Jackson Township

Jackson Township

JACKSON TOWNSHIP occupies the southeastern corner of the county. It is bounded on the north by Connersville and Jennings Townships, on the east by Union County, on the south by Franklin County, and on the west by the West Fork of Whitewater River. Originally, its territory belonged to Columbia Township, and in August, 1820, it was ordered by the Commissioners that all that part of Colnmbia Township, as it is now bounded and recorded, which lies east of West Fork of Whitewater, be stricken off of said township, under the name and title of Jackson Township. In size it was then six sections less than at present. These six sections constituted the strip of territory described in the general county history (extending two miles east and west, and three north and south, across the eastern portion of the township) as acquired from Franklin County by an Act of the General Assembly, approved in January, 1826. This strip of country was, by the Commissioners, in March of that year, attached to the township under consideration. The boundaries of the township have since remained unchanged. The face of the country is rolling and in localities some broken. It is watered by West Fork, Wilsons', Duck, Eli's and Bear Creeks. In 1880 the population of the township as shown by the United States census was 982.

Land Entries

Three- fourths of Section 31 was entered in small tracts from 1821 to 1837, by Joseph Whitelock, Stephen Lee, John H. Carmichael, Michael Null and Enoch Youngs.

The southwest quarter Section 25 was entered in three tracts by John McCabe and Greenbury Stitte, the former in 1821 and 1832, and the latter in 1837.

Section 26 (except the northeast quarter) was not entered until the fall and winter of 1831, by James Handley, Thomas J. Crisler, John McCabe, and William Wberrett.

Section 35 (excepting the southwest quarter) was entered in small tracts from 1824 to 1834 by James Couwell, O. Gordon, E. Walker and Jeremiah Conwell.

Section 36 was entered from 1817 to 1836, by Sanford Keller (west half of the northwest quarter, June 14, 1817), Charles Melon (1821 and 1828), Joseph Crowley, Michael Null and James Conwell.

Early Settlement

Many of the above-named purchasers of lands were actual settlers, and the dates of purchase fix about the period of their emigration thereto. It will be observed that the first lands entered were in the fall of the year 1811, and that such with some exception were along the West Fork of Whitewater River, in Sections 11, 12, 14, 23 and 25, Township 13 north. Range 12 east, the exceptions being in Sections 27, 33 and 34, Township 13 north. Range 13 east, lying in the southeastern part of the township. The earliest settlements were made chielly by emigrants from the Southern States, South Carolina and Kentucky probably supplying the greater number.

Of those entering lands in 1811, Daniel Green was from one of the Carolinas, Charles and James Salyers from South Carolina, and John Eagan from Frederick County, Md., and Gabriel Ginn from Kentucky, all of whom were residents of their several tracts at about the date given. Charles Salyers was for eight years one of the County Commissioners, and Gabriel Ginn served as County Clerk and also as Sheriff for a number of years. It is said that Daniel Green, while prospecting for land further south in what is now Franklin County, in the year 1809, was attracted by the sound of a cow-bell and upon following it he came to a cabin occupied by John Eagan and family, situated along the river in what is now the township under consideration, some little distance south of the bridge over the river at Nulltown. Mr. Eagan was an Irishman. This Eagan settlement was the earliest in the township of which we have been able to get any knowledge, and it is with little doubt, if any, the first permanent settlement made in the township. Mr. Green settled in the township in the spring of 1812.

Daniel Moore, a native of Bracken County, Ky., is said to have come to the "Twelve-Mile Purchase" in 1809, and after spending one winter in Brookville, in March, 1810, to have settled in Jackson Township, and there spent his life, dying in 1882.

In the fall of 1813 (October 5) several families from the same neighborhood in Pendleton District, S. C. , and all related, emigrated and settled on lands in the southeastern part of the township. There were Ebenezer Smith, George Stanley, Simon Grist, James Waters and son John Waters, all men of families. The Waterses had been to the vicinity in 1812 and then made their purchase, but returned and all, as just stated, made the journey together, which consumed about one month, coming by wagons. It is believed by the descendants of some of these families that on their arrival there were no residents south and east of Everton to what are now the Union and Franklin County lines. That section was then very heavily timbered, the forests abounding in much line poplar.

Hanson Steele and John Mcllwain, related, emigrated from Abbeyville District, S. C, in 1813, and either one or both stopped one season in the vicinity of Fairfield, Franklin County, where one crop was raised; then they settled on laud above designated.

