Ervin Township (part 1 of 2)

Ervin Township

Ervin Township is the largest township in Howard County, and is situated in the northwestern part of the county. It is seven miles north and south and six miles east and west, thus containing forty-two square miles. It is bounded on the north by Cass County, on the east by Clay Township, on the south by Monroe Township and Wild Cat River and on the west by Carroll County. This township is part of the land ceded by the General Government to Indiana, and from her to the Wabash & Erie Canal for its construction. The eastern and northeastern portions of the township are very low and swampy ; the northwestern and southern parts of the township are sufficiently undulating to make fine agricultural lands with but little underdraining. No better soil can be found anywhere than is possessed by Ervin Township. It is a black sandy loam, the soil being very deep and almost inexhaustible. It can be farmed for years without rest or change and still be productive.

The great drawback to much of the land in Ervin for agricultural use was the fact of its being so low and swampy. Crops were ruined by the rain whenever the spring season proved a little wet. The land lying in such large quantities needing drainage, the underground drains were impracticable. Therefore the farmers have taken to the construction of open ditches - great canals for the discharge of this surplus water. These now thread the township in every direction and much land which a few years ago was deemed almost valueless, is now among the most productive to be found in the township. These drains have also been instrumental in carrying away the water formerly stagnant in ponds all over the township. Soon after the rainy season closed in early summer, this water, gathering in pools, caused much malaria. Chills and fever were the scourge of the day, commencing the latter part of August and lasting until cold winter froze the ague out of the people, as it were. Many times all the members of a family would be stretched upon beds of sickness at the same time, no one being able to wait upon any other. Quinine was a staple article of commerce. The writer has known many families who purchased the drug at wholesale, as it was thus obtained much cheaper. Those days have happily passed, and now there is no more healthy part of the country.

Pioneer Settlers

The early settlers of Ervin Township were from Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. They Avere a hardy, economical hard-working people, sober and religious. No community was ever blessed by a better class of immigrants.

The township was named Ervin in honor of Robert Ervin, an earlv settler, and one of the first Associate Justices of the early county of Richardville, now Howard. He settledon the old John Young farm, now owned by Tom Ridgeway.

Robert Walker, who lived in Miami County, near Peru, came into Ervin Township in the early part of 1838. He remained here some six or eight weeks, hunting and fishing. He was much pleased with what he saw, and in the early fall of 1838 he sold his little possessions near Peru and started for what is now Ervin Township. He induced Isaac Price, Joseph Taylor and his son, George Taylor, to accompany him to the forests of Ervin. When they arrived, they fell to preparing homes for themselves and families. Soon the pioneer's cabin was ready for the reception of its humble occupants. Isaac Price and his family settled on the farm now known as the Col. Richmond farm. Here Mrs. Price gave birth to a daughter, Mary C. Price, on the 15th day of August, 1839, being the first white child born in Ervin Township. The mother never fully regained her health, and in the fall of the same year, she died here, making the second death in this county.

In the latter part of 1838, the father of George W. Brown settled in the northwestern part of Ervin Township, and commenced making for himself a home in the forest. The old Brown farm is now one of the best in the township. George W. Brown still lives in the township, near the west end of the Pete's Run gravel road.

first Sheriff elected by the people of the new county, and the election was held at his house, this, also, being the first election held in the county. Soon after this, Joshua Barnett erected the first store in the township, and also erected a saw mill, and attached a corn-cracker thereto. This proved a great convenience to the pioneer fathers, as it enabled them to get their corn meal near at home. Previous to this, they were compelled to go fifteen and twenty miles for this prime necessity. The old mill is now known as Cromwell's mill, being on the west side of the boundary line, on the Wild Cat pike.

David Foster established a trading post on the boundary line, in 1840, for the purpose of trading with the Indians. To say that poor Lo never got the best of him in a trade, would be stale, as his cunning has become proverbial in this county. The old settlers never weary of recounting his wonderful exploits.

In 1841, Jacob Price and his family followed their son, Isaac. This year also came David Bates and William Y. Gearheard. Uncle Billy Oearheard died but a short time ago, at the advanced age of ninetythree.

Early Improvements

The first post office in the township was at Poplar Grove, in the northwestern part of the township. This is a small village, if it is of sufficient importance to be denominated such, and is the only one in this large and flourishing township. There is nothing there now but the post office and a blacksmith shop.

The other two post offices are " Ervin " and " Ridgeway." Dr. I. W. Martin is Postmaster at Ervin, and has been since its establishment in 1862. He is also one of the pioneer physicians and old settlers. When the sickly seasons would begin, in the " auld lang syne," then the jolly Doctor would reap a harvest. He delighted in giving a fellow quinine, and then laughing at him for swearing it was bitter. Daniel Booerholser is the Postmaster at Ridgeway. At Ervin and Ridgeway, there are country stores kept by the Postmasters.

William Butcher erected the first brick house in the township in 1854 ; he had moved here from Decatur County, Ind. The house still stands in a perfect state of preservation, and is now inhabited by John Wilson, Esq., his son-in-law. It was here that Uncle Billy died. Uncle Bobby Coate built the first flouring mill in the township, in the year 1846, at Poplar Grove. He also erected a saw mill, which proved to be a valuable property, as the township was now being very rapidly settled, and sawed lumber was in great demand.

Streams, Etc

Pete's Run and Deer Creek are the only streams of water in the township. Pete's Run was named in honor of Peter Cornstalk, a celebrated Miami chief. He was buried on the farm of Dan Flora, and there his bones rested in peace until the spring of 1878, when Dr. W. L. Price^ now of Windfall, without the fear of disturbing his soul, resurrected his bones and found a hunting knife, powder horn and flask. The Doctor now has the skeleton in his office. Pete's Run rises in the eastern part of the township, runs in a southwesterly direction, and empties into the Wild Cat, near the southwestern part of the township. Deer Creek rises in Clay Township on the east of Ervin, and flows in a northwesterly direction until it leaves the township ; it finally empties into the Wabash.

Those who came at an early date found plenty of work in making their farms. The township was covered with a dense growth of very heavy timber. All the different varieties of timber native to this county were there in great profusion. Timber was destroyed in order to get rid of it, that would now bring ^100 per tree. Walnut, poplar, oak, elm and other varieties were growing in great quantities. The township is now in the vanguard of Howard's progress. There are magnificent farms, schoolhouses, churches, gravel roads, and everything necessary to comfort and happiness. The most approved agricultural implements are employed in the cultivation of the land, the stumps have been mainly taken out of the fields, so that farming is now a pleasure as well as a profit. Nearly all of the land within its borders is now in shape to be cultivated, and is valuable, appraising from $40 to |100 per acre.

Later Settlers

The early settlers of the township, aside from those already named, were Alexander Forgy, James McCool, James Burnett, Daniel Smith and Alif Henly. These came in the years 1842 and 1843. After this, people commenced coming in very rapidly, and among them were Bluford Hawkins, Abraham Brubaker, John Flora, Jacob Early, Sr., John B. Early, James Forgy, Daniel Lambert, Charles Standiford, Joel Brower, Levi Beckner, Jackson McDowell, James Ridgeway, Sr., Ephraim Woods, J. L. D. Hanna, Capt, John Harrison, Amos Bates, Samuel Bortsfield, Francis M. Power, Jacob Lawrence, Ralph French (afterward for many years Township Trustee), John Rider, Henry H. Gillam, William Malaby, Burrell Bell, Silas Baldwin, Benjamin Tucker and Abram Flora. Of the above, only a few are still living, the others having gone to the better world.

There are six church houses in the township at present. The Friends have a house of worship a little way east of Poplar Grove, with quite a number of communicants.

In the northeastern part of the township is the house of the United Brethren, near the old Ralph French farm. The same denomination have a beautiful church building just south of Poplar Grove. There is a Baptist Church, about two miles east of Ervin Post Oflfice, called Judson. The Christian Church has a good building on the Wild Cat gravel road, near the west end of the pike, as has also the old order of German Baptists, on the farm of Peter Miller, near the end of the same pike. This is a beautiful new building and is supported by a wealthy class of worshipers. In fact, all these different denominations are in a flourishing state. The colored folks are quite numerous in this township, and have a school of their own, generally taught by a person of color, and there is also a church of the same people of the Baptist faith. Richard Bassett is their pastor.

The First Trustees, Physicians And Ministers

When it became necessary to choose county officers, the first election in the county was held at Capt. John Harrison's, on the farm now owned by T. A. Harrell. The building in which this election was held was built for Capt. Harrison by Mr. Penny, father of Col. E. W. Penny, of Kokomo. The same building still stands, and the original roof turns water quite well yet. There was not then as much interest manifested as now in politics, and the election was a very quiet one.

In 1844, there was an assessment made upon the township. Charles Price, son of Isaac Price, one of the very first settlers of the township, was the Assessor.

The first church was built by the Quakers at Poplar Grove, in the year 1848. The same place claims the honor of the first schoolhouse, and Robert Coate was the first teacher. The first Justice of the Peace was Daniel Cline, Esq., and Daniel Flora, David Smith and William King were the first Trustees.

Dr. James M. Darnall and Mr. Anderson, of Burlington, were among the earliest physicians to practice in this township. Doctor A.nderson still resides in Burlington and practices his profession. Dr. Darnall has been a resident of Kokomo for some time, where he is held in high esteem by all its citizens. Dr. Martin has been for many years the principal physician of the township. He is still in the enjoyment of a large practice.

One of the first, if not the first marriage in the county, was that of William Walker to a step-daughter of Isaac Price. Certainly, it was the first marriage in the township. This was in January, IS-tl, four years before Kokomo was selected as tbe county seat of the new county.

