Deer Creek Township

Deer Creek Township

PRESBYTERIAN CHrRCH. Fakly Repkeskntatives or this Faith in Cakroll County- First Steps Toward Organization - The Original Members AND First Ministers - Progress ok the Chi'rch - Meetings and Meeting Houses - Some of the Early Church Officers - Another Branch of the Church Established- Churih Property - Church Edifices, Etc. ^T^HE first settlers of this county, HetLni' Kobinson and his f am- -L iiy, were of the Presbyterian faith, and early observers of the rit^s peculiar to that branch of the Christian church. In addition to this family, there were many others, also, among the first settlers, who recognized the same observances, and little less active in possessing themselves of the privileges of public worship within the limits of the settlement. On the Ist day of January, 1826, as has been elsewhere presented, the religious sentiment of the community distinctly manifested itself in the readiness with which all united in holding prayer-meetings, and in keeping them up aft*rwai-d. for the common interest of all who were thus inclined. At that time, the number of families in the immediate vicinity was not great, and there were few of them, indeed, if any, that were not represented at that tii'st general prayer-meeting. That the foremost of those who interested themselves in bringing about such an event were chiefly, though not entii-ely. if not members of, at least favorable to, the teachings of this branch of the Christian church. These general prayer-meetings had a tendency to enlai'ge the domain of religious thought, directing all into the channels best adapted to the wants of their moral and intellectual nature. At the proper time, teachers came and tendered their ministrations with such success that, erelong, societies were foi-med for purposes of worship according to the preferences accepted by themselves. Who the first teachers of this doctrine were that came from abroad to instruct those of like faith in this backwoods settlement, is, perhaps, not now material. That such teacher or teachers came, there is no doubt, for the result of such effort is shown in what was accomplished by Revs. James Crawford and James Thompson, sent out by the Crawfordsville Presbytery to organize " The Presbyterian Chiu'chof .Deer Creek." The organization was perfected by these ministei-s on the 23d of May, 1828, being the tii-st organized on the Upper Wabash. This name it retained until the 22d of January, 1833. when, by consent of the members, and in conformity with the prescribed regulations of the church, it took the name of " The First Presbyterian Church of Delj^hi." The persons who constituted the original membership of this church were Henry Robinson and Elizabeth Robinson, his wife; Abner Robinson and Sai-ah Robinson, his wife; William McCord: John M. Ewing: JaneWaugh; Aaion Dewey and Charlotte Dewey, his wife: William Wilson and Ann Wilson, his wife, with the addition of Sarah Robinson, Sophronia Robinson and Lydia Ann Robinson, daughters of Hemy and Elizabeth Robinson; Mrs. Rebecca McCord, wife of William MeCord. and Hugh Manary - making, in all, sixteen.

Hem7 Robinson and William McCord. when the ehm-ch had been fully organized, were chosen Ruling Elders, and continued such for many years. Without delay, the services of Mi-. Crawford were seciu-ed as a stated supply to preach to the congregation, and, during the succeeding six years, until 1834, he continued in that relation, within that time receiving into the chm-ch twenty-five additional members. Of those who were in fellowship with the church from the beginning uj3 to the time

Mr. Crawford severed his connection with it, two had died, and four had been dismissed to other chm-ches, leaving an absolute membership of thirty-five - a most satisfactory result of his six years of consecutive labor.

While Mr. Crawford was the Pastor of this church, he piu' chased a lot and built thereon a log house, one of the first dwellings erected in Delphi, which was then a general hazel thicket. This humble dwelling was torn down many years ago, and the site occupied by the more stately mansion of S. D. Mcintosh. For several years, the meetings of the congregation were held in the old log schoolhouse built by Deer Creek Township in the winter of 1828-29, which served the pm-pose of a meeting-place in its time for not only the religious organizations, but for all congi'egations, whether for secular or other piu'poses.

After the retirement of Mi-. Crawford, the society was for a time without a Pastor, though meetings were held with considerable regularity. In February, 1836, Rev. John Stocker was employed by the congi'egation to preach for them until the 1st of April, 1837. No other pastor appears to have been employed until the beginning of the year 1839, when Rev. Leander Cobb was engaged as a stated supply, and remained with the church until after the division into the " Old School " and the " New School." which occm-red in the fall of that year. From the date of the separation, the Old School branch, during the succeeding five years until October. 18-14, there was no regular supply. Afterward, and until in the spring of 1846. the church enjoyed the labors of Rev. Jesse Edwards, who preached here a portion of that time.

In May, 1846, Rev. Edward W. Wright became the pastor of the Old School Church, and continued such during the succeeding twenty years, at the end of which time he was succeeded, for the three years following, by his son. Rev. W. S. Wright, who, in turn, was succeeded by Rev. G. G. Mitchell.

" For two years or more. Rev. Amos Jones was acting pastor of the New School Church, having been preceded by Rev. J. A. Carnahan and others. The successor of Mr. Jones was Rev. C. W. Wallace. In 1870, the two churches were united in one. The lu-st minister of the united church was the Rev. W. W. Campbell, and the second was Rev. L. M. Stevens. "

The first house of worship occupied by the New School branch of the church was the large frame edifice that many years ago stood to the northward of Enoch Rinehart' s residence, erected about the year 1838-39. It was so occupied by them until the year 1859, when they erected a handsome brick house, which was subsequently occupied by them for a series of yeai's.

Not long since, the Old School branch erected a new church, of brick, with greater seating capacity than heretofore, rendered necessary by the united congregai ions worshiping there. Since April, 1880, this church has been under the pastoral charge of Rev. S. R. Seawright. who has shown himself to be a very efficient laborer in this field.

In connection with the church and under its supervisory care is a Sunday school, which, while it adds to the res]>onsibilities of the chm-ch, it is a most valuable auxiliary also.

Chaptee Iii First Baptist Church

Officers Pro tem - Original Members and Their Titles to Recognition - Early Meetings - Lot for Church Applied FOR and Donated. - Meetings of Associations Held Here- First Pastoi;s - Subsequent History - etc.

TN the latter part of July, 1829, a number of persons, members -*- of the Regular Baptist Chiu-ch in other jiu'isdietions, who, having become residents of CaiToll County and vicinity, had prociu-ed letters of recommendation to those of like faith in this jui'isdiction to the end that they might unite with such in the formation of a chiu-ch here, and thus eujoy the privileges of public worship in their own neighborhood, made application to the proper authority for consent to foim a chiu'ch in this county, requesting the necessaiy attendance of church officers and delegates for the purpose. The consent was obtained accordingly, and ou the 8th of August following a council of delegates was held, composed of the representatives named, to wit: Jacob Kester, A. B. Martin and James Duncan, from Sugar Creek Chiu'ch. in Boone County; Elder R. Stapleton, David Kuth and Michael Donahoe, from Bethel Chiu'ch; and J. F. Martin, Newbeny Stockton and Elder Samuel Ai-thiu-, from the First Baptist Chiu'ch in Wea, Tippecanoe County. The council was organized by electing Elder Stapleton, Moderator, and A. B. Martin. Clerk. The covenant of faith which had been signed by the applicants Ijeing read, with their letters of recommendation, in open council, the following persons, with their foimer affiliation - John Knight. Abigail Knight. Elsa Green. Hannah Green and Sarah Hance, from the Baptist Church of Staunton. Ohio; William Hance and Isabel Cox, from Lick Creek Chm-ch, Marion County. Ohio, were accepted, and, in compliance with their re quest, constituted a Regular Baptist Chiu'ch in Delphi.

