sadler, Isaiah Wright, James Thompson, George Parks Sr., Absalom Morgan,

Granville Ward and John . The evidence was heard and thejury was sent out. They returned the following verdict : " We of the jury do find the traverser guilty." The defendant's counsel moved an arrest of judgment, which was granted until the next day, upon which occasion the following reasons for an arrest of judgment were filed : " 1. It does not appear upon the record that the jurors sworn to try said cause were good and lawful men. 2. It is bad for uncertainty, as it does not appear that Clear Creek Township is within Monroe County, so as to preclude intendment. 3. It is informal in its conclusion, as it does not conclude in a manner directed by the constitution. 4. The verdict is against law and evidence." The court overruled the motion and rendered judgment as follows : The defendant to pay to John W. Lefr $30, to pay a fine of $30, to pay costs of prosecution, and to stand committed until sentence be complied with.

On the second day of the September term, the grand jury returned a bill against Seth Goodwin for assault and battery upon Jacob Leabo. The case was continued until the March (1819) term of the court, at which time Leabo himself was fined $9.50 for an assault. The March term of the court was held by the Hon. Gen. Washington Johnston,. President Judge of the First Judicial Circuit, and Joseph Berry and Lewis Noel, Associates. George R. C. Sullivan was Prosecuting Attorney. Seth Goodwin was fined d^ cents for his assault on Leabo. At. this term also came the action of debt, David Teauge vs. William Baker. Teaugehad hired to Baker for $205 to build a mill-dam, mill, etc., but .had failed, as alleged by the plaintiff, to pay all that was due. Suit was dropped, a compromise being effected. The next case w,as G. W. Harden vs. William Harden on a debt of $487.50 with interest, which amount was recovered by the plaintiff. At the June term, 1819, the Hon. Jonathan Doty, President Judge, held court, assisted by the abovenamed Associates.

day of August, 1818, by Joseph Berry and Lewis Noel, Associate Judges. The first act was as follows : On motion of Eli Lee, it was " ordered that William Dorsey, infant son of Joseph Dorsey (deceased) and Sarah Dorsey, born January 24, 1811, be bound unto Eli Lee and Sarah Lee until he arrives at the age of twenty one years, to learn the art of agriculture; their security, entered into bond in the penal sum of $500, conditioned that the said Eli Lee and Sarah Lee learn (teach) him, the said William Dorsey, reading, writing, and arithmetic as far as the rule of three ; and also to find him in wholesome diet, washing, lodging and clothing, and to deal with him in all cases as an apprentice ought to be dealt with, and to find him upon his becoming of age the sum of $10 and a good suit of clothes. At this time also, Dorcas Dorsey, infant daughter of Joseph Dorsey, deceased, was bound out to George Hedrick. This was the only business performed at the first session of the court. In vacation, letters of administration were granted to David Chambers upon the estate of James Sheffield, deceased.

At the March term, 1819, Lory Loving was granted letters of administration on the estate and last will and testament of John Loving, deceased.' At this term, David Chambers, administrater of the estate of John Henson, deceased, returned the following inventory of the sales of such estate : One kettle, 50 cents ; one kettle, $3 ; one kettle, $3 ; one pot, $2.75; one pot, $2.62^; fire dogs, $2; one shovel, 62|^ cents; one plow (spelled plough), $4.40 ; leather, $1 ; leather, $1 ; one steel trap, $3 ; one plate, $1.25; three hoes, 50 cents; one basket, 31 J cents; one churn, 6^ cents; one cutting knife, $1.66J; smith tools, $5.87J ; one curry comb, 54 cents ; one ladle, 12 J cents ; one reeler, 21 cents ; one pair of steelyards, $2.36|-; two chairs, 62 J cents; three pair of cards; 50 cents; sheep shears, 52 cents; tobacco, $2.82 ; one keg, 46 cents; one barrel, 75 cents; one note, $20.25; one note, $2.25; one hackle, $4; one reed and gears, $1.18f ; one reed and gears, 50 cents ; total, grandparents possessed. It will not bear close inspection under the critical and aristocratic eye of the present generation, but it is an honest record that speaks in volumes of the self-denial of early times.

"Let not ambition mock their useful toil - Their homely, joys and destiuy obscure - Nor grandeur hear with a. disdainful smile, The short and simple annals of the poor."