Robert T. and David Taylor, brothers, came from Laurens District, S. C, about 1814, and settled in the vicinity of the other South Carolinans.

John Jamison, from Mason County Ky., settled on his possessions in 1814 or 1815. He carried on a tan-yard for many years. His death occurred in 1851.

Samuel Logan and Alexander Sims were from Abbeyville District, S. C, and Elijah Corbin was from Bracken County, Ky., though born in Virginia, and settled in the township in 1813.

The year following came John Williams from Pulaski County, Ky. , and settled upon land now occupied by his venerable son. Rev. Elisha Williams.

Leonard Lewis in 1815 settled in Franklin County, coming from the State of Kentucky, and two years later settled on Bear Creek on the farm where his son Enoch now resides.

Joel Belk from South Carolina settled in the vicinity of Fairfield in Franklin County in 1810, and some years subsequent removed to a tract of land some two and a half miles southeast of Everton.

Jesse Ward and family from Bracken County, Ky., settled in the vicinity of Eli's Creek about 1822 or 1823, and subsequently entered the land on Bear Creek heretofore referred to. He was the father of Gen. Durbin Ward, of Ohio, and Alfred Ward, a promising young lawyer who settled at Brookville and died many years ago; and also of Maj. Augustus Ward, who left Miami University and went into the Union Army before he was seventeen years old and rose to be Major at twenty. He afterward studied law at Columbian College, Washington, D. C, and after admission was appointed clerk in the office of Hon. William M. Everts, then Attorney-General of the United States. From there he was appointed Assistant United States Attorney at Cincinnati, and then elected to the Ohio Legislature from that city in 1869, and died a member of that body in 1871. Both parents passed the remainder of their lives in the township, and have long since been called to their reward.

James Kerr, a native of the County of Antrim, Ireland, settled in Abbeyville District, S. C, in 1800 and in 1822 removed to Indiana and in 1824 to the vicinity of Everton, where he died in 1873.

In about 1823 John Lambert from Ohio settled at Everton. He served in the war of 1812, and his wife Nancy, who died at the age of ninety-five years, was reared among the frontier scenes of early Kentucky, though by birth a Pennsylvanian.

Robert Hood, still a resident of the township, was born in Pennsylvania in 1790, removed to Kentucky in 1807, served in the war of 1812, and was at the memorable battle of the Thames River, and there received a wound in one of his limbs. In 1819 he was married and removed to this county.

Besides those noted under the above head as actual settlers the following named had become residents of the township prior to 1826: Noble Ladd, Sr.,

During the period in which copper stills were in nse, such are remembered as being in operation on the farms of John and Charles Salyers, on the John Baker farm, and on the William Arnett place.

John Jemison began tanning soon after his arrival, which business he carried on for probably a quarter of a century. In the Beckett neighborhood William Evans operated a tannery in an early day. Eli's Creek was a great mill stream in an early day. The first grist mill of the township was erected on the site of the present Elisha Cockefair mill on that stream in the year 1816, by Dr. Johnson. From the Doctor the site is believed to have passed into the hands of Jonathan Wright, who, some years subsequently, erected what is known as the Cockefair mill. In 1818 Jonathan Wright built the first saw-mill in the eastern part of the township. This stood about a half mile east of the grist-mill, and was on the line separating the counties of Fayette and Union. The Cockefair mill has been in that name ever since it passed from the hands of Mr. Wright to Elisha Cockefair, Sr. , which was many years ago.

Between the grist and saw-mill Zacheus Stanton biiilt a carding-machine, and in connection with it had a hominy mill, both of which, not far from the year 1848, were sold to Elisha Cockefair, Sr. , who converted them into a looking-glass factory, which was in operation for several years.

Not far from 1846 Wilson Adams built a saw-mill and pump factory about half a mile above the gristmill, which has ever since been carried on in the Adams name. This has been quite an enterprise, and an extensive business in the pump line has been done.

was subsequently operated by Rev. Joseph Williams and by John Lambert. Some distance north of this mill was built a saw-mill by Charles Malone, and was owned later by James Conwell. Some time after this fell into disuse, and, perhaps, not far from 1842, another saw-mill was built on the South Fork of Bear Creek by E. R. Lake, who subsequently sold it to Wilson Adams, who built the second pump establishment in the township. Mr. Adams also put up a pair of buhrs, and had a little corncracker in connection with it.

On the West Fork of Whitewater, some two miles north of the mouth of Boar Creek, was the Morgan Vardiman grist-mill, which was built quite early. It was in operation in 1829.

