Fall Creek Township

Fall Creek Township

This township derived its name from the Falls of the creek. It is seven miles from north to south and six trom east to west, and contains forty-two square miles. The number of inhabitants in 1850 was two thousand one hundred and twenty-eight; in 1860 it was two thousand one hundred and seventeen ; in 1870 it was two thousand four hundred and eighty-three, and in 1870 estimated at two thousand six hundred.

teen thousand seven hundred and five ; value of farms and farm implements, $1,235,870; value of live stock, $124,829 ; value of all products, $270,937. The number of bushels of corn raised in 1870 was one hundred and fifteen thousand nine hundred and fifty ; number of school houses, fourteen; total value of school property, including grounds, etc., $8,000. The number of school children in 1858 was six hundred and seventy ; in 1874 it was seven hundred and sixty-nine.

There is in the township four grist mills, four saAV mills, one planing mill, one fiax mill, seven blacksmith shops, four harness shops, one tailor shoj), one printing office, one bank, one photograph gallery, two hardware stores, six dry goods stores, four groceries, two drug stores, one tin shop, two cooper shops, three wagon shops, one telegraph office, five churches, four Sunday schools, one Masonic lodge, one Odd Fellows lodge, six Granges, four local jireachers, one dentist, two post offices, two lawyers, three warehouses, one hotel, two livery stables, twenty-eight miles of pike, two butcher shops, eight carpenters, seven miles of railroad, two millinery shops and one stone quarry.

Pendleton and Huntsvillc are both in this township. Among the first settlers of this township, commencing in 1820, were James Pendleton, Judge Winchell, Thomas Bell, Thomas and James Scott, Dr. Bordwell, Elias Hollingsworth, the Richmond family and Israel T. Cox. CJoming soon after were George Nicholson, Adam Dobson, Martin Chapman, William Williams, Enos Adamson, William and Thomas Silver, Isaac and John Busby, Palmer Patrick, J. T. Swain, B. F. Gregory, Judge AValker, William and James Brown, John H. and Ward Cook, A. M. Ulin, John J. Lewis and Neal Hardy.

The first physician was Lewis Bordwell. The first storekeeper was Israel T. Cox. The first church was organized in 1823 by the Rev. Cotton of the Ohio Conference. The first preacher afterwards was James Reader. The first white child born was at the house of Jacob Shells; the second was at the house of Elias Hollingsworth. The first wedding was that of Stephen Corwin and. Hanna Ellsworth, and occurred in the year 1821 or 1822. They had to go to Connersville for their license. After the ceremony the door was taken off of its hinges to serve as a table. Around this humble board the first wedding cake was broken and metheglin flowed in abundance. A good time was had genrally, in one small room, which served for kitchen, dining room and parlor.

Among those who served as Justices of the Peace were James Pendleton, Mr. Birk, Thomas Barnes, Thomas Silver, J. W. Walker, J. T. Swain, P. R. Maul, A. B. Caroll, T. B. Mitchell and E. O. Chapman.

The history of Fall Creek is interesting. It was here the first pioneers of the county settled, here the first court was held, the first white child born and the first wedding was celebrated. With Fall Creek township cluster many reminiscences, pleasant to those who survive of the early baud.

Mr. H. was born in Philadelphia in the year 1803 ; came first to Indiana in 1832 ; returned, and came again in 1833. He came the first time all the way on foot ; on his arrival the second time he settled on his farm two and a half miles east of Pendleton, where he continued to live up to the time of his death, which occurred November the 16th, 1869. He was engaged for several years in the mercantile business in Pendleton, beginning in 1851. In 1861 he was elected to the oflSce of township trustee, in which capacity he served for a period of eight years, to the entire satisfaction of all. He was the first President, as well as a large stockholder in the Newcastle turnpike, in which enterprise he took a lively interest. In early life he was a Free Soiler, but in later life he acted with the Republican party. He was at Pendleton at the mobbing of Fred. Douglas, and took him under his roof for protection, afterward receiving a letter from Mr. D. thanking him for his unlimited kindness on that occasion. This letter will be published if it can be obtained. Mr. H. was a member of the Odd Fellows' lodge at Pendleton. He was the father of T. F. Hardy, of Markleville, and Morris Hardy, of Fall Creek, and Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Boston, of Markleville. In person Mr. H. was of medium hight, was square and heavy made, goqd features, high forehead and dark eyes. He is buried at the Friends' graveyard, two and one-miles east of Pendleton.

