Sugar Creek Township (part 2 of 3)

By Rev. David Caudell, Of Vernon

"Old Settlers and Citizens of Hancock : I have no doubt that many of those present today, when we rehearse what events occurred, will say within themselves, surely they exaggerate the truth. I came to this county on October 28, 1834 - forty-six years ago - a little over the average natural life of most people. When I look over that time and the changes wrought, the hardships endured, I conclude it is not I that have lived to be present here, yet it is true. When I came to the north part of the county and settled in Vernon township it was a wilderness ; no settlement or cabin for miles around. I settled in a large woods and began the work of clearing. The woods here is no comparison to the woods at that time. When I go back and consider these things it seems it is not me here today. I can say what many old settlers cannot say. I have most always enjoyed good health. No matter what kind of weather, I went out if necessary. Many times have I gone five or six miles to a log-rolling or barn-raising, and I have worked as high as eighteen days rolling logs without returning home. No matter how much water or snow was on the ground, we would not stop. Some of the neighbors, old settlers, can witness everything I say to be true. When we look back and see how young people dressed them, how now, how they acted then and how now, ] am led to believe they will never fully realize how the way was paved for them by their fathers and forefathers. Everything is now changed, even the mode of worship. We always held the meetings in private houses. There were no attempts at display, and everyone felt that we were on an equality. We had to walk for miles to attend church. In order to save their shoes, the ladies would carry them in their hands, tramp along, wade the swamps, until in sight of the place of worship, when they would sit down and put them on. After services, on the return toward home, no sooner were they out of sight than they would sit down and take off their shoes and trudge along home. You cannot find anyone who will do that now. Now they must have a horse and a fine buggy or else they cannot go, ever though the distance be one mile. Our women walked four miles and did not grumble. Six yards would then make a nice dress, and they would wear it from six to twelve months. Now it takes fifteen yards [William Sears: "Some take twenty-five." Laughter], and they don't wear it five months. The first winter I could fell timber in my yard. Our chairs were three-legged stools; the table, a bench with four legs. Comparing the times then with now, it is calculated to bring up feelings that young people can never experience."

By John P. Banks, Of Brandywine

"In our younger days we would always say 'Ladies and Gentlemen,' but on the present it is more fitting to say 'Fathers and Mothers.' You have just heard two ministers tell a little of their experiences. A preacher one-half century ago, if worth anything when he commenced, became poorer and poorer - one evidence of his sincerity. The people grew wiser and better. The old pioneer preachers, when worn out, found themselves without land or other possessions, would fill their jacket pockets with pills, or go to mending shoes to keep gaunt want and privations from their door. I was born in old Virginia, at the time when it owned this territory. Moved to Whitewater valley and went into the block-house with my parents, six miles north of Connersville. After peace was restored, we settled and soon afterward I married and went to Rush county. That county was wealthy. I only had forty acres and, having ambition, I wanted more, so moved on. When I came here, one-half century ago, Robert Milroy was superintendent of the National road, and was building the stone bridge, now standing in Greenfield. Speaking of roads, I want to say a word about gravel roads. .We old settlers cleared the way for the roads, helped build them, and today, when we came to this meeting, were compelled to pay toll. It looks like poverty, to hear that the officers instructed their gate-keepers to remain at home and collect full toll. It is a disgrace. Shame on such deeds! The women deserve praise for their heroism in the early settlement of the country. I have seen mothers, aunts and sisters, from dark to daylight with gun in hand and the trigger cocked, keeping away the wolf and Indians. The old ladies have borne the heat and work for the present. They were faithful, true and heroic."

By Noble Warrum, Of Jacksqn I.

"In the year 1840, I was appointed collector of the revenue of Hancock countv, known now as treasurer. But this duty was not then performed as it is now. The citizens of the county did not then call at the office and pay their taxes ; in fact, we had no office, therefore, I was obliged to travel through the county from house to house and receive and receipt, wherever I could find a taxpayer. Many receipts have I filled on stumps and log-heaps, and (droll as it may seem to you) I have received mink and coon skins in payment for taxes. I well recollect on one occasion being over in Vernon township near where McCordsville now stands, at one Wm. McCords, of whom I made a collection and late in the evening I started for my old friend, William Caldwell (who was the first justice of the peace that ever was in Vernon township). But dark overtaking me, I let my horse have his own way. He guided me to what was then known as the 'Big Deadening', where I found a cabin occupied by a family by the name of Jones, and by the way, Mr. Jones was a very clever gentleman, although they had just moved in and were unprepared to receive and accommodate, yet he received me in a very kind and hospitable manner. But the will was there, God bless him and his wife for their treatment. The needy shared alike with the wealthy. In those times all loved one another; but now, when pride creeps in, love creeps out.

