Jordan Township (part 5 of 5)

Membership

Among the active forces that are influential in the development of society, the public school is hardly second to any, and Indiana, with the whole " Northwest territory," enjoys the advantages of the enlightened legislation of the General Government, which laid the foundation of the present excellent system nearly a century ago. On May 20, 1785, when this State was under the unquestioned control of the savage. Congress passed an ordinance reserving the " sixteenth section " in all the territory northwest of the Ohio, for the maintenance of public schools. Two years later, this policy was re-affirmed in the famous ordinance of 1787, which declared that " religion, morality and knowledge being necessary to

The great principle thus enunciated made but slow progress, however, in this State during the early years, although public-spirited men were not wanting. In 1807, the Territorial Legislature incorporated a university at Vincennes. October 26, 1808, and December 14, 1810, the Legislature provided for the administration of the school lands, the first act authorizing the Common Pleas Court to lease the reserved sections for a period of not to exceed five years, with the obligation that lessees should clear ten acres upon each quarter-section, and the latter act prohibiting the wasting of sugar trees and timber thereon. The Constitution of 1816 provided for the enactment of laws for the suitable improvement of these lands, to prevent their sale before 1820, and to adopt measures for the security and proper management of the school fund. The Constitution further provided for a general system of public schools aa follows: "It shall be the duty of the General Assembly, as soon as circumstances will allow, to provide by law for a general system of education, ascending in regular gradation from a township school to a State university, wherein tuition shall be gratis and open to all." In the Constitution of 1851, the same provision is made, with the exception of a State university. December 14, 1816, the General Assembly provided for the appointment of Superintendents of school sections in the several townships, who were authorized to lease the land for a term not exceeding seven years, every lessee being required to set out, each year, twentyfive apple trees and twenty-five peach trees, until 100 of each had been planted. January 9, 1821, the General Assembly provided against " any distinction between the rich and the poor," which eventuated in the first general school law of the State.

It would be impossible, within reasonable space, to trace the varied course of legislation upon this important subject. Almost every session of the Legislature has witnessed the passage of some special or general law in relation to the school interests of the State. The difficulties in the way of the early progress of the system were numerous, and for a time insurmountable. Funds for the pay of the teachers and for erecting schoolhouses were lacking, qualified teachers could not be found, the school districts were sparsely settled, much of the legislation was impracticable, the school funds were mismanaged, and more fatal than all was the strange prejudice, entertained by many, against popular education under the name of " free schools." Against the various hindrances, however, the system has slowly made its way, until, in efficiency of organization and extent of the public fund, the public schools of Indiana are equal, if not superior, to the best in the Union.

School Funds

There are eleven sources of school revenue, which the State Superintendent, in his report of 1872, divides into three classes : Productive, Contingent and Unproductive. Of the first class is the Congressional Township Fund, which consists of the money arising from the sale of the " sixteenth sections," most of which have been sold and the money placed at interest. 2. The Saline Fund, which arose from a second grant by Congress to the State in the act enabling the Territory to form a constitution and State government. This act provided "that all salt springs within the said Territory, and the land reserved for the use of the same, together with' such other lands as may, by tlie President of the United States, be deemed necessary and proper for working the said springs, not exceeding in the whole qiiantity contained in thirty-six entire sections, shall be granted to the said State for the use of the people of the said State, the same to be used under such terms, conditions and regulations as the Legislature of said State shall direct." The Legislature afterward saw proper to make this a part of the permanent school fund. 3. The Surplus Revenue Fund, which originated under the administration of President Jackson. At this time, the national debt, contracted during the Revolutionary war and in the purchase of Louisiana, was entirely discharged, leaving a large surplus in the treasury. In June. 18-36, Congress distributed this money among the States in the ratio of their representation in Congress, and $860,254 fell to the share of Indiana. February 6, 1837, the Legislature set apart §573.502.96 as a permanent part of the school fund. By the terms of this distribution, this amount is subject to be recalled into the national treasury, but the strong probability is that it will not be. 4. The Bank Tax Fund arose from the " State Bank," chartered hj the Legislature in 1834. A part of the stock in this bank was owned by individuals and part by the State. Section 15 of the charter provided that " there shall be deducted from the dividends and retained in bank each year the sum of 121- cents on each share of stock, other than that held by the State, which shall constitute part of the permanent fund to be devoted to the purposes of common school education under the direction of the General Assembly, and shall be suffered to remain in bank and accumulate until such appropriation by the General Assembly." 5. The Sinking Fund, which also originated in the operations connected with the State Bank. To pay her subscription to the stock of this bank, and to assist individual stockholders to pay the second and third installments upon their stock, the State borrowed Jf 1,300,000. xV fund was created out of the unapplied balances of this loan, and out of the principal, interest and dividends of so much as was loaned to individual stockholders, for the sinking of the debt of the bank. A section of the original charter provided that, after full payment of the bank's indebtedness, principal, interest and incidental expenses, the residue of said fund should be a permanent fund and appropriated to the cause of common school education. From this source, the educational fund of the State received about ?5, 000, 000. The summary of these funds in 1872 amounted to the following :

The contingent class of funds arise under the provisions of law from, 1. All fines for a violation of the penal laws of the State, which are made a part of the permanent fund; 2. All recognizances of witnesses and persons indicted for crime, when forfeited ; 3. Moneys arising under the statute which provides that " the estate of a person dying intestate, without kindred capable of inheriting, shall escheat to the State, and shall be applied to the support of common schools, in the manner provided by law." This fund, in 1872, amounted to $17,866.55; 4. From the proceeds of the sale of swamp lands under a clause in the constitution which provides that " all lands which have been, or may hereafter be, granted to the State, when no special purpose is expressed in the grant, and the proceeds of the sales thereof, including the proceeds of the sales of the swamp lands granted to the State of Indiana by the act of Congress of the 28th of September, 1850, after deducting the expenses of selecting and draining the same," shall be a part of the common school fund. These lands were disposed of, not without some loss by speculation, and a considerable fund derived; 5. From "taxes on the property of corporations that may be assessed by the General Assembly for common school purposes." This clause of the constitution is not clear either in its application or purpose, and has not been productive of any revenue to the school fund.

Under the unproductive class falls so much of the "sixteenth sections" as remain unsold. Nearly all of such lands furnish no revenue to the general fund, though a part has returned something in the way of rents or profits.

The early settlers of Newton were not behind the general sentiment of the State in their appreciation of the advantages of schools, and long before the State could render eiEcient aid, they had solved the problem for themselves - had erected schoolhouses and maintained schools by subscription. Neighborhoods turned out and built the cabin, and each patron paid the expense of the teacher's salary in proportion to the number of children sent. Money was scarce, but anything the settler had was generally valuable to the teacher, and by exchange the farmer's hog or cow was transformed into the children's education. The pioneer school was held in the Kenoyer settlement, and among its earliest teachers was Byron Kenoyer. When the county was organized, there were twentyfive schools, and the enumeration showed some 900 children of school age. Since then the advance has been rapid, modern methods have found willing acceptance, and most of the schools are supplied with maps, globes, etc. In 1871, a fine brick building for the accommodation of the village schools was erected in Kentland at a cost of $25,000.

Until 1873, county examiners were appointed by the Commissioners; since that time County Superintendents have been elected by the united board of Township Trustees. The first examiner appointed was Nathaniel West who served from June 8, 1861, to 1864. He was followed by W. C. Rose, from 1864 to 1865: J. M. Nelson, from 1864 to 1865; 0. P. Hervey, from 1865 to 1868 ; D. M. Graves, from 1868 to December 8, 1870, when J. B. Smith was appointed to fill the vacancy to June, 1871. The first Superintendent was J. H. Merchant, who served until 1873, and was followed by B. F. Niesz, from 1873 to 1875; D. S. Pence, from 1875 to 1877 ; R. F. Kerr, from 1877 to 1878, when he resigned to go to Japan. Pierce Archibald was appointed to fill the vacancy until May 1, 1879, when W. II. Hershman was elected, and has continued to the present. The following statement covering the period from 1877 to 1882 gives an outline of the growth of educational interests:

It will be observed that a log schoolhouse appears in 1881. A colony of colored people gathered here about that time with some sixteen pupils, and there being no schoolhouse at convenient distance, a log cabin was appropriated and fitted up for their use, and is now maintained as a distinctively colored school. The report for 1881 is unfortunately defective from the fact that no printed report is made for this year, and the duplicate retained by the County Superintendent was partially destroyed.

