Owen Township

Owen Township

Owen Township - Surface and Soil - Early Settlers and First En¬ tries of Land - Pioneer Industries - Churches of the Township - Hanging of Clarke by a Mob - Brooks and Tally - Clear Spring.

OWEN is one of the three townships forming the western portion of Jackson County and bordering on Lawrence. The township was named in honor of the Owen family, which at the time the township was organized was the largest family within its borders. The surface is broken and hilly, and the soil com¬ paratively unproductive, and probably best adapted to grazing, It is often a matter of no little astonishment to the casual observer of to-day that many of the first settlements in a new country were made in that portion where the surface was rough and broken, and the soil sterile, rather than select the rich lands of the valleys and river bottoms. But when we are told that the constant decay of an exuberant growth of vegetation, together with the pools of stag¬ nant water which stood in the river bottoms almost throughout the year, produced so much malaria that it made life perilous, we are not so much astonished at their action. The exact date of the first settlement made in this township is unknown. It is remem¬ bered by some of the oldest settlers that a squatter whose name has been forgotten was the first to locate within the present limits of Owen Township. The first permanent settlement was made some time previous to 1816. Among the first was David Kindred, who settled on the land now owned by Mrs. Richard Black, where he built a small log hut. Jacob Wells, the father of Colonel and

Dr. Wells, settled on the farm now owned by Christian Brannaman, in the year 1817. Benjamin Scott settled on land now owned by Oregan Wray, as early as 1818. Adam Zallman and Andrew Dodds settled in the same neighborhood at a very early day. After the first settlement others followed in quick succession, and we find that the following persons had entered land, and many of them made settlements in this township prior to 1825 : The first entry made in this township in 1816 by William Sullivan, who at the time was a resident of what is now Jackson Township. Other entries were made by Jacob Wells, 1818 ; Bartheny Barney, 1823; Benjamin Scott, 1818; Adam Zollman, 1821; William Flinn, 1823; John Stevenson, 1824; Thomas Turpin, 1821; Michael Woolery, 1820 ; Jacob Woolery, 1822; Leonard Houston, 1818 ; Asahel Phillips, 1821 ; Joseph Henderson, 1821 ; Jonathan Stevens, 1820; John Vandervort, 1820; John Kindred, 1820; Abraham Brannaman, 1824; Joseph Goss, 1822; John Wendle, 1821; James Sims, 1822; Joseph Hanna, 1820; James Woodmansee, 1820; B. Vawter, Joseph Hanna, Walter Owen, William Cornett and D. Rodgers were also early settlers.

Early Industries

In the early days of Owen Township the milling was all done at Leesville, now in Lawrence County. In a few years the home demand was sufficient to induce Jacob Wells to embark in this enterprise, and consequently built a horse-mill in the early part of the twenties. This was doubtless the first mill built in Owen Township. It was built of logs and stood on land now owned by Christian Brannaman, and was for many years the principal mill in this section of the country. After this other mills were built in various parts of the township. A water-mill was built some time in the thirties by Daniel Cummings, on the Muddy Fork of Salt Creek. For a time this mill did quite a prosperous business, grinding both wheat and corn. Another horse-mill was erected by Samuel Davis, about two miles and a half east of Clear Spring. This was succeeded by a water-mill that was built and operated by James Mahan. It stood on Guthrie's Creek about two miles southwest of Clear Spring. Other small mills were at different times operated in this township.

Tanneries and distilleries have never been abundant in this township, and none of any particular importance were ever oper¬ ated here. At a very early day one or two old settlers were known to manufacture some whisky and apple and peach brandy of a very excellent quality. Several years later a man, whose name we will not mention, was rather extensively engaged in the manufacture of whisky near the line dividing Owen and Brownstown Townships. It is said that his operations were unknown to a majority of his nearest neighbors, although he frequently bought large quantities of grain from them. He was eventually raided by revenue officers and the machinery and a small quantity of whisky found, but for some unknown reason no arrest was ever made.

