Jackson Township

Jackson Township

received the appointment also of postmaster. He was married December 25, 1866, to Miss Ellen Elizabeth C. McCormick, of La Fayette, wlio was born August 10, 1846. James Oliver, their son, was born June 27, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Page are members of the Presbyterian church, and he is a republican.

Jackson Toavnship

JACKSON TOAVNSHIP. Jackson township is in the southeast corner of Fountain county. It is six sections square, lies in T. 18 N. and Eanges 6 and 7 W. of the 3d P.M., and is divided through the center, north and south, by the line separating the two. It has an elevated surface, generally even in the north half, and comparatively so in the southeast quarter.. The southwest quarter, cut by deep and narrow gorges, is rough and broken. Excepting a small part in the northwest corner, where Prairie creek rises and'^flows away to Coal creek, the township is drained by Mill creek, which enters on Sec. 9 and keeps a southwest course, passing out at the center of the south line of Sec. 34. Into this numerous tributaries convey their waters. A small branch, running south, falls into it near the northeast corner of Sec. 17 ; another, coming down from the north in a general course not far from the range line, sometimes called the north folk, discharges into the main stream less than half a mile northeast of the village of Jacksonville. Lick branch is famous in this locality for its sharp, high bluffs and bold, striking scenery, its channel for some distance being between close and perpendicular walls of solid sandstone. Kising in Sec. 14, its course is nearly southeast, till it unites with Mill creek where that stream crosses the line, between Sees. 24 and 25. Buflalo creek meanders along the west side of the township, first on one side of the boundary, then on the other, forming a junction near the center of Sec. 84. Little Mill crock conies into the township in a northwest direction, clipping the upper and farther corner of Sec. 21, soon after turns west, and about a mile beyond assumes the general route of the main stream, with which it forms a confluence southeast of the town. Stillwater branch courses throuc'h the S. i of Sees. 21 and 20, and empties into this not very far from "the southeast corner of Sec. 19. Wolf creek takes its source in the W i of Sec. 32, and flowing on either side of tlie south hue of the township falls into Mill creek in Sec. 35. Dan's Kun, a small watercourse in the south part of the township, received its name from a local circumstance. In the southwest quarter of Jackson townslnp coal abounds in considerable quantities. On Lick branch and at the narrows of Mill creek are large beds of valuable building stone.

Tlie first settler established himself in Jackson township at a "time out of mind." Squire John Bowman came from East Tennessee in 1S20, and entered the land across the creek east of Jacksonville, whero Z. T. "Ward lives. How many of those whom we shall mention as pioneers came prior to that we are unable to say, but we learn that the next year Eichard Williams was settled on the site of Jacksonville ; William Guilliams, his son-in-law, was living on the west bank of Mill creek next the town, and on the place occupied at this time by George W. Brown ; and Isaac Crowder had a cabin on the farther side of the creek south of the town, where Arrison Weaver is living. This same year (1827) John Hybarger, who had left Tennessee the year before, and stopped at Russellville, arrived and entered the land where his youngest son, John, now has his home. Thomas Alien was at this ilui'i located on the county line between Parke and Fountain, on the farm now owned by Henry L. Eoach ; and Jonathan Cunningham joined him on the east. These two men were from Virginia. William Snook and Joshua Bland, from Ohio, had their homes on Sec. 16 ; Ephraira Dell, a young man, was' here; George Low had come; and Cuthbert Harrison was living north of the present Jacksonville. James Garrison and Ewlet came early also, and made homes near and north of Elijah Clore's. Armstrong settled where Henry Williams lives. None of the Garrisons, Ewlets and Armstrongs remain. Michael Hutts, Ezekiel Nelson, William Murphy and Isaac Gooding were early settlers. A little later William Hinton came, and the Myerses, Fines, Shulera, Livengoods, Grimeses, Sowers, Scotts, Clarks, Kellers, Jacob Clinard, John McSpadden, and George McLain. The country was settled rapidly after the first four or five years. Nearly the entire immigration for some twelve years at first was from North Carolina and Tennessee. A few came from Virginia, still fewer from Kentucky, and perhaps two or three were here to represent Ohio.

The first pioneer found the entire township a dense forest, and as settlement progressed saw-mills and distilleries became an absolute necessity, while corn and flouring mills, of which some had been erected elsewhere within reach of the inhabitants, found less favor with that class of men who might be expected to engage in such business. Altogether, a large number of saw-mills have been built. The largest was owned by Harris Reynolds, who sawed the lumber for the plank road. As many as five stills have been in operation in the township at one time, and the whole number, as far as we can learn, has been twentyfour, six having been steam distilleries and eighteen copper stills. Not a flouring mill -has ever been built in Jackson. The only corn-cracker of any consequence was the first, which was erected by Ephraim Dell, on Mill creek, a mile and a half below Jacksonville. This is now idle and decaying. The mill-seat is the property of Mrs. "William Beaver. Until within a few years whisky had been the staple article of mannfiicture. The late war, rendering a high tariff necessary, o-reatly interfered with, and at last totally destroyed, this "home industrvv" After the tax was laid on whisky, and nntil the business was broken up, Jackson township -was a field of exciting adventure, because not lacking the element of danger to the revenue officers and their assistants. In the early times the stills furnished a good home market for corn. Twenty-five cents a bushel was the price usually paid. Elsewhere it did not often bring more than twelve and a half or fifteen cents. A bushel made two and a half or three gallons; this sold for twenty-five cents a gallon, and the manufacturer realized a handsome profit. The thirsty could at all times swop a bushel of the " raw material " for a gallon of the "concentrated product"; and it was no uncommon, and withal, as Petroleum V. Nasby would say, " an afiecting sight," to see a footman or a horseman wending his way to a neighboring still-house with a bag of corn and an empty jug. Such a trip was not less urgent and regular than the one to mill. "When a "foreign power" like the general government meddled with this " local institution," the distillers and their patrons felt that their rights were invaded. But the contest was decided, as it was bound to be, by the " heaviest artillery."