H. Hamilton, one of the early preachers of the township, is still alive at an advanced age. He was a man of remarkable power, and was one of the most able backwoods preachers in the State of Indiana. Other preachers were Harper Hanna, Daniel Flynn, John Low and Benjamin Underwood. Rev. Joel Brower has been a minister of the Gospel for many years. He is still in the enjoyment of good health at the age of seventy-five. Alif Henly and George W. Harness Sr., lived to a great age. Henly died at the age of one hundred and ten years, while Mr. Harness was considerably past one hundred years. George W. Harness, Jr., is now living in the township at an advanced age.

Ervin Township did her full duty toward supplying Howard's quota in the field during the war of the rebellion, and no soldiers ever did better service. Joseph Bright, an old pioneer, sent five sons to the front, who remained until the war closed. Of the five. Peach and Isaac were drowned by the explosion of a boat on the Mississippi River, while on their way home after the war had closed. Sault T. Butcher, George Butcher, Isaac N. Butcher, John B. Butcher and A. P. Butcher, five sons of William Butcher, Esq., served in the war of the rebellion, and all were so fortunate as to get home alive.

The schools of Ervin have ever been noted for their efficiency and high standing. Some of the best country schools to be found anywhere are in Ervin. Much credit is due to the old teachers, who have been engaged in the work for years, among whom may be mentioned John B. Miller, Luther McDowell, Noah Whisler and Alvin McDowell. The teachers for the past winter were as follows : Henry C. Miller, Elmer Bryan, Jordan Tucker, George Miller, Luther McDowell, William H. Thompson, Alvin McDowell.

JOHN B. BUTCHER was born in Decatur County, Ind., near Greensburg, January 20, 1843, and is the son of William and Sadona (Hancock) Butcher. His father is a native of Virginia, and his mother of Kentucky. They came to this county in 1854, and settled in Ervin Township. At that time J. B. Butcher was eleven years old, and since has lived in this county, where he received a common school education.

In the summer of 1861, he attended the graded school seven weeks at Kokomo, under Prof. Baldwin, at which time, when only eighteen years of age, September 21, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Thirty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served three years, and was mustered out at Indianapolis September 24, 1864. He was in battle at New Madrid, Mo. ; Riddle's Point, Mo. ; Fort Pillow, Tenn. ; Grand Prairie, Ark. ; Grand Gulf, Miss. ; Port Gibson, Miss. ; Fourteen Creek, Miss. ; Champion Hills, Miss. ; siege of Vicksburg ; Jackson, Miss. ; and Grand Coteau, La. After the war, Mr. Butcher returned home and worked with his father three years. He was married October 27, 1867, to Sarah J. Thomas, a native of Cass County, Ind. They have three children - Orville 0., Mary M. and Angie Monette. When he was married, he purchased the land where Hiram Pickett now lives, and the next fall purchased the farm where he now resides. He has a farm of 164 acres, about 110 under cultivation, and raises grain and stock. He is at present Trustee of the township, and he and wife are members of the United Brethren Church.

I. W. MARTIN, M. D., born March 1, 1829, in Lebanon County, Penn., is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Wetterhold) Martin. His father was born in Montgomery County, Penn., July 1, 1805; his mother is a native of Lebanon County, Penn. ; born in 1809 ; died in 1848. His parents had eleven children - John Henry (deceased); Samuel A., a farmer near Arcadia, Ind. ; Sarah, wife of A. P. Erbaugh, a farmer of Montgomery County, Ohio ; Mary A., wife of Jerome Martin (deceased) ; William, a farmer in Kansas ; Lydia, wife of Andrew Robinson, a farmer of Carroll County, Ind. ; Charles, a plasterer; Eliza, wife of Samuel Couffer, of Steelton, Penn. ; Ruth, deceased wife of John W. Biesecker ; Hiram (deceased) ; and the subject of this sketch. Mr. Martin's second marriage was on July 4, 1849, to Nancy Grundon, which union was blessed with three children. I. W. Martin was reareil in Dauphin County, Penn., and there received a common school education. He also attended the academy at Danville. At the age of twelve, he drove a team on the Ohio Canal, after which he assisted his father in plastering, and learned hat and bonnet pressing in Philadelphia. In 1852, he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. Gideon Fahnstock, at Danville, Penn., and read with him three or four years. He was married May 24, 1849, to Sarah C. Light, a native of Lebanon County, Penn. They have had thirteen children - John Henry, Mary Louisa, Thomas W., Samuel L., Albert E,, Amanda I., Amos A., Kate E., Milton M., Ella Jane, Israel A. (deceased), Sarah A. (deceased), and Howard E. (deceased). In the fall of 1849, Mr. Martin came to this county, and in 1860 moved his family here, locating in Ervin Township, where he now resides. In six months after moving here, he purchased four acres of ground, and built a log cabin. The day after moving into it it burned, and they lost everything they had. He now has forty-nine acres, well improved, with good house and barn. Mr. Martin cast his first Presidential vote for Buchanan and his second for Lincoln. February 6, 1863, he was commissioned by Montgomery Blair as Postmaster at Ervin, which office he has held ever since. In 1875, he was commissioned Notary Public, which office he now holds. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has had a continuous practice of medicine in his township since his location there in 1860. Mr. Martin has a printing press, and the editors of Kokomo say he is the best self-made printer in Northern Indiana. He does all his own printing, besides job work of all kinds. He keeps a general store, and is the sole proprietor and manufacturer of Martin & Son's Blood Invigorater, and his Cough Elixir.

WILLIAM MITCHELL was born in Parke County, Ind., December 9, 1840, and is one of eight children born to Perley and Phoebe (Lewis) Mitchell. The father was a native of New Hampshire, and the mother was a native of New York, and is living in Terre Haute on the homestead. William Mitchell was reared in Parke County, where he received the benefit of the common schools, after which he attended school at the Bloomingdale Academy. September 5, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Thirty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at Terre Haute, Ind. He was in battle at Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, Stone River, and several skirmishes. He served three years, and was mustered out at Chicago September 5, 1864, when he returned to his father's, in Parke County, and engaged in farming. In October, 1867, he came to this county and purchased eighty acres of land in Ervin Township, partly under cultivation. He has since added 173 acres, and now raises grain and stock. Mr. Mitchell has served one term as Trustee of the township. He was married, November 5, 1868, to Miss Rhoda Tucker, a native of Ohio. His wife died in 1871, leaving one child, Nora. May 23, 1872, he married Hulda Morris, a native of Miami County, Ind. They have six children - Belle, Frank. John, Herman, Sumner and Reyburn.

WILLIAM J. SIMPSON is the second in a family of six children born to William and Sarah (Turner) Simpson, natives of North Carolina and Pennsylvania, and of English and Irish descent. William J. was born in Fayette County, Ind., March 8, 1827, and was reared upon the farm, receiving a limited education. He served an apprenticeship of three years at the carpenter's trade, and, shortly after his majority, was married to Miss Sarah Fiant, born June 7, 1832, the daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Bilman) Fiant, of Fayette County. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Simpson engaged in farming in Fayette County, where he remained three years. He then removed to Montgomery County, Ohio, thence he located in Darke County, and later removed to Preble County. In October, 1857, he came to this county, purchased eighty acres of land and resided in the first log cabin built in Ervin Township. Here he cleared out a home for himself and family. He enlisted, in December, 1863, in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, organized at Camp Still well, Kokomo, Ind., under Capt. Garrett. He participated in battle at Nashville, Tenn. Mr. Simpson, while in Camp Carrington, Indianapolis, was thrown from the barracks and had his leg broken and received a severe wound in his side. After he recovered from this, he was placed upon detail duty, and was discharged June 22, 1865. Upon his return home, he engaged in farming, and is now located upon a farm near Ridgeway. He is an active politician in the Republican party, but cast his first vote for Zachary Taylor in 1848. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have been blessed with six children - Elizabeth H. A. (deceased), born April 18, 1851 ; Francis S., born January 21, 1857; Sarah E., born April 6, 1859; William H., born August 19, 1862 ; John M. (deceased), born October 1, 1866 ; and Marion T., born February 10, 1869. Mr. Simpson is a prominent comrade in the G. A. R., and his wife is identified with the German Baptist Church.

Part Iii By Weston A. Oooiispeeu

THE county of Tipton possesses the historic peculiarity of having had the southern portion thrown into mai'ket and settled quite extensively for a number of years before the Indian title to the northern portion was extinguished. It appears that the territory now comprising the county was foi'merly the andisputed domain of the Miamis; but at some period during the latter part of the eighteenth century, the Delawares seem to have acquired a claim to that portion watered by White River, as is shown by the second article of the treaty of Fort Wayne, September 20, 1809, between the United States and the Delawares, Pottawatomies, Miamis and Eel River Miamis, the article reading as follows: " The Miamis explicitly acknowledge the equal right of the Delawares with themselves to the country watered by the White River. But it is also to be clearly understood that neither party shall have the right of disposing of the same without the consent of the others, and any improvements which shall be made on the said land by the Delawares, or their friends, the Mohecans, shall be theirs forever." By the first article of the treaty of St. Mary's, between the United States and the Delawares, on the 3d of October, 1818, such tribe relinquished their claim to all lands in the State of Indiana. Thus it seems that all that portion of the county "watered by White River became the property of the United States in 18] 8. Three y^rs later (1821), the Government survey took place.