Benevolent Societies

Newton Lodge, No. 361, of the same order, was instituted at Kentland July 13, 1867, with A. L. Brecount, W. M. ; E. L. Urmston, S. W. ; E. G. Smith, J. W. ; and John Ade, Secretary. The lodge has been unfortunate enough to lose its hall and furniture in each of the fires that have devastated the business quarter of the county seat, and has therefore no accumulated fund ; at this writing it has no regular place of abode.

Kentland Chapter, No. 89, Royal Arch Masons, was instituted January 9, 1873, with William Perry, H. P. ; A. L. Brecount, K. ; Gilbert Goff, S., and John Peacock, Secretary. This organization suffered with Newton Lodge in both fires in Kentland.

Goodland Lodge, No. 346, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted April 22, 1870. The first officers were W. M. Scott, N. G. ; W. B. Canine, V. G. ; C. W. Wilson, Secretary ; Blake Wilson, Treasurer. The lodge met with serious loss by fire February 28, 1874, when all its effects, together with charter and books, were destroyed. The members with undaunted courage and energy went to work and refitted the hall, and it is now the oldest and strongest lodge of the order in the county.

IN the early wars of the Union, the Revolution, the war of 1812, the Black Hawk war in 1882, the war with Mexico in 1846-47, Newton County took no part. The county was but sparsely settled at this later period, and while some of its citizens may have found their way into the army, there was no military ardor or warlike enthusiasm manifested here.

From the formation of the State to 1830, the State militia was in high repute, and afforded the surest channel through which to achieve civil distinction. Four years later, the organization was entirely abandoned, and public sentiment seemed to react and render the later efforts to revive the system a failure. On the 14th of June, 1852, an act was passed for the organization of the militia by Congressional districts ; and on the 12th of February, 1855, an act concerning the organization of volunteer associations was passed, providing for the formation of military companies by filing articles of association in like manner as provided for organizing building, mining and manufacturing companies. These laws were practically of no value, merely providing, in a general way, for the organization of the militia, without regulations sufficient to secure any successful result. Many commissions were issued, in most cases for the mere purpose of conferring honorary military titles upon the recipients ; but with the exception of probably a dozen companies (most of which had but a brief existence) formed in various parts of the State in 1859 and 1860, aggregating about 500 men, no organizations were made.* Such was the condition of the militia force of the State when Fort Sumter surrendered on the 13th of April, 1861, and when Gov. Morton, on the 15th, telegraphed to President Lincoln the tender of 10,000 men " for the defense of the Nation."

The Senatorial campaign of 1858, with the succeeding Presidential contest in 1860 (in both of which Lincoln was the exponent of political principles that were rapidly gaining the ascendency in Newton County), served to fix the attention of the people here upon the political storm which seemed to be gathering with portentous mutterings over the southern portions of the country. It is doubtful whether hope or fear predominated in the minds of the people as the day approached when Lincoln was to be inaugurated ; but the hope and expectation of the great majority seemed to be that in his grasp the viper of secession would be summarily strangled, as Jackson had done before with the "nullifiers." It was in this state of vacillation between hope and fear that the reverberations of Fort Sumter's guns assailed the ear of the eager North. It was this explosion, echoing round the world, that gave pause to political bickerings and made men Union or non-Union. Niceties of political distinction were generally lost sight of, but there were some who, too obtuse to catch the inspiration of the hour, and caught in the re-action of the patriotic outburst, developed a determined opposition to the dominant party, and to the prosecution of the war. The first demonstration of patriotism, when men struggled for the privilege of defending the nation in the army, silenced all disposition to give expression to this opposition, but when the disastrous result of McClellan's futile campaign gave pause to the nation's enthusiasm, this disloyal sentiment came forth to work its disgraceful mission. It existed in many parts of the North, and, concisely stated in the Adjutant General's report - "it showed itself strong enough to take Indiana out of loyal hands in 1862, and leave her nothing but the iron will and unfailing sagacity of her Governor to prevent her own soil being made the scene of endless and ruinous local wars. It was strong enough to endanger the loyal control of Congress; it was widespread enough to cripple the army by encouragement of desertion, and to provide protection for deserters in every township. It organized secret societies in the interest of the rebellion, of which the members were sworn to resist the just demands of the Government, and obstruct the prosecution of the war. It murdered draft officers, and destroyed enrollment papers. It distributed arms for treasonable uses, and plotted the destruction of Government arsenals and storehouse?. It conspired to release rebel prisoners and arm them for a raid upon our own soil. It created riots in nearly every county of the Northwest, and in the East it excited the most inhuman and dastardly mob ever known in this country. * * * * rpj^g righteous wrath of loyal men for awhile awed it into silence, if not into inactivity. But the disasters of the Government and the failures of men, whom its own influence had weakened or depraved, encouraged it to show itself again within a year."

Newton County shared in this state of things to a limited extent. Opposition to the general course of the State and national administrations was manifested by a minority, though no violent demonstrations were made. In 1862, H. II. Dodds, of Indianapolis, made a violent speech denouncing the policy of the National Government. This aroused considerable temper, but it was allowed to pass off without demonstration. At Rensselaer, on the siicceeding day or two, Dodds was arrested, but soon released. His sympathizers in Jasper proposed to rescue him, and burn the village. Fortunately, no collision occurred, but Newton County contributed a number of recruits to the force, that, like the famous King of Spain, " marched up with twice five thousand men, and then marched back again."

Saturday, April 13, 1861, Fort Sumter fell. The rumors of the night before were confirmed on Sunday, and on the 15th Gov. Morton telegraphed to the President his tender of 10,000 men " on behalf of the State of Indiana." On the same day, President Lincoln issued his proclamation calling forth the militia of the several States of the Union, to the aggregate number of 75,000 men. The quota of Indiana was subsequently fixed at six regiments of infantry, comprising in rank and file 4,683 men, to serve for three months, if not sooner discharged. No militia existed in fact, and on the 16th inst. Gov. Morton issued his proclamation, in which, after stating the cause, he called " upon the loyal and patriotic men of this State, to the number of six regiments, to organize themselves into military companies, and forthwith report the same to the Adjutant General, etc." The response from every part of the State was prompt and unanimous ; the day after the call there were 500 men in camp, on the 19th there were 2,400 men, and in less than seven days more than 12,000 men had been tendered. Contests to secure the acceptance of companies were earnest and frequent, and all seemed anxious to discharge their perilous duty of citizenship. The response from Newton County to the Governor's call was prompt and enthusiastic ; the ranks of one of the earliest companies formed in the State were filled by the volunteers of Newton and Jasper.

The first call for troops by the President was April 15, 1861, for 75,000 men for three months' service; the second was May 3, 1861, for 42,034 men, for three years' service ; the third was August 4, 1862, for 300,000 men, for nine months' service ; the fourth was June 15, 1863, for 100,000 men, for six months' service ; the fifth was October 17, 1863, for 300,000 men, for three months' service ; the sixth was July 18, 1864, for 500,000 men, for one, two and three years' service ; the seventh was December 19, 1864, for 300,000 men, for one, two or three years' service. Up to the sixth call, Indiana furnished her quota of troops without resorting to draft, but under this demand something over 12,000 men were conscripted.