One of the first church organizations of this township was that of the Dunkards, a peculiar religious sect that is to-day entirely absent from this section. They never erected a church building, in this township but held their meetings at the residences of the members. Two ministers, Carleton and Hostettler, are especially remembered by the old settlers. The Prathers and the Scotts were the most prominent families. In the early settlement the Baptists had no church building in Owen Township, but were members of Guthrie's Creek and Gilgal, classes which are now in Lawrence County. When the settlements in the different parts of the township had a sufficient number of church members, a minister wAs frequently brought to the neighborhood and services held in the log-hut residence ; then the schoolhouse was used, and finally two or three log churches were built; but those old edifices are now gone. A large per cent of the early settlers were mem¬ bers of the Baptist Church, and it is in consequence the strongest church organization ip the township at present. A Baptist Church was organized in the neighborhood of Clear Spring about 1847, and their meetings were held in an old log schoolhouse. Some of the most prominent families were the Brannamans, Hamiltons, Hinkles, Owenses, Kindreds, Johnsons and Boyatts.

In 1852 a small frame church building was erected onefourth of a mile south of Clear Spring ; this served as a place of worship until 1868, when the erection of the present large frame building in Clear Spring was begun. This was completed in 1870, at a cost of about $2,000. In 1871 an arm of this church was extended to a young neighborhood, and under the supervision of Elder McCoy another class was organized. The following is a partial list of the ministers who have served in these two charges: T. J. Hanna, John Bell, John R. McCoy, William Gillaspy, George W. Sweeney and Isaac Coker; deacons: Abra¬ ham Brannaman, William Hinkle, Christian Brannaman, Daniel Sanders, James K. Matlock. It is said that so many members of this church went out in defense of their country that at one time there was not a sufficient number left to hold services.

Martin Grove Church

This church was organized March 15, 1878, three miles northeast of Clear Spring. Members: Prudy Elkins, Sarah Martin, Martha Scott, Hanna Scott, Nancy Cobb, Ollie Wineinger, W. A. Williams, Sarah Williams, Mary B. Smith, John C. Bowman, Adaline Bowman, Martin Beavers, Mary A. Beavers, Henry Hovis, Elizabeth Hovis and William Paris; ministers: Elders R. J. Gorbet, David Sexton, J. R. McCoy, J. W. Maynard and H. Hovis.

Macedonia Church

This church was organized May 29, 1874, and is situated about four miles north of Medora. Church was held for about three years in the Mount Zion Schoolhouse, after which a log house about 26x36 feet was erected, and is still in use for church purposes. Macedonia church was organized by members from Clear Spring, Mount Pleasant and Brownstown Churches. The first members were H. A. Sutton, Sarah A. Sutton, Calvin S. Wineinger, Francis Wineinger, Joseph Tatlock, Mary A. Tatlock, Elizabeth Tatlock, Sarah A. Datson, John Tatlock, Charity Shule, Bose Mason, Amy Hubbard, Elias T. Easton.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Clear Spring was built early in the sixties. It is a large frame building about 34x42 feet. This church belongs to the Jeffersonville District, and is a part of the Freetown Circuit, and is at present under the charge of Bev. Hester. The following families with many others have long been active members: Dr. Bichards and family, William Seamans and wife, James Brown, Hubbards and Wicks. The New Lights and Christians have many members in this town¬ ship. The former have a church building situated on Guthrie's Creek, with a strong and active membership.

Hung By A Mob

Twenty years or more ago, at the beginning of what is known as the "reign of terror," or the "dark days" of Jackson County, a man by the name of Clarke, who was known to be a thief and a desperado, was hung by a mob near the western border of Owen Township.