If any white persons located permanently within what is now Tipton County, prior to the thirties, such fact is not now known. White people began to enter what is now Hamilton County as early as 1819, or within a year after the Delaware title to the soil was extinguished, and so rapid was the settlement that, during the session of the State Legislature in 1822-23, the act was passed creating the county of Hamilton. The lands of Hamilton County were subject to entry at Brookvtlle, and later at iBdianapolis. The lands of Tipton County (those south of the old Miami reservation) were subject to entry at Fort Wayne, and remained thus until about the year 1848, when the land office was transferred to Indianapolis. But the settlement of southern Tipton County was postponed until about twelve years after the county of Hamilton was created, and was thus a howling wilderness for that entire period, when the county on the south was undergoing rapid settlement and improvement. It is, of course, certain that the county of Tipton was often traversed by white hunters and speculators from the south, and by traders who crossed the county on their way to traffic with the Miamis in Howard and northern Tipton Counties. Various Indian trails were the highways over which the traders traveled. Wild animals were found abundantly in all portions of the county, especially along the streams, where impenetrable swamps abounded, and where the animals sought refuge when pursued by hunters. Old settlers of Hamilton County state that bears were numerously found in all the region bordering Cicero Creek, and that such region was a favorite hunting-ground of the Miamis on the north. The country (vas constantly invaded by hunters and trappers from the south, and, erelong, the bears had nearly all been killed or driven away, and even the deer had become comparatively scarce and quite shy. Cicero Creek is said to have derived its name from the following circumstance: The survey took place in 1821, under Judge (William B.) Laughlin, of Brookville. One of his assistants was his son Cicero, who undertook to drink, one day, from the stream, but while stooping down missed his hold, and plunged into the water. This mishap so amused the father that he is said to have then and there named the creek Cicero, to commemorate the event of the ducking. This occurred in Hamilton County. Much more regarding wild animals and Indians will be found in other portions of this volume.

Location

1838, so that in 1839 it was found expedient to make some provision for the taxation of the settlers, and for the administration of justice. Accordingly, by an act of the General Assembly, approved February 16,

1839, the boundary of the county of Eichai'dville was formed, the Miami title to the old Miami reservation having been extinguished in 1838, though the tribe was not to be removed therefrom nor molested until 1842 and 1843, so that no oi-ganization of such county could take place until 1844. A portion of the coiinty of Richardville, as thus defined, now belongs to Tipton County, as will be seen by considering what follows. Section 2 of that enactment attached all of the Miami reservation south of Cass County and north of the line dividing Townships 22 and 23 north, to Cass County. These sections were 6, 5. 4 and possibly 3, in Township 23 north. Range 3 east, now in the extreme northwestern part of Tipton County. Section 3 of the enactment attached all of the reservation south of Miami County and north of the line dividing Townships 22 and 23 north, to Miami County. Thus, Sections 1, 2 and per- haps 3, in Township 23 north, Range 3 east, Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Township 23 north, Range 4 east, and Sections 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Township 23 north. Range 5 east, now forming a portion of the northern tier of sections of Tipton (bounty, were attached to Miami County. Section 4 of the enactment attached all of the reservation east of the eastern boundary of Miami County, and north of the line dividing Townships 22 and 23 north, to Grant County. The territory thus attached to Grant was Sections -5 and (3 in Township 23 north, Range 6 east, and Sections 1 and 2 in Township 23 north, Range 5 east. Section 5 of the enact ment was as follows:

Section 5. .So much of said reservation as is north of the county of Hamilton and south of the line dividino- Townships 22 and 23 north, is hereby attached to the said county of Hamilton for judicial purposes ; and the said counties to which the said territor_y is hereby temporarily attached shall exercise all the rights, privileges and jurisdictions in and over said territory that to said counties belon;;- according to law in other cases, and when the population in such attached territory will warrant shall form the same into townships, and order the election of Justices of the Peace' and other township officers; and the inhabitants of such attached territory shall be entitled to and exercise all the rights and privileges that other citizens of said counties are entitled to. Tj-^icy

It should be noticed, that all this teiritory, at least ^11 of the old Miami reservation referred to above, was created as Richardville County, which was not to be organized until the Indians were removed and the white population warranted. In the meantime, tiie lanii was attached to the surrounding counties, as above stated. It is clear, then, that all of the Miami reservation now in Tipton County was, by this enactment, included within the boundarias of the old Richardville County. There seems to have been no direct provision made for that portion of Tipton County south of the Miami reservation. An indirect reference seems to be made to it in the first part of Section 5 of the enactment of 1839, quoted above, as the reservation south of the line dividing Townships 22 and 23 north could scarcely have been attached to Hamilton County, unless that portion of Tipton County south of the reservation was attached at the same time, or had been before. But it was not attached before, and subsequent references render it almost absolutely conclusive that Section 5, above quoted, provided that all of the present Tipton County south of the line between Townships 22 and 23 north should be attached to Hamilton County. Whether the southern portion of the county - that south of the reservation - was included within the boundaries of the county <^f Richardville fixed by the enactment of 1839, cannot be certainly stated by the writer, though that seems to have been the intention.

The Commissioners of Hamilton County no sooner became aware of the passage of the enactment of 1839, than (in January, 1839) they ordered, " That all the territory north of White River, Jackson and

Adams Townships (the northern tier of townships of Hamilton County), to the reservation, be attached to and form a part of said townships, and Allen Cole is ordered to obtain all the held notes for the territory north of White Kiver, Jackson and Adams Townships to the reservation." At the March (5th) session of 1839, the same Commissioners divided the attached territory on the north into the following townships: Cicero - Beginning at the southeast corner of Section 32, Township 21 north, Kange 6 east, thence north twelve miles, thence west ten miles, thence south twelve miles, to the southwest corner of Section 35, Township 21 north, Range 4 east, thence east to the place of beginning. Jeffemon - Beginning at the southeast corner of Section 34, Township 21 north. Range 4 east, thence north twelve miles, thence west ten miles, thence south twelve miles, to the southwest corner of Section 31, Township 21 north, Range 3 east, thence east to the place of beginning. The two townships, Cicero and Jefiferson, were made to include all of the present Tipton County except the tier of sections on ^the northern boundary, such tier having been attached to other counties, as previously stated. For Cicero Township, an election of two Justices of the Peace was ordered held at the house of James Goodpasture, on the first Monday in April, 1839, and Dempsey St. Clair was appointed Inspector of such election. An election of two Justices of the Peace in Jefferson Township was ordered held the first Monday in Aj^ril, and John Deal was appointed Inspector. Immediately after this, and possibly before the elections were held, the Commissioners of Hamilton re- adjusted the boundaries of Cicero and Jefferson Townships, and created the new township of Madison, giving each the following boundaries : Jefferson - Beginning at the southwest corner of the county, thence east eight , miles, thence north as far as the jurisdiction of Hamilton County extended, which was to the line dividing Townships 22 and 23 north, thence west eight miles, to the western boundary of Tipton County, thence south to the place of beginning. Cicero - Beginning at the southeast corner of Jefifersoa Township, thence east six miles, thence north as far as the jurisdiction of the county extended, thence west six miles to the northeast corner of Je£ferson Township, thence south to the place of beginning. Madison - Beginning at the southeast corner of Cicero Township, thence east six miles to the southeast corner of Tipton County, thence north along the eastern boundary as far as the jurisdiction of Hamilton County extended, thence west six miles to the northeast corner of Cicero Township, thence south to the place of beginning. No other changes were made until Tipton County was created. The settlers continued to pour into the southern portion of the county, and in the northern part many tracts of land were pre-empted by families that became actual residents, and by speculators who expected to hold the land until it had risen greatly in value, after which it would be sold to such men as would contract to become actual residents. Every inducement was offered to emigrants seeking homes, and the sale of lands aud town lots in the three villages that were laid out was advertised far in the East, to lure actual residents to the county, and thus hasten the improvement of the new country, increase the population and the blessings which follow settled communities, and multiply the value of the land and the farms.

In 1842 and 1843, the Miamis were removed west of the Mississi ppi River, after which the pre-emption of lands in the reserve (though they were not yet thrown into market) was rapid, and the settlement and improvement as extensive as if the land had been placed in the land offices for sale. The settlement in the present counties of Howard and Tipton was so rapid that the Legislature was formally petitioned to create two new counties, which was done during the sessoin of 1843-44, the enactment in full being as follows: -

Be it enacted by the Oeneral Assembly of the State of Indiana. That all the country included within the followini^ boundaries shall form and constitute the county of Tipton, to wit : Beginning at the northeast corner of Section 36, Township 23 north, Range 2 east, thence east to the northwest corner of Section 33, Township 23 north, Range 6 east, thence south to the line dividing Townships 20 and 21 north, thence west to the line dividing Ranges 2 and 3, thence north to the place of beginning.

Section 2. That all the country included within the following boundary shall form and constitute the county of Richardville, to wit : Beginning ai the northeast corner of Section 36, Township 23 north, Range 2 east, thence north to the southeast corner of Section 13, Township 23 north, Range 2 east, thence west to the line dividing Ranges 1 and 2, thence north to the line dividing Townships 24 and 25 north, thence east to the northwest corner of Section 4, Township 24 north. Range 6 east, thence south to the northwest corner of Section 33, Township 23 north. Range 6 east, thence west to the place of beginning.

Sec 3. Daniel P. Alder, of Grant County ; Jesse Carter, of Clinton County; Samuel Cunningham, of Hamilton County; Giles W. Thomas, of Cass Countyt James Nowland, of Madison County; and Lewis D. Adkins, of Miami County, be, and they are hereby appointed Commissioners for the purpose of fixing the permanent seat of justice in the said county of Tipton, agreeably to the provisions of an act to establish seats of justice in new counties, approved January 14, 1824. The said Commissioners, or a majority of them, shall meet at the house of Jesse Brown, in said county of Tipton, on the second Monday in May next, or as soon thereafter as a majority of them shall agree upon.