No serious difiiculty was felt in Newton County in obtaining volunteers to fill the quota until the fifth call. Under this demand, Newton County's quota was thirty-six men, and the Commissioners authorized E. L. Urmston and two others to proceed to Indianapolis and secure the re- quisite number of men. This was done at an expense of $15,949.40, besides a payment of $200 to Mr. Urmston for his services. Under the sixth call, the quota was filled by volunteers, but large bounties were paid by both townships and county. On February 15, 1865, the Commissioners passed an order to pay $250 to each accepted volunteer accredited upon the quota of the county. It was also provided that this should be paid only where the township's bounty did not exceed $200. This bounty was to be paid also to each drafted man, or the substitute. The Adjutant General's report credits the county with but one man raised by draft, and he from Jefferson Township. The total expenditure of the county for bounties is as follows: By the Commissioners, $26,900; by Iroquois Township, $2,200; Jackson, $2,200 ; Beaver, $1,500; Washington, $2,000; Jefferson, $3,000; making a total of $37,800 paid by the whole county in securing the quota of troops during the war.

The expenditure for the relief of needy families of the county's volunteers on the part of the whole county was $3,288.50 ; of which the Commissioners applied $1,288.50, and the various townships as follows: Iroquois, $400 ; Jackson, $300 ; Beaver, $500 ; Washington, $200 ; Jefferson, $600. The miscellaneous expenditures of the county with reference to the war amounted to $800; which swells the grand total of amount expended to $41,888.50. The ladies were not idle here, and in a private way sent such comforts as stockings, mittens, delicacies for the sick, or for a holiday dinner, etc. There were no regular societies formed, but each one took the opportunities as they were afforded.

The Voltjnteeks

The county was but sparsely settled at the opening of the war. and most of its volunteers joined companies from Jasper County, save Company E, of the Ninety-ninth Infantry, which was chiefly made up of Newton County men. The county was represented as follows :

Ninth Regiment, Company D - Thomas M. Clark, died in service; John Deardurff, John D. Goddard, Joseph Shaffer, died in service ; Adonijah Smart, killed ; Isaac Smart.

River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, all of the battles of the Sherman campaign to Atlanta, and battles of Franklin and Nashville. A more extended notice of the campaigns of this regiment will be found in the sketch of Jasper County.

The Fifteenth Regiment was in the battles of Greenbrier, Rich Mountain, Shiloh, Corinth, Pcrryville, Stone River and Mission Ridge. This regiment is noticed fully elsewhere in this volume.

One Hundred and Ihvcnty-eighth Rigiment, Company A - James Bissell, Captain, killed; Joseph Blessing, Second Lieutenant; George D. Boyd, Jeremiah Branson, died; William Sherwood, A. L. D. Scott, promoted First Lieutenant ; Abel Lyons, A. W. Scott, M. L. Ham, S. V. Peabody, John L. Mercer, William Burnes. Theodore Broadfield, J. Bell,

C. E. Triplett joined the Eighty-seventh Indiana Volunteers as Assistant Surgeon. Was afterward promoted to Surgeon of that regiment. John Brodrick and B. F. Evans were also members of the Eighty-seventh.

Newton also sent a full company in defense of the State against the raid of John Morgan. They were recruited and on their way to the front within twenty-four hours after receiving iiews of the invasion. Horace K. Warren, Captain; John Ade, First Lieutenant; John B. Chesebrough, Second Lieutenant.

In the Mexican war, the State had five regiments, and to avoid historical confusion, the regiments raised for the war of the rebellion were designated by numbers beginning with six.

Fifty-first Infantry. - This regiment was organized at Indianapolis on the 11th of October, 1861, and mustered in on the 14th of December, 1861, with Abel D. Streight as Colonel. From Indianapolis it proceeded to Kentucky, going into a camp of instruction at Bardstown. In February, 1862, it marched with Buell's army toward Nashville, where it encamped for awhile and then moved to the Tennessee River, reaching the field of Shiloh too late to participate in the battle at that place. In the movement upon and the siege of Corinth, it took an active part, and after the evacuation it marched with Wood's division of the Army of the Ohio through Northern Alabama to Stevenson. When Buell's army fell back from Nashville to Louisville, the regiment marched with it, and after the campaign in Kentucky it returned to Nashville, from whence it marched with Rosecrans' army toward Murfreesboro in December.

killed, thirty-six wounded and missing - making a total of forty-nine. After this engagement, it remained in the vicinity of Murfreesboro until the month of April, when it left on the Streight expedition. The forces engaged in this expedition had been organized as a provisional brigade by Col. Streight at his own solicitation, and by command of Gen. Rosecrans, and consisted of the Fiftj-first and Seventy-third Indiana, Third Ohio, and Eightieth Illinois, with two companies of cavalry and two pieces of artillery. The brigade, numbering about 1,700 men and 800 animals, left Nashville under command of Col. Streight on the 11th of April, and proceeded to Palmyra, on the Cumberland River, by transports, and then marched through the country to Fort Henry, on the Tennessee River, picking up on the route all the serviceable horses and mules that could be found. From thence it proceeded on transports to Eastport, Miss., which place it left on the 21st of April (about two-thirds of the command being mounted), and marched in the direction of Rome, Ga., for the purpose of making a raid in the rear of Bragg's army, then at Tullahoma. The expedition reached the base of Sand Mountains on the evening of the 29th, and on the 30th were overtaken by the rebel cavalry under Forrest, when a battle ensued, resulting in the defeat of the enemy. This was the battle of Day's Gap, in which the Fitty-first lost thirty-one killed and wounded. Among the latter was Lieut. Col. Sheets, who fell mortally wounded. On the 1st of May, another fight took place on Crooked Creek, in which the enemy was again repulsed. On the 2d of May, another engagement was fought on Blunt's farm, near Gadsden Ala., the enemy being again defeated. In this fight, Col. Hathaway, of the Seventy-third Indiana, was killed. The command pushed forward in hopes of capturing Rome, Ga., but on the 3d of May it was overtaken near Gaylesville, Ala., by the command of Gen. Forrest, and compelled to surrender. The whole force was consigned to rebel prisons, and the ofiicers were treated with great severity. After being kept prisoners for some time, the enlisted men were paroled for exchange, and ^7ent into parole camp at Indianapolis until their exchange was effected. On the 9th of February, 1864, Col. Streight escaped from Libby Prison, by means of a tunnel, after ten months' imprisonment.

In November, 1863, the regiment was exchanged, and at once returned to the field, joining the army at Nashville. During the fall of 1863, the regiment was engaged in guarding the communications of the armv between Nashville and Chattanooga. It was afterward sent into East Tennessee, and in the months of January and February, 186-1, a portion of the regiment re-enlisted as veterans. On the 29th of February, the veterans reached Indianapolis on veteran furlough, and about the 1st of April returned to the field. During the campaign of 1864, the regiment did duty at Chattanooga, and after the occupation of Atlanta moved to that place, where it remained until the Fourth Corps marched northward, when it moved with the First Brigade, Third Division of that corps, reaching Pulaski, Tenn., in November, and, upon the advance of Hood's army on Nashville, it fell back toward that place. On the lith of December, the non-veterans were mustered out of service, and proceeded home. On the 15th of December, the regiment participated in the battle of Nashville, and afterward joined in the pursuit of the routed rebels, going as far as Huntsville, Ala. At this place it remained until March, 1865, when it moved with the Fourth Corps into East Tennessee. About the 1st of May it returned to Nashville, where a number of recruits that remained in service after the muster out of the Seventy-ninth Regiment were transferred to the Fifty-first.

In June, the regiment moved on transports to New Orleans with the Fourth Corps, and from thence was transported to Texas, and landing on the coast marched into the interior of Western Texas, as far as San Antonio, where the regiment was stationed until November, 1865. It was subsequently ordered North, and was mustered out December 13, 1865.

