Jackson Township

Jackson Township

This township occupies the southwest corner of the county. It is bounded on the south by Hendricks County, on the west by Montgomery County, on the north by Jefferson Township, and on the east by Harrison and Center Townships. It contains a little less than forty-eight sections, being a little deficient at the northeast corner. Jackson Township is drained by Eel River and Raccoon Creek, the former leaving the county and entering Hendricks County at the south line of section eleven a short distance southeast of Jamestown. Raccoon Chests flows in a southwestern direction, leaving the township in section thirty-one, near where the Indiana, Bloomington & Western Railroad enters the county of Montgomery. The above railroad enters Jackson Township at the south line on section eleven, passing through Jamestown, bearing to the north of west, and leaving the county and township in section thirty-one. Without doubt, Jackson is one of the best townships in the county. The land along the above streams can be excelled in no place, much less in Boone County. Good husbandry is noticeable in every direction, brought about by a well-directed system of drainage. Jackson originally was the best timbered township in the county, if one may judge from what is yet standing and from stumps of trees cut down - timber of the most valuable kind - such as walnut, poplar, oak, etc. There is yet (in 1886) standing on the farm of Mrs. Ashley, three miles northwest of Jamestown, one of the finest poplar groves in the state. It is a grand sight to behold those monarchs of the forest. But the ax is, or soon will be, whetted that will lay them low, as well as others of the same kind. A stump of a poplar tree, on the farm of W. H. Coombs, measures nine feet.. This tree, when standing, was said to be one of the finest specimens of its kind in the township. The proposed Anderson & St. Louis Railroad will, if ever finished, pass through Jackson Township in a southwesterly direction, entering at section eighteen, passing through Advance, and leaving the county and township at section thirty. Jamestown, one of the earliest settled places in the county, is, and has been for years, the principal trading point in the township, as well as the voting precinct, a separate account of which will be found in another part of this work, under the head of "Sketch of Jamestown." Advance, mentioned as being located on the Anderson & St. Louis Railroad, is a voting place, and contains several business houses, postoffice, church, etc. Although a new place, it has quite a local trade, and, on the completion of the railroad, will be a place of some importance. It is located in the northern part of the township, midway between the east and west lines, and is six miles due north of Jamestown. Jackson Township was settled about the year 1828. Among the first to arrive, we find the following: Young Hughs, Lewis Dewees, John and Washington Gibson, William Farlow, Isaac Miller, David Bush, John Porter, Robert Davis, Andrew Hudson, Alijah Brown, Samuel Jessie, Andrew Long, George and William Walters, William White, Hiram Young, Jacob Johns, and John Whitley. This pioneer band were joined a few yeers later by the following persons : The Headys, Niceleys, Emmerts, John McLean, John T. Hurt, John Crisman, John Cunningham, Mieken Hurt, Thomas Caldwell, Samuel Miller, James Davis, Robert Walker, William Duncan, Isaac M. Shelly, Anderson Trotter, John Airhart, Henry Airhart, Isaac H. Smith, W. H. Coombs, S. P. Dewees, W. B. Gibson, Dr. George L. Burke, Samuel Penry, Samuel Cunningham, Elisha Jackson, Henry B. Myers, W. W. Emmet, and the Galvins.

George Walker, one of the earliest ministers, held meeting ai the house of John Porter, and it is said this was the first religious meeting held in Jackson Township. Mr. Walker was 2 Baptist. The first house erected was by the Methodists, in 1832, called Brown's Chapel, named in honor of the late Thomas Brown. There are now many neat and well-located houses of worship throughout the township. The schoolhouses are also good indicators of thrift and progression. No township has more advancement than this in every direction. The vast forest has given way to well-cultivated fields. The people now living in Jackson have every reason to be proud of their homes. It has taken labor to bring about the above results. 'The hands that felled the trees and cleared the fields are folded in rest. Their graves may be seen in different parts of the township. A few remain among us.

The population of Jackson Township in 1870 was 1,200. In 1880 it was 1,162. The number of voters in 1886 was 757. Number of school children in 1884 was 726. The school houses number fifteen, of which nine are brick and six frame.

The Odd Fellows' picnic here on last Thursday was one of the best I ever attended. First, the day was all that could be desired - no dust, and in the beautiful grove of William Heckathorn it was delightful. The people came, and I judge nearly three thousand persons were present, all well behaved and well dressed. Never was there better order at any out-door meeting than at this. The committee was successful in procuring. good speakers. Hon. Will Cumback spoke in the forenoon, and it was one of his best efforts, too. He was listened to with close attention while he spoke the golden words of truth. Dinner was then in order, and, oh, such a repast as was spread out on the hillside on the snow-white tablecloths, covered with the grandest dinner one could imagine. An hour or two was spent in feasting and general social greetings, after which B. F. Foster spoke for about an hour. It was a rare treat to listen to two such speakers on such an occasion. Rev. Atkins, of New Ross, spoke fifteen minutes, and acquitted himself well. The Lebanon juvenile band was on hand, and rendered some good music, as it always does. The vocal music, by the Jamestown choir, was good. It wasa gala day for Jamestown and Odd Fellowship - a day well spent.

To canvass a community when there are seven threshing machines at work, besides the making of hay, cutting oats, and other work going on at the same time, is not a very desirable job, especially when the thermometer is in the nineties. Among the older citizens called on during the past week were Elijah Jackson, Bart Miller, G. W. Shockley, Peter Deweese, J. H. Kibbey, Milton Young, W. H. Coombs, and J. M. Sandy. All are interested in the early history of Boone. Among the younger men called on were J. M. Ashley, Thos. Ashley, J. M. Emmert, Stephen D. Emmert, Ephraim Kibbey,

D. H. Shockley and W. H. Ashley, all very intelligent young men, a majority of whom are teachers. W. H. Ashley and Ephraim Kibbey are candidates on the National county ticket. Should they be elected they will fill the offices with credit to themselves and their constituency.

The finest grove of timber to be seen anywhere is on the farm of Mrs. Ashley, two and one-half miles northeast of Jamestown, and in sight of the Lebanon road. But one has to be in it to behold its beauties - one hundred and forty poplars and as many oaks standing on eight or ten acres. It is a great sight now, and would in time to come, if preserved, become more so. It is worth thousands of dollars, but it would be almost a sin to cut down those monarchs of the forest, towering over their surroundings. While looking at those grand old trees I thought of the lines:

I am told that much of the land in Jackson was originally covered with the choicest walnut, poplar dnd oak timber. I saw a poplar stump on the land of W. H. Coombs that measured nine feet through. Some who read this may have seen the tree when it was standing. But those grand old trees, like the first settlers, are only found here and there, and will soon be known only in history; and as we measure the stumps of trees, their names will be measured by the good they have done.

