Richland Township

Richland Township

seliool for !sl3 per mouth, boarded himself, and walked two and a half miles to school, and thought he was getting high wages. He was married to Miss Eachel Sayers July 20, 183T. They have nine children : Theresa, John J., Marilla A., Mary E., Charlotte A., Frances A., Alice M., Rhoda C, and Isaac L. Seven are living. Frances A. and Isaac L. are dead. He removed to Richland township, Fountain county, Indiana, in the fall of 18iO, and has lived here now just forty years. His business during this time has been chiefly farming, raising and handling stock. He taught school four montlis the first winter he lived here; seven months the second fall and winter, and occasionally i afterward. He has held the office of township trustee several times ; democrat until the Kansas and iSTebraska excitement in 1853 and 1854: ; has since been a decided republican. He has done a considerable amount of business for others in settling estates, guardianships, assisting in division of estates, arbitrations, etc. He has been a frequent and acceptable contributor to the county papers during the past twenty-five years. He has been connected with the Presbyterian church since his fifteenth year; united with the Coal Creek Presbyterian church by letter in 1842, and soon after was elected ruling elder. In 1858,owing to the inconvenience of the Coal Creek church, some seven miles distant'^ he and family changed their membership to the Newtown Presl)yterian church. He was shortly after chosen by that church as elder, and holds that relation at the present time. He has twice been a delegate to the general assembly of the Presbyterian ithe best interests of the community in which he lives. He has spent a good deal of time and money in connection with others, trying to secure a railroad to Newtown and through the township, and was a di- }. rector and vice-president of the La Fayette, Rockville & Terre Haute

Railroad Company. He was a member of two or three other companies, but so far they have not been able to secure a road. He has reduced his farm to 180 acres, except some wild lands in Iowa, believing that to be enough for him and his wife to care for and manage in their declining years.

cliildi-en by William H. and Mary Ann (Mondy) Riley. In the autumn of 1840 the family removed from Hamilton county, Ohio, and made a home on Sec. 3G, T. 20, E. 7, Richland township, where his grandfather and grandmother Mondy and his father died, the latter in ISTl. Mr. Riley was married, January 29, 1857, to Mary Jane Riley, who was born August 13, 1837. Only three of the eight children born to them are living ; the eldest died unnamed : Aldora, born February 5, 1859, died May 11, 1868 ; William Alonzo, February 14, 1801 ; George Shepard, April 11, 1864, died August 4, 1865; Elizabeth Ann, August 12, 1866, died August 25, 1867 ; Mary Josephine, July IS, 1869, died August 13, 1872 ; Effie Jane, April 22, 1874, and Freddie Murray, Decen'iber 12, 1878. Mr. Riley was enrolled March 20, 1865, in Co. A, 154th Ind. Yols., for one year or during the war, and served in the Shenandoah valley until mustered out at Steplienson, Virginia, August 20, 1865. He.was disbanded at Indianapolis. Mr. Riley joined the United Brethren churcli in 1848, at the age of fourteen ; but seven years ago he was admitted into the order of Odd-Fellows, whereupon the church, whose rules he had transcended, dismissed him from its communion. He then united with the Campbellite church, of which his wife lias been a member thirty years. He was constable of Cain township two years. He lived five years in jSTewtown, four years in Hillsboro, and four years in Waynetown. In politics he is a democrat.

Thomas Wright, farmer, Hillsboro, was born in Washington county, Maryland, October 14, 1804. His father, William, emigrated from Ireland in 1803, and stopped awhile in New York, but soon moved to Virginia, and after a few years from there to Ivlaryland. After a residence of ten or twelve years in that state he removed to Warren county, Ohio, where he died. Mr. Wright learned the weaver's trade from his father, and followed this business from the time he was old enough to work at it till 1860, a period of forty years. He was married some time about 1828, to Elizabeth Snyder. By this union two children were born, one of whom, Ezra, is living and resides in Warren county. This wife died about 1832 or 1833, and he married Martha Rohrer July 28, 1835. They have had four children: Henry, born May 7, 1836, died in Idaho March 15, 1872; Mary Jane, February 6, 1843; William, March 29, 1852, and Melissa, November 26, 1855. William has been a Mason eight years, and has his membership at Hillsboro. Mrs. Wright is a member of the New Light church. Mr. Wright has a beautiful farm of 120 acres. He was a whig until 1856, but having become disgusted with knownothingism, in that year he joined the democrats, and has not since severed his connection with that party.

Isaac Eice, merchant and farmer, Newtown, was born in Henry county, Kentucky, February 13, 1821, and was the son of Jonatlian and Eebecca i^Eeynolds) Eiee. His father was a Wacksmith and gunsmith, but he was raised a tanner. In 1829 the family moved to Indiana, and took up their residence in Brown township, Montgomery county, and in ISil Mr. Eicc came to Eiclihind, this county, where he celebrated liis marriage with j\[iss Margaret Stevens on November 4 of tlie same vear. From that time he devoted himself to farming till 18G6, when he began merchandising in Newtown, in partnership with his brother, TTilliam. He retired in 1875, and the following year was elected sheriii of Fountain county, and held the ofhce two years. He then went to selling goods again with his brother. In the spring of 1880 the latter soldliis interest to John "W. Gebhart. Mr. Eice owns ISO acres of land a mile and a half northwest of Newtown, valued "at §9,000. He has always stood and still stands faithfully in the ranks of the democratic party, and enjoys the equal respect and confidence of friends and opponents. He has been in communion in the Baptist church thirty-seven years, and his wife thirty -live. Tliey have buried two sons and a daughter, and have one daughter living, Eebecca Jane, wife of Isaiah Jones.

Elias Eiley, farmer, Hillsboro, son of William II. and Mary Ann (Mondy) EileV, was born in Eichland township, January 10, 1841. He , was enrolled i"n March, 1865, in Co. A, 154th Ind. Vols., to serve one year or during the war, and did provost and garrison duty in the Shenandoah valley until mustered out at Stephenson, Virginia, August 20, 1865. He was disbanded at Indianapolis. He was married to Samantha Short September 23, 186G. She was the daughter of Aaron Short, and was born January 29, 1S45, having two children : James Edward, born September 13, 1869; Junietta, January 24, 1872. His second marriage was with Miss Margaret Smith, in October 1875. She was born ApHl 25, 1848. Their issue have been Carrie, born October 4, 1876, and Alfaretta, June 25, 1878. Both parents are members of the Campbellite church. Mr. Eiley united in 1867, and Mrs. Eiley ten years ago. He has a farm of seventy acres, and is a democrat.

William Taylor, farmer, Newtown, lives about three miles northwest of this place, on the farm where he was born in 1842. Besides the 100 acres of farming land, he owns ten acres of timV.er, and values the whole at 84,500. Here his parents, Charles and Cortney (Nickerlson) Taylor, emigrating from North Carolina in 1835, settled and commenced a home. They spent their lives in this place ; his father dying here March 19, 1864, and his mother March 6, 1876. Mr. Taylor was married, February 28, 1867, to Amelia MofStt, who was born Septem- ber 23, 1816, daugliter of Samuel MofRtt, wlio came from Pennsylvania and settled in this township in 1S29 or 1S30. Their six children were born as follows : Lunetta, December 11, 1SG7; Charles, December 29, 1869; Emma, December 10, 1871 ; Ella, February ll, 1873 ; Minnie, February 24, 1875 ; and Samuel J., October 7, 1878. Mr. Taylor furnished a substitute for military service in the late war at a cost of §1,050. In addition to his ordinary routine of labor he frequently transacts business in the settlement of estates. He is a member of the United Brethren church, and in politics a democrat.