At the first session of the Commissioners, the following townships were laid off: Bloomington Township - Beginning at the corner of Sections 18 and 19, where they intersect the line dividing Ranges 1 and 2 west ; thence north on said range line to the boundary line ; thence southeast with said line to where the Jackson line intersects the same ; thence south of the Jackson line to the middle of fractional Township 8 ; thence through the middle of Township 8 to the place of beginning. Beanblosfiom Township - Beginning on the line dividing Ranges 1 and 2 west, at the corner of Sections 18 and 14, where they intersect the same ; thence north on said line to the boundary line ; thence northwest on the boundary line to the northwest corner of Monroe County ; thence south on Daviess County line to the middle of Township 8 ; thence through the middle of said town to the place of beginning. Indian Creek Township - Beginning at the corner of Beanblossom and Bloomington Townships, on the line dividing Ranges 1 and 2 west ; then south on said line to the Lawrence County line; thence west on said line to where it intersects the county line of Daviess ; thence north on said line to the corner of Beanblossom Township ; thence on the line of the last-mentioned township to the place of beginning. Clear Creek Township - Beginning at the corner of the townships interlocked on the line dividing Ranges 1 and 2 west ; thence south on said line to the county line of Lawrence ; thence east on said line to where it intersects the Jackson County line ; thence north on said line to the corner of Bloomington Township ; thence on the last-mentioned line to the place of beginning. Granville Ward was appointed Inspector of Elections in Bloomington Township ; John Cutler, same in Beanblossom Township ; James Trotter, same in Indian Creek ; and John Storm, same in Clear Creek. Elections were ordered held in the above townships on the 9th of May for two Justices of the Peace in each, the elections to be held at the following places : Bloomington Township, at the house of David Rogers ; Beanblossom Township, at the house of Coleman Peets ; Indian Creek, at the house of John Berry ; Clear Creek, at the house of Thoriias Graham.

In May, 1821, Lamb's Township, in the new purchase, was created as follows : Beginning at the old Indian boundary line, where the line of Township 10 intersects the same; thence east on the line of Town 10 until it intersects the meridian line ; thence north with said line to the southeast corner of Township 13; thence west on the line between Townships 12 and 13 until it intersects the said boundary line; thence to the beginning. This township now composes the southwestern portion of Morgan County, and took its name from old man Lamb, who settled in Lamb's Bottom, that county, in 1819, before it was a county. At the same time this township was created. Walnut Creek Township was also erected, with the following boundaries : Beginning at the northeast corner of Lamb's Township on the meridian line ; thence north on said line to the northwest comer of Township 15 north; thence west on the line dividing Townships 15 and 16 until it intersects the boundary line ; thence southeast on said boundary line until it intersects the line of Lamb's Township. This township comprised the northwestern portion of Morgan County. At this time also was created Raccoon Township, with the following bounds : All of Wabash County north of Walnut Creek Township. All this territory had been attached by the Legislature to Monroe County. Reuben FuUen was appointed Inspector for Lamb's Township, and Samuel Rogers the same for Walnut Creek Township.

On the 1st day of March, 1825, it was " ordered that a township be laid off in the northeast corner of the county, to be known by the name of Jackson, and designated by the following bounds, to wit : Beginning at the northeast corner of said county, thence west eight miles to the meridian line, thence south to the line dividing Townships 8 and 9, thence east eight miles to the county line, thence north on said line to the begin- ning." An election was ordered held on the last Saturday of April, 1825, at the house of Banner Brummett, for the purpose of electing a Justice of the Peace, -with Elias Swift, Inspector. A three-mile strip on the west side of Brown County was then a part of Monroe County.

In May, 1825, Salt Creek Township was created, as follows: Beginning at the southeast corner of said county ; thence west to where the -meridian line intersects the same ; thence north on the meridian line to where the corner of Townships 8 and 9 intersect the same ; thence east on the line dividing said Townships 8 and 9 to where the same intersects the county line ; thence south on said line to the place of beginning. Elections were ordered held at the house of Boston Bails. John Pollard and Ezekiel Hendricks were appointed Fence Viewers, and George Todd and Solomon Butcher, Overseers of the Poor, and Henry Kendall, Inspector.