Early Schools

Among the first built schoolhouses and cabins in which school was taught in the township may be mentioned one that stood northeast of Everton in Section 21. Here John Lee is thought to have taught a three months' school prior to 1817. Andrew Lewis and Lot Green are also remembered as teachers in this house.

The next schoolhouse for this settlement was built in Section 26, Township 13, Range 13, on the Obediah Estis land. Lot Green is thought to have conducted the first school in this building. In the old log meeting-house that stood at the grave-yard on Poplar Ridge, and for a number of years served the Friends as their place of worship, school was sometimes held. One Thomas O'Brien, an Irishman of considerable learning, taught quite a period in the schools of this settlement, and among his pupils were the Wards, the Wrights, the Truslers, the Becketts, the Stantons, and many others, some of whom became distinguished in both State and national affairs.

In 1816 or 1817 a school was taught in a vacated cabin that stood about one mile south of the present residence of jRev. Elisha Williams in Section 19 by David Sloan. Soon after this a regular log schoolhouse was built about one mile further south, in which the first teacher was Joseph Moore; William Silvey also taught in this house.

About 1822 a log schoolhouse was built in Section 24, between two and three miles west of Everton. Robert Cathers, Robert Willis and William Eskew were early teachers here. A little later another schoolhouse was built in Section 30 on the north fork of Bear Creek, in which for a time John Gunn was the teacher.

In 1827 or 1828 school was taught in a cabin which had been previously occupied as a dwelling, that stood in Section 12 in the northwestern part of the township, by Travis Silvey. About this time a rude round-log schoolhouse was standing just east of Mount Zion meeting-house constructed of beech timber. This school was quite large, being attended by scholars coming from miles around. John Barnes was the teacher about the year 1829, and is remembered as having been "barred out." The boys after being satisfied that he could not make an entrance, and Barnes himself being of that mind after makincr several tremendous ofiforts with a large timber which was used as a battering-ram, agreed upon a compromise suggested by a writing the boys slipped through to the efieet that Daddy Baker, who lived close by, had a good store of winter apples and that if going for a bushel was any object the barricade would be removed. Suffice it by saying that the apples were soon forth-comin?.

- On a beautiful afternoon in October, 1883, as the writer was strolling through the woods on "Poplar Eidge" drinking" in the beauties of nature through the mellow light of the hazy autumnal sun, there met his eyes a large irregular stone lying in a gulley at the very brink of a murmuring stream, and overshadowed by the majestic oak and towering ash. Here it lay, stern rock of a sterner age, half imbedded in the accumulations of the earth of centurie.s. Upon inspecting it closely we observed the figures 1838, which excited our curiosity and led to an investigation and later on to a soliloquy. Suffice it to say that upon tearing from its surface the clinging moss and removing the earth from its sides and base as best we were able, the following inscription was revealed:

Jesse Cook Stoci discant ut Amici hie Convinciebant. 1838. It occurred to our mind that formerly, and at the time of the execution of this work, this monument, dedicated to the ties of friendship and the associations of schoolboy days clustering around the old "Quaker log meeting and schoolhouse" that stood a few hundred yards to the south, had occupied a position on the apex of the precipice some twenty-five or more feet above, and had either at the hands of mischievous boys, or by the gradual and constant action of nature, been thrown to the gorge beneath, and since been 8ufi"ered to remain with its face to the earth, its

-The earth could not be removed sufficiently to enable us to get the giren name. It ia possible that other names were still above the first given, but it WBA impracticable for fuither removal of the earth.

message, freighted with the warm friendships and love of youth so beautifully wrought by the chisel of an artist, permitted to be half hidden from the eyes of hundreds to whom the memory of some of the participants of the scene is sacred and dear, as they have long since been laid away in the church yard. Let the old stone which speaks volumes be reared again, that generations yet unborn may scan the deeds of their forefathers, gather inspiration therefrom, and follow after in their illustrious careers!

Our old friend, Gen. Durbin Ward, of Ohio, to whom this little tribute is more especially paid, was a participant of the scenes we describe. Inasmuch as the boyhood of this distinguished lawyer and soldier was passed in the vicinity of the rock we have pictured, and the bones of his ancestors rest in the village grave-yard, and here and there still remain a playmate of the bygone years, we deem it in place to briefly review his career.