Sec. 4. John Moulder, of Parke County; Himelias Mendenhall, of Miami County; John Armstrong, of Carroll County; Oliver Raymond, of Wabash County; and Samuel Coiip. of Hamilton County, be, and they are hereby appointed Commissioners for the purpose of fixing the permanent seat of justice in the said county of Richardville agreeably (etc., as in Section 3). The said Commissioners, or a majority of them, shall meet at the house of John Harrison in said county of Richardville on the second Monday in May next, or as soon thereafter as a majority of them shall agree upon.

Sec. 5. The said Commissioners shall locate the permanent seats of justice of said counties as near the center thereof as a convenient site can be obtained, taking into consideration the amount proposed to be donated for the public buildings in said counties. Provided, hotcever, if the land where the said county seats are to be located is not surveyed, and a good and sufficient title cannot be obtained, then th

Sec. 6. From and after the first day of May next the said counties of Tipton and Richardville shall enjoy all the rights and jurisdictions which to separate counties do or may belong.

Sec. 7. It shall be the duty of the Sheriff of Hamilton County to notify the Commissioners hereby appointed to locate the seat of justice in the county of Tipton by writing of their appointment and the time and place of their meeting, and the county of Tipton shall make such Sheriff a reasonable compensation for his services.

Sec. 8. It shall be the duty of the Sheriff of the county of Carroll to notify the Commissioners hereby appointed to locate the seat of justice in the county of Richardville by writing of their appointment, and the time and place of their meeting, and the county of Richardville shall make such Sheriff a reasonable compensation for his services.

Sec. 9. The Circuit and other courts of the county of Tipton shall be held at the house of Jesse Brown, in said county, or at any other place where said courts may adjourn to until suitable accommodations can be had at the seat of justice.

Sec. 10. The Circuit and other courts of the county of Richardville shall be held at the house of John Harrison, in said county, or at any other place where said courts may adjourn to until suitable accommodations can be had at the seat of justice.

Sec. U. The boards doing county business in said counties, ;When elected and qualified, may hold special sessions not exceeding three the first year after the organization of said counties, and shall make all necessary appointments, and do and perform all other business that might have been necessary to be performed at any regular session, and take all necessary steps to assess and collect the State and county revenue.

Sec. 12. The county of Tipton 'shall be attached to and form a part of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit for judicial purposes, and shall be attached to the county of Hamilton for Representative purposes, and to the counties of Hamilton and Boone for Senatorial purposes, and to the Fifth Congressional District.

Sec. 13. The county of Richardville shall be attached to and form a part of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit for judicial purposes, and shall be attached to the county of Carroll for Representative purposes, and to the counties of Carroll and Clinton for Senatorial purposes, and to the Eighth Congressional District.

Sec. 14. The Circuit Courts in the county of Tipton shall be held on Mondays succeeding the courts in Jay County, and shall continue three days if the business require it.

Sec. 15. The Circuit Courts in the county of Richardville shall be held on Thursdays succeeding the courts of Tipton County, and shail continue three days if the business require it.

Sec. 16. The sixth section of an act, approved February 16, 1839, entitled "An act attaching certain territory to the counties therein named," and for other purposes, be and the same is hereby repealed.

Sec. 17. The act entitled " An act to compel speculators to pay a road tax equal to that paid by actual settlers," approved January 31, 1843, is hereby extended to the county of Tipton.

sioned Sheriff by Gov. Whitcomb. and empowered to order an electi<)n . f the necessary officers to organize the new coianty of Tipton. The 27th of May, 1844, was accordingly selected as the day upon which the first election in the county should be held. Elections wer« advertised for three Commissioners, two Associate Judges, one Clerk of the Circuit Court and one Recorder, to be held in Cicero, Madison, Jefferson and Prairie Townships. The result of this election was as follows:

Voters At The First Election

McMnrtry, James Cooper, A. M. Young, Jonatliaii Keed, Arthur Davison and E. S. White; total, 47. The voters in Madison Township at the same election were as follows: Henry Harbet, D. G. Wright, John Morris, Spencer Etchison. Isaac Shaw, C. T. Jackson, Isaac Harbet, Granville Gibson, Josiah Gilliland, James Merritt, George Leamar, Henry Sloan. H. H. Hobbs, Bert Wright, T. Starkey, William Harrington. Philip Ledsinger, Reuben Farlow, James Cross, Zimri Brown, Joseph Henderson, Gabriel Martin. William Townser, William Orr, Silas Blount, William Birch, Colbern Birch, Jr., Thomas Cooper, John Belhamer, Richard Miner,. R. E. Davison, L. T. Hobbs, Charles Thurman, William Stevenson, James Forsee, John B. Cole, Benjamin McCashland, John Little, Amasa P. Cassler, W. H. Stokesberry, Harvey Stokesberry, J. L. Jack, George Rhodes, Samuel Judy, John Etchison, Adam Elder, John W. Bolser, George Little, Samuel Townser, Samael Bottorff, Edward Sharp, Absalom Hobbs, James Shaw, Sr., James Shaw, Jr., Ira Plummer, Daniel Etchison, George Myerly, Thomas Jackson, Nicholas Fox, John Russell, Joseph Goor and Enos Mills; total, 62. The voters in Pi-airie Township at the same election were William Bickerson, Joseph McConnelly, Elijah Harder, Joseph Harness, Jesse Stepp, George Teeter. Hardin Stepp, S. T. Harlow, John Parker, William Parker, Eli Teeter, Edward Jackson, Wesley Herron, Jesse Coleman, Eben Teeter, Benjamin Stewart, Daniel Campbell, Perry Evans, Robert Armstrong, Solomon Edmundson, John Herron, J. W. T. Duvall, David Humphreys, John Fariow, John Cooper, William Pfoff, John Sharks, Edward Stivens, G. A. Search, A. Small, Abraham Plew, John Nutter, George Forsee, J. A. W^right, G. W. B. Parks, George Tucker, Daniel Kemp, William Black, Levi Dunn, William Campbell, D. S. Pritchett, A. Pitmore, Daniel Stephens, W. H. Richardson, Amdrose Conn, James Miller, E. M. Sandridge, William Stewart, William Die, George Die, 'Archibald Montgomery, G. N. Ferris, W^illiam Terpine, Curtis Pritchett and Robert Alexander; total, 56. The list of voters at this election in Jeflferscm Township could not be found. ^

On Monday, the 3d of June, 1844, the three County Commissioners who had been elected met at the house of Jesse Brown, to set the official machinery of the county in motion. William Harrington produced his commission as Sheriff from Gov. Whitcomb, and the County Commissioners, in turn, exhibited their certificates of election. These fir^ Commissioners were Robert E. Davison, John D. Smith and TEoinas Jackson. Their first act was to cast lots for the long and short terms, which was done with the following results: Davison, one year; Smith, two years, and Jackson, three years. N. J. Jackson was appointed temporary County Auditor, and Jesse Bi'own, County Assessor. Mr. Brown had served as Assessor under appointment from the Commissioners of Hamilton County, and he now presented his assessment list, which was formally received, and he was paid $18.75, for his services for twelve and a half days. The Board then proceeded to create townships as follows: Madison, to be six miles square, in the southeast corner of the county; Cicero, to be six miles square, and to adjoin Madison on the west; Jefferson, to bo six miles from north to south, and eight miles from east to west, and to bo located west of and adjoining Cicero; Prairie, to be all of the county north of Jefferson Township. Elections in Madison were ordered held at the house of John B. Cole; in Cicero, at the house of Jesse Brown; in Jefferson, at the house of Stephen Eleven, and in Prairie at the Montgomery Schoolhouse. John Hogan was granted a license to vend merchandise for six months for 50 cents, his capital amounting to $60. This gentleman, at that period, was not an Astor or a Stewart. All Koad Supervisors, who had previously been appointed under Hamilton County jurisdiction, were ordered to open all roads that had been properly laid out and granted. Two Justices of the Peace were ordered elected in each of the townships, Madison, Cicero and Jefferson, and one in Prairie. At the September term, 1844, N. J. Jackson was again appointed temporary Auditor, as he had not yet qualified as Clerk, to which office he had been elected. Elias S. Conner was appointed Constable of Cicero Township, Madison was divided into four road districts, Cicero into three, and Jefferson into four. Jesse Frasier was appointed Constable of Prairie Township. The county was divided into three Commissioners' Districts, as follows: All east of an extended line between Sections 31 and 32, Township 21 north, flange 5 east, to be District No. 1; all east of the extended eastern boundary of Section 36, Township 21 north, Range 3 east, to be District No. 2; all the remainder of the county to be District No. 3. On Monday, October 14, 1844, David P. Alder, Jesse Carter, Samuel H. Cunningham and G. W. Thomas, four of the five Commissioners appointed by the Legislature to locate the county seat, appeared, and after investigating the merits of several locations, formally drove the stake and permanently fixed the seat of justice of Tipton County on Section 11, Township 21 north, Range 4 east, on a tract of 100 acres that was donated to the county by Samuel King, in consideration of having the county seat located thereon. These Commissioners were paid $159 for their services and discharged. The county seat was named Canton. William H. Nelson was appointed County Agent, and directed to lay out the new county seat, after the design of a plat furnished by the Locating Commissioners, and was ordered to sell not exceeding fifty of the lots so laid out. As the county had no funds to carry on expenses, the Auditor was directed to procure a quire of printed county orders, which were to be issued to raise money.

