Perry Township (part 1 of 3)

Perry Township

: Seprenid is the southeast corner township of the county. Liberty | The suit, however, was compromised, and the young ladies escaped with Township bounds it on the north, a portion of Randolph County on | nothing more serious than a bad scare.

on the west. Its dimensions are five miles north and south, by six | white men, consisting of oak, black and white walnut, beech, sugar, ete.

miles east and west, its area being, in round numbers, 19,200 acres. There was a small proportion of prairie land, but the general aspect was

The surface is generally an undulating upland, broken by pictur- | a formidable array of timber. It was a brave, hardy class of people esque little hillocks in the western and southern portions of the township. | who came to subdue this wilderness, and, through their trials and priva- The soil in these localities is principally a clayey loam, with a sub- tions, the township was brought, step by step, to its present state of stratum of sand or gravel. Toward the central and eastern portions, | excellence. ' the surface is more level, and the predominating variety of soil is the EARLY SETTLEMENT. black loam, intermixed with sand.

The water-courses are White River, which - crosses the northwestern - portion of the township, draining quite an extensive area of fertile lands; Prairie Creek, which flows north through the township, joining White River near the boundary line between Perry and Liberty; Stouy Creek, flowing through the northeastern part of the township, finding its outlet in Little White River, in Randolph County. In addition to these, there are one or two unimportant tributaries of Prairie Creek, one of which has long been known as "Shave-tail" - the name having been bestowed to commemorate the shaving of the tails of some horses, whose Owners came to participate in a wedding which took place here in an early day. It is said that the aggressors in the case were some young

The first white men who entered the township with a view to its improvement came in April, 1820. They were Cornelius Van Arsdall, James Lee, William Blunt, David and Aaron Richardson. The party forced their way slowly through the deep forest, their wagon drawn by four yoke of oxen, and themselves compelled to precede the wagon, cutting away the timber, removing obstacles and bridging streams, in order to make a passage. Near the present site of New Burlington, a tree which they were attempting to remove fell upon one of the oxen, and simultaneously three Indians emerged from the thicket, offering their assistance in removing the tree. They were the first Indians the settlers had met, and the latter regarded them at first suspiciously. But their friendly actions soon re-assured them, and they received the hearty gratitude and good will of the white men, who had come to cultivate their former hunting-ground. These Indians were White Beaver, Wapach and Jefferson, and probably belonged to the Delaware tribe. The sight of the red faces became, in the course of time, very common, and inspired little or no dread, and they did not abuse the confidence of their white neighbors. Their various disastrous meetings with the army of Gen. Wayne had had the effect of subduing them, and making them quiet and peaceable toward the settlers.

One of the first acts of our pioneer party was the erection of rude cabins for the shelter of their families. Within a few days after their arrival, four new families joined them. Mr. Van Arsdall, with the hospitality characteristic of the times, took them into his own cabin, there to remain until they could erect homes of their own. His house was about fifteen feet square, and the inconvenience of having five fam- 'lies in such narrow quarters may be better imagined than described. Two weeks elapsed ere the inmates of his house completed their respective abodes.

The winter following their arrival was marked by some severe trials. They had partially succeeded in raising a crop of corn during the summer; but, just as it was ready for the harvest, it was blighted and ruined by frost, early in September. Provisions of all kinds were scarce, and fish almost constituted the diet of the settlers during that winter. The next season was more prosperous, and they did not again have the same difficulty to contend with.

Indians passed their cabins nearly every day, and, on one occasion, Mr. Van Arsdall incurred the displeasure of one of them by refusing to eross the river with a party to which he belonged. The water was very high and swift, and Mr. V. feared the capsizing of the canoe. Upon his refusal to ferry them across, one of the Indians declared he would kill him, and was only prevented from doing so by the interposition of one of the party known as "Old Jake." In spite of his misgivings, Mr. Van Arsdall finally agreed to take them over, and they had scarcely yveached the middle of the stream when the current whirled them around and capsized their craft, precipitating its occupants into the stream. Eyery man then swam for life, and one of the Indians climbed a tree which grew in the river, where he sat and crowed like a rooster until Mr. V. had righted the overturned canoe and relieved him from his position. The rescue dispelled his previous ill feeling, and, upon reaching the opposite bank, he bade Mr. Van Arsdall good-bye, and, grasping his hand, warmly said, "We swim together."

Mr. Van Arsdall remained many years in the township, and was long identified with its best,interests. He was a successful farmer, and a leader in public improvements. He was almost as prominently identified with the early history of Liberty Township as with this. Probably the first right to these homes was secured by pre-emption, as the land was not placed in market until the year 1822. time, several other families joined those already located here, and held title, each purchasing the land on which they located as soon thereafter as practicable. The east half of the southwest quarter of Section | was entered at the Fort Wayne Land Office by John Conner, on the 5lst day of October, 1822. Mr. Conner was not a settler in the township, but purchased the land with a view to financial profit, and sold it to settlers who came at a later date.

The west half of the southeast quarter of Section 12 was entered by Jacob Branson November 6, 1822. He was a man of industrious habits, and cleared a large farm, upon which he resided for a number of years. James Bryson entered the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 4, on the 2d day of December, 1822, and was long identified with the history and improvement of the township.

In October, 1822, Lewis Rees purchased the farm in Section 31] upon which his son Borter now resides. He was a valued and influential citizen, and was connected with many of the public improvements of the township. He died on the farm where he first settled.

Leonard Stump was also an early settler, and lived in the township several years before he entered his land according to iaw. The date of his arrival was probably about the year 1525 or 1824, and his farm contained some valuable improvements when he made the formal entry,

_ in September, 1829. His farm was the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 4, containing a fraction over eighty acres. He continued to cultivate this estate for a number of years, and added to it, from time to time, by purchase. He was an honest, industrious man, and possessed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him.

Solomon Sanford entered the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 17, June 17, 1823, and, during the next three years, immigration seems to have come to a stand, as there are no records of land entries northeast quarter of Section 4. This was entered by Daniel Thompson October 9, 1826. During the years 1827 and 1828, there were no further land entries; but in 1829, immigration seemed to receive a new impetus, if we may judge from the number of farms then purchased. William Underhill purchased and settled on the west half of the northeast quarter of Section 4, on the 17th day of January; Stephen Bunnell purchased the east half of the southwest quarter of Section 9, June 2; Benjamin Walker, the entire southeast quarter of Section 12, June 12; Solomon Johnson, the east half of the southeast quarter of Section 8,

Section 8, August 26; and Robert Templeton, the west half of the southeast quarter of Section 23, October 14. Aaron Richardson had then resided on his land for a period of nine years, and it is not improbable that some of those who entered their farms in 1829 may, like him, have maintained their claims up to that time by the right of possession. 'The date of purchase is the only authority at command from which to establish the date of their settlement.

19. During that year, the following persons purchased farms in various portions of the township: William W. Bunnell and Hervey Bates, in Section 17; Peter Halsted, Joseph Walling, David Hoover and Samuel Halsted, in Section 3; John Hill and George Ribble, in Section 4; Joseph Keesling, in Section 6; William Power, in Section 9; John Thornburg, in Section 12; Isaac Thornburg, in Section 13; Mahlon Branson, in Section 19; and Joseph Cowgill, in Section 21. William N. Rowe came probably as early as the year 1828. He located on the farm now owned by Alexander Cunningham, and cleared up a portion, upon which he resided for a number of years. He served as Justice of the Peace, and was highly esteemed by his neighbors. He finally

Goldsmith Gilbert settled in the northern part of the township at an eariy day, but, as his name does not appear on the tract-book in connection with the early land-sales, we have no positive evidence of the date of his settlement. It is said by William A. Scott, an old settler of the township, that he came probably as early as 1822 or 1823.

There was an increase of immigration in 1831, and, in that year, land was selected and entered in various portions of the township by the following persons: William I. Cecil, in Section 4; James Cecil, Section 6; Eli Hoover and William Baltimore, Section 9; Joseph Fifer, Section 10; Daniel Kessler, Section 21; Eli Fox, Section 22; John Lennington, Section 23; Peter Derr, Section 30.

In October, 1831, Aaron I. Cecil came to the township and purchased 160 acres of the tract entered by Daniel Thompson in 1829. In addition to this, he entered a tract adjacent, containing 146 acres. The Thompson tract was pre-empted, or at' least occupied, by Samuel Simmons, who afterward became identified with the history of Liberty. Mr. Simmons had made some valuable. improvements on this land, not the least of which was a good hewed-iog house. Thompson entered the land, regardless of the justice of Simmons' claim, and sold it to Ceeil. The cabin erected by Mr. Simmons became the home of Mr. Cecil's family, which then consisted of his wife Ann, and seven children, viz.: John S., Sarah Ann, Zachariah W., Elihu, Samuel, Rebecca and Mary. His son Gordon was born in the township in October, 1832, and died on the home farm in 1872. Rebecca and Mary are also deceased, and the surviving children, with the exception of Sarah Ann, are residents of the county. The elder Cecil was a man of fine character, and, until the time of his death, in 1860, was an active worker in the public inter-

Peter Dragoo settled in the southern part of the township in 1831, and, after selecting a tract of land situated in Section 19, began the work of improving it.- He was not molested in his right of possession, but, to guard against such a possibility, he entered the tract at the Fort Wayne Land Office, January 8, 1833. He still lives on his farm, at an advanced' age, the twilight rapidly closing around a life expended in 'honest toil. He was in the prime of manhood when he first settled in the township, and was accompanied by his wife and five children on the journey from Virginia to the " El Dorado" of the West. |

The year 1832 witnessed other valuable additions to the settlement. William A. Scott settled, in that year, on the land which he sttbsequently converted into a fine farm, and where he now resides, on the " shady side"' of an honorable and useful life.

