Highland Township

Highland Township

died in this township June 19, 1863; William B. Palmer, who died eight or ten years ago; William Ilutsonpiller, carpenter at Perrysville who died many years ago; Daniel Mossbei-ger, who also died many years ago; Joseph and Elizabeth Howard, deceased; John McFall; Archibald Billing, who died April 16, 1870, at the age of lifty-two years; his father died here, previous to 1833. Mr. Thomas II. Smith remarks that there are but three persons now keeping house in Highland Township who were in tliat relation in 1833, when he came here, namely, Mrs. Chestie Ilain, Adaline V. Jones and Mrs. Glover.

ERRYSVILLE was laid out in 1826, by James Blair, on a beautiful elevation on the bank of the "Wabash Eiver, and named by him in hon- '"'^ or of his commander on Lake Erie during the war of 1812, Commodore O. H. Perry. For a long time it was the most populous town in the county, and was an entrepot for a large section of country to the north, west ajid south of it. In commercial importance it was for a number of years far ahead even of Danville, Illinois, a supremacy which was held until the present system of railroads was projected. Since then it has been a dead town, so dead that its very quietness is striking. Even the voice of children on summer evenings, so common in villages elsewhere is scarcely to be heard at their rollicking plays, and the passing days are " one eternal Sabbath." Grass and weeds have overgrown the streets,

Among the early business men here perhaps J. F. Smith, T. II. Smith, J. N. Jones and Robert D. Moli'att have been the most conspicuous. The old warehouses and gristmill still used to some extent on the bank of the river, were built and run for many years by Smith & Jones, and are yet owned by the senior partner, J. F. Smith, Mr. Jones having died. The latter also built another grist-mill at the wharf, was burnt down. March 31, 1884, occurred perhaps the gi-eatest fire that ever visited Perrysville, which entirely consumed the three principal business houses, fine brick structures, two stories high besides basement, the property of the Smith Brothers. The origin of the fire was from the roof of an adjoining building. By this tire the Masonic hall, with its records and paraphernalia, was destroyed.

The Perrysville Woolen Mill was erected in the western part of town a ycai- or two after the war, by Riggs, Head & Co., who furnished the machinery mainly from Coving- ton, Indiana, where tliey had previously been running a similar factory. The Perrysville institution was run until 1881, with only partial success. During the latter year, after the mill had been standing idle a few montlis, Jj. O. Carpenter purchased the building and power, and converted it into a flonring-mill, of two run of buhrs and a capacity of about seventy or eighty barrels of flour per day of twenty-four hours.

H. S. Comingore & Son's " Perrysville Stove AVorks," in the southern part of the village, is a modern, neat establishment, brick, erected in June, 1884. It comprises two Ls, the foundry being 25 x 110 feet in dimensions and the flnishing room 25 x 84. This firm started in business in Perrysville in 1858, in a small frame building a little to the northwest of tb.eir present place; it has recently been torn down and removed.

A young, ambitions little institution is the Perrysville Creamery, on the bank of the river. Capacity of the works, about 2,000 pounds of butter per week. E. A. Lacey, secretary of the company, is the superintendent. J. F. Compton is president and treasurer.

Perrysville has been an incorporated town. The first municipal election was held January 15, 1881, when the following were elected trustees: First Ward, William Collins; Second Ward, Jolm R. McNeill; Third Ward, Samuel Shaner. W. M. Benefiel was elected Clerk; Rezin Metzger, Assessor; Lewis A. Morgan, Treasurer; and Peter S. Moudy, Marshal. Mr. Shaner was elected President. J. F. Smith was the next president of the board. Mr. Morgan resigned his ofiice as treasurer and Mr. Benefiel was appointed in his place, still retaining the clerkship. The third president was Lewis Morgan, when John T. Lowe was elected clerk and treasurer.

the corporate capacity of the place should be continued was submitted to a vote of the citizens, and was decided in the negative by a small majority. Under the corporate government the streets were macadamized, the poll tax for the village being kept within its limits, and an additional tax raised. Also a calaboose was built. A town board of education managed the school affairs.

That fine, large brick school-house in the southern part of town was erected in 1862, when Thomas Cushman was trustee. In the basement are three rooms, on the first floor four, besides tlie hall, and on the second floor four. The belfry tower contains also a room thirty feet square. The school is graded, and is taught by six or seven teachers. Enrollment, about 170; average attendance, about 130 or 140. G. W. Dealand, who has been the popular principal for the last four years, was elected county superintendent of scliools on the first Monday of June, 1887.

As before stated, the first newspaperprinted in Vermillion County was the News-Letter^ at Eugene, in 1837, which continued but six months. Mr. K. B. Dickason, of this i)lace, woi-ked on the paper. The office was purchased by J. H. Jones and moved to Perrysville the same year, where he published the Perrysville Banner. About two years afterward Clapp & Eoney had the paper, when it was called the Vermillion Register. Nexl it was the \^evrys,vi\\e Rej}uhlican, with Aus tin Bishop as editor and proprietor. Then Mr. Dickason published here the Perrysville Eagle, 1852-'55, which he sold to Mr. Ro'oinson, and he to Benjamin Snodgrass, who finally let it die; and that was the last of the newspaper business in Perrysville, although several attempts to establish other journals have been made. These papers were generally independent in politics. The Register or Banner was Democratic. The press used was the one which was first brought into Indiana in 1804, to Yincennes, whereon the Western Sun was printed.

From the number of the Perrysville Banner for February 2, 1839, the Iloosier State in 1875 copied the following items, all of which will gather increasing interest as years roll by:

J. K. Jones was editor and proprietor. This is the twenty-fourth number of its issne. It contains five columns to the page, and was published at §2 per year if paid in advance; otherwise §3. The number contains a large amount of Congressional and Legislative news of this State, and but very little original or local matter.