One of the finest farming communities to be found anywhere is located around Old Union Church. With its splendid growing corn and already harvested wheat fields it is a grand sight to take in the church and one of the finest located cemeteries to be found in the county. It is to be hoped that when the pike is made, in place of going through it may be made around on the north side and give all this hill to the use of the cemetery, as the road now passes through or near the center of the hill. It is none of my business, but to a stranger it looks like this would be about the right step.

The people of Jackson should be, and I think are, a happy, contented people, with good farms and houses, and plenty on every hand, with good roads and prospects of getting better all the time. It certainly is a desirable place to live. My short stay with the people here has, on my part, been pleasant In the future I hope to call up many kind faces and incidents that naturally came up while canvassing Jackson Township..

The Garden Spot Of Boone

After having been over Jackson Township in the interest of my work, "Early Life and Times in Boone County," and being liberally patronized, I wish, in a general way, to thank those who so kindly and well have assisted in the work. Forty years ago I heard Dr. Rodman, formerly of Eagle Village, now of Oregon, say Jamestown was the garden spot of Boone County. It was many years after that when I first saw this part of the county, and not until quite recently was I at all acquainted with the people or township. All strangers must be forcibly impressed with Jackson Township, who have been over any considerable portion ag I have been. -My feet have become somewhat familiar with the roads and by-paths, its houses, streams, churches, cemeteries and citizens. I have no. desire to dispute what Dr. Rodman said.

To all the above and others I am under lasting obligations. In after life it will be a pleasure to call up those with whom I have become acquainted in Jackson Township. Its cosy homes, rolling hills, pleasant valleys and the grandest forest (Mrs. Ashley's) I have ever seen in any county. Although I saw many of your citizens under unfavorable surroundings, harvesting and threshing, I have usually found them gentlemen. I can call up no one who in the slightest way turned the cold shoulder. Should this continue throughout the county I will never regret having undertaken to write its early history. I found as a rule good farming, as the threshing now going on attests, corn well tended, and in fact everything denoting good husbandry. Asa lady remarked to me recently, and one who had traveled extensively, that any one who could not make a living here could not any place. This state of things I hope may long continue to the people of your township, and the bountiful harvest just being gathered may never be less.

On The Wing

There is in this locality two things that strikes one favorably ; the vast prairies and good school houses, and, £ might say, its many churches. No township of its size has so many houses of worship - seven, if I count right. I was lucky in~ finding such a good place to stop as George W. Scotts' and his pleasant family, 'who so kindly entertained me under unfavorable circumstances (the wheat threshers being here at the time). . George is one of the old settlers in Harrison. IL called on Flemming Dickerson in the southeast corner. He has been here nearly fifty years; is well informed in pioneer matters; is seventy-five years of age, and is keeping up remarkably well. I am thankful to R. B. Zimmerman and wife for a good dinner. They have a splendid brick house, good farm, and live at home. They know how to act when a stranger enters their home. In this loeality I found two old Mexican soldiers - J. L. Smith and J. W. Letcher, both well informed men, looking over the hill, the slope of which, let us hope, leads to a better place.

intelligent gentlomen. They are interested in the pioneer life of Boone. William Higgins is well located here. He has fine buildings, is among the best farmers, and his wife, as well as Mrs. Zimmerman, are the daughters of Daniel Stoner, of Hendricks County, and who at one time owned nearly 1.000 acres of land in Harrison Township, and yet, I think, owns some land here. Seth Goodwin is one of the old citizens here. I believe I spoke of him and Daniel Turner in a former letter. Don't fail to see them when in Harrison. There are many tasteful residences here, among them those of James B. Shirley, Zimmerman, Higgins, William Lindsay, George Shirley and William Black. Isaac Smith keeps the store and postoffice at New Brunswick. W. H. Crouse is the wagon maker. He is one of the pioneers, and is in my respect a thorough gentleman. Ina former letter I mentioned Squire Johnson, Squire Boyd, and the Dinsmores.

The wheat harvest just threshed is fine, and will average some twenty bushels to the acre. The corn looks well, but is certainly cut short on account of the drouth. The county ticket recently nominated gives good satisfaction here among the Democrats. George W. Scott, I think, will carry his party straight in full, as he is well liked.

I passed the spot where the Logan cabin stood in early times. It was among the first in Harrison Township, and was opposite where "Squire Acton now lives. It was thena dreary looking place - fifty years ago. Mrs. Logan, after stopping a short time in this pioneer cabin, went to visit her folks in an old county, and never returned to Boone again. Harrison will contribute its part to the early times in Boone, and its citizens have given me a very generous support in subscriptions and other matters, looking to the publication.of the work. There is one thing about Harrison I do not like, that is its rattlesnakes, or its reported ones. One man said seven were killed in one oat field. I dreamed of snakes when down there, but did not see any. I went too fast across the prairie.

A year ago when I thought of writing up the early life and times of Boone, I thought when in this township it would be a pleasure to call on Squire Lucas, at whose house I staid all night forty-two years ago. But I learned of his death, which occurred in Putnam County a few months since. Henry Fairchild is another old friend, who is yet living but not here. Revs. Good, Rudasill and Henkle were among the early preachers of this township, all of whom I have heard speak. All are now dead. Forty-two years has brought changes not a few - some of a sorrowful nature; others quite the reverse. Beautiful farms are now where then an almost unbroken wilderness existed. On inquiring I learned that most of the first settlers are either dead or moved away. Some of the Neeses, Ben Booher, Solomon Burk, the Laughners, Isenhours and Dulins are found. North of Whitestown you will and G. B. Dulin and Samuel West, who have been here a long time. They are well located on the pike. A night at each place was pleasantly spent. West, A. M. Laughner, Jacob Ottinger, Lewis Hauser, Isaac Isenhour, Andrew Laughner reside here. Iam under special obligations to Isaac Isenhour and family for kindness while at their house; also to Jacob Ottinger. A.M. Laughner has a fine location on the railroad, and it is said that near his house is the highest point on the road between Indianapolis and the lakes. South, about two miles, you will find George Hauser, ex-county clerk. He lives at home, and has a fine farm. Thanks to him for favors. A. Neese, one mile south, is well located, has been here some forty years. Opposite is Ben Booher, one of the old pioneers. He has a large farm and splendid house.

late war. Rev. Barb is the pastor of the Lutheran Churele at Whitestown. The school house here is all that is required, and children are all well dressed, and flocking to this as well other schools in the township. Samuel Good, the trustee, has everything in good shape for the winter campaign. F. M. Moody is here attending the "click" of the telegraph, and other duties of the station. I find The Pioneer on many tables throughout. One man told me he could hardly keep house without it. All of the above take interest in our work, and to one and all I am thankful for favors.