Born at Augusta, Ky., February 11, 1819, of English and Welsh extraction. Gen. Ward with his parents, Jesse Ward and^Rebecca (Patterson) Ward, removed to Fayette County, Ind., when about four years of age. The General most likely inherited his soldiery instinctsj'patriotism and love of country. His father and grandfather were both in the war of 1812, and his mother was a daughter of a soldier of the same war. He was named in honor of Rev. Dr. Durbin, the distinguished Methodist preacher, who was a schoolmate of his mother's. His early opportunities for education were limited, and hard struggles did he pass through ere he had left the hills of Fayette County, but such was his thirst for knowledge that he became an insatiable reader, and when he was eighteen years old he had read every book he had ever seen. He has never lost his studious habits, and when at home he is most frequently found in his library, which contains the largest and best selected collection of books of the private libraries of Lebanon. After spending two years at Miami University, where he supported himself by his own exertions and teaching school for a short time in Warren County, he studied law at Lebanon, Ohio, first under the direction of Judge Smith and afterward of Gov. Corwin, he commenced the practice at Lebanon, and was for three years a partner of Gov. Corwin. In 18-45 he became Prosecuting Attorney and served six years. In 1852-53 he was a representative from Warren County in the first Legislature held under the present constitution of Ohio. Retiring from this office he devoted himself to the practice of the law, and established an office at Cincinnati, where he has had a lucrative practice. He retained his residence at Lebanon. About 1855 Mr. W^ard abandoned the Whig party, which was then near its dissolution.

Since that time he has adhered to the Democratic party. He was the Democratic candidate for Congress in 1856, and for Attorney-General in 1858, but was defeated. In i860 he supported Douglas for President. When the war of the Rebellion broke out he was, as is claimed for him, the first man in his Congressional district to volunteer; declining a Captaincy, he enlisted as a private. He was Major of the Seventeenth Ohio, and took a part in the battles of Mill Springs, Corinth, Perryville, Stone River, Hoover's Gap and Chickamauga. At the last named fight he was shot through the body, and his left arm was disabled for life, and he carried it in a sling through the Atlanta Campaign. Having passed through the grades of Lieutenant-Colonel and Colonel, in November, 1865, he was brevetted Brigadier-General, "for gallant and meritorious conduct at the battle of Chickamauga." In 1866 he was appointed by President Johnson United States District Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and in 1870 he was elected Senator in the General Assembly. Since that time he has held no office, and devoted himself to the practice of the law. Gen. Ward has delivered many orations and addresses, and he ranks among the most eloquent campaign orators of Ohio. A volume of his speeches is nearly ready for the press. It is only justice to the General to state that he has long lived in a Congressional district that has hopelessly been, in the lineof his politics, in the minority, or he would have been heard from in Congress years ago. He has several times made the race, but as often suffered defeat. At the Democratic Convention a year ago, held in the city of Columbus, he was a formidable opponent of Judge Hoadly for the nomination for Governor, and was unquestionably the people's choice for that high office, yet on the very eve of victory he lost the nomination. He was before the last Legislature of his State a candidate for the office of United States Senator, but in the contest fell with Thurman and Pendleton.

Churches And Grave-Tards

The largest buiying-ground in the township is the one at Mt. Zion Methodist Episcopal Church, and the first interment made therein was the body of Father Brock. This information comes from the Rev. Elisha Williams, who was born in 1802, and with his father settled in that vicinity in 1816.

Among the early settlers of that vicinity who were Methodists in their religious views and were members of the class or society that worshiped at Mt. Zion Church, were John Plummer and wife, Noble Ladd and wife, Michael Bash and wife, John Williams and wife, David Williams and wife, Miles H. Larimore and wife, the Eskews and the Silveys. Mr. Plummer deeded two acres of ground where the grave-yard and church now are and in the course of some years when it became necessary to extend the burying-ground not quite two acres more adjoining was deeded to the Trustees of the church by Basil Roberts.

The first meeting-house was built of hewed logs when Mr. Williams was yet a boy, and stood on the site of the present frame structure known as Mt. Zion Church. The old meeting-house was heated by burning charcoal and was itself destroyed by tire some (ime subsequent to 1836 and replaced by the one now there, which was built by Alfred Shaw. Up to 1835 Mt. Zion was an appointment on what was known as the Whitewater Circuit, which at one time embraced some twenty odd preaching places.