The fii-st meeting of the congregation of this chiu-ch was in the mouth of September following. Afterward, for many years, the chm-ch met for the transaction of business and for pui'i>oses of worship in the log schoolhouse on the corner of Mom'oe and Union streets, the site now occupied l.>y the residence of the late William Baruett. The first Pastor was Elder Martin, of the Sugar Creek Chm-ch in Boone County. Then Elder Ai-thur, of the Wea Church, became Pastor, and continued in that relation until the 22d of December, 1882. when Elder William Reese, having removed to Carroll County, entered into that relation, and was the third [lastor, a man of gi-eat executive ability and energy of character. During his administration, upon application of some of the more influential membera. the County Commissioners donated a fractional lot. equal in area to nearly two full lots, in the then eastern limits of the to-wu, for the benefit of the Regular Baptist Chm-ch in Delphi, upon which to build a meeting-house; and the county agent was directed to make that church " a deed in fee simple" for said lot. " ou condition of the said church l)uilding a house of worship [thereon] within two years," Sul)- sequently, at the March session. 1838, of the Board of Commissioners, the following record was made in the premises, to wit: " Ordered, that the agent of Carroll County l)e directed to make a deed to the two fractional lots on which the Baptist Church is situated in Delphi to the Tiiistees of the First Regular Baptist Church in Delphi."

the Commissioners, the church, at a meeting held on the 13th of April, 1833, elected Lewis Johnson and John Knight, Trustees, with instructions to secm-e to the chm-ch the benefits of that donation by complying with the conditions prescribed. These TiTistees moved forward in the execution of their trust with all the available means and energy at command, so that, within three years from the commencement of their work, a respectable brick structure, capable of seating three or fom- himdi-ed persons, was ready for oocnpaney, and it was occupied accordingly.

Elder J. H. Dunlap became Pastor in December, 1840, and continued to minister to the oongi-egation for something more than one year. He was succeeded, on the 12th of March, 1842, by Elder William Reese, who had formerly sustained that relation most satisfactorily to the church and creditably to himself. " For his indomitable corn-age and energj' in traveling and preaching the Gospel to the destitute, his labors of love and mercy, and his genial social qualities, his memory is worthy of a tribute of respect " as endm-ing as the cause he so earnestly espoused and advocated. He was indeed " the gi-eat pioneer missionary of the Upper Wabash Valley." At the end of one year, less about one month. Elder Bowen, on the 11th of February, 1843, took upon himself the pastoral relation, but, remaining only a few months, he was succeeded by Elder Watrous on the 8th of September of the same year.

In November, 1844, Elder Demas Robinson was chosen Pastor, and, as such, served the chm-ch dming the three years following. At the end of that time. Elder S. H. Dimlap, previously in charge, became Pastor again in January, 1848, laboring in that position for the next thi-ee years and a half, at which time another pastor was chosen - tlllder Searf. his successor, taking the place on the 2fith of July, 1853.

November, 1854, Elder F. D. Bland became Pastor; then in December, 1856, Elder Blodgett was Pastor. Februai-y, 1858, Elder Humble Roble became Pastor, and served in that relation for more than three years. He was succeeded, in Februai-y, 1862. by Elder J. W. C. Covy. His successor was Elder Post, who became Pastor in December, 1863. In Jime, 1865, Elder Stuart became Pastor, and remained with the chm-ch during the next thi-ee years, April, 186SI, Elder A. Alfred became Pastor, and served the remainder of the year. In January, 1870, Elder G. L, Stevens succeeded him, and served for the thi-ee years following. On the 26th of April, 1874. Elder O, A, Clark was called to the pastoral charge of the church.

From that date, the chm-ch has been frequently witliout a pastor, although services are had with comparative regularity. It has no pastor now, but a good Sunday school in active operation.

St. Marys Protestant Episcop.Vl Church

&1T. MARY'S Chm-ch, Delphi, was consecrated on the 2l8t ' day of May, 1845, by Rev. Samuel R. Johnson, of St. John's Church, La Fayette, Ind. Prior to this date, occasional services had been conducted by the Rev, Mi-. Johnson, and the Rev. Benjamin Halstead performed the tii-st baptismal ceremony here, on the 16th of March, 1844. John Bm-r, Susan Bmr, Mi-s. Mai-y Daubeny, Newton H. Gist, Amelia A. Gist, Caroline Robinson,

Jane Howlitt Wilson, Sarah Stewart, John Phelps, Rhoda Phelps, Christian Stxizaker, Sarah Garrett, Sai-ah Ann Bladen and Zerua Amelia Green were added to the chiu-ch under the ministrations of the Rev. Mr. Johnson, of La Fayette, and Rev. Anson Clark, of Logansport, dui'ing the yeare 1844 and 1845. James P. Dugan, James Speai-s, Christian Stiizaker, John Biut and John Phelps were the first VestnTnen of the chvuTh.

The Rev. IVIr. Johnson took a deep and active interest in the church at Delphi, and not only contributed his sei-vices gratuitously, but donated a generous sum of money for the piu'chase of ground upon which to erect the chm-ch and parsonage. Some time in 1840, the congregation began the erection of the present frame chiu'ch. at the west end of Main street, and, on the 20th day of July of that year, the Vestrymen tendered an invitation to the Rev. Dr. Biyan B. Killikelly, of Vincennes, Ind. , to officiate as Pastor of the ohui-ch. Dr. Killikelly accepted the call, and removed to Delphi in October, 1840. Shortly afterward, the church received a new token of the interest taken in its welfare by the Rev. Mr. Johnson. This was a donation of $125 from that gentleman, for the pwchase of the lot adjoining the chiu-ch lot, " whereon to build a parsonage house whenever it might be convenient. " Upon receipt of this donation, it was unanimously resolved by the vestry " that the thanks of this vestry be tendered to the Rev. S. R. Johnson for this fresh evidence of continued interest in the welfare of the parish of St. Mai-y's Church; and the vestry avail themselves of this opportunity to express ^arther the gi-eat indebtedness of the parish to the said reverend gentleman for his ministerial services, gi-atuitously rendered for a long period from the first organization, and for the munificent donation of 1000 from himself, and $100 procui-ed thi-ough his agency, without which the vestry would not have felt justified in proceeding with the erection of the chiu-ch edifice now erecting, and, it is hoped, long to remain a proud monument of the untiring zeal and Chi-istian liberality of the Rev. S. R. Johnson. "

