Clay Township

Clay Township

Clay township was organized in March, 1836, and was laid off by the board of commissioners of Decatur county at their March term for that year. It is bounded as follows, to-wit : Beginning at the county line on the section line dividing sections 22 and 2"], town 8, range 11 ; thence east four miles to the northeast corner of section 30, town 11, range 9: thence south eight miles to the township line dividing townships 9 and 10 : thence west to the county line; thence with the county line to the place of beginning:

This township bears the distinction of being the only one in the county which contains an entire congressional township. It is composed of the whole of township 10, range 8, and six sections of town 10, range 9, six sections of town II, range 8, and two sections of town 11, range 9. After this township was organized, and evidently on the same day, the board made the following entry on the record: "Ordered that sections 4, 5. 6, 7, 8 and 9,

The history of the settlement of Clay township may be divided into four parts, namely: The Buck-run settlement; the Clifty settlement; the ]\liddle Fork settlement and the Duck Creek settlement.

Buck-Run

The first to settle here was Milton Williamson, who, in 1822, with his family, located in the northeast part of the township. William Hartford and Bartemus Johnston, soon afterward (the same year), moved in and settled on this section. These three assisted each other in raising houses, clearing lands, and soon succeeded in establishing pleasant and comfortable houses - for that time.

In 1823 Caleb Stark settled on the c|uarter south of. and adjoining, the other three, the farm known as the Buck-Run spring, on the Vandalia road. He held the office of county commissioner at the time of contracting for and during the erection of the present court house. He lived to see the fruits of his labors in the development of many of the other interests of the county. The same year, Daniel Stoggsdell (or, "Elder" Stoggsdell) settled on Buck- Run, just above Mr. Stark, in which region, and afterwards throughout that and adjoining counties, he preached the Gospel in "God's first temples," the groves. He was many years ago gathered to his fathers, but "his works do follow him."

In 1823 David Johnson settled on the "quarter" north of Mr. Stark, where he lived until the year 1834, when he moved to Missouri. In the same year, George W. and Jeremiah V. King, emigrants from Maryland, settled in the same section. In 1835 George W. removed to a farm adjoining the small village of Needmore (since changed to ]\Iilford - the name being derived from the fact of a mill being erected at the ford, near that place), where he died some years thereafter.

Clifty Settlement

In 1823', Doddridge Alley, an industrious and energetic farmer, removed from the Saltcreek settlement, in Franklin county, and located on Clifty. about one mile north of the place where Milford now stands. He was elected the first sheriff of the county, serving four years, and afterwards served two years in the state Legislature. ^Nlany amusing anecdotes are told of him (8)

On being elected to the Legislature, he started on his journey to the capital, on horseback, and arrived there in due season; but, on being questioned by the clerk, it was found that he had forgotten his credentials. So he returned on his long, weary ride to obtain them. After a long night's ride he again made his appearance at the capital, and, on examination, his papers proved to be correct, when he was told that he was entitled to his seat. He replied: "No! no! I thank you; I have been riding hard all night, and I would rather stand." The clerk, accordingly, gave him the privilege. He lived on the farm he first settled on until the year 1861, when he died and was buried in a stone wall enclosure, with a beautiful monument upon it, which he had erected during his life.

John Brinson was the founder of the town of Milford. In 1824 he removed to that place, and established a drinking saloon ; he lived there about five years, and then left for parts unknown. In the same year William Crawford moved to this place, made a plat of the town and lived there until 1837, when he moved to Missouri. Elijah Martin settled three-fourths of a mile north of the town, in the same year, and in a short time moved away.

In 1823, William Richie settled near Milford. where he lived until the year 1834, when he died. Mr. Richie was an old Revolutionary soldier, and was the first man buried in the graveyard in Milford. By his side sleep two of his comrades, William Crawford, and George W. King, Sr., who died in the ninety-third year of his age.