In December, 1844, Charles Thurman was appointed County Surveyor. In laying out Canton (now Tipton), he was assisted by John Criswell, Jesse Brown, M. L. Thomas and E. "D. Thomas. Andi'ew Evans was Clerk of the first public sale of town lots, and James Graves was Auctioneer. A. M. Young became Sheriff in the fall of 1844. N. J. Jackson was formally cpialified as Clerk and e.v officio Auditor. George Tucker was licensed to sell liquor in January, 1845. The buyers of lots in Canton up to March 3, 1845, were Daniel Smith, Lewis Jones, Si las Blount, E. S. White, Lewis Beck, Jesse Frasier, Daniel Lister, J. M. Chew, Samuel Neese, D. G. Wilkes, N. J. Jackson, George Tucker. L, C. Fairie, Daniel Welshous, William Ballard, M. L. Thomas, Brown & Whisler, Samuel Dale, J. N. Starkey and Wilson Thompson. The total receipts of the sale, thus far, wer^ $702.75, one-foui-th of which was cash. Almost all the early funds of the county came from the sale of town lots. This was a very important soui'ce of revenue, but the county was forced to issue ordei's, at a considerable discount, which discount continued to increase as time passed, and the orders were not redeemed.

In June, 1845, Joseph Van Buskirk was paid, in orders, $27.75, for assessing the county. The first county tax levied was in 1845, upon the basis of this assessment, 21J-cents on each $100 valuation, and 75 cents on each poll. The cash receipts on the county levy was small indeed, and the delinquent list began to run up. The first court house was completed early in 1846, and a jail was built during the previous winter. Roads began to be laid out in the more needy locations of the county. Township officers and county officers were paid in county orders, at a discount of about 10 per centum. The rapid settlement of the county began to be felt in the presence of money brought in by the new settlers. Business was done, however, largely by a system of exchanges, balances often being disposed of by the transfer of some article of value. Butter, eggs, pork, etc., were worth so much sugar, coffee, calico, tobacco, etc. Deer skins were marketable at about $1 each. The county only gradually grew out of its early financial difficiilties.

The Circuit Court

The first term of the Tipton County Circuit Court was held at the house of Jesse Brown, on Monday, the 12th of May, 1845, before Silas Blount and Joseph Goar, Associate Judges. Alexander M. Young, Sheriff, returned the following persons as grand jurors: Robart Armstrongs Benjamin Leavell, James Shaw, Allen Pitman, Alexander Mills, David G. Wilkes, George Smith, Andrew Evans, Jackson Hill, Joseph Henderson, George Leman, Edward Good, Robert Davison, Harvey Goodykoontz and Jesse Brown. They were sworn, charged and sent into the grand jury room. On motion, William Gaiwer, Marcus Lindsey,

James Forsee, William Stewart, Earl S. Stone and Amasa P. Gassier were sworn and admitted to practice in the court as attorneys. The first case called was an appeal from the Justice's court - William Welshous vs. Daniel Wcbbert - both parties being represented by attorneys. The case was continued until the next term of the court, when Mr. Welshous was non-suited and required to pay costs of suit. The second case seems to have been an appeal from Justice's court - William Garver rs. James Teachner. The defendant made default, whereupon judgment was rendered against him for costs. The third case - Joseph A. Wright vs. John B. Cole, trespass on the base for slander - was fixed for trial at 1 o'clock of the same day - Monday, May 12, 1845. At the time set, the defendant filed a plea of general issue and two special pleas of justification, and was given more time. The first grand jury, mentioned above, after being out a short time, came into court and reported that they had found no bills of indictment, whereupon they were discharged. The next, or fourth case was for trespass - John Hogan vs. Whisler & Webbert. The plaintiff, not being a resident of the State, was required to give bond for costs, which he did in the sum of $50. The defendants demanded a jury, which was called and selected as follows: Levi Hobbs, Joseph Henderson. Samuel Deal, Michael Mitchell, James ^haw, John Farley, James Goar, William Orr, John B. Wright, Joseph Van Buskirk. Carter Jackson and John B. Cole. This was the first petit jury in the county. The trial proceeded; the jury were sent out, and soon returned with the following verdict: "We, the jury, find the defendants guilty of the trespass, and assess the plaintiff's damages at the sum of $13.20." Judgment was accordingly rendered against the defendants to the amount of the verdict and costs of suit, the total sum being $54. 56. The case of Wright vs. Cole then came up, the plaintiff filing his siiniliter to the general issue of the defendant, and a x'eplication to the second and third special pleas. More time was granted to prepare for the trial.

The first business performed on the third day of this court was the assessment of a fine of $1 each against Earl E. Stone and William Garver for contempt of court. Peace and apparent harmony having been restored by this act of the two Associate Judges, other business was considered. As yet, the Presiding Judge had not been in attendance upon the coiu-t. The case of Wright vs. Cole came up, and a jury was called as follows: Joseph Van Buskirk, Jacob Whisler, George Smith, Edward Good, Daniel Lister, March Tucker, James Goar, John Farley, Joseph Sumner, Robert Davison, William Divon and Samuel Deal. The trial was begun, but before concluded court was adjourned until next morning at 9 o'clock. The verdict brought in by this jury was as follows: "We, the jury, find the defendant guilty as charged, and assess the plaintiff's damages at $75.84." Judgment included this sum and costs, amounting to $47.24. On this day, the first grand jury, above mentioned, were allowed 75 cents each for one day's services. At the same time, several of the petit jurors were allowed $4 for three days' services. John Nutter was Bailiff, as were also Jesse Brown and John K. Smith. Thus ended the first term of the Tipton County Circuit Court. *s

In November, 1845, John W. Wrig-ht, President Judge, and Siias 'Blount and Joseph Goar, Associate Judges, were in attendance. The following grand jury was returned by the Sheriff: Richard Farlow (foreman), James Leavell, Michael Mitchell, James S. Jack, Isaac Shaw, Gilbert Wright. Malachi Cooper, James Pickard, John McHolmes, John Deal. Samuel Batorff, Daniel Smith, Solomon Smith, James Egler and Absalom Hobbs. By the .second day of this term, this grand jury had returned " true bills " of indictment in the following cases: " State of Indiana r.s. Daniel Bales, for public indecency," and " State of Indiana vs. David Bishop and Jonathan Reed, for affray." On the first day of this term, the first plea for divorce was filed by Catharine Sharpe vs. William Sharpe. The complainant, however, appeared by counsel, and dismissed the case at her own costs. The second plea for divorce, filed the same day. was by Jacob Whisler vs. Lavina Whisler. A demurrer was filed to the complainant's bill, and was sustained by Judge Wright, whereupon the case was dismissed. Ten cases were considered by the court at this term, and eight bills of indictment were returned by the Grand Jury.

At the April term, 1846. Jeremiah Smith, President Judge, and Silas Blount and Joseph Goar, Associate Judges, were, present. Judge Smith produced his commission from the Governor, for the term of seven years, as Judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. The rules of court previously adopted were repealed, and a long series of new and better ones was adopted. Among the attorneys admitted to practice in the early Circuit Courts oE the county were Andi-ew Batorff, Nathaniel R. Lindsey and Charles D. Murray in November, 1845; John Davis, J. S. Buckles and William F. Brady in March, 184G. Joseph S. Buckles was the Prosecutor of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit from September, 1846, to September, 1848. Gustavus H. Voss was admitted to the bar in October, 1846. William H. Nelson was admitted during the same term, and James F. Suit and John M. Conan in April, 1847. A metallic seal was adopted at the October term, 1847 ; this is described further on. Amasa P. Cassler became District Prosecuting Attorney in September. 1848. John Green was admitted to the bar in April, 1849, and David Kilgore and Joseph A. Lewis at the same term. Carlton E. Shippey and Richard D. Markland were admitted to the bar in April, 1852. Among the early cases before the Circuit Court were the following: Trespass on the case, trespass, divorce, assumpsit, public indecency, affray, assault and battery, debt, official negligence, cases in chancery, illegal voting, trover and conversion, foreclosure of mortgage, retailing, perjury, betting, ferfeited recognizance, rape, winning, losing, adultery, extortion, riot, larceny, selling liquor to intoxicated person, scire facias, etc., etc. The first charge of murder was in April, 1852, against Harvey Moon, who took a change of venue to the Marion Circuit Court. An account of this case will be found fiu'ther on. The first person admitted to citizenship was Laurence Beck, a German, from the Dukedom of Hesse-Darmstadt. This was the 10th of November, 1845. John Green, the attorney long- ' est a practitioner of the Tipton County bar, is yet an honored resident of the county, and still continues a disciple of Blackstone, with but little diminution in his former intellectual celerity and vigor.

The Probate Court

The first probate business on record in the Clerk's office, was the application of Thomas Cooper for letters of administration of the estate of Alexander S. Wallace, deceased, which application was granted on the 6th of July, 1844, by Newton J. Jackson, Clerk of the Court. Mr. Cooper must have been a Quaker, or something of that sort, as, instead of making oath for the faithful performance of his duties as administrator, he " affirmed." On the 5th of September, he returned an inventory of the goods, chattels and effects of Wallace, deceased, the amount being $199.49. He produced a bill of sale of the property, which amounted to $214.62. All this was done before the first session of the com't. On the 11th day of November, 1844, the first Probate Court was held by William H. Nelson, Probate Judge, the first business coming before the court being the above. The bond of Mr. Cooper was pronounced insufficient, and he was required to give additional security, which he did by securing the signature of Alexander M. Young to his bond, which amounted to $150. The lynx-eyed Judge also pronounced the bill of sale insufficient, and ordered it "returned to Mr. Cooper for correction, to be completed and returned by the 25th of November. Before the court was held, or on the 27th of September, 1844, letters of administration had been granted to Edward Sharp, on the estate of James P. Woods, deceased. His bond was fixed at $500. At the abovementioned first term of the court, the bond was approved, but the inventory of the property of the deceased, amounting to $357.27, was rejected, owing to the want of sufficient affidavits from the appraisers. Time was given the administrator for correction. Upon petition of Jeremiah Moty, infant son of George Moty, deceased, Erasmus D. Thomas was appointed guardian, to take care of the person and property of the said Jeremiah Moty. The guardian's bond was fixed at $200; rather an insignificant amount, judging from appearances. Thus ended the proceedings of the first term of Probate Court of Tipton County.

bill of sale of the estate of A. S. "Wallace, the same amounting to $214.62; and Edward Sharp was charged with the estate of J. P. Woods, which amounted to $357.25, a portion of the estate ($114.61) having been paid over to Anna Woods, widow of the deceased. And here the Febru - ary term of the court ended.