Dr. Killikelly had pastoral charge of the chui-ch until compelled to resign by failing health his resignation taking efl'ect July 1, 1848. He was succeeded by the Rev. Edward Magee, who continued as pastor of the chui'ch until 1850. Rev. Josiah Phelps became Pastor in that year, and occupied that relation until June 1, 1851, when he resigned. On the 29th of October, 1852, Rev. Walter E. Franklin accepted a call to seiwe as Pastor, dividing his time between this chm-ch and the chm-ch at Logansport He resigned July 0, 1854, and was succeeded by the Rev. Alonzo J. M. Hudson, who devoted each alternate Sunday to this parish. Mr. Hudson resigned August 1, 1858, and was succeeded by Rev. Elias Birdsall, who continued as pastor imtil the early part of I860. In February, 1860. the Rev. Nathaniel R. High accepted a call from the vesti-y of St. Mary's Chm-ch, giving onehalf of his time to this parish, and the remainder to the chm-ch at Logansport. Rev. Samuel Edson was invited to take charge of the chm-ch in June, 1864, and accepted the call. He subsequently resigned the charge, and was succeeded by Rev. J. Edward Jackson, who took charge May 16. 1866, remaining imtil the following September, when he resigned. On the 25th of March, 1867, Rev. Thomas J. Taylor accepted the call of the vestry and had pastoral care of the parish imtil June 15, 1869, when he tendered his resignation. On Uie 29th of Jime, 1871, the vestry accepted the proposition of Rev. A. V. GoiTell to eonduct sei-vices twice a month on week-day evenings, and once a month on Sunday. In December, 1872, a call was extended to Rev. Levi B. Stimson, of La Fayette, Ind. , which was accepted,

Ml-. Stimson continuing in cliarge of th<' parish until Noveml)er 16. 1870. when he resigned. Rev. D. Ij. Trimble was engaged, in December, 1878, to devote one half of his time to this jiarish, the remainder being devoted to the church at Peru. He served until October, 1879, since which time the church lias been without a regular pastor. In the interim, however. Kcv. J. E. Martin, of La Fayette, has conducted services at irregtiliir intervals.

ST. .lOiSKPH's c.VTiioi.ic riniicii nPHE Ih-st organization of this church as a congregation in -*- Delphi was about the year 1855, during the consb-uetion of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railway. Prior to the jjerma nent organization, different missionary priests traveling along the line of the canal visited the Catholic families and held services in their houses. The Pastor that first organized the congregation was the Rev. M. Clark, at that time the jiriest in charge at La Fayette, who, during his visits, celebrated religious services, principally at the house of the late Mrs. Shealey, who, togetheiwith her family of sons, lived in the old Delphi House. In the year 1857, the Rev, Father Nieber was, by the Bishop of Vin cennes, assigned to the charge of this congregation. Shortly after his an-ival, lie pm-chased from the Board of School Trustees the old brick schoolhouse on Indiana sti-eet, which was used for church jim-poses during his pastorate. After his removal, the Rev. D. Mahoney. of La Fayette, attended the congregation once a month.

" Up to this time, the State of Indiana possessed but one Catholic diocese, with the Episcopal See at Vincennes. In 1859, the diocese was divided, and a new see created at Fort Wayne, having for its first Bishop the Rt. Rev. J. H. Luers, formerly Pastor of St. .Joseph's Chm-ch, Cincinnati. Delphi, being on the northern part of the division line, was therefore placed tmder the jurisdiction of the new Bishop, who, having determined to build up the congregation under his charge, assigned j the Rev. Father Veahy, an able and talented man, to the charge of St. Joseph's congregation. He at unce began the building of j the present beautiful church edifice, but did not remain long enough to complete his work, having been appointed to a more important charge. Father Veahy was succeeded by the Rev. A. Bochtering, who, though quite a young man, possessed an inter- 1 esting energy, and was tilled with zeal and devotion to his church: and to him. in a great ineasm-e, are our Catholic friends indebted for the present beautiful chm-ch, situated on the corner of Washington and Mom-oe streets. It was dm-iug his pastorate, besides, that the schoolhouse was built, immediately at the rear j of the chm-ch. He having been appointed by the late lamented j Bishop Luers to the charge of Mishawaka. St. Joseph Coimty, I was succeeded by the Rev. Timothy O' Sullivan, who was like. j wise untiring in his efforts to build up the congregation. We j can confidently say that no minister of the Gospel had more friends in Delphi than did Father Timothy O' Sullivan a genial I gentleman and scholar. It was during his administration that I the present beautiful pastoral residence on Washington street ! was built. In 1870, when his health began to fail him, he ob- I tained from his Bishop a leave of absence to visit Em-0|3e, in order t/j regain, if possible, his shattered health. After a year's I absence, he retmned, with his health improved, and was assigned by his present Bishop, Joseph Dwenger, to the charge of the Irish Catholic Church at La Porte, Ind. Eev. J. Quinlan, recently of Union City, this State, became his successor, and remained until 1872, when he was removed, and was succeeded by Rev. P. M. Frowley. who remained in charge until March, 1875. The present energetic and talented pastor of St. Mary's Chui'ch, La Fayette, became his successor, but he remained only one month, having received the appointment of St. Mary's, La Fayette, upon the death of Father George Hamilton. After him, the congi-egation was assigned to the present Pastor, Rev. John Bleckman, under whose administration the congi-egation has gotten along prosperously. The numerical strength of the congi-egation is about one hundi-ed and fifty families. The school, which is now and has been very successfully taught, numbers from one hundi-ed and thirty to one huncked and fifty daily attendance."

Besides this, there is a sodality for the married ladies, numbering about one hundred or more; that for the unman'ied, about forty or fifty. In addition to these, the little girls' sodality has a very respectable membersliip. Connected with the congi'egation is also the Total Abstinence Society, of which the late Hon. B. B. Daily was for a long time President; also, a German Benevolent Society, of which Joseph Haok was I'resident. These two organizations have constantly received new additions to their membershi)!, and are productive of much good. Other associations, also, have been formed for the general improvement of all classes of the congregation, especially the young people, which have had a tendency to give strength and permanency to the very efficient work performed through these instrumentalities. Father Bleckman is still the Pastor of St. Joseph's Church, and is accomplishing much good.

Chapter Vi

PUULir SCHOOLS IN DELPHI. Rbview.s oi- TfiE Educational System of Delphi - Its Early Condition and Sub,sequent Improvement.s - The Methods Proposed and Adopted - Present Usage - Some of the Principal Teachers Engaged in the Work- Means of Supporting THE Schools - Mi.scellany.

n~^HE article that follows in the discussion of this subject is -*- chiefly the work of the late Superintendent of the City Schools, Prof. D. D. Blakeman, di-a^vn from the official reports prepared and submitied by him as such.