Ninety-ninth Infantry. - The Ninety-ninth Regiment was organized during the months of August and September, 1862, in the Ninth Congressional District, and rendezvoused at South Bend. Three companies recruited in the Sixth Congressional District for the Ninety-sixth Regiment; were assigned to the Ninecy-ninth, completing its organization, and it was mustered into the service October 21, 18ij2, with Alexander Fowler as Colonel. The regiment moved in November to Memphis, Tenn., and upon its arrival there, was assigned to the Third Brigade, First Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. On the 26th, the regiment moved with its corps on the Tallahatchie campaign, and, returning, was placed on duty on the Memphis k Charleston Railroad, at La Grange and Moscow, Tenn., where it remained during the winter of 1862 and 1863.

On the 6th of May, 1863, the regiment moved to Memphis, and embarking on steamers, sailed down the Mississippi River, and joined the besieging forces of Gen. Grant, in the rear of Vicksbura;. On the 4th of July, the regiment marched with Sherman's command for Jackson, Miss., and was engaged in a skirmish on the Big Black River during that march. Our advance reached Jackson on the 9th, and its investment was complete on the 12th. The siege progressed vigorously, and for three days the regiment laid under a heavy artillery fire from the enemy, and was engaged in skirmishing. On the night of the 16th, the enemy evacuated Jackson, and Sherman's command moved into the place.

and destroyed the railroads and public buildings. Expeditions were at once sent to the surrounding country, and the railroads centering at Jackson destroyed. The regiment assisted in capturing Brownsville, Miss.

The regiment remained in camp at Big Black River until the latter part of September, when it moved with its corps to Memphis, and from thence, in October, marched by the way of Corinth, luka. Florence, Decberd and Stevenson, to Chattanooga, arriving at the latter place on the 24th of November. The Ninety-ninth at once took possession of Indian Hill, the eastern extremity of Mission Ridge, and worked all the following night throwing up works. By daylight the next morning, the regiment had improvised a fine line of defenses, being compelled to use sticks, tin plates and cups as intrenching tools, no shovels or picks being convenient. On the 2.5th the regiment was engaged in the battle of Mission Ridge. Immediately after the battle, the regiment marched with Sherman's army in pursuit of Bragg's, in the direction of Graysville. The road was lined with broken wagons, abandoned caissons, and debris of a retreating army. As the head of the column emerged from a swamp, it encountered the rear guard of the enemy. A sharp fight ensued, but night closed further operations. 'Upon reaching Graysville, the column moved east for the purpose of cutting communications between Bragg and Longstreet, and to relieve Gen. Burnside, then besieged at Kiioxville. The regiment, this dreary march, was almost entirely destitute of clothing, blankets and shoes, and without reguhir rations or supplies of any kind, and marched barefoot through mud and over rocks, and compelled Longstreet to raise the siege of Knoxville. Returning with Its command, the regiment reached Scottsboro, Ala., on the 26th of December, having made a march of more than 400 miles, and fought its part of the battle of Chattanooga.

At Scottsboro the regiment remained in camp until the 11th of Febrnarv, 1864. It tlien moved into East Tennessee, and was eni-'a<-''ed at Rocky Face Ridge on the 2.3th. The regiment then returned to Scottsboro, and encamped until the 1st of Mav.

Sherman's army then moved on its campaign, of which Atlanta was tlie objective point. The Ninoty-ninth marched and fought with the dashing Ar-ray of the Tennessee, and was engaged in every skirmish, assault and battle, in which that army took part, "under the gallant Mc- Plierson. The regiment was engaged at Resaca, Mav 14: at Dallas, on the 2Sth. The enemy made a bold assault upon our columns, but met a bloody repulse. On the 15th of June, the regiment participated in a charge at Big Shanty. Subsequently it was engaged in skirmishing for sevrii days, near Kenesaw Mountain.

The regiment also took part in skirmishes at Nickajack Creek, and also at Decatur, on the 20th and 21st of July. On the morning of the 22d, Gen. McPherson had gained a high hill, which gave him a commanding position within view of the heart of Atlanta. At noon. Hood's forces made a desperate assault, and a terrible battle raged along the whole front, and after four hours' fierce fighting, the enemy was checked and driven back. In this battle, the noble McPherson was killed. On the 28th, another battle was fought in front of Atlanta, in which the corps to which the Ninety-ninth was attached, was chiefly engaged ; the result was a victory to our arm's. In both these sanguinary fights, the regiment was an active participant. The Ninety-ninth was engaged every day in skirmishing from August 3 to the 15th.

The regiment marched with Sherman's army on its flank movement around Atlanta, and had a slight engagement at Jonesboro on the 31st of August ; also a skirmish at Lovejoy's Station on the 1st of September. It then returned with the main army to Atlanta, and went into camp at East Point. On the 3d of October, it joined in the pursuit of Hood, and had a fight at Little River, Ga., on the 26th. After a march of 200 miles, it again reached Atlanta.

On the 15th of November, the Ninety-ninth marched from its camp, and with its colors pointing to the South, moved with Sherman on his great march to the sea. The regiment moved with the right wing of the army, under Gen. Howard. On the 7th of December, it had a sharp skirmish with the enemy at a crossing on the Canochee River, and on the 9th a sharp fight on the. Ogeechee River. After having marched over 300 miles in twenty-four days, our army reached the front of Savannah.

On the 15th of December, the regiment took part in the charge upon Fort McAllister, which, after a desperate hand-to-hand struggle with its garrison, surrendered, and opened Sherman's communications with the sea. After a short rest at Savannah, the regiment, with Sherman's army, through the Carolinas, was engaged in a skirmish at Duck Creek and Edisto River, and occupied Columbia, S. C, on the 17th of February, 1865. From Columbia, the march was continued through Camden, Cheraw and Fayetteville. On the 19th of March, the regiment re-enfoi'ced the Twentieth Corps at the battle of BentonviUe. The march was then made to Goldsboro, from there to Raleigh, and thence, by way of Warrentou, Petersburg and Richmond, to Washington, D. C, where, on the 5th of June, 1865, the regiment, then commanded by Col. Farrar, was mustered out of the service of the United States. Six companies only of the regiment were entitled to discharge, but, by a special order, the remaining four companies were mustered out of the service. The

The Ninety-ninth left for the field with 900 men, and returned from its campaign with 425 officers and men. It marched during its term of service over 4,000 miles. Upon arriving at Indianapolis, the regiment was present at a reception to returned soldiers on the 11th of June, in the State House grounds, and was welcomed by Gov. Morton and others.

One Hundred and Twenty -eighth Begiment. - This regiment was recruited from the Ninth Congressional District during the fall and winter of 1863, rendezvoused at Michigan City, and was mustered into service on the 18th of March, 1864, with Richard P. De Hart, as Colonel, and Jasper Packard as Lieutenant Colonel. On the 23d, the regiment left Michigan City by rail, and proceeded by the way of Indianapolis and Louisville, to Nashville, where the division commanded by Gen. Hovey, was organized, and the regiment assigned to the First Brigade. On the 6th of April, the regiment started on a march for the front, and moving by the way of Stevenson, Bridgeport and Chattanooga - through a section of country famed for the beauty of its mountain scenery, where hills kiss the clouds, and the silver streams laugh in the sunshine - reached Charleston, East Tenn., on the 21st. Gen. Hovey's division was then designated as the First Division, and assigned to the Twenty-third Army Corps, under command of Gen. Schofield.

On the 4th of May, the resinient marched with its corps from Charleston, and entered immediately on the campaign against Atlanta. Sherman's moving columns were concentrating in the vicinity of Chattanooga, preparatory to moving with determined vigor upon the forces of the rebel Gen. Johnston, wiio, apparently secure behind the inaccessible ridges of Rock Face, challenged our advance through the dangerous defile of Buzzard's Roost Gap, leading to Dalton. But Sherman decided to take another route, and not expose his men to certain destruction from the fire of plunging shot, or the deep waters of the creek, by which the enemy flooded the pass. The pass was unapproachable, and the " great flanker " turned to the left, and left the enemy in position.