In July, 1828, it was ordered that all the territory attached to Monroe County (on the east), by an act of the Legislature of 1827-28, should be attached to the townships of Salt Creek and Jackson, as follows: Beginning at a point on the line dividing Townships 7 and 8, Range 3 east, where the line dividing Sections 31 and 32 intersect the same ; thence north to the line dividing Townships 8 and 9 ; thence west to the former county line of Monroe County ; thence south to the line dividing Townships 7 and 8 ; thence east to the place of beginning - such territory to form a part of Salt Creek Township. Also : Beginning at the northeast corner of Salt Creek Township, as above enlarged ; thence north to the line dividing Johnson and Barthlomew Counties ; thence west to the northeast corner of Monroe County, thence south to the northern boundary of Salt Creek Township, thence east to the place of beginning - such territory should form a part of Jackson Township. It will be observed that the territory thus attached to Salt Creek and Jackson Townships now constitutes much of the western half of the present county of Brown.

In July, 1829, two new townships were erected, as follows : Washington Township - Beginning at a point on the meridian line between Townships 10 and 11 north ; thence west with said line dividing Townships 10 and 11 aforesaid to the line dividing Ranges 1 and 2 west ; thence south with said line dividing Ranges 1 and 2 aforesaid to main Beanblossom Creek ; thence in an eastern direction with said creek to the meridian line ; thence north with said line to the place of beginning. Richland Township - Beginning at a point where the line dividing Ranges 1 and 2 west intersects the line dividing Townships 9 and 10 north ; thence west with said line last mentioned to the Owen County line ; thence south with said last-mentioned line to a point where the line dividing Sections 18 and 19, in Township 8 north. Range 2 west, intersect the same ; thence with said line last mentioned to the range line dividing Ranges 1 and 2 west ; thence with said range line to the place of beginning. The elections for Washington Township were ordered held at the house of John Scott, with Daniel Ray, Inspector. Those in Richland Township were ordered held in the house of William D. Shrevies, with James Parks, Inspector. At the January term, 1880, it was ordered " that all territory attached by legislative enactment to the county of Monroe subsequent to the original formation of townships therein be and it is hereby attached to and included and shall compose parts of the said townships in the following manner : By extending the boundary lines of the townships which run in a 'direction perpendicular to the county boundary entirely thereto, and thereby attaching to the respective townships all such territory as lies adjoining thereto."

In May, 1830, pursuant to a petition signed' by seventy- one resident citizens, the township of Perry was ordered erected, with the following boundary : Beginning at the line dividing Sections 12 and 13, Township 8 north, Range 1 west ; thence west along said line to the west line of said Township 8 north, Range 1 west ; thence south to the line dividing Sections 6 and 7, Township 7 north, Range 1 west ; thence east on said line to the east line of the last-named township ; thence north on the eastern line of said township to the place of beginning. An election was ordered held on the 26th of May, 1830, at the house of Benjamin Kenton (the old Clearwater place), for two Justices of the Peace, Mr. Kenton to serve as Inspector. Jesse Davis and George A. Ritter were appointed Overseers of the Poor; Solomon Butcher and Finney Courtney, Fence Viewers.

In May, 1833 upon petition of Jacob Romans and others, Jackson Township was divided, and Benton Township was organized from a part thereof, as follows : Jackson to be divided into two portions by the line dividing Ranges 1 and 2 east, the eastern portion to retain the name of Jackson, and the western portion to be known as " Benton Township, in honor of Thomas H. Benton, United States Senator from Missouri." An election of a Justice of the Peace was ordered held in the new township on the last Saturday in September, 1838, at the house of John Young.

In March, 1837, in pursuance of a petition from the citizens interested, the County Board ordered the creation of a new township to be known as Van Buren, to comprise all and no more of Congressional Township 8 north. Range 2 west. An election of a Justice of the Peace was ordered held on the 3d of April, 1837, at the house of Conrad , who was appointed Inspector. '

In September, 1849, Salt Creek Township was divided and Polk Township created, as follows : Commencing in the bed of Salt Creek on the line dividing Township 7, Range 1 west and Range 1 east ; thence due south on said township line to the south county line ; thence due east to the southeast corner of the county, thence north on the county line to the Muddy Fork of Salt Creek, or where the same crosses the county line ; thence down said stream to the main Salt Creek ; thence down said stream to the place of beginning. An election was ordered held in the new township at he house of John Todd, at Big Springs, with Peter Norman Inspector. Wylie Davar and Samuel Axam were appointed Fence Viewers, and Wylie Davar Constable.