Hiram Barnes, of Perrysville, advertises for a " professional " man to take charge of an ox team. Edmund James, a justice of the peace of Helt Township, publishes an attachment notice on the atiidavit of Silas Rhoades, against the chattels of Simon and Martin Gilbert. The name of Permelia Smith appears as administratrix of the estate of Daniel Smith. George W. Palmer, J. P., notifies the readers that Ephraim Driscol, of Highland Township, had taken up an estray steer four years old, which was appraised at $12 by James Welch and Tom Lowers. James Thompson, school commissioner of the county, gives fair warning that he will sell fifteen tracts of land for taxes if not paid before the day of sale. S. & B. Turman notify the people where they can procure cheap dry goods, etc. "William "Whipps gives notice of his appointment as administrator of the estate of Thomas J. Heed, lately deceased. Perrin Kent also gives notice to the efi"ect that he has taken out letters of administration on the estate of John Taylor, late of Warren County, deceased. The widow and heirs of Jacob

Parke give due notice that they will make application to the next court to have commissioners appointed to assign and set ofl" the widow's dower in the real estate of said decedent. Dr. Waterman gives notice that the partnership heretofore existing between himself and Dr. Small is dissolved. Crawford & Jackson, proprietors of an oil mill, advertise that they will give the highest price for flax and hemp seed, or castor beans. George W. Palmer offers a one-horse wagon and harness for sale cheap for cash. J. W. Downing, J. P., gives notice that an irongray mare, taken up by James Rush, was appraised by William P. Dole and A. M. II. Robinson at §45 before him on the 24th day of November, 1838. William Bales, sherift', advertises the real estate of John Fosdick for sale at public auction, to satisfy a judgment in favor of Silas Kellough, William Dunning and Isaiah Dill. Joshua Skidmore, of Clinton, gives notice as follows: ""Whereas, my wife Mary has left my bed and board without just cause or provocation, I do hereby warn all persons, body politic or coi'porate and of whatsoever name or title, not to credit or harbor her on my account, as I am determined not to pay any debts of her contracting after this date, January 1, 1839." The names of Durham Hood and Margaret Craft appear as administrators of the estate of John Craft, late of Eugene. Roseberry & Jewett, dry goods merchants of Perrysville, occupy about one-third of a column in enumerating their large arrival of new goods. William J. Nichols and James H. Cory, of Eugene, inform the people where to get their saddles and cheap harness. Dr. T. S. Davidson tenders his professional services to the citizens of Perrysville and adjoining country. Hall & Gessie announce the reception of new goods in a two-inch card. Jones & Smith call attention in a four-inch card to their stock of fall and winter goods. Nathan Reed and J. H. McNiitt request that those indebted to them for professional services come forward and square up by cash or note immediately. Jacob Riley informs the readei's that he has found a silk handkerchief, supposed to be worth |1.2o, which theownercan have by paying for the advertisement. G. W. Palmer, J. P., gives notice that John Fultz has taken up two estray heifers, which were appraised at §6 each by Samuel Lacy and James Crawford, before him, December 15, 1838.

John S. Kirkpatrick flin»s the following card to the breeze: " Now Look Out. The undersigned, having sold his entire stock of groceries, a circumstance follows which cannot possibly be avoided, - that his accounts must be closed; those knowing themselves to be indebted will please make arrangements to square the ' yards ' by note or ' plank up the simon ' immediately." Miller & Seal warn their delinquent custon:ers to look out for a thunder gust, and say, " Money we must have - peaceably if we can and forcibly if we must." George W. Palmer, J. P., advertises two estray cows taken up by Horatio Talbert, of Highland Township, and appraised at $7 and §9 by Henry Green and Thomas Moore, January 5, 1839.

County, where the postoiffice was named after him, "Waterman ; served in the army, as Captain of Company A, Thirty-first (?) Indiana Yolnnteer Infantry, and contracted a disease from which he soon afterward died.

Dr. Dexter F. Leland, from some of the Eastern States, arrived here about 1850, was a partner of Dr. Spotswood, a physician of gentlemanly manners, and died in three or four years.

Dr. Lewis Frazee, eclectic, was born in New Jersey in 1815, came to Perrysville in 1863, and died here December 20, 1881. His first wife and all the nine children by her died before him. Their son George M. began practice here in 1870, and died in 1878.

Dr. Joseph H. Olds came before the war, and entered the army, whence he did not return to this county. He was a physician of considerable attainments.

(a village), came to tliis place a lew years ago' and two or three years afterward moved to Dixon, Illinois. He was rather an oculist and aurist. "Was a gentleman.

The present physicians of Perrysville are Drs. E. T. Spotswood, James T. Henderson, James Webb, J. W. Smith and D. B. Johnson. Dr. Johnson has been here since 1870. Dr. Webb, eclectic, was brought up in Fountain County. Dr. Smith is a graduate, has been a resident of Perrysville a few years as a practitioner, bnt is now traveling. For a biography of Dr. Spotswood, see the index for another page. Specimens of his poetry are also given elsewhere in this volume.

Unity Lodge, JSTo. lU, F. c6 A. If., at Perrysville, was organized about 1850 or before, and increased in time to thirty-four members. The earliest record extant is dated May, 1853, which gives as officers at that time: A. Hill, Worshipful Master; J. S. Baxter, Senior Warden; W. P. Johnson, Junior Warden; E. D. Moifatt, Secretary; G. H. McNeil], Treasurer; W. B. Moffatt, Senior Deacon; James Starr, Junior Deacon; and Andrew Dennis, Treasurer. The other members were E. Brydon, A. C. Blue, John Leech, James Benefiel, John L. Stoll, Harvey Knapp, James Martin and Lewis L. Gebhart. The charter was surrendered to Abel Sexton in May, 1859.

Unity Lodge, No 3U, F. & A. M., was chartered May 29, 1867, with the following officers: W. B. Moffiitt, Worshipful Master; James Hemphill, Senior Warden; Jacob S. Stephens, Junior Warden; William Jerrauld, Secretary; Ilobert E. Townsley, Treasurer; H. M. Townsley, Senior Deacon; John Wolf, Junior Deacon ; Thomas Scott,Ty]er. The present membership is forty-six, and the officers: Daniel Lyons, Worshipful Master; George E.

Hicks, Senior Warden; John B. McNeil, Junior Warden; W. A. Keerns, Secretary; W. A. Collins, Treasurer; John S. TileV, Senior Deacon; Martin L. Wright, Junior Deacon; D. W. Patterson and M. J. Eudy, Stewards; W. P. Hargrave, Chaplain; and Smith McCormick, Tyler.