While here I learned of the nomination of my old friend, B. F. Ham, for congress. Thirty years ago I first got acquainted with him in Madison County - met him in his cabin home, and later in the better house, and yet later in his brick mansion; all the time the same gentleman, hospitable almost to a fault. Ben is well qualified for the place; well posted on state and national matters; a friend to the people and an enemy to monopolists. Should he be elected he will represent the people well. May write you again from Worth.

What Mr. Hardin Has To Say Of The Meeting At Jamestown

The annual meeting of old settlers was held here Thursday last. Jamestown has been fortunate the past summer in having fine weather for its celebrations. If a day had been ordered for the above meeting a better one could not have been obtained, no mad nor dust, not too hot nor too cold, but everything combined to make the meeting a success. It was held in the beautiful grove of Anderson Trotter, adjoining town. Nature has done much here in her gift of beauty. It seems it was especially fitted up for meetings of this kind. Plenty of shade and water. It should be kept as a yearly resort for the old people of Boone, Hendricks and Montgomery counties, to meet and rehearse the old, old stories of bygone days. At about 10a. m. the meeting was called to order by the president, Dandridge Tucker. Prayer by D. W. Jessie.

Upon the stage were the fullowing aged persons: George Threldkeld, Madison Erskin, Dr. Burk, Samuel Penry, James Evans, Mr. Strickland, William Elder, Mrs. Caldwell, Mrs. Ragsdale, Mrs. Whiteman, Mr. and Mrs. William Nicely, Elijah Day, Wm. Williamson, Wesley Peck, George Snider, William Sellors, Dr. Orear, John Edwards, Henry Airhart and Edward Chambers.

After some good music by the Jamestown band the following spoke, occupying from ten to fifteen minutes each, comparing the past with the present of early times, hardships endured, toils passed by. Some of the speakers were quite old, bent with age, yet there was noticeable a flash of youth of the eye as they referred to matters fifty and sixty yearsago. They were listened to with great attention throughout. First, William Elder, Christoph Walkup, J. H. Davis, Dr. Porter, Rev. Lawhon, John Edwards, Noah Chitwood, Mr. Peck and others.

Some old-time relics were shown, such as books, Indian trinkets, from the field of Custer's defeat, etc. The meeting throughout was of deep interest to all. It was noticeable that the greetings were of that earnest kind that we hope will continue to take place here annually for time to come. Keep them up; don't let the old fires of fathers go out; keep alive the deeds they did in the morning of our now grand day.

I noticed on the gronad the following candidates: Dr. Porter, W. C. Crump, Nat. Titus, J. S. LaFollette, Mike Keefe, C. M. Wynkoop, J. S. Harrison, J. H. Kelly, Jacob Miller, T. J. McCann, Dr. Reagan, F. M. Moody and John Huber, the "Flying Dutchman," who was at home, and well did he come to the front in setting a splendid table, presided over by his estimable wife, and this table gathered not only Democrats, but Republicans and Greenhackers, all in the best of humor, plenty for all and as free as the air.

After the speaking the following officers were elected for the next year: President, Dr. George L. Burk ; vice-presidents, Christopher Walkup, S. Davidson and George Wren; secretary, Isaac Palmer. After the conclusion of the ceremonies the people were loth to quit the ground, lingering to. shake hands and say good by. About 1,000 persons were present, all well dressed, and the best order prevailed.

Source changes here: from History of Boone County, Indiana : With Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Old Families, by Crist, L. M. (Leander Mead), published 1914; 8,140 words in this source stream.

Jackson Township

Jackson township is bounded on the north by Jefferson and Center townships, on the west by Montgomery county, on the south by Hendricks county and Harrison township, and on the east by Center and Harrison townships. It is the southwest corner of the county and contains forty-seven and onehalf sections of land. It is composed of sections 13 to 36 inclusive, in township 18 north, range 2 west, and sections 1 to 12 in township 17 north, range 2 west; also sections 5, 6, 7 and 8 in town 17 north, range 1 west, also half of section 17, also 18, 19, part of 20 and 29, 30, 31 and 32 of town 18 north, range 1 west. The township is drained by Raccoon creek in the northeast flowing towards the southwest and passing into Montgomery county about the middle of the west line of section 31. It belongs to the Wabash system. The southeast part of the township is drained by Eel river which belongs to the White river system. The water shed between the two systems of drainage enters the township at the northeast corner and passes out at the southwest corner. To say that this township is the best land in Boone county is paying a high tribute. It was covered with the largest and tallest timber of the county. It is stated that there was one Tulip (poplar) tree nearly nine feet in diameter and tall in proportion. The soil is mostly the flat phase type of silt loam, very rich and enduring.

Settlements were made in this township long before the organization of Boone county, while it was yet a part of Eel river township, Hendricks county. Among the first to arrive were John Gibson, Young Hughes, Lewis

The first religious services were held at the home of John Porter, conducted by George Walters, a Baptist minister. For years they continued to worship in the cabins of the settlers. The first church house that was erected was by the Methodists in the year 1832 and it was called Brown's chapel in honor of Thomas Brown. The Methodists established several other churches in the township and other denominations, so there was an abundant supply of houses of worship in the township for the early settlers. At the time of the survey of the churches in Boone county, 191 1, the Methodist church at Jamestown was in a growing condition and numbered two hundred and thirty-three members. The Disciples, members, two hundred and eightythree. The Methodist Episcopal church at Advance, membership, one hundred and eighteen, growing. The Disciples church at Advance, membership, two hundred and sixty-nine, growing. Christian church, membership, two hundred and six. Primitive Baptist, membership, eleven, losing ground. The Christian church in the east part of the township, membership, one hundred and eighty-eight, growing. The Disciples church in the northeast part of township, membership, sixty-five, losing ground. Primitive Baptist in the northwest part of the township, membership, twenty-five, losing ground. Methodist Protestant in the west part of the township, membership, one hundred and sixteen, growing. In the general decline of rural churches, Jackson township has fared better than her sister townships. There are more live and growing churches there than in any other township in the county.