The earliest school of which we have received any account, and undoubtedly the first in Jackson, was on Jacob Fine's land. David Shuler was the first teaclier, and somewhat later Joshua Holt taught in the same house. Not more than three or four years afterward the next school-house was erected at the northeast corner of the village of Jacksonville, and Job Blackburn M-as the pedagogue who dedicated it to education. John Haines was his successor. Andrew Swope is another early teacher that may be mentioned. Subscription schools were first kept, and the terms two or three months in duration.

The old Lutheran, a log structure, was the first church in Jackson township. It was situated about a mile east of Jacksonville, on land donated by Jacob Bowman, and was built as early, perhaps, as 1837. Felix Clodfelter, Jacob Bowman, the Myerses, Fines, Grimeses, Liveugoods, and Sowerses, were prominent original members. The Eev. Henkle was the earliest preacher in this denomination, and Ephraim Rudisill and John L. Markert filled his place at subsequent periods. In 1856 the society raised a good frame house, 36x50 feet square, which is well finished both inside and outside, with four windows on either side and two entrances in front. The designation inscribed in the gable is "Evangelic Lutheran Phanuel Church." A cemetery is

A society of Lutherans was organized in tlie north part of the township in 1869, and erected Emanuel church the same year. The dimen, sions of this house are 28x40, and the cost was not far from $800. The building committee were Keeling Livengood, Solomon Livengood, and Peter Clodfelter. The organization took place December

11, under the pastoral charge of the Rev. E. S. Henkle, with a membership of tw-enty-one. The church roll has increased to fifty-eiwht. An interesting Sabbath-school is maintained during the summer season, with fifty pupils, and J. B. Young as superintendent. Peter Clodfelter and David Livengood are the elders, and Keeling Livengood and James M. Livengood deacons. The Rev. Sappenfield is the preacher.

About 1837 the Methodists built a log church in Jacksonville. The society has disappeared, but the old building is yet standing and in use as a dwelling and chair shop. The Rev. Poiner was one of thb earliest circuit riders.

A society of Christians hold monthly services in Jacksonville. The house they use was formerly a saloon, but the citizens bought out the vendor ten or twelve years ago, and the building was dedicated to better things by the Rev. James Bryant.

Jackson township has two flourishing granges, which have never suspended Work. They are institutions deserving of all encouragement. Stillwater Grange, No. 858, was organized December 22, 1873, with 26 charter members. John Newkirk was the first master and William L. Grimes the first secretary. Buffalo Grange, No. 957,was organized the same month, with Jacob Ewbanks as master. The former was located in the east part of the township and the latter in the west.

The fallowing old soldiers died in this township: Isaac Gooding, John Hybarger, Robert Miller, Merwine Wilkerson, Thomas Allen, Samuel Gass, and John Newkirk. All served in the last war with Great Britain e.xcept Allen, who was a revolutionary veteran, and rests in the Wolf Creek graveyard. Gass was a captain. Hybarger fought with Jackson at New Orleans.

The earliest recorded marriages in Jackson township were Paul Garrison to Cyba Snook, March 7, 1831 ; Martin Guilliams to Polly Bowman, March 19,1832; James Cunningham to Ann Allen, June

The first trustees were Stephen Philpott, Nathaniel Morgan, and A. J. Deninan. Jacob Bruner was the first clerk, and John Myers the first treasurer. This was when a township was allowed three trustees. James A. Sanders is the present trustee. Hugh P. McCrary, Geo. V. Thomas and A. J. Denman are the justices of the peace.

Jackson township was always a democratic stronghold. Years ago, when whigs and democrats contended for supremacy, George Low was the only man who belonged to the former party. The relative strength of democrats and republicans is greatly changed from that; but even now the former have four-fifths of the voters.

