Guilford Township

Guilford Township

The township of Guilford, the only one of the size of a Congressional township, occupies t!ie southeastern corner of the comity and IS bounded as follows: On the north bj Washington Township' on the east by Marion County, on the south by Mor-an County' and ov Che we^t by Liberty Township. It has the best natural drar age of any part of Hendricks County. White Lick passes thi.ugh its center, the East Fork through the east side, Clark's Creek between them, and the West Fork and a small tributary to It passes through the west side. The uplands are onlv gently rolling, and are generally quite fertile, while along each of these streams^are valleys of unsurpassed fertility. In these streams is gravel enough to macadamize all the roads in the county, and along their banks is grown corn enough to feed a city. Much of the upland along the Middle and the East forks was originally covered with waluut, poplar and maple trees, and is almost as cood as bottom hand. The only land in Guilford Township which may becalled second rate for Hendricks County, is alon- the watershed between the East Fork and Clark's Creek, and on the hi ah- .ands on the west side of the West Fork; and any one who will pass along the ridge will be able to controvert the idea that oak timber is growing scarce in this county.

First Settlers

Guilford was the first settled township in the county, and its occupancy dates back to 1820. In that year Samuel Herriman James Dunn, Bat Ramsey, Harris Bay, John W. Bryant, and George Moore settled on White Lick, south of Plainfield, near the Morgan County line. Some of these settlers raised some corn and ' potatoes in 1S20. I'l the spring of 1821 Xoah Kellum, Thomas ' = - - - (607)

Loclchart, a Mr. Pluinmer and Felix Belzer settled on the East Fork, and Matthew Lowder, Elias Hadley, Jesse Hockutt and Robert Toniliiison, on ^Yhite Lick, soutli of Plaintield. In tlie spring of 1S23 David Carter settled in tlie northern part of the township, and was tlie first to locate in the neigliborhood of Plainfield. In the same year, James Downard settled on the State farm.

The settiing-ap of Guilford Township was more rapid than that of any other portion of tlie county, so that in 1824 it contained more population than the other townships combined. A very large majority of the early comers were Friends. The townsliip was named by Samuel Jessup, in honor of Guilford County, N. C, wlience a larg-e number of its settlers immigrated.

First Elections

Samuel Jessup was the first Justice of the Peace in Guilford Townsliip and Hendricks County. He was elected in the autumn of 1S22, under the jurisdiction of Morgan County, to which Hendr',KS County was attaclied for two years for judicial purposes, be- +"^16 its organization. Mr. Jessup's election was the result of tiie political catnpaign in the county. John and Samuel Jessup, on East Fork, were candidates, and Gideon Wilson, up by Sliiloh, was also a candidate. There were fifteen vuters below and eiglit up in Mr. "Wilson's neighborhood. A caucus was held in the Fairfield neigiiborhood, and it was found that there would be no election if all the candidates remained in tlie field, and as Samuel iiad the most votes, it was decided that John should withdraw irom ihe race, which he did, and Samuel was elected.

The poll-book of the first general election held in Guilford Township (Aug. 7, 1S26, at the house of John Jessup) gives a list of forty-two voters, which is here copied in full, as the best possible catalogue of tlie early settlers: Timothy Jessup, Tliomas Lockhart, James McChire, John White, jSToali Kelluni, Isaac Sunders, Harmon Iliatt, Adin Ballard, Benjamin Sanders, Henry Bland, Eobbert Tomblinson, Joseph CIiand!er,John Hiatt,Elilm Jackson, Joseph Ballard, Charles Reynolds, PratW. Jessup, Joseph Jessup, Joel Jessup, John Hawkins. Lee Jessup, Abijah Piiison, John Jessup, Joscpli P. Jessup, Levi Cook, Henry Reynolds, Timothy H. Jessup, James C. Tomblinson, Joseph Cloud, John Lemon, John Carson, David Stutesman, James Ritter, William Merritt, Solomon Edmunson, John Ballard, David Ballard, Robert Lemon, Joseph Hiatt, Jesse Kellum, Thoi.ias R. Ballard and John Burris. The vote in tliis township at tiiat election was as follows: For Congressma'!, Thomas H. Blake, tliirtj-seven; Ratlifl' Boon, three. For Senator, Josiah F. Polk, twentj-one; Calvin Fletcher, fourteen; John "W. Redding, two. For Representative, Thomas J. Matlock, thirty-nine; Isaiah Driiry, two. For Sheriff, Robert Cooper, thirty-nine. For Coroner, James McClure, fifteen.

Two years later, at the presidential election of 1S2S, the number of votes had increased to seventy-two, of which number John Quincy Adams received sixty-nine and Andrew Jackson onlv three.

Another interesting election return bears date of April 5, 1852. The township voted on the question of grantine; liquor license, and seventy-nine votes were cast against the proposition, while not one was given for it.

Political

Few co'amunities in the world are as unequally divided in political sent' jient as Guilford, which has been almost unanimous in its loyalt" to the Whig party and its successor, the Republican party. The largest number of votes ever given the .Democratic ticket was fit'ty-two, in 1836. In .186i, Lincoln received 575 votes, and McOleiland'One. Following is the vote for President at each election since 1S2S:

Following is, as nearly as possible, a complete list of those who have held the various township offices, together with tlie yuars ot election:

History Of Hendricjss

1830; Zadok Smith, 1S34; Harmon Hiatt, Jaiuas T. Downard and John Pinson, 1S35; Joel Ilodgen, 1S3C; Joel Ilodgen and "Washington Done, 18-il; John Reagan, ISio; Joel Ilodgen and Alexander "Worth, 1S47; James S. Odell and Carey Keagan, 1849; James G. Odell, 1850; Isaac Osborn, 1851; Milton Harvey, ISo-l; William Faulkner and Carey Reagan, 1855; Joseph Dennis, 1850; Perry Ransom, 1S57; Isaac M. Shideler, 1859; Eli Johnson, 18G0; Lafayette Oursler, 1863; Eii Johnson and Jesse IST. Townron, 1864; Asa Martin, 1865; Ransom "Wooten, 1S6G; Eli "Watson, 1867; Berry A. Tomlinson and Solomon Shinafelt, 18GS; Samuel M. Cook, 1869; James M. Odell and Morris K.Ellis, 1870; Jonathan L. Moffatt, 1872; Eli Johnson, 1873; Eli Johnson and John P. Ballard, 1876; Thomas Archey, 1S7S; Eli Johnson, ISSO; Thomas B. Archer, 1882; Richard Duddy, 1884.