The first school was in the regulation round log puncheon floor and benches, big fireplace, paper windows of the pioneers, and erected on the banks of Eel river, near the county line of Boone and Hendricks counties. There was another similar school house west of Jamestown. These schools were supported by subscription and the teacher boarded around after the fashion of the Hoosier schoolmaster. The schools would continue from six to eight weeks, possibly on special efforts for twelve weeks in succession. These pioneer schools were all after the same pattern pretty much as in this day and when you have one described it will do for all. As the population increased, schools multiplied under the public school system until there were twelve distributed over the township, affording convenient school facilities for every pupil. Under the concentration system of these latter days there are nine schools outside of Jamestown and Advance.

At the first it was the Indian trail, then blazed ways of the settlers, leading from settlement to settlement, and from the home to the school and church. Then came the highways leading from town to town. The first of this latter was the state road from Indianapolis to Crawfordsville. This road entered the township at the southeast corner of section 10, runs in a northwest direction and passes into Montgomery county at the southwest corner of section 31. The next important was a highway leading up Eel river and twisting through the woods around bogs and marshes until it reached the capital of the county. This road was in such condition that in bad weather it would take all day to pass from one town to the other, and another day to return and at times so bad as to be impassable. As the country developed some of the kinks were taken out of the road but enough of the crookedness remains to give the traveler an idea of its serpentine course through the woods at the beginning. Since that day a great change has been wrought and Jackson township has kept pace with her sister townships and now has good roads leading in every direction. She also has two steam roads. The Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis which enters the southeast corner of section 10 east of Jamestown runs in a northwest direction and passes into Montgomery county at the southwest corner of section 31. The Central Indiana passing through Lebanon and Advance enters the township at the northeast corner of 13, runs in a southwest direction and enters Montgomery county at the southwest corner of section 30. The Ben Hur traction parallels the Big Four through Jamestown.

Harrison township is one of the southern tier of townships lying between Perry and Jackson. It has an area of a little over twenty-five sections, the boundary at the northwest and northeast corners being irregular. It is bounded on the north by Center township, on the west by Center and Jackson townships, on the south by Hendricks county, on the east by Perry township, and in the United States survey contains a part of sections 21 and 28, also sections 22 to 27 inclusive, and sections 33 to 36 inclusive, in town 18 north, range 1 west. Also sections 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9 to 12 inclusive, in town 17 north, range 1 west. Also sections 19, 30 and 31, in town 18 north, range 1 east and sections 6 and 7, in town 17 north, range 1 east. The second prime meridian passes through this township. The surface is nearly level and is drained by the headwaters of Eel river flowing southwest into Jackson township, thence into Hendricks county. Other small streams in the south and southeast flow into the same county. In Harrison township there is quite a prairie, known as Stoner's. It is the only one in the county. The early settlers avoided the prairie and took to the woods thinking that the former would never be tillable. There were two great obstacles confronting the pioneers of Boone county, viz : the almost impenetrable forest with its heavy timber and dense undergrowth of brush and the water that abounded everywhere. The battle was two-fold, clearing the forest and draining the land. The arduous labor was performed and the beautiful farms in Harrison township today are a monument of the toil of these brave men and women. James S. Dale bears the honor of driving the first stake for a home and he erected the first cabin. He was followed by George Johnson, William Buttery, R. M. Cumels, Philip Sicks, Caleb Sherley, John Scott, A. Hillis, John McCormack, William Abner, William Joseph, Nick Yant,

James and Noah Chitwood, William and James Edwards and many others until the land was reclaimed. The first death reported was the wife of David James in March, 1837. Among the early marriages were William Johnson to Isabella Dale; G. T. Buttery to Barbara Scott and Jeremiah Craven to Miss James. The first election was held at the cabin of W. Logan, in 1836, when William Buttery was elected as justice of the peace. The first meeting was held at the home of George H. Johnson in 1835 where a few pioneers gathered to hear a Baptist minister. Early religious meetings were also held at the home of George Sheeks. Soon after the pioneer log house was erected for worship and served its day. In this way homes, schools and churches came up out of the woods and water.

There is no state road, no railroad or traction line in this township. It is the only township in the county that has not one or more of these outside helps in its development. The citizens have the honor of all that they possess and they have much of which to be proud. There are three good roads leading to the county-seat. They are crooked, showing that they were started in the woods and had to dodge the bogs as in other parts of the county. It was a case of necessity and will doubtless always remain, to show future generations what their fathers had to do to get a start in this goodly land. It is so beautiful now we would have nothing to remind us of the wilderness if it were not for the crooked roads. It would be well to hold to the monument and never straighten the roads in honor of our forbears.

As soon as the people got a little out of the brush and too numerous to congregate in the small homes for church services, they began to build log church homes for worship. It was not long until there were half a dozen scattered over the township representing different denominations. In the report of the Board of Missions of the Presbyterian church of 191 t, it gives the churches of that date and their conditions, viz: In the northeast part of the township is located the Baptist (Means), with a membership of fifty- one and the church losing ground. A little southwest of this church is located the Methodist Protestant, membership one hundred and twenty, losing ground. In the east part of the township the Baptist church with a membership of sixty-one, growing. West of this is the Disciples church with a membership of one hundred and eighty-six, standing still. In the southwest corner is located the Baptist (Primitive), membership fifteen, losing ground. Towards the southeast corner is located the Brethren, membership, fifteen, losing' ground.

Pleasant Crawford is reported as the first school teacher in Harrison township. The usual round log house and subscription were provided and the school began in good hope. It is supposed that Mr: Crawford got tired of boarding around among the patrons and married and set up a scriptural excuse for closing the school. Thus ended the first school in the township in the year 1837. But this did not end the desire of the people for an education for other schools were established and they continued part free and part subscription until the public school system of the state came in 1852. Schools were then multiplied until there were nine in the township. Under the concentration system of our day, the enrollment of school children for the year was two hundred and fifty-five and onlv seven schools with seven teachers.

Perry township is situated in the south tier between Eagle and Harrison townships. It is bounded on the north by Center and Worth townships, on the west by Center and Harrison, on the south by Hendricks county, on the east by Eagle and Worth and contains less than twenty-one sections of land and is mathematically located as follows, viz : part of section 20, and sections 21, 22, 2-], 28, 29 and 32 to 36 inclusive; town 18 north, range 1 east, also sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 to 12 inclusive; town 17 north, range 1 east. The first clearing made in this township was in 1830 by Jesse Turner who erected a cabin and batched, hunted and is said to have raised the first crop in the township. He is reported to have spent his winters in the city of Jamestown. Probably the second settler was Jesse Smith, who came in 1832; Alexander Fortner and Aaron Smith in 1834, followed by Joseph Poyner and family which seems to be the first in the township. Elias and Edmund Shirley, followed by John K. Edwards, and his father, Eli Smith and his father, D. W. and B. H. Smith and their father, Peter Kene, G. W. Pumpkins, Daniel Leap, Thomas Leap, E. Wollen, E. Thornly, Elijah S. Williams, Thomas Jackson, Joseph Belt, followed by the Slaigles, Glendenings. Sullivans, Dickersons, Chambers and the Penningtons.