Robert Campbell, merchant and merchant tailor, Newtown, was the twelfth child in a family of fourteen children, and was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, jSTovember 15, 1821. His parents were James and Sarah (Huffman) Campbell. He was reared on his father's farm, and at the age of eighteen was apprenticed to the tailor's trade. In 1843 ho came west and settled at Newtown, where he has since resided. He first traveled in Illinois and Missouri, looking for a location, but could find none that pleased him so well as the spot which has been his home nearly forty years. His beginning was without means, and for some years he was compelled to work at his trade without much apparent increase of fortune, but finally in 1853 was able to bring to Newtown a stock of furnishing goods and began a trade which he has continued without interruption since. In 1865 he commenced general merchandising also, which is still a leading feature of his business. In 1877 he associated his son Herbert with himself in the latter interest under the firm name of R. Campbell & Son. During the last twelve years he has been interested in farming/ having purchased 125 acres of land half a mile west of Newto^vn, which he has cultivated by tenants. In 1853 he accepted the appointment of postmaster ; after about five years the office passed into other hands; in 1861 he was reappointed and has been the incumbent continuously to the present time, except a year during the administration of President Johnson, beginning with the time that functionary "swung round the circle." Politically Mr. Campbell was for a number of years a democrat, but upon the formation of the republican party attached himself to that organization and has ever since been a firm adherent to its principles. For his enlightened public spirit and social worth he commands the universal esteem of the community in which he lives. He was married in 1850 to Miss Ann Louise Simpkins, of Lebanon, Boone county, Indiana ; she died in August 1851 ; and two yeai-s afterward he married Miss Mary Jane Scott. By the last wife he has three living children: Herbert, Sarah Louise and Robert. Mr. Campbell

Tillford Dagger, farmer, Xewtown, was born in this township, June IS, ISil. His parents,- James and Margaret (Waskey) Dagger, emigrated from Virginia, arriving liere Januar}- 2, 1831, and settling on Coal creek. His father died July 26, 1877. Mr. Dagger enlisted July i, 1863, in Co. C, 116th Ind. Vols., for six months, and was retained eight months. The first duty performed was at the United States Arsenal at Dearborn, Michigan. Yallaiidigham was just opposite, at "Windsor, Canada, at this time, and it is believed that his presence was the occasion for stationing these troops at that point, to be in readiness to meet any overt acts of hostility which might be attempted. After three weeks the regiment was moved to Kentucky, and marched through Cumberland Gap into East Tennessee. Here he fought at Walker's Ford against the troops of Longstreet, that had raised the siege of Knoxville ; next at Bull's Gap, and still later in a skirmish at Tazewell. He was mustered out at La Fayette, just eight months from tlie date of his enlistment. He was enrolled again in March 1865, in Co. A, 151th Ind. Vols., Capt. Ira Jones, and was on duty in the .Shenandoah valley until A\ignst, when his command was disbanded at Indianapolis. He was orderly sergeant of his company. On September 4, 1872, he was married to Miss Frowzy, daughter of Dr. A. L. Whitehall. She was born October 15, 1848. They have three children : Tillford Le Grand, born January 14, 1875 ; Sadie, September 14, 1877; George Thomas, January 3, ISSO. Mr. and Mrs. Dagger belong to the Methodist church, and he has been a Mason ten years. Heowns seventy-three acres of choice land, and is independent in politics. His brother, Madison Dagger, was a member of Co. K, 102d 111. Vols., and died at Gallatin, Tennessee, February 22, 1863.

John Clawson, fanner, Newtown, son of Moses and Joanna (Bake) Clawson, was born in this township February 1, 1844. His grandfather Clawson came to Fountain county in 1826, and kept hotel in Attica a short time. Moses was but thirteen when they arrived. When he married he settled in Richland township, where he and his wife died, the latter in 1861, aged forty-four, and the former Julv 19, 1872, at the age of fifty-nine. Mr. Clawson's grandfather Bake, who fought in the battles of the revolution, emigrated to this countrv in 1829; he died here, and was buried in the Shawnee graveyard beside a comrade of the same struggle. Mr. Clawson and Miss Frances Ann Stephens were married August 2, 1866. She was the daughter of John and Mary (Wilkinson) Stephens, and was born June 21, 1847. Her parents emigrated from Ohio in 1827, and settled in the northeast corner of Shawnee township. Her father married March 25, 1832, and then settled in Richhmd, -where he died October 10, 1ST3. Mr. and Mrs. Clasvson have one child, Mary Joanna, born March 17, 1868. Mr. Clawson is a member of the Eichland Regulators, a horse company organized for the protection of its members against thieves, for the recovery of stolen property, and for the bringing of otienders to justice. He owns a good farm of li3 acres, valued at s7,000. In politics he is a democrat.

William A. McClure, farmer, Newtown, was born in Richland township, June 13, 1815, and is the youngest son of James MeClure. He was married to Myra Thompson May 1-4, ISli. She was born March 5, 1853. Both are members of the Presbyterian church at Newtown. They have two children : Thomas T., born June 2, 1875, and James I., May 29, 1878. Mr. McClure owns 152 acres of land, twenty being timber. He is a republican in politics.

William Hamilton Wright, farmer, Newtown, eldest child of Joseph and Margaret Catherine (Irvin) Wright, was born at the cross-roads once called Wrightstown, just north of the " Get-away " schoolhouse. His father came from Montgomery"cxranty, Ohio, about 181:6 ; his brothers, David and James, had previously established themselves at Wrightstown, which locality acquired its designation from these brothers. Both were wheelwrights, and the former was a blacksmith. They followed wagon-making at this place a number of years, and Joseph, after his arrival, learned the trade from his brother and entered into the business with them. He married here, and the subject of this notice was born March 5, 1850. In 1854 and 1S55 the family lived in Independence, Mr. Wright working at his trade. Our subject was married September 26, 187S, to Emma J. Applegate, who was born September 12, 1856. Her father arrived in Van Buren township from Ohio in 1829, and was then but eight years old. Mrs. Wright is a member of the New Light church. He has been a Mason eight years, and has his membership in Hillsboro Lodge, No. 385. They have one child, Ora Maud, born October 20, 1879. Mr. Wright is a democrat. He owns eighty acres of land, the E. i of N.E. i Sec. 35, T. 20, R. 7, all fenced, and fifty-tive acres under the plow. Plis grandfathers, William Wright and Hugh Irvin, were natives of Ireland.

Citizen Murdock, farmer, Rynear, was born in Preble county, Ohio, February 22, 1822. He was the son of William and Esther (Morse) Murdock, the latter a member of the celebrated Morse tamily, of which Prof. S. F. B. Morse, inventor of the electro-magnetic telegraph, is so illustrious an ornament. Mr. Murdock emigrated to Tippecanoe county in 1837, and lived on the Wea plains five years. Here he learned the carpenter's trade, working at it tliree years. He also farmed at this place. Until 1847 bis time was divided between there and here, but in that year he permanently settled in Fountain county. In the same year also, on the 31st of October, he was married to Jane Campbell, daughter of Albert Campbell, an old settler of Cain township. Mrs. W. was born July 30, 1S25. They have nine children living and two dead, as follows : William Albert, born July 24, 1849 ; James Henry, December 11, 1852, married October 3, 1878, to Mamie Eeed ; Eebecca Ann, April 2, 1854, married October 5, 1873, to E. Ff Heady ; John M., Xovember 24, 1855; Mary Ellen, April 7, 1837; Sarah Emma, March 22, 1859 ; George AY., August 2, 1860, died September 11, 1877; Melissa Jane, June 12, 1802; infant son, November 15,1863 (deceased); Delia Catherine, February 20, 1866, and Elizabeth M., December 26, 1S6S. The four eldest daughters belong to the church; Eebecca to the Methodist and the others to the New Light. Mr. Murdock owns 400 acres of rich land, all fenced bat thirty acres of timber; 300 acres are improved. When he came west he had no property, but depended on his head and hands for what he could make. These, it is well known, liave worked together for no little good to him and his iiiuneroiis but intelligent fiimily. He is a republican.