Constallcs: Granville P. Barker and '"William Bryant, 1836; Ziniri Vestal, 1837; "William Hamlet and Isaac Holton, 1838; ""William Bryant and John Shelley, 1839; Eli McCaslin, 1844; Eli M- Jaslin and John C. Johnson, 184-5; Eli McCaslin and Line Jfown, 1847; Coleman Francis, Rufus Ostler and Yerlin Jones, 1848; - John Moon and Eli McCaslin, 1849; John Dobbins and Barney A. Tomlinson, 1850; "Willis H. lV;lhite and "William Glasscock, 1851; Benjamin McConaha, and John Tauksley, 1852; John Dobbins and "William Moss, 1853; Joseph Talbot and Robert Edmonds. 1854; John Medaris, Loten Jenkins and George "W. Stephens, 1855; Caleb Dalton, Isaac Sparks and Madison Lawrence, 1856; John D. "Williams and B. A. Tomlinson, 1857; Milton Harvey and Joseph Cox, 1858; Cargy Eeagan and "W. H. "Williite, 1859; Perry Ransom and "W. H. "Wilhite, 1860; Perry Ransom and Amos Easterling, 1861; Joseph A- Co.x and F. Shirley, 1862; Edward D. Stratton and John Sims, 1S63; William H. Thompson and John Dobbins, 1864; John Dobbins and Isaac Sparks, 1865; Nathan Hubbard and Jonathan Mendenhall, 1S66; Elijah Eddy and A. ^V. Greenlee, 1867; "William K. Lakin and Elijah Eddy, 1868; David McNabb and Charles Doan, 1869; Thomas J. Stewart and Daniel McXabb, 1870; Thomas J. Stewart, 1S72; Thomas Stewart and Henry "Widdows, 1874; Thomas Stewart and "William Lakin, 1876; "William Lakin and "Willsam Stone, 1878; "William Sorters and John Craig, 1880; "William Sorters and Peter Bryant, 1882; Corry Edmonds, 1SS4.

Statistical

The second town in the county in size is Plainfleld, pleasantlj' situated in a beautiful valley on the east bank of White Lick, on the Indianipolis & Terre Haute Railroad, now known as the Van - dalia line. It was laid out by Elias Hadley and Levi Jessup in 1839. Thomas "Worth built the first frame house in town, and "Worth & Bro. were the first merchants.

Plainfleld was duly incorporated as a town in 1839, when an election was held to choose five trustees. Following is the report of the officers of the election:

""We, the undersigned president and clerk chosen and qualified according to law, do hereby certify that we did, on tiie morning of the 25th day of May, 1839, lay off the said town into five districts, to wit: That the town lots lying east of Center street and north of the national road shall be known as the first district; that the lots lying east of Center street south of the national road shall be known as the second district; that the town lots lying between Center and Mills streets 8outh of the national road, shall be known as the third district; that the town lots lying between Center and

Mills streets north of the liatioiial road, shall be known as the fourth district; and tiiat the town lots lying west of Mills street shall be known as tlie fifth district.

"And we do further certifj that David G. Worth, Eli K. Caviness, James M. Long, Andrew Prather and James M. Blair were duly elected Trustees of the town of Plainfield according to law.

At this election the following twenty-three persons voted: Daniel Berker, David G. Worth, M. G. Taylor, David Berker, Jesse Hacket, James M. Blair, A. C.[Logan, A. Prather, Luther Sikes, James M. Long, James T. Downard, Eli K. Caviness, M. G. Corlew, Joel^odgai, Huling Miller, Thomas J. Perth, Benjamin Lawrence, David Phillips, V. C. Githens, John Shelley, Isaac Osborii, Isaac Holton and William Osborn.

The town has no charter now, the same having been surrendered many years ago. It was found that the township government was best, >n the ground of both efficiency and economy. Plainfield has t 3ver retrograded, for while its business is purely local, it has always been healthy and steady, and the population and wealth of the place have steadily increased. There are now nearly 1,000 inhabitants. The business firms of 1885 are enumerated in the following list:

Pleasant AUman, livery; Misses AUmau, dressmaking; A. A. Brown, attorney; A. Carter, physician; II. T. Conde, agricultural implements; Douglass & Carter, saw-mill; Douglass & Strong, builders; W. C. Douglass, builder; Dennis & Adams, wagons and wood- work; Caleb Dalton, meat market; T.E.Evans, physician; Ellis & Sons, saw-mill; Kobert Edmonds, builder; Teresa Ellis, dreosmaker, G. W. Fogleman, builder; Miss Eosa Fogleman, dressmaker; Nerius Frazier, blacksmith; W. T. Fawcett, boots and shoes; Green &Hadley, druggists; CyrnsGrccn, station agent; T. B. GuUefer, physician; Miss C. A. Havens, dre-smaker; Iliatt & Sons, saw and flouring mill; Harlan Hadley,* livery; W. L. Hamar, dentist; B. G. Harlan, dentist; A. T. Harrison, editor Plainfield Progress; xVnson Hobbs, grocery and hotel; Hiss &, Carter, agricultural implements; S. Hiss, undertaker; I. A. Johnson, harness; Allen Jackson, livery and sale stable; Ellwood Johnson, greenhouse; Adam Jones, nursery; R. A. Kelley, barber; T. B. Kiiman, postoffice; A. M. Lewis & Co., hardware; Lawrence & Small, real estate and insurance; Robert Lewis, physician; McMil-

Central Academy, located at Plainfield, is controlled by a Board of Trustees appointed, by three Quarterly Meetin.s^f the society o Friends-Plainfield, White Lick and Fairfield There are eighteen Trustees, six from each Meetin. The school was organized in 1881, and is consequently four year V'T.-?' academy building was completed in 1882 at a cos of 85 000. The school has no endowment, and 1 sL ported by the tuition fees. These, however, are v ry moderate" ranging from $7.80 to $9.00 per term, there being three Terms , I year. The object of the academy i.s stated to be^" to fLntTs h literary mstructionas is generally given in the High Schools of our cities, joined, however with a larger amount of Christian teachin. than IS common in such schools." There are three cou^ses-the grammar school, the English and the Latin. The Princ'-oal ! George W. White, A. B. -t-rincpai is following as the first members: David F. Cox and wife (only ones now living), John Hadlej, Jonathan Hadlej, David Carter, Ezekiel Hornaday, Pliram Hornaday, Pliram Green, Abijah Cox' with their wives, and Alexander Shawver, seventeen in all. They soon built a hewed-log church, having first held their .meetings in the settlers' cabins, and in that primitive strncture, half a mile ftorth of where is now Plainfield, they worshiped forfive or sixyears. They then erected a frame church in the village, using the same for twenty years, when it was succeeded by the present brick structure, built on the site of the frame, at a cost of $3,000. Among the first ministers were Revs. Michael and Job Combs, Lewis

The Methodist Episcopal society has been organized some forty years, and has used the same building as a phace of worship, coi.- tinuously. Among the early members were 0. H. Dennis (only one living), Riley Taylor and wife, Alexander Worth (foundef cf the society) and wife, William Owens, Sebastian Hiss, Fred Trucks and Mrs. Higgins. The church has now about 100 men.- bers, and the present pastor is H. H. Dunlavy, who commenced his labors here in September, 1SS4. He was preceded by Revs. G. W. Switzer (three yeai-s), Green (two years), Johnson (one year), Eeard (two years) and Siddell (two years). The present Trustees are John Moore, S. Hiss and William Lakin; Stewards, Isaac A. Johnston and John Moore. The Sunday-school has forty membeis and meets before church services every Sunday morning, undtr the superintendency of John Moore.