Clarke had been accused of many crimes, but the one which incited the citizens to action on this occasion was the burglariz¬ ing of a store at Houston. The accused made his escape into Illinois, but after a brief absence returned to his mother's home, near the eastern border of Lawrence County, where he was arrest- ed by the constable of Owen Township, The officer started with the prisoner to Clear Spring* but soon after they had crossed the line dividing the two counties, and a few yards north of the pres¬ ent site of Mr. C. Fishe's residence, they were intercepted by a mob of masted men, supposed to be a division of the organiza¬ tion known as the Regulators. The prisoner was taken from the officer and hung to the branch of a beech tree, which stills tands to mart the spot The body was left hanging till the next day, when it was cut down by the coroner, and after the inquest was given to the mother of the deceased, and by her was buried in the old family cemetery.

Murder Of Marian Cuttor

The writer extracts the following account of the murder of Mrs. Marian Cuttor, and the lynching of the murderers, from the Brownstown Banner: "In the deep stillness of the night of De¬ cember 29, 1863, two men by the name of John Tally and John Brooks, entered the house of a lone widow, living about one-half mile from the village of Clear Springs, by the name of Marian Cuttor, murdered and robbed her. The amount secured was $133 in money and other articles of value. Several days after the crime had been committed, she was found lying in the bed cold and stiff in death. From the marks upon her neck and face it be¬ came evident that she was strangled, and finally smothered to death under the bed clothing. The incentive to the murder was the supposition that the woman was in possession of several hun¬ dred dollars.

The suspicion rested on the above named individuals, and in consequence Brooks was arrested in Washington County, and on preliminary trial confessed his crime and implicated Tally, who was immediately arrested and both were placed in jail at Browns¬ town, where they remained in peace until March 30, 1867. In the evening of the above date mysterious movements on the part of strangers were noticed by the citizens, while ever and anon a grim-visaged horseman could be seen, as he rode hurriedly through the town. Ominous whistling sounds could be heard in all directions. Soon a vigilance committee composed of men from Jackson, Scott and Washington Counties surrounded the jail, which at that time stood near the present site of Senator Burrell's office. With the use of heavy sledge-hammers, procured at a neighboring blacksmith shop, the heavy iron door soon swung upon its hinges, and in a moment's time the prisoners were hur¬ ried across the street to the court yard. The ropes which had been placed around their necks were securely tied to the limb of a large locust tree that still stands at the northwest corner of the court house. The victims were placed on barrels, and while in this position ready to make the leap into eternity, they were asked if they desired prayer. Tally answered that it was immaterial, but Brooks urged that a minister be secured. After a short prayer by Rev. Walter Benton, Tally gently swung himself off the barrel. The barrel was kicked from upder Brooks and both swung between earth and heaven. The vigilants remained long enough to see that the men were dead and past resuscitation, when they mounted their horses and silently passed out of town. The bodies were cut down that night and placed in the court house, where the inquest was held next day, after which the re¬ mains were buried on the east bank of the little stream which flows through the Fair grounds. The spot is marked by a little enclosure which stands near the Flora Hall.

Village Of Clear Spring

This little village was laid out by S. C. Tiensch on the 2d of March, 1839, and is the only town in Owen Township. The original plat contained sixty lots, with two principal streets - Sugar and Main - running east and west. The first house is said to have been built by a man by the name of McCutchon, on the place now owned by Loudermilk. This was a log-cabin, which was used for a dwelling. In the early part of the forties, Seaman & Brown built a residence and store; this stood near where John T. Deal lives. In 1841-42, Taswell Vawter built a dwelling and store in the northwest portion of the town. He kept a general stock of goods, which consisted for the most part of whisky and tobacco. The next building was a large store-house erected by Seaman <fe Brown. This building is still standing, and is now occupied by Henry Payne, painter and wagon-maker. Previous to 1856, Seaman & Brown were the principal merchants. After them came John D. Payne, Noah Faubion, William Scott, Martin L. Wicks, Boyatt & Alexander, Boyatt & Owen, A. C. Wheeler, Urias Dodds, J. R. Browning, Henry Dodds & Bro., John Hedgewood, John T. Deal, Daniel George and L. Vawter. William Hamilton and John W. Holmes established a saw and grist-mill about the year 1856. Vawter & Harrell bought them out, and improved the building and machinery, and continued operations till about 1870. They were succeeded by B. G. Hamilton, who suspended business after about ten years.