" The mental and physical wealth of a community, as it exists in the bodies and minds of its members, is as much more valuable than material wealth as it is the agent by which the latter is rendered available for the happine.s3 and comfort of man. The ti'ue development of this great soui'ce of happiness is largely dependent upon the prosperity and enlightened administration of the public schools. The progress which these institutions are making in every portion of our State is a bright augury for its future prosperity. "

"The public schools of om- city, supplied, as they now [1876] are, with teachers eminently fitted by education and professional ability, to train the young for life and citizenshii), have been substantially the growth of the last twelve years. Nay, their history as efficient school organizations does not date back ten years. The schools as at present constituted employ nine teachers, a janitor and a Superintendent, and their salaries, together with expenses for fuel, repairs, improvements and necessary material - as books, apparatus, pencils and the like - furnished for

" We almost reluctantly refer to the times which preceded the dates given in the above table : when the schools, totally unorganized, were ' kept ' by ' teachers ' entirely destitute of professional knowledge, and quite often ignorant of those branches which, in the rudest schools, are considered indispensable, when the County Seminary and an occasional select school furnished almost the only examples of respectable teaching. As late as 1865, many families in our city depended upon the select schools for the careful education of their children. Thus, while the idea of the union school had for years been carried into practice in the States of Ohio and Michigan, the rich State of Indiana, governed by legislators who considered taxation an evil per se, was without a respectable system of public schools, and, as a consequence, much of her great wealth in natural resom-ces lay dor- ! mant, or was improved, to a great extent, by persons educated I outside her borders.

j " In the winter of 1866, the Legislature of the State again i passed a law permitting local taxation for the support of schools. I Delphi immediately availed herself of this important privilege. I Accordingly, we find that the amount for the different years increases as follows; 1866, amount levied, Ji2,437.50 ; 1867, i amount levied, $3,329.58; 1868, amount levied, $3,857.95; 1869, amount levied, $3,436.96; 1870, amount levied, $5,086.07. ' " This last sum justified the School Board in making such arrangements as would place the school upon a permanent basis as a graded school.

" To carry out this idea, it was necessary to erect a building having more room and better adapted to the requirements of such a system. The lot upon which stood the old school building being the most eligible one for school purposes, and centrally i located, in 1872, that rather pretentious looking but really inconvenient and unhealthful structure was demolished, and in its place was erected the present building, at a cost of .SSOjOOO.

" This building is a model of school architectm-e. Competent judges say there is not to be found a school building which, at so low a cost, presents so many excellences. Healthful in location, commodious, well lighted, and thoroughly heated and ventilated, beautiful in its interior arrangement and finish, it stands as a monument to the good sense and good taste of its projectore, and will continue to receive the encomiums of educatoi-s and all who appreciate the fact that school officei-s are so apt to spend princely sums in erecting buildings which are mere 'ornaments' to the town, ignoring the consideration of utility and adaptation to the purpose for which such edifices were designed.

" The earliest settlers of our city seem to have taken an interest in education in advance of some of their neighbors. In 1828, four years after the first pioneer settler had become a resident of our county, a log schoolhouse was built upon the lot now occupied by the dwelling of Mr. William Barnett, and, strange enough, this ' rude, but strong ' edifice, having been removed from ita first site, is still doing duty as a stable in the rear of the

Union Street Presbyterian Church, having survived at least two of its successors. At least foiu- buildings have been erected since the tirst rude cabin, and each in its tvu-n has been abandoned as too small or inconvenient.

" The present organization of the schools is, to a very great extent, the outgrowth of years of effort on the part of teachers and School Boards, supported by the enlightened co-operation of our citizens.

" The school is divided into eight grades, a division common in most of om- larger towns and cities. In oiu- schools, these i grades are subdivided, each into two divisions, or half-grades - | an arrangement which has this advantage over the common sys- j tem of early grades - that pupils who, from sickness or other causes, are so unfortunate as to be unable to advance with their class, can drop into a class only one-half year behind their former grade, instead of being obliged to enter a class removed a whole year from that which they were obliged to leave.

" The system of monthly written examinations is a thorough test of the progress of the pupils, and the registration of the , grading, and the fact that this grading forms, to a great extent, the test for promotion or demotion, is a powerful stimulus to exertion.

" The eight gi-ades mentioned do not include the high school, a department established as a separate school in iST-t. The qualifications for admission to this school are a thorough acquaintance with the couuuoii English branches. Its course of three years is divided into as many grades or classes, and the number of students ranges from thirty to about forty. The experiment of such a school in places the size of Delphi often | either fails, or, what is about the same thing, the department is consolidated with the next lower grade. There seems, happily, little danger of such a necessity in the case of this school, and ' the department may be regarded as permanently established. [ mention as a superior instructor, and in the long list of his successors, in private and select schools, were jVIi-s. Bladen, Mr. Wright (who was a well-known Presbyterian minister). Miss Bolles, * * Mi's. Pollard and Mr. George Bowman.

" The only distinctly denominational school ever originated in Delphi is St. Joseph's Catholic School, still supported by the well-known, conscientious belief of the Catholic Church in the policy of education by the chui-ch exclusively." The present em-ollment of this school is little less than two hundi-ed.

Since the complete adoption of the present free-school system, the Principals of the High school department have been; John A. Cartwright, Mi-. Zeiuer, Mi-. Dyke 3hd Mr. John H. Snoddy, all of whom, with others, have been instrumental in the formation of that excellent reputation for effectiveness generally awarded to the public schools of Delphi.

^n the high school department, Mr. George Bowman was Principal until the breaking-out of the war-, and again after its close. He was succeeded, in 1871, by Mi-. Blakeman, who, after the erection of the new school building, in 1872-73, and the creation of the office of City Superintendent, was appointed Superintendent, and, in addition to his duties as teacher, was enabled, by diligent labor, to secure an effective re-organizatioii of the schools in the city. The tirst graduation was in 1872.

From 1871 until the close of the school year 1878, Mr. Blakeman continued to manage the school work in Delphi, with eniinent satisfaction to patrons and pupils. At the end of his term as Superintendent, he retired, and was subsequently succeeded by Prof. A. W. Dunkle, who, since that time, has met with great favor in his methods of directing school work in the several <lepartments. Having a very efficient corps of teachers under his control, it is fair to presume that the work has been and will be appreciated and approved by all interested. Indeed, Delphi occupies an enviable position in the standard of school economy accorded her.