The Western Yearly Meeting of Friends V!?,% organized in the ninth month, 185S, the first members being Eleazer Bales, Charles Moore, Matthew Stanley and Robert W. Hodson, and their families. Their house of worship was completed in ISoS. It is of brick, and with the grounds, twelve acres, cost $14,000. In 1873 an unfortunate difference of opinion arose as to the doctrine and practice, which has permanently divided the society. The "con- ' . servatives" meet on the first and fourth days of each week for' worship. 'Their Elders are Albert Maxwell and Davis Meeker; \ their Overseers, Joel D. Carter and Albert Maxwell. The "liber- ' als" advocate a more active system of religious work. They also meet the first and fourth days of the week. Their Clerk is Josiah ' Morris; Treasurer, Moses Hadley; Elders and Overseers, Jesse Hor- '

Dey, Calvin Ooborn, Ehvood Stantou, Brazleton Hadlej, Ehvood "Wassoii and Jesse D. Hiatt. The "liberals" are in possession of the church property, the "conservatives" renting other quarters. The former won a suit brought in Circuit and Supreme Court, and are now defendants in a second suit, yet undetermined.

The Baptists have had a regular organization for some thirty years. Among the first meinbers were Adam Jones and wife, Orrin Bonner and wife, Samuel McCormick and wife, "William Douglass and wife and children. After a time the society purchased the church which had been occupied by the Friends, and used the same for a number of years. In August, lS8i, they dedicated their present brick church, which cost $3,000. Services are held every alternate Sunday, the present minister being Rev. A.B.Chaffee, of Franklin. The membership of the society is about seventy., The Sunday-school is under charge of Henry Straiighan.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church has been supported for some fifteen j'ears. It met for a long time at the Morgan school-house, two and a half miles from Plainfield, and in 1S79 commenced holding its services in the village. The church erected in that year cost about §G00. There are about twenty-five members. Hev. Roberts has been the pastor for two years past. The colored Baptists also have an organization, with occasional services conducted by a clergyman from Indianapolis.

Plainfield Lodge, No. 286, i^. c& A. 21., was organized Oct. 21, 1862, with the following officers: Amos Easterling, "W". M.; Caleb Easterling, S. "W. ; Amos Alderson, J. W. ; Madison Osborn, Secretary; Carey Regan, Treasurer; IS". Y. Parsons, S. D. ; William i). Cooper, J. D. ; Thomas Powell, Tyler. The list of present oflicers is: William H. Morgan, W. M. ; Allen Pritchett, S. W. ; D. F. Cox, J. W. ;Eb. Tomlinsou, Treasurer; T. Reagan, Secretary; A. D. Krewson, S. D.; William C. Douglass, J. D.; Stephen Os- ' born, Tyler. The lodge has now a membership of thirty-three, and meets at Masonic Hall the Monday evening on or before the full moon in each month.

History Of Hendricks Coontt

as sixty-seven The officers are: Taylor Reagan, Commander; I A. Johnson, Adj.; John Walker, Q. M.; Anson Hobbs, S. V C - Henry Straughan, J. V. C; Charles Doane, Chap. The po^t meets the hrst and third Monday evenings of each month, over JbLobbs's grocery. / is a station on the L & V. Railroad, in the southeastern corner of the township, in the midst of the richest community and bes^ improved farms in the county. Large quantities of milk and other dairy products are shipped thence to Indianapolis.

Biographical

Harris Almond, eldest son of Matthew and Rebecca Almond was born in Richmond County, N. C, Jan. 5, ISOD. His father immigrated with his family to Indiana in the fall of ISll and set .tied m what is now Wayne County where his wife died. He then removed to Winchester, Ind., where he remained four years and in the fall of 1827 he located in Hendriclcs' County, and in the fall of 1S2S he removed to Bridgeport, Marion Co., Ind., where he resided twelve years. He tlien settled in Henry County. Iowa, where he died in 1S76. He had a family of six children by his fikuvTfe and two by his second. Harris Almond, whose name heads this sketch, being the eldest son, he was obliged to assist his father on the farm thus his educational advantages were limited, he havinothe benefit of school but a few months during the year He wa°s married in 1S29 to Ruth Lakey, a native of Ohio. Ifter marrin^e he settled on eighty acres of land in Marlon County, goin^ in debt for the land, which he afterward sold, and bought eight/acres in Washington Township and later bought another eighty acres ad ]oining, and on this land he resided about thirty-three years His wife died April 12, ISil, leaving three ehildren-Sarah J., wife of Samuel Weer; Pleasant and John. He was again married Oct. 17 1S41, to Anna Montgomery, and to this union were born two children, one dying in infancy and the other after reaching matur- 'Z,^ f ^^^'^^ ^'^^ ^^'^"^ ^- 1S77, and he was married in October, 1877, to his present wife, Mrs. Parthena Tucker. She was the ' widow of George Tucker by whom she had seven children, four of whom survive. She is a native of Kentucky. Mr. Almond i^' now in his seventy-seventh year, and has been a member of the

Cliristian church for forty-eight years, of which he has been Deacon twenty-one years, and he has served as Trustee about thirty years. In politics he is a staunch Republican.

Pleasant Almond, a successful stock-raiser and business man of Piainfield, is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born Jan. 3, 1836, the eldest son of Harris and Rntli (Lakey) Almond, natives of North Carolina, who came with their parents in childhood to Indiana and were reared in IV^arion County. After their marriage they moved to Hendricks County, where they lived the remainder of their lives. Pleasant Almond was reared a farmer, receiving a common-school education. In 1857 he was married to Minerva J. Hadley, daughter of John and Edith Hadley. After his marriage he settled on a farm in Guilford Township a mile and a half east of Piainfield, on the National Road. Here he lived till 18S1, and by industry and energy improved his land, till he has 200 acres under cultivation. He has made a specialty of stock-raising, having tlie best grades of English draft and Clydesdale horses, Jersey cattle and Poland-China hogs. In 1881 he left the farm and moved to Piainfield, where he has a pleasant home. His wife died in 1S73, leaving three children - Theophilus, Poscoe and John H. In 1S74 he married Mrs. Mary Osborn, widow of Madison Osborn. Tliey have one daughter - Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Almond are members of the Christian church.