Prominent among the physicians who have practiced here since 1840 are Drs. Payne, A. M. Thompson, Amos Frost, Thomas J. Richards, James C. Wells, George W. May and Hiram Cummings.

Secret Societies

Clear Spring Lodge, No. 323, F. <fe A. M. was instituted in the year 1865. Dr. James C. Wells and Martin L. Wicks were the only resident charter members. The first officers were: J ames C. Wells, Worshipful Master; Martin L. Wicks, Senior Warden; James Mann, treasurer, and Richard L. Browning, secretary. The lodge is still in a prosperous condition.

Clear Spring Lodge, No. 315, I. O. O. F. was instituted with the following charter members: J. T. Deal, William Seaman, Joseph Swift, L. L. Mains, Adam Schmidt, William Boyatt, C. C. Frey, G. S. Conner and others. First officers were: J. T. Deal,

Mooney Post, No. 194, G. A. R. has been organized about two years. Prominent among the early members were William C. Mitchell, William Smith, Christ Louden, John Hedgewood, Alex¬ ander Wray, W. J. Wray, Robert Dunlap, David Stockwell, Col¬ lins, Thompson, and Edward Kindred. The principal officers for 1884 were William C. Mitchell, Commander; Robert Dunlap, Adjutant, and Edward Kindred, Quartermaster. The post meets on the nights of the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.

Chapter Xi

THE land of what is now Redding Township did not come into market as early as some other portions of the county, conse¬ quently settlements and entries were of a later date. The first land entry made in this township, according to the Tract Book now on file in the Recorder's office, was by Miller White in 1818. There are some doubts as to the correctness of this date, many of the best informed believing that there was no entry made until 1820, two years later. It is well known, however, that several families had settled in the township long before the first land entry was made. The following are the names of a few of the pioneer settlers who made settlements in different parts of the township: John Reed, Jacob Watson, Absalom Parker and

Samuel Goodnow. These were in the vicinity of Rockford; the last named lived near what is now known as the Baldwin place. Jacob Baldwin, Jacob Scott, Winthrop Young, Edward Fentress, Richard Williams, James Wilson, Ballard Able, Abraham War¬ ner, John Smith, John Baldwin, E. Anderson, William Sullivan, S. Parker, John Fishli, James Briston, William Smith, Samuel Prather, one of the Woodmansees, and many others also settled here at an early day.

Land Entries Pioneer Occupation

No sooner had the hardy pioneer provided himself with the rude log hut, in which he might eat, sleep and have protection from the inclemencies of the weather, than he began to clear a small piece of land, in which he might raise wheat or com to supply himself with bread. He had very little anxiety about meat, knowing that the forests would furnish him with bear, deer, raccoon and turkey, which cost the experienced hunter but little trouble to procure in any quantity. The fields of the first settlers were not very extensive, and consequently their crops were not very large. In fact, during the first few years they had no incen¬ tive to raise more than was required for home consumption, as there was no market for surplus products. The flail was the first implement used to thresh grain, but was not so popular as that of tramping it out with a horse, which method was adopted later. The grain and chaff were separated by wind. The four horse " ground hog," as it was called, eventually supplanted the old methods. It was a rude affair in comparison with the improved machines of to-day.

There have been no manufactures of any consequence outside of Rockford, except a mill, owned by a man by the name of Stout, which stood on Sand Creek

The early settlers of Redding Township were not slow in pro¬ viding themselves with places where they might meet and listen to the truth as it was proclaimed by that grand old character, the pioneer preacher. What a change has been wrought in matters of religion as well as in everything else. If we should stop to com¬ pare the old pioneer meeting-house, with its puncheon or dirtfloor, without light, heat or comfort, its worshipers arrayed in suits of cotton, linsey or jeans, and not unfrequently without shoes, with the magnificent church edifice of to-day, provided with every comfort and convenience, with its worshipers arrayed in their satins, silks and broadcloth, whither they have gone to display. We are led to the conclusion that the true Christian spirit with the old log church has passed away.