By an act of the Legislature, approved December 31, 1821, all of Monroe County lying west of White River was attached to Owen, the second section of the act reading as follows : All that part of Monroe County lying west of White River be and the same is hereby attached to Owen County, and that all suits, pleas, plaints, actions and prosecutions whatsoever, shall be conducted in the same manner as if no change had taken place. Section 3 of this act reads as follows : So much of the New Purchase as is contained in the following boundary, to wit : Beginning on White River where the line dividing Townships 10 and 11 north crosses the same ; thence east with said line to the corners of Sections 4 and 5, Township 10 north, Range 2 east ; thence south to the Monroe Countv line - shall form and constitute a part of Monroe County. It will be seen that this section attached to the county all of the present county north of the old Indian boundary, together with a strip three miles wide now a part of Brown County. By an act of the Legislature, approved January 16, 1828, the following territory was attached to Monroe County : Beginning at a point on the line dividing Townships 7 and 8, where the line dividing Sections 81 and 32 intersect the same ; thence north with the last-mentioned line to the line dividing the counties of Johnson and Bartholomew ; thence west with said line to the northeast corner of Monroe County ; thence south to the line dividing Townships 7 and 8 ; thence east with the last-mentioned line to the place of beginning.

Public Buildings

The first courts assembled in the house of Abner Blair, but at the first session of the County Board a double log cabin was ordered erected on the public square without delay, to be used for court purposes until a better one was built. It was called the "temporary court house." The order was issued on the third day of the first session. The double cabins were to be 20x20 feet and 12x20 feet respectively, were to be ten feet apart with covered entry connecting the two - in fact, the two cabins and the entry were to be covered by one roof. The cabins were to be built of round logs, which were afterward to be hewed down. Each was to be ten feet high to the eaves, and each was to contain one door and one window. A few slight changes were made to this plan, but in the main the double building has been described. Samuel Elliott was the contractor, but the contract price cannot be stated, though it did not exceed about $400. Mr. Elliott also contracted to clear the trees from around the new court house, which he did. So rapidly was the work pushed, that the building was ready for use in August, 1818.

In October, 1818, preparations were made to build a county jail. Roderick Rawlins was authorized to draft the plan. It was to be built of oak timber a foot thick, was to stand north of the court house, was to be 30x20 feet, was to have a dungeon and a criminal's room, and a jailer's room was to be built on the east side. Roderick Rawlins took the contract. The building as described was soon completed. John Woodward built a stray-pen for the town, and was paid $23 for the job. James Smith made a set of chairs for the court house. Joel Woodward, John Mercer and others dug a well on th^ public square. Early in 1819, a contract was called for to inclose the public square with a substantial fence, but the work was postponed.