John M. Carter is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born May 16, 1832, the only son of David and Euth (Hadley) Carter, natives of North Carolina, who moved to Ohio with their parents, where they were married, and in 1822 moved to Hendricks County, Ind., and settled on a tract of heavily timbered land which is now the site of the town of Piainfield. Daviil Carter at one time owned 600 acres of land and at the time of his death owned 500 acres. Ilis wife died about 1871 and he in ISSl. They were members of the Christian church, of which lie was for several years an Elder. Their family consisted of nine children, one son and eight daughters - Jane, Matilda, Mary, Martha A., John M., Sarah, Orpha, Ara M. and Zipporah. John M. Carter spent his youth on his father's farm and alter his marriage settled on a tract of wild land, of which he made a good farm, on which he lived till 1864, when he moved to Piainfield and engaged iu the mercantile business. He afterward returned to his farm, and remained till 1870, when he again engaged in the mercantile business till 1874. He then lived on the farm till 1883, and since that year has lived retired_from active bu&iness. He still owns his tarin in Washington Township, which contains 1S3 acres of valuable land, with a good residence and farm buildings, and is now occupied by his son. Mr. Carter has served four years as Township Clerk. He and his wife are members of the Christian church, of which for the past fifteen years he has served as Deacon, and at present is Superintendent of the Sundayschool. He was married in 1852 to Susan "Wells, and to them have been born two children - David W., and Mary, wife of Dr. J. T. Strong. In politics Mr. Carter is a staunch Republican.

John FuUen, a prominent and successful business man of Plainfield, was born in Fayette County, Ind., Dec. 25, 1S21, the second son of John and Jemima (Harrell) Fallen, natives of Virginia, who moved to Fayette County, Ind., in an early day. The fatlier died in Fayette County, and John subsequently moved with his mother to Johnson County and settled on land entered by his father before his death. Tliere he grew to manhood and remained till 1872, when he moved to Hendricks County and located in Plainfield, where he has since lived. He owns a fine farm of 200 acres in Johnson County, all under cultivation, and until his removal to Hendricks County he was successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising. He has accnmulated a good property and is now living retired from active business life. He was married in ISil to Rachel Smith, who died in Plainfield in ISSl. They had a family of five sons aud five daughters; four of the number are living. July 14, 1881, Mr. Fullen married Mary E. Barton. Mr. Fulien has been a member of the Baptist church since 184.3 and for several years has been Deacon of his church. His wife is a member of the same denomination.

Elias Hadley, deceased, was one of the early settlers of Hendricks County. He was born in Chatham County, N. C, Aug. 5, 1809, a son of Jeremiah aud Mary Hadley. When he was three years of age his parents moved to Butler County, Ohio, and subsequently to Hendricks County, Ind., and settled in Guilford Township, where they both died. Oct. 14, 1829, Elias Hadley was married, in Butler County, Ohio, to Miss Cox, daughter ofMordecai and Nancy Cox, a native of Butler County, born in 1814. After his marriage he settled on a tract of wild land which is now the site of Plainfield, but at that time was heavily timbered. He cleared and improved a farm, which he subsequently sold and bought one north of Plainfield, where he lived till 1874, when he rented his farm and moved to the village and lived retired from active busi- ness till his death, Dec. S, 1SS4. The farm contains ISO acres of valuable land, all under cultivation. To Mi-, and Mrs. Hadley, were boru sixteen children, six sons and ten daughters, t ,relve of

Enos, Emma, Susan, Addie, Oscar and Arthur. Mr, Hadley was a member of the Christian church fifty years and his wife is a member of the same denomination.

John Hanna, a son of James Parks Hanna, was born Sept. 3, 1827, in what is now apart of the city of Indianapolis. His father entered and improved eighty acres of land in "Warren Township and there died Aug. 31, 1839, leaving a widow and five children, John being the eldest. The mother died in 1844. John and the children remained on the farm until 1S46, when, at the instance of General Robert Hanna, their guardian, the}' broke up housekeeping that they might go to school. The subject of this sketch, determined to acquire an education, started for Greencastle in February, 1846, with only 8^ in his pocket. He walked the entire distance, entered the university, got the position as janitor of the college, worked his way through college and graduated with honors in June, 1850. He then entered the law ofiice of Judge Delaney R. Eckles and there finished the study of his profession. He then became the law partner of his preceptor and settled in Greencastle. He was elected Mayor of the city of his adoption and served three years. After Judge Eckles went upon the bench as Circuit Judge, Mr. Hanna formed a partnership with the Hon. John A. Matson, which continued until the spring of 185S when he went to Kansas. He was the same year elected a member of tlie Territorial Legislature from the county of Lykins, now Miami, and served as such during the session of 186S-'9; was chairman of the judiciary committee, introduced and carried through the act abolishing and prohibiting slavery in the Territory; was an earnest-working Republican in politics. After remaining one year in Kansas he returned to Greencastle and resumed the practice of Is.-^-. In the presidential canvass of 1860 he was the Republican elector of the Seventh District, and as such voted for Abraham Lincoln. Prior to the Chicago convention he had advocated the nomination of Edward Bates, of Missouri, for the Presidency. Aftersrard Mr. Bates became Lincoln's Attorney-General. Hon. Henrj S. Lane and Schuyler Colfax recommended the appointment of Mr. Hanna for United States Attorney for the district of Indiana, and he was also recommended by Mr. Bates, and appointed a few days after the inaugu- ration of President Lincoln. He served four years; then his re-appointraent was ordered by Mr. Lincoln, although his name was not sent to the Senate until after the death of the President. He continued to serve until the split between Johnson (the successor of Lincoln) and the Republican party, when he denounced Johnson, and at a Johnson meeting held in Indianapolis he introduced a series- of resolutions which was the immediate cause of his being removed, and Alfred Kilgore was appointed. This proves clearly that Mr. Hanna's political opinions were not in the market, to be transferred as merchandise. He furnished Mr Kilgore all the information desired as to the business of the office; assisted him in the trials the first term after his appointment. Mr. Hanna then formed a partnership with General Fred Kncfler, of this city, in the practice of law, and has devoted his time entirely to the practice of his profession, except in the ca'ivass of 1868, when he, at the request of his political friends, canvassed the county of Putnam as a candidate for the Legislature. Although defeated he ran ahead of the State ticket. Since 1868 he has made no political speeches, although known as a decided, out-spoken Republican in politics. His life at the bar has been a constant ^/arfare and he has more than the usual share of hotly contested litigated cases. He has perhaps been engaged in as many jury trials as any lawyer of his age. As United States Attorney during the war his position was one requiring great labor, yet, without assistance, he managed to discharge his duties to the entire satisfaction of the Government. The prosecutions for violations of the draft laws, the revenue laws, confiscation acts, conspiracies, treasons and felonies were numerous, as the records of the court attest.. As a successful prosecutor his record was satisfactory to those who gave him their influence. Since he commenced the practice of law in this city he has been engaged in a number of the most prominent murder cases for the defense, the Clem case perhaps being the most noted. His practice at present is remunerative. He still resides at Greencastle, where he has a lovely home near the town. His family library is the best in the county and the favorite resort of his children of evenings. He regards it as money well spent, and it is his boast that he never had a moment's concern about the whereabouts of his boys at night. His sons incline to be farmers rather than professional men. The oldest is now a farmer in Hendricks County. While attending the University Mr. Hanna became acquainted with- Miss Mahala Sherfy, of Perrysville, Vermillion County, who was atteudino; the female collegiate seiaiDaiy, iheu lu charge cf Mrs. Larabie, wife of J^rof. William C. Larabie. Miss Sherfy and Mr. Haima graduated from the same rostrum in June, 1S50, and May, 1S51, they were married. Mrs. Haiiua was a woman of liberal educatiou and superior intellect, and in the fullest sense of the word a true wife. As a Cliristian she was loved by her neighbors and idolized by her husband. She was the mother of seven children, one who died in infancy. She died in the spring of 1S70, leaving her husband three sons and three daughters. Mr. Hanua remained a widower two years then married Mrs. Emma Pothorff, of Greencastle. Tliey have now another son and daughtei', eight in all. His children are devoted to him, and it seems a labor of love for him to work in their interest. His eldest child, a daughter, Lillie, graduated at the University two years ago. Mr. Hanua was, therefore, the first graduate of the institution that furnished a daughter for graduation. His second daughter and two of his sons are now attending the same University. He believes in giving girls equal chance with boys in the advantage of education, and, therefore, insisted that the University open its doors to both, which was finally done. The result has proven that the '- honors " may be won by the so-called weaker sex if they are given an equal opportunity. Mr. Hanna's great success in his profession has demonstrated that he is a man of much more than ordinary natural ability, starting out a poor boy comparatively, v."ithout friends or money, working his way through college and attaining an enviable and high position both as a civil and criminal lawyer. It is certainly a great incentive to other poor young men to go and do likewise. Mr. Hanna's record shows that he has descended from an ancestry that had rendered service during the Revolution. His great-grandfather was a native of South Carolina and was there engaged during the entire struggle for American independence in behalf of liberty and the stars and stripes. He had a large family of sons. Mr. Hanna's grandfather, John Hanna, was one of the elder brothers. The late General Robert Hauna, the younger, and several more of the family removed to Brookville, Franklin County, early in the histury of Indiana Territory. General Robert Hanna was a member of the convention that framed the first Constitution of the State in 1816. The father of the subject of this sketch was a mere boy at the time they first came to Indiana. They removed to Marion County in 1S26. The' grandfather settled on a farm near where the poor house now stands in Wayne Township; his brother Joseph, a short distance from him ou the Gia\,'i'aidsville State road. James Parks Hanua, father of John, lived ivith his uncle, General Ilanna, up to the time of his marriafije with Miss Lydia Howard, of New Jersey. Four years ago Mr. Hanna removed the remains of his fatlier and mother to Greencastle cemetery, where they will probably remain until that day when the graves and the sea will be called on to give up their dead. M"r. Hanna's record is one worthy of emulation, and should be inscribed in the pages of history.