At the May term, 1845, Daniel Higer was appointed guardian of the estate of Henry Higer, John Higer and Martha Higer, his own (David Higer's) infant children, under fourteen years of age, who had been willed property worth about $105 by Charles Baker, deceased, of Hamilton County. And thus ended the May term of the court.

At the August term, 1845, H. H. Hobbs was appointed guardian of the estate of his infant children - Amanda, Elizabeth, Nancy and John Hobbs. At the November term, 1845, Andrew J. Sharp was appointed administrator of the estate of Anna Woods, deceased, and Jesse Brown was appointed administrator of the estate of James Goodpasture, deceased. The inventory of Mr. Goodpasture's property, with the appraised value, was as follows: One wagon, $40; one yoke of oxen, $30; one milch cow, $9; one lot of bedding, $9; one table, $2.50; one small chest, 50 cents; one lot of sundry articles, 31 cents; one tea-kettle, 37 cents; one stew pot, 37 cents; one lot of cupboard ware, $1.75; one meal sieve, 25 cents; one Dutch oven, 87^ cents; one lot of potatoes, $2; one lot of cabbage, 25 cents; one lot of corn, $1.75; one rifled gun, $2.75; total, $101.67. This inventory is a fit representation of the "goods, chattels, rights, credits, moneys and effects" of each of the early settlers. There was the wagon and yoke of oxen; there was the one cow; there were the meager household furniture, domestic utensils and vegetables, and there was the rifle, which played an important part in the desolate drama of pioneer life. A volume of self-denial is told in that inventory. Ruth Armstrong, widow of Robert Armstrong, deceased, filed a petition in November, renouncing all claim to administer the estate of her deceased husband, and asking that Alexander M. Young, or some other suitable person, might be appointed. Mr. Young was accordingly appointed. Andrew J. Sharp, administrator of the estate of Anna Woods, deceased, was cited to appear at the next term of the court to show cause why he should not be removed or give a new bond and give an inventory of the estate, and present a bill of sale of the property.

And so the probate matters ran on until 1853, when the Common Pleas Court assumed jurisdiction of all probate business. 'Mr. Nelson served as Probate Judge until February, 1851, when he was succeeded by Joseph A. Lewis. In November, 1851, Mr Lewis was succeeded by Richard Minor, who served until probate business was transferred to the Common Pleas Court.

The first commission of lunacy was issued in May. 1849, at which time Amos Pharis petitioned the issuance of such commission to inquire into the sanity of Barbara Pilaris. After consideration, the court directed the Sheriff to summon a jury of twelve men, to determine as to the compos m,mtis or non compos mentis oi thp said Barbara Pharis. The jury found that for the space of about four years next preceding the in- (juiry, the lady had been of unsound mind, and was wholly unfit to manage her property or person; whereupon Amos Pharis was appointed her guardian, and rerpiired to give bond in the sum of $150. The second seal of the Probate Court was of the usual circular form and size, inclosing the representation of a coffin, with the words on the margin of the seal, "Probate Court of Tipton County, Indiana." This took the place of the seal adopted in 1847, which was really the seal of the " Tipton Circuit Court, Indiana," those words inclosing a cluster of growing wheat, a harrow, a rake, a fork and a plow. The second probate seal, above, was adopted November 13, 1849.

The Common Pleas Court

The first term of the Common Pleas Court of Tipton County was begun and held at the court house in June, 1853, by Earl S. Stone, sole Judge, whose district was composed of the counties of Hamilton, Howard and Tipton. The first business of a probate nature was the confirmation of the letters of administration granted to James A. Junis, on the estate of James Junis, deceased; and the second was the confirmation of the letters of administration granted to Joseph Shank, on the estate of Joseph H. Shepard, deceased. The first business other than of probate Uciture was the case of the State vs. Lewis McEIhaney charged with assault and batteiy. The third case was a charge of the same nature, against Jane Shane. Subsequent ca«=ies were petition for a deed, assumpsit, suit on a promissory note, trespass, account, divorce, suit on bond, attachment, injury to the person, assault and battery, for the conveyance of real estate., complaint on note, petition for partition, surety of the peace, etc., etc.

Murder Trials

The first murder trial on record in the county was the killing of Mr. Hornbeck by Henry Moon, in about 1852. The men were cousins, and became involved in a dispute regarding a few cattle. It seems that Hornbeck went into a field to thrash Moon, but the latter stabbed the former with a pocket-knife, inflicting a mortal wound. Moon was arraigned, took a change of venue to Indianapolis, where he was sentenced to the penitentiary for three years, but was set at libetry at the end of eighteen months.

The murder of a man named Eshelman caused much excitement in the county. He was hunting, and disappeared, and, as he did not return within a I'easonable time, his folks became uneasy tmd instituted a strict search, which resulted in finding his decomposed body in the woods. A young man named Ellison was arrested, some strong evidence existing as to his guilt. He was sent to the penitentiary, but was pardoned by the Governor and released, and a man named David Whelchel was arrested, charged with the murder. At the first trial, Whelchel was sentenced to the penitentiary for life; but he gained a new trial, where the jury " hung," which resulted in his acquittal. Subsequently young Ellison was hung for murder in Missouri

Another important case was the death, by poisoning, of a Mrs. Snyder and her little girl. The two died with spasms, and under suspicious circumstances, and the husband and step-father was arrested, charged with poisoning them with strychnine. On the tirst trial, Mr. Snyder was sentenced for life to the penitentiary. At the first new trial, he was sentenced for twenty- one years, but at the second new trial was again sentenced for life. Many have doubted this man's guilt, thinking that the mother poisoned her child and herself.

Joel Harvey and Jane Goflf were arraigned for the murder of Mr. Gofi', husband of Jane Gofl'. The wife was sentenced to two years in the penitentiary, as an accessory, while Harvey was set free, owing to a feeble prosecution.

Two boys In Tipton, named Groves and Paul, became involved in a quarrel, when the former struck the latter on the head with a brick-bat, causing his death. An indictment was returned, but Groves has been missing since the tragedy.

A year or two ago, two boys, named respectively Doles and White, quarreled, when the former stabbed the latter, causing his death. The murderer was sentenced to the penitentiary for twenty-one years.

At Windfall, a man named Armstrong shot and killed a Mr. Thomas, but on the trial was acquitted. A woman was at the bottom of the case. Various other murders have occurred, but the above are the most important.

Early Justices Of The Peace

In June, 1847, Wild Cat Township was created as follows: Beginning at the northeast corner of Section 32, Township 23 north, Range 6 east, thence south five miles, thence west twelve miles, thence north five miles, thence east twelve miles to the place of beginning. The other townships were made to correspond. At the March term, 1849, the townships were given the following boundaries: Madison, located in the southeast corner of the county, to be eight miles from north to south and five and a half miles from east to west, just its present size; Cicero, located next west of Madison, to be seven and a half miles from east to west, on the south, thence north six and a half miles, thence east one mile, thence north one and a half miles, thence east six and a half miles, thence south eight miles to the place of beginning; Jefferson, located next west of Cicero, to be seven miles from east to west, and six and a half miles from north to south; Prairie, to commence at the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of Section 32, Township 22 north, Range 4 east, thence west eight miles, thence north six and a half miles, thence east eight miles, thence south six and a half miles, to the place of beginning; Wild Cat, to commence at the southeast corner of Section 20, Township 22 north, Range 6 east, thence west twelve miles, thence north five miles to the county line, thence east twelve miles, thence south five miles to the place of beginning. In June, 1849, Liberty Township was created as follows: To commence at the northeast corner of Secti^^n 31, Township 23 north, Range 5 east, thence west five miles, thence south five miles, thence east five miles, thence north five miles, to the place of beginning. At the same time, W^ild Cat Township was bounded as follows: Commence at the northeast corner of Section 32, Township 23 north. Range 6 east, thence west seven miles, thence south five miles, thence east seven miles, thence north five miles, to the place of beginning. In September, 1851, a portion of eastern Prairie was attached to Liberty, and a portion of southeastern Prairie to Cicero.

In September, 1855, the boundaries of Cicero and Jefi"erson were altered to what they are at present. In 1857, fifty-four citizens of Liberty and Wild Cat Towiiships petitioned the Board to create a new township out of certain portions of those two townships, but action thereon was postponed and finally dropped. In 1860, a petition to change the|boundary between Madison and Cicero Townships to a half mile east of where it now is was not granted. No other alterations have been made in the boundaries of the townships.