Jacob J. Schermerhorn, farmer and stock raiser, Xewtowu, son of James B. and Catharine (Schermerhorn) Schermerliorn, was born in Schenectady county, Xew York, in 1830. His forefatliers were Dutch colonists, who emigrated and settled in Schenectady in 1620. Many of his ancestors were living in the place when it was bnrned by the French and Indians in 1690, and they have been numerous who have borne arms in the early wars. Mr. Schermerhorn is the ninth generation from the Holland emigrants. He was an orphan at eleven, and from that time until he was seventeen attended different academies and secured a good education. In 1847 he came west, and stopping in Tippecanoe county, north of Shawnee Mound, taught school winters and worked at farming summers for four years ; there, in December, 1851, he married Martha Odell, by whom he had two children : Allen Campbell, and one younger, which died in infancy. This wife died in June, 1854, and he was mai-ricd again March 24", 1856, to Achsah A. Insley, who was born in Eichland townsliip in January 1834. She was the second daughter of Ellis and Eebecca (Stafford) Insley, who emigrated to this township from Highland county, Ohio, in 1831. Job Insley, the earliest one of this name of whom there is any account in the family, was from Maine. The Stattbrds were from North Carolina. Ellis Insley tirst settled three miles east of Newtown, where his tirst chihl, Miriam E., was born in 1832. Ne.xt vear he removed to the place where Robert Parnell lives, and resided on it till 1S65, when he sold it to the present occupant. From this time he made his home on a farm near Indianapolis. He died at Mr. Schei'merhorn's in 186S, while there on a visit, and was buried in his own lot in Crown Hill cemetery, Indianapolis. His daughter Miriam is the wife of the Rev. L. Xebeker, at present residing at the Battle Ground. He had one son, William Q., who became a physician. He married Celia Whitmore, of Fort Wayne, and lived in Terre Haute from 1864 till his death, June 20, 1880. He was buried in Crown Hill cemetery beside his father. His widow has five children. Mr. Insley gave his children a liberal education. His daughters were educated at Fort Wayne College, and his son at Greencastle and Ann Arbor, finishing his medical course at Cincinnati. His fourth child, Sarah E., born in May, 181:0, became the wife of Capt. Ivirkpatrick, who was killed at Kenesaw Mountain. She died at her sister's (Mrs. Schermerborn) house in August 1869, and was buried by the side of her father and brother in Crown Hill cemetery. Mr. Insley's first wife was the daughter of Shadrach Statt'ord, and was born in Highland county, Ohio, where she also was married. She was a sweet-spirited, christian woman. She died in March 1SJ16, and was buried at Newtown. His second wife, whom he married about 1849, and whose maiden name was Anna Smith, was from Cherry valley. New York, and is living with her aged father near Pleasant Hill- Mr. Schermerhorn had two sisters and two brothers: the eldest was Angelica B. ; himself was the second; the third was Anna, who died when about two years old ; the fourth was Bartholomew J., who is living a single life in New York, and the last was James B., who came here a young man in 1864, married Miss Anna Haas, of Newtown, and now resides in Warren county opposite Attica. Mr. and Mrs. Schermerhorn have had four children : Alice Catherine, born March 16, 1857, died January 13, 1S72 ; Martha Luella, July 20, I860, died March 20, 1872; Ciiarles Ellis, March 6, 1862, and William Bradt, August 21, 1865. Mrs. Schermerhorn has been a member of the Methodist church since she was fourteen, and Mr. Schermerhorn since 1856. The latter has been class-leader most of the time subsequently ; also held tiie offices of steward. Sabbathschool superintendent, trustee, and local preacher since 1859. He has been a Royal Arch Mason since 1851. His fine farm of 317 acres is situated in a beautiful section of country three miles north of Newtown. Mr. Schermerhorn is a republican.

Albert Vandervolgen, farmer, Newtown. Tiie ancestors of the Vaudervolgen family emig^ated from Holland in the seventeenth century, and settled at Schenectady, New York, and were living there when that place was destroyed by the French and Indians in 1690. They were wealthy and owned large possessions in that neighborhood. Lawrence Vandervolgen was taken captive by the Indians when eleven years old and carried to Canada. About the time he was twenty-one he was permitted to visit his home, having first solemnly promised the Indians to return. His friends tried ever)- art and persuasion to induce him to reu:ain with them, but he had acquired an ardent attachment to his forest home and his red brethren, and insisted that he could not break his word. As a last resort, when he was asleep his sister clipped off his scalp-lock. To lose this sign of manhood and dignity was the meanest disgrace to a warrior, wliich subjected him to the excpiisite scoffs and insults even of the women, to which, acknowledging his shame, he submitted without resentment. By the time this tuft of hair had grown out he had become reconciled to the homo of his childhood, and never returned save as an interpreter among the Six Nations. He served William Andrews, an Indian missionary, in this capacity, and translated the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal church into the Indian tongue. Mr. Vandervolgen's father has a copy of this book, which is a curious relic. It is in a good state of preservation, except that the title-page is missing. The book was published as early as 1720. Considerable sums have been offered for it by Asbnry University and Wabash College. We cannot follow up the history of this individual to show the high regard which the Indians entertained for him, and the expression of it in the large gift of land which they in vain urged him to accept. Mr. Vandervolgen's great-grandfiither, John Vought, was a royalist in the time of the revolution, and captain in the English service. He owned an estate of a thousand acres near Schenectady, and received a pension from tiie British government as long as he lived. Mr. Vandervolgen's grandfather, Myndert Vandervolgen, was a militia captain; and his fiither, William B., born in 1816, was liberally educated at Kingsborough, ISTew York. In 1S42 he came to Indiana, and for a number of years changed his location frequently. About 181:7 he settled permanently in Fountain county. lie has been connected with various kinds of business, but farnjing, stock raising and dealing, and manufacturing lumber, have been the chief interests with which he has been identified. He has accumulated a good property. He was married in 1849, to Jane C. Carnahan, daughter of William and sister to John M. Carnahan. She is a cultured and refined lady. Albert Vandervolgen was born of these parents in Davis township. May S, 1851. He received his education at Waveland Collegiate Institute, where he attended one year. His marriage with Louise Campbell, daughter of Robert Campbell, of Newtown, occurred September 2i, lS7-t. His wife was boi-n August 4,1855. They have three children: Bhmche, born July 12, 1S75; Edgar, September 26, 1877; and Bertha, May 14, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Yandervolgen are members of the Presbyterian church, and he is a stalwart republican.

"Washington Rice, farmer, Newtown, son of Jonathan N. B. and Narcissus Ann (McCollnm) Eice, was born near his present home January 18, 1848. Many years ago his parents left Kentucky and settled in Montgomery county ; residing there a considerable time they next moved to Fountain county and improved a farm on Coal creek, being the X.E. ^ See. 14, T. 20, R. 7. His father lived here till his death, which occurred February 11, 1877. Mr. Rice was married on September 20, 1871, to Susan Stephens, daughter of John Stephens, who settled in Shawnee township as early as 1827. She was born March 12, 1849. Their two children are Minnie, born September 23, 1872; and Ada, October 20, 1874. Air. Rice owns 120 acres of choice land. He fraternizes with the democrats.