Benevolent Lnstitutions Chai

FT has been pertinently remai-ked that Freemasonry is the *- handmaid of religion, and. as such, forms a vital part of the civilization that determines the ultimate prosperity of every new country where its re])resentatives are found. Cai-roU County - Delphi in particular - has drawn no inconsiderable portion of its [prosperous energy from this source. True, perhaps, the very fii-st settlers of the county were not members of the fraternity, b-.it pos.sessed of many of the elements that distinguish the teachings of the ancient brotherhood. Some of the leaders of society to whom Delphi especially owes much of its vantage-ground in becoming the center of trade for an extensive agricultural community were Freemasons, who did honor to the craft. Notwithstanding the truth of this statement as applied to the remote periods of the county's history, those representative men were not sufficient, in point of numbers, to justify the institution of a lodge for organized work. At a later date, however, when the number increased and the necessity for organization became more apparent, many of them affiliated with Tipton Lo.lge, No. 33. at Logansport, temporarily, contemplating, in the eai-ly future, the institution of a lodge at home. As early as the fall of 1828, citizens of this county became affiliauts with Tipton Lodge, and so remained for several years subsequent to that date. In the meantime, however, other of our citizens made ajiplication there and received the degrees recognized in ancient craft Masom-y, with a like ]>ui-pose in view. Diu-ing the years 1838 to 1840 and 1841, these applicants were not few in number, and. having possessed themselves of the ancient mysteries, being worthy and well qualified, at the opportune moment, upon consultation, it was determined to unite and foiTD a lodge in Delphi. Accordingly, on the 17th of May. 1842, a meeting of members of the craft was held at the Sheriff's office in Delphi to take the initial step toward procm-ing a dispensation authorizing them to work as a lodge. At this meeting. Gen. Samuel Milroy, Daniel L. ShoiTD. Daniel F. Vandeventer. Alexander M. Berry and Richard Richardson, all of them affiliants in Tipton Lodge, several of them having received the degrees there, were present. A petition was prepared and signed by those brethi-sn, together with Hiram Allen and William Sill, asking for a dispensation from the supreme authority of the State of Indiana, for the purpose set forth in the petition, recommending, also, Alexander M. Berry for Worshipful Master. Samuel Milroy for Senior Warden, and Daniel L. Shoup for Junior Warden. Delphi being in the jm-isdiotion of Tipton Lodge, the petition was referred to that lodge for its recommendation. At a meeting on the 21st of May, 1842, Tipton Lodge did so recommend the granting of the prayer of said petitioners, directing that such action be duly certified under the seal of the lodge and forwarded without delay. Pui-suant to the prayer of the petitioners, a dispensation was gi-anted, bearing date May 24, 1842, signed by Philip Mason, Grand Master, and attested by William H. Martin. Grand Secretary, under the seal of the Grand Lodge. The dispensation authorized the brethren named to work as St. John" s Lodge, U. D. On the 13th of June, 1842, the new lodge was instituted, with Alexander M. Berry, W. M. ; Samuel Milroy, S. W.; and Daniel L. Shoup. J. W., as in the dispensation prescriUted. The following other officers were chosen : Hii-am Allen, Secretary; George M. Maxwell, Treasurer; Richard Richardson, S. D. ; David W. Bowen, J. D. ; and Francis G. Kendall, Tiler, all of whom were regularly installed. At the close of the term for which they were chosen, the following officers were elected to serve during the ensuing term, to wit: Alexander M. Berry, W. M. ; Henry B. Milroy, S. W. ; Daniel L. Shoup, J. W. ; James Witherow, Treasurer; Robert C. Green, Secretary; George M. Maxwell, S. D.; David W. Bowen, J.D.; William H. Buford, Tiler - and installed November 10, 1842. Having worked satisfactorily under dispensation, and sent up for the inspection of the Grand Lodge a record of their proceedings, together with a copy of the by-laws adopted, the same were rt'ferred to the appropriate committee by the grand body, of which Isaac Bartlett was Chairman. This committee, upon due consideration of the premises, by its Chairman submitted the following report, which, with the resolution appended, was concurred in: "The committee have examined the proceedings and by-laws of St. John's Lodge (U. D. ) at Delphi, and find the same regular, and the by-laws in accordance v/ith the constitution and regulations of this Grand Lodge. Youi- committee recommend the adoption of the following resolution:

Resnleed, Thiit n charier hu grantud to St. JuUn's Lodge at, Delplii, as "Mount Olive Lodge, No. 48 ;" and that Brotlier George M. Ma.'iwell be the first Master thereof, Henry B. Milroy, .the Senior Warden, and Enoeli Rinehart, the Junior Warden.

In addition to the officers named in the chiu-tor, subordinate officers were elected, on the 8th of Juno, 1843, as follows; Robert C. Green, Secretary; James Witherow, Treasurer; Alexander M. Berry, S. D. ; David W. Bowen, J. D. ; William H. Buford, Tiler; Jacob Linkhauer and A. H. Bowen, Stewards. On the 30th of November, 1843, at the semi-annual election, the following officers were chosen: James Witherow, W. M. ; Henry B. Milroy, S. W. ; Abner H. Bowen, J. W. ;' Robert C. Green, Secretary; Henry R. Glazier, Treasurer; William H. Buford, S. D. ; Benjamin Barnhiser, J. D.; Thomas C. Hughes, Tiler; George M. Maxwell and A. M. Berry, Stewards. At the session of the Grand Lodge succeeding the election of these officers, twentyfour members were reported, five of whom had been initiated during the year preceding.

The officers elected and installed for the next half -j'ear were: George M. Maxwell, W. M. ; Alexander M. Berry, S. W.; Abner H. Bowen, J. W.; James Witherow, Treasurer; Enoch Rinehart, Secretary; William H. Buford, S. D.; Thomas C. Hughes, J. D.; Theodore Armitage, Tiler. At the election in December, 1844, Daniel L. Shoup was chosen W. M. ; Alexander M. Berry, S. W.; A. H. Bowen, J. W. ; James P. Dugan, Secretary; James Witherow, Trensurer; William H. Buford, S. D.; Thomas C. Hughes, J. D. ; Jacob Linkhauer, Tiler. At the session of the Grand Lodge in May, 1845, the number of members was reported at twenty-three, and two initiations. During the year following, thirteen members were initiated, and the total membership reported at thirty-one. The officers for the first half of the year 1846 were: Hiram Allen, W. M. ; Thomas C. Hughes, S. W. ; Henry R. Glazier, J. W.; Enoch Rinehart, Secretary; James Witherow, Treasurer; William H. Buford. S. D.; Theodore Ai'- mitage. J. D.; John Kuns and John B. Milroy, Stewards; and Alexander M. Berry, Tiler.

T~N the winter of I.S57. a number of the members of MoimtOlivo -*- Lodge, No. 48, and others in affiliation elsewhere, concpiying that it would be promotive of the interests of Freemasofirl in Delphi to have another lodge institr.ted, as a means of conducing to that end, application was made for a dispensation empi)wer- ing them to work as a separate lodge. The petition having been signed by a sufficient number of persons in good standing in the order, and properly recommended, was forwarded to the Grand Master. Sol D. Bayless. who, on the 5th day of January, 1858, granted those brethren a dispensation accordingly, appointing Bernard F. Schermerhorn. W. f.l ; Anthony Garrett. S. W. ; George Hobertson. J. W., of Advance Lodge. U. D. The further officers elected, on the 0th of January, were: James P. Dugan, Treasiu-er; Enoch Rinehart, Secretary; Attalas L. Benham, S. D. ; Henry M. Wright, J. D. ; and David Wingaid, Tiler. This lodge was iustitnted under the most favorable auspices, promising a brilliant fiiture. Upon the meeting of the Grand Lodge in May of that year, the application for a charter, accompanied by a record of proceedings had and the work done under dispensation, with by-laws, etj., was submitted and refeiTed to the proper committee, which, having carefully examined the matters so referred, presented the following report in the premises: " The Committee on Dispensations report that they have examined the by-laws of Advance Lodge, U. D., and find the same strictly in accordance with the Masonic law, we have had exhibited to us the record of thi' lodge, together with a register of its by-laws, and also a record for the names of visiting brothers, and your committee do most cheerfully represent that the books are all of 'superior quality, and the record kept in such a manner as to reflect honor upon herself and credit to the fraternity: that the name which she has selected is clearly manifest in her works: we would, therefore, offer the fullowing resolution, and recom- i This report was presented on the 25th of May, 1858, and fully I concurred in by the Grand Lodge, and the resolution accompany- ! ing it adopted. A charter was granted in accordance with the recommendation of the committee. The first officers chosen under j this charter were: Bernard F. Schermerhorn, W. J\'l. ; Anthony I Garrett, S. W.; George Robertson, J. W.: Att.ilas L. Benham, 8. [ D; Richard L. Higginbotham, J. D. ; Enoch Rinehart, Secretary; i James P. Dugan, Treasm-er; D. W. 0. Frisbie and Hiram Allen, I Stewai'ds.