Court Houses And Jails

Early in 1845, Jesse Brown was ordered to advertise for sealed proposals for the erection of a frame court house, 20x24 feet, two stories high, to be covered with poplar shingles, to be erected on Lot 3, Block

10, Canton, and to be ready by the Ist of June, 1845. In February, the contract was awarded to George Tucker, who was paid the first installment March 5, 1S45. The building was up by June, according to contract, and the contract of completing, partitioning and furnishing the house was let to Jacob W. Whisler and Christian Eshelman, for $238, the work to be completed by November, 3845. This was accomplished according to contract, the contractoi's receiving their pay, $285.50, in March, 1846. Under orders, N. J. Jackson purchased two stoves, ft* $37.77, in December, 1845, for the court house, using the " town lot fund " for that purpose. The cost of this building was about $1,200. It had a hall running through from east to west, and on each side of the lower story were two rooms for the county officers. The upper story was the court room. In September, 1845, the County Agent, W. H. Nelson, was ordered to have built a log jail, 14x20 feet, eight feet high, with walls of hewed-oak timber, one foot square, the rooms to be lined with heavy oak plank, spiked firmly in their places. Charles A. Thurman took the contract at $115, and completed the same in December, 1845. It is stated that no criminal broke out of this old jail, after he was once locked in. It answex-ed all purposes until the present jail was constructed, and possessed a merit, it is stated, that the present building does not - criminals could not escape. Daniel Smith was the first jailer. In June, 1846, Solomon Smith, who had donated to the county 2,000 feet of good lumber for the public buildings, was directed to deliver the same at the court house. In September, 1846, James Cassler contracted to clear the court house square for $13.12. At the same time, George Tucker, under orders, secured twelve chairs for the court house. In the autumn, quite an extensive addition was built to the court house, at a cost of several hundred dollars. This was rendered necessary by the crowded condition of things. In 1855, the i:)ublic square was fenced anew. In December, 1855, Samuel Deal and Harvey Goodykoontz were appointed to see to the erection of much-needed county offices on the public square, the building to be frame, 14x28 feet, nine feet high, with a partition in the center, the rooms to be ceiled and plastered. The building was completed in June, 1857, at a cost of $329.09. About this time, the county courts began to meet in the Methodist Church, which had been erected about three years before, as the court house had been destroyed by fire.

In June, 1858, Nelson Dauben speck, of Hamilton County, contracted to build a new court house for Tipton County, within two years, for $10,000, of which $1,000 was to be paid the 1st of November, 1858, $3,000 the 1st of January, 1859, $3,000 the 1st of January, 1860, and $3,000 when the building was completed and accepted. The foundation of the building was to be three and a half feet high, two feet thick at the bottom nnd twenty inches thick at the top. The outer wall was to be of hammer-dressed limestone, and the inner walls either of brick or limestone, eighteen inches thick. The walls oi the building proper were to bo of brick, the outside wall to be eighteen inches thick, except the gables, which were to be thirteen inches thick, and the inside walls were to be thirteen inches thick. The tirst story was to be ten feet high, and the second story seventeen feet high. A hall was to extend north and south through the lower story, on the sides of which were to be the county offices. The upper story was to be the court room. The bond of the contractor was fixed at $20,000, with the following sureties: D. S. Hurlock, S. D. Cottingham, J. W. Eoss, J. W. Cottingham and W. Daubenspeck. In September, 1858, in order to meet the expense of constructing this building, the Board ordered issued and sold eight county bonds of $500 each, payable at the banking house of Winslow, Lanier & Co., New York: $2,000 to be paid in two years, and $2,000 in four years. The first $2,000 of these bonds sold at a discount of $84.15. The erection of the house was rapidly pushed, and in December, 1859, Mr. Daubenspeck announced that it was finished. He was soon paid the remainder due him under the contract, besides $500 additional for extra work, and enough more to run the cost up to nearly $15,000. This building is yet in use. In 1862, John W. Axtell re-covered the court house with tin roofing, at $9 per square. At the same time, a fire and burglar proof safe for the Treasurer's office was purchased of W. B. Dodd & Co. , for $550. In December, 1862, John Cox repaired the court house roof to the extent of $60.

In April, 1866, advertisements were ordered for the erection of a combined jail and jailer's residence. In May, bids were received from J. H. McConnell, Alpheus Lay and J. H. Coifman, but neither was accepted then. N. R. Overman was appointed agent, to take th« plans and specifications to Indianapolis, to have them corrected by a competent architect. The plans had been submitted by B. F. Hough & Co. The contract was finally awarded to J. H. Coffman. for $6,000, the building to be completed by the 1st of November, 1866. The old jail was soon sold to John Cassiform for $13. G. W. Boyer was appointed Superintendent to oversee the work on the jail. It was again found necessary to issue several thousand dollars' worth of county bonds, to meet expenses, and N. R. Overman was appointed agent to negotiate their sale. The building, a fine brick structure, was completed in June, 1867, the time allowed the contractor having been extended. This is the present jail In the autumn of 1866, the right to use Seider's Improved System of Keeping Accounts was bought for $350,

Miscellaneous Items

Gen. John Tipton, who played such a prominent part in the early history of Indiana. Late in 1847, George Tucker, Zimri Brown and O. H. Perry were appointed agents to see that proper donations of land for the necessary depot buildings were given the Peru 6c Indianapolis Eailroad Company. On the first Monday in April, 1847. the townships were required to vote on the question of licensing the sale of liquor within their borders. Every township voted for the license. In March, 1848, the county subscribed fifty shares of stock in the Peru & Indianapolis Kailroad. In 1849, lots were ordered deeded to various religious organizations, provided chtu'ches were erected thereon within a specified time, which was not done, and the time was afterward extended until the buildings were constructed. In April, 1849, the townships again voted on the liquor question. Madison was the only township which voted against granting a license. Saloons were called in those days " wet groceries. "

A petition to incorporate the county seat was favorably considered by the board in March, 1851. This project again came up by petition with thirty-seven signatures, in September, 1853, at which time 101 acres were incorporated. A new public graveyard was purchased in December, 1853. A set of standard weigths and measures were bought of William Huddart in 1855. In June, 1858, the board received a petition, with thii'ty-six names appended thereto, praying that, after proper investigation, so much of Cicero Creek as lay within the limits of Tip-- ton County and was suitable, might be declared navigable. Sylvester Turpen, who had presented the petition, was appointed to examine the creek and report its length in the county, depth, width, etc, etc. , and upon receipt of his report, and after due deliberation, the board formally declared that fifteen miles of the twenty miles of the creek in the county were to be considered a navigable water-course, and the various Road Supervisors along the stream were ordered to take charge of such highway. This very novel and useless proceeding occurred only twenty-five years ago. In June, 1861, the board began paying out county funds for the support of soldiers' families, and continued to do so until the war ended. The expense of holding a County Teachers' Institute began to be paid in 1807. Several county officers in past years have proved defaulters to large amounts.

Grange Association

In 1876, the Tipton County Grange Association was organized with a capital stock not to exceed $20,000, the organization to last five years. All necessary officers were appointed, but for some reason the organization did not come up to the hopes of its founders and friends. The following was the grange directory within three or four years after the organization of the association:

Early Marriages

The first marriage in the couaty after the organization was August 8, 1844, between Joseph G. Brown and Dorinda Sharp, solemnized by John B. Cole, Justice of the Peace, the license having been issued July 31, 1844. The second marriage was on the 8th of August, 1844 (same day as the above - which was lirBt?) between Hickman Smiley and Elizabeth Mills, the license having been issued August 3. The ceremony was performed by Judge Goar. The third marriage was between Harvey Denney and Sophia Shaw, September 12, 1844, by J. B. Cole, Justice.

County And State Roads

State roads were extended across the county during the thirties - one from Indianapolis north to the Wabash Eiver, and one from "Muncietowu" to La Fayette. Several others were also built late in the thirties. So far as can be learned, the first county road had the following limits: " Beginning on the line of Hamilton County, on the east side of Section 28, Township 21 north, Range 4 east, thence by the best route to King's mill on Cicero Creek." More than twelve residents of Cicero Township petitioned the board of Hamilton County, to which Tipton was then attached, for this road. About a dozen other roads were extended across the county prior to 1844. The first road petitioned for and built after the county was organized was to extend as follows: From near Michael Mitchell's residence to Zimri Brown's; thence to Charles Griffith's, thence to near William Going's and James Jack's, thence north to the Miami Reserve. Charles Thurman, Carter T. Jackson and Samuel Townsend were Viewers. The " Three Per Cent Fund " furnished by the State for the construction of roads was a godsend to Tipton County. A special road tax, however, was levied, so great was the pressure for better highways. The special road tax in 1845 was $74.90; in 1846, was $289.58; in 1848, was $320.65; in 1849, was $472.02. ' In 1849, Joseph Price, and in 1850, Andrew McMurtry were permitted to hang gates across the State road from Muncie to La Fayette. What did that mean ? By September, 1852, there had been projected a total of seventy-five county roads, the greater number of which had been built. By September, 1854, ninety-two had been projected; by June, 1858, one hundred; by March, 1860, 125; by June, 1806, 208; by September, 1869, 285; by December, 1876, 413; by 1882, to over 500. These roads have cost the county hundi-eds of thousands of dollars.

Gravel Koads

A total of eleven gravol roads have peen petitioned for within the past three years, Nos. 1, 4, 6 and 7 having been granted and fully completed, and No. 5 having been granted and partiallj'^ completed. No. 1 extends about eight miles from Tipton to the north line of the county, and cost over $16,000. No. 4 extends northeast of Windfall about five miles, and cost $10,000. No. 6 begins about three miles northwest of Windfall and extends to Sharpsville, being in length about six and one-half miles, and cost about $12,000. No. 7 extends north of Windfall one mile, thence west two miles, being three miles long, and joining No. 6, and cost $5,000. No. 5, now in course of constructon, extends a little east of south from Tipton to the Hamilton County line, an will cost about $17,000. Nos. 1, 4, 6 and 7 have cost over $48,000, which large amount was raised by the sale of cou.nty bonds. If to this amount be added the estimated cost of No. 5, it will be seen that the county has already expended over $60,000 in gravel roads. This amount of indebtedness has already been incurred, $10,000 of which has been paid, leaving the present gravel road debt over $50,000. If to this is added the debt of $25,000 incurred in erecting county buildings, the total county debt foots up to the large amount of aboiit $78,000.