The Baptists held the first religious services in private houses. A few years later a society was formed known as Mt. Tabor, a house was built and is known far and wide as old Mt. Tabor. It is located one-half mile north of Fayette, northeast corner of section 10. South of this church the same denomination (Baptist), built a new church and called it Cynthiana. There was a great religious stir in the Baptist church of the young county when Mt. Tabor was established. We submit here the report showing the spirit in which they entered into the work. It was first constituted on the third Saturday of July, 1835, in the fifth year of the county of Boone. The following sister churches of the county were represented: Eagle Creek church, by George Dodson, Thomas Bradly and John Phillips; Thorntown church, by John Turner and Squire Osbom; Mt. Gilead church, by Jacob Jones and Lewis Dewees; Union church, by Thomas Heathen and Hampton Pennington ; Big White Lick, by Parsley Sherley. Ezekiel Shirley and Abraham Spekelman; Little White Lick, by James Parsely and Caleb Sherley. We, the above representatives of the above churches, being convened at the house of William Turner, having examined into the society of organizing a church, and finding the articles of faith to be in accordance to our church, we find them duly qualified to keep house as a regular Baptist church with the following named brothers and sisters as constituted members thereof: Edmund Shirley, Benjamin Smith, Lewis Smith, Daniel Shirley, James Smith, William Smith, William Edwards, William Turner, Philadelphia Shirley, Susan Smith, Nancy Smith, Elizabeth Shirley, S. R. Francis Nash, Matilda Turner, E. P. Harding.

The members of this society prior to organization met at private homes for worship, as was the custom of the beginning of each church society. Afterwards they built a log house which served them for many years for worship and many happy gatherings were held there. In lieu a frame meeting house was built at a cost of $800 and seated four hundred people. It was well located on a high piece of ground with the cemetery near by in which many of the pioneers are at rest from their arduous toil. There were three other churches organized in the township. In the center of the township the Baptist (Means) have at this date a church of one hundred and one members and is reported as losing ground. Mt. Tabor is now reported with a membership of sixty-six standing still. Cynthiana church south of Mt. Tabor, Baptist (Means) with a membership of one hundred and twenty-six, growing. The Methodist church in the northern part of the township with a membership of forty-four.

The first round log school house in the township was located in the southwest part near No. 3 of this day. The first school was in 1836, Mr. Schenck the teacher. Other private schools were established and continued until the public school system came when there were eight schools irregularly established over the township. Under the present system there are seven schools measuring up to the age in which we live.

The first road established was the Indianapolis and Lafayette state road which enters the township at the middle of the east line of section 1, township 17 north, range 1 east, runs in a northwest direction and passes out at the northeast corner of section 21, township 18 north, range 1 east.

All other roads were slowly made as settlements were established until now there are many good roads leading in every direction and decorated with beautiful homes and well tilled farms. To see this country today one would hardly think that it was the wild forest and swamp marshes of seventy-five years ago. The hand of man hath wrought a wonderful change in the wilderness.

Eagle township is situated in the southeast corner of the county and was the first settled in the county by white men, not even excepting Sugar Creek township. It was the best naturally drained of all the townships. Big and Little Eagle creeks flow through the township from north to south. Fishback comes in from the northwest and Long Branch from the east. Another reason for the early settlement was the fact that the Eel river Indians held their reserve in the northwest part of the county until 1828, and the lands were not offered for sale until 1829. Among the earliest settlers in the township we would name Patrick H. Sullivan, the oldest settler in Boone county, Jacob Sheets, John Sheets, David Hoover, Austin Davenport, Jesse Davenport, Nathan and William Carr, James and John McCord, Frederick Lowe, George Dye, Jacob and John King, James, William and John Harmon, followed in a few years by Washington and Thomas Miller, Ben Cox, Peter Gregory, William and Jas. Marsh, Daniel and Hugh Larimore and a host of others until the township was occupied. The first marriage in the county was in this township at the home of the first probate clerk, David Hoover. Elijah Cross captured his fair daughter, Polly. The first election was held at David Hoover's house and Jacob Sheets was elected the first justice of the peace. James McCoy was the first preacher, a Baptist in faith, as early as 1825. The first probate court of the county was held at David Hoover's home and Austin Davenport was the first sheriff. The first mill was built on Eagle creek by Jacob Sheets. George Dye also built a mill on Eagle near Zionsville.

Eagle Village, about a mile east of Zionsville was the first important trading point and held the position until the railroad was built early in the 50's. The Eagle Village Light Infantry figures in the early history of Boone at this point where they rallied every month under the command of Capt. J. F. Daugherty.

Among the pioneer ministers of this locality were James McCoy, George Dodson, Isaac Cotton, Robert Thomas, George Dye, George Boroman, George W. Dnzan, William Klingler and William Gouge. All have gone to their rest long ago and are waiting for the sound of the trumpet on resurrection morning. Their bodies with their pioneer comrades mouldered away in the early burial places, one at Eagle Village, one just south of Zionsville, known as the Bishop grave yard, one at Eagle Creek Baptist church and one on the Michigan road near the old Bethel church known as the Bethel grave yard. It is stated that the first brick house built in the county was on the Michigan road between Eagle Village and Clarkstown and was erected by Austin Davenport in the year 1835. Eagle claims the first cabin, first brick house, first marriage, first judge and the first mill. Among the early doctors were William N. and George W. Duzan, H. G. and Jeremiah Larimore, Warner F. Sampson, S. W. Rodman and N. Crosby.

This township contains twenty-four sections and is located as follows, to-wit: Sections 21, 22, 23, 24, 28 to 36 inclusive, in town 18 north, range 2 east and sections 1 to 12 inclusive, in town 17 north, range 2 east. In addition to the good drainage attracting the early settler, was the good roads for that day winch enabled him to get there. First among these were the Michigan road (see article Michigan Road elsewhere), and the road leading from Indianapolis to Lafayette. While there were settlements made before these roads yet they greatly aided in the later influx of population and the commerce and general traffic of the country. The I. C. & L. Ry. came in 1852, entering the township at the southwest corner of section 12, running north and west and passing out at the southwest corner of section 21. In the beginning of this century came the traction entering the east part of section 12 and joining the Big Four at Zionsville and paralleling it the rest of the way to Lebanon. With all these road facilities added to the general good wagon roads throughout the township, the people could move about with pleasure any day in the year. This was a marvelous change to those who could remember the almost impassable roads of pioneer days. The first mill in the township and it must be the first in the county was built by Jacob Sheets on the banks of Eagle creek soon after he settled in 1824. It was first designed as a "Corn Cracker," but afterwards burrs were added to grind wheat, and bolting to manufacture flour. The second mill in the township was built by George Dye and located on Eagle creek where Zions- ville now stands. He added to this a sawmill. Both of these mills had a wide scope of territory to serve and developed a large business and were very lucrative at that early date.