A violent tornado swept through this township on the evening of July 27, 1875, uprooting and twisting ofif trees, demolishing fences, and destroying growing crops. It came nearly from the west, was onefourth of a mile wide in the main track, struck the township near the center north and south, and passed in a northeast direction, doing a great amount of damage to the timber and grain belonging to David Shoef, Abe Wilkerson, Elijah Low, David Bowman, Elijah Clore, Wm. Tate, and others. Midway in the township it lifted from the earth, and during the rest of its course alternately lowered and raised, leaving traces of its destruction at intervals. No lives were lost, and onl}- a log house was unroofed. In Mill Creek township its force was much greater than in this. Seven persons were killed ; among these, all of the Sowers family except a little son, who had both legs and an arm broken, and recovered only to be afterward gored and nearly killed

This is a dilapidated little village of about two dozen housse, situated three-fourths of a mile south of the center of the township and on the north bank of Mill creek. It was laid out in the days when Gen. Jackson reigned with absolute power in the hearts of his political adherents, and but a solitary whig had invaded the precincts of this democratic paradise. At that time apart of Mill Creek township was embraced in this.

No adequate idea can ever be formed of the true life and real character of a people except through the medium of the little events which show their temper, customs, habits of thought, and lines of action. Its age. not its size, has given this town a salient history. If this is dull it is not because there is wanting a train of incidents, a mi.xture of the ludicrous and shocking, whose rehearsal would give a charm of fascination to the historic story.

" Let by-gones be by-gones ; if bj--gones be clouded By augbt that occasioned a pang of regret, Oh, let them in darkest oblivion be shrouded ; 'Tis wise and 'tis kind to forgive and forget."

Convenience, and instinct regarding the fitness of things, liave reduced the name of this town in common speech to two syllables - " Jackville " - which is more in harmony with the spirit of this rapid age. Correct intuition will discard long names, just as dashing, blooming progress casts aside the stage-coach and the hand-loom.

Squire John Bowman and his father, Henry, were the proprietors of the town. Tiie former owned on the west side of the range line, and the latter on the east, he having entered the George Brown farm on coming here in 1827. Eiciiard Williams was the first settler on tlio site. He came here as early as 1826, and erected his cabin on the premises now belonging to the widow Bowman. This was several years before the laying out of the town. Another early settler at this point was George McLain.

The first house built in Jacksonville after it w.as laid out was by "William Guilliams, and the first frame building was erected by Squire Bowman. The first man to sell goods was Conrad Walters. He left, and two brothers, John and Joseph Milligan, set up next. Squire Bowman and Andrew Higbee were in trade together for a few years in quite early times. The former was in business at three diff"erent periods. A great number of tradesmen have been located in the place, many of them for a brief time onl}', and it would not be worth the trouble to trace up the various changes. In comparatively recent times Noah and Charles Grimes, Bayless and Jacob Carter, - Cunningham & Smith, and several others, had stores. The present dealers are John Murphy, David Oliver, and Johnson Clore. Henry Newlin ia selling drugs. His predecessor in this business was W. H. Spinning. A blacksmith and a chair shop are in the place, and a house which welcomes the hungry traveler and jaded animal with entertainment is also to be found. Somebody with business sagacity keeps constantly on hand a stock of coffins as a sign that there are two doctors in the village.

William Snooks had the first blacksmith shop here, and the first in the township. Alvah Doke was the first regular shoemaker in the village, but did not remain long. Samuel Gass kept the first house of entertainment, and George McCline started the first cabinet shop. Dr. Reeves was the first physician, though he never lived here. He came down from Cain township and stayed at Jacksonville two daya in the week. Dr. A. M. C. Hawes, now of Georgetown, Hlinois, was the first to locate, and he was succeeded by Dr. Joseph Roberts. Since that time Jacksonville has been the place toward which most tyros in the medical art in this part of the state have directed their footsteps, and at which they have made their entrance upon professional life. The number that have been settled here is really very large.

The post-office was established during the administration of Gov. "Wallace, and was named for him by Judge Mitchell C. Black and Squire John Bowman. The latter was the first postmaster. The post route was to Greencastle, and Judge Black was the first mailcarrier.

Wallace Lodge, No. 495, A.F. and A.M., was organized under dispensation, September 6, 1S73, with the following charter members, the eight first of whom were the original officers of the lodge: Jacob Ewbank, W.M. ; Thomas J. Ratclifi', S.W. ; John B. Poole, J.W. ; John Kewkirk, treasurer; H. W. Darnell, secretary; William Ratclifi", S.D.; David A. Myers, J.D. ; John McLain, tiler; J. N. Philpot, John Bowman, John II. Day, Valentine Sowers, Perry Parker, Elijah Low, and Joseph Banta. The present officers are J. N. Talbot, W.M. ; Jacob S. Livingston, S.W. ; Jacob Ewbank, J.D. ; H. L. Roach, treasurer ; 11. J. Holman, secretary ; J.G. Mofiett, S.D. ; John Kewkirk, J.D. ; n. P. McCrary, tiler. The charter of this lodge bears date May 26, 1875. The present membership is twenty-nine. A good interest is taken in the meetings, which are held on the Friday night of each month on or before the full moon.

Wallace Lodge, No. 454, I.O.O.F., was instituted by John T. Sandors, special deputy, June 23. 1874, with the following charter members : GilesW. Hutts, Daniel W. Cunningham, James A. Sanders, George V. Thomas,William A. Summers, Thomas Allen, W. II. Spinning and S. D. Willis. The first elective officers wereW. H. Spinning, N.G. ; George V. Thomas, V.G.; James A.Sanders, secretary, and GilesW. Hutts, treasurer. The present elective officers are James A. Sanders, N.G. ; George V. Thomas, V.G. ; W. H. Spinning, secretary and district deputy, and John Fisher, treasurer. The membership of the lodge at one time reached twenty-five, but through disagreement, unfortunatelv, it has fallen off to nine. Regular meetings are held on Saturday nights.