William D. Slusser, farmer, Newtown, was horn in Miami county, Ohio, October 11, 1834. He was the fourtli child and eldest son of Henry and Polly (Jackson) Slusser, who moved to Fountain county in January 1850. He arrived the following August. In June, 1861, he enlisted in Co. D, 20th Ind. Vols., and was the first three-years volunteer from Richland township. His service was in the Army of the Potomac. He participated in all the operations of his I'egiment except when absent on the occasions to be noticed. Therefore, to save repetition, reference is made to the account of the marches, skirmishes and battles of this command given in the biography of Azariah T. Leath, of Logan township. These two men were comrades inthe same company. While on the Peninsula campaign Mr. Slusser was taken prisoner, which occurred June 29, 1862. His capture was due to the bursting of a sliell, which killed a comrade by his side ; the concussion knocking him down, he was left for dead by his regiment, which was the rear guard covering the retreat. This casualty has rendered iiim since totally deaf in the left ear. He was confined fifteen days in a tobacco warehouse at No. 19 Carey street, Richmond, and then removed to Belle Isle, where he was kept forty-five days longer, after which he was paroled. During this imprisonment he sufi'ered from the only considerable sickness he had while in the army. In this condition he was Masonically recognized by a rebel surgeon, who treated him with so great kindness and humanity that he recalls this episode, and liolds in memory this "friend in .need" with grateful pleasure. After his liberation he was with his regiment until May 19, 1864, when in a skirmish he received a wound in his left foot from which he did not recoxer before the expii-ation of his term. He was discharged at Indianapolis August 1, 1S64-, having been subject to military- duty three vears. In 1S67 he moved to Illinois, near Wilmington, Will county, and there bought a farm and lived until ISTi. At that date he returned to Fountain county, and in 1S77 sold his Illinois property. He now owns 125 acres in Eichland township and 156 in Minnesota. He lias been a Mason since the spring of 1S57, and is a democrat in politics. Mr. Slusser was married January IS, 1S77, to Miss Mary C. Meek, who was born July 10, 1859. Their only child, Almeda, was born September 24:, 187S. Their marriage took place at tlie Union Cemetery church, the Eev. Warbington officiating. Next evening this couple united with the same church, Mrs. Slusser by letter. In 1859 Mr. Slusser traveled somewhat on the frontier, and since in the southwest and northwest.

Allen C. Schermerhorn, fivrmer, Xewtown, eldest son of Jacob J. and Martha A. (Odell) Schermerhorn, was born in Eichland township, jS'ovember 9, 1852. He was educated at Stockwell Collegiate Institute, spending nearly three years at that institution. His sister's deatli occurring just before the end of the year, when he would have graduated in the scientific course, he lacked ten weeks of finishing it, and did not return to receive his degree. He was mari-ied September 15, 1875, to Ehoda Unity, daughter of John S. Martin. Both are niembers of the Methodist church. He has been a Mason six years, and has his membership in Eichland Lodge, Ko. 205. He owns 100 acres of land and his wife 212 acres. In the homestead where they live are 152 acres of choice land. He is an active man in his community, and politically a republican.

David Haas, farmer, !N^ewtown, son of Daniel and Eva (Eeed) Haas, was born in Xorthumberland county, Pennsylvania, January 14, 1814. His grandfather and grandmother emigrated from Germany, and the former was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Haas was reared on his father's farm, but when he passed his minority he was in the business of teaming; this he did not abandon till 1852, at which date he removed his family to Xewtown and purchased a farm, which he has since cultivated and Improved. In 1S42 he married Eliza Smith, at Pottsville, Pennsylvania. She was born at West Chester, Chester county, October 26, 1824. They have the following children : Jeremiah, born February 6, 1843; Albert Wellington, September 21, 1844 ; Charles Willets, March 4, 1846 ; Emma Ptebecca, December 19, 1847, wife of Ira Burlingame, of Davenport, Iowa; Mary Alice, January 15, 1851, wife of Eobert Carter, of Shawnee Mound; John Pleasant. Januarv 12, 1853; Martin Luther, February 13,1855; Elmira

Amanda, April 12, 1858, wife of William EoiMnson, of Attica; and Eva Florence, November 25, 1860, wife of W. G. Cole. Jeremiah was a soldier in the late war, under two enlistments, his service amounting to about two years ; and Charles was in the army six months at the close of the war, and his health was ruined by exposure. Mr. and Mrs. Haas have been professing christians for twenty years; they first united with the Methodist church, but a few years ago transferred their membership to the Baptist. He is a democrat.

Jacob G. Snyder, farmer, Newtown, son of Christian and Jane (Wright) Snyder, was born in Washington county, Maryland, March 9, 1833. His grandfather, Jacob Snyder, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and fought before Baltimore in the defense of that city, when the British general Eoss was killed. This occasion was the origin of the national song of the " Star Spangled Banner." Francis S. Key, of Baltimore, went on board the British fleet to negotiate for tlie release of some prisoners, and was detained by the admiral until the conclusion of the attack on Fort McHenry. It was while awaiting, with the thrilling anxiety which those noble lines express, the issue of the bombardment, that he composed that inimitable battle hymn, so unrivaled for pathos, sensibility, and the fire of holy patriotism. In 1853 Mr. Snyder came west to Fountain county, and worked the first tvv'o years by the month ; then he rented land until 1868, wlien he bought his farm of forty acres. When a young man he learned the miller's trade, but has followed it only a single year sipee his residence in Indiana. He was married November 1, 1855, to Mary Ann Miller, daughter of Daniel Miller, who settled on Dry Kun in lS3-i. She was born April 28, 1836. They have four daughters and one son : Paith Jane, born October 14, 1856, wife of Milton Emmons, of Attica; Czar T., November 30, 1858; Dora, October 18, 1861 ; Maggie, May 10, 1865 ; and Delia I., December 25, 1868. All this family are professors of religion. The father was in the communion of the United Brethren church from 1851 to 1868, when he joined the Presbyterians. He was a licensed preacher from 1865 to 1868, and several years before had been licensed by quarterly conference " to preach and exhort." He organized the first Sabbath-school at the Union Cemetery church, which was in 1870. He was superintendent there seven years, at the Dry Run school-house two years, and at the Voorhees school-house one year. His wife and the children belong to the New Light church. In politics he fraternizes with the greenbackers. In the winter of 1853-4 Mr. Snyder was a scholar at the log schoolhouse in the Riley neighborhood in the south part of Richlajid township. Next winter lie taught in the same place, and "they organized a debate." In the course of a discussion a " tail sycamore," to give emphasis to liis position and statements, in a gust of tumultuous eloquence, leaped upward clear from the floor, and to his sudden surprise struck his head with much force against the ceiling, which brought down the house in a scene of uproarious amusement. Tiie next Saturday that ceiling was raised by nailing the boards to the rafters. John Shade did it.

Charles Ken-, tai-mer, Xewto\\-n, was bora in Eichland townsliip, March 2,1S56. He is the son of Samuel and Virginia (Dagger) Kerr. On September 30, 1S79, he was married to Miss Edith, daughter of William and Sarah JST. (Parsing) Gray. She was boi-n in Xewtown, May 10, ISoS. They are both communicants in the Presbyterian church, and he is a republican.

Abraham Bennett, farmer, Xewtown, was born in Warren coimty, Ohio, April 26, 1823. lie is the son of William and Mary (_Good) Bennett, and was tlie tenth child in a family of twelve children, nine of whom are at present living. When he was five weeks old his parents moved to Montgomery county, Ohio, and his fiither died there July 6, 1836, aged fifty-si.\ years. Early in 1842 Mr. Bennett removed with his mother to Boone county, Indiana. A few months elapsed and he returned to Ohio on an affectionate errand, bringing back Miss Deborah Braddock, with whom he was united in marriage in October 1844. About 18.50 he settled in Tippecanoe county, and in 1861 came to his present home in Fountain. During all these years he had had the advantage of but slight means. His beginning had been made without the aid of material resources of any kind, but now bis efforts began to yield a steadily augmenting success, and the property which he possesses has been accumulated principally since that time. He has 200 acres in his homestead, 145 acres of wliich he cultivates. Since he has been on the place he has cleared seventy acres of heavily timbered ground, and done nearly all of the work himself. He had previously cleared twenty or more. In point of labor this is good enough showing for one man. On 3Iay 1, 1859, Mrs. Bennett went to her rest. She left si.\ daughters, who are now all living within ten miles of their father's home. Their names and dates of birth are as follows: Julia Ann, September 5, 1S45, wife of Henry Crumley; Amanda Ellen, June 6, 1847, wife of Henry H. Huff; Sarah Margaret, May 2, 1849, wife of David W. Dove ;" Martha Jane, October 7, 1851, wife of Tillson Wheeler; Eliza Maria, November 24,1853; and Hannah Emeline, February 26, 1857. Mr. Bennett's second marriage was with Mahala Yeazel, widow of Leroy Fo.xworthy, on March 6, 1861. They have one child, Ira Alvin, born November 25, 1868.

Mrs. Bennett's cliildreii by lier first marriage were Charles W., George, Arthur (deceased), Freeman and Emma (deceased). Mr. Bennett and his first wife joined the United Bretiiren chnrcli t'ort^'-nine years ago. He is still a member, and his present wife also belongs to the same church. He has been class-leader seven yeai's, and is now steward. His politics are repnblican. A word about his ancestors. His grandfather Bennett was a soldier of the revolution, and received a wound in his ankle. His father was drafted in the war of 1812, and was on his way to the army when peace was proclaimed. Ho was born in N"ew Jersey, and Mr. Bennett's mother in Pennsylvania, in which last state his parents were married, and lived some years near Greensburg, in "Westmoreland county. His father worked a number of years building flat-boats and boating iron ore down the Monongahela and Ohio rivers to Cincinnati. Mr. Bennett's mother died in 1S76, aged ninety-four years.

John S. Riffle, physician and surgeon, Newtown, was born near Piqua, Ohio, in 1832. He was left an orphan when quite young, but was kindly provided a home in a family by the name of Hilliard, who resided in Piqua. By an arrangement of his guardian he was sent to the academy in Piqua three years. After having completed a scientific course he began school teaching and the study of medicine in 1849, and was engaged in notable schools in four different states in the Union. He sailed in 1851 with an invalid brother to the isthmus of Panama, and returned across the Gulf of Mexico to New Orleans ; then he went to Houston, Texas. He taught in the high school there fourteen months, and continued the study of medicine under Dr. Parker. He started liome in 1853, crossing the gulf the third time. Arriving at New Orleans he found navigation stopped on account of yellow fever, e.xcept that a single steamboat bound for St. Louis would start in three hours. Having a little time he visited some of the hospitals to see the patients suffering from the disease, and as far as possible to study its cause and nature. Deaths at that time were about one hundred a day. He took passage on the Bunker Hill for St. Louis at four o'clock in the evening. He remained there two weeks after arrival; then crossed the river to Alton, Illinois: thence went to Jerseyville, where he continued the study of medicine under Dr. Harriman until the beginning of the session of the Missouri Medical College of 1853. There he received his first medical degree at the close of the session of 1855. His last was obtained at Long Island College Hospital, Brooklyn, New York. He entered the Union army as a private soldier in 1861, in the 40th reg. Ind. Vol. Inf. He was promoted hospital steward, and soon, after assistant surgeon, and served as sucli until he was honorably discharged at Texauiia, Texas, in 1866. Thence lie crossed the Gulf of Mexico, making his fiftli passage across tliat body of watei' : thi'ee tinie.s before the war, and twice during the war. After the close of the I'ebellion he located in !N"ewtown, Indiana, in the ])ractice of medicine ajid surgery, wliere he still remains.

Thaddeus S. Colby, blacksmith, Newtown, was born near Oswego, Kew York, August 1, 1S23. He is the son of Samuel and Jemima {Northrup) Colby, and was reared a farmer. At the age of nineteen lie went to work to learn the blacksmith's trade. In 18i4 he came west and stopped in Ohio, where he worked with his brother at his trade. About 1850 he came to Delphi, Indiana, and remained there three years. He tlien went to Clinton county, and followed blacksmithing and fai'ming till the war broke out. He then volunteered in August, 1861, and went to the army in Co. K, 10th Ind. A^ols., Col. M. D. Manson. He was in the battles of North Fork, Mill Spring, Chickamauga, and Mission Ridge. He served in the Atlanta campaign, and fought at Rcsaca, Kenesaw Monntain, and Atlanta. He served also on detail as blacksmith. He was mustered out of the service in Se]itember 1864. Xext spring he went to Nashville and obtained government employment as a smith. In the fall lie returned to Indiana. In 1866 he settled in Xewtown, and has since lived here working at his trade. He was married in 1853, to Caroline Coleman, who died in 1856, leaving one living child, Josepli. April 2, 1868, lie celebrated his nuptials with Catharine P. Black, daughter of Aaron P)lack, of Newtown. Both Mr. and Mrs. Colby belong to the Baptist church, and the former is a Mason. He is also a republican in politics.

William E. Leath, farmer, Newtown, born in Warren count3-, Indiana, June 5, 18M, was the son of Silas and Mary Ann (Barbry) Leath, who emigrated from Virginia in an early day. His father was a carpenter by trade, and helped erect the old buildings now standing in Attica. He died in that place about the time of William's birth, and the mother a year later. At the age of four our subject was bound out as an orphan. In February, 1862, he enlisted in Co. C, 2d batt. U. S. Inf He fought at Cedar Monntain in August 1862, and being captured at that place, was confined in Libby Prison and at Belle Isle six weeks, and then paroled. He returned to the army just in time to be reviewed by Gen. McClellan before he was finally relieved of the command of the army of the Potomac. He fought afterward at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysbnrg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvaiiia. Laurel Hill, Cold Harbor, Tolopatomoy Creek, North Anna, "Bethesda Church, Petersburg, and the Weldon Railroad, at which latter place he was taken prisoner. He was held six weeks at Belie Isle, revisiting his old quarters as a prisoner of war. He was then removed to Salisbury, and on March 7, 1865, was paroled at Greensboro, North Carolina, and delivered at Wilmington ; thence was taken to Annapolis, and from there to Fort Hamilton, Xew York, where he received his discharge from a faithful and honorable service of three 3'ears and three months. Returning liome, he went to farming. March 18, 1871, he was man-ied to Sallie A. Neal, daughter of Nathan Neal. Their six children were born in the following order: Mary Winnie, April 28, 1872; Joseph Silas, May 2, 1873; Augusta May, May 1, 1876 ; Anna Frances, December 12, 1877 ; William Thomas, November 17, 1878, and James E., June 17, 1880. Mr. Leath has lived in Fountain county since 1868. He and his wife belong to tlie New Light denomination of christians, and he is a republican.

Joshua W. Moore, druggist, Newtown, was born April 22, 1839, in Fleming county, Kentucky, and was partly raised in Bourbon county. His father, Jacob, having died in 1849 of cholera, in 1854 his mother, Rebecca (Barton), moved her family to Montgomery county, Indiana, and settled near Waveland. On March 21, 1861, he married Miss Mary E., daughter of Washington Rice, of Montgomery county. She was born October 21, 1844. They have five children living and one dead: Jonathan L., born January 11, 1862 ; Stephen A., November 12, 1863; Jacob W., December 16, 1865; Charles T., January 9, 1868, died August 16, 1878 ; Martha A., May 7, 1870 ; and Mary E., March 30, 1874. In 1864 Mr. Moore moved his family to Warren county, where he lived two years and farmed. He then returned to Montgomery county, and in 1867 moved to Missouri, settling near Buffalo, county seat of Dallas county. It was while living here that his son Jonathan had his left hand torn off in a cane mill. Mr. Moore had been a school teacher in Indiana, and on emigrating to Missouri found a field of usefulness in that connection awaiting him there. He taught more or less during his residence in that state, and for two years was county superintendent of schools. A part of the time he was occupied in farming, and was also considerably employed on ditierent occasions with public and probate matters. He gradually grew to be considered an indispensable man in iiis community. His judgment was generally solicited and his opinions always respected. Several times he was favorably spoken of for office, and when in 1874 he moved back to Indiana his departure was the signal for the expression of a ver}' general regret on the part of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. In tlie spring of 1875 he opened a drug store at Portland Mills, Parke county, and in the summer of 1877 renioved to

Isewtown, where he now carries on the same business. In Angnst, 187S, a melancholy accident occurred by which his youngest son, Charles, lost his life. He and two other lads went out with a doublebarreled gun, lightly loaded, to kill a hawk. It was discharged without effect, and the I'eport was so low that a dispute arose as to whether it was only the bursting of the cap. While the others were gazing up into the tree at the bird, one of them holding the fowling piece with the butt resting on the ground, neither of them observed the movements of little Charley; it is supposed he placed his mouth to tlie muzzle with the design of blowing into the barrel while he should throw back the hammer with his foot, which caught the other also ; this slipped, discharging the loaded barrel, the contents entering the right corner of his mouth, passing along the base of the skull, and lodging under the skin at the back of his liead. He breathed but once or twice after assistance came, which was near at ha'Jid. Mr. Moore and his wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church. He is a Mason, an Odd-Fellow, a member of the encampment, and in politics a democrat.

To write the history of this township will preserve for present and future generations' perusal the names of Fountain county's first settlers, the deeds of her most noted pioneers, the early progress, development of civilization, and moral culture, not only in this township, but in Fountain county. It will also embrace the history of the most energetic and prosperous township of the county, - a people whose hospitality cannot be called in question; a people whose reverence for the memories of their pioneer fothers and mothers, who laid the foundation of their present prosperity througli privation and want, is worth}- of commendation to the yet unborn generations ; the history of a people who, even from their first settlement here, have been loyal to themselves, their neighbors and their country.

Yan Buren township is eight miles in length from north to south ; the northern boundary from east to west is five miles long ; the south boundary but three miles. It embraces an area of thirty-five sections nearly. Coal creek flows south through the center of the township from east to west till one mile south of Veedersburg, when it bends to the west and leaves the township. Coal creek branch, or south fork, flows into the township on Sec. IT, and into Coal creek on Sec. 7. Dry

There are some considerable hills along the former stream, but the country to the brink of those hills is level. There is but little bottom land. Coal creek and its bottom land presents the results of erosion, begun ages before. Tiie two remaining streams named aflbrd nothing different.

The township, taken as a whole, is well adapted to farming and grazing. In the north and west part is a small prairie, called Osborn's prairie. Lop's prairie extends down into the township from the north, Ijoth of which have a superior soil for agricultural purposes.

E.A.Rly History

E.A.RLY HISTORY. Van Euren towirship originally was a part of Cain, Shawnee, Richland and Troy townships. In ISll, through the energies of John G. Lucas, Dr. Isaac Spinning and Daniel Glasscock, its present territory was organized into a township. The name, A"an Buren, was imposed upon it ver\' much to the opposition of the members of the old whig party.

Early Settlement

The first settlement in the township, also said to he the first in the county, was made in the spring of 1S23, in the month of February, by three families, Jonathan Birch, John Col vert and "William Cochran. In 1S22 they came and purchased land after having made explorations. Then they cut out a road connecting with the old Terre Haute road, and made some preparations toward erecting houses, in the latter part of the year. Birch is said to have raised the first cabin in the county, half a mile east of what is now Stone Bluff, wliere J. M. Meeke now lives. Colvert erected the second, where his son, Dr. William Colvert, resides. Cochran located one mile southeast of the present town of Veedei'sburg, where his son, William L. D., resides. This was the settlement of Fountain county, and Van Buren township began. Jonathan Birch is said to have made the first wagon track in the township and county. These three families formed a compaiiy for their mutual benefit, as to assisting each other in the making of their homes in this then trackless wilderness, and brought with them a young man named Peck, who remained with them hut a short time. William Birch, the oldest of his father's family, and this young man Peck, were left to care for his father's goods wiiiJe he returned for the rest of the family. Before he returned there came a stoi'm and mucli snow fell. A iialf-frozen Indian came into the cabin, which scared William almost out of his wits. Tiie dusky savage, upon becoming -warm, inquired for tire-water. Being assured that tliey liad none, he arose and said, "White man, get thee gone! - this Indians" land !" "Wlierenpon Peck sliowed him that tiie land was not his. Tiie Indian went 'his way contented. The next morning a party of warriors, squaws and dogs came around their hut. Then it was that the fun began. Tiie Indians were anxious to see Birch's big dog and their little dogs figlit. Birch's dog disabled several of them, and then there was a general stampede among the Indians' dogs, and "William Birch set out for the woods. When he came back there was a general big laugh and pointing of fingers at William by the squaws, which he failed to anpieciati'.

The second company of emigrants who came to Van Buren townsliip settled on Osborn's prairie, west of Coal creek, the following year, or in the latter part of 1S23. This settlement, like the first, was a company formed for mutual assistance. Gen. Gessee ()sborn M-as the prime leader. He and his company cut a road through the forest west from Crawfordsville. They remained in the wilderness for some time before they were aware but that they were the first and only white settlers for miles around, till they heard the sound of axe and maul from the east. This was music to their ears, more sweet than the finest trill

1821- brought new emigrants in search of homes, among whom were William White, Hiram Jones, Abner Eush, John Simpson, John Course and Leonard Loyd. Of those who came and settled in Van Bnren township between 1824 and 1830 are the following names: Elijah Board, Jonathan Osborn, John and Frederic Dice, Enoch Bowling. Fielding Smith, James Stevens, James Button, William Hoabler, Joseph Coats, William Riley, John Walker, Callinis Smith and John Butt. Not one of these is now living. Their children, that were mere lads and lasses when they emigrated here, are now old men and women. The leading characteristic of these settlers, says one, was that they were strictly honest in the fultillment of their promises one to another, and that for a number of years following their settlement here it was taken as an insult to ask a man for a note. They were an industrious and economical people. They came principally from Ohio, Virginia and Maryland, a few emigrating from Delaware. It has been said that everyone has an influence in the community where he lives, and that that influence will live long after him in that community. Present manifestations assert that this is true of the first settlers of Van Buren township.

The first laid out road in the township was the state road leading from Crawfordsville to Covington. This was first establislied from what is now Veedersburg to Covington on an old route blazed tiirough bv William Cochran for a merchant who was transporting goods from Cincinnati to Covington across the country.

The first mill built in Van Buren township was erected about 1824, on the south branch of Coal creek, by John Course, on the opposite side of the stream to where Hind's mill is now located. This at first was a corn-cracker only. The first flour made here was bolted by means of a hand-bolt. The same authority says that Course told his neighbors if they would help him to build' the dam, they, such as gave him their assistance, should have their grist ground without regard to who was before them.

Tiie first religious service held in the township was in the tent of AVilliam Cochran, before he had yet been able to ei-ect a log cabin, by William Cravins, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. Only three families were present, those of Cochran, Col vert and Birch. This meeting is regarded as the establishment of the Methodist Episcopal church in Van Buren township.

Chambersburg, located on Sec. 6, is the first hiid out village in the township, and accorded to 1S29 or 1S30. Frederic Dice was its founder.

The first goods sold in the township were kept here by John "Walker. He was succeeded by Joseph G. Lucas, in 1825, who carried on the mercantile business here till 1870.

The first school-house was built near Coal creek, not tar from Chambersburg, in 1825. It was a log building, with split timber for seats, greased paper for window-glass, and the ground for a floor. It had not the accustomed big fire-place. A bank of earth was thrown up against one side, inside the building, and a fire built by that, the smoke escaping by means of an opening in the roof. In tliese times teachers were not so attentive to their business as now, and frequently had some outside work to do. W. L. D. Cochran says that when attending school his teacher was engaged in the wool business, and spent the hour at noon, and often a couple of others, washing his fleeces. The boys becoming tired of this deserted the school-room and went to their homes, which put an end to wool-washing as a noon e.\ercise.

Jesse Birch, born in 1S23, son of Jonathan and Catherine Birch, was the first male child born in the township and county. Catherine Smith (now Mrs. J. G. Lucas) was tiie first female white child born in the township and county.

First death in the township was Eramos Greenley, in 1821; yet it is said that a grave was found some time prior to this date, whicli was sujiposed to be that of a soldier or traveler who had either died from disease or been killed by Indians.

The first pwst-office in the township was located on the Covington and Crawfordsville road, south of the present town of Veedersburg, and was kept by Jacob .Styar. It was first moved east on the same road a short distance and back to the same place, and then to Chambersburg, between the years 1857 and 1861. At its location in the last-named place John Boden was appointed to the oftiee. He was succeeded in lSG-1 by Geoi-ge S. Zook. In 1872 it was moved to Veedersburg and Mr. Zook retained as postmaster.

The first township officers in Van Buren township were Ilarva Applegate, John Wertz, and Judge Joseph Coats, trustees; J. G. Lucas, treasurer; Jacob Turner, Esq. The above named three trustees organized the township into school districts as they now exist, and located the present sites occupied by the school-houses, except the school buildino- in Veedersburg. To Dr. Joseph Fowler, though not an officer at the time the school districts were laid out, is dne as much credit for this work as any of the ofl3cers.

war-path, which created great excitement. The first impulse was to build a fort or blockhouse. Fortunately, the report proved to be false. John Simpson was the great hunter of tlie township in early times. Once when he had jnst cut several bee-trees and secured their contents an Indian called, placed his fingers upon his lips, and said to Simpson, " Hungry ! honey ! " The candor of the savage is to be admired, but his cheek would hardly be tolerated now.

The Natural Resources

The great natural resource of Van Buren is its timber, which in the first settlement of the country was very thick, but at the present is very much culled. This resource, till the introduction of railroads and machinery, proved an outlay to the settlei-. Along the banks of Coal creek are considerable deposits of coal of a very good quality, but the veins are too thin to make mining very profitable.

Originally game was very plenty; now only a few squirrels, quails and rabbits abound. The deep snow of 183i was very destructive to the deer and turkey. Previous to this time it was with great ditficulty that the deer, turkey and other game were prevented from destroying the crops while they were maturing. On the prairies in the north part of the township the prairie-chicken formerly abounded in great numbers, now not one is to be seen.

Previous to the building of the Indianapolis, Bloomington & AVestern railroad the people of Van Buren township were necessarily obliged to market their produce and buy most of their goods elsewhere, which not only was a weight retardijig their progress, but a stimulant to the surrounding market towns. Thus unequally balanced in trade and location, her early progress was necessarily slow compared with those townships possessing greater advantage in trade and location.

The people could not farm on an extensive scale and become stock drovers and shippers, because most of the land must be cleared of its timber. They were poor, and must do this work by their own industry, which required years of patient toil. The pioneer settlers, and most of those who emigrated here for many years, came only with money enough to purchase a small piece of land and a meager supply of household goods, and tools with which to work. A greater number were without wagons even than can be found now without buggies, in proportion to the population, and a few were even without teams of any kind. The few who located here with money to invest in land.

gnd were then able to wait the development of the country, have amassed considerable fortunes, and many have become what is nsually termed wealthy farmers. The opening of the canal at La Fayette afforded a market for their grain and pork, such as they had to sell, and supplied them with a few of the necessities of life ; but the introduction of railroads was the key that unlocked the treasures pent up in forest and field. Since their introduction the surplus in agricultural products has doubled many times, and still is on the increase. That the present population may more fully understand the great difficulties under which the early inhabitants labored, it may be well to relate a few instances to show how the transportation was carried on, and what in time and money it cost. For many years the great trading points were Louisville and Cincinnati. To bring goods or take produce across the country cost fifty cents per hundred. To take a load of pork to Cincinnati, and bring back a load of groceries, four-fifths of what the pork would bring in Cincinnati would be consumed in transportation. To go by water in winter was dangerous, and one could better reckon the time required to travel from Covington to Cincinnati when he had made the trip than when he first came in sight of the latter place, which the following incident, as related by J. G. Lucas, will illustrate. Says Mr. Lucas: '"1 bouglit in Cincinnati, in December 1835, a bill of general merchandise which was shipped immediately, and after being frozen up, after waiting for a rise in the river, and having been sunk once, reached Charabersburg the May following." Frequently- produce was taken to New Orleans by means of flat-boats. This required considerable skill to prevent being capsized, and the parties were usually obliged to make their way back on foot. This time and cost of transportation must be paid for by the consumer.

About three-fourths of its area is under a good state of cultivation. The once primeval forest has been made to blossom as the rose with beautiful farms adorned with elegant improvements. Charabersburg, the only trading point in the township prior to 1872, is now deserted by all business, and is fast going to decay.

Veedersburg, on the west side of Coal creek, at the junction of the Indianapolis, Bloomington & "Western and Chicago & Block Coal rail, roads, has 800 inhabitants, and a trade in lumber, produce, general merchandise, etc., is second to no place in the county. It was laid out in 1871 by P. S. Vceder, Christopher Keeling, and W. L. D. Cochran. The former, after whom the towii was christened, was one of Fountain county's most prominent business men. He not only opened business here in connection with Marshall Nixon that the town might prosper but donated $5,000 to be used in the erection of a scliool buildiocr \^ Veedersburg, providing the people of the township would add to it another $5,000. This the}' have not yet complied with.

Veedersburg is not so much a collection of inhabitants as it is a collection of live business men. P. S. Veeder and M. Nixon opened the first warehouse and lumber-yard, and sold the first agricultural implements, in 1872. The same year E. M. and E. B. Osborn erected the first planing-mill, Wesley Gray built the first storehouse, and Henry Triukle opened the first blacksmith shop, in Veedersburg. '^-,

The present prominent business men and firms in the town are M. "^ Nixon, whose business has increased since 1872 from $10,000 to '>^ $100,000 annually ; J. "W. Gookins, dry goods; A. jVT. Booe & Glass- '4 cock, dealers in hardware; Samuel Mclrvin, grocer; Dr. McClelland, llfdruggist; Jas. Sullivan, grocer; Harper, Osborn &; Son, furniture dealers; E. B. Osborn, sole proprietor of the planing-mill, and the firm or corporation under the name of " Trade Palace " composed of a number of Van Buren's first-class farmers, among which are William Wertz and W. B. Coats, and a few other business firms.

Veedersburg has a first-class grist-mill. It was built in 1876 by A. Michnes, by whom it has since been run, at a cost of $6,000. Owing to various improvements that have been added, it is now valued at $7,500. Size of building, 30x40, with engine-room 30x20. Its capacity for a day of twelve hours, twenty barrels of flour and 200 bushels of meal. It has four sets of buhrs.

The first paper was established in Veedersburg by James Sterns, in 1875, under the name of Veedersburg "Keview," neutral in politics. In 1876 G. W. Snyder succeeded the former editor, and changed the name to Veedersburg "Reporter." The paper, under the management of G. W. Snyder, has a circulation of 400 copies. In politics it is decidedly republican.

(jcoro-e Isler was the first of this society to die. Present number of members is tweuty-five. The society meets regularly on Saturday evening of each week. It has a nice hall well furnished. Tlie lodge is in a flourishing condition.

The society known as the Free and Accepted Masons, Veedersbnrff Lodge, No. 491, was organized in 1873, with the following per sons as charter members: James E. Stevens, Mound Lodge, 274; John M. Rynearson, Eichland Lodge, No. 205; Frank H. Miller, Lodiville, No. 172; Robert Mitchell, Fountain, No. 60; George Eoland, Huntincrton, No. 53, West Virginia; George W. Berry, Gold Rule, No. 16 ; D^H. Shear, Rantoul, No. 470, Illinois; James M. Feree, Hunting, No. 314; James Songer, Fountain, No. 60; Solomon Hettield, Richland, No. 205 : Joseph Blackburn, Hillsborough, No. 885 ; Samuel Vanfleet, Vermilion, Illinois, No. 265. (The above are the names and places where the charter members belonged, prior to the formation of the Veedersburg lodge.) This society operated under the provisions of the Grand Lodge from 1873 till August 26, 1874, without a charter. Tlie constitution of the society, says a member of the Lodge of Indiana, was a day of interest to Veedersburg. The society, in company with fifty visiting brethren, formed a line of march and repaired to the Christian church, where the society of Veedersburg received its charter from the Grand Lodge.