I 1859, the following persons were chosen: B. F. Schermerhorn, W. M. : Anthony Garrett, S. W.: George Robertson, J. W.; Richturd L. Higginbotham, S. D.; William Kelly, J. D.: A. L. Benham, Secretary; James P. Dugan. Treasurer: Walter Beach and Henry M. Wright. Stewards: John M. Grant, Tiler. The f ol lowing was the membership at the end of that year: Master Masons, I Enoch Rinehart, De Witt C. Frisbie, Nathaniel Black, A. L. Ben- I ham, Joseph Sampson, James H. Stewai't, John B. York, Hugh I Shields; died, Hiram Allen.

After the commencement of the war, in 1861, there was but little activity manifested in keeping up the interest exhibited diu-ing the first year of its existence. The attendance became irregular, and there was a failure to make out reports for and send- representatives to the Grand Lodge. The situation remained practically unchanged until 1865, when the interest revived, the reports in 1865, 1866 and 1867 showing a decided increase in membership, as well as an apparent advance in i)rosperity and usefulness. This was especially true diu'ing the years 1868 to 1870, after which there was a decrease in membershiji, or rather there was no increase, and the prospects were not flattering as to siibsequent prosperity. The report representing the condition of the lodge during the year 1873 shows a membership of twenty-eight, being a decrease of two compared with the previous year. In 1874, it ceased to be represented in the Grand Lodge. The Grand Master, in his report submitted at the session of 1875, states that he received a commimication from the Worshipful Master and "^^'ardens of this lodge, in which it was shown that no meetings had been held for some time, and that it was proposed to surrender the charter, but wished to be permitted to close up the work, settle claims, etc. The permission was granted, and an agent appointed to receive the charter, books and property, who, at the appointed time, took charge of those effects, evei-ything, in the meantime, having been honorably and satisfactorily adjusted. Thus Advance Lodge, No. 220, passed off the roll of subordinate lodges in the Stateof Indiana.

In 1861, the officers were: Bernard F. Schermerhorn, W. M. ; Enoch Rinehart, S. W. ; D. W. C. Frisbie, J. W. ; Richai'd L. Higginbotham, S. D. ; George Robertson, J. D. ; James P. Diigau, Treasiu-er; James H. Stewart, Secretary : Hugh Shields and Oliver Guthrie, Stewards: Jonathan L. Knight, Tiler.

SOON after the affairs of Advance Lodge, No. 220, had been adjusted and its charter surrendered, the propriety of taking steps jjreliminary to the institution of a new lodge was so strongly expressed that, early in the year 1875, a petition for dispensation to form another lodge, signed by J. T. Richardson, M. R. Graham, Samuel W. Barnett, H. L. Merritt, P, Waller, Reed Case, Leon Biersdorf, M. Jakes, John Lathrop and W. T. Inglee, was forwarded to the Grand Master, Lucius A. Foote, who, on the 22d day of March, 1875, granted a dispensation for the puropses set forth in the petition, ai)pointing John T. Rich- j ardson, W. M.; Milton R. Graham, S. W. ; and Samuel W. Bar j nett, J. W. I

At the session of the Grand Lodge in May following, the necessary papers and records were presented for examination aril [ referred to the proper committee. On the 25th of May, that I committee having sufficiently examined the matters sulimitted. I presented the following report, which was eoncm-red in:

" Your committee have examined the by-Jaws and proceedings of Delphi Lodge, U. D. The by-laws are in harmony with the rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge. The proceedings are well gotten up, and the work regular in every particular. "We feel called upon to commend this lodge for the correct and business-like manner in which tbey have worked and kept their proceedings; and therefore, recommend that a charter be granted the bretlu-en of Delphi, Carroll County, to organize a lodge at that place, to be called Delphi Lodge, No. 510, and that Bro. John T. Richardson be appointed W. M.; Bro. Milton R. Graham, S. W.; and Bro. Michael Jakes. J. W., of said lodge." A charter was issued in accordance with the foregoing order, bearing date June 5, 1875. The lodge was instituted on the 24th of June, 1875, when the following oiBcers were chosen: J. T. Richardson, W. M.; Milton R. Graham, S. AV.; Michael Jakes, J. W.; Reed Case, Treasurer; P. W. Allen, Secretary; James M. Watts, S. D. ; John Lathi-ope, J. D. ; L. Biersdorff and H. S. Merritt, Stewards; and AV. F. Inglee. Tiler.

The following are the officers elected to serve during the year 18S2. to wit; B. F. Schermerhorn. W. M. ; James M. Watts, S. W.; L. Weisenstine, J. W.; William Bradshaw, Secretaiy; Enoch Rinehart. Treasurer; R. W. Crockett, S. D. ; Charles Angell, J. D. ; John Lathrope and A. Rosenthal. Stewards: John Sweigert, Tiler.

Dei,Phi Ciiaptek,No. 21

A /TANY of those who participated in the institution of Mount -^ '^-L Olive Lodge, No. 48, were also Royal Arch Masons, some of them holding membership in Logan Chapter. No. 2, at Logansport, while others affiliated with the La Fayette Chapter, No. 3, or elsewhere. It was not, however, until 1851, that a movement was put on foot to organize a chapter of Royal Arch Masons at Delphi. In the latter part of February or first of March of that year, through the agency of companions of La Fayette Chapter, a petition was prepared and signed asking a disponsatiun fromtlie Grand High Priest of the State of Indiana, authorizing the potitionere to work in the several degrees of Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch, us a chapter, until the Grand Chapter should meet and inspect their proceedings. The petition having been properly recommended by the neighboring chapters, and regular in all its details, the then Deputy Grand High Priest, Isaac Bartlett, of Logansport, granted them a dispensation bearing date March 7, 1851, uppointing Abner H. Bowen, High Priest, and Daniel F. Vandeventer, King - the principal officers. By virtue of that dispensation, a meeting of the Royal Arch Masons of Delphi, and such visitors as were present, was held at the hall of Mount Olive Lodge, No. 48. at which there were present Companions Herman Peters and Henry 0. Lawrence, of La Fayette Chapter, No. 3; A. H. Bowen, Daniel P. Vandeventer. Hiram Allen. William H Buford, Moses Coltoa, Henry Foreman and Rudolph Foreman. A chapter of Royal Arch Masons was opened for the transaction of business, when the dispensation was read by the acting Secretary, authorizing the companions named in the petition to meet and confer the degrees aforesaid. Subordinate officers, p)-o tern., having been appointed, the work was proceeded with in conformity with the regular usages of the order.