Unity ChiX])teT, No. 50, 0. E. 8., at Ptrrysville, was instituted March 17, 1882, by Willis D. Engle, District Deputy, from Indianapolis, with fifteen members; and the first officers were - Elizabeth Collins, Worshipful Master; James Howard, Worshipful Prelate; Mrs. Sophie Eudy, A. M.; and Mrs. Helen B. Johnson, Secretary. Tiie present officers are - Mrs. Helen B. Johnson, AVorshipful Master; Mr. M. J. Eudy, Worshipful Prelate; Mrs. James Frazec. A. M.; Miss Anna Eobinson, Secretary; Mrs. Amanda Henderson, Treasurer; Mis3 Imo Collins, Conductres; and Mrs. Dora Lyons, Assistant Conductresss. The present membership is between thirty-five and forty, and the chapter 'is in a good financial condition. It meets the first Friday evening after each full moon, in Masonic Hall.

Charity Lodge, No. 32, I. 0. 0. F., was chartered April 20, 1846, by D. D. G. M. George Brown. The first officers were Irad Abdill, Noble Grand; Charles Boyles, Vice Grand; T. S. Davidson, Secretary; Thomas Cushman, Treasurer; John Dunlap, Warden; C. N. Gray, Conductor; Samuel Watt, Guardian; John A. Minshall, Eecording Secretary. The present officers are - G. W. Dealand, Noble Grand; W. G. Chenowlth, Vice Grand ; C. W. Ayres, Eecording Secretary; J. T. Chisler, Permanent Secretary; W.A.Collins, Treasurer. Tliere are nineteen members, who own the building in which their neat and well equipped lodge room is contained. Total value of all tlieir property, $1,318.60. During the war the lodge was kept alive by live or six faithful members. Of the old members, John Dnnlap died about two years ago; Irad Abdill and William Callihan are living in Danville. Of the charter members, Thomas Cushman, of Newport, is the only one living in the county.

Uiyhland Encampment, No. 163, was instituted December 7, 1885, by D. D. G. P. David McBeth, of Clinton. First officers - W. M. Beneliel, Chief Priest; J. T. Chisler, High Priest; C. W. Ayres, Senior Warden; Alexander Yan Sickle, Junior Warden; D. W. Patterson, Scribe; W. G. Chenowitli, Treasurer. Present officers - J. T. Lowe, Chief Priest; William G. Chenowith, High Priest; D. W. Patterson, Senior Warden; W. T. Conner, Junior Warden; W. M. Benefiel, Scribe; W. A. Collins, Treasurer. There were nine members at first, and there are nine or ten at present.

Rehekah Lodge, No. 118, Daughters (or Degree) of Eehekah, was instituted July 24, 1882. First officers: M. B. Carter, Noble Grand; J. T. Chisler, Vice Grand; Sallie E. Carter, Secretary; C. W. Ayres, Treasurer; S. Watt, Guardian. The other charter members were W. M. Benefiel, W. II. Benefiel, Thomas D. Clarkson, J. H. Benton, W. A. Collins, J. T. Lowe, Anna Benefiel, L. Chisler, M. Benefiel, Susan L. Clarkson and R. E. Watt. The present officers are: Imo Collins, Noble Grand; Cora Chisler, Vice Grand; Mary Ayres, Treasurer; Kittie Chisler, Secretary; W. M. Benefiel, Warden. Tlje membership has been about thirty from the first to the present.

Vermillion Lodge, No. 113, K. of P., was organized December 31, 1884, by District Deputy Talley, of Coal Creek, assisted by members from various lodges. There were sixteen charter members, and the first officers were: Dr. James T. Henderson, Chancellor Commander; F. S. Smith, Vice-Chancellor;

L. A. Morgan, Master of Finance; M. J. Eudy, Master of Exchequer; D. H. Cade, Keeper of Eecords and Seals; W. A. Collins, Prelate; G. R. Hicks, Master at Arms; A. E. Marlat, Inner Guard; E. A. Lacey, Outer Guard. There are now twenty-six members, comprising the best men of the community, who are, in their lodge relations, in perfect harmony. They have a lodge room of their own, and are in fair financial condition.

The present officers are: J. C. Wright, Past Commander; W. M. Collins, Chancellor Commander; Ned Spotswood, Vice-Chancellor; H. F. Eoyce, Prelate; M.J. Eudy, Master of Finance; W. T. Ferguson, Master of Exchequer; J. T. Henderson, Keeper of Eecords and Seals; D. Mossbnrger, Master at Arms; J. M. Howard, Inner Guard; Smith McCormick, Outer Guard; W. A. Keerns, District Deputy.

Richard E. Spotswood Post, No. 188, G. A. R., was organized in January, 1878, with the following officers : Major J. S. Stevens, Post Commander; B. O. Carpenter, Senior Vice-Commander; M. B. Carter, Junior Vice- Commander; Dr. E. T. Spotswood, Adjutant. The membership has diminished from thirtytwo to fifteen. Eegular meetings, alternate Saturday evenings. B. O. Carpenter is the present Commander, and George Watt, Senior Vice-Commander.

The Woman^s Christian Temperance Union of Perrysville was organized in December, 1881, with Mrs. Dr. Spotswood, President; Mrs. H. B. Johnson, Vice-President; Mrs. Sallie Carter, Secretary; Mrs. J. M. Mills, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. M. J. Eudy, Treasurer. Commencing with a membership of only ten, they soon increased to forty; but now there are only twenty-five. To the present time they have kept up gospel meetings, and have exerted a marked influence in giving the people a temperance education. For a time they edited a column in the Hoosier State. The present official board is the same as the first, except that Mrs. Lydia Hepbnrn is Recording Secretary, vice Mrs. Sallie Carter, deceased.

An Equal Suffrage Club was organized at Perrysville July 21, 1882, by the election of Mrs. Sarah S. Spotswood, President; Rev. J. S. White, Vice-President; Lillie Kirkpatrick, Recording Secretary; Icabenda Hain, Treasurer; Executive Committee - Anna McClintick, Honorable J. F. Compton, D. C. Smith, Mrs. Lucy Maynard and Mrs. Sarah Smith. The club "immediately went down."