In February, 1819, preparations were made to build a permanent and substantial court house. The plan prepared by William Low stated that the building was to be of brick with a stone foundation, was to be two stories high, and was to be forty-five feet long, east and west and forty feet wide, north and south. In May, 1819, Robert StalTord took the contract, but as he could not give security at the price of his bond - $20,- 000 - the contract was re-let to John Ketchum for $7,965. The work was begun in June, and in August the first installment of $1,000 was paid the contractor. It was at this time that posts and railings were erected around the temporary court house. Samuel Harryman was one of the brick-makers for the new court house. In February, 1820, Rawlins, County Treasurer, donated certain commissions due him on receipts from the sale of town lots, provided such donation was used in the purchase of a public clock for the temporary court house. His offer was accepted. In 1820, David Teauge finished clearing the timber from the public square for $24. In February, 1820, some important changes were made in the plan of the new court house. At this time, the county jail was reported finished, but a committee appointed to examine the work found that the debtors' room was incomplete, and David H. Maxwell was employed to remedy the work. So the old jail had a debtors' room, and that, too, in Bloomington, only sixty years ago ! Well, no wonder; one could be happily utilized now, when men refuse or neglect to pay for their county histories. Enos Blair was the first jailer. In August, 1821, Mr. Ketchum was paid $4,000 on his court house contract. At this time, the rough work of the building had been completed. David Armstrong was hired to build a " cubola " (as the county clerk wrote it) on the building. For the three years prior to December, 1822, the clerk's office was in the house of Jacob B. Lowe. He was ordered paid $60 for the rent. It was a long time before the court house was fully completed. Just why, cannot be certainly stated, but probably because the county board paid the contractor before the work was completed, whereupon he permitted the work to languish. In 1824, Edward Borland was paid $352.70 for extra woodwork on the building, and David Armstrong $1,505.20. Benjamin Neeld was also paid $24, and others, $81. Mr. Ketchum was not paid his full contract price. The building was not fiiUy completed, outside and inside, until 1826. It cost about $8,300. The board had great trouble about a "Franklin rod," which they considered necessary for the safety of the building. Austin Seward was hired to paint the building a bright red, and then pencil it with white, and to have the work completed before September, 1826. In 1825, Samuel Dunning took the contract to build a combined clerk's office and county library room, which he did before November. Seward painted it. The public square was fenced at this time. Z. Williaims did the wood work on the clerk's office. Ewing & Montgomery did the plastering. In May, 1826, the building was occupied. Mr. Z. Williams was delivered the key to the court house, and instructed to keep it locked, permitting it to be occupied only by the courts. County Commissioners, taking of depositions. Fourth of July celebrations, elections, '"when any person shall want admittance for the purpose of acquiring architectural knowledge, and in the discretion of the keeper to any preacher of the Gospel." When the building was fully completed, it was turned over with all its architectural excellence to the county board. And it was a fine building for that day, and Bloomington was one of the most promising towns in the State. In March, 1827, the citizens petitioned the County Board as follows: " To the Honorable Board of Justices of Monroe County: The undersigned petitioners respectfully represent that they conceive that the honor of our county and the future interest and importance of Bloomington, which now ranks among the best villages in the State, imperiously requires that the court house should be surrounded by a permanent inclosure, which would add to the convenience and beauty of our public square, and at the same time hold forth a powerful inducement to the citizens of the town to make corresponding improvements in the streets and alleys." Then followed a long suggestion as to how the fence should be built - of brick, with a stone foundation. The prayer of the petitioners was granted by the County Board. The petitioners were Thomas Graham, William Alexander, Edward Borland, John Hight, George Henry, James Whitcomb, Edmund Wayman, Granville Ward, Richard Hardesty, William S. Wright, James Slocumb, Robinson Farmer, George H. Johnson, Frederick Butler, Jacob Harsh, John S. Barnes, " and others." William Bannister and John Robinson did the work on the inclosure. John Ketchum, the contractor of the court house, was not fully settled with until 1828 or 1829. In 1856-58, the court house was remodeled, the work being done under the contract of John F. Rogers, who built the two brick wings at a cost of about $7,000. A few other alterations have been made in the building, otherwise it is the same that was erected over sixty years ago, and is apparently as solid and substantial as the day it was completed.

In 1837, the County Board concluded to build a new jail and appointed John Bowland, F. T. Butler, William S. Wright, Samuel Hardesty, Joseph Baugh and John W. Lee, a committee to remove the old jail and build on the same lot a new one. The contract was awarded to Hardesty, Graham & Chapman, but the contract price cannot be given. The construction seems to have been delayed somewhat, from what cause cannot be stated. The building was a strong brick structure and cost in the whole about $5,000. It was not fully completed until early in the forties. There was talk of building another jail as early as 1856, but nothing definite was done until 1869, when bids were called for for a combined jail and SherifiF's residence. The following bids were received.

The proposal of Finley & Co. being considered the best was accepted. Adams & Denton bid in the brick work for $4,000. James Small was appointed superintendent of the work. The prison was to be 34x41 feet; the residence 20x44 feet, and the kitchen and guard room 14x33 feet, stone foundation and walls of brick. The building was constructed according to contract, and is yet in use.

County Politics

Unfortunately, owing to the fact that the election returns were not preserved in the oflSce of the County Clerk, the details of the early elections in the county cannot be given. One thing is certain, however, that the county was uniformly Democratic. If any innovation was made in this rule by any other party, such fact is no longer remembered. Reference is made to the ticket in general. It was no doubt occasionally the case that a rival candidate on an opposing party ticket sometimes stepped in by reason of some local sentiment or prejudice. But the Democratic ticket as a whole was invariably elected. But little attention was paid to national political questions until the memorable Presidential campaign of 1840, Indiana came forward with her idol, William Henry Harrison, and the new West united forces and means to elect him. An important feature of the election was the newly born prejudice existing between the eastern and western portions of the country. The log cabins and hard cider of " Injiana " were the butt for Eastern ridicule, but the friends of Mr. Harrison accepting the terms conducted the campaign with a rush that was never before known in the history of the nation. At every political gathering of the Whigs barrels of hard cider and miniature log cabins were the battle cries. Gen. Harrison's military record was the pride of his friends, and another battle cry was "Tippecanoe and Tyler too."

