Jefferson Township

Jefferson Township

The above name would convey to the mind of the reader the idea that at the time of the organization of their township there were within her limits some ardent admirers of the statesman and Presi¬ dent, Thomas Jefferson. Hence the township was so named as a means of perpetuating his memory.

border being White County, the southern portion bordering upon the Wabash River. The land along this stream, even by the Indian, was highly prized. Hence, when the white man made his appearance he was desirous of choosing for his future home land not far removed from its fertile valleys.

As early as the year 1828, according to the best authority at our command, William Price settled on the farm now owned by the heirs of Peter Elsroth. For the period of one year, Mr. Price held undis¬ puted sway of the forest, his only companions being the Indians and wild beasts.

The year following, however, 1829, he was joined in his seeming solitary retreat by John Myers, who fixed his home on what is known as the Gordon farm.

In the year 1830, four more men came who were in no wise daunted by the dreary prospects presented by a home in an almost unbroken wilderness, but with stout hearts, whether so from nature or necessity, they came and entered upon the arduous task of bringing the forests into a state of cultivation. They were Peter Elsroth, who located on the form belonging to his heirs ; Major Smith, on the Gray farm; James Williams, on the farm now owned by Mr. Lynas; and Andrew McMillen, who settled on the form belonging to Mr. Sander¬ son.

In the year 1831, emigration from some cause seemed to decline, and we were unable to learn the names of any who entered the town¬ ship during that period. In 1832 (possibly some named here may have come a year earlier), emigration again revived and a number were added to the little colony. They were as follows: Robert Gray, w'ho settled on the farm owned by his son John ; Taylor Stur¬ geon, on the Barr farm, and John KLsiler, on the farm owned by Wm. H. Standley.

In the year 1833, Dr. James Gordon, still a citizen of the town¬ ship, settled on the Coble farm and Beauford Banta, on the form where he is now living. Others of the same year were Alexander Gray, on the form owned by his son Harrison ; and Aaron Renbargcr, on the farm where his son is living at present.

In 1834, A. B. Hildebrand settled on the farm where he is still living. The same year came David Wirrick, father of Washington Wirrick, of Cicott, who settled on the George Walker form ; Joseph Day, on the lot in the little village of Georgetown ; and Absalom Cruse, on the farm owned by the Rogers heirs.

Among those who came in 1835, we name Major Daniel Bell, William Neithercut, John Shaw, Israel Watts, Daniel Small, John Watt and Alexander Scott.

Soon after the year 1836, were the following : Alexander Searight, David L. Devore, Timothy Calloway and William M. Rogers, with a long Int of others equally deserving, which, owing to the m iny changes which occurred about that time, must necessarily be omitted.

The citizens of Jefferson were, at an early date, enlisted in their spiritual welfare ; accordingly, as early us the year 1835, a religious meeting, the first in the township, was held at the cabin of Robert Gray, by the Christians or Disciples. William Hicks and the Scott brothers were pioneer preachers of this denomination. The next denomination to hold worship in the towuship was the Dunkards or German Baptists, who held their mee'ing at the cabin of David Wir¬ rick. The first church in the township was built by the Presbyterians, on the John Wilson farm, about the year 1845.

The citizens were not only interested in spiritual but also in the intellectual welfare of her citizens. Hence, as early as the year 1836, a school house was built on the Dunham form. As the population increased and the demand for more school houses became apparent, they were readily constructed by the people.

The first mill in the township, and among the earliest in the county, was a corn cracker, built near the present site of Georgetown, about the 1829, by George Cicott. We did not mention the name of Mr. Cicott among the early settlers, as he was a Frenchman, deal¬ ing almost exclusively with the Indians. His mill was really built for their accommodation, but was highly prized by the white men, as it afforded them the opportunity of having their corn ground near home.

About the year 1836, George Myres built a saw-mill near the present site of the Searight Mill. The first regular grist-mill of the township was built by Alexander Searight in 1843.

The township was organized September 6, 1831. Under this organization the first election was held at Georgetown, in the cabin of John Myres. Only six votes were cast. Major Bell acted as In¬ spector.

Were we to go back half a century and compare the condition of Jefferson then with her present appearance, we would be constrained to say rapid have been the strides in the way of improvements. The name and location of churches will be seen by reference to the town¬ ship map. Her school houses are 11; enrolled school children,-.

is a station on the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad. A few lots were laid out about the year 1870. Located there as general mer¬ chant at present is Washington Wirrick.

is among the oldest villages in the county, having been laid out about the year 1835, by Major Bell. It is beautifully located at a bend of the Wabash River. It was designed, and at one time was quite a flourishing little village, but at present it is of small promise. Dr. James Gordon located there as a general merchant, who, judging by his large and well selected stock of goods, was well patronized by the surrounding country.

is a small village, also on the line of the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw Railroad. It wbs laid out about the year I860, by Alexander and William Searight. It has never grown to the expectation of its founders. A post office has been established there, with John Hood as Postmaster, and a warehouse under the proprietorship of John Reed.