Benton Township

The Soil, Timber, Geology, Etc

HIS township was named in honor of Thomas H. Benton, of Missouri, al: one of the ablest men the country has ever produced. It was organized in 1833, a full account of which may be seen elsewhere in this yolume. It comprises all of Congressional Township 9 north, Range 1 east, except the eastern tier of sections, which was attached to Brown County many years ago, and in addition includes all of Township 10 north, Range 1 east, lying south of Bean Blossom Creek. The Town- ship is generally rough, with precipitous bluffs here and there, and is cut by numerous ravines, where small streams find their beds. There is too much clay in the soil to bring the best results to the agriculturist. This is true even of the lower lands, which contain much material washed down from higher altitudes. In some places, however, the soil is rich and deep, and furnishes excellent crops of all the cereals. As a whole the township is superior as a grazing location. The heavy forests, deep declivities and numerous bluffs afford abundant protection to domestic animals from the blasts of winter. The geology of the township is much similar to the balance of the county. The section of formation at Unionville is as follows :

On Section 8 is the following formation: Earthy layers. containing geodes and irregular masses of chort..........cscseceeeerceesceeeeeeeeee Keokuk limestone, bluish gray with partingS.........-scsececeecerereceeecene 10

The following fossils may be found in this formation, though not in a good stateof preservation: Forbeseocrinus multi-brachiatus, Dichocrinus sculptus, Actinocrinus ramulosus, plates of A. humboldti, and A. lowei. The following may also be found here: Platycirus equilateralis, Productus punctatus, P. cora, Spirifer tenunstriatus, S. fastigatus, and 8. neglectus. On Stephen's Creek, geodes with crystals of dog-tooth and calcareous spar may be found. Occasionally large geodized crinoids of the species Actinocrinus humboldti, A. lowei Hemi proniles crenistriatus, Spini fercarteri, S. tenuistriatus, and some fine pentagonal Geodoomuis indianensis occur. The township has an abundance of good stone. Traces of the more valuable minerals, such as gold, copper, etc., have been found in the township.

The White Settlement

The first entry of land in Benton Township was made by Elisha Pollard on Section 34 (the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter, and the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter), on the 27th of September, 1822. The second was on Section 18 (the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter and the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter, in December, 1823, by Henry Kimble. The third was on Section 8 in January, 1824, by Robert Young. David Barrow entered the next on Section 5 in 1830. William Florer bought on Section 8 in 1832; George Richardson on Section 21 the same year; and George Skevin on 31 the same year. In 1833, the following entries were made: Isaac W. Young on 6; Abram Young on 8; Isaac Cox on 18. In 1834, Edward Jackson on 8; Jacob Calor on 9; William Richardson on 9; David Chitwood on 10; Isaac Cox on 18; Henry Kimble on 18 and 19. Sampson Hensley bought on 19 in 1835. In 1836, the following entries were made: William Florer on Section 3; Mary Crawford on 3; Jacob Young on 3; Rufus Ward on