In nearly all new countries the Baptist is the pioneer church. So we find them in this township, as early as 1820, holding serv¬ ices in the log cabins and in the woods. Soon it became necessary to provide a regular house of worship, and accordingly a small log house was built in 1823, near the present site of

Beddington. This church burnt down in 1833, and a neat hewedlog house was erected on the same site. In a few years a larger house became necessary, and, in partnership with the Christians, a house was built in Beddington, where both denominations met in peace for four years, when dissatisfaction arose which resulted in the ejection of the Baptists. After meeting in schoolhouses for several years, they built a large, commodious frame house, three miles east of Seymour, on the Bockford and Hardenburg road. This church is now in its sixty-fourth year, and was one of the first churches organized in Jackson County. It has always gone by the name of Ebenezer Church. The following are the names of the early ministers: John L. Jones, 1823; John B. Tinder, 1832; Jesse Eobinson, 1837; Elder Whitcomb, 1846; William B. Lewis, 1853. After which came J. M. Weaver, William Gillaspy, Ira Gleason, John Bell and others. Early members: John L. Jones, Isaac Lewis, Samuel Prothero, Thomas Standadge, John Stronge, Ebenezer Henderson, Ann Jones, Phebe Epperson, Esler Prothero, Mary Standadge and Margaret Lewis.

Several other churches have since been built in this township, among which are the Christian Church, above named, which is located in Beddington ; a German Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Bockford Methodist Episcopal Church.

Bockford was platted and laid out March 10, 1830, and is sit¬ uated on the east side of the Driftwood Fork of White Biver, a short distance below what is known as the Lower Falls. We give space to the following history written by Dr. E. J. Monroe, who was for many years a resident of the place: "Bockford was for many years a considerable trading post. It was a small place in point of population, but lying upon an early line of travel, and at a point where the bed of White Biver is composed of slate rock, forming a good ford, it became a noted place early in the history of the county. One Woodmansee kept a store at Rock¬ ford as early as 1818. John Fishli, a wealthy Frenchman, at an early period entered large tracts of land in this part of Jackson County. He built a saw and grist-mill and established a ferry. In 1833 John J. Kester lived there in a house made of slabs. James Wheeler, now in California, kept a grocery store there in those days. The store that Wheeler kept would now be called a saloon. Rockford was a point from whence the natives used to embark in flat-boats laden with pork and com for the distant South. In 1833 and onward John J. Kester was a heavy mer¬ chant and pork packer for those days, and in 1839 Jacob Peter, now of Louisville, Ky., was found merchandising there. The business increased, and Peters, Kester, James Wilson, and later J. P. Fentress were considerable merchants and pork packers. Kester died in 1855, and Wilson earlier. Fentress went out of business, so that Jacob and Henry Peters were left almost the sole business men. These transferred their business to Louisville, and Rockford dwindled down to a few whisky shops and an occa¬ sional harbor for counterfeiters and gamblers. The last pork packed there was by Peters & Phaffenberger in the winter of 1864. This was in the new town, for the old town on the river bank had gone down long before, and the pork houses had been removed to the new town. The river has encroached upon the old town location, so that the old site of Kester's pork house and the old grocery stands are now washed away, and what the river failed to obliterate incendiary fires have effected. At this time but two old huts remain of what was once the famous old town of Rockford.