In person he is about live feet eiglit inches in lieight, with a heavy, square frame, though not inclined to corpulency, dark hair, eyes and complexion, and seems to be in the full strength and vigor of manhood, plain and unassuming in manner. A stranger upon entering our court could at once single him out as one of the leading spirits of the Indianapolis bar.

In 1S81 Mr. Hanna was nominated by the Republican convention for Eepresentative in Congress from the capital city district, and was elected at tlie State election in October, defeating the Hon. Franklin Landers, the incumbent, and one of the most popular men in the district, 1,39S votes.

Mva 'W. Hornaday is a native cvf Hendricks County, Ind., born in "Washington Township, Oct. 8, lSi5, the eldest son of Isaiah and Elvira Hornaday, his fatlier a native of Ohio and his mother of North Carolina. They were married in Hendricks County, and settled inTVashington Township, and then they moved to Brownsburgh, Lincoln Township, in 1875, where they now reside. Alva Hornaday was reared a farmer, attending the common schools of his district. He remained with his parents till his marriage, and tlieu bought what is known as the old William Townsend farm, which contains 136 acres of choice land. His residence is a neat one-story frame building, and his farm buildings are among the best in the township. Mr. Hornaday is a thrifty and one of the representative agriculturists and stock-raisers of the county. He was married in 1875 to Ella E. Co.x, daughter of James H. and Lillus Cox. They have one child - Elvira Belle Hornaday. Mr. and Mrs. Hornaday are members of the Christian church.

In his youth he assisted his father on the farm, and later worl<ed three years m a carding and woolen mill. When he was twenty years of age his father died, and the management of the farm devolved on him till the estate was settled by his elder brothers. He was married when twenty-three years of age, to Lydia Stephens, of Highland County. After his marriage he settled in Clinton County, Ohio, and twelve years later moved to Hancock County. In 1851 he moved to Hamilton County, led., where he lived twelve years, and thence to Indianapolis. He lived in Indianapolis five years and a half, and in 1870 exchanged his property there for property in Plainfield, where he has since lived. He owns one of the finest honses in Plainfield, built by Mack Shideler, located on Long Mound, one of the pleasantest sites in the township. To Mr. and Mrs. Hunt have been born six children - Mary A., Levi S., Cjrus A., Gideon, Eunice and Jesse L. They are members of tlie society of Friends. In politics he is a Republican.

Judge Alexanden^ Little was one of the first settlers of Hendricks County. His parents, Tliomas and Mary (Campbell) Little, came ' to the United States about 17T0 and located in Virginia, removing later to Mercer County, Ky. Their family consisted of eight children - Molly, Xancy, Sally, John, Peggy, Jane, Thomas and Alexander. The mother died March 25, ISOS, and the father Dec. 5, ISli. Alexander Little married Eachel, daughter of William and Ann Eobinson, and to them wore born twelve children - Anna, born Aug. 27, 1801, married Robert McKnight; Polly, born Jan. 20, 1803, married James Green; Patsy, born Oct. 30,1801; Betsy, born May 1, 1S06, married John Canary; John, born April 12, 1808, married ISI'ancy Rawlings, who died and he afterward married Jane Beasley; Samuel, born April 26, 1310, married Rebecca Green; Rachel, born June 24, 1812, married James Richardson; William, born March 5, 1811, married Sarah Downard, who died and he subsequently married Mary Lee; Rebecca, born April 29, 1816, married three times - first, Josiah L. "Wines; second, Jacob Welch, and third, Aaron Wilhite; Joseph, born Feb. 22, 1S18, was killed when a young man by being thrown from a horse; Robert, born Dec. 23, 1819, married Mildred Thompson, and after her death Maria Worth; Sarah, born Oct. 22, 1823, married Joseph Simpson, who died and she then mirried John Wilhite. In an early day Judge Little and his family moved, to Washington County, Ind., and in 1830 came to Hendricks County. While in Washington County he was a Lieutenant and then Major in the first militia organization of the State. He held several offices of trust; was Associate Judge, and served several terms in the Territorial Legislature. After coming to Hendricks Connty he served one term of three years iu the State Senate. He died July 26, lSl-9. His wife died Sept. 7, 1851.