On the 9th day of May, Gen. Schofield moved with his corps close to Dalton, when Gen. Thomas demonstrated with vigor against Rocky Face Ridge. Meanwhile, McPherson reached Snake Creek Gap, surprised a force of the enemy, and held the Gap. On the 12th, the whole army, save one corps, moved through the Gap on Resaca. The battle of Resaca followed. Thus constantly moving, threatening, flanking and fighting, the approaches to Atlanta were won, the One Hundred and Twentyeighth taking part in the principal movements, culminating in such bat-

From the 8th of May until the 5th of September, under the broiling sun by day, and the pestilential dews by night, through difficult ravines, skirmishing in dense forests, drenched by heavy rains, struggling through mud and mire, our troops pressed on. Some portion of the regiment was on the skirmish line nearly every day for four months.

On the 9th of June, Gen. Hovey retired from the command of the First Division, and the First Brigade was assigned to the Third Division (Cox's) of the same corps. On the 6th of June, Col. De Hart having been disabled by wounds, Lieut. Col. Packard assumed command of the regiment. On the 9th of August, the First Brigade was re-organized, and the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth assigned to the Third Brigade of the same division. After the fall of Atlanta, the regiment marched from Jonesboro to Decatur, Ga., where it went into camp with the rest of the corps.

On the 1st of October, the rebel Gen. Hood crossed the Chattahoochee River with his army, and marched north, by the way of Dallas. Sherman's army, with the exception of the Twentieth Corps, moved in pursuit. The regiment left Decatur with its corps on the 4th, and, crossing the Chattahoochee, moved toward Dallas, threatening the flank and rear of the enemy's forces then assaulting AUatoona. The rebels being defeated at AUatoona, moved rapidly to the northwest, striking the railway at Resaca on the 12th, and capturing Tilton and Dalton. The army of Sherman meanwhile made a march to Rome, where the Twenty-third Corps crossed the Oostanaula and drove a brigade of the enemy through the narrow entrance of the valley of the Chattooga, capturing two guns. Then learning that the enemy had moved for Resaca, the pursuit was continued through Resaca, Snake Creek Gap and Grover's Gap to Gaylesville, Ala., which place was reached on the 20th. The regiment inarched in this pursuit over 300 miles.

On the 30th of October, the Twenty-third Corps was detached from Sherman's army, and ordered to proceed to Chattanooga and report to Gen. Thomas. The regiment marched with its corps to this point, and was moved from thence by rail to Pulaski and Nashville. As soon as it was ascertained that Hood was moving to invade Tennessee, the regiment moved with its corps to Columbia. On the 24th of November, the skirmishers of the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth encountered the advance of the enemy. For six days, severe skirmishing was had with the enemy's line at Columbia, one-half of the regiment being alternately on the skirmish line. The enemy pressed our line strongly, but did not assault.

Meantime, Gen. Schofield made preparations to fall back to Franklin. During the night of the 29th, the regiment marched twenty-six miles, and reached Franklin at daybreak of the 30th. The enemy followed closely, and repeatedly assaulted our line at Franklin as soon as we had formed, but Gen. Schofield had chosen an excellent position, and repulsed the rebel onslaught with decisive results. The regiment lost several oflScers and men in this battle, which was fought with great fury and obstinacy, the enemy continuing his assaults until late on the night of the SOth. The battle of Franklin was the first severe check of Hood's invasion of Tennessee.

The regiment fell back the night after the battle to Brentwood Hills, and the next morning marched to Xashville and took position in its defenses. For two weeks the army of Gen. Thomas faced the rebel force of Gen. Hood, who occupied the southern approaches to Nashville.

On the 1.5th of December, Thomas' army moved upon the enemy in his chosen position, and after two days' hard fighting, utterly defeated the boastful foe and drove his demoralized command beyond the waters of the Tennessee. This battle closed the existence of Hood's army. From that time it ceased to exist as an organized bodv. The regiment was actively engaged in the closing up of Hood, and joined in the pursuit as far as Columbia, Tenn., arriving at that place on the 26th. Here the command rested for a short time preparatory to another campaign, which was to strangle the last army of the rebellion.

On the 5th of January, 18(35, the regiment left Columbia and marched by way of Mount Pleasant and Waynesboro to Clifton, on the Tennessee River, where it embarked on transports and sailed to Cincinnati, Ohio. From thence the regiment moved by rail to Washington, and thence to Alexandria, Ya. On the 20th of February, the regiment embarked on the steamer Atlantic, and sailed to Fort Fisher, N. C, and from thence, without landing, sailed to Morehead City. N. C, where the regiment disembarked and proceeded by rail to New Berne.

Early in March, the regiment set out with its division, and marched along the Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad in the direction of Kingston, repairing the railroad as the column moved. On the 8th of March, the enemy was encountered in force at Wise's Fork, four miles below Kingston. The enemy had met with success in capturing two regiments of Eastern troops by surprise, and was pushing on, confident of victorv, when lie was met and checked by Ruper's division, just arrivim^ on the field. For two days, heavy skirmishing resulted, and on the 10th, the enemy made heavy assaults, but was repulsed, and fled in great disorder from the field. The regiment took an active part in this fight, losin^^ severely

On the 20th, the regiment left Kingston, and after a march of thirty miles reached Goldsboro and marched to Le Noir Institute, where the regiment was employed in protecting the railroad until the 9th of April. The regiment then returned to Goldsboro, and was assigned to duty in that city. It was subsequently stationed at Raleigh, N. C, until the spring of 1866, when it was ordered home and mustered out April 13.

Kentland. - A. J. Kent was a native of New York. In 1846, he went to California and engaged extensively in the China trade. It is said he brought the first emigrant from the Celestial Kingdom to these shores. He stayed there but a few years, when he returned to New York, engaging in the milling business. In 1852, he located 7,000 acres of land in what is now Newton County, and, in the same year, building a residence on his property, he began farming on a large scale, raising and shipping stock, engaging also in milling and shipping grain, and in mercantile pursuits. His whole life was one of bustling activity, and for a time did two-thirds of the business of the town which bears his name. He died May 7, 1882.

In February, 1860, he platted the village of Kent, and submitted his proposition for the location of the county seat. This was accepted and the seat of justice officially fixed there in the following month. The original plat consists of eighteen blocks, the northern boundary of which is marked by Dunlap street. Proceeding south, the streets running east and west follow in succession - Graham, Seymour, Goss and Owen. At right angles to these, streets cross and arc designated by numbers from one to five inclusive. At the time the village was chosen as the county seat, the track hands were the sole occupants of the plat, William Service erecting the first shanty, and Michael Coifelt erecting one soon after. Mr. Kent and J. B. Chesebrough, however, lived in the near vicinity. Early in the year I860, William Ross came and erected the first building, save the shanties alluded to ; he was soon joined by John Peacock, Oscar Phelps and Isaac Beyea, who occupied Mr. Ross' store as a residence. There was no boarding house, hotel, nor even women to take charge of the culinary department, and the gentlemen maintained bachelor's hall while pioneering the way for the future city. Curing this spring, Mr. Kent erected a store and a hotel building, in the latter of which Mr. Sylvester Root opened a much-needed boarding house and hotel. Orris King put up a building and opened a store here in the same sprint'. A building was erected by Joel Anderson, also for a store, but was occupied the first six months by the court oUicers.

The village at this time gathered about Seymour street, which passes through the village along the north side the railroad, and presented the appearance of a frontier town of to-day. The railroad had been com- pleted through the village the preceding December. There was no station here as yet, and not a lantern at command, and it is said that one individual who wished to board the train gathered a quantity of prairie grass and fired it to attract the attention of the engineer. One of the evidences of the growing importance of the town was the appointment of an agent and the regular stopping of the trains. People called here by election to county offices, or by the opportunities for business, made a spirited demand for houses, and business of all sorts manifested considerable activity. In the following year, the court house and the United Brethren Church were added, and from thence forward to 1865 the growth was steady and of a substantial character. The number of business houses was not large, but each had a satisfactory patronage. Mr. Kent was the animating spirit of the business activity, and gradually enlarged the scope of his operations.