The Jackson Township Horse-thief Detective Company was organized in March 1875, and held its first regular meeting on the third Saturday of April. The following were the charter members, the first four of whom were president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer, respectively: W. H. Spinning, Samuel R. Shuler, D. W. Cunningham, H. P. McCrary, A. B. Wilkison, Abner Gray, G. W. Brown, M. S.

Sower?, J. F. Hybarger. J. A. Sanders, and D;^vid Pearson. The present officers are W. H. Spinning, president; H. P. McCrary, vicepresident; James A. Sanders, secretary, and Jolinson Ciore, treasurer. Its members number twenty-five. Meetings are held at Center school, house on tlie tliird Saturday of January, April, July, and October.

Biographical

Henry Kewlin, druggist, Wallace, was born in Davis township, this county, July 12, ISoi, and was the only son of Dr. Joseph AV. and Mary (Brant) Newlin. He received his education at the Attica liig), school, and was raised to the business of a druggist in Attica and Covington. He began business on his own account at Jacksonville on March 20, 1879. His marriage with Miss Phebe Myers, daughter of Elijah Myers, a native citizen of Jackson township, w-as celebrated March 12, 18S0. They have a little daughter named Mary. Mrs. Newlin is a member of the Lutheran church, and he is a democrat.

Dr. Joseph W. Newlin (deceased) was a native of Brown county, Ohio, and was descended from Pennsylvania Germans. He came with his parents to Montgomery county, in this state, and settled at "Waynetown. He studied medicine there under Dr. S. J. Greene, and began practice in the place, but not long afterward removed to Fountain county and made his residence in Davis township, on the farm now owned and occupied by Jolm M. Washburn. He had already been twice married, first to Miss Johanna Calvert, who survived but a short time, and last to Miss Mary Brant, of Montgomery county. It was here that his two children, Henry and Ella, both by his second wife, were born. He received the appointment of postmaster in this place, and kept the "Shawnee" post-ofiice at his house. This was discontinued when he moved to Attica about 1859. He had previously built up a very extensive and successful practice, and on his removal to Attica formed a partnership with Dr. Leyman, which continued till Dr. Newlin'e death. In addition to this he went into the drug trade in company with J. 0. Reid. Not long after that he engaged very extensively in the grain business at Independence station, and at length came to be known as one of the foremost business men of Fountain county. From 1864 to 1867 he was much of the time in New York city speculating in grain and gold, and in this made a considerable fortune. In 1864, while in New York, the democrats of Fountain county surprised him with the nomination for state senator. He was elected to that office, and served acceptably the full term of four years. It is a noteworthy fact that he was the last democratic senator who has represented this county. He died toward the close

' of 1S6S, at tlie'age of fortj-eight years, and his remains were deposited in Salem churchyard in Davis townsliip. Mrs. Newlin was born in Kentucky, and moved with her parents to Indiana when she was three years old. In early life she was converted and joined the Methodist cluirch, and was a faithful christian until her death. She died suddenly of heart disease in the summer of 1879, at the age of fifty-six years. She was found one morning dead upon the floor of her room. Her remains were laid in Wesley chapel with kindred dust.

William H. Spinning, farmer and stock raiser, Wallace, son of William and Eve (Herbaugh) Spinning, was born in Dayton, Ohio, January 7, 1842. In the spring following his parents removed to this state and settled in Covington, where Mr. Spinning's father died the next fall. The subject of this notice enlisted, in February, 1862, in Co. B, 63d Ind. Vols., and was at once promoted to sergeant in his company. He fought first at Bull Run, under Pope, in 1863, and in September succeeding this battle his regiment was sent home to be recruited. On Christmas the command left Indianapolis for Kentucky, where it did guard duty on the Louisville & Nashville railroad and the Lebanon branch until January 1, 1864. Leaving Lebanon, the regiment went to Camp Nelson, and from there to Knoxville, Tennessee, arriving in March. At that place it was attached to Manson's brigade of the 23d Army Corps. From Bull's Gap this brigade went to Wataga bridge, near the Virginia line, and made a complete destruction of the railroad and all the bridges back to Greenville, a distance of forty miles. With the rest of the corps it next went to join Sherman on the Atlanta campaign, and arrived at Buzzard Roost on the 4th of May. Mr. Spinning was in the battle at that place on the 9tli. All his company were captured, but he and six of his comrades broke through the 54th Georgia regiment after dark, and all except Michael Nevel, who was killed, escaped. He fought next at Burnt Hickory, May 25; again on June 2 at New Hope Church ; on tiie 16th and 17th at Pine Mountain, and on the 27th was on the outskirts of the battle at Kenesaw Mountain, and did heavy skirmishing. July 8 he crossed tlie Chattahoochee river by wading with his command, which was the first to make the passage of that stream. Ho fought at Atlanta on the 22d, when MuPherson was killed, and again, on the 28th, was engaged all day on the Decatur road. In the battle of August 6, which followed the extension of Sherman's line to the right, he also bore a part, and then again at Rough and Ready, immediately preceding the fall of Atlanta. He ])articipated in the subsequent operations against Hood, and fought at Columbia, Franklin, and Nashville. He went to North Carolina, where his corps formed a junction with Sherman's anny at Golds- borongli, and from tliere he marched to Ealeigh, Eiclimond, and Wasliington city. He was mustered out at Indianapolis May 5, 1865, havinw served over three years, and seen as brilliant service as ever falls to thn lot of a soldier. His marriage with Miss Elizabeth Musser was on September 17, 1865. She was born July 17, 1841. They have five children : Alva, Edgar, Ura, Guy, and Lizzie. Mrs. Spinnino- ig ^ member of the Christian church. He has 180 acres of land Ivinw just north of Jacksonville, worth $7,200. He has carried this on durinr^ the last fifteen years, but is at present giving his exclusive attention to its management and the raising of stock. After his marj'iage he engaged in harness-making six years, and in the fall of 1871 began selling drugs, and continued in this business also six years. He has been notary public twelve years; was postmaster six years ; and from 1878 to 1880 was deputy sherifi' of Fountain county. He belongs to tho Odd-Fellows, is a Knight of Pythias, and a member of the Horse Company in this township. In politics a republican.