County Drainage

The length of county ditches and the amounts used in their construction are told in large figures. As early as the latter part of the fifties, private drainage companies began to be organized in the county, and since then not less than twenty such companies have been organized with a membership varying from a few to fifty-two. It is estimated that private companies and individuals have expended in drainage not less than $200,000. There are about a dozen tile factories in the county also, and thousands of rods are laid down in all parts of the county annually. Within the last eight or ten years, there have been constructed at county expense about 190 ditches, the aggregate length of which is estimated at more than 100 miles, and the aggi-egate cost at more than $200,000. This extraordinary activity, if continued, will render Tipton County the garden spot of Indiana, as the soil is of the richest and most enduring alluvial character. The futui'e has wonderful results in store for the county.

The Peru & Indianapolis Railroad was built in 1854. The county donated certain lands for depots and freight houses, and the citizens u-iually gave the right of way. Besides this, the county took $10,000 worth of stock in the company. In 1869, the county voted on levying a tax of $60,000 to aid the La Fayette, Muncie & Bloomington Railroad^ now the Lake Erie & Western Railroad. There were cast 1,026 votes for the levy and 515 against it. Half of that large appropriation was to be levied in June, 1870, and half in June, 1871. The Great Eastern Railway, now the Cincinnati, St. Louis & Chicago Railway, was constructed about twenty-five years ago, but what help was given f.annot be learned. In 1871, Cicero, Jefferson and Wild Cat Townships voted on the question of aiding the Toledo, Thorntown& St. Iiouis Railway, but as the election was illegal for some reason, another election was held in 1873 for the same purpose in all the townships with the following results, the amount of aid to be 150,000: For the tax - Cicero, 568; Jefferson, 170; Wildcat, 832; Prairie, 7; Liberty, 16; Madis(.n, 74. Total, 1,173. Against the tax - Cicero, 52; Jeffersou, 20; Wild Cat, 2; Prairie, 248; Liberty, 218; Madison, 19U. Total, 739. This road has not yet been built, and the Erie road was not until about six years ago.

The Indianapolis, Peru & Chicago Railroad has in the county 13.55 miles of main track, valued at §7, 500 per mile, and 1.61 miles of side track. The Lake Erie & Western Railroad has 20 milea of main track, worth $6,000 per mile, and 1,23 miles of side track. The Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis has 11.56 miles of main track, valued at $8,250 per mile, and 1.12 miles of side track.

As near as can be learned, the first poor person was " farmed out " in September, 1846, to Josiah Gilliland, of Madison Township, for $40 per year. About the same time, Rachel Cummings, a helpless old woman, was removed at county expense to the poor-house of Hamilton County. The poor expense for the fiscal year ending June, 1847, was $18.93; for the following year, $126.63; for the year ending June, 1849, it amounted to $131.28; for the year ending June, 1850, to $97; for 1851, to $107.62; for 1852, to $332.19; for 1853, to $238.99; for 1855, to $236.59; for 1858, to $1,320.24; for 1860, to $1,086.08; for 1864, to $3,067.52; for 1867, to ^4,812.98; for 1870, to $2,059.06; fof 1875, to $3,937.42; for 1876, to $10,599.11; for 1880, to $7, 730.. 77. It now amounts to about $12,000 per annum. The plan continued to be followed of farming the paupers out to the lowest bidders. Considerable township aid was furnished independent of county help. Physicians were employed by the year to doctor the county poor. Drs. R, R. Douglas and H. M. Vickrey were employed in 1853; J. M. Gi'oves served as such in 1857 and J. M. Sanders, Abraham Reeves and Isaac Parker in 1858. In December, 1863, an agent was appointed to view several locations and to purchase the most favorable for a poor farm. This action was followed by the purchase of 78. 72 acres on Sections 14 and 15, Township 21 north, Range 4 east, of James Recobs for $1,000 cash and $1,490 on the first Monday in March, 1865. Tpon this farm was a small frame dwelling, insufificient in size and comfort to accommodate the poor, and bids were called for to repair the old house and erect a new one of modest size and pretensions. As many poor persons as could be accommodated were ordered removed from private families to this house and the new one as soon as the work was finished. John H. McConnell contracted to repair the old house and build a new one, 10x30 feet, frame, for $580. This was in the spring of 1864. William Morris became the first Poor Superintendent, taking the farm for all he could make with it and boarding the poor for so much per week. He was succeeded by D. J. Caldwell, in 1 S'08, and he in turn by R. W. Mullis in 1869. The latter continued for several years, first boarding the poor for $2. 50 per week and later redu«!ing that figure to $2.40 and then to $2.20, and in 1872, i-aising to $2.25. In 1872, the contract of biiilding a new poor-house was let to William Rubosh and J. H. McConnell, but for some reason the work was abandoned until 1876, when the contract was given to William Young for $7,000. The building, a fine, commodious, two-storied brick structure, was erected immediately, and the poor were soon in better quarters. In 1873, John Emehiser became Superintendent. He agreed to board the poor for $1.75 per week and the use of the farm. In 1875, Thomas B. Bates succeeded him, bidding in the care of the poor for $1.65 per week and the use of the farm. Mr. Bates continued Superintendent until 1883, reducing the costs of the weekly care of the paupers somewhat as time advanced. In 1883, John Q. Shaw succeeded Mr. Bates, bidding in the care of the poor at $1.50 per week and the use of the farm. There are at present about forty inmates of the poor-house. Tliere have been as high as sixty-one and as low as fourteen. Fifty-five acres of the poor farm are under cultivation. The county, though severe, takes good care of its indigent and helpless.

The Agricultural Society

The Tipton County Agricultural Society was first organized on the 11th of August, 1855, and on the 1st of September a constitution and by-laws was adopted. The first county fair was held on the 4th and 5th of October of the same year. Considerable time and expense were employed in fitting up the temporary grounds near the down- town depot with suitable sheds, etc., in which to make the display, but when the time came, so heavy were the rains on both days, that the display of stock and farm productions was very small. The rain on the 5th fell so continuously that not a lady appeared upon the grounds. A start had been made, however, and it remained for the future to continue the enterprise. The society at this first fair numbered about seventy-five members. N. J. Jackson was President and John Green Secretary. A few very large, tine pumpkins were exhibited. A decided disposition for the improvement of stock was manifested. The second fair was almost a failure, but little interest being manifested. The third fair, held near Judge

Green's residence, was more of a success, both the I'eceipts and expenditures amounting to more than 1100. Considerable stock was entered, and the ladies appeared with a creditable display of domestic and fancy articles. For two or three years during the war, no fair was held. At the close of the war, however, the society was again revived. A fair ground was secured south of town, and the County Commissioners were induced to donate $200 to fence the same. After several year?, the society again almost died out, but was fully re-organized in 1874, and became known as the " Tipton County Joint-Stock Agricultural Society. " This society purchased ten acres adjoining the poor-farm of Thomas Smith and rented for ten years a strip of the poor-farm, eighty rods long by twenty-three and one-half rods wide. These two tracts of land constitute the present fair ground. There were 128 stockholders at the commencement of this new organization. Stock was $10 per share, and the total amount of stock Avas $3,000, all of which was not subscribed. For two or three years excellent fairs were held, the interests in all departments running high, especially in the fast stock department. In 1879, an entirely new organization, called the " Tipton County Fair Company, " was effected. This has endured until the present. In 1878, $1,247.25 was paid in premiums, and in 1882 nearly $1,700. The cash receipts of 1882 were $1,793. In 1878, there were 690 entries; in 1882, there were 937. The present officers are J. T. Hunter, President; D. A. Fish, Vice President; William Barlow, Secretary; W. M. Grimshaw, Treasui-er; W. A. Maze, General Superintendent; T. B. Bates, Samuel Loucks, Jonathan Wolverton, J. J. Paul, Newton Campbell, George Weed, P. F. Legg, D. B. Vice, G. W. Myerly. D. Wilkins, T. G. Pratt, Joseph Turner and Lot Thomas, Directors. The fair ground and the interest shown will compare favorably with other counties of the State.

County Medical Societies

As early as 1864, a society of this nature was organized at the county seat, the following physicians being among the members: M. V. B. Newcomer, C. N. Blount, J. J. Mathers, M. M. Bundy, J. M. Gossett, Reuben Harvey, Isaac Parker, J. C. Driver, T. K. Sanders, J. K. Baxter, James Lindsey and A. M. Vickrey. This society did well for about one year, reading essays on important medical topics, thoroughly discussing chosen subjects and examining several interesting clinics. At the end of that period it died out. In 1874, the " Tipton County Medical Society" was organized with the following membership: M. V. B. Newcomer, H. B. Pitzer, G. W. Collins, S M. Conner, J. M. Grove, A. J. Barker, W. A. Heath, J. S. Manity, J. C. Driver, W. N Glass, J. Parker, J. N. Schell, N. W. Doan, A. F. White and M. V. B. Vickrey. The object of the society was " the advancement of medical knowledge, the elevation of professional character, the protection of the interests of its members, the ex- tension of the bounds of medical science and the promotion of all measures adapted to the relief of the suffering and to improve the health and protect the lives of the community. " The members must be " any graduate in medicine of a respectable medical school or licentiate of any regularly organized medical society in good moral and professional standing." This society became auxiliary to the State Medical Society. The members were quite active for a number of years, reading essays, examining clinics and discussing the leading medical topics, including methods of treatment. Late in the seventies, the society became divided in opinion on several important prof essional questions, and in April, 1881, partially broke up, and a oew society was organized, with the following first membership: Winser Austin, A. J. Barker, J. C. Driver, J. W. Crismond, J. A. Bouse, A. E. Rhodes, D. P. Rubush, M. V. B. Newcomer, A. S. Dickey, G. Repp, A. P. Parker, D. R. Campbell, J. P. Jessup, J. D. Armtield, H. G. Evans and M. S. Johnson. This organization became independent of the State Medical Society. The old society did not die, thougrh it ran down very low. The county now has these two medical societies, neither of which is at present very active.