From 1865 to 1870, the growth of the village was characterized principally by the improved character of the buildings, which in new structures began to take on the appearance of permanent, substantial edifices, the display of taste bespeaking the prosperous condition of the builders. In 1866, McCuUough's Addition to the town was made, and Kent's Northern Addition, which added 123 lots to the town. In 1868, the village was incorporated, with A. J. Kent, S. Root and G. W. Arnout as Trustees ; J. Z. Johnston, Assessor and Clerk ; Joseph Blessing, Marshal and Treasurer.

On the 13th of December, 1870, the thriving village was visited with a destructive fire that blotted out most of the business buildings. The Grazette, issued on the '24th, gives this account of the calamity: '- The fire originated in the upper story of Mr. Kent's building, and is believed to be the work of an incendiary. Our neighbor of the Democrat thinks, and with some reason, that the criminals whom Constable Mike Coff'elt let run away from justice did the work. However this may be, there is much reason for believing that the building was purposely set on fire, as the flames were first seen as much as fifteen feet from any chimney or flue, and burned through the east side of the house before it was seen in the roof. The Masonic Lodge was in session in the same building on the same floor, and just north of where the fire originated. The lamp, which was kept burning on meeting nights half way up the stairs, was blown out by some one, the incendiary, doubtless, who entered the building up the same stairway, and did this to conceal himself from easy observavation. " The fire was discovered at half past 8 o'clock at night, and by 11 o'clock it had swept away more than a dozen business houses. A smart west wind aided the flames, and they leaped and hissed to the end without hindrance." The whole loss was estimated at $100,000, in individual sums of $200 to $30,000. One loss of $2,300 was by Dr. Tichenor, who had received it by express too late to place it in any safe. He had, therefore, put it in his trowsers' pocket, and piled wood upon them in his office to secure it against the possibility of a thief. In the excitement of the fire, while succeeding in saving all his office furniture, he forgot his greenbacks until they were gone beyond recovery. Most of the business men replaced their buildings at once, E. G. Smith, the druggist, putting up a new building and doing business on the old spot in thirty hours after the fire.

The fire, while causing a heavy loss of property, there being no insurance, effected an advantageous change in the character of the town. Business gradually went on to Third street, from Seymour to Dunlap, and with renewed vigor began to replace the loss occasioned by the fire. Two or three years after the fire, some good brick buisness blocks were erected, and in 1880 the town had not only recovered its loss, but had doubled the amount of business transacted. The rich farming country which surrounded the village had attracted buyers, and the village had grown into a valuable shipping point, which gave business to three extensive elevators. Public improvements had not been neglected : a system of good sidewalks was found reaching to every part of the village, and coal-oil street lamps on every corner served to mark the crossings on a dark night. After the serious experience of 1870, there was considerable agitation on the subject of securing some apparatus with which to fight a general conflagration. Many of the business men procured "extinguishers," which have served a valuable purpose on several occasions, and the town finally procured a hook and ladder apparatus. There was no regularly organized company, however, and lulled into a false feeling of security, the ladders became scattered, and the wagon rotted down in its tracks or was spirited away. A hand fire engine was actually brought to tlie village and tested, but it did not give satisfaction, and it was returned to the owners. This was about the state of things when the villaije was alarmed again by the cry of fire. As before, it originated in the buisness part of the village, and aided by favoring winds at one time threatened to sweep the whole town before its devastating power, and in the end did cause an almost irreparable damage. The Gazette's account of the fire, from which we extract the following, gives a graphic description of the misfortune : " Of the origin of the fire it is impossible to arrive at the facts, as to whether it originated from accident, or was incendiarv, or in what building the flames started. But at least it started. It is claimed bv some that it started in the harness shop of David Parks, catchin>i- from the stove ; and again, that it started in the building of John Hubertz. As to who first discovered it is also unknown, but possibly Mr. Powers, who was keeping up the engine fires at the Brown elevators. He was early on the scene. It broke out about midnight, and was not discovered until too late to check it at the point of its starting, two doors below GoflF's store.

"The fire had evidently been in progress for some time when discovered, for it was but a few minutes after it burst out till the harness shop, Chris Rettinger's and John Hubertz's were all a sheet of flame. The wind was blowing steady and strong from the south, and drove the tougues of flame on to GofTs barn and into the west windows of his store and residence, below and above. The fiery tide beat onward, and higher and higher it threw its devouring flames. Leaping from Goff's barn it reached Capt. Warren's barn, which fell a speedy prey to the rushing and increasing flood of flames. Through Goff's fine residence above, and forward through the store below, the flames poured like an ocean billow before the south gale that blew with violence.

" From this point it leaped the alley and found food for still greater flame in the restaurant building of Bela C. Kent, and the stock of goods of Weide & Coflfman. It was but a moment till the flames were observed in front and rear of the Discount and Deposit Bank, creeping in at the windows, and making short work of the interior. The Park's brick block came next in order, but here the bucket brigade met it with a dogged and firm resistance Here were the flames to be stayed if stayed at all. The second story windows burned out, the upper floor caught fire, as well as the wood work in the front, but the steady, persistent and stubborn fight of the people with the water, conquered and held the raging flames at bay. The Imes House and outbuildings were also saved by timely work.

" But there was destruction elsewhere. The flames backed from the starting point, south to the corner on Front street and licked up Hetzner's small shoe shop and attacked Nicholas Kirch's large two-story frame saloon and residence, and soon found material to increase it fury. While this was going on, the intense heat from the burning west side of Third street set fire to Keefe tk, Bro.'s on the east aide and swept the contents away with terrible rapidity. As on the other side of the street, the fire backed south to Front street again, licking up the frame buildings like chaff and sparing only the corner building, Flaherty's saloon. From Keefe's, it was soon into Mrs. Hull's millinery establishment, then to Noble's jewelry and gun store, which buildings were quickly consumed. . Still driven by a steady and strong wind, it attacked the Phelp's brick block, which was occupied by the following firms on the ground floor : South room, A. C. Vanderwater, dry goods and groceries ; center room, Mrs. Jesse D. Ganders, millinery and dry goods : north room, W. S. Mc- Cullough & Co., druggists. On the second floor were : Graham & Jones, law, real estate and insurance ; Masonic Lodge, G. A. R. Post, and the Newton County News. The flames swept through this structure from garret to cellar with irresistible power, the tumbling roof and walls markinar its fateful progress. Just north of the brick stood the block which belongs to the Travelers' Insurance Company. Of this the flames made short work, and of the one adjoining it on the north. Onward it marched unopposed to Poole & Bro.'s hardware store, and it, too, collapsed like a paper balloon. Here again was another danger. The building of Mrs. Eliza McCray, across on the corner of Graham and Third streets, and occupied by I. H. Coulter and the meat market adjoining, were on the point of burning from the intense heat from the flames at Poole's corner. Nothing but heroic work again saved this building, as heroic work an hour before had saved it by stopping the flames at the brick block in which Frank Ross and the post ofBce is located. Twice was there great peril in that locality. From Poole & Bro.'s store, on the east side of Third street, the fiery giant marched his flaming forces eastward in unconquerable array, and fell on P. H. Ward's law oflice, licking it up like splinters. Next and last, John Peacock's real estate and collection oflice succumbed, by which time the high wind had Allien to a gentle evening zephyr. When the fire had reached and destroyed the bank building, the wind wheeled quickly and without warning to the west, or nearly so, and this was the salvation of the Imes House, the livery stables and the entire square of buildings in which the Gruzette is located. Their destruction must have been realized but for the change of wind; in which case not a business house would have been left in Kentland on the north side.

" From beginning to end. it was a roaring, seething flame. Buildings fell, cartridges popped, walls tumbled, powder exploded and oils in the stores sent the flames leaping higher. It was a time when it looked that nothing could be saved. The smoke was blinding, the flames scorching, and from the earth to half a mile high, the atmosphere was literally filled with great flakes of burning shingles, which floated off burning as far as the north end of town. Goods carried and saved from the flames cauijht fire on the streets a square away, and much goods would have burned had they not been watched.

greater. A continuous rainfall on Wednesday afternoon doubtless saved what is saved of the town not in the immediate vicinity of the track of the flames. The roofs of houses and outbuildings were wet, and thus the flying fire in the atmosphere fell harmless upon them."

No accurate estimate can be made of the loss occasioned by this fire. There was general insurance on most of the property. The effect upon the future of the village is equally uncertain, but the disposition to rebuild is gradually being made apparent, and the most favorable comment is that it will not damage the permanent interests of the village much.

The original name of the village was Kent, but there being another village of that name in the State, considerable delay and annoyance was experienced in receiving mail, and the name was subsequently changed to Kent Station. This did not prove satisfactory to the post office department, and in December, 1863, the post office was called Adriance, and for several years the town and post oifice bore different names. This was the source of a good deal of annoyance, and when the town was incorporated it was decided to change the same to Kentville, but this name found objectors, as it was so easily confused with other villages of similar names. While in this state of perplexity, the Grazette called upon some genius to solve the riddle. Hon. Schuyler Colfax had represented this county in Congress, and he responded to the appeal with the name of Kentland, which was adopted.

Q-oodland. - The name of this village seems to have been suggested by its surroundings. It is located within two miles of the Benton County line, and a mile and a half from the line of Jasper County. From these counties the town draws a valuable trade in all lines of business, and furnishes an active market for grain and produce of the surrounding country. The surrounding country is an undulating prairie, with a rich, fertile soil, finely adapted to growing com, oats, and grazing stock. Much of this land is underlaid with a good quality of building stone, which may be reached at a depth of from three to six feet.

Some small tracts of land had been entered previous to 1850, but during that year and the following they were all taken in large bodies. There had been so much legislation and litigation about Jasper County swamp lands, and so much of it forced upon the market, that this whole section of country was overlooked and received no attention for years after they were entered from the Government. The land upon which Goodland is located, with several adjoining sections on the east, was sold in 1856, at Marshal's sale, at an average of $3.50 per acre, after the building of the Logansport &- Peoria Railroad. But few farms were improved at once.

When the road was opened for traffic, a cheap building was put up where the stock yards are now, which was used by section men, and this was made a flag station and called Tivoli. David Creek, his sons Moses and John, Blake Wilson, and John and Charles Wilson were living upon farms in the neighborhood at that time. In the fall of 1860, William Foster bought some 800 acres of land and built a store and warehouse on the north side of the railroad, in which his brother Timothy opened up the first business house at this point. It served also as station house, post office and rallying point for this section generally. It has since been occupied by Martin & Gordon, 0. W. Church, Church & Hartley, J. P. Streight and others.

In 1861, Timothy Foster laid out the village of Goodland, which consisted of forty-seven lots, with Jasper and an unnamed street along the railroad, and Union streets, passing east and west, and Newton and Beaton streets crossing these at right angles. The town made rather slow progress for five or six years, the surrounding lands fi.nding little sale, and several crop failures adding to the general depression. Good lands within two miles of the station could be bought at from $5 to $8 per acre, that are now worth from $25 to §50 per acre. In 1868, Abner Strawn, of Ottawa, 111., commenced the purchase and sale of land, and brought a large number of buyers from his own and other sections of Illinois. These attracted others, and lands advanced in price and sold rapidly ; the country filled up and improved more in three years than it had in the six years preceding. The village felt the new impulse, and in 1869 Haire and Currens each made an addition to the plat, and lots found frequent sale.

The class of farmers attracted to the surrounding lands were men who had tried Illinois prairies, but attracted by these rich lands adjacent to a good market, have been ambitious to improve their property, the elfect of which is seen in the fine farm property which lays on every side of the village. Their preference for grain culture has built up a lively market in the village with mutual benefits. In 1870, Osborne k Pierce erected a large warehouse, and a year later doubled its capacity and added steam power and elevator machinery. Abner Strawn, in the same year, erected a large corn elevator. Mr. Foster added steam and improved machinery to his warehouse. These three elevators are now in active service and handle immense quantities of grain during the season.

The Chicago, St. Louis & Pittsburgh is the principal railroad, and passes through the center of the village. The Chicago & Great Southern la a small road with a large name which passes through the vilia.^e from north to south. Business shows a healthy activity, and the populacion and extent of the village steadily increasing. In 1868, the village had but ten houses and fifty inhabitants ; since that time there has been a steady increase by imigration, and new buildings have been in steady demand. Among those who have lived considerable time in Goodland, and whose influence in building up the town has been felt, in addition to those named, are David Creek, Blake Wilson, John Wilson, Ports Wilson, William Foster, C. M. Hopkins, I. S. Atkins, 0. W. Church, George McCarn, John McCurry, Thomas McCurry, Thomas Gray, G. W. Ball, N. Chamberlain, Thomas Shively, William Mills, S. C. Spoor, N. L. Dyke, Ansel Pierce, Marion James, J. A. Hansboro, Amos Creider, A. M. Culver, B. H. Osborne and others.

Morocco. - Beaver Prairie is the site of some of the finest farming land in Newton County. At the time of its first settlement, it was right in the midst of the finest trapping grounds, and the chief article of commerce was fur, sold to the Northwestern Fur Company agents, with headquarters at Detroit, Mich. John Day, of South Bend, Ind., traveled in their employ for several years, and became well and favorably known to all hunters and trappers of those days, the headquarters for fur purchasing for several years being at Morocco, which town was laid out by John Murphy January 18, 1851. The town was located on Section 21, Town 29, Range 9, and was the first laid out in the territory now embraced in the county of Newton. The town grew slowly ; the first merchant was Elijah Whitson. In 1853, Ayers & Co., of Buncombe, 111., started a branch store at Morocco. In the fall of 1854, the famous Bank of America was thrown upon the world, with reputed headquarters at this place. This institution was one of those speculative concerns known as "wild-cat banks," which were organized under the laws of the State. All that was required by law was to deposit with the Secretary of State bonds of any State in the Union to secure the circulation, and then the speculator was at liberty to launch out upon the world. The object of the projectors of this bank was to locate as far from the centers of business as possible, so as to reduce the necessity for redeeming its circulation to the lowest possible amount.

The first intimation the citizens of the little burg had of the distinction thus thrust upon them, was the sight of a large bill issued by bank in question. John Ade was temporarily in Cincinnati, Ohio, at that time, and saw the bill. On his return by way of Rensselaer, he learned, on inquiring, that such a bank had been established, and the proprietor tried to persuade Mr. Ade to act as Cashier. Mr. Murphy was finally prevailed upon to attend to the redemption of any bills that found their way to this neck of the woods, but could be in- duced only to accept the guardianship of $100 in gold at a time. A great many stories in regard to this bank have circulated in the papers, which are simple fabrications or wide exaggerations, but Mr. Ade furnishes one which has the merit of being true, and exhibits a part of , the capital on which the bank did business : " In the summer of 1854, during the existence of the noted free-banking laws of Indiana, in what was then the county of Jasper, which embraced at that time all the territory now included in the counties of .Jasper and Newton, three banks were organized, two of which were located in Rensselaer, the county seat, and one in Morocco, at a point some twenty miles from Rensselaer, almost due west. The country between the two points being very sparsely settled at that time, and although it has since become one of the finest farming regions in the State, at that time it was almost unknown, except what reputation it had acquired in the adjoining counties by reason of the breaking-up of a gang of counterfeiters on Bogus Island, a short time previous, and which was not calculated to invite timid strangers to spend their time in looking for its good qualities.

" At that time, Bradford, a station on the New Albany & Salem Railroad, was the nearest railroad point to Rensselaer, and then the two points were connected by a stage route which made dailv trips and which ran so far as to connect with the trains, which at that time went north late in the afternoon, so the trip from Bradford to Rensselaer had nearly all of it to be made after night, and to a person acquainted with the country at that time, was not very invitina;, to say the least.

" One afternoon, late in the fall, five men got oif the train at Bradford, made their way to the hotel and called for supper, and engasjed passage in the hack for Rensselaer. Two of them were attorneys from La Fayette, going over to Rensselaer to attend to some legal matters ; two of the others were citizens of Rensselaer, one an attorney and the other a doctor. These four were well known to each other; in fact, old acquaintances, and were ' hail fellows well met' with each other. The other was a stranger, and although he ate supper at the same table, he seemed to keep as far away from the others as possible, and it was noticed that he kept a small satchel which he had, on his lap all the time while he was eating his supper ; this and a few remarks to the landlord in regard to the location of Morocco and the manner of getting there, satisfied one of the parties at least that his objective point was the Bank of America, at Morocco, and he communicated his suspicions to the rest of the company. After supper, the hack drove up and all got in ; but a mile or two liad been traveled, when, by a preconcerted arran>Temont, the two La Fayette gentlemen commenced an attack on the two citizens of Rensselaer for the great and terrible system of outlawry allowed to exist in their county, in the neighborhood of Morocco, instancing many cases of murder, horse-stealing and the gangs of counterfeiters said to exist in that neighborhood. The Rensselaer gentlemen defended themselves as best they could from these charges, claiming that they were no more responsible for violations of law in their county, than the gentlemen from La Fayette were for crimes committed in Tippecanoe County. These charges and countercharges were kept up until late at night, when Rensselaer was reached and all retired to bed. Early the next morning the livery stable keeper was posted by one of the passengers of the night previous, and who, on being met by our friend with the black satchel, refused to take him to Morocco for less than $30 and take a guard of four men ; and also, that he would be responsible for all loss or damage to team and wagon. About this time one of his fellow-passengers of the night before called him off privately and told him that he supposed that his business at Morocco must be of the greatest importance, and as a friend would advise him how to go there. In the first place, it would never do for him to go in the clothes he had on, for he would be almost certain to be murdered if he did. And he proposed letting him have an old suit of clothes and a rifle, and, that in the disguise of a hunter, he might on foot make his way to Morocco and back with at least some promise of safety. Our friend thanked him for his kindness, went back to his hotel, and in a short time the hack for Bradford drove up, and he secured passage for that point, and the Bank of Morocco was saved, at least, one demand for specie at its counter had it been found."

Under such circumstances, it is not surprising that the " run " on the bank was very light. Mr. Murphy deposited his bag of gold in the bottom of a barrel of potatoes and redeemed an occasional note until the amount was gone, and then, having entire confidence in the proprietor, he redeemed other notes, as they were presented by his neighbors, out of his own pocket to the extent of another $100. About this time, he happened to be in Rensselaer and proposed to turn over the redeemed notes for $100 that he had expended, but was informed that the bank had changed hands, and there was no one to speak for the further action of the institution. There was no clew to the proprietors, and Mr. Murphy had $200 of the paper of the "Bank of America," without any assurance that he would realize anything for his money expended. It is safe to say he did no further banking business ; but when the affair was eventually wound up by the Secretary of State, he made a reasonable salary besides the return of his money, as the issue was all re- deemed at 80 cents upon the dollar. Mr. Ade was the reputed cashier of this bank, though at that time engaged in blacksmithing, and has followed the bent of his early initiation in continuing the banking business with McCray & Urmston, at Kentland, though this is not a bank of issue, and invites the visit of all who have any business in this line.

Morocco is a village of " great expectations," and though deprived by unavoidable circumstances of realizing upon its undoubted advantages, still looks to the future with hope. Could the continental railroad be projected through the county and this village, it would probably become the seat of justice for the county, and its present enterprise and business would proportionately expand. It is now an important point in the county, second only to Kentland.

The Railroad Towns

The recent construction of the Chicago & Great Southern Railroad has given rise to quite an activity in village-building along its line. Rose Lawn consists of sixteen blocks, platted on the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 14, in Township 31 north. Range 8 west, and was made in January, 1882 ; Thayer was laid out by M. A. Atherton and J. P. Stratton, September 21, 1882, on the northwest corner of Section 3, and on the northeast corner of Section 4, in Township 31 north. Range 8 west; Julian was laid out by Martha and J. B. Julian in October, 1882, on the southeast quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 2, and on the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 11, all in Township 28 north, Range 8 west ; Foresman was laid out in December, 1882, by J. B. Foresman, on the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 11, Township 28 north. Range 8 west; Mt. Airy was laid out by Louis Marion in October, 1882, on the northeast quarter of Section 23, Township 29 north. Range 8 west. This is the more pretentious and promising of the new railroad towns, and has drawn to the older village of Brook, which stood west of it and a little south. A correspondent voices the general opinion in the Goodland Herald as follows: " Mt. Airy is situated on the railway, about fourteen miles north of Goodland, and near the center north and soutli, in Jackson Township. It is certainly a beautiful location for a town, being situated on a very elevated tract of land owned by Lewis Marion, one of the most substantial and influential farmers of Jackson Township, who has, we are informed, made liberal donations to the public of a suitable and fine tract of land for a public square, and has also been quite liberal with the C. & G. S. R. R.

of Mount Airy is over 100 feet higher than Goodland. The town is situated three miles south of the timber land on the north, and about one and a half miles west of the east belt of timber, and is in the midst of as beautiful and productive prairie land as any person could wish to find. Among the largest land owners are Messrs. Lewis Marion, Henry 0. Harris, Dr. Caldwell, Samuel Long, Mr. Crisler, Harris' heirs and Joseph Yeoman, and it is perhaps the wealthiest portion of Newton County.

" The character of the soil is mostly a black loam, with a clay subsoil ; but immediately at Mount Airy there is sufficient sand to prevent the streets from becoming impassable with mud.

" We found the citizens of the town to be wide awake and energetic, attending strictly to their interests. Among them we found J. M. Hufty, who is engaged in general merchandise ; John Brenner, drug store ; S. B. Coen, grain and lumber; S. Royster, lumber; Mr. Ashley, blacksmith ; George Hufty, boarding house ; Fred Nichols, general hardware ; Sayler & Yeoman, groceries and hardware.

" Mr. Alexander Lardner has built quite a fine business building, two stories high, twenty-five feet wide and seventy-five feet deep, which will be occupied next week as a general merchandise store room by Messrs. Willey & Sigler, of Rensselaer, and Mr. Wishard, of Mount Airy. It is a building that would be a credit to any town. There is also a steam grist mill, owned by J. M. Hufty, which has a capacity of about 100 bushels per day, and does good work. The village has also the advantages of a good school, and the Methodist Episcopal Church congregation contemplate building a fine church edifice in the near future. Viewing Mount Airy from all the diflFerent standpoints, we think it a desirable place for any person seeking a location to engage in business pursuits, and we predict for the town a bright and prosperous future. We have no hesitation in saying that it is our candid opinion that Mount Airy is destined to be the leading town in Newton County at no distant day. Building is now progressing rapidly, and the town has already assumed a position of no mean importance.

" We found the construction train on the railway busily engaged in building a commodious side track at the station, which we presume is completed ere now. The Chicago & Great Southern Railway Company has now forty miles of main track in successful operation between Oxford, in Benton County, and Fair Oaks, in Jasper County, and is doing a great deal to improve and develop as fine a country between those points as you could wish to see."

settled part of the county in this direction. In the vicinity of Morocco and north into Lake Township, the settlement is in advance of the same latitude in other parts of the county. Lake Village, laid out by Malone in January, 1876, is the post office point in this township. A disposition to try the "far West" is taking a considerable number of Newton County citizens away, who are replaced largely by Germans. The Swedes have found homes in the county to some extent, but the percentage of foreign population is not large, the principal immigration being from the more eastern States.