Elijah Clore, farmer and stock raiser. Alamo, Montgomery county, Indiana, was born in Boone county, Kentucky, October 28, 1827. He was the eldest sou of Joel and Sarah (Eico) Clore. His grandparents and his parents emigrated together from Virginia to Kentucky prior to the last war with Great Britain. In the fall of 1828 Mr. Clore's parents came to Indiana, making the trip down the Ohio and up tho Wabash in a keel-boat. Frederick Wineland and his family, and some others, were of the party. They disembarked at Montezuma, and tho father of this subject settled in Brown township, in Montgomery county. After a residence of some thirteen years there he moved into Sugar Creek (now Howard) township, in Parke county. He was in the habit of flat-boating to New Orleans, and while at Lake Providence, Louisiana, on one of his trips, he was taken sick and died in that place. Mr. Clore was married September 13, 1849, to Miss Jane Deer, who was born in Brown township, Montgomery county, August 11, 1828. She was the daughter of John and Margaret Deer. In 1850 Mr. Clore settled in Brown township; he lived there three years, and then moved to this township, to his present farm, where he had bought 160 acres. At this time he owned 240 acres in Iowa ; this he soon sold and began increasing his homestead. More land became a necessity to him, as he had already engaged in stock raising. He was very successful with hogs, from the proceeds of which he bought the most of his land. He now owns 560 acres where he lives, and 200 acres in Wayne town- Bhip, Montgomery county, the whole valued at $38,000. It is in a high state of cultivation, and on the homestead there have been put down seven or eight miles of drain tile. He lias given, besides, eighty acres to his married daughter. Mr. Olore interested himself from the start in improving his stock, and began patronizing the fairs witli graded animals. About twelve years ago he brought the first short-horns to " Fountain Stock Farm" (the name liis home bears); these were bought in Kentucky. He has made two later purchases in that state, and has also added three superb animals to his herd from Illinois. He now has sixty -five liead of fine thoroughbreds, and has no lack of purchasers far and near. He has advertised a public sale of short-liorns for next Au-» eust. His celebrated show cow, one of the finest in America, belongs to the Pomona f^unily, and took the sweepstakes prize at the Indiana state fair last year. Out of the five premiums which he obtained there four were first premiums. He is making a beginning with Jerseys, having now two cows on the place. His swine is exclusively Berkshires. During the last ten years he has been experimenting in fish culture. His pond covers over one-fourth of an acre. He has twice lost his fish by hard winters, and the extent to which they have suff'cred the present severe and protracted cold season is not known. He has ascertained that it takes fish as long to complete growth as it does neat cattle. Mr. Clore is a Mason of twenty years' standing ; he was once an Odd-Fellow five years; and when the farmers' popular movement began in 1873 he at once allied himself with it, and is now a member of Stillwater Grange, No. 850. His mother, who has been living with him for many years, died at his home November 27, 1880, aged seventy years. Mr. and Mrs. Clore have had eleven children : Martha Ann (deceased), Mary Jane, now Mrs. Ransom Myers, Sarah Elizabeth (deceased), infant (deceased), Albert (scalded to death when a year old), Lucinda (deceased), Lilian (deceased), John (deceased), Joel, Jesse, and Laroy.