Middle Fork Settlement

In 1824, John Fugit, afterwards associate judge of Decatur county, settled in the central part of the township, on Middle Fork creek. He held the office of judge for a number of years, and died in the year 1846. James O'Laughlin settled, in the same year, in the same part of the county. He lived there a considerable length of time, from whence he moved to Milford. Richard Johnson settled at the same time and place, and died a resident of the same place. Walter and Jackson Braden settled in the year 1824, about two and one-half miles southeast of Milford, where they improved a considerable portion of the land. Jackson died at this place, in the year 1850. Walter Braden, a few years ago, removed to Greensburg, where he resided until his death. Thomas H. Miers settled one mile east of Milford, on the land adjoining \\'alter Braclen on the north, in the year 1824, and died at tlie same place in 1847. Samuel B. Todd, in the same year, settled about one and a hall miles south of Milford on the land which has long been known as the Hittle farm. He lived there until 1837, when he removed to Illinois. Abel Todd, a brother of the above, settled two and one-half miles southeast, on the land where James Byers later lived. He li\'ed there a short time, and removed to Iowa, where he died. David Douglass, a minister of the New- Light persuasion, settled in the year 1824, on the land later owned by Nelson Mowrey. He preached in the settlements adjoining him, lived to a good old age, and died on his farm. Patrick Ewing came from Kentucky in the year 1826, settling on the land adjoining Mr. Douglass. He built a rude log hut, and in the yard there grew a small sprout about the size of a riding whip. He spared it, and it grew to a great tree of four feet in diameter. Under its boughs he reared a family of fifteen children.

Duck Creek Settlement

McClure Elliott, in the year 1824, settled on Duck creek, three miles west of Milford. William J. Lowrie, in the same year, settled two miles southwest of ^Milford, where he lived until 1852, when he died, and was buried by a large concourse of Sons of Temperance.

School Houses

The first scho'ol house was built on Dodridge Alley's land, in 1825. It was built of logs, with a fire-place occupying one end. Logs were sawed out at each side, greased paper being put in their place. This composed the model house of that time. Middle Fork school house was built in 1826. Buck Run and Duck Creek school houses were built in 1827. These school houses were used for preaching and for various other purposes. Harvey Harbinger was the first teacher in the Buck Run settlement and afterwards taught in the other districts. In 1836 the township was divided into districts. At this time the houses in the townships were built of logs. In 1837 a frame school house was ereced in Milford. This was the first structure here for school purposes which was built of frame. In a few years afterward frames were erected, which have now become useless, and brick school houses have been erected over the township.

The Baptist, Methodist, New Light and Presbyterian denominations held meetings in the various school houses, from 1825 imtil 1832, when the Hardshell Baptists erected a church. In 1842 the Methodists erected a church in Mil ford. The Christians, in the year 1843, built a church in Mil ford. Salem church, near Milford, was built in 1833, ^Y the Associate Baptists. The history of the churches is found in another chapter.

The first mill was established by Jesse Fugit, a son of Judge Fugit, in 1825, and was run by horse-power. The first water-mill was built by Eli Critser, in 1826, near Adams, where the relics of the old Doddridge Alley* mill now stands. In 1838, James Rose erected a woolen factory one-half mile west of Milford, which was run by horse-power. Edward Warthin established a distillery near the same place in 1836, the only one ever erected' in the township; it continued for about five years. A tan yard was established in 1830 by a man named Wilkinson, on the land of Doddridge Alley.'

The present officers of Clay township are as follows : Trustee, Francis' M. Pumphrey; assessor. William Wilson; advisory board, J. W. Corya, Frank Tompson ; road supervisors, John Kanouse, James Cor}', Ewing Arnold and Morgan J. Ewing.

Clay is now the wealthiest township in the county, with the exception of Wasliington. The Columbus, Hope & Greensburg railroad runs east and west through this township and gives the inhabitants of this locality a ready outlet for their produce to the leading markets. It also has one railroad station on the Vernon, Greensburg & Rushville railroad, which cuts off a' small corner of the southeast part of the township.

Milford is the oldest town in this township. It was platted and laid out by James Edwards, August 25, 1835, and was originally known by the name of Needmore; but just why this little village was encumbered with' such a name is left to the imagination of the reader. Later additions to the' original plat were made by William Crawford, George W. King, Silas Craig,' James L. Fugit and James Marshall.

Decatur Couxty, Indiana. Ii7

sale was John Brinson. Mr. Brinson also bears the distinction of being the first merchant in Clay township and was well patronized by the early settlers who had taken up claims in this part of the county. The first millers to locate in this part of the county were the Critsers, who owned several mills along Clifty creek and for a time had a monopoly on the milling industry in this section. Their monopoly was contested for a time by William Burton, who owned and ran a horse-mill near Mil ford, to which he attached considerable importance. ]Mr. Burton put up a strong opposition for a time, but soon abdicated to the Critsers and left them in full sway. The first tannery was built and operated by James Wilkinson and ;\IcClure Elliott and furnished all the leather goods for the early consumption of the county. John' Henderson was the first blacksmith to settle here and ply his trade, and was familiarly known to the early settlers of the time, far and near, as' "Jackie." ^Ir. Henderson ironed the first wagon in this county for Fielding Peak. The first steam engine in this township was owned and operated by Edwin AVarthin, in 1836 or 1837. It was used to drive the machinery of a mill on Clifty creek, a short distance below Milford. This mill also bears the distinction of being the first steam grist-mill, with a bolting apparatus, in' the county. This was a great advertising asset to the owners, for it attracted' settlers from all parts of this section to see the mill in actual operation. Before this advancement, the mills had been run by water power supplied by Clifty creek.

It is impossible to trace the various business changes in Milford from the beginning of the town down to the present time. The business interests of 1915 include three stores, owned by E. E. Lewis, J. E. Goff and Harry Peterson. The Lewis store is a well-stocked general mercantile establishment and is one of the best general stores in the county. The stores of Goff and Peterson carry only a small stock of groceries and depend for their patronage on the restaurants which they run in connection. Mr. Lewis also operates a restaurant and soda fountain in connection with his store. The village has one blacksmith, Lincoln Vandiver. There is no factorv of any kind in the town, although Albert Sanders operates a flour-mill on Clifty creek, a half mile from town. His mill is run by water power when there is plenty of water and by a gasoline engine at such times as the water power is insufficient. The professional interests of the village are represented by Dr. George S. Crawford, who has been practicing in the place for a period of forty years. The history of the lodges of Milford (the Masons and Odd Fellows) and the churches (Methodist and Christian) will be found in their respective chapters elsewhere in this volume. The town is incorporated for civil purposes only. The present town clerk is Doctor Crawford. The town once had a population of four hundred, hut now has only about one hundred.

The village of Burney, in Clay townhsip, on the Columbus, Hope & Greensburg railroad, was laid out on May 2, 1882, by James C. Pulse. It has enjoyed a steady growth from the beginning and is now a thriving town, with flourishing business enterprises and many attractive and comfortable homes. A fine, modern school building and two churches, Methodist and Baptist, take care of the educational and religious life of the community. The business and professional interests in 191 5 are as follows: Bank, Burney State Bank; barber, Thomas J. Henderson; blacksmith, J. E. Wasson, G. M. Miner & Son; carpenter and contractor, Edward Clapp; coal dealer, Sidner & Price; dentist, Frank Davis; elevator, Sidner & Price; express, American Express Company; garage. Smiley & Dean; general store, A. E. Howe, J. C. Hayes, H. C. Lawrence ; hardware, McCullough Hardware Co. ; hotel, Mrs. M. J. Luther, Mrs. Clay Alexander ; livery. Clay Alexander ; lumber, Padgett & Son ; meat market, W. S. Miner ; music teachers, Alice Arnold, Mrs. Elsie Gartin ; notary public, L. T. Howell, Fannie Johnson, W. W. Barnes ; photographer, F. W. Kean; physician, C. G. Harrod, Edward Porter; painter, Thomson & Luther; postoffice, W. S. Miner; paper hanger, Miers & Galbraith; restaurant, F. W. Kean, W. S. Miner; real estate and insurance, L. T. Powell; saw-mill. Otto Detrich; shoe cobbler, Frank Hiner; station agent, J. S. Miner; stock l^uyer, Pumphrey & Son, Davis & Davis, W. W. Lane.

Burney is justly proud of its band, which was organized in the spring of 191 5. Although at this time it has been practicing but a few months, it has already given concerts which were well received. It is under the direction of George Dunn, of Adams. The members of the band are as follows : Cornets, Herbert Lawson, Lora Hayes, Walter Bailey, Ralph Howe, Roscoe Arnold, AValter Galitine, Robert Champ and Russell Emlay; baritone, John Christian ; alto, Jasper Spaugh and James Galbraith ; tenors, Harry Jackson and H. C. Miner; clarinets, Ernest Miner and L. D. Lambert; trombones, Fred Luther, T. J. Hendrickson, Edwin Gibson and Roy Emlay; melophone, Clarence Thomson; tuba, Burney Jackson; bass, Clifford Thurston; snare drum, Plenry Emlay; bass drum, Charles Gartin.

Wyncoop is the next town in size in this township. It was platted on February 2^, 1881, by James Wyncoop and bears the founder's name, although the name of the postofifice has been changed to Horace. This town is situated on the North Vernon, Greensburg & Rushville railroad, in the extreme southeastern part of the township.

The business interests of the town in 1915 are confined to a general store, owned by E. A. Gibson, and a blacgsmith shop, operated ijy Clyde Purvis. The station agent, Orlando Robbins, also buys grain. The postmaster is Mr. Gibson. The town has less than a dozen houses and a population of about thirty.

Ewington completes the list of towns in Clay township. This was formerly a postoffice for the convenience of the country people, but the rural free delivery has taken away its usefulness and at present only the name remains.