At the session of the Grand Chapter held at Indianapolis, commencing on the 21st of May, 1851. records of the proceedings had under dispensation were presented and referred to the Committee on Charters and Dispensations. This committee having carefully examined the matters submitted for its consideration, reported as follows:

" The Committee on Charters and Dispensations beg leave to report: They find the work done in this chapter to be regular. The first organization of the chapter is informally recorded. In one instance, they use bad language, as youi- committee think They say, 'called from labor to dispensation," and 'from dispensation to labor." Your committee think the old terms of ' Labor to Refreshment " cannot be improved upon. The word ' dispensation ' in that connection carries no intelligent idea to the mind of your committee: in other re.=ipects, they find no objections. Therefore,

The first of the principal officers elected at the organization of the chapter under the charter thus granted were: Abner H. Bowen. High Priest; Daniel F. Vandeventer, King; and Hiram Allen, Scribe.

James M. Watts, High Priest; J. D. Wilson, King; John Lathrope, Scribe; A. Rosenthal, Treasurer : R. W. Crockett, Secretary; B. F. Schermerhorn, Captain of the Hosts; Edward Walker, Principal Sojourner; A. B. Crampton, Royal Ai'ch Captain; Michael Jakes, Grand Master of the Third Vail; W. H. White, Grand Master of the Second Vail: (!hai'les Harlcy, Grand Master of the first Vail.

Source changes here: from History of Carroll County Indiana, by John C. Odell, published 1916; 2,984 words in this source stream.

Deer Creek Township

Deer Creek township was organized in May, 1828, by the board of county commissioners, and an election was ordered to be held on June 7, 1828. At this election Henry Robinson was elected a justice of peace. The board appointed the constables, overseers of the poor, and the fence viewers. Delphi, the county seat, is situate in this ' township. At the time of the organization of this township, there were about two hundred people in the township. The chief civil business transacted was the laying out of roads. The Wabash and Erie canal ran through this township, upon which canal there were a number of warehouses established. Delphi was incorporated pursuant to a charter of the Legislature of 1837-1838. In May, 1838, William Crooks was elected the first mayor.

The early schools \£kre taught in log school houses. The first public school building erected in Delphi was used for all purposes. The courts were held in it until the first court house was built. After the new Con¬ stitution went into effect, in 1852, the free school system, which has been in operation ever since, made provision for better school houses, and pro¬ vided for a tax for school purposes. 'The first building erected in Delphi for school purposes was in 1848, a brick, two-story house. A Methodist Society was organized in 1826. The Presbyterian church was organized in 1828."

The first saw-mill was built in 1826 by Henry Robinson. He erected a merchant mill on Deer creek in 1830. To this structure was added in later years, by the owners, a large addition, which was known as the "Red Mill," which was burned down four years ago. The Wabash railroad was built in 1857 and 1858, and then the canal soon went out of business.

Among the first settlers of this township were Henry Robinson, Abner Robinson, John Carey, B. D. Angel, James Odell, Sr., John Ballard, Daniel

Deer creek takes its rise in Howard county and runs almost due west through the center of the county. It is largely made from numerous springs of pure water and was noted for fine fish in former days, before poisonous substances were permitted to enter it from straw-board factories. This creek is further noted from the poem written by Indiana's great poet about thirty-one years ago when on a visit to a friend in this city. James Whit¬ comb Riley, on a stroll up the banks east of town, caught the muse and wrote the following verses: gated as the Ouabache all the way to the Mississippi a long time before it was discovered that it was a tributary of the Ohio (Belle Riviere). In descending the Mississippi the French explorers thought they passed the mouth of the Ouabache instead of the Ohio, and in traveling from the Great Lakes to the South, the French always went by way of the Ouabache or the Illinois. The Wabash river had much to do in directing immigration to these fertile regions. As would be expected, the stream is not noted in chronicle or legend as remarkably salubrious or eminently conducive to longevity, and it may be set down as a fact was never mistaken for that fountain of per¬ petual youth whose rejuvenating water the early Spanish explorers endured so many hardships in seeking. But away back in the dim past, when France held dominion from the St. Lawrence to the Mississippi, it is invested with romantic interest as being part of the great line of communication between Canada and the military posts in the Southwest, by which the hardy trader embarking in his pirogue at Quebec made nearly the entire journey to Post Vincennes by water. A journey of one of these voyages would be immensely interesting to the dwellers along the Wabash of today. The French explor¬ ers and missionaries of two hundred years ago spoke in letters and journals, of the Maumee and Wabash, as routes of communication between the lakes and the Mississippi, and from that time until the country came into pos¬ session of the United States and was opened to white settlement, those rivers have been used for a like purpose by the traders and others having inter¬ course with the many Indian tribes living in their vicinity.

Early And Subsequent Explorers

Among other explorers of the Wabash, as compared with Henne¬ pin and LaSalle, who made the earliest mention of it, are Capt. Druett Richardville, father of John B. Richardville, who for fifty years up to the time of his death, in 1841, was principal chief of the Miami tribe of Indians; Capt. Jocko Godfrey, father of Francis Godfrey, a distinguished war chief of the same tribe, who died in this country in 1845 an^ whose children still live here; Gen. Hyacinth LaSalle, the first white child born at Ft. Wayne; Captain Wells, killed in the massacre at Chicago, and Joseph Bar¬ ron, who in 1810 was sent by General Harrison from Vincennes to the prophet at his town, near the mouth of the Tippecanoe, with a message con¬ cerning the trouble which afterward led to the battle of the Tippecanoe. Barron was interpreter at most of the Indian treaties for the fifty years preceding his death, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren are among the citizens of this valley today. These men followed in the wake of the first explorers and missionaries and are prominent in the history of this region from about the period of the Revolutionary War to the time of their death. They were generally engaged in trade with the Indians, made their headquarters at Ft. Wayne and Vincennes, and in the requirements of their business used the Wabash as a highway between these points.

The Wabash And Erie Canal

The Congress of the United States, on March 2, 1827, granted to the state of Indiana a quantity of land equal to one-half of five sections in width, on each side of a proposed canal, connecting the waters of the Wabash river with those of Lake Erie and reserving each alternate section to the state. These lands were at the disposal of the state Legislature, for the purpose of aiding in the construction of the canal.

The Act of the General Assembly of the state of Indiana, approved on January 5, 1828, accepted the grant of land from the United States govern¬ ment and provided for the appointment of canal commissioners, defining their duties. One of their duties was to locate the canal. The Act of the General Assembly, approved on January 23, 1829, more fully laid out the duties of the commissioners, and required them as soon as the land granted by the general government was surveyed, to select said land agreeable to the intent of the Act of Congress, omitting the reservations made by treaties with the Indians, and to make maps of the same and file them with the secretary of state.

The cost of the canal was estimated by a competent corps of United States engineers at the sum of $1,081,970. The sale of the canal lands and other resources composed the canal "fund." Bonds were sold to raise money to construct this mammoth undertaking, and the history of this enterprise would make a good-sized volume. The canal commissioners were given almost unlimited power. They could get their material where they pleased, erect bridges, dams and other works necessary for their purposes, and the law provided for the payment of damages. Eighty thousand acres of land had been sold at private sale by the first of the year, 1834. The canal was being constructed from 1834 to 1843.

Internal Improvements

In 1832 and 1833 the people of this state became convinced that a system of internal improvements would attract emigrants from eastern states, and with great unanimity had the Legislature adopt a system for improvement of transportation. Canals and highways were planned, com¬ missioners and trustees appointed. The question of cost cut but little figure. The Wabash and Erie canal was the most stupendous undertaking. This water-way, commencing at Terre Haute and ending at Toledo, was ten years in construction. A large grant of government lands was given to the state to enable the state to carry on the work; every sixteenth quarter sec¬ tion was reserved for school purposes.

This colossal undertaking is said to have cost fifteen millions of dollars. The canal was declared open for commerce and travel in 1840. About the time of its completion, the money of the state consisted of bank notes; the state was flooded with "wild cat" paper, "blue dog and bull pup." Much of this paper was worthless. The state credit became impaired and the canal commissioners were unable to borrow money. The people found that they had undertaken work that would, sooner or later, bankrupt the state. Prior to 1840 politics had not intervened to disrupt the legislative plans, but in 1840 one of the most spectacular political campaigns came on. The Whigs were in power in the state. Harrison and Van Buren were competitors for President. The fight almost set aside the work in progress, discontent arose, and rank repudiation of the debts was advocated.

Eventually the state got rid of the canal business, and this water-way fell into private hands, the state standing sponsor for unpaid obligations. It is said that even to this day some of that old debt remains unpaid. It required able and wise legislation in after years to put the state on a sure financial footing. Emigration came pouring in from all directions, homes were established, wagon roads laid out and constructed, railroads built, and as a result, the canal went out of business. From the time the railroads were installed the country went forward by leaps and bounds, land values increased and manufacturing and other public utilities were established in the towns and cities.

Gas And Oil

The discovery of oil fields in Howard and other counties east of this territory induced the formation of a company here, with Samuel G. Greenup at the head, some twenty-five years ago. Nine wells were put down in various places at a cost of about one thousand dollars for each well, and they were sunk to a depth of one thousand to thirteen hundred feet. There were two wells that showed some oil, and one well some gas. The well at the city waterworks was used for sanitarium purposes for a year or two, at the building on the east side of South Washington street, known as the

"Sweagman Hotel,'' and many invalids came here from all parts of the country with chronic diseases, and many of them were cured or greatly benefited. At the death of the proprietor the sanitarium was closed, and no further effort has been made to avail of the benefits of the water, which was pronounced to be equal to the best in the state for sanitarium purposes.

The two wells that showed oil were situated on the farm known as the Stansel farm, one-half mile south of the city. Some enterprising man in the future may turn to this field and develop the territory, and the people of old Carroll may be amazed at the results. One of the nine wells, located on the south bank of Deer creek, two miles east, is a flowing water well, and the water is pronounced from the analysis to be a superior water for health purposes, and mav in time be utilized for sanitarium purposes.

Pioneer Transportation

In the year 1828 commissioners were appointed by the Legislature to locate the Wabash and Erie canal and the construction commenced in 1832 and was completed to Evansville in 1843. For thirty years it was the only means of transportation for the people of the Wabash valley. Along the canal towns were built, large warehouses erected, and canal boats were daily passing, the principal market being Toledo.

In 1857 the Wabash railroad was constructed and put an end to the usefulness of the canal and the towns along it began to decay, the ware¬ houses rotted down, the old channel filled up - here and there a submerged boat - and the right-of-way passed into private hands. The Wabash river was by law a navigable stream and by our early settlers Pittsburg, in Carroll county, was regarded the head of navigation.

When the great dam was constructed at Pittsburg a steamboat lock was built at the south end of the dam at a great expense, to please the people of Logansport, who expected the steamers to ply to their port. Several steam¬ boats had prior to this time come up to this point from the lower Wabash.

From 1825 to 1840 the early settlers were without means of transpor¬ tation, except by ox and horse teams. Michigan City was the nearest mar¬ ket of consequence in those years, and the people who had a wheat surplus hauled it to that city to trade for the necessaries of life. A knowledge of the territory to be crossed will give the reader some idea of what courage was necessary for the undertaking of a journey to the city on the lake.

The Wabash river was the natural outlet to the seaboard, via the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Some of the early business men conceived the idea of constructing flatboats, with capacity to carry from ten to fifteen thousand bushels of grain, and almost every year from 1830 to 1845 boatloads of grain, flour and lumber were shipped by this route. Abner Robinson made two trips with flour and lumber. A. H. Bowen shipped grain and pork. Greenup Brothers, Clay Williams and others, corn. These flatboats were from eighty to one hundred feet long. The gunnels were taken from poplar trees, eighty feet in length, eight inches thick and as wide as the tree would make. With four yoke of cattle these monster sticks would be hauled to the river on wheels. A cabin would be erected on the boat, where the crew slept and ate during a trip to New Orleans requiring from three to four weeks. After the sale of the cargo the shippers returned by steamers to Lafayette.

These trips were often dangerous and it was necessary to have the assistance of river pilots a part of the way to reach the point of destination in safety. The sale of the boats did not bring their first cost. It may be stated that the internal improvements set on foot by the state, which intended to open up the state to emigration and to give markets to the people of the state, cost an immense sum of money, which finally became a burden that deterred the rapid growth desired. The country has passed to modern sys¬ tems of progress, which are more in accord with individual prosperity.

A remarkable and interesting mound is found on the farm of Sarah Grove, in Jefferson township, in section 13. It has been a mark of interest ever since the first settlement of the township. Large timber was found on the mound. The adjacent country is very level. It is distant from any water-course four or five miles. There is nothing observable on the face of the nearby country to suspect any disturbance of the earth's surface by any volcanic action. The earth material in the mound is sand and fine gravel. The shape of the mound is circular, and covers a space of five or six acres. Its height is about seventy-five or eighty feet at the apex. The surface rim is well marked, being a complete circle, embracing a space of about one acre. About one hundred feet from the circle rim, is a well-defined trench, encircling the apex, this trench is about one-third the distance to its base. There are no other mounds near, and none other in the township. For many years people have been taking gravel out of the southwest quarter of the mound. The first excavation being at the top and within the apex center, there was found at a depth of eight feet, bones of human skeletons, some of which were in a fair state of preservation, others badly decayed. These bones were found on the eastern side of the apex rim. Some flint arrowheads and a stone hatchet were found. The fact that bones were found in a fair state of preservation, would indicate that they were bones of a people that lived long since the time of the mound builders, according to the views of historians. This view does not preclude the fact that the mound was made by the Mound Builders. It would tend to show that the American Indian had made use of it to bury their dead. Its antiquity can¬ not be questioned. When, and who made it will never be known. That it is the work of human intelligence cannot be disproven. The ascent to the apex is gradual, and at an angle of about forty-five degrees. This elevation , is of the same degree around the mound. No large boulders were found until at the base of the excavation, some sixty-five feet below the apex rim.

A few small stones are scattered below the first third downward from the rim. There is one tree standing near the eastern rim at least one hundred years old. There are some features present in this mound found in the mounds in Ohio, but they are not so well marked. If built by the Mound Builders, it is at least two thousand years old. The evidences of human existence in this country, long prior to any written history, sustains the theory that thousands of years ago the American country was inhabited by different races of men, now extinct. Their characteristic differences are determined by the remains of buildings, implements and places of abode. From whence they came, or whither they went, is a secret folded up in the archives of the past and securely locked to the future explorers.