4; Charles Bates on 6; David Young and Isaac W. Young on 8; Joab Mershon, James Alexander, Hugh McClung and Pleasant Robinson on 9; David Chitwood on 10; Joshua Richardson and Adam Stevens on 15; Pleasant Robinson, Jacob Mosier and Isaac W. Young on 16 (the school section); Joab Cox on 17; Sampson Hensley on 19; Abraham Ealy on 20; Jacob Mosier on 27; William Cox on 28; Michael Buskirk on 80; John M. Sluss on 31; William Cox on 33; Lewis Rains and Jacob Romans on 34. In 1837, the following entries were made: John W. Riddle on Section 6; Nancy Rains on 6; Joab Cox on 7; Thomas Gardner on 9; William Richardson on 9; Abraham Young and Joshua Richardson on 16; James Rader and Jacob Mefford on 19; Adam Stephens on 22; John B. Cox and Adam Stephens on 28; Abraham Ealy on 29; Thomas R. Stephenson on 31; T. R. Stevenson and Mar. tin Gamble on 32; Finney Courtney on 33. In 1838, the following were the entries: Hugh McClung on Section 9; Nathan Hensley on 22; Lewis Mosier on 27; Jacob Romans on 34. The following were the entries in 1839: Edward Jackson on Section 6; Samuel C. Harbison on 15; Adam Stephens on 15; G. H. Johnson and Isaac W. Young on 18; Nathan Hensley on 21 and 22; George Richardson on 21; William Kerr on 31; Joseph Horton on 32; Thomas Kelley and James Thompson on 33. These were the only entries of land prior to 1840. It is said that the Youngs were the first settlers in the township. The Coxes were in early. The principal early settlement was near the center of the township where the familles of Richardsons, Chitwoods ,''Stevenses, Youngs, Robinsons, Alexanders and others resided. The settlement and improvement were very slow. Large bodies of the land were not entered from the Government until as late as the decade of fifties.

Poll-Tax Payers Of 1841

James Allen, Abraham Allen, William Alexander, James J. Alexander, David Banan, Joseph C. Bates, Joab Brummet, Isaac Boltinghouse, Christopher Blessey, William Carr, John B. Cox, William Cox, David Chitwood, Isaac Cox, Griffith Davidson, J. J. Fulford, William Fry, Nicholas Fleener, Martin Gamble, James Graham, Madison Graham, Sampson Hensley, Edward Jackson, Hugh McClung, James Payton, B. F. Rogers, William Richardson, Joshua Richardson, George Richardson, Pleasant Robertson, Jonathan Richardson, Thomas Stephenson, Jordan Stephens, Adam Stephens, David Young, Jr., Abraham Young, Silas Young. The highest tax was paid by the following men: Abraham Allen, $4.93; William Alexander, $7; J. J. Alexander, $7; David Banan, $7; David Chitwood, $4.98; the Youngs estate, $9.90; Sampson Hensley, $7.77; Edward Jackson, $7.82; Hugh McClung, $6.40 ; David Young, Jr., $5.79; Abraham Young, $5.90. The total value of township lands with improvements was $18,605, and as the township then included Marion, those figures, of course, included the latter. The total tax for the two townships was $299.74. The county tax was $109.18 ; the State tax, $190.56; total amount of taxables.was $32,519 for both townships.

Hugh McClung about the year 1838. The second was in the southern part, and the third near what is now Unionville. The first school above named was attended by the children of the Coxes, Richardsons, Robinsons, Youngs, Mosiers, McClungs, Alexanders and others, and was a famous school, considering the sparsely settled condition of the township. In 1846, there were two school districts in the township. No. 1 had an enumeration of 114, but during the winter of 1846-47, the average daily attendance was only twenty-five. No. 2 enumerated ninety-four, and the same winter had an average daily attendance of only twenty-four. The term in No. 1 was three months, and in No. 2 five months. In No. 1 the teacher was paid $10 per montb, and in No. 2 $7.41#. At this time Jacob Mosier, David Chitwood and Hugh McClung were Township Trustees. In 1856, there were in the township five log schoolhouses on Sections 8, 10, 28, 30 and 33. The following families sent to the house on Section 8 - Youngs, Petersons, Williamses, Coxes, Richardsons, McCoys et al. On Section 10 - the Chitwoods, Wests, Robinsons, Fleeners, Brocks, Watsons, Hoggs, McCoys, Robins, Alexanders, Stevenses et al. Section 28 - Davidsons, Griffins, Hashes, Coxes, Chitwoods, Courtneys, Campbells, Baltinghouses, Mosiers, Ashers, Colemans et al. Section 30 - the Walches, Buskirks, Fares, Skirvins, Gallions, Coxes, Gambles, Hortons, Kimbles et al. Section 33 - the Pauleys, Taylors, Hendricksons, Jacksons, Barrowses, Coleburns, Houstons et al.