Among the aged whose remains were here interred and whose graves are marked by tombstones are the following- named: Rev. Thomas Silvey, aged sixty years; Anna, his wife, eighty-three years; Miles H. Larimore, eighty-four years; Susan Larimore, seventy-four years; Moses Ladd, eighty-eight years; John Mcllwain, Sr., about eighty-three years; Sarah, his wife, about eighty-seven years; John McCabe, sixty years; Noble Ladd, eighty-one years; Betty, his wife, eighty-nine years; John Eagan, eighty years; John Campbell, eighty-five years; Mary, his wife, seventy- two years; William Lake, seventy-three years; Elijah Corbin, eighty-two years; Michael Bash, seventy-six years; John Williams, seventy-two years; George Talbott, seventy-three years; Susan, his wife, seventy-four years; Sarah Lewis, eightynine years; James Kerr, eighty-one years; Anna Adams, eighty years; Mary, wife of Philip Jones, eighty years; William Eskew, eighty years; David L. Williams, seventy-eight years; Nancy, his wife, eighty-seven years.

In the early settlement of Fayette and Union Counties many of the pioneers of the latter were of the Friend or Quaker element, and established their meetings soon after effecting a settlement. Silver Creek monthly meeting (Union County) was established in 1817. What was known as Poplar Ridge meeting- hoiise was constructed of logs and stood at the little burying-ground still known by that name in the eastern part of the township (Section 23) and was both an established and preparative meeting in the early history of Fayette County, but was ' 'laid down" many years ago, and the building removed, which now stands on Eli's Creek, in Union County, and is occupied as a dwelling. Among the early resident ministers of the Silver Creek monthly meeting (of which Poplar Ridge constituted a part) were Susannah

What is known as the Ireland or Mcllwain graveyard is just over the line (in Franklin) separating the two counties, but in it rest the remains of a number of the pioneers of southern and eastern Fayette County. The first interment here is said to have been the remains of Hugh E. , son of John Waters.

For probably a quarter of a century preceding the late war of the Rebellion, there existed a Methodist congregation which worshiped at a log meetinghouse that occupied the ground upon which the Lutheran Church, in the northern part of the township, is now built, which, though its light shone brightly for many years, went out in the manner of deaths and removals. The ground was donated by the few remaining Methodists shortly prior to 1863 to the English Lutheran denomination, who completed the present frame church building there in 1865. The first congregation was styled the Union Methodist Episcopal Church, and among those early identified with the membership were Basil Roberts and wife, Isaac Updyke and wife, P. Silvey and wife, Nathan Aldridge and wife, George Talbot and wife, Noah, Amos and Nicholas Pumphrey and wives.

"As early as 1855 Rev. J. B. Oliver, then pastor of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, began to preach to a few scattered Lutherans in Jackson Township, and preaching has been continued by Rev. O's successor at this point ever since. During the ministry of F. W. Keeler the present commodious and excellent building was erected, and received its name as above in accordance with the provision of the subscription. An organization was effected in October, 1864, with seven members. This seems to have been the most prosperous period of the church's existence, for the records show a gradual decline by deaths and removals frord that time to the present."

There is a burying-ground within the churchyard enclosure, but few interments seem to have been made therein, and almost isolated and alone stands a sandstone slab, revealing to the passer-by that he who sleepeth beneath the green mound was a Revolutionary patriot, and seemingly as, perhaps, at Valley Forge or at Yorktown he stood a lonely sentinel for the living, so stands the brown tombstone of the soldier for the dead at the church yard. The stone is inscribed to the memory of James Hamer, died July 5, 1837, aged seventy-three years.

The Ireland Universalist Church, located in the southeastern part of the township, was organized in the schoolhouse of the same name in November, 1868, by Rev. M. G. Mitchell, of Abington, Ind. The first membership was composed of Milton Trusler, M. Annie Trusler, Laura J. Trusler, James and Emma Sims, John Reagor, Ada Smith, Thomas and Elizabeth Curry, Elnora Taylor, Ebenezer Glenn, James and May Smith, some of whom came from the church at Fairfield. The first Trustees were Milton Trusler, James Smith and Thomas Curry, and under this oQic - iary was built, in 1871, the present neat frame church edifice now occupied by the society. It was dedicated on Sabbath, August 13, 1871, Rev. W. W. Curry preaching the dedicatory sermon. Rev. D. R. Biddlecome, of Richmond, also was present and officiated. The pastors of the church and in the order given have been Revs. M. G. Mitchel, J. B. Grandy, Frank Evans, W. S. Bacon, VV. C. Brooks, R. N. John, William Tucker, May T. Clark and H. A. Merrell. Among others who preached for the church for short periods have been Revs. Case, Crossly, Caatwell, Biddlecome and McLean.