Land was entered in that year by Nelson Thayer, in Section 2; Calvin Cecil, in Section 8; Paul Way, in Section 11; Abraham Lennington, in Section 24; Ira Main, in Section 35. In the same year, Thomas Whitney settled in the north part of the township, where he still resides. His life has been marked by uprightness and honesty; and he has ever possessed the confidence and esteem of all with whom he has been associated. <A neat marble shaft in his door-yard reminds the passer-by of the fate of his two brave sons, who fell in defense of the Union during the war of the rebellion.

In 1833, Thomas Edwards entered a tract of land in Section 10; and Martin Hoover entered an adjacent tract about two months subsequently. Benjamin Carr and Alexander Thornburg entered land in Section 13; Abraham Stover and William P. Matthews, in Section 20; Thomas J. Keener, in Section 21; Isaac Blunt, in Section 23; and Joel Drake, in Sectien 36. Among other settlers who came about this time were Jesse Chalfant and family, several of whom stil] survive, and are well known in the county; and Ezekiel McAllister, who settled here about the same time.

The land purchases of 1834 were made by the following persons: John Kirkpatrick, in Section 7; Moses Hodson, in Section 11; Charles Miller, in the same section; Elijah Harrold, in Section 18; William Lindsey, in Section 21. The year 1835 was marked by a largely increased immigration, and the following land purchases were made: Norris Fleming, in Section 1; John Brooks, in Section 2; Samuel Cecil, in Section 6; John Vanausdall, in the same section; John Buck, in Section 10; John Lewis, in Section 19; Morgan and Jonathan Thornburg, in Section 18; Isaiah Templin, in Section 14; William Heaton, in Section 20; James Lindley and Hosea Sisk, in Section 21; and John Beckelshymer, in Section 24. The purchasers of land in 1836 were: Martin Dye, Alexander Nisbet, Henry Dye, James Barr, David Stephens, William Baird, Robert R. Barr, James Warren, James Lennington, Robert Hindman, William Locke, Michael Wolfe, Jackson Brewer, William P. Ball, James Hart, Henry Hart, Jesse Pugh, Jonathan Warren, Seth Warren, George Holloway, Solomon H. Way, Samuel Rooks, | years had then elapsed since the advent of the first white settlers, and the interest that once marked the arrival of a new family in the settle ment had long since subsided. Our chronicle of arrivals (the tract-book) closes with the year 1838, and the names of later purchasers cannot be obtained with sufficient accuracy to warrant further mention.

One of the old settlers of this'township is Boyd Linville, who = resides on a farm in Section 18, redeemed from the wilderness, improved and cultivated by his own hand. In November, 1829, he first came io Delaware County, having driven a four-horse team from North Caroling for his uncle, Johnson King. He was accompanied by his wife and six childern, and located first in Center Township. Subsequently, he removed to Monroe, and finally to Perry, where he has lived for upward of half a century, an honored and esteemed citizen.

Perhaps the oldest road in the township is the Richmond and Muncie State road, which here has a diagonal course from southeast to northwest, passing through the present village of New Burlington. It was evidently laid out at a very early day, for Peter Dragoo stutes that, at the date of his arrival in the township, it course was very distinctly traceable through the woods, and that it bore evidences of having been extensively traveled, even at that early day.

Many of the settlers in our northern and northeastern counties came, originally, from the older county of Wayne, and it is not improbable that the tide of emigration from that quarter suggested and furthered The accessibility of lands in the vicinity of this road was a consideration in determining the location of a number of the early settlers in this and other townships through which it passed. Mahlon Branson, Samuel Poff and Peter Dragoo all reached their respective farms by this road, while, at a later date than this, Elijah Harrold, Isaac Branson and the Thornburgs settled in its vicinity. Many of the early settlers at and near New Burlington traversed it, too, and, after diverging from its course, hewed their way through a dense forest to the sites which they had selected for homes. In a number of instances, these by-paths, hacked out for temporary convenience, became roads, and, with some corrections, brought about by subsequent surveys, are traveled day by day by busy men and happy children, heedless of the circumstances which first led to their location, and half-forgetful of the pioneers whose axes felled the first tree to make an opening in the woods, that they might reach a spot previously selected, and almost secluded from the world, whose children will never know the full extent of the hardships they endured in their early efforts to inaugurate civilization in the wilderness, to penetrate the haunts of savage beasts, and scarcely less savage men, with the light of progress, and prepare a way for the culture and happiness that characterize the present, and reflect upon the past a light in which glitter the achievements and memories of the forefathers; a light in which they stand out from a dark background, the benefactors of a race.

About the year 1834 or 1835, the old Richmond road was improved and widened, and, in later years, a joint-stock company conceived the project of grading and graveling that portion of it which passes through _ this county. It is now known as the Muncie & New Burlington Pike.

Roads were surveyed and road districts established, at various times, until the township was finally supplied with all the necessary highways for the transportation of its products to convenient markets.

On the Windsor & Muncie road, near the present site of Taylor Duncan's residence, Richard Bush entertained the traveling public with the best the country then afforded. His house was an ordinary log cabin, and the menw not such as would be appropriate to a first-class hotel of the present day; but the robust and hearty wagoners who stoppec. vith him devoured the repasts set before them with evident relish. His guests were principally emigrants, en route for some of the settlements farther west, and generally his house was crowded. He opened his tavern, it is thought, about the year 1833. Some years later, Mr. Stiffler kept a tavern on the farm now occupied by his son John. At New Burlington, Charles Mansfield opened a tavern about the year 1840, and continued as its proprietor for a number of years. J oseph Parsons - kept a similar establishment in the eastern part of the town about the same time, or perhaps a little earlier. Teamsters hauling goods from

This enterprise, so far as this township is concerned, is a thing of the past. To-day, not even the village of New Burlington boasts a boardinghouse or hotel. Private houses, however, are not closed to the hungry and weary sojourner, and only a moderate fee charged him for his entertainment.

Probably the first stock of merchandise ever exposed for sale in the township was that opened by John Newcomb about the year 1838. His store was located in the then recently laid-out village of New Burlington, and he remained in the trade for several years. He sold out to Charles Mansfield, who conducted the store in connection with his tavern. The pbuilding in which Mansfield held forth was a two-story frame, and is still to be seen, opposite Masonic Hall, in a dilapidated condition. Mansfield sold his stock and' good will to John Kyger, who conducted the store successfully for a number of years.

It speaks well for the health of the settlement that there were no resident physicians included in its population at an early day, or that the general outlook did not justify one of that profession in locating among them and depending upon his profession for a livelihood.

In extreme cases, Dr. Dynes, of Smithfield, and Dr. Kerr, of New Castle, were called to administer to the physical needs of the residents, and their lot was by no means an enviable one. They were compelled to ride on horseback over terrible roads, and often through the wilderness, where not a sign of a road was visible. There was a marked scarcity of cash, and, in the earlier days, at least, their occupation was scarcely more profitable than pleasant.

Dr. Haines was also an early practitioner, and a physician of more than ordinary skill. He fell a victim to what was designated by the settlers "' black-tongue" erysipelas, at a time when that malady was unusually prevalent. He was the first resident physician of the township. The next was Dr. Davidson, who p racticed successfully for three or four years, and finally removed to another locality. His successor; Dr. S. V. Jump, is still in the midst of an extensive and successful practice, and is well and favorably known.

About the year 1834 or 1835, Andrew Rockenfield erected a saw-mill on the branch of Prairie Creek that has since been known by the name of "Shave-tail." Rockenfield operated the mill for several years, and finally traded it to John Polsley. From him it passed to Jacob Hackman, and finally B. G. Cunningham purchased the farm and abandoned the mill, which, by that time, had outlived its usefulness.

In 1838 or 1839, Ephraim Carey erected a grist-mill on his own farm, on Prairie Creek, and operated it perhaps as long as twelve years. The parties to whom he then sold it added a carding-mill, and, after operating it for a few years, sold it to Thomas Ice and James Carey, Jonas Harris was the next owner. It is thought the mill was still in his possession when it was finally abandoned, more than twenty years ago, The farm upon which it stood is cultivated by Ezekiel Stanley.

R. Jenkins erected a saw-mill-in 1841 or 1842, and, after opreating it for a few years, sold it to William Seldenridge. John Kyger was the next owner, and made some important improvements, among which were the addition of a circular saw, and a run ot buhrs for grinding wheat. Mr. Kyger continued to operate the mill until it was worn out, and he abandoned it some time subsequent to the late war. The location of this mill was on the Samuel Weidner farm, now owned by the heirs of the late B. G. Cunningham. . il

It is a fact very much to the credit of the early settlers of Perry that the importance of educating their children was so early recognized: and steps taken to secure its consummation. It may be possible that classes for the instruction of children were formed at an earlier date than 1827, at Muncie, but it is a well-established fact that, in that year: was erected the first schoolhouse in Delaware County, and that it was erected in Perry Township. It was built on the land then owned by Aaron Richardson, near the present village of New Burlington, and nearly opposite the present residence of Dr. 8. V. Jump. In architect ural design, it was in harmony with the style then prevalent, i. e., of round logs. Its builders included nearly all the men then living in the settlement, who turned out cheerfully and contributed their labor in its construction. The seats were split puncheons, arranged along the sides of the building. At one side, a board was fastened, and inclined in such a manner as to form a writing-table. This was for the girls. On the opposite side of the room, there was a similar desk at which the boys wrote their copies. The fire-place occupied nearly the whole of one end of the building, and at one side of this sat the "master," perched at his desk, while on a high stool near by stood a bucket of water and a tin cup. In lieu of glass, greased paper admitted the light through an aperture from which a log had been removed for the purpose. The building was used as a schvolhouse for a few years, and was left standing, a solitary relic of the past, until the land was purchased by Mr. Samuel Weidner, when it was torn down to make room for his residence. In later years, it became an object of historic interest as the parent institution of its kind in the county, and, from the description of the structure, a model was made by Mr. Carpenter, a pupil of the Muncie High School, which was pronounced an exact likeness. this an engraving was made.

From The latter was borrowed, and appears in the report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for 1880, as a representation of the first schoolhouse in Vanderburgh County, while in reality it is a picture of the house of which we write.

As to who was the first teacher, there is a great variance of opinion. Some of the old citizens maintain that it was William Rowe, while others are equally positive that it was Aaron Richardson, on whose land the house stood. .This is substantiated by Mrs. Christopher Ribble (nee Martha Van Arsdall), who attended the school, as she thinks, in the first year of its existence, and says that Aaron Richardson was her teacher. Though very young at that time, she remembers the circumstances very distinctly, as they were impressed upon her mind by seeing the scholars carry paste and paper from their homes to make lights for the windows. William Rowe certainly was one of the very early teachers in this township, and may have been Richardson's immediate successor. |

Among the surviving pupils of that school are Thomas Hackett, John, Mary, Ellen and Martha Van Arsdall (Mrs. C. Ribble), David, Bowen, Lewis and Morris Reese. Jacob Powers was also a pupil of this school, and a promising young man. He became a teacher in after years, and conducted a very fine school in the township where he had been educated. A custom was prevalent in those days (and, among some of the more conservative rural communities of Eastern States, still prevails) by which it was made obligatory upon the teacher, at the Christmas season, to give a holiday treat to his scholars. This Powers refused to conform to (whether from prejudice or pecuniary considerations will never be known), and turned to leave the larger boys of his school, who were pressing the matter. Seeing them follow him, he started to run. He was pursued and overtaken, and, when the boys had led him to the brink of Prairie Creek, they offered him one more chanee to avert the " ducking" that must follow a further refusal. He would not yield, but explained to them that he had but tle day before had a tooth extracted, and that the consummation of their design would jeopardize his life. His explanation availed nothing, however, and his firmness only incensed the boys, who proceeded to throw him into the water. His words seemed prophetic. The cold bath gave him lock-jaw, from which he died in a few days.

Another early schoolhouse was that erected on the Stouder farm in the year 1828 or 1829. Not so much interest clusters about it, however: as about its predecessor, for others were soon after erected in different parts of the township. Among these was one on the land of Daniel Thompson, in which Samuel Campbell taught during the winter of 1830-31. He had then recently come to the settlement from the State of Virginia, where he had enjoyed a liberal education, and consequently conducted a school superior to the average school of that period.

About this time, the Congressional funds of the township began to be appropriated for the maintenance of the schools, but were only sufficient to meet the expenses of a part of the term. ;

In 1853, the first free school was erected, in District No. 4, under the provisions of the school law of 1851 and 1852. It was a frame building, and Miss Jane Branson taught the first term.

On the 13th day of May, 1853, the Trustees met the voters of the township at an election called to decide the question of levying a tax for the purpose of building schools. Fifty-two votes were cast, of which twenty-eight were in favor of the proposition, and twenty-four against. Fortunately for the free-school system, the measure was carried by the four men whose public spirit and sense of right rose equal to the occasion. The tax levied was 50 cents on each $100 valuation of real and personal property, and 50 cents on each poll. With the funds thus derived, frame houses were erected in each of the nine school districts of the township, and the regular school fund appropriated to the salary of good teachers. In time, the frame buildings began to show signs of decay, and, in each instance where such was the case, they were succeeded by neat and substantial brick buildings. At the present time, there are nine of this class in the township - one in each district. The average cost was $1,500 each.

Number of pupils admitted within the year, 341; average attendance, 237; length of school term in days, 90; number of white teachers employed, 9; average compensation of teachers per day, $1.914; number of brick schoolhouses, 9; estimated value of schoolhouses, grounds, etce., $12,060; estimated value of school apparatus, $250.

Account Of Revenue For Tuition

CHURCHES. Cornelius Van Arsdall conducted the first religious services, soon after the arrival of the little colony mentioned at the beginning of this chapter. His house was the temple in which they assembled for worship, and denominational preferences were forgotten in the interest each

Perhaps the next preacher was a half-breed, who then resided near Yorktown. Elijah Martindale, Joshua Hickman, and My. Boyd were also among the early preachers, and their example was always for good. At a later date, the settlement was visited occasionally by ministers from other localities, who were sent out as missionaries, or supplies. As the population increased, the several religious denominations began to have a following, and their organization was accomplished as each point of numbers, but prosperity attended their organization, and the societies formed in the wilderness are, almost without an exception, flourishing congregations to-day.

The Christian Church. - The organization of this society was effected at the house of Cornelius Van Arsdall, about the year 1830. Mr. Vau Arsdall was the first minister, and it was probably he who organized the society. Samuel Poff was also one of their early leaders, and Rev. Mossburg was the first minister formally installed.

The society worshiped at private houses for several years, and then erected a log church near the site of their present edifice, on land donated by Charles Miller.

The membership continued to increase each year, and the permanence of the organization was assured. In 1876, they completed a neat brick church on the lot oecupied by the log building, and in close proximity to the site of that structure. The new church was dedicated in June, 1876, by Rev. Brandon, and services are now regularly conducted by the Pastor, Rev. Newhouse.

The Methodist Episcopal Church - The Methodist was the second denomination organized in the township, but for a number of years their meetings were held at private houses. One class met at the house of Louis Smith, and another at the house of Jesse Jackson-- They kept no records, or, if ever kept, they are now out of existence, and we are unable to find any documentary evidence bearing on the early history of the respective classes. The facts herein set forth have been gleaned from the statements of old members from each society, and are substan- During the greater portion of the time, the services were conducted by one of their own members, and it was only occasionally that they were visited by ordained ministers of the church. Finally, these charges were attached to the Muncie Circuit, and ministers came at intervals of two or three weeks. |

In the meantime, the Presbyterians had organized and erected a church at New Burlington, and, in 1856, the two Methodist classes were united through the efforts of Rev. Jacob Colclazer. It was suggested and arranged that they should make the village of New Burlington their permanent place of meeting, and the Presbyterians granted them the use of their church. Services were then held at alternate times by the respective congregations, and, in the course of a few years, the Methodists were left as the only occupants of the church, through the decline and ultimate disorganization of the Presbyterian congregation, the remaining members of which united with the Presbyterian Church in the southern part of Liberty Township.

The Methodists continued to worship in this church until it became old and unsafe, and then erected a frame building, in which their services were held until 1872. That year witnessed the completion of their present neat brick church, at a cost of $2,500, and its dedication by the Presiding Elder of the district, Rev. Holstock. The church has ever been prosperous, and is still ina spiritually healthy condition. Services are regularly conducted by the Pastor, Rey. A. J. Carey.

Mount Pleasant United Brethren Church. - From 1835 to 1839, the United Brethren held informal and irregular meetings in various portions of the township - the result, perhaps, of a limited number of adherents of that denomination. In 1839, however, they met at the house of Daniel Rector and effected an organization, assisted. by Rev. Lyman Chittenden. A short time subsequently, Rev. William Ogborn was installed as the regular Pastor, and services were held at Jonathan Rector's and other privaie houses for a period of nine or ten years.

Their first church was a log building, and was located near the site of the present edifice. Its walls resounded to the voices of the Revs. John Smith, John Griffith, John T. Vardaman and John Rutledge, as well as others, whose identity with the early history of the church in this county was equally marked. Accessions to their numbers from time to time suggested the erection of a new and more commodious church. This church was completed in the year 1860, and within its walls the meetings of the society are now held. The present membership is between sixty and sixty-five souls. Rev. Cyrus Smith is the present Pastor; Philip Oxley, Hezekiah Shuttleworth and J. H. Jackson are the Trustees of the church; and A. McConnell is the Secretary.

E Rpa Roraie Ier Cy

Free and Accepted Masons, Whitney Lodge, No. 229. - The meeting for organization was held March 4, 1897, at the office of Dr. S. V. Jump Of those present at this meeting, the following became charter sap of the lodge: Thomas Whitney, John 8. Hutchings, Abel Gibson, William Quigley, B. G. Cunningham, Samuel Weidner, and 8S. V. Jump, M. D., all from the lodge at Muncie, and Jonas Harris, of Hagarstown Lodge, No. 49. Thomas Whitney, John S. Hutchings and Dr. = ee i Jump were.appointed a committee to procure a suitable lodge-room, and petition the Grand Lodge for a dispensation. At the second meeting, June 13, 1857, this committee reported having discharged the duties assigned them, and handed to the proper persons a dispensation given under the hand of Solomon D. Bayless, Most Worthy Master of the Grand Lodge of Indiana.

In May, 1858, the membership was between twenty and thirty, and steps were taken to secure a more commodious hall and a permanent place of meeting. Their charter came to hand in June of that year, signed by Solomon D. Bayless, G. M.; Frank Emerson, D. G. M.; M. D. Manson, S. G. W.; and John R. Coffroth, J.G. W. The officers named in this charter were: Samuel V. Jump, W. M.; Jonas Harris, S. W.: and Thomas Whitney, J. W. The last step toward organization was now completed, and the individual interest manifested by the they felt warranted in erecting a building of their own. A lot was purchased, and upon this, in 1859, they erected the two-story frame building, in which the regular meetings are now held, on Saturday evening, on or before each full moon.

From this lodge have gone the charter members of various Masonic Lodges in this jurisdiction, and its membership, which was at one time bordering closely upon 100, has suffered materially by their withdrawal. The lodge, however, is still in a flourishing condition, and financially prosperous. The officers for the present term are: John Linville, W. M.; Jacomiah S. Hutchings, 8. W.; Marion Cunningham, J. W.; Wellington Rees, Secretary; and George Shroyer, Treasurer.

New Burlington is a pleasantly situated village in the northwestern portion of the township. It is essentially a rural village, boasting no manufacturing establishment of any kind. It contains one general merchandise store, of which George W. Shroyer is proprietor; one physician, Dr. S. V. Jump; while Phineas Tuttle is the village shoe-maker, and Joseph Thackeray is the wagon-maker.

The village is situated on the farm entered by George Ribble, who was the original proprietor, and first laid it off into town lots. The first house erected here was put up by a Mr. Goudy about 1835, and was around-log structure of primitive style. Almon Spencer erected the first frame house, in 1839.

George Parsons was probably the first blacksmith in the village, and Frank Edwards the first carpenter. He settled here sometime between 1828 and 1830.

Here was established the first post office in the township. Benjamin Pugh, the first Postmaster, served a number of years, and at a later date Dr. S. V. Jump was appointed, serving twenty years or more. He was succeeded by George W. Shroyer, the present incumbent.

Mount Pleasant is a thickly settled neighborhood in the southwestern part of the township, containing three cooper-shops and a number of dwelling-houses. Its close proximity to Mount Pleasant United Brethren Church probably explains the derivation of its name.

Perry is altogether a rural township, and the cultivation of its soil is the chief occupation of its inhabitants. The peculiar fertility of the land, and its adaptability to the raising of all crops usual in this climate, have placed it among the foremost townships of the county as a productive region. Wheat is the principal crop, and the one upon which is bestowed the greatest care and attention. Good crops of corn and some varieties of fruit are also raised. The only manufacturing establishment of any kind is a tile factory in the northeast portion of the township, whose proprietors find a ready market for their products in this and adjoining counties. In the 'northeast part of the township, there is a steam saw-mill, owned and operated by William Bailey. It has a circular saw, and cuts an average of 2,000 feet of timber per day. About two miles south of New Burlington, there is steam saw-mill owned and operated by William Felton, containing one circular saw, and sawing an average of 2,000 feet daily.

was born June 27, 1822, in Kent Connty, Delaware. His father, Isaac Jump, was a good and pious man, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died in 1832, and, in the following year, the mother, with her daughter, Elizabeth, and her sons, Samuel V. and Reynord, removed to Indiana and purchased a farm near Richmond. The elder son, Charles, had married and settled in Wayne County, Indiana, one year previously, and a daughter, who-was also married, took leave of her mother's family after accompanying them as far-as Ohio, in which State she settled with her husband. The removal of the family to Indiana was probably due to the request of our subject, as he had thus early formed a favorable impression of this State, and expressed a determination to settle here, with or without his mother and brothers.

-school. At the agé of sixteen years, he went to Franklin County, Indiana, and accepted employment in a stone-quarry there, saving from his earnings enough money to enable him to attend a school at Richmond, taught by James N. Poe. After attending this school for about two years, he began teaching and attending school alternately. He attended the Friends' school at Richmond, taught by Barnabas C. Hobbs, for two terms, teaching in the winter, and, after finishing the course in that school, began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. John Pritchett, at Centerville, Wayne Co., Ind. He pursued his studies under the guidance of this able preceptor until October, 1847, when he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and attended a course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College. In the spring of 1848, he located at the village of New Burlington, in Delaware County, where he very quickly built up a successful practice, which has increased as years have added to his experience and popularity. In the winter of 1858, he left his practice in the care of a competent physician and attended a second course of lectures at the Ohio Medical College, graduating at the end of the course. He returned.to New Burlington and resumed his practice, to which he has since devoted his undivided attention.

In July, 1848, he was married to Miss Letitia K. Allen, in Wayne County, Indiana, and in 1856 his wife died. Two children blessed this union - lIsabella, now deceased; and Elizabeth, wife of John Gates, of this county. He was married to his second wife, Miss Rebecca Cecil, daughter of Aaron Cecil, in December, 1857. The children of this union were Anna, Emma, Frances and Agnes, all of whom survive their mother, who died in 1870.

In 1871, the Doctor was united in marriage to his present companion, Miss Sophia Gilbert, daughter of O. J. Gilbert, of Mount Pleasant Township. Four children have blessed this union, viz.: Gilbert, Julia W., Clara V. and Charles A.

Dr. Jump was one of the first resident physicians in Perry Township, and throughout a residence of nearly thir ty-three years, has maintained a fine reputation as a skillful and successful practitioner. He is highly regarded throughout a wide circuit over which his practice extends, and has gained many warm personal friends by his kind and winsome disposition, and his sterling qualities.

In 1869, he was chosen to represent this district in the State Legislature, but has held no other public positions, save that of Postmaster at New Burlington. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and of Whitney Lodge, No. 229, F: & A. M., of New Burlington; also of Muncie Chapter, Muncie Council and Muncie Commandery.

The surface is generally of an undulating character, or what is denominated "rolling land." This feature is especially marked in the vicinity of the streams, where the land is broken into gentle hills. The only important deviation from this general rule occurs near the western part of the township, where there is a stretch of prairie, several miles in of vexation to the settlers, and it was almost constantly covered with water. In later years, however, a system of drainige was adopted, by which the land was redeemed, and large portions of it are now annually sown in wheat, and other portions used for pasture. 3 .

The soil is almost uniformly a rich, black loam, excepting in portions of the prairie, where it isa white clay, and covered with oak timber. Agricultural pursuits form the principal industry of the township, the soil being especially adapted to the successful prosecution of this calling. ;

Mr. Van Matre still resides on the land which he then entered, and which he has cultivated successfully during the intervening years. In the early years of his residence in the township, he was a robust, hearty man, and was always present at house-raisings and log-rollings, and rendered cheerful assistance to his neighbors in their efforts to build their homes and improve their farms.

Thomas Windsor and Lawrence Wilson continued to cultivate their leased farms until they were able to purchase land in the township, Which both subsequently did. Windsor entered land in Section 9, in May, 1830, and after clearing this farm, lived upon it for a number of years. Subsequently he removed to the State of Illinois, and at a later ner of Section 12, Town 19 north, Range 8 east. southwestern portion, flowing west through Sections 19 and 24, and leaving the township at the southwest quarter of the latter section.

distance of two miles, changes its course to the northeast, continuing in this direction throughout the entire width of the township, finally forming a confluence with Buck Creek, in the adjoining township of Mount Pleasant. Williams' Creek is a tributary of Bell Creek, and in addition to this, there are several important streams, or branches.

Early Settlement

From information given by David Vanmeter, it appears that William Dilts was the first. white settler who ever became identified with the township as a permanent resident. The date of his arrival is stated as being late in the year 1823, or early in 1824. It is probable that there were white men here at an earlier date, but they cannot be came to the township, but beyond these, there were no traces of their occupants. Mr. Dilts came, originally, from Ohio, and settled at Middletown, Henry Co., Ind., where he erected a log cabin. he went to Chesterfield, in Madison County, and finally to this township, where he has cleared and improved a farm. He was a prominent citizen of the township for a number of years, but afterward removed to Chesterfield, where he died. . His descendants now live in Madison County. In March, 1825, David Van Matre came to the township in

While he was erecting his cabin, three new families joined the settlement in one day. These were the families of Thomas Windsor, John "McCulloch and Lawrence Wilson, who leased some land in the school section.

Lawrence Wilson, it appears, occupied his lease for a longer period than his neighbor, Windsor, as the record of land purchases shows that he did not enter land in his own name unti! the 11th day of October, 1834. If he resided upon it prior to that date, he had no other title than that of possession, otherwise denominated the "squatter's right." He did not live long enough to associate his name very prominently withthe improvements of the township, but came to a sudden and violent death within a few years after he became a freeholder. On one occasion, he and a friend started on an errand to the residence of a Justice of the Peace, several miles distant. Both men were mounted on one horse, and rode through the woods at a rapid rate. Passing under a tree, Mr. Wilson was struck by an overhanging limb and knocked from

In 1825, Acquilla Davis came to the township with his family. He was reared near Harper's Ferry, W. Va., and removed from there to Licking County, Ohio. He was accompanied by his wife and eight children, and two were born after his arrival here. Abraham was born in the fall of 1825, and Samuel was born four years later. Rachel. daughter of William Dilts, was the first white child born in the town-

Mr. Davis was a man of prominence, but was too unselfish to accumulate much property. He felt an interest in the settlement of the township, amounting almost to anxiety, and made a practice of piloting new settlers to their lands, and showing choice locations to prospective settlers. He died in the year 1842, after having cleared and improved

_ uel Davis, was born on this farm, and grew to manhood in the township. _ He has held various offices of honor and trust, and is now serving as Several of these huts were still standing when the first actual settlers |

In 1826, the settlers were John Van Matre and Robert Williams. Van Matre entered the east half of the northeast quarter of Section 20, in November, 1826, and in J anuary following, brought his family to the land. The tract adjoined that purchased by his cousin, David Van Matre. He cleared and improved this land, and made it his home until

In 1827, James Marsh came to the township with his family, and entered 160 acres in Section 20, where he cleared a small tract of land. Subsequently he sold out, and removed to Henry County, Ind., and, at a later date, removed to one of the Western States.

Heath removed his family to a rude cabin on his land, twelve by fourteen feet. This cabin was without a floor or doors. The family lived in it, however, until the following spring, when Mr. Heath, with the assistance of nearly all the men in the township, erected a better and more commodious dwelling.

His family at that time consisted of himself, wife and five sons - Albert, John W., Jacob W., James W. and George A., all of whom grew to manhood in the township. J ames W. and George A. are both dead. The former was a minister of the Gospel. Albert is now a resident of the State of Missouri; John W. resides at Chesterfield, Madison County, Ind., and Jacob W. is in business at Muncie. The mother died at Muncie in 1876, aged seventy-eight years. The father died at the old homestead in May, 1861. He was a public-spirited man, and did much to promote the township. He was the first man who worked at the carpenter's trade in the northwestern part of the township, and gave up a portion of this farm for the first cemetery in that neighborhood, making the coffins for the interment of the deceased members of the community.

Soon after his settlement here, he was, compelled to take his team and make a trip to Wayne County, Ind., to mill. During his absence, the streams became swollen by heavy rains, and as there were no bridges, his return was necessarily postponed for several days. Meanwhile his wife was left at home with the care of a family of small boys exposed to the dangers of the forest, in a cabin which, in lieu of a door, was defended against attacks from the outside by a blanket or comfort, stretched across the opening. The wolves came at night, and she could see their wicked little eyes glaring through the darkness. They would pounce against the blanket across the door, but: the fire on the hearth kept them at bay, and they did not enter the cabin. The woods were full of panthers and bears, in addition to the wolves, and the dangers in an unprotected cabin were by no means slight. The nearest neighbor at that time was William McConnell, whose cabin was three miles distant. It was necessary then to place the young pigs in a pen for safe keeping at night, as the wild-cats entertained a special fondness for young pork, and committed serious depredations upon such pig-sties as were not carefully guarded. Game was abundant, and the larders of the settlers were never wanting for meat. Jacob W. Heath relates that, one morning, his father went out to hunt his horses, and found two large bucks fighting. He killed them both and' took them home, and Mr. Heath says that they were very fine, weighing fifty pounds to the quarter.

On the south end of the land entered by Ralph Heath, and near the present residence of Alfred Heath, there was a cabin which was supposed to have been the abode of an Indian. It remained there for several years after-his settlement, and a tree near. the eabin was hacked with a tomahawk. On the premises of John Lain, adjoining the farm of Mr. Heath, there was a pen made of poles and tied down with hickory withes. In this inclosure, it was supposed, the remains of some chieftain of the tribe had been consigned to rest; but it contained no visible traces of human remains at that time. Their knowledge of the Indian mode of sepulture was what led the settlers to this conclusion. The pen was left undisturbed for a number of years.

It is stated by Jacob W. Heath, that the south part of the tract entered by his father is rich in iron ore, and that it lies so close to the surface as to impede the progress of the plow. He says that he has known pieces as large as a half-bushel measure to*be overturned by the plowshare, and that copper has been discovered on the same farm, one piece) weighing seven and a half ounces, and very pure, having been uneat hed in the cemetery. No steps have ever been taken to develop the m neral resources of the township, and it is not known how extensive they may be.

John Tomlinson was, perhaps, more prominent in the settlement of the township than any other member of that pioneer community. He possessed qualities that placed him at once in the position of a leader among his fellow-pioneers, and his judgment was consulted in all matters affecting the welfare of the community, and many in which only in- dividuals were concerned. He was born in Guilford Count , N. C., in 1 ce where he grew to manhood and was married. On Christmas, 1828, he moved to Wayne County, Ind., and, early in the following year, came to Delaware County and settled in Salem Township. On the 18th day of June, 1829, he purchased of the Government a tract of land upon which he founded a home for his family, and cleared a farm. His family at that time consisted of himself, wife and four daughters - Nancy, Sarah, Gilla and Amanda. Judge Tomlinson was peculiarly fitted for public life. He was a finished scholar and an accomplished lawyer, but never practiced this profession. About the year 1832, he was elected to the office of Associate Judge, and was subsequently elected Probate Judge. He also represented this district in the State Legislature. He was a Whig of the most pronounced type, and was identified with that party during his life. He was known as a peacemaker, and many unpleasant difficulties between his neighbors were submitted to his arbitration, his judgment always being accepted as final. On the 16th day of April, 1853, he died full of years and honors, and deeply lamented by those who had known and loved him in life. His wife survived until 1873, when she died at the ripe age of eightyseven years. Of the children who came with him, all grew to maturity, married, and settled in this county, and all are now deceased save Sarah, widow of the late Thomas Kirby, Esq., now residing with her daughter, Mrs. Hamilton, in Muncie.

Campbell Dale was also one of the prominent early settlers of the township, and his name is perpetuated in the village of Daleville, which was founded by his heirs. On the 10th of January, 1827, he entered the east half of the northwest quarter of Section 12, and, in March of the same year, entered the southeast quarter, and part of the northeast quarter of Section 1, in Township 19 north, Range 8 east.

In November, 1827, John Suman entered a tract of land in Section 6, where he cleared and improved a farm. He reared a large family, some of whom are now prominent citizens of the township.

There were no arrivals in 18258, so far as can be ascertained. The settlers of 1829, in addition to those previously named, were Thomas Fastnacht, Isaac Carpenter, Daniel Shawhan and John Perdieu. Thomas Fastnacht settled in Section 12, and Isaac Carpenter settled on an adjoining tract in the same section. Daniel Shawhan settled in Section 15, purchasing the east half of the southwest quarter of that section, and John Perdieu purchased the west half of the northwest quar ter of Section 22. They were all men of industrious habits, and cleared and improved fine farms.

After the year 1829, immigration increased rapidly, and that the settlers of the ensuing years may receive proper notice, the tract-book has been consulted for the names of those by whom each section was settled, and the result is given as follows:

TtownsHie 19 NorTH, RANGE 8 EAST. Section 1 was purchased by Campbell Dale, March 20, 1827; Jason Hudson, April 7, 1831; Frederick Bronnenburg, October 12, 1535; and John Bronnenburg, November 2, 1835.

Section 24 was purchased and settled by John Fleming and Peter Miller, May 5, 1831; Jonas Gallahan, February 3, 1832; Joshua Hurley, December 25, 1833; William Fleming, January 23, 1835; Abraham Dipboye, March 31, 1835; William O'Brien, September 19, 1835; and Benjamin Bartlett, October 22, 1835.

In the eastern division of the township, otherwise known as Township 19 north, Range 9 east, the various sections were purchased and settled by the following persons: "

Sec. 3 was purchased almost exclusively by speculators. Theodore R. Lewis was the only actual settler in this section, who purchased his land directly of the Government. 6, 1836.

By the year 1836, all the Government land in the township had been entered, and this properly closes our period of early settlement, as the arrival of new families had, by that time, ceased to be an object of much interest to those already established. Then, too, many improvements had been instituted and carried out, and there was a reasonable degree of prosperity, so that the locality was no longer regarded as & backwoods settlement. During the early days, while there was still a

_ the settlers were subjected to various malarial maladits, the most | troublesome of which, probably, was the disease known as "milk sick- _ ness." One of the early victims was Asa Bishop, who settled in the town- | ship about 1835, and the death of his child, from the same cause, fol- 1535; John Stewart, September 3, 1835: William Stewart, September | lowed closely upon his own. At that date there were no regularly established cemeteries, excepting, perhaps, that portion of the Ralph Heath farm, set apart for that purpose, and the deceased members ,of the settlement were, in many The first death of a white person in the township was probably that of the child of Jeremiah Washburn,

After settlements were effected in the township, and sufficient land to produce the necessaries of life had been cleared, the settlers next turned their attention to the construction of public highways, and each man in the settlement contributed voluntary and cheerful assistance in sect the Muncie and Middletown road. Shortly afterward, another road was opened, beginning at the same farm and running south and west. intersected the Muncie and Middletown road at the McCallister farm.

About the year 1839, a county road was surveyed from Yorktown, passing through this township, and terminating at Middletown, in Henry County. At the junction of this road with the Muncie and Middletown road, there was a store and blacksmith-shop. The former collapsed after a brief season, but there has ever since been a blacksmith-shop at this point.

At a still earlier date, perhaps as early as 1836, there was a road surveyed through the township running from Middletown to Muncie, by way of Bell Creek, and about the same time a road was laid out on the north side of the White River, running from Daleville to Killbuck Creek, in Mount Pleasant Township. About 1840, a road from Daleville to Middletown was surveyed and laid out.

The road known as the "Ridge Road" was located as early as 1835. It began at the crossing of the Muncie and Middletown roads, and running thence along the west bank of Bell Creek, terminated at Muncie. In 1839 or 1840, the Daleville' and Bell Oreck road was surveyed, and the residents of each Supervisor's district cut it out and improved it.

Beginning at Daleville, it runs east to Bell Creek, where it intersects with the Middletown road. In 1867 and 1868, a stock company graded and graveled this road for a distance of three miles east of Daleville, making it a toll-pike.

Numerous roads were located in later years in response to petitions, and nearly every section in the township is now bounded by public highways.

Industrial Pursuits

As prosperity increased in the settlement, and money came to the settlers, they began to look upon their mud and stick chimneys with a feeling akin to disgust, and certainly amounting to dissatisfaction.

Perhaps the earliest laid-out road was one which, in 1831, was begun in the east part of the township, and continued across its entire length, diverging toward Chesterfield, in Madison It was surveyed in 1831, and a portion of it cleared in that In the latter year, the second road in the township was surveyed and opened at the expense of the county, running from Muncie to Middletown, and, two or three years later, the Muncie and Pendleton State road was surveyed During the summer of 1832, a county road was located, beginning at the farm of Judge Tomlinson, and running east to inter prick never became an industry of any considerable importance in the township. The kiln burned by Ralph Heath, Harvey Heath and John Lain, in 1835, was probably the first.

Grist or flouring mills were not among the early institutions of the township. At Muncie on the north, and at Middletown on the south, there were flouring-mills in operation at an early day, and the settlers from this locality went to one of these points with their orain, although often at great inconvenience to themselves. :

There were several attempts at merchandising during the earlier years of the settlement, but they were not attended by any flattering degree of success. As early as 1832 or 1833, John C. Gustin opened a small stock of goods at the crossing of the Muncie and Middletown road with the Yorktown road. He remained but a short time, and finally returned to Madison County, whence he came. _

In 1875, it again reverted to Mr. Helvie, and the machinery was removed to Daleville. It is now owned by the heirs of Mr. Helvie, and operated by J. P. Rogers.

Early Merchants

After the discouraging reception of Gustin's establishment, no one, it appears, cared to repeat the experiment soon. About the year 1838, however, William and Erasmus Moffett opened a stock of goods at the same corner. The "Cross Roads" had, by that time, become a locality of some note, and had been made the voting precinct of the township. The Moffett store was supplied with a much better stock, and was more extensively patronized than its predecessor. They continued the business here for several years, and finally closed out the stock.

About the year 1838, Abraham Dipboye opened the first store at Daleville. The site was a frame building at the west part of the village. Dipboye continued in business here for about two years, and, like his predecessors, finally closed out his stock. In 1858 or 1859, Newman & Underwood opened a store in the building which stood upon, or near, the ground now occupird by the water tank of Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway. Their venture was not profitable, and, in May, 1861, they made an assionment for the ben-

\ Shortly afterward, Ezekiel McCall opened a store in the building now occupied by J. M. Gray. In 1862, Mr. Gray becarae a partner, and the firm was then known as McCall & Gray. Subsequently John Shoemaker purchased McCall's interest, and took his place in the firm. In March, 1864, this relation was dissolved, and, in the winter of 1865, William Boyle took the place formerly occupied in the firm by Mr. Shoemaker. Subsequently Mr. Gray purchased the interest of Mr. Boyles, and has since conducted the business alone, or in partnership with his son. SCHOOLS.

It is evident that the early settlers of Salem were alive to the interests of their children, and that they were determined to afford them whatever educational advantages their surroundings would permit, for, as early as the winter of 1828-29, we find a school in progress on the farm of David Vanmeter. Elza B. Watkins was the teacher. Whether he came to the settlement to bear his part, as a settler, in the transfor- mation scene then going on in the wilderness, or whether he came with a view to the no less important mission of spreading intellectual light among the younger generation in the forest, is a question that, perhaps will never be definitely settled. It is certain, however, that he was ; man of superior culture, as compared with the pedagogues of that period, and that he conducted a fine school. 7 During the winter of the following year, the services of James Perdieu were secured, to continue the good work begun a year before by Mr. Watkins. The cabin in which his school was conducted was situated on the farm of John Vanmeter. This was the first house ever

There were, as yet, but a limited number of settlers inthe township, and as the existence of the school was conditional wpon the amount subscribed by those whose ¢hildren shared its benefits, the salary of the teacher must have been limited indeed.

In 1833, James Jones donated the cabin in which his family first lived after their settlement in the township, and, during the winter of that year, a school was conducted by Rev. Abner Perdieu. Mr. Perdieu brought to bear in his work the attainments of a fine scholar, and his pupils progressed finely under his instructions. Among the surviving pupils of this school are Michael Thompson, David Campbell, Mrs. Sarah Kirby, David W. and James H. Jones, Jacob W. and John W. Heath. 2 :

During the winter of 1833-34, a cabin on the land of Henry Miller was used for a schoolhouse. "The old log building stood near the site now occupied by Schoolhouse No. 7. Ever since Mr. Miller donated this lot to the township, it has been occupied by a school. The first log puilding was destroyed by fire, and was succeeded by another, of like construction, which was destroyed in the same manner. In 1846, several members of the community proposed to erect a brick house on this site, but the measure was opposed by others. The public funds were limited, and private donations were resorted to, to carry out the propo sition. John Shoemaker, one of the leaders in the movement, donated $25, and James Stewart donated an equal amount. Minor sums were contributed by others, and these, added to the public or Congressional fund of the township, enabled them to complete the school.

After the adoption of the present free-school system, this house was the first in which school was taught under the provisions of the law of 1851-52. Afterward all the old schoolhouses in the township were converted into free schools, and new 'ones were erected in districts before unprovided. There are now twelve school districts in the township, each supplied with a substantial building.

Number of white pupils admitted within the year, 463; average attendance, 325 3-10; length of term (days), 1093; number of teachers employed, 12; average compensation of teachers per day, $1.913; number of brick schoolhouses in the township, 8; number of frame school-

Amount on hand September 1, 1879......esseeeeseereeseneeesenesees $1,418 388 Amount received in February, 1880.....-..:seeesseeereeseeeeeenenees 1,059 90 Amount received in June, 1880.......cceeeeereeeeeeesreetenreetse erences 1,788 238 Miscellaneous receipts......seeccseeceereeeseeeeeeseesesersececereeseeess 81 00

Account Of Special School Revenue

Amount.on hand September 1, 1879...........ssecssesseeseeeeeseeeees $ 451 69 Amount received for sale of old schoolhouseé.............seeeesseee 19 00 Amount received within the year............ccccccccccccessscccensccese 1,092 04

The first organization was effected about the year 1831, at the house of Judge John Tomlinson. The society was of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, and the constituent members were John Tomlinson, Dolly Tomlinson, Ralph Heath, Mary Heath, John Lain, Sarah Lain and Ella Price, all of whom are now deceased.

Judge Tomlinson was the leader of this class for a period of fourteen years, during which time it received a largely increased membership. It finally developed into the Mount Zion congregation, a more extended account of which will be found in the history of Monroe Township.

The Christian Church at Daleville - About the year 1845, the first society of this denomination was organized at the barn of Maj. John Hupp, two miles east of Daleville. Among the constituent members were John Quick and wife, John Hupp and wife, Jonas Shoemaker and wife, John Shoemaker and wife, James Stewart and wife, and Mahala Murphy.

The meetings were held at the house of Maj. Hupp, and subsequently at the brick schoolhouse already mentioned. At a later date, this organization was disbanded, and the members united with the church at Middletown.

In 1869, they began the erection of the church at Daleville, and, on the first Sunday in January, 1570, it was dedicated by Elder Geary, of New Castle, Ind. Elder Jacob H. Vincent was chosen Pastor, and held that relation for a term of two years. Since his withdrawal the church has had no regular Pastor.

Since the year 1870, the Sunday school has been regularly maintained. It has an average attendance of sixty scholars at the present time. W. A. Shoemaker is the Superintendent.

in 1569, by Rev. P. G. Bell, at Schoolhouse No. 7. During the earlier years, the Lutherans residing in this neighborhood worshiped at the church in Henry County, and were identified with that church, until the present organization was formed.

Among the constituent members of this society were George Young and wife, Josiah Cromer and wife, George Bowers and wife, Samuel Sayford, wife and three daughters, John M. Shiry and wife, J oseph Shiry and wife, Adam Wiene and wife, and Jackson Bushong and wife.

In 1868, they began the erection of the present church, which was dedicated June 20, 1869, by Rev. Reinmond. It is a brick building, 36x48 feet, and cost $3,000.

Rey. Bell continued as Pastor of the church for a period of five years, and was succeeded by Rev. Ross, who remained but a few months. Rev. John Link was the next Pastor, and remained three years. Rey. J. C. Myers succeeded him, and remained two years, at the end of which time Rey. C. 8. Sprecher was called to the pastoral office. One year later, Rey. P. G. Bell again became the Pastor of the church,

As early as 1837, a class of this denomination was organized at the house of Thomas Groenendyke, by Rev. Wiley Jones. They never erected a house of worship, but maintained their organization until during the late war, when it was abandoned.

The membership being small, there was no opposition to the nominations for officers, and the following gentlemen were declared elected: P. M. Rudy, N. G.; L. D. Richman, V. G.; William H. Miller, Secre tary; Samuel Dusang, Treasurer.

The lodge has now an active membership of twenty-seven; is in good working order and good financial condition. The several offices of the lodge are filled by the following gentlemen at the present time: James Thomas, N. G.; John Bender, V. G;. Dr. W. W. Cornelius, Secretary; Carey Fenwick, Treasurer.

Richwood's Lodge, No. 490, Knights of Honor, was organized February 28, 1877, with the following charter members: D. R. Armitage, Samuel Drum, W. H. Neff, C. C. Heath, T. W. Tuttle, W. F. Andes, S. C. Moffett, H. H. Reed, George W. Lykens, A. M. Heath, 8S. F. Heaton, William Miller, Isaac Lake, Samuel Clevenger, B. F. Childs, G. W. Bates and J. R. McLain.

The first meetings were held in an up-stairs room in the residence of J. W. MeKimmey, near Tabor Post office. The present lodge-room is a well furnished second story room, 20x40 feet, with two ante-rooms. It is situated in the eastern extremity of the township, at the junction of the Range Line with the Middletown and Muncie Turnpike.

Daleville Cornet Band. - The first band at Daleville was organized September 8, 1877, with twelve members. One by one they withdrew, until only two were left. In April, 1878, the remaining members, W. H. Campbell and Joseph C. Dale, secured the co-operation of others, and organized the present band of thirteen pieces. Recently they have secured the services of Mr. B. Castetter, of Middletown, Ind., and are making good progress.

The Village Of Daleville

Daleville was founded by the sons of Campbell Dale. The original plat was located in the southwest corner of Section 1, Township 19 north, Range 8 east. Here, in 1845 or 1846, Abraham Pugsley erected

Res. Of Cromer

. . . . a a ener eens mmm Ee eee a two-story frame building in which he kept tavern. The old building the same by studious reading, by attentive observation. and by nbn the Daleville and Muncie road. : Always a farmer, he has been successful in that vocation to a goodly Great things were expected of Daleville, and great advantages were | degree. His business qualifications, too, insure him prominence in the to accrue to it, in the earlier years of its existence, from the fact of its circle wherein he operates. Has practical, safe judgment, and is clear location upon one of the arteries of commerce - the canal. But the | in his celeulative faculties In the ties of matrimony. he was united canal collapsed, and the town went to sleep, only to be awakened by the | November 15, 1832, with Miss Maria Myers, of Franklin County, Penn.., whistle of the engine upon the completion of the Cleveland, Columbus, | she, too, being a native of the Keystone State. They are the parents of Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway. _ thirteen children- - seven sons and six daughters. Eleven of them grew An account of its earlier merchants has been given in a preceding | to manhood and womanhood. while seven still survive. Their beloved part of this chapter: The following firms are now doing business in | Christian mother bade adieu to the endeared familv circle and all things the village: James M. Gray & Son, and Charles E. Helvie are the | earthly, to pass to the horizon of time. July 24, 1874. But, surely, respective proprietors of the dry-goods and grocery houses; 8. B. Gar- | what has been their irreparable loss has been her infinite gain. Her rett and John Dusang deal in drugs and groceries; George Cock is the pure exemplary life in this world, indeed, insures a life of eternal sunproprietor of the only exclusive grocery in the village; Henry Rader and _ shine in the realms beyond the river. James Brown are the village blacksmiths; and John Bender is the vil- As was his sainted companion, too, Mr. Shoemaker is a member in lage shoemaker. John Y. Stewart manufactures wagons, and deals in good standing of the Christian Church. Their connection with the agricultural implements. J. M. Gray & Son, and J. P. Shoemaker | church dates back upward of forty years, and that entire period has are grain dealers. been marked by unquestioned evidences of Christian fidelity and TABOR POST OFFICE uprightness. is situated at the eastern extremity of the township, and is familiarly Upon the question of temperance, also, Mr. Shoemaker is radical in known as "Sockum." It contains one store, kept by Lory Snell, who is | his profession and consistent in his every-day life. In polities he is an also the Postmaster, and one wagon and blacksmith-shop, of which | ardent Republican. Has never aspired to public favor or preferment John D. Modlin is the proprietor. But rather has been prompted to abide the honest convictions of duty and right. Three of his sons - Henry, John P. and Joseph R. - joined the patriot army during the dark days of the late rebellion, in helping to maintain the honor of our flag and the perpetuity of the Union. Mr. Shoemaker moved to Delaware County in the fall,of 1836, settling in Salem Township, where he has since lived. He is indeed one _ of the venerable citizens and pioneers of Delaware County. Is a man of independent means, and has obtained it honestly and honorably. In - fact the name of Shoemaker in Salem Township, is a synonym of honor and universal esteem.

Population Rev. James W. Heath

Amount paid Supervisottwen re renenn cee aa | taught school at a salary of $15 per month, boarding from house to Amount paid for building new schitivinttes S56 a | house" among: vhe patrons of lis. sclodl.~ In 1547, he married Lydia Amount paid for repair of schoolhouse .........scecscseeseesecneeeeeeees 20 _ Painter, and moved to the home farm to take care of his parents in their ee OE iiss cs 0 as ccasscocsscsccusssdccVanyadeutabedssespebecniom 240 _| declining yesrs. He took an active part in educational and religious ATHOUUE PANE LO WOAGNOES .. 0c. 0cc0s sccsccerseceseccccarcsedeosebeenscedesoevass 3,110 interests, and was the stanch friend of public improvements, contrib- Amount paid for engporiation OF PAUPHS ...5. ics ccucssaeeceagetpevnas 5 uting liberally to the support and furtherance of public enterprises. Amount paid Trustees for services... conn, ang | Although' too modest for a politician, he was elected to the office of _ Trustee of his township, and re-elected for several consecutive terms.

| known as a worthy citizen. He died at his home in the city of Muncie, the fifth child in a family of five brothers and four sisters. His parents,

John and Elizabeth Shoemaker, were also natives of Montgomery County, He reared a family of three sons and one daughter, all of whom grew i Penn. to honorable and useful maturity. Charles and Alfred are highly iN [J Mr. Shoemaker's early school advantages were scanty- - - limited to the | respected farmers in this county, and Sylvester W. is Principal of the (\ meager opportunities afforded poor boys of his time. He is a man, how- | public schools at the village of Cowan. He was formerly Principal of | ever, of much general information and intelligence; having acquired | one of the schools at Muncie.

The Mississinewa River enters the township at the southeast corner of Section 25, and, flowing west and northwest, divides it nearly in the center. Lick Creek waters the southern and southwestern portions, flowing north and joining the Mississinewa between Wheeling and Elizabethtown, in Washington. There are several minor streams, which have no importance except as channels for draining the adjacent lands.

of a leader in the settlement. His was the first orchard in the township. He purchased the trees at a nursery in Wayne County, Indiana, and set them out in the spring of 1831. He led in many other improve-

William Essley came in the spring of 1830, and settled at the mouth of a small creek, which still bears his name. He also reared a large family, who were for many years prominent and highly respected citizens of the county, and have since been identified with the State of Lowa.

On both sides of the river the land is undulating, and in some places | is characterized by gentle hills, which add a pleasing effect to the beauty | the vicinity of Lick Creek, though in a less marked degree than in those | portions near the Mississnewa, the declivity of the surface here being | _ the arrival of new settlers had ceased to be regarded with the same There are large tracts of level, low-lying land, which were formerly | : _ land-purchases furnished the best and most impartial account of the _ settlement during that period, and the names and location of settlers ugly marshes, but which, by the enterprise and industry of the citizens, have been converted into fine farming lands, by an extensive system of township in the amount or quality of their products. The soil does not differ materially from that of the adjoining township of Washington. Black loam, with a substratum of clay, and clay intermixed with sand, are the prevailing features of the soil. |

Black, white, red and burr oak, black and white walnut, poplar, elm, beach, sugar maple, etc., were the prevailing varieties of timber standiag in their primeval glory the monarchs of the forest when the first pioneer took up an abode in their midst and began the warfare which was to culminate in their downfall. In less than half acentury, the inroads made upon the forests by our advancing civilization has resulted demand for oak, and the felling of trees and splitting of "bolts" for | heading timber has become an industry of considerable proportions in © on a tract of land which he subsequently entered, in Section 22. He made extensive improvements on this land, and, until the year 1536, had no other title than the right of possession.

he began the erection of a mill on the Mississinewa, above the present The buhrs were made of granite bowlders, or "nigger-heads," found in the river. The building was a round-log structure set on four posts, and a hollow sycamore log was made to do duty as a bolting-chest.

Section 7 was purchased by John Ginn, in May, 1830; Josiah MeVicker, 1833; John Hamilton, in February, 1834;° Isaac Swisher, in October of the same year; and John Reasoner, Sr., and John Reasoner, Jr., in October, 1835. |

In Section 8, the various fractional divisions of land were purchased by John Secrist, in October, 1833; Leonard Cline, in December, 1834; and James Chenowith, in December, 1836.

The purchasers of the lands in Section 9 were Letteuce Shideler, in May, 1836; Ashford Roberts, J uly, 1836; John W. Pyke and Isaac Miller, October, 1836; and William Adsit, in November of the same year. Section 10 was settled in 1836 by John Lambert, Jacob Shideler and Jacob Gayman.

resided in Delaware Township. He was a native of Ireland, and, after his arrival in the United States, lived in Washington County, Pennsylvania, for a number of years. From there he removed to Morgan County, Ohio, and finally came to Delaware County, Indiana, where he passed the remainder of his life. He was an enterprising man and a good farmer, and possessed a spirit that soon placed him in the position

In 1835, Hiram Cochran, Peter Shideler and Joshua Shideler entered land in Section 14, upon which they settled, and John Van Buskirk and David Shideler purchased and settled in the same section in 1836.