Personal Sketch Of James Hollingsworth

Mr. H. was born in Ohio in 1815 ; came with his parents to this county in 1820, locating on Fall creek, two miles- below Pendleton; remained there until 1828 when he removed to Anderson, thence to Richland township remaining there seven years; returned again to Lafayette township, where he now lives. He at one time owned the Moss Island mill where by flood in 1857 he lost considerable of property. He also, while living in Richland township, met with the loss of having his house burned. He aided in organizing Lafayette township, where he served several years as justice of the peace and ten years as township trustee. Mr. H. is a Methodist ; has always been a zealous worker, serving as class leader and a strong friend to the Sabbath school in 'hich cause he takes especial delight. Mr. H. has been a long time in the county, has seen Fall creek, Richland and Lafayette, in fact all the county, in a state of nature; is one of the few men who were here as early as 1820. In short, Mr. H. has seen -considerable of real life - losing by flood and fire his hard earned recourses. What hardships he has endured ; what changes have taken place within his recollection! He has seen those who were strong and healthful like himself suddenly stricken down by the hand of death, and from the handful of pioneers with scanty means has seen comparatively a dense population spring up with abundance upon every hand. He can also appreciate the contrast between the well furnished churches of to-day with their large and well dressed audiences, with the few homely dressed personages who were wont to meet at his father's humble cabin.

Mr. H. is perhaps fthe only representative now of thi» truly pioneer family living in the county. His brother who was the second white child born in the county, ha* removed to Iowa many years since. His parents, of whom we will speak elsewhere, have been summoned to another world.

Personal Sketch Of Eli Hodson

Mr. H. Was born in North Carolina in 1805; came tc Madison county in 1824, but returned to Ohio soon; remained there a short time, when he came to Henry county, Indiana, making that his home until 1843, when he again became a permanent citizen of this county ; was elected associate judge in 1846 ; elected county commissioner in 1860. He has been an elder of the Christian Church and one of the staunch members of this Society at White Chapel, where he contributed much of his time and money for the erection of the house and the organization of the Society, Mr. H. was reared a Quaker; he became a member of the Christian Church when comparatively a young man. When Mr. H. first visited the county, in 1824, he, as a matter of course, found anew and thinly settled country. Illustrative of this, Mr. H. says, he assisted Mr. Thomas Silver, of Pendleton, in driving hogs from that place to Newcastle, there being, at that time, nothing but a trail between these two points ; the result was, that when they arrived at Newcastle there was not a "racer" left to tell the story; they were scattered to the right and left, to " multiply and punish the earth." The language here used may seem somewhat obscure to some, but to those who were acquainted with the stock of hogs and the condition of the country at that time, will readily appreciate th? matter, and only wonder they did not lose themselves. And here we are reminded that it is only one short step from the sublime to the ridiculous, and vice versa, we

-will return to Mr. H., and isay, that he is a worthy man filling the offices referred to above with much credit. He owns a fine farm on the blufts of Fall creek, in Adams townsiiip, near the Henry county line. In politi<!S he is a Democrat.

Personal Sketch Of Elias Hollingsworth

Mr. H. was born in South Carolina in 1793. He was one of the very first settlers of Madison county. He came in the spring of 1820 and located on Fall creek, two and one half miles below Pendleton. He was the first local preacher in the county. He was raised a Quaker and disowned by them for marrying outside of the society, after which he joined the Methodist society and became an active and zealous member. Mr. H. was, as the date would indicate, a very early settler of the county. He took a great interest in church and school matters, and the first meetings held in the county were held at his house. He was the father of the second white child born in the county. He was the husband of Elizabeth Hollingsworth, spoken of in another part of this book, and the father of James Hollingsworth of Lafayette township. He removed to Missouri in 1844, and died in January, 1846. The name of Hollingsworth is closely associated with the early history of the county, and linked with Richmond, Holliday, Shaul, McCartney, Crossley, Scott, Montgomery and William Williams. Mr. H. was a large man, weighing two hundred and fifteen pounds, and was of fair complexion. He possessed a fine head of hair, which stood on end, and was said to be physically one of the best made men in the country.

Personal Sketch Of J. R. Holston

towhship where he now resides. Mr. H. is a man of decided character, a strong Methodist and has done much to build up that society in his township. He is a strong temperance man and in fact takes decided ground in everything that is moral. He is a devoted friend to the Sabbath school cause and was among the first in organizing a school iu his township. Mr. Holston takes great interest in the growth and development of the county. He is known throughout the county as a very worthy citizen of unflinching integrity. In person Mr. H. is a large, powerful man, full six feet high and of a fair complexion. He believes in matrimony, we may presume, as he was recently married to his third wife. She is from Wayne county. She is a very estimable lady and hospitably entertains company. Her home is cheerful, just the place to rest a tired soul. Flowers^ music, peace and plenty, all combine to make one wish there were more such homes as hers.

Personal Sketch Of Dr. John Hunt

Mr. H. was born in Wayne county, Indiana, January 20th, 1817; moved with his father to near Huntsville in April, 1831, and commenced the practice of medicine, in April, 1839, in connection with Dr. Wyman. He was. elected to the State Senate in 1850, from the counties of Madison and Hancock ; he was elected to the House of Representatives from Madison county in 1853, and was elected county treasurer in 1860. He was elected State Senator from the counties of Madison and Grant, receiving fifty three majority over his opponent, M. S. Robinson. By some irregularity his seat was contested in the Senate, and it was. awarded to Mr. Robinson, since which time he has retired from the political field with honor. As a physician, Mr. Hunt has had no superior in the county, having been in every nook and comer of the same, administering to the sick and the afflicted. In 1872 he became a citizen of Spiceland, Henry county. In 1855 he buried his first wife at Huntsville; his second wife is the daughter of John McCallister, sen. Mr. H. carried with him the well wishes of the people he had represented and administered to. In person he was of medium size, fair complexion, with light hair and good features.

Personal Sketch Of Samuel Holliday

Mr. Holliday was born in 1780. He came to the county in 1822 and located on Fall creek, four miles southwest of Pendleton. He was elected associate judge soon after his arrival in the county, and was on the bench at the trial of Bridge, Sawyer, and Hudson. He was a citizen of the county seven years when he bought a farm in the edge of Hamilton county, where he died and was buried in 1835. He was married to a Miss Martin, in Kentucky, in 1802. Their union was blessed with eleven children, whose names are as follows: Catherine, William A., Sarah, Martin, John, Alexander, Martha, Adliza, Joseph, Caroline, and Elizabeth, all of whom lived to be men and women. Adliza, who is the only one living, is spoken of in another place. The most prominent members of this family were William A. and Joseph. The former was a Presbyterian minister of some note and died in Indianapolis in 1863. The latter was in the Mexican war and represented Blackford county in the State Legislature for two terms. Their mother died in the year 1846, and is also buried in Hamilton county. Mr. Samuel Holliday was of medium size with black hair, blue eyes, fair complexion, and high cheek benes. He was a member of the Presbyterian church.

Personal Sketch Of Samuel Henry

Samuel Henry was born in Madison county in 1838; was a young man of fine personal appearance, and was highly esteemed. He had chosen the profession of law for his future vocation, and was at Greencastle in this State, finishing his education, preparatory to entering into the practice of law. When the war broke out, his noble spirit was fired with just indignation, and, leaving college, he buckled on his armor and joined the 8th Ind. Vols. - three months^ service. On expiration of term of service he returned home to Pendleton, but again enlisted as private in the 34th Ind. Regt. Served a while as bookkeeper, orderly sergeant, second lieutenant, and a short time as captain. On the death of his mother he came home. He then assisted in organizing Company B, 89th Ind. Regt., and went back to the field as first lieutenant, after which he was promoted to captain of his company, and then to major of the regiment. Mr. Henry was highly respected in the field as well as at home. His tragic death was a severe blow to his relatives and friends of Madison county. Below we give an account of his death, taken from the Indiana State Journal, written by Col. H. Craven, which will be read with much interest. I am indebted to W. V. Shanklin for it. Mr. Henry's remains were brought to Pendleton for interment, just one month after his death :

To-day the 89th Indiana is in mourning over the sad intelligence received on yesterday evening, of the coldblooded murder of Major Samuel Henry, Assistant Surgeon John P. Porter, and Lieutenant and Quartermaster Harles Ashley by guerillas, on the afternoon of November 1st. The circumstances were as follows, as nearly as I can give them, after taking some pains to get particulars : The regiment, in company with the other regiments of the first brigade, three batteries and a considerable amount of the train belonging to Major-General A. J. Smith's command, passing from Harrison ville, Cass county, via Pleasant Hillj Lone Jack, and a small village called Gruntown, to Lexington, Mo., arrived at Lexington on the evening of November Ist. Arriving in camp at dusk, I missed Major Henry, Quartermaster Ashley and Dr. Porter, when I was informed by different persons in the regiment that all three of them had stopped for dinner at Gruntown, and had not been seen with the command subsequently. Time passed off, but the missing did not appear, when various conjectures were made as to the cause of their absence, quite a number concluding that they had gone to some house or hotel for lodging, as our blankets were all wet fi'om the effects of a drenching rain the night before, and that evening was cool and unpleasant. Some expressed their fears that they had been captured by guerrillas.

The next morning we were again on the march, and the missing officers not making their appearonce all seemed to concur in the opinion that they had been captured, and serious fears were entertained as to their fate in the hands of a class of men whose cruelties toward prisoners were known to be even worse than that of savages on many occasions ; yet we all entertained some hope that they might be treated as prisoners in civilized warfare, and their lives spared. But on yesterday afternoon the 2d and 3d brigades of our division came up, having been separated from us at Pleasant Hill, and having arrived at Lexington by a different route, who brought us the particulars of the melancholly fate and cold blooded murder of our missing fciends, as they had learned them of citizens. They were as follows: As the 89th Indiana passed through Gruntown, preceded by the 58th Illinois and 9th Indiana battery, and followed by the 119th Illinois, two batteries and a long train of wagons, and finally the 21st Missouri volunteers. Dr. Porter rode up to a house, Quartermaster Ashley followed him, and called to the Major, who also left the column and rode up with them to the house, dismounted, went in, and called for dinner. The lady of the house informed them that she had already given every thing she had cooked to passing soldiers, and could not accommodate them without cooking. They inquired how long it would take her to prepare them their dinner. She said half an hour or three quarters. They said it would do in three quarters of an hour, or an hour, as they were cold and desired to warm. They remained and she proceeded to prepare dinner.

The rear of the column having arrived about the time or perhaps a little before dinner was ready, she remarked that it was unsafe for them to remain, as there were guerrillas about One of them replied that there was no danger, and they stayed and ate dinner. Finally, the major and quartermaster having finished their dinners, remarked to Dr. Porter that they had better be going, as they were getting too far behind the column. The doctor replied that he must have another dish of soup and a drink of buttermilk. In the meantime, three men dressed in Federal uniform rode up to the house where the officers were dining, and took position by the officers' horses, and so stood with cocked pistols in their hands. The officers were wholly unarmed, except the major, who had his sword and one pistol, whether on his sadle or on his person, I do not know. The major and quartermaster came out, leaving the doctor in the house. As they approached their horses the guerrillas informed them that they were their prisoners, and presenting their cocked pistols demanded that the major and quartermaster should hold up their hands, and the latter doing so surrendered. Dr. Porter coming out soon after inquired "What is the matter?" when one of the guerrillas approached him, put a pistol to his head, and told him to surrender. The doctor surrendered, and the officers were then searched for fire arms, mounted on their horses, and rode away in the custody of the guerrillas dressed in our uniform. The officers were taken back some distance on the road we came in on, taken into the woods, shot and robbed. The citizens of the village heard the report of the firearms.

Shortly after the guerrillas came back to the village, leading all three of the officers' horses. Some of the citizens went to look for the bodies ; found Dr. Porter's that night and the Major's and Quartermaster's next morning. The major's and the doctor's bodies lying near each other, and the quartermaster's some distance away. Major Henry wa» shot in the center of the forehead ; Dr. Porter in the back of the head, the ball coming out at the center of the his forehead, his hat being powder hurt. The quartermaster was shot twice, once, and supposed to be the first shot, on the right side of the nose, the ball ranging through the palate of the mouth and coming out low down in the back of the head, when it is supposed he fled and was again fhot through the back below one shoulder, the ball angling through his body and ranging downward. Their money WAS taken ; how much I do not know. They were stripped of under and overcoats and boots, except that Ashley's boots were lelt on him, being light and much worn. The major's sword hung on a bush near to his body, but his pistol and sword-belt were taken. The major's pocket book was taken. The doctor's and quartermaster's pocket books were left, but rifled of money. I have in my posession the major's sword, the quartermaster's spur, both of which I recognized on seeing them ; also, the quartermaster's pocket book, with his name in it in his own handwriting, and several papers. Also, Dr. Porter's pocket book with notes and other papers showing its identity. Their remains had been gathered up, and an old man, a little boy and a young lady had them in an ox wagon, the most common kind of team for that country, and were conveying them to Lexington.

Colonel Wolf, commanding the third brigade, had sent his adjutant forward to Lexington to inquire what orders, if any, were there for him ; when the adjutant, learning the facts, gave the old man directions to leave the bodies at the court house, as he recognized the bodies of the major and doctor Porter. Colonel Wolf also recognized them and Ashley's. Lieutenant B. F. Olden, 117th Illinois volun- teers, who was personally well acquainted with all three of them, recognized them and I am informed that he dressed the bodies, and fastened upon their bosoms their names and rank, also their post office address, so far as he could recollect them. Colonel Wolf informed me that he ordered their bodies d-ecently interred, in metallic coffins if they could be had, supposing that their friends would wish their bodies removed, and promising captain Norville, company E. MerrilPs horse, in whose care the bodies were left, at Lexington, that his expenses would be refunded to him.

Such are the particulars, somewhat in detail, so far as' I know them personally or can find out after diligent inquiry, of the saddest and most melancholiy catastrophe that has befallen the regiment since its entry in the service. The indignation of ttie regiment is deep but quiet, the fruits of which, like bread scattered upon the waters, may be gathered many days hence.