Samuel Little is a native of Mercer County, Ky., born April 26, ISIO. The day of his birth his father. Judge A. Little, started for "Washington County, Ind., where he entered a tract of land. He cleared a small piece, planted it to corn and returned to Kentucky for his family, moA'ing to Washington County the following June. In 1S30 he moved to Hendricks County and settled in Liberty Township. Samuel Little was married in "Washington County, to Rebecca Greei:, and in February, 1S30, moved to Hendricks County and settled in Liberty Township, on the farm now owned by his son Thomas. To his original entry of eighty acres he added till he owned 400 acres of valuable land. He has been one of the most successful stock-raisers of the county, having some of the finest grades of cattle and hogs. In 1SS4 he left the farm and moved to Plainfield, where he has a pleasant home. His wife died in 1SS3. They had a family of eleven children; four died iu infancy, and one, Joseph, after reaching maturity. The living are - Sarali, wife of Edward Crawford; Elizabeth, wife of Daniel Cox; Mary A. , wife of Benjamin Edwardson ; Kobert and Thomas. Dec. 14, LSS3, Mr. Little married Margaret A. McKnight, widow of Alexander McKnight, by whom she had eight children; four are living, two died in infancy, and two in adult age. Mr. Little has been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church fifty years, and has served as Elder several years. His first wife was a moniber of the same denomination. His present wife is a member ot the 0:d Presbyterian church. He has been President of the Plainfield and Cartersburg gravel road twenty years, and is one of the stockholders and Directors of the First National Bank of Danville.

William C Mills, a prominent old settler of Hendricks County, was born in "Wayne County, Ind.-, at the present site of Economy, May S, 1S16, the second son in the family of eight children of Henry and Hannah (Woodward) Mills, natives of North Carolina, the father born in March, ITSO, and the mother Sept. 5, 17'J0. They moved from their nativ ) State to East Tennessee, and thence in 1314 to Indiana. They located near PJchmond, and then m'jved to Economy, where they lived two years, but not liking "Wayne County, returned to Tennessee; subsequently moved again to Wayne County, where they lived till 1829, when they came to Hendricks County and settled on eighty acres of land on the farm now owned by Aaron Mills. The father died in 1833, in Morgan County, 111., and the mother in 1862, near the same place. Five of their children are still living. Henry Mills was a valuable man in the new settlement. He was a natural mechanic, and handy with all kinds of tools. He was a good penman, and was often called upon to write deeds, contracts, wills, etc He was a great reader and was well informed on all subjects of general interest. William C. Mills was about thirteen years of age when his parents moved to this county. He received a good education for the early day, but the greater part of his time was spent in assisting on the farm. He remained with his mother till his marriage, and then settled on a tract of land in the woods, on the Lick Fork, where he lived eight years. After clearing and improving his land, he sold it. and subsequently made several changes, and in the fall of 1855 bought the farm of Joseph Moffett, to which he moved in 1856. He owns about 800 acres of land, about 400 acres under cultivation and the rest good pasture laud. Mr. Mills has made a specialty ot stock-raising, which he has made a successful and lucrative business. He is a shrewd business man, an upright, honest citizen, and merits the success ho has achieved. Mr. Mills was married in 1831) to Rebecca Hadley, a native of Randolph County, N. C, born April 3, 1820, daughter of John B. and Elizabeth Hadley, of Morgan County, Ind. They have had a family of ten children, six of whom are living - John H., Charles H., Amos H., Mary E., wife of Wayne Macy, Oliver H., and Aaron H. Mr. and Mrs. Mills are birthright members of the society of Friends.

Isaiah Slvage is a native of JS'orth Carolina, born near Elizabeth City, Sept. 18, 1826, a son of John and Ann Sivage, natives of the same State. When he was sixteen years of ago he left his native State and came to Indiana, stopping the first winter in Eichmond. He then removed to Hancock County, and in 1846 to Hendricks County, and found employment on a farm near Bridgeport. He was married in 1848 to Axie Hudson, and settled on Mill Creek, six miles southwest of Danville, in the woods, where he cleared and improved a farm. In the spring of 1860 he sold his farm and bought another of 140 acres, three and a half miles south of Plainfield, where he lived twenty-four years, and in 1884 rented his farm and moved to Plainfield, where he now has a livery and sale stable, and is also engaged in buying and shipping horses.

His wife died in ISoC, leaving two cliildren, both of whom died soon after. In ISGO he married Sarali Hadley, wlio died in 18G4 leaving two children - Indiana and "William E. Jan. 31, 1SG6, he married Eunice Lindlej, daughter of Thomas and Mary Lindley. of Parke County, Iiid. Mr. Sivage and his family are members of the society of Friends.

Eienezer Toinlmsoti is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born May 26, 1S26, the fifth son of James C. and Nancy A. (Doan) Tomlinson, natives of Guilford County, N. C, the father born in 1799 and the mother in ISOO. In 1819 James C. Tomlinson and his wife moved to Hendricks County and settled about five miles south of Piainfield, in the woods, and made for themselves a home where the}- have lived about sixty-six years. They reared a family of eleven children, eight of whom are living. Ebcnezer Tomlinson was reared in his native county, receiving his education in the common schools. Attaining his majority he engaged in an-ricultnral pursuits, which he followed till 1S65, when he left tlie farm and engaged in the dry-goods business in Piainfield till 1881, when he organized Tomlinson & Co.'s Bank, of Piainfield, of which he is the principal owner and controller of the business. He has been

a successful business man, fmd owns two farms and his residence in the village of Piainfield. In 1876 he was elected Township Trustee and served two terms, and in 1SS2 was again elected and is \ still an incumbent of the ofiice. He was married Feb. 6, 1852, to'

Miss Damsel "Watson, of Brownsburg, Hendricks County. To them have been born two children - Terrillus B. (deceased), and' Tennessee, now the wife of Milton Phillips. Mr. Tomlinson is a , member of the Masonic fratsrnity, Piainfield Lodge, No. 2S7. He^ is a member of the society of Friends. His wife is a member of the Missionary Baptist church.

William A. Watson, grocer, Piainfield, Ind., is a native of Jefferson County, Ind., born in January, 1831, a son of Ebenczerand Ann "Watson, his father a native of Virginia and his mother of Kentucky. In 1839 his parents moved to Hendricks County, aiid settled in Brown Township, where the mother died in 1874 and the father in 18S4. The latter was well and favorably known in the county, and for nine years served as County Commissioner. He died at the advanced age of eighty-four years. His family con- ^ sisted of nine children, four sons and five daughters, ail of whom' lived till maturity. William A. "Watson was reared in Brown Township, on his father's farm, receiving a good education. He followed agricultural pursuits till ISTi, when he sold his farm and moved to Indianapolis, but in March, 1875, returned to Hendricks County and located inPlainfield, buying an interest in the flouring mill. He subsequently sold his interest in the mill and has since beeu engaged in the grocery business. He keeps a full line of groceries and provisions, and has built up a good trade. He was married in 1855 to Susannah Fuukhouser, and to them have been born three children. Mr. and Mrs. Watson are members of the Missionary Baptist church, of which he is Trustee and Treasurer.