David Livengood, farmer, Hillsboro, was born September 4, 18-11, in Jackson township, where he has since resided. His parents, Thomas and Eva (Shuler) Livengood, came from North Carolina to Fountain county and settled in Jackson township in 1833. His father entered the land he still lives on, while his children are settled on good farms all near him. Wiien David >vas of age his father gave him forty acres, wliieh he afterward sold and bought tlie eighty acres he now occupies in Sec. 1. His schooling was very limited. In the rough school of experience, however, aided by a sound judgment, he has acquired a good business education, and through reading and observation has become one of themost intelligent and. influential citizens of the township. He was married February 6, 1861, to Helen M. Marsh, her parents coming from Ohio. By this union they had five children, of whom four are living: Elzctta, Ida May, Rosa Olive, Benjamin F. and on the west. Township line 19 S., E. 19, runs west two miles between Sees. 33 and 3-4 and 28 and 27 in R. 7 ; thence west between Sees. 28 and 21; thence north three miles between Sees. 20 and 21, 17 and 16, 8 and 9; thence half a mile east between Sees. 4 and 9; thence north three-fourths of a mile in center line of Sec. 4, running north; thence half a mile east in same section ; thence one-fourth mile north to T. 20; thence six miles east to county line. These boundaries give an area of thirty-nine and three-eighths square miles. The northern part of the township is rolling prairie; in the southern, a considerable portion is flat and wet. Along the banks of Coal creek the land is ridgy and quite broken. Black walnut, poplar, wild cherry, and sugar maple, are the prevailing growth in the north, while in the south burr-o.ik, elm, and lynn (a soft wood growing best in black, moldy soil) prodominate. Oak, hickorv, and hickory elm are found on the creek lands, and red beech on the uplands. In 1826 much the greater portion of this territory was a forest, which half a century of laborious cutting has converted into well fenced and well cultivated farms. The provailing soils are a yellowish clay and chocolate-colored loam. In tlio bottoms, and often on the flats, black loam is found. Wheat in this section is a calculable, while corn is a variable, product. Rye and oaU have not of late been largely cultivated, but oats are beginning to be looked upon with favor, its stubble favoring a succeeding wheat crop. Friiit culture is not as profitable as formerly, the caterpillar having made sad havoc among the apple trees, while the peach succumbs to the cold of winter, or to its natural enemies, the worms, in summer.

waters into tlie Wabash river. Coal creek enters the township from Montgomery county, in Sec. 16, tlience bearing northwest four miles to the center of 19 and R. 6, Sees. 11 and 12 ; thence southwest three miles to center of Sec. 16, T. 19, E. 7, into Van Buren township. In its course thus described it furnishes numerous mill-sites that have been improved for milling or sawing. Of the flouring-mills three are now running, but none of the saw-mills, wood along the creek having become scarce, and competition by means of the railroad ruinous. Of the grist-mills, the upper one, Sec. 16, E. 6 W., was built by John Petro about the year 184C, occupying the site of a corn-cracker and distillery said to have been built in 182-1. In 1871, a large mill was erected on this site by G. D. Brown, costing $8,000, and is now in ojieration. One mile below a corn-cracker was started in early settlement period, and aliandoned after running a few years. In 1840, or thereabout, William Simpson built a saw-mill on this site. This was abandoned about the time the railroad commenced running trains- One mile below a saw-mill was erected by William Sears in the year 1837 or 1838; abandoned in 1866. The Hillsboro flouring-mill, one and a iialf miles farther down the creek, was built by David Kester in 1824, and is the oldest grist-mill in the county. Mr. Kester run it five or six years, then sold it to a Mr. Zuinalt, who built the first frame building on the site. Zumalt owned it from 1832 to 1836, then sold it to T. W. Fry, originally from Kentucky, who run it till 1854. August 8 of that year the property was bought by A. J. and P. Williams, who came from Shelby county, Kentucky. The mill's capacity at that time was 200 bushels per day, wheat and corn. An addition was completed in 1880, increasing its capacity to 400 bushels, 300 corn and 100 wheat. The creek at this point develops an average of twenty-eight liorse power. Improvements contemplated by the Messrs. Williams are a first-class purifier and a middling grinder, which will give a product known as half process flour. In 1837 Obadiah Cambell erected a saw-mill one and a quarter miles below the Hillsboro mill, run it till 1848, then sold it to Ezra and Jonathan Osborn, who ran it till 1873, then abandoned it. One mile below this a saw-mill was built by John Moffit, of Attica, completed in 1849; sold out to John Cambell in 1856. The dam was washed away in 1865 by a freshet, and the mill abandoned. A great freshet carried away the first dam in 1858. A sau-mill, claimed to bo the first in the county, was built one and a half. miles below the last described about the year 1834 or 1835. In 1841 or 1842 it was turned into a corn cracker and run as corn cracker and saw-mill till 18C0, then rebuilt into a flouring mill by a Mr. JIcFeeley, who sold out to AVilliam Ileslcr, who is now running it.

In the township, but off the lino of Coal creek, Levi Fonts erected a E.aw-niill on wliat is called Hannah's fork. This was abandoned in 18G0. Another, built on Benner's branch in 1850, was abandoned in 1872.