The Methodist Episcopal Church has of course an eventful history, extending back to pioneer times, which is difficult to trace. At present it is a strong and influential society of 133 members, besides probationers. Classleaders, B. O. Carpenter and J. F. Compton; stewards - David Smith, Mrs. Rebecca K. McNeill, Mrs. Mary C. Moftatt, Mrs. Hannah B. Johnson, Mrs. Sophia S. Rudy, B. O. Carpenter, J. F. Compton and Mrs. Amanda M. Ferguson. Rev. J. H. Mills is a local preacher. Sunday-school all the year, with an average attendance of seventy-five, superintended by B. O. Carpenter. In connection with the church here are several auxiliary societies, - missionary, social, etc. The house of worship, built of brick, was erected in 1843, and its outside measurements are 44x52 feet. Value, .^3,000, though that money would not build it now. Locality, southwest-central part of town. A good parsonage exists on the adjoining lot east.

Rev. W. P. Hargrave, the pastor since the fall of 1884, is a son of the late celebrated Rev. Richard Hargrave, so well known throughout the State of Indiana as the trumpet-voiced Gabriel of the same church, in which he was for many years a presiding elder. He had the best voice for the pulpit, and was probably the most eloquent of all in the United States. He published a volume of sermons, which passed through several editions. He died in 1879, near Attica, this State, and his wife, nee Nancy Porter, died in 1871. The subject of this sketch was born in 1832, in Crawfordsville, Indiana; learned harness-making; taught school; entered Asbury University in 1849, graduating in 1854; practiced law until 1880, when he joined the Northwest Indiana Conference as a Methodist minister. In the practice of law he enjoyed great success, and during that time he was a resident of Viucennes and Evansville. "While at the latter place he was circuit judge for six years and a half; was also prosecutor for seven years. During the last war he volunteered his services as a soldier; was elected Captain of Company G, Ninety-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry; was on detached duty during most of the time of his services, when his official station was generally equivalent to the rank of brigadier-general ; and toward the close he was chief commissary of musters at Knoxville, Tennessee. Mr. Hargrave was married September 25, 1860, to Miss Martha Erskine, a native of Vanderburgh County, Indiana, who died October 18, 1886, in Perrysville.

A Presbyterian Church was once organized at Perrysville, and after struggling along with a precarious existence for a number of years, it became utterly dissolved, when it counted about fifteen or sixteen members. Their house of worship, which they bought of the Universalists, became unsafe, and was sold in 1882, for $150, and afterward torn away. The trustees were D. C. Smith, John E. Robinson and H. S. Collier. Mr. Smith was also ruling elder. Pastors or supplies were Revs. John Hawks, Mr. Steele, R.

AVells, William Buffert, etc., and the last one serving was Rev. Tarrauce, who was at the time (1872-'73) a resident of Covington, Indiana. There has been no regnlar preaching since 1873, when there were twenty-one members. There are now probably about half a dozen members.

The United Brethren CJnirch at Perrysville was organized many years ago. The present membership is aboiit eighty. Classleader, John Patterson; stewards, Mrs. Sarah Smith and Mrs. Rose Hain. Sunday-school is maintained throughout the year, with an attendance of sixty to seventy, superintended by Rev. J. S. Brown, who has also been the pastor of this circuit for the last three years. lie is a native of Parke County, this State; at the age of sixteen years he came to this county and worked on a farm two miles southwest of Newport; entered a school in Ohio in the fall of 1881, graduating in the spring of 1884, since which time he has held his present relation, as a member of the Upper Wabash Conference. He occupies the parsonage at Perrysville, in an extremely retired portion of the village, in the northwestern part, and has three or four appointments in his circuit.

The Cross-EoadsUnited Brethren Church, two miles west of Perrysville, was organized over forty years ago, and a large frame church built also in early day. The membership there numbers about seventy-five, of whom the leader is Mrs. Sarah Park, and stewards, Jacob Brown and Richard Spandau. Sundayschool throughout the year, with an average attendance of about eighty, superintended by John Park.

Mound Chapel, United Brethren, 30 x 40 feet, erected ten or eleven years ago, is located three miles and a half north of Perrysville. The class, now comprising about forty members, was organized eleven or twelve years ago: leader, Mrs. Jane Mitchell; steward, Nathan Jacobs. Sunday-school during the summer, of about fifty pupils probably, superintended by the class-leader, Mrs. Mitchell.

A " Christian''^ church, with about a half dozen members, was organized at Perrysville five or six years ago, by Elder Gilbert Lane Harney, of Indianapolis, but they kept up services only a few weeks. The leading members were C. S. Brummett and wife, John Emanuel Sinks, Sarah Bailey, Mrs. Ilettie Lacey, and others.

The Universalist Church at Perrysville was organized in 1842, and afterward erected a house of worship, a frame about 36 x 50 feet in size, but, being unable to pay for it, they finally, in 1850, sold it to the Presbyterians, and subsequently disbanded. They numbered as high as fifty or sixty members at one time. Among the ministers are prominently remembered Revs. E. Manford, the celebrated editor, a resident of Terre Haute at the time, B. F. Foster, of Indianapolis, George McClure, of Dayton, Ohio, but an itinerant, and Mr. Babcock, of some point east of Indianapolis. The minister organizincr the church was Rev. Marble, of Fountain County, who preached once a month for about a year. The leading members were Robert J. Gessie (trustee and mortgagee!). Dr. Thornton S. Davidson, Dr. Porter, Jlessrs. Lawless, Watt, etc. They had a fioiirishing Sunday-school.

laid out in 1872 by Eobert J. Gessie and named for liini. (See sketch of Mr. Gessie elsewhere in this volume.) The population of the village is now 140.

The business men of the place are, J. C. Stutler, general store; L. A. McKnight, general store and grain; D. M. Hughes, drugs and groceries; John Cade, postmaster, drugs and groceries; A. Van Sickle, blacksmith; Silas Hughes, wagon and repair shop and wood-work; C. L. Eandall, painter and jobber; John Haworth, station agent; David Hughes, William Saltsgaver and David Metzger, stock dealers; H. C. Smith & Co., proprietors of tile factory. This mill was built by Smith, Strausser & Stutler in 1884, who made in one year about §6,000 worth of tile. In 1885 tlie tirin name became H. C. Smith i&Co.

Dr. William Isaiah Hall, who purchased the first lot in Gessie and built the tirst house, is still a practicing physician of the place. Dr. James Barnes, who was for a time in partnership with Dr. Hall, is also practicing here.