The first public religious meeting was held at the home of David Hoover, the sermon being delivered by James McCoy, a traveling minister of the Baptist faith. There were no church buildings in the township until after the founding of Eagle village, northeast of Zionsville on the Michigan road. It with Clarkstown are the oldest villages in the township. They promised to be flourishing, but the forming of Zionsville killed both. But in this village it is stated that the first church house was erected, but it passed away with the village. It is stated that the mother of the churches in Boone county was the Regular Baptist church constituted in the year 1829, with the following members: George Dodson, Elizabeth King, Frederick Grendell and wife, John King, Thomas and Polly Dodson, Robert Dodson, Mary Dodson, Samuel Lane and wife, Edward Bradly, David Marsh, John Dulin and wife, Squire Dulin and wife, James Peters and wife, Robert Dulin and wife. The first clerk was James Bradly. The first house was a rough log building, but it answered the purpose of worship. The second house was erected about 1850, costing about $600. This church is now reported dead in the Mission Report of Boone county of 191 1.

There are three other churches in the township outside of Zionsville. These churches are located in and near Royalton in the southwest part of the township. The Baptist (Means), twenty members, losing ground. The Methodist Protestant, with nineteen members, losing ground. The Methodists, one hundred and twenty-six members, growing.

The first school - it is stated by good authority that the first school was on the banks of Eagle creek near the Marion county line. If the information is correct about this school it is not only the first school in Eagle township but it is also the first school in the county. It is placed in date several years before the school that was established on the William Beeler farm in 1832. The third school established was on the farm of William Dye north of Zionsville. Miss Anna Miller, doubtless the first lady teacher in the county taught a subscription school in Zionsville soon after its organization. When the schools took a new start under the law of 185 1, the number of schools increased to nine in the township and under the present system these schools have been reduced to five outside of Zionsville.

This is the middle township on the eastern border of Boone county and contains twenty-five sections of land. It is bounded on the north by Marion township, on the west by Center and Worth, on the south by Worth and Eagle, on the east by Hamilton county. It is composed of sections 25 to 36 inclusive of town 19 north, range 2 east and sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 to 16 in town 18 north, range 2 east.

The township is well drained naturally. Big Eagle creek flows through the central part of the township, from the north to the north. Finley creek comes in from the northeast and Mount's Run from the extreme northwest entering Eagle creek near the south border. It is next to Eagle township in being blest with good natural drainage. Before the Indians gave up their hunting and fishing grounds along Eagle creek the pale faces began to clear away the timber for their cabin homes. Among the first that came were the Lanes, Jesse, Edward, John and Samuel as early as 1826. Among the neighbors were Ben Cruse, Henry and John Koonts, Jacob Johns, George Walker, Riley Hogshire, George Shirts, John Davis, James Richardson and scores of others for the neighborhood filled up rapidly after the first cabin was raised and it was about as jolly and good natured and sociable a settlement as could be found and as active in organizing the county.

The first religious meeting held in the township was in 1832 at the cabin of Mr. Sedgwick conducted by Thomas Brown. The first election was held in 1834 and John Berry was elected the first justice of the peace. The first mill was set up on Eagle creek by Hiram McQuindy and began to grind the corn for their pones.

center. It with the pioneers has passed away. The next church was by the Baptists west of it, where it still stands in a growing condition with one hundred and eighty-seven members. Later came an increased number of church buildings. Christian north of the center with one hundred and five members and growing. Methodist church at Big Springs with thirty-six members, losing ground. Methodist northwest of Northfield, six members, losing ground. Just north of this church is the Disciples church with seventy members, losing ground. In the center of the township is the Seventh Day Adventists with twenty-nine members and growing. In the southwest corner is the Lutheran church with twenty members, losing ground, and the Methodist with forty-nine members, standing still, according to the report of the Home Mission Board of 191 1.

With the corner stones of civilization, the home, the mill, the church and the school laid there was a foundation upon which the structure could be raised. The Indian had none of these hence he never advanced except as he imitated the white man. Between these pillars of strength first were blazed ways through the woods, then the timber was cut away, grades began, corduroy over the bogs which were the seed from which came the highways of our dav. The Michigan road which crosses the township from the south to the north bearing west was the first great improvement. The men and women that bore these hardships of pioneer life are gone to their reward.

The first great public highway through this township is the Michigan road which enters the township near the southeast corner of section 14 and passes out at the northeast corner of section 28. The Lebanon and Noblesville on the line between town 19 and 18 north. There are besides these, a number of good roads all over the township. It should be mentioned here in connection with the early history of the township that there were three taverns along the Michigan road. It was a great thoroughfare and there were numbers of public houses strung along to accommodate the throngs that were pressing north and westward. This road was lively in the early days with the ox and horse teams and it is alive to this day with the modern automobile when there is a speedway on at Indianapolis. It is stated that one auto per minute passed during the afternoon of Friday May 29, 19 14. The Anderson, Lebanon & St. Louis Railroad passes through the northern part of the township from east to west.

The soil of this township is very fertile, well drained and produces abundantly all the products grown in this latitude. The farms are beautiful and homelike with all modern improvements. There is nothing to prevent the people from being happy and contented and prosperous.

The name - Center township, describes its position in the county. It is the largest township in the county, with irregular boundary and touched by every other township in the county except Eagle and Sugar Creek. It contains about sixty-six square miles of territory. It is drained by Prairie creek principally which rises in the southeast part of the township and flows northwest into Sugar Creek at Thorntown. When in its natural state there was not much flow to it but mostly spread. The old settlers can remember in flood time when it spread all over the central part of the township. It runs through Lebanon ; that city furnishes a spacious ditch to lead its waters decorously through, and on for miles beyond, so they will not occupy all the streets and door yards of the city. The time was when this little stream occupied, when on a high, all the woods in and about Lebanon, except a few of the highest points. The children who walk the paved street today and witness the quiet stream even at flood time within its confines, would not recognize a picture of seventy-five years ago, when Prairie creek was an inland lake.