Religious Classes

As early as 1834, and very likely several years before, a Baptist class was formed near the residence of Lewis Stevens. The class was. styled " Little Union." It was noted in early years for its activity. Lewis Stevens, James Brummet, David Barrow, William McCoy, John Cott and their families were the earliest members. The first meetings were held at the house of James Brummet. Thomas Rader, William Richardson and their families and many others also belonged early. The Church of Christ, on Young's Ridge, was formed during the forties. James J. Alexander, James Alexander, Joseph Rader, Daniel Thomas, Samuel Smith and their families were prominent and early members. In 1851, Lot 24, in Unionville, was purchased of Henry F. Garlick, for $12, and preparations were immediately made to build the church. Joseph Davis was the carpenter, and finished the building - a frame structure - in about July, 1851. Another early class was the Fryes' Church, the leading members being the families of T. Y. Rader, B. S. Robins, George W. Frye, John C. Frye, William Gladden and others. Rev. Robert Harmon was pastor in about 1857.

This is the only village in Benton township. It is likely that J. J. Alexander was the first merchant; at any rate he opened a store of general merchandise, worth about $900, in the year 1836, and soon had a flourishing trade. He continued in the business many years. Late in the forties, James Carter engaged in business in the village, continuing for several years. About the same time C. ©. Fleener also opened a general store. In about 1852, F. R. Miller engaged in the mercantile pursuit. Thus the business went on, usually one or two mercantile establishments present. A blacksmith shop, a post office, a carpenter or two, a dozen families, a doggery, etc., make up the sum and substance of Unionville.

The Cox Tragedy

One of the most startling occurrences ever within the limits of Benton Township was the butchering of a family of John B. Cox, in September 1861. The neighbors found, one forenoon, that an awful crime had been committed. 'Those earliest on the premises found Mr. Cox unconscious on his porch from the loss of blood, with several severe cuts and bruises about his head and neck. Within the house a ghastly scene was presented : Mrs. Cox lay dead upon the bed, with her throat cut from ear to ear. Upon another bed near lay a girl about ten years old, with her throat horribly mangled, though she was still breathing and alive, though unconscious. On the floor near this bed was a younger girl, dead, with her head half severed from her body. The trundle-bed held two children, a maller girl severely cut about the neck, though not mortally, and alive, though partially unconscious, and also a boy, not a member of the family, about ten years old, severely cut, though alive, but helpless from the loss of blood. He was considerably scratched and bruised, and seemed to have struggled desperately with his assailant, as the bedding was torn and scattered. The youngest child, a mere baby, was found unhurt. An enormous crowd gathered within the space of a few hours to view the horrible sight. Mr. Cox had some trouble with several of his neighbors, who were immediately arrested and taken to Bloomington for safe-keeping. The dead and wounded were conveyed to the residence of William Cox, near by. Mr. Cox, as soon as conscious, was questioned and stated that several men attacked the family during the previous night, knocked him senseless, after which he knew nothing until the next morning, when by shouts he aroused his neighbors. The men charged with the crime were tried and acquitted. Several from the first had insisted that Mr. Cox, the head of the family, had himself committed the deed in a moment of insanity, with which he was at times afflicted. This case terminated with this view.