Huge canoes were hauled around on wagons at the political meetings to advertise the claims of Gen. Harrison to the suffrages of the people. The campaign in Monroe County was quite spirited, and meetings were held everywhere. The result of this election can be givert of only three townships, as follows :

Dkmocbatic. Whig

Although this is only a partial vote of the county, it illustrates the Democratic strength, and may be taken as a measure in degree of the full vote. Mr. Harrison was triumphantly elected and the East was for the first time compelled to bow to the wild West. The county of Monroe did not cut much of a figure in the general result, but she fully established her claims to an unfailing Democratic majority. Slavery began to attract national attention about this time. Anti-slavery organizations sprang up in various portions of the North, and the struggle for an increase or a decrease of slave territory began to assume violence as the territories clamored for admission into the Union. As the Presidential campaign of 1844 approached, it became apparent that Texas, which had gained her independence of Mexico a few years before, would apply for admission into the Union. The South was gratified, as that meant an increase of slave territory ; but on the other hand the North determined if possible to prevent the admission of the territory in order to limit the domain of slavery. The Democcats put forward James K. Polk, and the Whigs, Henry Clay. Considerable activity was developed

The result of no other Presidential election can be given until 1856, at which time the New Republican party appeared. The campaign in this county was very warm. The result was :

Democratic. Republican. American

During the next four years, people even in the North were almost on the brink of open war. In 1858, the South began to make preparations to leave the Union. The result in 1860 presented the following singularly broken appearance :

Northern Soiuhern

This was a remarkable election. The noticeable feature is the very heavy vote for the ticket of the Southern wing of the Democracy. The Democratic party of the county was "all broke up." The large vote polled for the Breckinridge Electors from the county Democracy shows the sympathy existing for the South. The Gubernational vote in the county the same fall (1860) was : Henry S. Lane (Rep.), 1,195 ; Thomas A. Hendricks (Dem.), 1,168. The vote for Governor in 1856 had been : Oliver P. Morton (Rep.), 801; A. P. Willard (Dem.), 1,133. The Democratic majority was broken down between 1856 and 1860, but it rallied again during the war. In 1858, the vote for Representative in Congress was, James Hughes (Dem.), 964; W. M. Dunn (Rep.), 1,075. The vote for Secretary of State in 1862 was : W. A. Peelle (Rep.), 1,021 ; J. S. Athon (Dem.), 1,383. It will be seen from this that the Democracy of the county had recovered herself, but by 1864 the Republicans began to creep up again, the vote for Governor being : Morton (Rep.), 1,224 ; McDonald (Dem.), 1,220. The Presidential vote was as follows :

Democratic. Republican

In 1866, the county became Republican by a majority which the Democracy has failed to wholly extinguish with but one or two exceptions up to the present. In that year, the vote for Representative in Congress was : M. C.' Hunter (Rep.), 1,589 ; H. W. Harrington (Dem.), 1,379. The result for Governor in 1868 was : Conrad Baker (Rep.), 1,484; Thomas A. Hendricks (Dem.), 1,402. The result for President the same year was : Grant and Colfax (Rep.), 1,496 ; Seymour and Blair (Dem.), 1,369. In 1870, the county again went slightly Democratic, as will be seen from the following : For Secretary of State, Norman Eddy (Dem.), 1,462; M. F. A. Hoffman (Rep.), 1,457. Representative in Congress, Voorhees (Dem.), 1,471 ; Dunn (Rep.), 1,442. The result for Governor in 1872 was as follows : T. A. Hendricks (Dem.), 1,527; Thomas M. Brown (Rep.), 1,689. The Republicans again rolled up a small majority. The result for Representative in Congress in 1872 was as follows : Hunter (Rep.), 1,723 ; Voorhies (Dein.), 1,485. The result in the county of the Presideatial contest of 1872 was as follows :

Kepublioan. Demooeatio. Democratic Eepcblican. Demockatio. Independent

The county was still Republican by a substantial majority. In 1878, the result for Secretary of State was as follows : John G. Shanklin (Rep.), 1,601 ; Isaac S. Moore (Dem.), 1,560 ; Henry James (Ind.), 288. In 1880, the result for Governor was : Albert G. Porter (Rep.), 1,770 ; Franklin Landers (Dem.), 1,613 ; Richard Gregg (Ind.), 199. In 1880, the Presidential election resulted as follows :