The following are the present active oflacers : James E. Stevens, W.M.; O. P. Grigson, S.W.; E. R. Bonebreake, J.W.; Samuel Mclrvin, Tr.; James Songer, Sec; William Cronk, Tiler. The lodge holds its meetings in Ni.xon's Hall. Throughout its course it has enjoyed a good degree of prosperity. Its history is such as to make it commendalile both to the members and the community.

Sterling, located one-half mile east of Veedersburg, on the east bank of Coal creek, was laid out by J. H. Patterson and J. H. Orear in 1871. Tlie location for a town is fine, but owing to the fact that the railroad crossing was put at Veedersburg, it fails to attract any permanent institutions of business. Patterson, one of the founders of the town, opened the first store here. At the present time G. C. Marwell is running a store of general merchandise in Sterling, with a good run of custom.

J. H. Orear, Thomas Birch, L. H. Lneas, H. C. Voorhees, and J. H. Patterson, were the building committee. First minister in charge was- Thomas Birch. Present minister, S. O. Stellard. The Sunday-school in connection with this society has been prosperous. The present act-1 ing superintendent is James H. Cook. The number of active members connected with the church is twenty-five. Stone Blufi' Station is located on the Chicago & Block Coal railroad, four miles north of Veedersburg. It was laid out in 1873 by George Shanklin, notary public, on land then owned by Howard Crane, Nancy Boord, Samuel Morgan, and John M. Meeker. It supports one store, has a posf office, and a warehouse owned by Samuel Morgan.

One-fourth mile distant, west of the station, is located the Stone Blufi' mill, built in 1844 by Jonathan Crane. It is now owned and run by William Mallett. The mill, though old, has been several times refitted, and does good work. It combines the two - a grist and saw mill.

One-half mile north of the Stone Bluff mill, on the same stream (Coal creek), stood the old Dotinite mill, built by Oliver Osborn in 1829, and was the first mill in this part of the country. This mill was so named from a society of that name in that section. Their motto was : " Lend without expectation of the articles or implements being returned " ; or, in other words, give to whoever shall ask.

Sugar Grove woolen mills, located one mile south of Veedersburg, on the main branch of Coal creek, were erected in 1S54 by Solomon Hatfield, Robert Mitchell, and James Car, at a cost of $1,500. In 1860 there was added $4,000 worth of machinery ; since, at various intervals, there has been added other machinery. The present valuation of the mills is $9,000. The present proprietors are Kichard Hetfield, Isley, and James Songer.

The Hetfield mill, opposite the Sugar Grove woolen mills, was the second mill built on Coal creek, in Van Bnren township. The proprietors were Aaron Douglas and Joseph Campbell.

The present mill at this place is the second erected here. The first was erected in 1828, the present in 1840, and was built by Thomas Patton, and is now owned by E. Hetfield, James Songer, and Isley. In addition to the water-power, steam-power has been added. This is one of the first mills of Van Buren township.

SCHOOLS. Much might be said and many interesting occurrences related concerning the pioneer schools more than has been said of the old log school-house with greased-paper windows. In that age muscle was the article for which demands were imperative, and but little interest could be shown in the direction of mental culture compared with the interest demanded from all at the present. Among the early teachers well to remember are Jacob Furr, Calvin Cheney, Wm. Keeling, John Jack, Scholds, Bell, Drollinger and^Dr. Moses S. Fowler.

There are now eleven school districts in Van Buren township, and thirteen teachers. The eleven school-houses were built at an average cost of 8500 each. The annual expense for teachers is about 82,700. Other expenses 8850. Number of pupils 600. The school in the town of Veedersburg is divided into three departments. A. N. Higgins is present active principal. (For these statistics we are indebted to John

As has been seen from the beginning of settlement in Van Buren township, the people manifested an interest in Christianity. This interest has continued to be augmented in intensity and capacity as the population has increased. Though the first settlers were Methodists, it was but a short time till most of the popular Protestant sects were represented.

For several years they held their meetings at the residences of the members and in the school-houses. At present there are nine church societies in the township.

The Methodist Episcopal was the first to organize. Thomas Birch says that early in the spring of 1823 William Cravens found his way through the wilderness to the settlement now Van Buren township, and p'reached the first sermon at the cabin of Johathan Birch. Early in the summer of this year the first society was organized with eight members: John Colvert and wife, William Cochran and wife, Johathan Birch and wife and Hiram Jones and wife. Johathan Birch and William Cochran, at whose houses the meetings were held principally for several years, were appointed class-leaders. The first pastors of this society were Cord Emmet, Ptev. Beggs, and Elder Strange. In 1830 their number in Van Buren township was increased by the following families: William Riley, Stephen Voorhees, Robert Farmer, Jolin Lop. and others, and their preaching places appointed, with the two already mentioned, one at Farmer's.

The first Methodist church-house in Van Buren township was built about 1838 at what is known as Birch's Corners, one-half mile east of Stone Bluff. It was a log structure, with good slab seats. It was built mainly by Johathan Birch and John Colvert. It was dedicated by Revs. R. Hargrave and H. Barnes. Among the first ministers here were Revs. Cooper, Johnson and Barnes. This society continued to hold its regular meetings at this place till 1852, when, because of many changes, the society was disbanded. From 1852 to 1872 there was.no society of this faith in Van Buren. During the latter year Thomas Birch^ the minister in charge at Hillsborough, in the adjoining township, organized at Sterling a society and Sunday-school, which led to a prosperous society, which erected, in 1875, a neat and commodious church-house at a cost of $2,000. J. H. Orear, H. C Voorhees, J. H. Patterson and Thomas Birch were the prime leaders. The edifice was dedicated July 4:, 1875, by Dr. Granville Moody, of Ohio. First minister in cliarge. Rev. Tliomas Birch. The society now numbers fifty active members. S. 0. Stellar is present pastor in charge, and the society is- in a flourishing condition. The Sunday-school connected with this society has, since its organization, been a decided success. James Cook is the present acting superintendent. The society embraces in its membership many of the leading citizens of Yan Buren township. For this history of the above church we are indebted to Rev. Tliomas Birch.

The United Brethren in Christ. This sect made its appearance in Van Buren township at a very early date. Says Rev. John Hoobler : " I organized the first society in Van Buren township in the winter of 1826 and 1827, in the south part of the township, in the Bonebreak neighborhood, with nine membei's, and in my neighborhood, in the vicinity of Chambersbnrg, a class of si.xteen members." These were tlie first societies in the township. Tiie first church erected in Van Bureu township by this sect was located in the old town of Chambersburg about the year 183S. Among the most prominent members were John Walker and J. G. Lucas. This building was a log structture, modeled after the pioneer fashion. It was used for church purposes ten years or more, when it was moved away, and a large, commodious frame building erected on the same site. This last building still stands, a perfect wreck of the ravaging hand of time. The society has not held any regular meetings here for a number of years.

At the present date the United Brethren church lias three distinct societies in Van Buren township : one southeast of Veedersburg, known as Bonebreak's chapel. The building is a brick structure, erected not far from 1850. It was first used for both a school-house and church. This society, since its organization in 1828, has enjoyed a fair degree of prosperity, and is now in a flourishing condition.

The cemetery connected with this church-house deserves a special notice. Here sleep some of the pioneers. Among the first of these, so far as can be learned, whose remains were interred here are the. names of Eliza Glasscock, died in 1844; Daniel Glasscock, died in