WILLIAM L. ADAMS. stock-raiser and farmer, is a native of Garrard County, Ky., was born December 31, 1830, and is the eldest child of Wilson and Rachel (Taylor) Adams, both natives of Kentucky. The maternal yrandfather of our subject, Robert Taylor, was a first cousin to Gen. Zach Taylor, and a soldier of the Revolutionary war. The paternal grandfather, Wilson Adams, was a soldier of the war of 1812; the father of our subject was a farmer by profession, a Whig in politics, and a Cumberland Presbyterian in religion. He died in 1832, his widow afterward moving to this county, where she married Henry Patton. She became a widow a second time, and died in 1883, aged seventy-three years, a member of sixty years' standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church. William L. Adams removed to Ellettsville with his step-father, where he attended school and grew to manhood, and when nineteen years old began life for himself on rented land. December 29, 1850, he married Elizabeth Cannon, of this county. After this event, he locatedin Van Buren Township for two years, then removed to Macomb, Ill., then returned to this county, and afterward purchased a threshing machine, which he operated until he abandoned the same for auctioneering, which he has followed for twenty-five years. Mr. Adams served as Constable for some years under Capt. Sluss. In 1879, he occupied his present farm of 161 acres. July 5, 1863, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Seventeenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which formed a part of the Ninth Corps of the Army of the Cumberland; he was honorably discharged, and is a member of the G. A. R. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are parents of seven children - John W., Sarah J., Laura A. (de. ceased), Amanda 1%., Maggie R., Della E. and Morton G.

WILLIAM B. ALEXANDER, retired farmer, was born in Fayette County, Ky., September 3, 1806, and is the eldest of the nine children of James and Sarah (Mashon) Alexander, natives 'respectively of Virginia and Kentucky, and of Irish and Scotch descent. James Alexander moved to this county in 1825, and located near Bloomington, where he purchased and improved 160 acres. Their privations wore those of other pioneers, but they grew in popularity and in means. Mr. Alexander was a Democrat, served two terms as County Commissioner and was Justice of the Peace for many years. He died in 1852, aged sixty-four years, and his wife afterward, aged seventy-five years. They were members of the Baptist Church. William B. Alexander received a fair education in Kentucky, where, after having removed hither, ho married, September 25, 1825, Miss Elizabeth Irvin. After marriage, he returned to this county and managed his father's farm. In 1830, he entered land and began stock dealing in conjunction with farming, and continued so to do for eleven years; then purchased and sold several farms, and finally, in 1864, located where he now resides, on 160 acres, with improvements. Mr. Alexander has been a hard-working yet suceessful man. Ho gave his tirst Presidential vote for Gen. Jackson, but has of late years been a Republican and bas filled some minor county offices. Mrs. Alexander died November 15, 1869, having been the mother of ten children - William F., Sarah J., Mary, Nancy, Martha, Irvin, John, Alvira, and two infants,deceased. The three sons were Union soldiers - William F. died at Nashville, Irvin in Libby Prison and John in Missouri - all filling soldier graves. Mr. Akxander's present wife was Mrs. Baker; they are members of the Christian Church.

Jounty, Ohio, was born February 14, 1838, and is the eidest of the six children of John and Jane (MeNelley) Barnhill, natives respectively of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and of German-Ivish and Irish descent. Onur subject was sent to school in boyhood and reared to husbandry as a business. When he had reached his eighteenth year, his parents moved to this county, where he attained his majority,and afterward labored by the day for three years, receiviug but 50 cents per day. March 7, 1860, he married Miss Mary C. Alexander, of this township, born May, 1842, a union which gave being to six children - Florence J., Charles A., Olie, Eddie, John and Edna. Shortly after marriage, Mr. Barnhill moved to Unionville, where he has since made his home. He now owns and occupies the old Alexander farm, which comprises 358 acres with good buildings and varied improvements, thus constituting a valuable home and property. In 1877, he engaged in merchandising, and was commissioned Postmaster in 1879. He is a prominent Republican, and has been Township Trustee two terms.