Repdblican. Demookatic. Independent

Monroe County has done well by her poor. The county was no sooner organized than allowances began to be made for the temporary and permanent relief of the indigent. In every townshigj. Overseers of the Poor were appointed, whose duty was to provide for those who were helpless, and report the expense to the County Board, who allowed the same as any other county expense. It was customary, and is even yet, to bind children out to learn some industry, and upon the attainment of their majority they were turned out upon the busy world to shift for themselves, with a new suit of clothes and f 10 in money. This was true of the ablebodied. The helpless, on the contrary, were usually " farmed out," as it was called. The keeping of them was put up at auction, and he who would provide for their necessary wants for the least amount was burdened with the responsibility. It was necessary to exercise some care, or otherwise the helpless fell into rude and even cruel hands, and were half starved and clothed, that a little money might be made in their keeping. The system was bad, as it led the unscrupulous to prey upon the helplessness of the poor. It was better, however, than to permit the unfortunates to die outright. A better state of things could not be expected in the backwoods, where the best were often in want of the necessaries of life. Much temporary and even permanent relief was furnished by the township, and no call made upon the County Board for reimbursement. The first order for the relief of the poor which could be found upon the records is as follows : '

After this, the settlement of the county was so rapid that the poor expense began to increase. In 1827, the county paid $46. 20, and in 1830) |75. Late in the thirties, the expense exceeded $200 annually. In 1836, it was $204.63. These amounts do not include the help furnished in localities and not reported for county reimbursement. The total some years would no doubt approximate $500. The number of paupers continued to increase during the early portion of the thirties, until at last, in 1836, the propriety of having a county poor farm and poor house began to be talked of. A petition was presented to the County Board in November, 1836, praying that a poor farm might be bought, and in response to this, John Hite, John Owens and Jesse Davar were appointed a committee to inspect various farms with a view of purchasing. Nothing further seems to have been done until May, 1838, when another committee, consisting of John Owens, Edward Borland and John Hite, were appointed for the same purpose, the farm to cost not less than $500 nor more than $1,500, the purchase price to be paid in three annual installments, All further action some half dozen farms that were for sale. The committee reported the following farms for sale : One owned by E. N. Elliott, five miles from Bloomington, 190 acres, price $1,000 ; G. H. Johnson, seven miles from Bloomington, 176 acres, cost $2,000; John AcuflF, five miles from Bloomington, 120 acres, cost $900 ; Michael Buskirk, three and a half miles from Bloomington, 400 acres, cost $2,600 ; William Gray, nine miles from Bloomington, 198 acres, $1,000 ; Henry Rhorer, twelve miles from Bloomington, 160 acres, $1,200 ; James Miller, two and one-half miles from Bloomington, 160 acres at $2,000 ; Samuel McCalla, eight and one-half miles from Bloomington, 160 acres at $800. The farm of John Acuff was bought, and he became the first Poor Superintendent. The farm was on the Bloomington & Spencer road, on Section ' 13, Township 9 north. Range 2 west. Of the purchase price, $600 was to be paid when the deed was made and $300 at the end of a year. Upon the farm was an ordinary dwelling of that day, and in addition the County Board ordered the erection of a log house. Mr. Acufi' was to have the use of the farm for a year, and was paid $100 to care for all permanent paupers. The first pauper. Crazy Betsey, was taken to the asylum in June, 184f''. Acufi" continued Superintendent until 1849, when he was succeeded by Robert Ray. At this time the paupers numbered three. John N. York was the third Superintendent.