Benjamin Harris purchased a tract of land in Section 15, in 1834, and located upon it inthe same year. The remaining parcels of land in this section were purchased by persons whose names have been previously mentioned and by capitalists, who were not residents in the settlement. |

Elijah Collins, Samuel L. Black and Richard Craw settled in See- . tion 17 in 1833, and William Craw settled in the same section in 1834. Havilla Green entered the first tract of land in Section 18 in 1832, and the remainder of that section was purchased by John W. Harter and

Eli Foorman

The ancestors of this gentleman were of German descent, and res- His father, Frederick, the son of Michael Foorman, or Michael Fuhrman (as the name was formerly spelled), married Sarah, daughter of John Newcomer, and, with a view to improving. his fortunes, started out to follow the '' Star of Empire '' in its west- He settled in Clark County, Ohio, in 1834, and, in 1846, ward course. near the line dividing this township from Union. His family consisted of eight sons and two daughters, viz., Noah, Caroline, Adam, David N., William, John, Amos N., Henry, Eli and Mary A., of whom all are now living, save Caroline, David N. and Mary A. Frederick Fuhrman died March, 1863.

Eli, the eighth son and subject of this sketch, was born March 13, 1854, at the family homestead in Niles Township, Delaware County, Ind. His life, until he reached the age of twenty-one years, was passed He had the term, purchased a half-interest with John Eshenfelder, and embarked in the drug trade at Eaton, in this eounty, in December, 1875. On the 28d of March, following, Mr. Eshenfelder withdrew from the Although a young man, he has already developed business talents quite firm, and Mr. Foorman has since conducted the business alone. commendable. The adoption of, and adherence to, two maxims, have played no inconsiderable part in his success. These are '' Business before pleasure," and "If you have a place of business, be found there when wanted."'

His choice of a companion was the crowning event of his life. He was united in marriage, on the 10th day of April, 1880, to Miss Flora A., daughter of John A. Younce, and grand-daughter of George Younce.

June 4, 1862, in Union Township. Her mother was the daughter of Basil Clements. Of an amiable disposition and refined nature, she is eminently fitted to make a man's life happy.

Mr. Foorman is an energetic, wide-awake- business man, and enjoys an extensive and lucrative trade. By his sterling character, he has gained the confidence and good will of all with whom he has had dealings, and is a well-known advocate of a high moral standard in society. In contributing to the advancement of public enterprises for the good of the community, he has always borne his full share. He has gained

In 1882, William Flummer entered and settled upon a tract of land in Section 20, and was joined by David Cochran in 1835, and. George Comstock in 1836.

Samuel Wilson, the' first settler in Section 21, entered his land in 1832, and Isaac Cox entered a tract adjacent in 1833. Peter Grimes settled in the same section in 1834; Jesse Linscome in 1835.

The first tract of land in Section 22 was entered by Nimrod Jester in 1829, but it was not occupied by him until several years later. James Galbraith entered and occupied a tract of land in the same section in 1831; James Harter, in 1833; Washington Holdam, in 1834; and Samuel Elliott, in the same year.

In 1832, Samuel Kite entered the first tract of land in Section 23. His neighbors were Reuben Hampton, who came in 1833, John Irwin, in 1834, and Isaac Edwards, in 1835. ~

The lands in Section 24 were purchased by George Sharon in 1834, and Junius McMillen in 1835. Mr. McMillen purchased a farm at the eastern extremity of this section, and extending into the adjoining township of Niles, his house being situated in the latter township.

William Essley purchased the first tract of land in Section 25 in 1830, and the second tract in this section was purchased by Francis Harris in 1831. Roland Hughes purchased and settled in this section in 1833.

Section 26 was purchased by Joseph Battreall in 1833, Jacob Gump and Joseph Snyder, in 1835, and William Mendenhall and Jesse Meek; in 1836. Section 27 was settled by David Studebaker, in 1835, and James Frazer, William Lewis and Philip Hedricks, in 1836.

James Frazee settled in Section 28 in 1836. Matthew Smith settled in Section 29 in 1834, and James Love and Jonathan Jones settled in the same section in 1836.

John W. Stafford and Thomas Williams settled in Section. 31 in 1836 and 1837, respectively, and Section 32 was purchased by persons who have been previously mentioned.

Nicholas Sherry, Abraham Culbertson, Vincent Martin and Samuel Martin, all purchased land in Section 33 in 1836. John Huston and Simon Maxon also purchased large tracts of land in this section in 1835, but were not settlers. Their object was speculation, and they sold out their lands in parcels to later settlers.

In Section 34, David Sherry, Eli H. Ross, Daniel Sherry, Thomas Ewell, Isaac Martin and James Gnew, entered land and began to improve it in 1836. Martin remained here but a short time, and was more intimately identified with the settlement of Niles.

In 1836, George Pyke, William Sleeth and Thomas McCormick entered the land upon which they settled in Section 34, and Noah Simonton entered a tract of land in the same section in 1837. Large tracts were entered in this section as elsewhere in the township by persons who neyer came to reside upon them, but held them for speculative purposes.

By this time all the Government land had been taken up, and it would be difficult to continue the chronicle of arrivals subsequent to that date, in the absence of records. The tract entered by John [Irwin was sold by him to his son Simon, and, in 1837, was transferred by the latter to Wilson Martin, in exchange for forty acres in Blackford County, Ind. Mr. Martin came to his new purchase in the same year, and began the improvement of his land, which he continued year by year until it became a fine farm. He hassold nearly all of this farm, and now lives a retired life at Eaton. | portion of the land entered by Jacob Gump, where he resided for a period of fifteen years, removing, at the end of that time, to his present location, about two miles west of Eaton.

There are but few now remaining who were heads of families at the beginning of the settlement of this township, and participated in the scenes of those days. Some who were young then, are now silvery haired. and it is chiefly from their testimony that this chapter is compiled. There is not an early record of events now extant in the township - a loss deplored and very keenly felt by the historian. The early official business of the township was either transacted verbally, or, if recorded, the records have been carelessly mislaid; and a careful search has failed to reveal their whereabouts. No better basis for a history of this township - can be found, and if a few inaccuracies occur in a chapter based upon verbal information, they deserve charitable treatment, where no documentary evidences exist to establish dates and facts.

Navigation On The Mississinewa

For small craft the Mississinewa has always been navigable, and in early days this fact was used to advantage by the settlers, who, with flat-boats and pirogues, often floated down the river with cargoes for market. It is stated that in 1838, Jacob Gump and Joseph Snyder constructed a boat fifty or sixty feet long, four feet wide, and three feet deep, which they freighted with one hundred barrels of flour, two barrels of lard, three barrels of linseed oil and a quantity of bacon, destined for Peru, Ind., a distance of sixty miles or more. The pilot was Abraham Gray, and the crew consisted of four men, each of whom pulled an oar.

Traveling by day and tying up to trees at night, they reached their destination at the end of two days. Upon their arrival they sold the oil at $1 per gallon, and after disposing of their boat for $20, stored the flour for future sale, and returned home on foot.

This was probably the first trip made after the settlement of the township began, and in course of time it became an industry of some magnitude. Regularly every spring for a number of years after the first trip, eight or ten flat-boats left the settlement, similarly laden, destined for Peru and other points on the river, and these voyages rarely failed.to produce the anticipated profit. There was a good market at fair prices for the products of the settlement, and cash began to take the place of hides and furs as a circulating medium.

From evidence given in this connection, it would seem that this route was originally traveled by the Indians from Vincennes, Ind., to Greenville, Ohio, and that it was a "trace" of some consequence, would seem to be established by its beaten condition, showing the marks of extensive travel. That this "trace" lost its identity in a State road is also a fact, but authorities differ as tothe date at which this road was surveyed, and in the absence of records bearing upon the subject, it cannot | be established. It passes through the three northern townships of the county, and one authority tells us that it was laid out as early as 1829, while another states that, at a much later date, its route was still untraveled and untraceable in the wilderness through which it passed.

The object of such a road would certainly have been to the interest and for theconvenience of emigration tothe West, and as this tide set in atan early day, we are inclined to believe the theory of its early location. David Heal says that in Washington Township, this road was surveyed and located prior to the early settlement. In this event it must have been located in the townships of Niles and Union at as early a date; but Liberty Ginn says that if such was the case, there were evidently two surveys of the same road, as he has a distinct recollection of its survey as late as the year 1839. It is not improbable that the road was surveyed at the date first named, and that in the unsettled condition of the country, its route became obscured by the undergrowth which grew unmolested, rendering a second survey necessary. Of that part of the road which is located in Washington, however, there never was but one survey, and the oldest citizens of that township are unanimous

Although nominally its termini were Greenville, Ohio, and Marion, Ind., it embraced a much larger territory, connnecting at Greenville with a road leading to Columbus and other Ohio cities, and at Marion with a road to Logansport and the prairies beyond. Along the line of this road the miles were numbered on the trees, and the forty-mile tree stood about two hundred yards west of Eaton.

Perhaps as early as 1836, the county road from Muncie to Granville was surveyed and opened, as Wilson Martin states that it was a welldefined road when he came to the township in 1837. It was not surveyed with a very strict regard to accuracy, and as later years disclosed the fact that its lines trespassed upon private property, its course was re-surveyed, and, in some localities, material alterations were made.

In 1838, a county road was surveyed from Muncie to Hartford City, in Blackford County, traversing the township in a north-and-south direction, and was opened for travel in the same year.

In 1839, the Fort Wayne and Muncie road was surveyed and laid out. It was surveyed by the State, and was always known as the Fort 'Wayne and Muncie State road. West of this, about 1853, another road from Hartford City was laid out and opened for travel.