At Everton stands a brick church that was built by subscription raised in and about that neighborhood in 1844. Among those contributing largely were Elisha Cockefair, J. H. Bonham, James Smith, Azariah Beckett, R. N. Taylor, Alexander Cockefair, John Rigor, Mordacai Miller, David Taylor, Ezra Bonham and William Rigsby. We understand that it was not built for any particular denomination, but as a place for holding worship for all denominations, and as such has been so used. Universalism was quite strong at one time in that section, and perhaps more of the funds obtained for its construction came from those holding such belief, and the building, especially in its earlier history, was more frequently used by that society. Revs. Kaylor and Brooks were among the earlier ministers of the Universalist doctrine who officiated in this building. The Methodists, not far from the same period, yet a little in advance, had constructed a frame building in the same village, which they used until both congregation and building had so weakened as to be abandoned. Probably a decade, or some longer ago, meetings without respect to denomination were held at the village, which resulted in the organization of a regular church society, which in the course of time became a Methodist congregation, and as such has been holding services in the brick house of worship.

On the south fork of Bear Creek stands a little frame house of worship, known as the Palestine Church, which in denomination is United Brethren. The building was erected some ten or twelve years ago; services had for a period previous been held in the neighboring schoolhouse. Among the number

This village is situated east of the centre of the township on the road leading from Brookville to Connersville, distant about seven miles fi'om the latter point. It lies on the eastern half of Section 21, Township 13, Range 13, which land was purchased of the Government by William Adams and Eli Lee, the former purchasing the northern half August 24, 1813, and the latter the southern half January 31, 1812. The oldest inhabitant fails to give any definite or satisfactory information as to the origin of the place, and as no plat seems to have been recorded prior to 1836, the reader is left to conjecture. Maria Haughton, December 23 of that year, acknowledged twelve lots addition to West Union (south of South Street). It is said that it originally was styled Lawstown or Lawsburg. Next it became known as West Union, and in March, 1856, the Commissioners of the county ordered ' ' that the name of the town of West Union be changed to that of Everton, which was the name of the postofiBce."

From the beginning of the village as a place of business to 184:0, the Commissioners granted license to the following-named, to vend merchandise, keep tavern, sell liquor, or all:

January 20, 1841, the village was incorporated and divided into five wards. William H. Evans was made President, and R. N. Taylor Village Clerk. According to the United States census of 1860, the place then numbered 239 souls, and a decade later the census gave it a population of but 149.

Fourth of July, 1836, was observed by the citizens of the village and county by a large celebration held in a beautiful grove of timber near the village. The procession was formed at 10 o'clock A. M., under the superintendence of Capt. Thomas Waters, Marshal, and John Craig and Daniel Moore, Assistants.

It marched to the grove, where the solemnities of the day commenced. The procession was headed by the following-named four venerable Revolutionary soldiers: Messrs. Lowe, Logan, Benetield and Fordyce. These venerable patriots were escorted to the stand on reaching the grove by J. D. Thompson, the Presi dent of the day. A picture (nearly as large as life) of him who was " first in the hearts of his countrymen" was carried in front, accompanied by the national banner, each borne by one of the Revolutionary soldiers; imjnediately after came the names of the States carried on elevated placards by young ladies in white dresses and ornamented exactly alike. At the grove the exercises were opened by prayer and remarks by William D. Hubbartt. Next was read the Declaration of Independence by John Ritchie; then was delivered an oration by William Cook. A big dinner was next in order, which was prepared by L. Stanley and J. M. Mcllwain, and at which the customary toasts were drank. There were about 2,000 people present.

Everton has now two stores, a postoffice, three blacksmith shops, a good hotel, one shop for wagonmaking, one physician, one church, a schoolhouse (both good substantial buildings), one sawmill, and a population (estimated) of 200 people.

Everton Lodge, No. 139, I. O. O. F., was instituted January 11, 1854, by Wilson T. Dale, and the following-named officers were elected and installed under the same date:

James Elliott, N. G.; David H. Case, V. G.; John T. Williams, Secretary; William Williams, Treasurer. The charter was granted by the Grand Lodge, January 18, 1854, there being ten charter members, which, excepting the officers above named, were: Alfred H. and Edward J. Thompson, Elijah Johnson, J. H. Debolt, I. L. Case and Robert T. Taylor. The Lodge has a neat hall which was erected in 1853, and dedicated October 19, 1854, the address being delivered by the late Hon. O. P. Morton, then G. M. Present membership over 100, officered as follows: