Middle Township

Middle Township

Middle Township is bounded on tlic north bj Boone Connty, on the east by Brown and Lincoln townships, on the south by Lincoln, "Washington and Center, knd on the west by Center and Union. It is very deficient in natural drainage, but easily drained by artificial means. It has no stream too large to be called a branch; its surface is the nearest a plain of any township in the county; its soil is for the most part very productive, and Indian corn is the staple; wheat and oats are, hov.-ever, very profitable crops. - .

The first clearing in the township was ma^ia in 1S30 by Lemuel SIcBee, in the western part of the town of Pi'xtsboro. Within tliree years from the date of j\[r. McBee's settlement, tiie following wellknown citizens settled in the central and sosithern portions of the township: Ed. Poynter, Elijali Thompson-. Adam Spicklemire, Stephen Hale, Samuel Hill, James Wells,, Jonas Lipe, John and Jacob Iloltsclaw, Aaron Spicklemire, Benjamin Davis and Hezeliiah Demick. In no part of Hendricks C'tJimty did the pioneers have a harder fight with primeval nature, ar endure more hardships, than in Middle Township. The forests were very heavy and the undergrowth of bushes almost impenetRuble. Tlie township was organized iu 1833. *Jame3 Parks was 6fee first Justice of the Peace, and Alfred Linebcrry taught the mrst school, in 1S35, on Samuel Hill's farm, for $10 per month.

Pittsboro wa? laid out in lS3i by Simon T. Hadley and William Li Matlock. It was first called by Mr. Hadley, Pittsburg, and afterward changed to Pittsboro to have the name of the town some forty years. Their present frame church, the second used by them, was built in 1S6S, at a cost of §2,000. No regular services are held at present writing. Rev. Mr. Green, of Danville, held monthly services in the fall of ISSl. The membership is not large, the congregation being about 100.

Fiest Election Political

In political -sentiment the majority in Middle Township has been successively Democratic, Whig, Democratic, Republican, and lastly Democratic. Following is the vote for President since 1844.

Official

Those who have been justices, constables, trustees, clerks, treasnrers and assessors of Middle Township are here enumerated, together vrith the years in which they were respectively elected:

Thomas J. Weaver, 1S39; Abram Spicldemire and Boston Nansler, lS4i; William McBee and William A. Long, 1845; Caleb Lamb and Solomon Adams, 1S46; Aaron V. Keith and Solomon Adams, 1S4S; Aaron V. Keith and Solomon Adams,- 1849; William D. Amos and Solomon Adams, 1850; John Shepherd and William McCuitt, 1851; Elias Leach and Thomas D. j^ewinan, 1852; Ellas Leach, 1853; Clark L. Benton and Oliver W. Flill, 1854; Clark L. Benton and Austin Pierson, lS55-'6; Isaac B. Waters and William C. Gregg, 1857; Joseph M. McVey and William Gulley, 1S5S; Georgaway Snllivan and Oliver W. Hill, 1800; N. W. Doan and William Gulley, 1861; William J. Linton and William Gulley, 1862; William J. Linton and Israel Hendriekson, 1863; Enoch W. King and Israel HeuJrickson, 1864; Jesse S. Painter 'and L. S. Watts, 1865; G. L. Thompson and L. S. Watts, 1866; G. L. Thompson and James Pearcy, 1867; William J". Liu ton and John P. Smith, 1868; E. F. Eaiuey and William H. Spalding, 1869; William H. Spalding and Alfred Waters, 1870; Alfred Waters and Matthew M. Adams, 1872; G. L. Thompson and J. A. Smith, 1874; G. L. Thompson and Harvey Jones, 1876; William H. Spalding and James M. .Waters, 1878; William Spalding and Daniel Kennedy, ISSO; Hiram Huddleston and John Murry, 1882; Elijah Dickerson and Samuel McBee, 1884.

The population of Middle To^7nship was in 1880, by the United States census, 1,82S. The following statistics of population, wealth and taxation are for 1S85: Acres of land assessed, 19,604.29; value of same, $461,843; value of improvements, §90,140; value of lots.

History Of Hendricks Couzsty

Carter. He is the second of six children, tlie others being Emma (deceased), William J., John II., Flora x\.. and Mary J. Fletcher Carter was i-eared on a farm, attending in his boyhood the common schools, and later the commercial departmerjt of Butler University, Indianapolis. He was married Dec. 25, 1S76, to xMary M. Applegate, daughter of Milton B. and Margaret Applegate. In the spring of 1S77 he settled on his present tarraof 100 acres in Middle Township, where he is successfully engaged in his chosen vocation. lie is an enterprising young man, and one of the most influential and prosperous citizens of the township. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have two children - Wilbert and p]arl.

Silas Davidson is a native of Hendricks County, born April T, 1S39, a son of John and ]!^ancy Davidson^ natives of Kentucky. His parents were among the first settlers of Middle Township, and endured all the privations and hardships of pioneer life. They entered eighty acres of heavily timbered land, which they cleared and made their home till death. But tw-o of their five children are living - Silas and "William. Silas Davidson was reared and educated in his native county, remaining at home till after the breaking out of the war of the Kebellion. In August, ISGl, he enlisted in Company B, Seventh Indiana I&fanfry, and participated in the battles of Greenbriar, Winchester, Fi:>rt Republic, and others. He was wounded in the riglit foot, making- amputation at the ankle necessary. He was captured and sent to a Confederate hospital at Charlotteville, Ya., where he remained .t&rec months. He was then confined in Libby and other prisons a short time, when he was paroled and sent to Washington wP.iere he received his discharge in October, 1S62. He. was married March 26, 1S6S, to Martha Baker, daughter of Nathan Baker, of Center Township. To them have been born four children - Cerrie E.,Mary E., Orpha E. and Archibald F. Mr. Davidson is a member of Pittsboro Lodge, No. 312, I. O. 0. F. He has a ,:good farm of 106 acres and is a representative citizen of his town»lu,p.

Daniel Feely was born in Niagara Connty, N. Y., Nov. 8, 181:3, a son of Martin and Mary (Co-x") Feely. He was reared in his native county, and in the spring of lS6i came to Indiana and for four years was employed as a stave cuttvr in Allen County; then went to Indianapolis and in the tall of 1S69 removed to Boone County, whore he engaged in the manofacture of staves in company with J. E. McKendry and Robert Bracken three years, when

Hill has been twice married - first to Eebecca Hornaday, daughter of Lewis and Rebecca Hornaday. To them were born seven children, five of whou^ are living - Oliver W., John C, Daniel F.. Mary J. and Eliza Z. The deceased are Samira A. and "William "W". Mrs. Hill died and Mr. Hill married Mrs. Catherine .(Hambleton) Clark, widow of Edmund Clark. In politics Mr. Hill is a Republican.

Daniel F. Iloltsclaw, son of John and Ann Holtsclaw, is a na tive of Hendricks County, Ind., born Nov. 4, 1S43. He was reared to manhood in his native county, and April 17, 1S62, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary J. West, a daughter of William and Sarah "West, of this county, the former deceased. They have a family of five children, who^e names are - William C, Edward G., Lloyd C, Charles O. and Newton F. Mr. Holtsclaw is the owner of a fine farm of about ninety-two acres all in a -good state of cultivation. He belongs to the Odd Fellows' Lodge at Pittsbdro, Lid. He is a member of the Christian church. In politics- he is a Republican.

Marshall HoUscIom. a prominent farmer of Middle Townsliip, was born in Pulaski County, Ky., Oct. 25, 1833, a son of John and Annie Holtsclaw. In 1S31 his parents moved to Montgomery County, Ind., and thence in 1835 to Hendricks County, and settled near where our subject now lives. His father was married twice. By the first wife were born three children - Louis, John, and Francis J., and by the second, seven, five of whom are living - Marshall, Green L. , Daniel F., Surelda, and Mary A. Marshall was reared and educated in Hendricks County, remaining with his parents till manhood. He is one of the successful agriculturists of the township, owning a good farm of 135 acres. He was maiTied in August, 1S51, to Elizabeth H. Stevens, of Parke County, Ind., and to them was born one child - ^Annie E. Mrs. Holtsclaw died July, 1857, and July 25, 1S66, Mr. Holtsclaw married Sallie A., daughter of William West. Three children have been born to them, but two of whom are living - Ora V. and Effie M. In April, ISGl, Mr. Holtsclaw enlisted in Company A, Seventh Indiana Infantry, in the three-months service, and engaged in the battles of Philippi, Laurel Hill, and Carrick's Ford, W. Va. In February, 18G2. he enlisted in' Com])any A, Fiftythird Infantry, and participated in many of the important engagements of the war, among others the siege of Corinth and YicksburT, and was wounded at Hatchie River. He was discharged in

February, lS6i, and re-enlisted in the same company and regiment and participated in the Atlanta campaign. At Kenesaw Mountain he was wounded and was in the hospital at Rome, Ga., eight weeks. He joined his regiment and with them marched to tlie sea, and participated in tiie siege of Savannah and battle of Bentonville, iST. C. ; was present at the surrender of General Johnston; was commissioned Second Lieutenant for good and faithful service; received his final discharge at Louisville, Ky., in July, 1865. In politics Mr. Holtselaw is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Christian chfirch.

A?nos Hoak, farmer and stock-raiserj Middle Township, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., Dec. 3, 1831, a son of Martin and Elizabeth Hoak, natives of Pennsylvania. He is the third of a family of eight children - Daniel, Henry, Amos, Hannah, Martha, Jonathan, Joseph and Isaac. He was reared on a farm in his native State, and in ISoi immigrated to Montgomery County, Ohio, where he engaged in the nursery business six years. In ISGO he came to Hendricks CDunty, Ind., and settled on a farm in Middle Township, whore he now has 100 acres of improved land. In 1875 he formed a partnership with his brother Henry in the mercantile business at Pittsboro, the firm name being H. & A. Hoak. They continued in business till the fall of ISSO, when they sold out to Oliver W. Hill. Mr. Hoak has servci his township as Assessor four years. He is one of the successful and enterprising business men of the township, lending his infliTsnce to all worthy projects. He was married Dec- 24, 1861, to Margaret J. (McLeod) Hale, daughter of "William McLeod. They have had four children - Ida M., Nettie, Harry and William, deceaseiJ. Mr. Hoak has been a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows'' orders for several years.

£^nos C. Hornaday is a native of Hemslricks County, Ind., born Oct. 20, 1839, a son of Simon and Biza Hornaday. Simon Hornaday was a native of JSorth Carolinia, and when about eighteen years of age immigrated to Warren G(2»nnty, Ohio, and thence, a short time later, to Hendricks County, Ind., and entered forty acres of land in Liberty Township. He was one of the first settlers,and became one of the prominent >eitlzens of the county. He served as Commisiioner of Hendricks County six years. He was twice married; first, to Eliza Syntmeyer, by whom he had five children, three of whom are living - En-os C, Edom M. and Elizabeth. His second wife was Martha Yolk., and to them were born three children - Elvira, Samantha and Eva. Mr. Hornadav died in March, ISSO. Enos C. Ilornaday was reared in Hendricks Countj. His early education was obtained in the common schools, and later in the Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, Ind. "While at Crawfordsville the Rebellion broke out and the call was issued for volunteers for the three-months service, and in April, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, Eleventh Indiana Infantry. At the expiration of the three months he re-enlisted in the same comjxany for three years. He participated in many hard-fought battles, amon<^ them Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Yicksburg, Champion Hills and Jackson. His regiment was first assigned to the Army of the Tennessee, and later was transferred to the Army of the Gulf, "and finally to Sheridan's command, in the Shenandoah Valley, where he was discharged in Augn t, ISCl. He returned home and again assumed the responsibilities of a civilian. He has been prominently identified with the interests of the county, and in 18S0 was elected County Treasurer, assuming the duties of his office in September, ISSl. He performed the duties of his office faithfully and efficiently two years, his residence daring this time being in Danville. His home in Middle Township is plea;aatly located, the farm containing seventy-three acres of cultivated land. Mr. Hornaday was married Feb. 13, 1879, to Viola C. Dillon, of Boo;ie County. They have two children - Herbert P., bora June 17, ISSO, and Erie E., born June 9, 188-3. Mr. and Mrs. Hornaday are members of the Christiafi church.

John A. Hufford, one of the successful agriculturists of Middle Townsb/ip, is a natjive of Hendricks County, born in January, 1834, a son of Joel and Louisa J. Hufford, who settled in this county in 1832. He is the second of si.K children, but two of whom beside himself are living - Gideon F. and David J. Adaline, "William N., and Amanda J . are deceased. John A. was reared on a farm, receiving a practical education in the common schools. He has been successful in his pursuits and now owns a cood farm of 157^ acres. He was married Oct. 25, 185-5. to Julia A. Parker, daughter of "William O.Parker. To them were born three children - "William J., Charles, and Mary J. (deceased). Mrs. Hufford died and Mr. HuiTord subsequently married, in April, 1882, Mary Gentry, daughter of Harvey Gjntry. He is a member of the Baptist and his wife of the Ciiristian church.

John IT. Uughes is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born Sept. 8, 1815, a son of Henry and Margaret Hughes, early settlers of Middle Township, and here the father died in 1SC6. He was reared and educated in his native countj, and since reacliinor manhood has given his attention to agriculture. He owns a good farm of sixty-six acres, his homo being one of the pleasantest in the township. He was married Nov. 10, IS69, to Susan C. Blair, a native of Plendricks County, born May 23, 1S52, daughter of James A. and xVmenia Blair. Four cliildren have been born to them - Harry E., Muratt W., Iva M. , and one deceased.

LxutJier TF. Job was born in Putnam. County, Ind., Jan. 24, 1S36, a son of William and Mary Job. His parents were natives of North Carolina, and among the early settlers of Putnam County. They moved to Danville, Center Township, in 1S60, where they lived until 1879, then moved to Nebraska where the father died in September, ISSO. The mother died July 2S, 1885. They had a family of fourteen children, seven of whom are living - Perlina P., Luther W.. Noah W., Alfred P., Isaialj S., Nancy E. and James P. Three sons were soldiers in the war of the Rebellion. Noah W. was a member of Company B, Seveiith Indiana Infantry, and after serving two years and eight months was captured and incarcerated in Libby and Andersonville prisons seven months. He was wounded twice, in tlie hip and in the forehead. Alfred P. served twelve months in the Fifty-first Indiana Infantry, and Lafayette (now deceased) served one year in Company B, Tenth Indiana Infantry. Luther W. Job was reared a farmer, and has always given his attention to agriculture. In 1859 he settled in the eastern part of Middle Township, where he now owns ninetyfive acres of valuable land, well improved. He was married Sept. 23, 185S, to Martha E. Junken, born Oct. 17, 1839, daughter of Noble and Jane Junken. Tliey have tw'o children - MoUie, now Mrs. J. B. Hale, born Sept. 3, 1859, and Eva, born Jlarch 8, 1873. Mr. Job is a member of Pittsboro Lodge, No. 342, I. O. 0. F. He and his wife are members of the Meitiiodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Job's parents were natives of Y"iiVinia, and among the early settlers of Wayne County. In IS'Sy they moved to Hendricks County, and settled in Middle Ta'svnship, where the father died Sept. 13, 1875. They reared a family of four children, of whom three are living - Moses II., Martha E. and John F.

^Villiam A. Jones, one of the earliest settlers of Middle Town- !j ship, is a native of Kentucky, born May 31, 1812, a son of Allen |' and Elizabeth (Campbell) Jones. His parents came to Hendricks County in 1827, and here he grew to manhood. On attaining his h majority he entered f^rty acres of wild land, which he improved -y and to wliicb be has added till he now has a fine farm of 200 acres. He was married JNIay 2, 1S33, to Hannah E. Bray, and to them were born eight children, five of whom are living - Richard B., Allen E., Thomas B., William S. and Hannah. Mary, Elizabeth and Eboda are deceased. His wife died in September, 1S76, and in September, ISTS, be married Mary A. Wright, of Virginia. In politics Mr. Jones is a Democrat. He atfd his wife are members of the Baptist church.

John A. Jordan, 5Q\\ of George W. and Tabitba Jordan, is a native of Plendricks County, born Nov. 3, 184:3. He is the youngest of five children, but four of whom are living, the others being William T., Susan xV. and Mary A. He was reared on bis father's farm, remaining at home until after the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when, in August, 1S62, he enlisted in defense of the Union and was assigned to Companj' H, Ninety-ninth Indiana Infantry. He participated in tlio battes at Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Dalton, Resaca, the Atlanta campaign and march to the sea, serving till June, 1S65. After his discharge he returned to his native county, and turned his attention to agriculture, at which he has ])rospeVed and now owns 105 acres of valuable land in the northern part of Middle Township. He was married Jan. 9, 1S70, to Amelia M. Dillon, of Boone Count}', Ind., and to them have been born four children, three of whom are living - Vietta J., born Sept. 21, 1S71; Ida B., May 16, 1873, and Carrie E. , Sept. 22, 1875. Mr. Jordan has served as Justice of the Peace four years. He is an active member of the Christian church and has been an Elder several years.

Henry T. Kirh was born in Harrison County, Ohio, June 11, 1842, a son of Vochiel and Susannah Kirk. In 1843 his parents moved to Noble County,'Ohio, and thence, ia 1S55, to Hendricks Cor.nty, Ind., and settled in Brownsburg, where his father died ia ISSO ai)d his mother in 1883. To tJietn were born nine children, but five of whom are living - Isaac, William, Van Buren, Sarab J. and Henry T. Our subject was reared a farmer, remaining at liome till his enlistment, in October, 1861, in the defense of the Union. He was assigned to Company A, Fifty-first Indiana Infantry, Fourth Corps, Ar^ny of the Cumberland, and partici[:iated in the battles at Fort Donelson, Shiloh, C-orinth, Mnrlreesboro, Gallatin, Day's Gap, Crooked Creek, Cedar Mountain, Perryvillc, Franklin, Nashville, Overton Hills, Columbia and others of minor importance. He was discharged in Januarj, 1S61:, and immediately dangbter of William and Sallie Procter. To them have been born seven children, five of vvh^rn are living; - Oscar §., Aggie, Nettie, Ettie and an infant nnnaraed. Mr. Parker remained in Hendricks County a year after his marriage and then moved to Johnson County, Kas., where for about three years lie worked at the carpenter's trade. Thence to McPiierson, Ka^i., and was associated with "Wallace Gleasun in the drug business ei^ht months. In 187-t he returned to IIendrit;ks County, where he now has a good farm of eighty acres. Mr. Parker is a member of feiie Masonic fraternity.

£^llis L. Parker was born in Middle Township, Hendricks Co., Ind., Feb. 10, IS t9, a son of John L. and Nancy Parker. He received the rudiments of his education in the -district schools of his native township, and in the fall of 1S63 entered the Northwestern Christiaa University (now Butler University), at Indianapolis, where he remained a school year, and in 1S67 returned to the same school. After leaving school lie taught for a time and then turned his attention to agriculture, at which he has been successful, and now owns a good farm of eighty acres. Mr. Parker was married Nov. 21, 1S76, to Nancy Salmom, daughter of Kobert Salmon, of Lincoln Township. To them have been b^rn four children - Bruce, Mary, Maude and Claude.

Henry R. Parker is, a native of IlendricLs County, born in February, 1S3G, a son of John L. and Nancy Parker, who settled in Middle Township in 1S:35, and here the father died in October, 1875. Six of a family of thirteen children are living - John C. Jane, Henry P., Sarah, Wesley and Ellis H. Henry E. Parker was reared and educated in his native township. He is one of the most intelligent and thrifty farmers of the townsMp and has accumulated as a result of his industry and enterpri.-se 200 acres of valuable land. He was married Dec. 25, 1860, to A^aline Carter, daughter of Harlan and Esther Carter. They hare five children - John H., William C, Lurena, Richard and NaiiKcy E. Mr. and Mrs. Parker are members of the Ciiristian churclji_

William Patterson is a native of Moram^snth County, N. J. born May 27, 1818, a son of William and Rebecca Patterson. In 1836 he accompanied his^ parents to Wayne County, Ind., and later to Hendricks County, locating in B'irown Township, where

James, Catherine and William. William Patterson was reai'ed a farmer, receiving but a limited education. In 1851 he came to Hendricks County and settled in Middle Township, where he has since lived. lie has been industrious and frugal, and lias accinnulated a good property. His farm contains 160 acres of valuable land, and his improvements are among the best in the to^viiship. Mr. Patterson was married Oct. 4, 1S51, to Amelia Laulioi'n, daughter of Thomas Laiihorn, of Marion County, Ind. To them have been born eleven children, of whom seven are living - John W., Thomas J., Vinson, William II., Mary A., Ilebecca and Dora E. In politics Mr. Patterson is a Democrat. Hc'and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

Austin Plerson, one of the leading citizens of Middle Township, was born June 12, 1826, in Shelby County, Ky. He was a son of Williaiii and iSTancy Pierson, who were natives of Virginia. From Kentucky they came to Hendricks County, Ind., in 1S34, locating in Marion Township, where the father died. He was County Commissioner of this county. They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom survive - Augustus, Thomas, John, William, Austin, Sarah, Elizabeth and Nancy. Our subject was reared to manhood in this county, receiving but a limited education, and was here married, March *5, 1851, to Miss Mary J. Smith, of Hendricks County. Thuy have had a family of twelve children. Those living are - James M., Merecn, George B., Joseph M., Robert E., jSancy E., Sarah, Mary and Ann E. Henry, Harvey and Oliver are deceased. Mr. Pierson settled v/here he now resides, in the fall of 1851. He has met with success in his agricultural pursuits and is the owner of 160 acres of land. He is at present serving his second terra as Township Trustee.

William Ray was born in Randolpli County, N. C, Feb. 14, 1822, a son of Presley and Dica Ray. He was reared on a farm in his native county, receiving a coinEaon-school education. After reaching manhood he came to IlendriiEiis County, Ind., and was here married, in January, 1847, to Annie Osborn, daughter of Mathew and Jane Osborn, early setaHers of Hendricks County. After his marriage he settled in ME-iMIc Township, on the farm where he has since lived, which coataJns 12of acres of well cultivated land. He has been energetic and enterprising, and is one of the prosperous farmers of the township. To jMr. and Mrs. Ray have been born twelve children, seven ol' whom are living - Charles F., Dica J., Presley E., Elijah, Mathaw C, Allison E. and William T. In politics Mr. Ray is a Republican.

son) Shofiner. His father was twice married and had a family of nine children, of whom our subject is tlie only one living. lie was reared in his native State and there married, in August, 1853, Mary Kivett. To them were born eight children, hut six of whom are living - Joseph C, Robert P., William J., Eliza J., Sallio and Minnie: Mr. Shotlner was an uncompromising Union man during the war of theEebellion, and was fearless in expressing his loyal sentiments, and in 1S6S was chosen for two years a member of the North Carolina Legislature, representing the Tvventy-sixtli Senatorial District, and while tliere introduced the celebrated -' Slioff'ner Bill" for the suppression of the '^ Ku Klux ", and in the face of much opposition finally secured its passage. His sentiments naturallv incurred the enmity of the « I'Jan " vvlio several times laid their plans to kill him, but each time were unsuccessful in carrying tliem out. Deeming it unwise, on account of the feeling toward him, to remain in liis native State, in 1S70 he moved to Ilendricks County, Ind. After living in different parts of the county lie finallv located in the southern part of Middle Township, where be now^has a fine farm of eighty acres. He has taken an active interest in the atfairs of the county and State, and is one of Hendricks' most valued citizens. Alexander F. Smith was born in Henry County, Ky., Nov. 15, 1S24, a son of James and Hannah Smith. In 1837 his parents came to Hendricks County, Ind., and settled in Center Township, where° they both died. They had a family of eight children - Robert, Sarah, Alexander F., George, James D., Susan, Elizabeth and William. Tliree, Robert, George at.d William, are deceased. William was First Lieutenantof Company A, Fifty-third Indiana Infantry, in the war of the Rebellion, and was killed at Atlanta, ' Ga. Mr. Smith grew to manhood iu Center Township, and assisted his father i.i clearing and improving a frontier farm. In 1S55 he moved to Middle Township, and located oa the farm where he now lives. He owns 280 acres of choice laud, and is one of the most enterprising and influential citizens of the tovvnsbip. He was married Sept. 2S, 184S, to Nancy Worrell, a native of Virginia, i;orn N ov. 16, 1827, daughter of William and Patsey Worrell. To them was born one eon, James M., born July, 1S49. Mrs. Smith died Jan. 16, 1878. James M. v\as married Sept. 26, 1872, to Delilah Hollingsworth, who was born May 6, 1854, daughter of Samuel V. Hollingsworth, and has four children - Bernice A. , born Feb 6 1875; Foster V., March 14, 1878; Irwin P., Feb. 23, 1880, and Charles P., April 9, 1884. He is the owner of 151 acres of fine

Alfred Stanley, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Middle Township, is a native of Hendricks County, born March 31, 1S36. His parents, Isaac and Mary Stanley, were natives of JN'ortli Carolinu, and settled near Stilesville, this county, in an early day. Their family consisted of seven children, only two of whom, Alfred and Susan, are living. The deceased are- - John, Moses, Calvin, Thomas and Rachel. Alfred Stanley is one of the successful and enterprising farmers of Middle Townsliip. He has a fine farm of 260 acres, and his iniprovenjents are unsurpassed in the county. He was marrieil Sept. 10, 1857, to Phccbe Plasters, daughter of William and Mary Plasters, early settlers of this county. They have a family of five children - Tillman H., George W., Mary M., j John M. and Franklin. Mr. Stanley has served as Assessor of Middle Township two years. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities.

Lewis 2'kornbrughyiAS born Jan. 7, IS 13, and is a native of Ohio. His parents were William and EUzabetli Thornbrugh and were among the early settlers of Washington Township, Hendricks Co., Ind. Our subject was twice married, his first wife being Miss Annie Schengh. by whom he had five children - Mary £., Samuel, Angeline, Einiline and Mildred, the latter deceased. After tlie death of his first wife, Mr. Thornbrugts was married to A[rs. Fannie iSTash, widow of Richard iS^ash, of Brown Township, this county. To this union were born two children - Albert and John. Mr. Thornbrugh is the owner of 120 acres of land. He is a member of the Regular Baptist clrurch.

Calvin Warrick was born in Rash County, Ind., Oct. 19, IS-iO, a son of Edward H. and Ruth Warrick, his father a native of Delaware and his mother of Virginia. In 1S15 his parents came to Hendricks County, Ind., and lived in Brown Township tilllS56, then moved to Middle Township, near Pisisboro, where the father died in October, ISGi. In ISSO the mctlier went to Nebraska where she still lives with one of her sorts. They had a family of eight children - Samuel, xlnn, Calvin, Amos, Esther E., Mary J., Hattie and Madora A. Cilvin Warrick was reared in Hendricks . County, remaining with his parents till manhood. In September, ;j 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Sevent?! Indiana Infantry. His jj regiment was assigned to the Army of die Potomac, and partici- .! pated in niany of the most severe battles of the Eastern army, j \ among tliem being Greonbriar, Edinburg, Winchester, Gettysburg, . \

Antietam, second Bull Eun, and White Sulphur Springs, He was discharged in September, 1861, and upon his return home engaged in agricultural pursuits. He now has a fine farm of 200 acres, all well improved. Mr. Warrick was married in December, 1865, to Evaliue Smith, daughter of Joel aad Susan Smith, early settlei"s of Hendricks CoutUy. To them have been born five children - Shiles M , William E., Oliver C, Edward H. and Mary M. In politics Mr. Warrick is a Republican. Re has served his township as Assessor several terms. He and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church.

George W. Wills was born in Montgomery Count,y, Ky., Jan. 16, 1814, a son of Michael and Elizabctli Wills. When ho was an infant his father died, and when eighteen years of age he came with his mother and other members of the family to Hendricks County, Ind., and for a short time lived in Center Township, south ot Danville. He then bought land in Liberty Township, on which the present village of Clayton was built, where he lived about twenty years, when he returned to Center Townsliip, and in 1862 settled in Middle Township, where he has since lived, his farm containing eighty acres of Valuable land. Mr. Wills was married in January, 1837, to Frances H. Mershon, daughter of Daniel and EfBe Mershon, early settlers of Hendricks County. To them have been born nine children, eight of whom are livings James M., Sylvester S., William F., Louisa J., Miriam A., Henry C, Simpson B. and Jesse T. Mrs. Wills died March 30, 1881. Mr. Wills is a member of the Christian church.

James JS[. TF/Z^s, of Pittsboro, was born Feb. 26, 1338, on the present site of the town of Clayton, in Hendricks County, when it was nothing but a wilderness, and lived there until ho was twenty years of age. He attended the disti-ict schools of that day; never attended but two terms of three months each of free school. Although with limited opportunities he qual'Sed himself to teach common schools and worked on the farm with his parents through the summer and taught school through the fall and winter until the war broke out, at $1.15 per day. ^"^g- ~, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company C, Se'-entieth Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into the service Aug. 12. He followed all the varied fortunes of the regiment, serving gallantly till his discharge, June 8, 1865. After his discharge from t!ie army Mr. Wills went on the farm and worked throuorh the summer and tanght school in the fall and winter of 1865 and 1866, and on the 16th day of -May, 1S67, was married to Miss Mary A. Dillon, of Pitts boro. In Marcli, 1S69, he moved to Pittsboro and engaged in the drug business with Amos C. Weaver until January, 1S80. In 18S1 he engaged in the dry -goods business with A. C. AYeaver, continuing a year. In ISSO he bougnt a half interest in the tile works at Pittsboro, which he has since conducted. He makes a fine quality of tile, and ships a great proportion of it to Illinois. In 1872 he was elected Justice of the Peace and served until April, 1877, when he was admitted to the Hendricks County bar to practice law. In Octoher, 1S7T, he was commissioned Xotary Public, and has served continually ever since to the entire satisfaction of all that had notarial work to do, both in fees and quality of work. On the 10th day of Jaiuiary, 1SS.5, through the influence of Senator Benjamin Harrison, liis old regimental commander, he was appointed to a clerkship in the United States Eailway Mail Service from Pittsburg, Pa., to St. Louis, Mo., but on account of his wife's ill-health he declined to serve. June 6, 1S85, the commissioners of Hendricks County appointed him as Justice of the Peace of Middle Township. In the spring of 1882, he was a candidate before tlie Kepublican Nominating Convention for Recurder of Hendriclcs County, but was defeated by A. A. Parsons, the present worthy encumbent and a wounded soldier. Mr. Wills has two children - Ethel, born June 29, 1870, and Jewell, born Dec. 7, 1882.

Source changes here: from History of Hendricks County, Indiana, Her People, Industries and Institutions, by Hadley, John Vestal, published 1914; 1,300 words in this source stream.

Topography

Middle Ujwn.sliip is located in the north tier of townships, being bounded on the north by Boone county, on the east by Brown and Lincoln townships, on the south by Lincoln, Washington and Center townships and on the west by Center and Union. The township was originally located in what was known as the "black swamps," the greater part of it being deficient in natural drainage. Artificial drainage has, however, largely remedied this defect in the last ten years. The intense growth of deciduous trees, oak, poplar, walnut, maple, ash and many other species, were evidence of a rich virgin soil. There are no large streams ; the soil surface is nearly level ; wheat and oats and corn are the main crops.

Settlement

In the first organization of Hendricks county, Middle township, as it is now, was geographically legated in the north central portion of the county and was one of the nine civil divisions. It included not only its present area, but also all of what was afterward known as Union township. Its location and physical condition had much to do in determining its settlement and progress. Some physical defects in the land above mentioned had the tendency to make settlement here slower than in other parts of Hendricks. The first settlement made in the township was in the year 1830 by Lemuel McBee. His cabin and first clearing were in the western part of what is now Pittsboro.

Richard Richardson was next, whose cabin, in section 6, township 16, was on the spot where Miles Hession recently resided. In three years' time other settlements were formed by the following families : The Spicklemires, Samuel Hill, the Hales, Thompsons, Wells, Holtsclaws, Jonas Lipe, Hezekiah Dunick, Philip Waters and Jack Parker. This group of early pioneers erected the first cabins and formed the nucleus of community life. At this time no roads were known except neighborhood trails, marked by blazing the trees, the one leading through the township from IndianapoHs to Crawfordsville being the most prominent and bisecting the township. The herculean task of the pioneers was now begun. The rearing of cabins, rolling logs, cutting out highways and constructing bridges was begun. A great percentage of the pioneers came from Mason, Fleming and Bourbon counties, Kentucky, and from Ohio, the Carolinas and Virginia, a splendid stock. The Watsons, Dillons, Weavers, Reynolds, Walters, Philips, Moneys, Smiths, Crabbs, Veaches, Kennedys, Craggs, Touts, Jones, Caywoods, Hughes. Herods in the succeeding decade came and entered or bought land.

Since the beginning of the seventies improvements have steadily advanced in Middle township. The sickle, scythe and cradle, used by the pioneers and wielded by muscular power, were relegated to the past when the reaper, mower, binder and other modem implements came into operation. The description of the other townships of the county apply equally well to this townsliip, for the development has been the same. The farms, rich in alluvial soil, are well drained and cleared of stumps and rocks. Miles of wire fencing have taken the place of the old rail fence. Farm houses and barns, many of them spacious and modern, contribute largely to the wealth of the community. Twenty-two miles of gravel road and twelve miles of rock road have been constructed in the township and turned over to the county to keep in repair. Seventy-five miles of post roads make possible the excellent system of rural free mail delivery.

The town of Pittsboro was originally platted by Simon T. Hadley and William Matlock. It was first called by Mr. Hadley Pittsburg, and afterward changed to the present name in order to have the name of the town and postoffice agree.

Pittsboro's first store was in a small log room and kept by Basil Tout. It was located on the corner lot now owned by the bank. He was succeeded by James Hoadley and James Barker. John Vaughn built a frame building on the lot where the Sawyer block now stands in 1844. Fie kept a general store, with plenty "of whiskey for sale. Vaughn sold out to John C. Parker,

Avho, early in the fifties, erected a brick store on the corner where the Hayworth block now stands. It burned in 1884. Thomas Hoadley, one of the first physicians, built a two-story frame where A. C. Dunn's property is now located.

In 1867 the Big Four railroad was built througli Pittsboro and then began a new era of prosperity. Business became better and the town grew. In 1873 Daniel Feely established a stave factory and operated it until 1886. Thousands of cords of oak, elm and ash were brought from the sloughs, cut into staves and shipped to outside markets. ]\Iany farmers paid off mortgages by disposing of surplus timber.

The Present Pittsboro

Pittsboro is now a thrifty and well-ordered town of about five hundred inhabitants. The social and commercial, as well as religious, tone of the town is excellent. The community is advantageously located on the Ben- Hur interurban line and the Big Four railroad, and consequently much business is transacted with other markets.

The Pittsboro Bank was organized in 1897 by Isaac Palmer, Jesse Smith and Steve Cline, the two latter acting as president and cashier, respectively. The present officers of the bank are : E. W. Sawyer, president ; C. G. Olsen, vice-president; Glen C. Tolin, cashier; Miss Alcie Ridgway, assistant cashier. The capital stock is $10,000; the deposits amount to $84,000; and the surplus is $4,000. The bank was chartered in the year 1905 under the new banking laws.

Pittsboro Lodge No. 342, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized on January 22, 1870. John N. Shirley, William N. Crabb, Lewis Watts, James Adams, Amos Hoak and J. M. McLean were the charter members.' It was the outgrowth of the Brownsburg lodge. The lodge erected its present home in 1S74. The lodge is now in good condition, having a membership of over one hundred.

Pittsboro Lodge No. 428, Free and Accepted Masons, was instituted in 1871 by John Burton, deputy grand master. Its home was in the second story of E. A. Parker's store building, then occupied by A. C. Weaver. This lodge did not last long. It became defunct in 1882, when the grand lodge in its charter. The present lodge. No. 620, was instituted by Jacob

Smith with thirteen charter members. Beginning under dispensation irt 1893, it was chartered in due and ancient form May 25, 1899. Its first officers were: Sabert S. Offutt, worshipful master; Chester H. Weaver, senior warden; W. D. Lewis, junior warden; George D. Junken, secretary. Its present membership is seventy-one. The stated communications are thefirst and third Tuesday evenings of each month at their hall in the Sawyer block.

Thomas Ashby Post No. 451, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized in the old school building September 8, 1886, with the following charter members : A. C. Weaver, W. D. Lewis, R. T. Dorman, H. T. Kirk, E. M. Weaver, J. M. Wills, S. S. Wills, W. H. Milam, George W. Tidrick,. W. B. McClung, Jacob C. Waters, Lewis Buergelin, Thomas Brooks, Charles P. Cox, Joe ^^'illiamson and Samuel James. At eight P. M., April 8, 1886, a delegation of comrades came up from Danville and assisted in the organization. The first officers of the post were : A. C. Weaver, post coinmander ; William D. Lewis, senior vice-commander ; Richard T. Droman, junior vicecommander; Henry T. Kirk, officer of the day; Ellis M. Weaver, officer of" the guard; James M. Wills, adjutant; S. S. Wills, quartermaster; George W. Tisrick, sergeant major ; William B. McClung, quartermaster sergeant.

Thomas Ashby Woman's Relief Corps No. 231 was organized March 25, 1899, with eighteen charter members. Mrs. Marian McVey French wasinstalled first president ; Etta Jordan Palmer, treasurer, and Mrs. Eva Lewis,, secretary.