The United Brethren Church at Gessie was oi'ganized about 1879, by Rev. F. E. Penny, of Danville, Illinois, wlio moved to tills place the following year. The trustees were L. A. McKnight, Charles Hay and Harvey Hughes; and Isaiah Thompson the classleader. There are now seventeen members; class-leader, J. C. Stutler; stewards, J. C. Stutler and Katie Goudy. The Sunday-school is maintained most of the year, with an attendance of forty pupils; superintendent, John Haworth. The pastors have been Eovs. J. A. Smith, of Gessie, J. Knowlea, of State Line, Kaufman, of Perrysville, S. C. Zook, who lived below Newport, J. li. Horner, who lived here, and Van Allen, who lived a mile south of Caynga. The church building wds erected by the Christians, about 1877, a frame

The Union Sunday-school in Gessie is maintained independently of denominational supervision, and its existence of course diminishes the attendance at the United Brethren Sunday-school. It has been running since January, 1887, and L. A. McKnight is superintendent.

Hoicard Chaj^el., Methodist Einscojpal Chxirch., two miles north of Gessie, is a brick bnilding 30 x 50 feet or more in dimensions, built over thirty years ago. The society has been in existence since pioneer days. Tliere are now about thirty members, with Joseph Nichols as class-leader. Stewards, James J. Lewis, Meredith Lewis, Henry Saltsgaver, David Bennett and Dr. W. I. Hall. Mr. Saltsgaver is also Sunday-school superintendent. Pastor, Eev. Warren, of State Line, where the parsonage is. Among the ministers of tlie past the most prominent in memory are Revs. Cooley Hall (father of Dr. Hall), Wilson Beckner, Samuel Beck, Whitefield Hall, etc.

The chapel is named after Joseph Howard, who donated the ground and led the enterprise of building the church, and was afterward trustee, etc. He resided there until 1866, and moved West, and finally died in Nebraska. His wife has since died. Mr. Howard was buried in Nebraska, although his monument is in the graveyard here. None of his people reside at present in this county. On coming liere from Ohio, about 1825, he settled on the farm now occupied by John Fox; was very poor, a cooper and farmer by occupation, but by economy he at length became wealthy, maintaining all the while an unsettled reputation.

Hojiewell Baj^tist C7i2irc/<,iih-ame bnilding abont two miles north of Gessie, is the place of meeting of a society which was organized many years ago by the Rabonrns. Among tlie prominent early members were Wesley and Keese Rabonrn, Fielden Rabonrn, Mr. Blankensliip and others, and of the ministers the most prominently remembered are Revs. James Smith, John Orr, Mr. Whitlock, Mr. Stipp and Samuel Johnson. Mr. Stipp was a Freemason, and some of the] members of the church, not believing that freemasonry was consistent with Christianity, seceded, under the leadership of Elder Johnson, so that since that time two small societies are weakly sustained at the same place of meeting, called respectively the " Stippites " and the " Johnsonites." Elder Stipp is now dead.

Elder Johnson came from Fountain County in 1871, purchasing the old Joseph Howard residence. Ehud Hughes, Philander Goff, Samuel Johnson and Ephraira Sh\ite are official members.

In 1877 Byron Stevens, a "Christian" residing near Lowe Chapel, about three and a half miles southwest of Gessie, with the assistance of his friends built the church in Gessie which two years afterward they sold to the United Brethren, as before stated. He was a minister, and he and James Prather were trustees. They organized a small church society at Gessie, which soon ran down. Elder Myers preached regularly for them for a time.

'HE surviving old settlers have from time to time held reunions, picnics, etc., refreshing one another's memories of pioneer experiences. At the close of the 4th of July celebration at Clinton in l^Sl, an association, for the purposes of nmtnal entertainment and preservation of history, was organized by the clectiDU of the following officers: James A. White, Sr., of Ilelt Township, President; Decatur Downing, of Clinton, Secretary; W. G. Crabb, of Clinton, Treasurer; A^ico- Presidents, for the respective townships - John Hamilton, Clinton; Abel Sexton, Vermillion; S. W. Malone, Eugeue; and Pi. J. Gessie, Highland; and Executive Committee - J. H. Pogart, John Wright and P.P. Morey, of Clinton; William Wisliard, of Helt; and George II. McNeill, of Perrysville. This committee was given the authority to call a meeting of the society, but it is said that they never even met, for any purpose, and thus the association died.

It happens, however, that the chief poet of Vermillion County, Dr. E. T. Spotswood, of Perrysville, knows how to celebrate pioneer times, in true Hoosier dialect, and we here insert two specimens from his happy mind.

Of The Olden Time

who cnin tii this kentry when it wuz new an' mostly in a state ov natur, an' likewise peple; also thereof before it wuz so improved that all natur is druv out uv it. In the good old times, when workin wuz more respektable than loafin', when steal in wuzent called spekilaslmn, when honesty wuz konsidered the best policy, when brass didn't count for brains, an' cheek for moral principul, when inuney wuzent alius the measure uv the man, when sham and shoddy wuznt on top, an' modest woi'th an' manhood on the under side in the fite, but when brains, pluck, honesty an" mussel wud win agin the world, - to these yuug chaps uv olden time 1 dedykate the poem, an' subscribe myself in the Coal Branch Hollow, whar they will alius find the latchstring out, a smokin' hot corn pone, a bowl uv cold buttermilk, a clean gord in sparklin' water, a rousin' hickory log fire, an a warm wellcum from thar friend,

Down upon the Coal Branch, in the Indianny State, Whar things go movin' slow along at the good oldfashioned gait, Thar men an' wimmen good belong, an' gals that ar around is wiltin'. The gals they go a-slippin' round a gittin' up a-ciuiltin'. An' the boys all round they understand Will cum an' lend a helpin' hand. In shuckin' corn or clearia' land ; Then, when the corn is gathered in, An safely stowed up in the bin. The fodder piled up in the shock, Enough to feed the winter stock, - The quilt is tuck from out the frame, a-lookiu' new

Then, when the long day's work is dun, An' night curas with the settin' sun. An' all havo had a glorious treat. At supper time, uv things to eat, - Uv hog an' hominy, pork an' beans, Uv corn an' cabbage an' sich greens, - Uv nicnacks sweet which you will find The wimmin have been mixin', - Besides 'most every other kind

Is full uv fun all over. Is when the Coal Branch blossoms out, An' feels herself in clover. From corn-cob pipes the old ones smokes, An' chats and laffs an' cracks thar jokes, An' smiles an' winks an' slyly pokes Thar fun at the younger bashful fokes.

lunchen, Each feller hunts his pardner up an' steps out on his punchen. The gals are standin' round in rows, Tricked out in spankin' calicoes. All waitin' to be chosen.