During the fifties, the poor expense amounted some years to nearly $3,000. As high as eight inmates were in the asylum at one time. The great burden of expense to the county, however, really fell upon the townships. Later in the fifties it became evident that a new asylum would have to be obtained to meet the wants of the county. In 1862, a new farm of 168 acres was purchased of Samuel A. Smith for $6,000. It was parts of Sections 30 and 31, Township 8 north, Range 1 west. One of the County Board, Mr. Small, protested against the purchase of this particular farm, alleging : 1, that it cost too much ; 2, the land, though good, is too rolling and exhausted ; 8, scarcity of timber, especially rail timber ; 4, two branches of Clear Creek run through the land, thus making it necessary to keep up several water gaps; 5, there have been better farms off'ered for sale. The protest of Mr. Small was of no avail, and the farm was purchased and immediate preparations were made to build thereon a poor asylum that would meet the wants of the county. The building was erected by Milburn & McPhetridge, for $1,688. It ' was a frame structure, about 35x75 feet, and contained nine rooms on each side. Of the purchase price, $500 was paid in cash at the outset, $500 in September of 1862, and the balance at the completion of the work in November, 1862. It seems that the judgment of Mr. Small was correct, when he stated that the farm was not the one wanted by the county, and that much better ones had been offered for sale. This fact became more and more apparent as the years passed. At last, in December, 1865, the farm was advertised for sale and soon sold to John F. May for $9,150. Of this price, $1,000 was to be paid cash, $2,000 one year after date ; $3,075 two years after date, and $3,075 three years after date. Mr. May became the Superintendent, he agreeing to keep the paupers for $2 each per week. Samuel *A. Smith had preceded Mr. May as Superintendent. Immediate preparations were made to buy a new farm. In March, 1866, the County Board bought of Peter Bollenbacker six seminary lots known as the Cuff farm, about a mile and a half west of town, each lot comprising ten acres, for $3,000, the seller taking in payment the note of John May for $2,000 above mentioned, the county to pay a mortgage for about the remainder held on the lots by Robert Acuff. Immediate possession was given of the farm. Mr. May, as above stated, became the Superintendent. In May, 1867, sealed proposals were called for to build a brick asylum of certain specified dimensions on this farm, the following proposals being received : William H. Owen, f 6,000 ; Samuel A. Smith, $5,800 ; R. A. Fulk, $6,500 ; Payne, McCalla & Hooper, $6,300 ; Glover & Blankenship, $7,728. The proposal of Mr. Smith being considered the best was accepted, and the contract was awarded him at his bid of $5,800. This fine brick building, which was immediately erected, is yet in use. It took about two years to complete the building, however.

Agricultural Societies'

So far as can be learned, the first action taken by the citizens of the county to organize a society in the interests of agriculture was in May, 1835, when the County Board having been petitioned to thai effect, ordered that 300 copies of a notice of a public meeting to be held at the court house on the last Saturday in May,, in pursuance of an act of the Legislature, entitled "An act for the encouragment of agriculture," ap- < proved February 7, 1835, for the purpose of organizing an agricultural society, should be printed, and the Clerk was instructed to see that they were distributed and posted, and authorized to pay for the same. This meeting was held, was well attended, and an agricultural society was organized, as will be seen from the following certificate :

We, Michael Buskirk, Chairman, and Craven P. Hester, Secretary, of the agricultural society of Monroe County aforesaid, certify that we were elected according to law for the offices as above meatloned, and that said society hag electei its officers and organized itself agreeably to an act of the Legislature, entitled "An act for the encouragment of agriculture," approved February 7, 1835. Done on the last Saturday of May, 1835. Given under oux hands June 4, 1835.

If a fair was held by this organization, such fact could not be learned by the writer. The probability is that nothing of the kind was held, or some record of it would have been discovered. In about the year 1850, however, a society was organized at the county seat and one or more fairs were held, but unfortunately no account of it can be here given. The society was abandoned after one or two fairs, and not again revived until 1855. Austin Seward was the first President of this organization, and Lewis Bellman, Secretary. The following men were the Directors : Henry Eller, Asher Labertew, Austin Seward, W. S. Stormont, Joshua Shreve, Luke Sanders, Joseph Bunger, James Givens, Edward Blakely, Richard Moore, Willis Spencer, Monroe Houston, Thomas Payne and Lewis BoUman. The first premium list offered by this organization was as follows, in full : First annual fair of the Monroe County Agricultural Society, to be held at Bloomington Wednesday and Thursday, October 10 and 11, 1855. Premium list :

Eules And Regulations

Terms of admission per day, each individual, 20 cputs ; each horse and buggy, 20 cents ; single horse, 10 cents ; each carriage, or wagon, and two horses, 25 cents ; children under ten years of age, free. All subject to the rules of the fair ground.

Persons employed for the purpose, and wearing appropriate badges, will be on the ground and in readiness to receive the articles intended for exhibition in the several departments.

Exhibitors are required to have their articles entered on the books at the business office beford they are placed within the inclosure. On the entry of the articles and animals, cards will be furnished witti the number and class as entered at the office, which are to be placed on the animal or article to be exhibited. No article shall be removed before the close of the exhibition without the permission of some members of the Executive Committee. Every exhibitor should have his articles on the ground and arranged in their places by 10 o'clock of the day they are to be exhibited.

The Judges are requested to report themselves on their arrival at the office of the Executive Coninittee, oa tie grounds. Tin Judges will mee. ar, the said office at 10 o'clock on each day of exhibi ion, when their names will be called, vacancies supplied, and they will then enter upon their duties. They are requested to make their reports to the Secretary at the business office as early as practicable each evening.