DR. DAVID W. BARROW is a native of this township, was born November 4, 1853, and is the eldest son of James M. and Martha A. (Vannoy) Barrow, both natives of this county, and respectively of Englisu and German descent. The paternal grandfather of our subject,

David Barrow, came to this section lren it was a pristine wild, and, being a farmer, located in this townsbtp, where he served as Justice of the Peace and County Commissioner seventeen years. He had a farm of 240 acres, was a Democrat, a Baptist and the father of eight children. He died in 1880, aged seventy-nine. James M. Barrow was reared a farmer, received some education, and at the age of forty years became a minister of the Baptist denomination, uniting such service with the management of his farm. He has been father of three sons and four daughters, five of whom are living. He is a Freemasoa and a Democrat. David W. Barrow attended the home schools at intervals until twenty years of age, when he entered college at Bloomington for one year; then taught two years, returned to college and selected the classical course. After leaving the institution, be entered the office of Dr. Mc- Pheeters, and read medicine, in all nearly two years, after which he attended a course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College, and in 1881 began a practice, which he has succeeded in enlarging, with honor and satisfaction. Dr. Barrow is a member of the Baptist Church, a Democrat, and also a member of the K of P. In 1882, he was chosen Township Trustee.

SAMUEL L. KERR, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, April 15, 1832. the eldest of the nine children of John and Nancy (Logan) Kerr, both natives of Ireland, and of Scotch and Irish descent respectively. John Kerr was by trade a weaver, who in 1839 emigrated to this country with his family and located in Bloomington Township, this county, whence he removed to this township and purchased land, and at last, by labor and care, acquired 200 acres as a home, on which he died in 1864, seventy-three years of age, preceded by his wife five days. They were members of the Presbyterian Church. Samuel L. Kerr was about eight years old when he reached America. Much farm labor devolved on him in youth, and he continued with his father until of age, when he commenced working by the month, and after eight years was enabled to purchase 220 acres, on which he has made his home; having improved said land by erecting a house, supplying stock, and by various other appurtenances, the whole now comprising 280 acres, 100 in pasture, and seventy of fine bottom land. December 5, 1861, he married Miss Margaret, daughter of Jonathan and Catharine Hinkle, and to their union have been given eight children - James B., John J., Samuel M., Charles A., Nannie V. C., Ella May. Maggie E. (deceased), and Mary A. Mr. Kerr is a Republican, a worthy citizen, and he and wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church.

WILLIAM H. KERR, stock-raiser and farmer, was born June 6, 1847. His father was William Kerr, a native of Ireland, who, about 1824, emigrated to America, settled in this county, and entered the land on which our subject now resides, and where Mr. Kerr, Sr., passed his later life, and succeeded in making a good home of sixty acres, well improved. He died in 1855, aged sixty years, leaving a wife and two children, who managed the farm. He was a Reformed Presbyterian, as is his wife, who is yet living, aged sixty-five years; the only daughter died in 1872. William H. Kerr remained at home until he was seventeen, when he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for twelve months' service, which was passed in the Southern States in doing skirmish duty. He was honorably discharged, and in 1867, purchased eighty acres of his present home, which now com- prises one hundred and forty acres, containing some stock and many im provements. December 24, 1872, he married Miss Elizabeth Mulliken, a native of Johnson County, by which union they were favored with four children - Maud B., Connie J., Cora B. and Laura M. Mr. Kerr engaged in agriculture near Fr -anklin until 1579, when he returned to his former site and home. He is a Republican, and he and his wife are worthy members of the Christian Church.

SAMUEL GETTY, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Ireland and the youngest child of Samuel and Naucy (Kerr) Getty, both natives of Ireland, and both Protestants. Samuel Getty, Sr., was a tiller of the soil, who ended his life, as did his wife, in the country of his birth. Tbeir eldest son emigrated to this country about 1840, and farmod until his decease. Our subject obtained an ordinary education and was reared as a farmer. In 1851, married Miss Rose Cubitt, a native of Ireland. In 1852, they emigrated to America by way of New Orleans, and reached this section after a travel of oleven weeks. Mr. Getty having but $200, he worked at farming for one year, and soon after purchased a portion of his present home, which now comprises 250 acres, 100 of which are bottom lands of great fruitfulness; he has also twenty acres in Perry Townall the result of his thrift and economy. He is one of tho largest farmers in this township, and gives his undivided attention to his farm and raising stock. Mr. and Mrs. Getty have been parents of eleven chil dren, of which number the following are living: Nancy, Elizabeth, John ©. and Ida Ellen. Both are members of the United Presby terian Church.