John R. Weer, a prominent and enterprising farmer of Guilford Township, was born in Warren County, Ohio, Feb. 22, 1831, a son of Elijali and ^Margaret (Cox) Weer, natives of North Carolina, who settled in Washington Township, this county, in 1832, where the father died in 1850, and the mother in 1865. They were active members of the Christian church, he serving as Elder several years. Their children were ten in number - Emily, Samuel, John R., David, Hiram, Harris, Julia, Elizabeth, Martha and Amanda J. John R. Weer was reared on his father's farm, in Washington Township. After the death of his father he took charge of the farm, and after his marriage bought the interests of the rest of the heirs. In addition to the 120 acres entered by his father, he now owns 215 acres which makes a fine farm of 335 acres. He has made a specialty of stock-raising and in 1884 fattened 121 head of Poland-China hogs. He has been one of the most successful horse-breeders in the township. In 1882 he moved to Plainfield, giving the management of his farm to his sonin-law, George Carr. He was married in 1853 to Emma Gunn, daughter of John and Lydia Gunn. They have three children - Martha A., wife of Theodore Walton; Lydia, wife of George Carr, and Ernest E. Mr. and Mrs. Weer are members of the Christian church, of which he is an Elder and Trustee.

Source changes here: from History of Hendricks County, Indiana, Her People, Industries and Institutions, by Hadley, John Vestal, published 1914; 2,577 words in this source stream.

Topography

Guilford township is situated in the southeast corner of Hendricks. county; is bounded on the north by Washington township, on the east by Marion county, on the south by Morgan county and on the west by Liberty township. White Lick creek flows through the central portion, the East fork thereof and Clark's creek through the east side, and the West fork of White Lick, with a small tributary, across the west side. This network of streams supplies perhaps the best natural drainage system of any township in the county. The water adds greatly to the value of the land also; the uplands are rolling and the stream valleys are fertile and of high productive quality. Walnut, poplar and maple timber was at one time thick over this township, but this has been reduced by the encroachments of agriculture to a ver}- small per cent, nf the original.

Settlement

Guilford township was the first in the county to be entered by white settlers. This was in the year 1820. In that year Samuel Herriman. James Dunn, Bat Ramsey, Harris Bay, John W. Bryant and George iMoore settled on White Lick, south of Plainfield. near the Morgan county line. Here they set up their cabins, cleared groimd and raised a few small crops of corn and potatoes. In the spring of 1821 Noah Kellum, Thomas Lockhart, Mr. Plummer and Felix Balzer settled on the East fork, and Matthew Lowder, Jesse Hockett and Robert Tomlinson on White Lick, south of Plainfield. In the spring of 1822 Jeremiah Hadley, Jonathan Hadley and David Carter settled on adjoining lands on the hills immediately east of the present town of Plainfield and were the first to locate in that neighborhood. In the same year James Downard settled on the state farm. In 1824 Guilford township contained more people than all the other townships combined. The Friends were the majority of the early settlers and to this day this religious denomy6 HENDRICKS COUNTY, INDIANA.

ination is strong in the township. The civil division was named in honor of Guilford county, North Carolina, by Samuel Jessup, due to the fact, doubtless, that a large number of the emigrants came from that place.

First Elections

Samuel Jessup was the first justice of the peace in Guilford township and in Hendricks county. He was elected in the autumn of 1822, under the jurisdiction of Morgan county, to which Hendricks county was attached for two years for judicial purposes before its organization. IMr. Jessup was elected by the first political campaign in the county. John and Samuel Jessup, on East fork, were also candidates, and Gideon Wilson, near Shiloh. There were fifteen voters below and eight in Wilson's vicinity. A caucus was held in the Fairfield neighborhood, and it was found that there would be no election if all the candidates remained in the field, and as Samuel had the most votes it was decided that John should withdraw from the race, which he did, and Samuel was chosen.

The poll book of the first general election held in Guilford township, on August 7, 1826, at the house of John Jessup, gives a list of forty-two voters, which is manifestly incomplete, namely: Timothy Jessup, Thomas Lockhart, James McClure, John White. Noah Kellum, Isaac Sanders, Harmon Hiatt, Adin Ballard, Benjamin Sanders, Henry Bland, Robert Tomlinson, Joseph Chandler, John Hiatt, Elihu Jackson, Joseph Ballard, Charles Reynolds, Pratt W. Jessup, Joseph Jessup, Joel Jessup, John Hawkins, Lee Jessup, Abijah Pinson, John Jessup, Joseph P. Jessup, Levi Cook, Henry Reynolds, Timothy H. Jessup, James C. Tomlinson, Joseph Cloud. John Lemon, John Carson, David Stutesman, James Ritter, William Merritt, Solomon Edmundson, John Ballard, David Ballard, Robert Lemon, Joseph Hiatt, Jesse Kellum, Thomas R. Ballard and John Harris. Guilford township has always been Republican in politics, following from the support of the Whig party.

Because of the location of Plainfield, the second town in the county, Guilford township is perhaps next to the leading, if not the leading, civil division in the county. It has the advantage in not only having a good population, but in having exceptional land, rich and fertile, and capable of producing record crops. The farmers are of the best class in the state anrl are all in a prosperous condition. The appearance of the farms, the buildings and the residences is the strongest testimony to this fact. Much attention has been given to the roads of the township. Gravel highways, and many macadamized, form a network over the division. Two railroads and two interurban lines cross the county, all going into Indianapolis.

The town of Plainfield is the second town in the county in size. It was laid out by Elias Hadley and Levi Jessup in the year of 1839. Thomas Worth built the first frame house in the town and Worth & Brothers were the first merchants.

"We, the undersigned president and clerk chosen and qualified according to law, do hereby certify that we did, on the morning of the 25th of May, 1839, lay off the said town into five districts, to-wit : That the town lots lying east of Center street and north of the national road shall be known as the first district; that the lots lying east of Center street south of the national road shall be known as the second district ; that the lots lying between Center and Mills street south of the national road, shall be known as the third district; that the town lots lying between Center and Mills streets, north of the national road, shall be known as the fourth district; and that the town lots lying west of Mills street shall be known as the fifth district.

"And we do further certify that David G. Worth, Eli K. Caviness, James M. Long, Andrew Prather and Jame? M. Blair were duly elected trustees of the town of Plainfield according to law.

At this election the following twenty-three persons voted : Daniel Barker, David G. Worth, M. G. Taylor. David Barker, Jesse Ilocket, James M. Blair, A. C. Logan, A. Prather, Luther Sikes, James M. Long, James T. Downard, Eli K. Caviness, M. G. Corlew, Joel Hodgin, Muling Miller, Thomas J. Worth, Benjamin Lawrence, David Phillips, V. C Gitchens, John Shelley, Isaac Osborn, Isaac Holton and William Osborn. These were among the prominent first settlers of the town of Plainfield. This incorporation charter was later given up, due to unsuccessful attempts at town government. Township rule was considered to be the best. However, on June 25, 1904, th'' to-"n of Plainfield was again incorporated as a town. In the second in-

The Plainfield water works is a municipally-owned plant, built in 1913, at a cost of eighteen thousand dollars. Electricity is supplied by the Danville Light, Heat and Power Company.