The hand of man hath wrought great changes. It was toil that developed out of a great swamp woods the beauty of Lebanon. The history of Center township is the same as the story of other townships. First the blazed path and round log cabin, then the cut out roads and hewed log cabins; then a semblance of a ditch on each side of the cut-away and openings for the sluggish water to find its way out of the woods. Later, came grades and corduroy, more ditching and perchance a frame house and perhaps some one ventured on erecting a brick house which was the wonder of the natives. Most of the brave men and women who with great toil, sacrifice (8) and privation laid these foundations of our grand county have long ago gone to rest. They were the grandparents of the present generation. They endured hardships for us. If we could place their lives and manner of living by the side of ours in this age, the contrast would be wonderful. It would make us more grateful for our blessings and to those who so toiled and sacrificed unselfishly for us.

By an act of the Legislature of 1830, this county was organized. There were six hundred brave pioneers in the county at that time. The same act provided five commissioners to locate and name the county-seat. It was to be within two miles of the center of the county. Three of the commissioners met at that point the 1st of May, 1831. The center of the county would be on the second meridian line, near the southwest and southeast corners of town 19 north, range 1 east, and range 1 east of the second meridian. Here the commissioners met on that bright May morning. It was an uncheery place for the capital of a county. Tall timber, dense undergrowth and bogs and willows. No human dwellings in sight, not even the sound of the woodman's axe. A little north of the center was a knoll, a spot dry enough for a court house; here they located the spot and drove down a large stake to designate where the court house should stand. It was a town without a human soul, not even an Indian, no hut, no wigwam, not even a name - nothing but a broad expanse of forest with impenetrable underbrush, and wet feet. The commissioners went in search of a name. One was so unconcerned he fell asleep, the others could not agree, so they roused their companion and placed upon him the responsibility of christening the place. He rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, looked around at the tall timber, surveyed the sluggish prairie just to the north of them. He called to mind the Bible story that his mother told, about the tall timbers of Lebanon and of the Jordan, and shouted "Lebanon,'' its name shall be, and so its name was fixed and so to this day all the children of the "State of Boone" learn early in life to frame the name of "Lebanon." Mr. A. M. French was the young man that first called the name, and the stake was driven on the land that belonged to Colonel Kinnard. There was a man by the name of Colonel Drake who was also interested in the land.

This was the greatest day that had ever been in the county of Boone to that day. A large crowd of regular unkempt Boonites had gathered to witness where the seat of government would be located. It was a day long to be remembered. On that consecrated spot a monument has been erected that will stand until time shall be no more. The third monument - our magnificent court house - has been erected over the spot to commemorate and hold the position.

The first man who had the courage to locate a home in such an unsightly place was Abner H. Longley, about one year after the stake for the court house was driven. He erected his one room log cabin on lot No. . i. He ornamented it with a veranda by planting a post in front of the cabin, a log on top and covering with the branches of trees so as to make a shade and protection.

Such were the very beginnings of our county-seat. Around this spot revolves the history of Center township and largely that of the county. The making of a branch or ditch for the high waters of Prairie creek to flow out, opened up a way not only for the flood, but also for ditching all that section of county. Into this the willow bogs were chased, the land appeared high and dry, streets were made, some corduroy, some plank for side walks; then came gravel first by rail, then out of the deposits made thousands of years ago, until the paved streets of our day, with steam and electrical cars. A look into the wonderful development within the memory of many yet living seems marvelous, yet it all came by slow growth and through great toil and hardship.

Center township is bounded on the north by Washington and Clinton townships, on the west by Washington, Jefferson, Jackson and Harrison townships, on the south by Jackson, Harrison, Perry and Worth townships, on the east by Harrison, Perry, Worth, Union and Marion townships. It is composed of the following lands to-wit: Sections 13, 14, 15, 21 to 28 inclusive, and 33 to 36 inclusive; in town 19 north, range 1 west, and sections 1 to 4 inclusive, and east half of section 17, and 9 to 16 inclusive; and parts of sections 20 and 21 in town 18 north, range 1 west; also, sections 13 to 36 inclusive in town 19 north, range 1 east; also sections 3 to 10 inclusive and sections 15 to 18 inclusive, in town 18 north, range 1 east. The early history is so closely interwoven with the history of the city of Lebanon, that much of it will be given in connection with the sketch of that city.

Churches outside of Lebanon by the latest report are given as follows by the mission survey of 191 1. In the southern part of the township was organized at an early date a Methodist church, which is now reported dead. Southwest part of township the Christian church, one hundred members, growing. East of Lebanon the Brethren, forty-six, losing ground. North of this church is the United Brethren, ninety-six, losing ground. West of Lebanon the Disciples, dead. North the Christian, forty-four members, losing ground. Northeast corner Christian church, ninety-eight members, growing. Good roads and the great church privileges at Lebanon have been a great draw on the country churches of Center township. It is the question how long they can stand against these influences. This question does not only concern the churches of this township but the interest of the rural church everywhere. How long will we continue to have country churches ?

The history of the early schools of Center township are so closely interwoven with the history of Lebanon, that it will be given more fully with the history of that city. In this connection we will give the first law in the state that was intended to promote the interests of the public and under which the rural schools came into being.

Sec. 6. Each able-bodied male person of the age of twenty-one or upward being a freeholder or householder, residing in the district, shall be liable equally to work one day in each week until such building may be completed, or pay the sum of thirty-seven and one-half cents for every day he may so fail to work, and provided, moreover, that the said trustee shall always be bound to receive at cash price, in lieu of any such labor or money as aforesaid, any plank, nails, glass or other materials which may be needed about such building.

Sec. 7. That in all such cases such school house shall be eight feet between the floors, and at least one foot from the surface of the ground to the first floor, and finished in a manner calculated to render comfortable the teacher, pupils, etc. Under this law and pattern, school houses all over the state were rapidly constructed. At that day and age they passed puncheon floors, backless seats, spacious fire places and chinked logs as comfortable for teacher and pupil. We have so grown that today we would consider such school furniture as rather backwoods. And yet, under these facilities boys and girls were reared that built the great commonwealth of Indiana. It does not take finery to make intellect. It requires the opposite. Under the old constitution the public schools depended entirely upon the income from the congressional fund, no tuition tax being provided for by law. From eight to twelve weeks usually exhausted the public money. In a majority of cases the term was extended several weeks by subscription upon the part of the patrons of the district. Under this regime, the schools of Center township and all other townships and counties in the state were established and maintained.