To the mill power furnished by the waters of Coal creek, and to its agricultural resources, Cain township owes its present development and prosperity. Its future growth, however, is largely dependent on the use made of its underground resources, which are unquestionably valuable, comprising stone and coal, the first by qualities adapting it not only to building purposes, but to the arts as well. The sandstone found along the creek is white and red, lying in alternate sections. The ledge is three and a half miles long, direction from northeast to southwest. The white sandstone is very white and clear. "When ground into sand and mixed with lime it makes a very superior finish for walls and ceilings. Experiment also demonstrates that it is valuable to the flint glass manufacturer, who doubtless in the near future will make heavy demands upon this deposit. The red sandstone hardens upon exposure, takes a beautiful polish, and is highl}- esteemed by builders for its working and lasting qualities. Grindstones of excellent quality are made of this stone. Intermingling with this deposit a grayish-colored stone is found, which, on exposure, gradually approaches the color of granite, and is almost, if not quite, as hard. As a building stone this has no superior outside of the granite quarry. The coimty bridge piers and abutments on Coal creek, at Hillsboro, are built of this stone, and are likely to last for centuries. The area of coal deposit is not known, no raining explorations having been undertaken. It crops out at various points along the creek, is bituminous, and so far as tried useful and salable. The rock formation along the line of the creek renders well-sinking a costly undertaking, the drilling and blasting required varying from twenty-five to forty feet. At Hillsboro there are but six wells, most of the inhabitants obtaining their water supply from cisterns. Springs are occasionally found, but are not numerous. To the resources supplied by nature the railroad adds its powers and facilities in the work of development. Tiie Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western enters the township in S.E. corner Sec. 9 ; thence rnnning northwest to N.W. corner Sec. 9 ; thence due west through the townsliip. This road was formerly known as the Indianapolis, Crawfordsville & Danville road. The undertaking was started on the basis of stock subscription, Mr. A. J. Williams, of Hillsboro, to whom the writer is indebted for this information, taking twenty shares at ?150 par. This was iii 1854. In 1855 work on the road commenced, and was continued till the year 1858, wiien operations were suspended.

The grading was well advanced along tlie whole line, but no rails had been laid. Toward the completion of this earlier road Mr. Williams furnished $1,000 worth of ties, and had a large number ready for delivery when work stopped. On settlement of the affairs of the road he received from the administrator 45 per cent on the value of ties delivered. His loss, direct and indirect, while acting the role of railroad developer, amounted to nearly $3,000. In 186S the unfinished road came into the possession of Benjamin Smith, who completed it in the fall of 1870. Trains commenced to run regularly in 1871.

Some time elapsed before a depot was established at Hillsboro. Much dissatisfaction arose from the action of the road officials, whose negotiation proclivities dwarfed into insignificance their constructive powers. It is as characteristic, however, of mortals now, as when Troy was young, to murmur at and criticise the conduct of the gods. Those ruling affairs in this hemisphere were placated by Hillsboro citizens, sacrificing to them an offering of $1,200 cash, and a clear title to six acres of land, whereon, in 1872, the present depot was erected.

In 1855 or 1856 the Toledo & St. Louis Air-Line Eailroad corporation surveyed a route through Hillsboro. Nothing further has been done here. Eecently a new survey has been undertaken on a line eight miles farther north. What the road's final location will be is, in this neighborhood, more the object of hope than of expectation.

The population of the township according to the recent census is 1,763 ; number of rated polls, 318 ; free polls, 113 ; real-estate valuation, $471,661 ; personal; $198,979 ; churches in the township, 6 ; schools, 11.

Hillsboro is located on the line of railroad, at a point slightly east of the center of the township, having a population of 300 or thereabouts. It has two churches, one large school-house, adequate to the town's present requirements, and one hotel.

The waters of Coal creek pass by the south side of the village, whose main street is about one-third of a mile from the depot. The county bridge, which crosses the creek at this point, is a substantial structure, costing $4,800. It was built in the year 1870. Half way between the village and the railroad a neat iron bridge spans the branch which crosses the road at this point. It cost -in the neighborhood of $1,700.

As the county history will include pretty much all the important facts and incidents connected with the settlement of Hillsboro up to its organization as a town, little need be added by the writer. A few isolated facts gleaned casually in a historic forage is all the subject requires, as it is certainly all that space permits.

Mr. Aaron Wilkinson, who tbougli not a resident of the townshin spends considerable time therein, relates that he came to this section of country from Ohio in 1S26, accompanied by his parents. In passing through this neighborhood he found in the woods a town site newly staked out; does not recollect seeing any settlement in this locality though there may have been one. He knew, or was told, that black' gray, and prairie wolves, sufBciently bold to attack men, frequented the territory. Deer were plentiful, but small game, foxes, opossum and rabbits, were not noticeably abundant. The feathered tribe was represented by the goose, duck, wild turkey, prairie chicken, and a bird called the sand-hill crane, which migrated south on the approach of winter. His recollections concerning Indians hereabout are less distinct than of some incidents connected with the early history of Chicago, wliicli place he visited some time about the year 1830, and which then had but one store and one tavern ; the latter kept by a Frenchman named or called, Bobee, who, on being hailed by a man that had evidently seen him elsewhere, with the query what he was doing there, replied, "selling hotel, like belle." The most Mr. Wilkinson would allow concerning the red man of the forest was, that he might have seen " one little, two little," possibly " three little injin boys." There arc, however, settlers living who recollect distinctly seeing bands and camps of Indians, and that their proximity to the settlements was not relished by the whites, so somewhere in the years 182.3 or 1824 a " talk" wa« had. The Indians were made acquainted with the fact that the " star of empire" was moving toward the west, and it would be advisable for them, the said Indians, to imitate the example of the wise men of an earlier age, and farther east, and follow a star. The Indians demurred at this, talked about the Great Spirit and their happy huntinggrounds, but promised that after a certain number of moons they would take their departure on a western trail; engaging, meanwhile, not to molest or make white men afraid. The settlers, however, had come to associate the appearance of Indians with the disappearance of pigs, and while willing to concede the general uprightness of Indian nature as a principle, could not forget the fact that an undue number of them were afflicted with a mania (called klepto by the civilized) for immature pork. This was their offense; and as Dogberry observes, one " most intolerable and not to be endured." The question of their emigration had become a vital one to the settlers, and it was Hnally agreed that a few suns instead of moons would supply all needful delay in the matter of their^'going.