He draws it twice across the strings, Which on the floor the dancers brings ; He gives the bow another draw, When they all call for the " Arkinsaw." With a loud voice he yells the call, " Honers ter yar pardners, all !"

That soon from off that floor the splinters gits a-flyi To the fiddle's time they music beat With clatteria', patterin' busy feet, As in an' out they wind an' wheel Thro' old Virginia's lively reel. Or, like the flyin' corn they husk. They capper in the Money Musk, Or Fisher's Hornpipe contra dance With springin' steps they danglin' glance. With ringin' laflT an' jestin' jeer, * boys a-pranciu' ; An' I'm sure that if you do That you will larn a thing or two; For yon will see with your own eyes The human hart without disguise, An' larn sum lessons if you're wise. Which thro' life's journey you will prize; That happiness an' sweet content Ai'e oft with simplest pleasures blent; That graspin' greed an' pride will bring To akin' harts the keenest sting; Whilst nature's plain an' simple ways Will light with joy your sunset days.

Fourth Of July Poem Bv Dr. E. T. Spotswood, Of Perrvsville, Indiana

we'll smother. With the sweet old songs we used to sing Once more we'll make these old woods ring. An' show these .young folks settia' 'round thet the that now they sing an' play. The music thet we loved uv old, wuz the spinninwheels' sweet hummin'; The flax-break's thud, as with steady beat all day it

Source changes here: from History of Parke and Vermillion Counties, Indiana : with Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families, by B.F. Bowen & Co, published 1913; 3,317 words in this source stream.

Highland Township

What was known at a \-ery earlv day as Highland was a han-ilet one mile to the north of Hillsdale, and at one time had a population of one hundred and fifty. It was one of the oldest trading points in A^erniillion county, having been in pioneer stage-coach days a station on the route from Lafayette to Terre Haute. It had a postofifice for many years, but when Hillsdale sprung into existence, by reason of the railroads, the postal business and office was transferred to the last named place, the name of the jiostoffice also being then changed.

Summit Grove

This is a hamlet situated in Helt township, on the northwest ijuarter of section 26. and the northeast cjuarter of section 27, township 15, range 9 west. It was surveyed by A. Fitch, March 14. 1871. It now has a population of about eighty. It is a small station on the line of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad. Here the first house was l^uilt liy .\. H. Dejiuy, in the earlv spring of 1872. The next was a residence for N. T. Leiton, built the san-ie year. The first blacksn-iith shoj) was opened h\ Otlio Chaml)ers. In 1872 William Skidmore built his warehouse at this point, and it burned the same year, when another was erected by Leiton & Depu\-. There is nothing of much commercial importance at Summit Grove.

The Town Of Dan.V.

Dana, Cayuga and Newport all rank about the same in size and commercial importance in Vermillion county. The population in 1910 was, Cayuga, 832 ; Dana, 748, and Newport, /t,2. In Dana, perhaps, there is a little more of the true spirit of modern enterprise exhibited than in the other t\\-o towns named.

Parke And Vermillion Counties, Indiana

Geographically, Dana is situated two and a half miles east of the Illinois-Indiana state line, in Helt township. The records show that it was platted in section 26, township 16, range 10 west, by Samuel and J. B. Aikman, Samuel B. Kaufman and H. B. Hammond, the date being August 18. 1874. It is also known that Samuel Aikman donated a half interest in forty acres of land, John B. Aikman a half interest in twenty acres, and Mr. Kaufman a half interest in twenty acres. Besides this, these gentlemen donated one thousand fixe hundred dollars in cash. The land thus donated became the town plat.

Dana was the result of the construction of the railroad then known as the Indianapolis, Decatur & Springfield company, \vhich later was known by various titles, and until 1912 was called the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad, now the property of the Baltimore & Ohio company.

The first buildin_g" was erected on the new town plat in 1875, a frame structure by M. Taylor, in which he kept a general store and the postoffice. In a former description of Dana written in 1886, we find these words : "Dana is the most rapidly growing town in Vermillion county, comprising a shrewd and enterprising class of business men, and surrounded liy an unusually good agricultural country."

The town was incorporated in January, 1886. The first officers were; John Linn, president; D. W. Finney and W. T. Davis, trustees; H. Wells, clerk; J. E. Bilsland, treasurer, and John Al alone, marshal. At present the town officers are as follows : The board is made up of the president, B. F. Collier; members, H. L. Fillinger, J. M. White. (1. F. Green, A. H. Nicholes; Sanford Tavlor, clerk and treasurer; Richard Russell, marshal; school board, Oscar \. Adams, Bert Thompson. Dr. D. W. Jones.

In 1906-07 an electric light plant was installed, at a cost of $7,875, and it was burned in 191 1, the insurance collected and a new plant built. Bonds were issued for tliis impro\-ement running ten years, and now the town owes $5,000 on its outstanding bonds, which are payal)le one thousand dollars annually.

In 1912 a system of sewage was completed which consists of a twentyfour-inch tiling drain from the heart of town west six thousand feet, to a point along the railroad tracks where it empties into a large ditch. Its fall in this mile and a half is about eighteen feet. The expense of this recent improvement in Dana was about $5,610, o'f which $2,983 is yet unpaid. It is assessed up against the lot owners of the corporation, and they alnne will be allowed to use the same.

$1,400. The first floor is used for an engine house and the upper story for council rooms, etc. A town jail is in connection with this building. The fire coniijany of Dana is a A-olunteer one, headed by Chief Albert Brooks. There are few fires in Dana. There are no public wells or cisterns, things greatl}- needed; however, they will soon be provided.

I912 Business Interests Chapter Xxiii

Highland is the extreme northern sub-division of X'ermiUion county. Its northern boundary is the hne between VermilHon and Warren county. To the east is the Wabash river, marking the line between Vermillion and Parke counties. This, like the other four townships of this county, extends from the eastern to the western side of Vermillion county. It contains sixty square miles. In 1880 this township had a population of 2,433, ^^^^ ^" assessed valuation of personal property amounting to $1,400,000. The United States census for 1910 gives the township a population of 1,845. 1" 191 1 the county records show that there was an assessed valuation of $2,- 465,000 in this township.