The law was changed in 1848 and the system that we are working under now with modern improvements was instituted. There may be more convenience without doubt, but the question may be discussed, are there any better men and women produced under the latter than under the former system? Under the old law. Center built seventeen schools outside of Lebanon and distributed them throughout the township. Under the present system she is maintaining twelve schools over the same territory.

After the Indian trails were supplanted by the blazed ways came the cutouts to allow a team to pass. The first great highway was the state road from Indianapolis to Lafayette, which entered near the southeast part of the township, passed diagonally through it and out at near the northwest corner, going through Lebanon. From Lebanon, roads were built towards Crawfordsville, Noblesville, Frankfort, Jamestown and all other directions in the county. It was many years before these roads reached the grandeur of the present. Through toil and great sacrifice they have come to us as the rich heritage from our fathers.

The railroads soon followed. First the Big Four of our day, then the Central Indiana. Following these steam roads came the tractions to Indianapolis, Crawfordsville, Frankfort and Thorntown, so that there is today every convenience of travel, from this township that used to sit back in the woods, to all parts of the world. Think of all this and more coming up from the wilderness, from what we now term the poorest of schools, plain churches and homes without any of our modern improvements. It will be a question whether we of today with our rich heritage and with all our wonderful improvements can do as well.

Worth is the baby township of the county. It was an after thought. It was organized in 1851, twenty-one years after the organization of the county. It is the smallest township in the county as well as the youngest. It was made by cutting four sections off of Perry, four from Eagle, five from Union and six from Center township, making in all nineteen sections. It is not only distinguished by being the youngest and smallest in the county, but also the levelest and the highest. It is a table land township and has no stream of water in it, except it be the source of Fishback. In fact the water is led out of the township by ditches into Fishback creek ; and the head waters of the streams that constitute the sources of Eel river, Prairie creek and other streams flowing northwest into Sugar creek, and those flowing east into Eagle creek. This township was not only covered with a dense forest and underbrush but also with water a good part of the season that did not know which way to run, and lolled around until the sun and earth drank it up after a rain. Take it as a township it was the most unpromising of all for settlement. We often wonder how it was ever formed and what were the influences that led to its formation. Some one must have had the. apostolic idea and could not be satisfied until there were twelve townships in the county, or yet, again, there might have been a little Hebrew in it, and one of the descendants of Abram was determined to have twelve tribes in Israel. At least some one or more within its bounds went to the county commissioners with a petition for a new township and it was granted. It seems that the county commissioners of early days granted almost any petition that came into the court for the formation of the townships, and any farmer along the border of any township that took a notion that he would like to change residence would go into court and ask the commissioners to move his farm. They would realize the difficulty of moving the farm, although most of them would float in that early day, and would just extend the township line around it. When they made Center township, pussy-corner was the game, and they tried to make a corner for each boy and girl and staked off twenty-two corners. Some corners were made for political convenience no doubt; some for railroad taxes and some on account of streams. That is why our township lines are so irregular. If we knew all the pleadings in court for these changes, there might be some interesting history connected with it.

Among the first white men to attempt to build homes in this unpromising part of Boone county were Richard Hall, John and James McCord and James White as early as 1830. These were soon followed by Thomas Harmon, Adam Kettering, Joseph White and John Smith. Within a few years Philip Lucas, John Neese, Abraham Hedrick, John Isenhour, Samuel Rav, William Staten and scores of others came flocking in. Henry Lucas taughc the first school as early as 1837. Rev. John Good was the first minister. Whitestown was organized about the same time as the township and the building of the railroad.

You can poke all the fun at little Worth you please, but after she got out of the woods and the water run off, she proved to be a jewel of first water and shines out among her sister townships today equal to the very best. She is bounded on the north by Center and Union townships ; on the west by Center and Perry townships; on the south by Perry and Eagle townships; on the east by Eagle and Union townships. She is located mathematically as follows, to-wit: Sections 35 and 36 in town 19 north, range 1 east, also sections 1, 2 and 11 to 14 inclusive, and 23 to 26 inclusive, in town 18 north, range 1 east; also sections 6, 7, 8 and sections 17 to 20 and sections 29, 30, in town 18 north, range 2 east. She was covered with such dense forest that the early settlers were delayed in cropping. The honor of making the first crop is credited to James White and John McCord.

The development of the township has been marvelous. Although the youngest, she has measured up to her sister townships in the county and her farm life is as highly developed today as the best of them. The Big Four railroad runs across her center from southeast to northwest, and on this road near the center of the township is the thriving town of Whitestown, the only town in the township. It is the trade center, election center and is surrounded by as rich and as beautiful country as there is in the county. You could not say more than this of any county. The steam railway is now paralleled by a traction line, which gives ready transportation to any point.

The roads of the township have kept pace with the best and in all seasons of the year you can go about with pleasure and comfort. There is nothing omitted that is necessary for the comfort and happiness of the people.

Her first school was a "Free School," supported by the Congressional funds and have been so from the beginning, saving a little subscription aid at the beginning. The schools multiplied until there were eight, all brick. This was one school to less than two and one-half sections. The township readily fell into the consolidation plan of this day. In 1906 there were eleven teachers with six months' schools and no high school, tax levy one dollar and eighty-two cents. In 191 1 there were eight teachers, eight months' school and three years' high school, tax levy, one dollar and sixty-five cents. The benefits of consolidation in this township are very evident. It had too many schools to begin with; the happy location of the high school near the center at Whitestown all worked for the advantage in consolidation and its fruits are evident. Of late the township has had trouble in regard to constructing a new high school, but in a late decision of the court, it has been settled in favor of the new building and it will be built.

It was a happy circumstance for Worth township that the principal town, Whitestown, was laid out about the same time as the township and that it was centrally located. It afforded church facilities for all the citizens. There were no country churches established, hence, there were none to pass away. At Whitestown there were three churches built. The Evangelical Lutheran church with a membership in 191 1 of two hundred and fortyseven and in a growing condition. The Baptist, membership one hundred and thirty and losing ground. The Methodist, with ninety-five members, standing still. The pastor of this church has in his circuit, five churches with membership as follows : ninety-five, fifty-nine, forty-nine, forty- four and six. These figures are taken from the report of the Presbyterian Mission Board of 191 1. The same report states that in Boone county there are at the above date eighty-two churches. Seventeen have resident pastors. Fifty have non-resident pastors; fifteen have no ministers. These churches are divided among twenty-one different denominations, with scarcely any strife.

George Walker, Baptist, was the first minister in Jackson township, and held first meeting at the house of John Porter. Brown's chapel, built in 1832, was the first Methodist meeting house, named in honor of Thomas Brown. Jackson township was settled in 1828. Jackson is one of the best townships in the county.