The Present Town

The town of Plainfield had a population in 1910 of one thousand three hundred and three. The town has the appearance of a much larger city; the residences are commodious and of pleasing architecture and the business section has the air of prosperity and civic excellence. The town is reached by the Vandalia and the Terre Haute, Indianapolis & Eastern lines and much commercial and social intercourse is held with the city of Indianapolis and other towns on the lines.

The Citizens' State Bank of Plainfield was organized in 18S9 by George W. Bell. It was chartered in that year and in 1909 this charter was renewed. The first officers of the bank were: Harlan Hadley, president; John A. Miles, vice-president; George W. Bell, cashier. William Lewis. Ezra H. Cox, T. F. Roberts, David Hadley and John R. Weer were associated with the institution. The present officers are: John L. Gunn, president; John M. Brown, vice-president; Emil B. Mills, cashier; Ralph B. Hornaday, assistant -cashier. The capital stock is $25,000; deposits, $145,000; surplus and undivided profits, $30,000.

Plainfield Lodge No. 286, Free and Accepted Masons, was organized October 21, 1862, with the following officers: A.mos Easterling, worshipful master; Caleb Easterling, senior warden; Amos Alderson, junior warden; Madison Osborn, secretary; Carey Regan, treasurer; N. Y. Parsons, senior deacon; William D. Cooper, junior deacon; Thomas Powell, tyler. This lodge is now Plainfield Lodge No. 653, and has a good membership.

McCarty Lodge No. 233, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Plainfield, is over forty years old. They now have a membership of one hundred and sixty.

Virgil H. Lyon Post No. i86, Grand Army of the Rejuiblic, at Plainfield, was chartered June ii, 1883, with forty members. This post is not active at the present time, due to the decease of so many members.

Plainfiel13 Public Library

The Plainfield library is a partial realization of the dreams and desires of some of the women of Plainfield. Feeling the need of such an institution in the town and believing an honest effort to establish such a means of directing and cultivating the literary tastes of the young and satisfying the demands of the old would be rewarded by success, the Woman's Reading Club asked the local Woman's Christian Temperance Union and the Friday Club to enter into an association for the above purpose. A corporation was formed and a board of trustees appointed. With these organizations as charter members, the association membership was increased by adding the name of any person in the township who gave a dollar or more in money or books. Donations in both were solicited, with the result that in a short time the library opened with about four hundred volumes and money to buy more.

The opening took place in June, 1901, and work began in a front room of a private residence on Main street, with Mrs. Edward Lawrence as librarian. She served until the fall of 1903, when failing health compelled her to resign, and she was succeeded by Miss Melissa Carter.

The Indiana Boys' School

Just a mile from Plainfield is located the Indiana Boys' School. It is a beautiful place, well kept, and an admirable home for the class of boys sent within its grounds. This school was established by the Legislature of Indiana in 1867, under the name of "The House of Refuge for Juvenile Offenders." In 1883 this name was changed to "The Indiana Reform School for Boys," and in 1903 to the present title, "The Indiana Boys' School." The institution is governed by a bi-partisan board of control of four members appointed by the governor for a term of four years. The present board is: Harry T. Schlo.ss, president; Joseph B. Homan, of Danville, vice-president; Guy H. Humphreys, treasurer, and George Webster, Jr., secretary. Guy C. Hanna is superintendent of the institution.

the ages of eight and seventeen. On a general charge of incorrigibiHty or delinquency, boys are received between ten and seventeen and on a criminal charge between eight and sixteen. All boys are retained here until they reach the age of twenty-one years, unless sooner released by the board of control under general rules. At present these rules are such that with good conduct a boy may gain his release on parole in eighteen months. The average time is a little under two years. Boys may be returned to the institution at any time for the violation of their parole while under twenty-one years of age. A statute proposed by the executive officers of the institution was enacted by the Legislature of 1913, giving the board of control the right to finally discharge any boy over the age of eighteen years. Under this law six hundred and one boys already on parole have been discharged.

The present number of inmates, which has remained nearly stationary for the past year, is about five hundred and sixty. One hundred of these are colored boys. The institution had, four years ago, six hundred and ninetynine boys. The falling off has been due to the overcrowded condition of the school and the pressure exerted on the courts to hold boys out as long as possible.

The ordinary capacity of the institution is four hundred and twent}-- six. A new building for housing purposes, Washington Barracks, is now under construction and will accommodate eighty boys. It will replace an old building. A new school house is being constructed also, named Charlton school, in honor of Major T. J. Charlton, superintendent of the school for twenty-one years. The institution is supported entirely by direct appropriation from the Legislature. In 1910 the total maintenance co t was $113,- 284.74: in iQii. $107,164.81 : in 1912, $102,224.63: in 1913, $100,583.66.

The purpose of the institution is the reformation of criminal and incorrigible boys. School is maintained the year round. The course covers the eight grades of the common school system. Two graduations are held each year, spring and fall. Sixteen boys were graduated in September, 1913. During the twelve months each grade is given a two-weeks vacation out of doors. A director of music and a physical director are included in the teaching force. The schools are in charge of a school principal, who is an experienced school man.

The institution maintains the following shops and trades : Manual training, printing, carpenter, blacksmith, shoe shop, plumbing, tinshop, bakery, laundry, barber, tailor, paint shop, florist, farm and garden and telegraphy. All the furniture of "the institution is built at the manual training shop. The printing office does all of the job work for the institution and issues monthly and weekly publications. The orrlinary repairs of the institution are kept up by the carpenter, painting, plumbing, blacksmith and tinsmith forces. The garden produces a large variety of vegetables for the institution's use. An orchard of twenty-five acres produces five thousand bushels of apples yearly. These are all consumed by the boys. The farm, of three hundred acres, produces all the feed used by the institution and a large quantity of wheat per year, which is milled into flour. This year's crop of wheat amounted to over eighteen hundred bushels and last year's corn crop to five thousand bushels.

The institution owns five hundred and twenty-seven acres of land and has fifty-four buildings. The place is heated by steam and is lighted by electricity produced at the institution's central power plant. It has its own water works system, equipped with fine, pure water wells pumped by electric pumps. The power plant also supplies steam for cooking and for the steam laundry. It has a capacity for nine hundred horse power.

The officers, including everybodjf employed, number sixty. These are all appointed by the superintendent and are subject to dismissal at his pleasure. The present board of control started two years ago, with the erection of the new chapel, to gradually rebuild the entire institution. The plan of housing in the future will include barracks, cottages and buildings, with single rooms for the boys.

Central Academy

The first school taught in the Central Academy at Plainfield was in 1 88 1 -2. This school was originated and supported by four quarterly meetings of the Friends' church, Plainfield, Fairfield, White Lick and Danville, until the year 1912, when the support of the school was transferred to the Plainfield quarterly meeting alone. It is a commissioned high school with a four-year course, having now thirty pupils and three teachers, including Simon N. Hester, the principal. The old building was burned in 1905 and in the next year a new one was constructed at a cost of ten thousand dollars. The first building was a two-story brick, with four rooms above and one below; the new one. is the same, with the addition of a basement.