WILLIAM PETERSON, farmer and stock-raiser. is the eldest son of Thomas and Mary (Custer) Peterson, natives respectively of Ohio and Pennsylvania. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a Virginian, who located in Ohio when a wilderness, and reared five sons and three daughters. Thomas Peterson was rei wed a farmer in Jefferson County, Ohio, but came to this township in 1854, where he purchased forty acres, and farmed-until January, 1864, when he became a soldier of the Tenth Cavalry. During this service, he was attacked by sickness, and while on his way home he died, being buried at Louisville. He left a wife, who survives him, and seven children. He was a Republican, and a Baptist. William Peterson was born in Jefferson County, August 12, 1830; was reared to farming, and remained at home until he was tw ontyseven years of age. After working on the home farm until he was eighteen years old, he learned the carpentering, at which he worked in summer, and tanghi school in the winter. He taught his last term in 1863 June, 1859, be married Sarah E. Rader, who died in 1866, leaving four children - Ira D., Phinny H., Cordelia A. and Thomas W. April 29, 1877, he wedded Miss Margaret A. Reimer, by which marriage they had two children - Carey J. and Mary ©. February, 1865, Mr. Peterson was detailed as carpenter at Camp Carrington. This was his only soldier service. Ho was discharged May 8, 1865. In 1859, he located on the farm, which embraces 540 acres, one-half of which is improved, with good stock, ete. In 1876, he was elected County Commissioner, as which he gave great satisfaction. He is Commander of Alexander Post, and member of the Baptist Church.

T. J. PETERSON, proprietor of the spoke factory at Unionville, was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, September 7, 1846, and is ono of the family of Thomas and Mary Peterson. When he was nine years old, his parents moved to this county, which has since been his home. When fifteen years old, being of large stature, he enlisted, in the fall of 1861, in Company H, Fiftieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, assigned to the Western division, their hardest engagement being at the siege of Mobile. During his service, he suffered from measles: afterward, in 1863, at Little Rock, he became a veteran, and September 27, 1865, was discharged as Sergeant. He then took charge of the home farm for two years, and later, worked on a railroad, and as sawyer for several firms, and for several years. November 6, 1873, he married Miss Alice A. Sluss, of this township, which union gave being to four children, of which number two survive- - Edna M. and Daisy Irene. In the autumn of 1882, be purchased the spoke factory he is now operating, in which he has $2,000 invested. Mr. Peterson is anardent Republican, and a public-spirited citizen. Mrs. Peterson is a member of the Christian Church.

DAVID A. YOUNG, farmer and stock-raiser, is a:son of- Abraham and Susan (Whisennand) Young, natives of Kentucky and Virginia respectively, and of German extraction. The paternal grandfather of our subject, David Young, moved to this county from Kentucky in the earliest days, and settled and made a home here. He was the parent of four sons and three daughters. Abraham Young began life poor, but, by industry and care, made a good home and farm of 120 acres. He was a member of the Christian Church, and died February 14, 1850, aged forty-three, leaving a wife, who still survives, aged seventy-six. and six children. David A. Young was born in this township, March 7, 1829, the eldest of the family. After working on the home farm until his twentieth year, he began life for himself by farming on rented land. July 27, 1848, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Hugh and Nancy McClung, who were amoung the first settlers in this township. This union was honored with twelve children, of which number ten yet are living - Nancy J., Amanda, John, Mary E., Sarah C., Saretha A., James A., Cora Bell, Isaac N. and David Omar. Mr. Young continued to labor for house and land for years, and in 1858 purchased his father's farm of 112 acres, where he has since resided, devoting himself to stock-raising as well as agriculture. Mr. Young is a highly esteemed citizen, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church.