Under the stimulus that the Jeffersonville & Indianapolis Road imparted, Rockford took a fresh start. The new town was laid off by John Kester east of the old town, and many good buildings were at once built for business, besides a great number of good frame dwellings. When the first train on the Jefferson- ville, Madison & Indianapolis Road reached Rockford, in the sum¬ mer of 1852, a new and bright town had sprung up to greet the iron horse. On the 4th of July, 1852, an excursion train came out from Jeffersonville, bringing out a cannon. By a premature discharge one man was badly injured. Gradually the old town built in the new and transferred their business there. John J. Kester, Jacob Peters, Edward Moore, Dr. Hillis, William Mar¬ shall, Dr. John Williamson, John Pfaffenberger, J. P. Fentress and others built business houses. Two of these were for drug stores, they being the first drug stores built in the county. J. J. Durand came in la her and built a drug store and residence. John Pfaffenberger was in the boot and shoe business. Michael Pastel, long known as a hotel keeper in the old town (entertainment for man and horse) with the inevitable bar attached, built a large frame hotel in the new town nearly opposite the residence of the late J. J. Kester. The railroad company built a large and fine depot, and Mr. Kester a large pork house beside it On the railroad and on the corner just north were large two-story buildings used for whisky shops. Frank Able built a hotel and kept a bar and sold beer, never known in the county until the railroad reached it

All the buildings named were, a few years later, burned down by incendiaries. Not a vestige remains of many of them. Other small houses have been erected in their stead.

Rockford Lodge of Odd Fellows had joined with J. P. Fen¬ tress in building a store, with a hall above. This stood on the north end of a lot belonging to the late Alfred Miller. It, too, was destroyed by fire. The lodge was very flourishing at one time, numbering about seventy members ; but by some misman¬ agement, it lost its charter. Previous to this, a lodge had been established at Reddington. It also went down, and the town with it as soon as the railroad reached Rockford. Among those who built good residences in New Rockford, between 1850 and 1860, were J. J. Kester, whose frame dwelling burnt down at noontime, in the fall of 1851. He built a handsome brick residence, which is still stand¬ ing. Other residences were built by Oscar Kiser, S. C. Frank¬ lin, James S. Fislar, Dr. Hillis, Dr. John Williamson, Dr. E. Williamson, Dr. J. R. Monroe, William E. Marshall, Peter Sweitzer, Andrew Huckleberry, John Schmitt, Flem Parker and J. J. Durand, and many smaller dwellings of less .pretensions.

The only church ever owned by Old or New Rockford, stood on the outskirts of the old town, not far, from the old water-tank, on the railroad. It was long ago set on fire and burned down. We believe it belonged to the Methodists. After the stores of the Peters' burned down, they built one of brick, which is still stand¬ ing. The Jeffersonville, Madison & Indianapolis Railroad built a small depot, after the large one burned. This, it is proper to re¬ mark, was set on fire by sparks from an engine ; but all the fires, save this and two others, were undoubtedly the work of incendiaries. The other exceptions were those of Mr. Keter and Dr. Monroe. The old town and nearly all the valuable buildings in the new, have been swept away by the incendiary. Three mills have been destroyed by fire ; the last, a splendid brick building, was burned in 1874, and the ruins are still standing on the river bank. In the days of John Fishli, this was the largest and best patronized mill in the county; people came from many miles around to get grinding done at this mill. A ferry was established at a very early day by the above named, where to-day a bridge spans the river, which was built at a cost of $16,000. In 1855 Dr. J. R. Monroe conceived the idea of starting the Rockford Herald , and, accordingly, the first issue made its appearance February 8. The publication of the Herald continued until July, 1857, when it was removed to Sey¬ mour and founded as the Seymour Times.

On the 10th day of December, 1851, the brutal butchery of Quamby, by Daniel Mabee, occurred. Quamby was literally cut and stabbed to death in the presence of a crowd of men, and so

Haddington is an old and dilapidated village, situated in the northeast part of Redding Township. It was laid out June 10, 1837, by John Prather, and consisted of forty-three lots. Lot No. 19 was donated, by the proprietor of the town, for church and school purposes. For many years Reddington was quite a thriving little village; had its stores, blacksmith shop, doctor, etc., but after the completion of the Jeffersonville, Madison & Indian¬ apolis Railroad, to Rockford, but little business was done for a considerable time. At present, the principal business is done by Charles and John Swingle, and Fred Huber.