Perrysville, Rileysburg and Gessie are small towns and villages within this civil township. The "Big Four" railroad passes through the northwestern corner of Highland township. A further account of the towns and villages appears elsewhere in this chapter.

1822 - G. S. Hansicker, born in A^irginia in 1792, died here about 1885. His son, H. C. Hansicker, was born in this county in 1832. George Hicks, a soldier of the Revolutionary war, was (some say) a pioneer in this township, but possibly this is an error; he may have served in the war of 1812, for there is an account of George W. Hicks, a native of Massachusetts, born 1795, and who died here in 1878. Another settler of about 1822 was Jacob Hain, of Pennsylvania, born in 1799, and died in this county.

1823 - David Gofif, born in Connecticut in 1799, remained a resident here until his death, September 7, 1881. His brother Almond died here nbout 1867, and another brother, Brainard, moved to Laporte, Indiana, where he died. His son Philander, born in 1834 in this township, was still a resideilt here in the eighties. Another settler that year was Lemon Clienowith, who for many years resided at Perrysville, this township.

1824 - John Chenowith settled on the Wabash, died in 1857. He was the father of Lemon, just mentioned, and also of Hiram, an older son. (27)

Thomas Chenowith was a member of the constitutional convention in 1850, and Isaac Chenowith was state senator in 1844-45. Isaac was born in Kentucky in 1794, arrived here in March, 1825, and died in April,' 1856. William Chenowith, born in Ohio in 1823, was brought here in 1832 and always resided in this count}-. Solomon M. Jones, born in Tennessee in April, 1812, died March 15, 1887, leaving a family of ten children. He was a soldier in the Black Hawk war. John N. Jones, Sr., was born in September, 1809, came here at a very early date, was a partner of J. F. Smith in milling and merchandising business for many years, and died here in June, 1874. William Skinner, from Ohio, came in 1824, and died a few years later. His son Norman was born in Ohio in 1816, and died here about 1880. Thomas Wright, who it is said brought the first hogs into Vermillion county, was a settler that year, also. One of his oxen dying, he cultivated his first crop of corn with a single ox. Milton Wright was born here in 1S32. Both he and his brother Stephen were the sons of Thomas Wright.

1825 - ^John Fultz, above Perrysville, settled here and died many years later. His sons were John, Andrew and William V., all long since deceased. Also Allen Rodgers, from New Hampshire, died in Iowa or Wisconsin many years ago. J. M. Rodgers, his son, born in New Hampshire in 181 5, died here in the spring of 1887.

1826 - James Blair, who had first settled in Eugene township, died at Perrysville, May 11, 1861, aged seventy-nine years. Robert D. Moffatt, born in New Jersey in 1812, for many years a merchant at Perrysville. at which place he retired in 1874. David Beauchamp, in range 10, had a large family and died about 1873. John W. Beauchamp was born in Ohio in 1821 ; Andrew, his brother, born in 1828 in this county, removed to Illinois. Hiram Shaw, born in Ohio in 1805: E. G. Shaw, born in this county in 1830, was still living in 1887.

1827 - Benjamin Whittenmyer. born in Pennsylvania in 1799, died in 1879. The parents of Har\ey Hunt, who was born in Indiana in 1820, was an old pioneer and a most excellent citizen. William Fleshman also was a settler of 1827. His son Amos, still living in 1888, was born in Indiana in 1822.

1828 - ^Jonas Metzger, a soldier of the war of 1812, from Ohio, died here February 9, 1872, aged seventy-eight years. He first located in Eugene township, and in Highland in 1833. Constantine Hughes, from Virginia. His son Ehud, born in Virginia in 181 7, was still living here in 1888. Israel, William and John Hughes were pioneers of Coal Branch country.

Parke And Vermillion Counties, Indiana. 4I9

in 1887. Moses, Cliarles and Daniel Bowman, from Virginia. Daniel remained here until his death and Charles died in the West. J. S. Stutler, born in Ohio, settled here and died in this township. Ezekiel Sanders, born in Virginia in 1827, died July 10, 1875. He first settled in Eugene township, and later moved to Highland.

1830 - Richard Shute. lather of Daniel, John and Ephraim, settled this year in Highland township. Elisha X, Reynolds, born in Maryland in 1804, died in this township in the eighties. G. H. Reynolds, born in 1835, was an old and honored resident of this township in 1887. John Tate, born in Ohio in 1807, survived until the nineties. Thomas J. Mitchell, born in Ohio in 1808. resided many \ears at Perrysville. James A. Prather, born in Kentucky in 1814, died here in 1886. Another settler of 1830 was Joseph Briner, of Perrysville.

1831 - Herbert Ferguson, born in \^irginia in Septemlier. 1799, died Iiere January 26, 1877. Ephraim Betzer, from Ohio, came in ]irevious to 183 1. Jacob Betzer was born in 1805 in Ohio, died about 1883. Aaron Betzer moved to the far West.

1832 - Captain Andre\\- Dennis, a boatman, born in Xew Jersey in 1801, died in Danville. Illinois, in the early eighties. John Hoobler, a United Brethren minister, born in Pennsylvania in 1801, died in Illinois. William Trosper, born in Kentucky in 1808, died in this township in December, 1886. Nehemiah Cossey, from Maryland, came first to Parke county and in 1832 to this county: died long ago. His son Peter, born in that state in 1812, is also deceased. Fielding Rabourn, born in Kentucky in 181 5, died here in the eighties. William FT. Carithers from Ohio, long since died in this township: he w as the father of Jonathan, Frank and Henry, all living in the county in 1887. William Callihan, a potter by trade, moved from Ohio, settled here and later removed to Danville. M. B. Carter, who was county recorder in 1887 in this county, w-as born in 1832.

1833 - J. F. Will William P., Thomas H., G. H. and David Smith, from Virginia, all became settlers this year. Thomas Gouty came 1832 or 1833. died June 10, 1863, aged sixty-one years. His son Elias was born in this township in 1833. Henry Gouty may have settled in the township two or three vears later: he died in 1864. David Gouty was the son of Henry and Rebecca Gouty. John S. Rilpatrick, a miller, horn in Kentucky in 1812, lived at Gessie for a time, and moved to Danville, where he died. Norman Cade died soon after his arrival in the township. His son David later removed from this county. Jacob Givens, born in A'irginia in 1815, died in this township. The same year came James Hansen, father of Smith Hansen.