b' on the ground that it would break his assortment. May was followed f bv John R. Richards. Scott and Reese appear to have been the first it physicians. Absolom Mendalhall was the first justice of the peace, followed by Jacob Furr. Under the old constitution three trustees were allowed each township, holding office for three years, one retiring every year. Under the constitution of 1851 but one trustee is elected, to serve two years. He is charged with the management of township aftkirs. The first trustee was J. M. McBroom, the present one is J.W. Kewland. The duties of the office are multifarious, while the pay is paltrv. The former includes the auditing and paying all claims against the township, the collecting of all taxes, licenses and school funds,^ their safe custody, - examination of the teachers at the commencement, and of scholars at the close of the school term, and a general supervision of matters that concern the interests of the town or the welfare of its people. To qualify for this position and its duties bonds to the amount of $8,000 are required. The entire business occupies on an average less than sixty days in a year, for which $2 per day is allowed. For acting as overseer of the poor $1 per day can be charged. In Indiana the tyranny of the one-man power is made endurable by its cheapness.

The oldest chnrch-buiiding in Hillsboro is occupied by the Methodists; dimensions, 30x36. The house is comfortably furnished, and will seat 350 persons. It cost $1,600. The present society was organized in 1870 under the pastorship of William Bolin, now of Sugar Creek, Tippecanoe. It then numbered thirty-two members, made up of members of scattered bodies of older societies, prominent among whom are Simon Beaver and wife, James Cooper and wife, Michael Beaver and wife, John Thomas (since deceased), M. V. McBroom, Thomas Gardiner, and L. "W. Woods and wife, through whose selfsacrificing labors the society maintained its existence under circumstances that would have tried a martyr's constancy. In the days when men fancied they saw "New Lights" and faith among others iiad grown cold, these faithful men and women combated the elements which threatened the existence of their organization. The struggle was long and hard and dubious, but anon the clouds were riven. Gleams from the Sun of Righteousness illumed despairing hearts, which, quickened by its light, attuned to triumph's voice faith's choicest utterance, "I know that my Redeemer liveth !"

The society now miinburs forty-two. ineinbers. Tlie Sunday-school wliich is well attended, is under the superintendence of L. W. Wood. The e.xercises include the international series of lessons.

The other church-building in town is called the Disciples church otherwise known as Christian or Campbellite. It was completed in the spring of 1873. The prime mover in the work was L. C. Warren, known as Evangelist Warren, who was born in Johnson county, Indiana, in 1830. Came here from Ladoga in 1873. ' To his active labors, personal influence, and untiring Christian zeal Hillsboro is indebted for a structure every way creditable to its people's religious sympathy. The building is 40xG0 feet, twelve feet square, of dimensions given forming a vestibule; cupola finish. In the tower there is a 570-pound bell. The structure is substantially built, and has a peculiarly-constructed roof (the invention of Mr. W^arren), consisting of well-seasoned inch lumber placed edgewise and nailed together. The building cost §3,500, and is furnished with bent-wood seats. The aisles are matted. The room is lighted from two chandeliers. Efforts are now being made to secure an organ. Tho pulpit is the product of Mr. Warren's mechanical skill. This church was dedicated on the second Lord's day in June, 1873, by 0. A. Burgess, president of the Butler University at Irvington, Indiana. Membership at date of organization si.xty-three, at present 150. The test of fellowship is faith in the Messiahship of Christ, public profession, and finally baptism. The order of worship and government is Congregational. Connected with the church is a Sabbath-school, which is largely attended, and giving every evidence of healthy religious growth. Mr. A. F. McBroom is the superintendent. Mr. Warren contemplates a withdrawal from this society to engage in his old occupation of evangelizing, in which he has already won distinguished reputation, having organized fifty-one societies and baptized over 5,000 persons. Mr. Warren is in the vigor of health, with every promise of longevity. What he has done in the past is but a prelude to what he may expect to do in the score of years still to his credit, in the allotment of life.

Prairie Chapel (Methodist), located on Sec. 30, T. 19, R. 6, was built in 1859, at a cost of about $1,000. James B. Gray was the first pastor. Washington Ellis, Washington Pernell, Henry Pernell, Thomas Ellis, and six or eight others were, influential in its organization. C. O. Stallard, who has five other appointments, preaches here every third Sunday. Its membership is now but twelve or fifteen. These