1834 - ^Jacob Rudy, born in Switzerland in 18 18, died here in the early eighties. Martin Rudy, his father, died here several years afterward. Others who came in that year were Peter Switzer; his son Wesley, born in Ohio in 1 82 1, was still an honored resident in 1888.

1835 - Thomas Moore, who died in 1843, '^^^^^ ^^'^'^ father of Joseph and Washington. T. H. Harrison, born in Virginia in 1810, was still a resident of this township in the late eighties.

1836 - John R. and George H. McNeill, from Maryland, the former born in 181 1 and the latter in 1818. Lewis and John Butler, from Ohio, the former born in 1813, and the latter in 1816; Lewis was deceased in 1886, when John was still living in Vermillion township. Elijah Roseberry, v^^ho died in 1857, aged fifty-one years. Thomas Cushman, born in New York in 1814, was living at Newport in 1887; he had served as county auditor.

1837 - James J. Lewis, born in Maryland in 1805, still residing in this township in the late eighties. He was the father of J. A. Lewis and Joshua Lewis; the latter lived at Cayuga many years. Robert J. Gessie, bom in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1809, was residing here in 1887. Another old citizen was Charles Chezem, born in Indiana in 1827.

1838 - Walter B. Mofifatt, a native of Indiana, born in 1822, died August 14, 1882. Horatio Talbert, long since deceased, was the father of Henry, born in Pennsylvania in 18 16 and died in this township in the middle of the eighties. Samuel Harris, born in Virginia in 1819, moved to another section of the country.

Other pioneers in this township were J. F. Smith, John N. Jones, merchants and millers; Joseph Cheadle, father of Joseph B., who served in Congress from this district, was born May 9, 1789, in one of the Eastern states, and died in this township June 19, 1863: William B. Palmer, who died about 1876.

It was stated in 1887 that there were but three keeping house in Highland township who were in that relation in 1833, ^.\ hen Thomas H. Smith settled, he being the man who made this statement. These three were Mrs. Chestie Hain, Adaline V. Jones and Mrs. Glover.

Perrysville was laid out in 1826, by James Blair, on a pleasing situation on the banks of the gently winding V\'abash, and named by him in honor of the commander of the Lake Erie fleet in 1812, Commodore O. H. Perry. For many years this was the largest town within the hmits of VermiUibn county. For a time it was ahead of Danville, Illinois - really until the present railroad system was projected. Since then it has lacked thrift, enterprise and growth. It was said thirty years ago that "the passing days are like one eternal Sabbath. Grass and weeds have overgrown the streets and the lovely shade trees continue to do their sweetest duty." There is a station a little to the west of the old town. Among the enterprising men who were engaged in business here in the .more palmy days of the town's history may be recalled J. F. and T. H. Smith, J. N. Jones and Robert Moffatt. The old warehouses and grist-mill were used to som^ advantage in 1890. They were built and operated many years by Smith & Jones. Jones also built another grist-mill at the wharf, but it was burnt down many years since. March 31, 1884, occurred the largest conflagration ever experienced in the place. It entirely destroyed the three chief business blocks, two story bricks; these were the property of Smith Brothers. The fire originated in the roof of an adjoining building. By this fire the Masonic hall, with all of its valuable records and paraphernalia, was destroyed.

A few years after the close of the Civil war, the Perrysville Woolen Mills were erected in the western portion of the town by Riggs. Head & Company, who furnished the machinery niainh- from Co\ington. Indiana, in which place they had previously operated a factory. The Perrys\-ille factory was operated until 1881, but with only partial success. It stood idle a year or more and was then purchased b}- B. O. Carpenter, who converted it into a mill, having two run of stones for wheat grinding. It was an excellent flcniring-mill plant, and had a capacity of about eighty barrels per day.

In an historic account of this town, written in 1886, it is^ learned : "H. S. Coming-more & Son's Perrys\ille St()\'e Works, in the southern part of town, is a modern, neat establishment. It is in a brick building, erected in Tune, 1884. Its two wings are for foundry and finishing rooms. The firm started in business in Perrysville, in 1838, in a small frame building."

,\t the time above named - about 1887 - there was then running the Perrysville Creamery, on the bank of the Wabash. It had a capacity of two thousand pounds of butter per week. E. A. Lacey was secretary and sujwrintendent, while J. F. Compton was president of the company.

Perrysville was incorporated in January. 1881, and its first officers were: First ward, '^^illiam Collins; second ward. John R. McNeill; third ward, Samuel Shaner. W. M. Benfield was elected clerk ; Rezin Metzger, assessor ; Lewis A. Morgan, treasurer; Peter S. Moundy. marshal. In the fall of

1884 the question of whether the corporation should be continued or not was up to a vote by the citizens of the place, and resulted by a small majority in favor of letting the municipality go down. It is not now an incorporated place, but a quiet, orderly country village, where many of the older inhabitants live on the past glory of former days !

In 1910 the population of Perrysville was six hundred, and there were the usual number of stores and shops for a town of its location and size. Of the churches, schools and lodges, for which the place has ever been noted, other general chapters will treat under their appropriate headings.

Village Of Gessie

Gessie is a village on the railroad, three miles northwest of Perrysville station. It was laid out in 1872 by Robert J. Gessie and named for him. In 1887 this place had a population of one hundred and forty. The 1910 United States census bulletin gives it as having one hundred and fifty.

Dr. William Isaiah Hall, who purchased the first town lot in the place, also erected the first building. He was still practicing medicine in the place in 1888. His partner was for many years Dr. James Barnes, who afterward practiced alone in the village. Early business men were J. C. Stutler, with a general store ; L. A. McKnight, general store and grain dealer ; D. M. Hughes, drugs and groceries ; John Cade, postmaster, drugs and groceries ; A. Van Sickle, blacksmith; Silas Hughes, wagon and repair shop; C. L. Randall, painter and jobber; John Haworth, station agent; H. C. Smith & Company, proprietors of tile factory; this was built in 1884 and the first year's output of the plant was six thousand dollars' worth of tile.

Rileysburg, formerly called Riley, is a flag station two miles northwest of Gessie, where in the eighties there were already a postofiice, store and a tile factory.