"These old settlers came here not to plunder nor to get rich in a month or a year, but to make an honest living, just as God intended they should, by the sweat of their brow. And many times their sole sustenance was johnnycake and venison, being entirely destitute of salt. And this venison, in preparing it for what was termed jerk, was cut in thin slices, and, by having thin sticks inserted, were placed over our fires in our log-cobins, where it hung until perfectly dry ; when prepared in this way - kept from moisture - it would keep for almost any length of time. And occasionally we would kill a fat bear and then we could afford to shorten our johnny-cake, and if we were lucky enough to raise any pumpkins, we stewed them and made what was known as 'pumpkin pone,' and on such occasions the neighbors generally received a cordial invitation.

"And now, as regards the old pioneer mothers, who were willing to make their living by the sweat of their brow. I have seen these old mothers, after spinning nearly all day, sit down, as they said, 'to rest', and take their needle and thread in hand and make a calico dress before bedtime, a plain calico dress; they needed none of that artificial beauty. You saw none of those whalebones nor bumps, Grecian-benders, nor humps - but their bodies were the most beautiful of God's creation. And the young men of that day found them just as attractive and as interesting as the young men of today consider the young ladies of the present age, and were just as anxious to place their arms around them, or steal a kiss from their ruby lips ; but I can't help saying,

A roster was made of the oldest people present with the number of years each had been in the county or state. The following list is taken from the report made at the time to the local papers: Ruth Hudson, born 1795, in county over fifty years; Matilda Catt, in county fifty-two years; Elihu Coffin, in state fifty-two years; Benjamin Reeves, in county sixty years; William Bridges, in county fifty years ; John B. Banks, in county fifty-one years ; David Caudell, in county thirty-six years; Benjamin Price, in county forty-eight years ; George Baxter, in county thirty-six years ; John R. Couden, in county forty years; Benjamin McNamee, in county forty-seven years; Mrs. Berilla Cooper, in county forty-six years ; George McConnell, in state fifty-six years ; Lewis Jackson, in county forty years; Rolman and Nelson Johns, in Brown township fifty-three years; Thompson Allen, in Brown township fifty-three years; Washington Duncan, in county sixty years; Henry Duncan, in state fifty-one years; Clarissa Duncan, born in state 1808; Melinda Elsbury, in county fifty years; Martha Roberts, in county forty-five years; Sarah Stuart, in county forty-six years.

It was estimated that at least six thousand people were present on that day. A number of amusements were provided for the young as well as for the old. In fact, it seems that the amusements provided for the younger people proved distasteful to some of the older folks. We take the following from the report made to the Hancock Democrat: "We heard much comment, mostly unfavorable, on the allowing by the manager of the various gaming and dancing establishments on the ground. One old gentleman, who resides in the east part of town, on being met as he was leaving the grounds by a Democrat reporter, and asked why he was going away so soon, replied, rather angrily, that the 'devil was there', referring to the establishments."

Many relics were also exhibited, which served to remind the old settlers of the happy hours spent years ago. Among the exhibits were a flax hackle, a chair, a sickle, horn and a Bible. It was generally reported that many more relics would have been brought had it been understood that the relics were to be displayed.

On August 4, 1 88 1, a second meeting was held. It was estimated that at least two hundred and fifty persons came on the train from the east, and that from six thousand to nine thousand persons were in attendance. A feature of this meeting was a choir composed of the old folks, who sang "Auld Lang Syne," "Morality," "Eternity," etc. Among the relics were a flax hackle, hemp hook, a boiling pan, and the horns of a large buck killed many years ago. The local reporter stated in his paper that "stands and other places where money can be spent are more numerous than was ever seen at any county fair."

The third meeting at Greenfield was held on August 5, 1882, and ten thousand people were reported present. The old people again sang "Liberty," "Ohio," "Morality," etc., from the "Old Missouri Harmony." A few notes are taken from the local paper of that date :

"Jared C. Meek, of Eden, the first white child born in Greenfield, was frequently pointed out on the ground as a person with a remarkable history."

The following were the presidents of the old settlers' meetings during their most flourishing years: 1880, Nelson Bradley; 1881, Thomas Hawk;

The old settlers' meetings continued to be held for several years. After the organization of the county fair, and the purchase of Boyd's grove by the fair association, a day was set apart at the fair as old settlers' day. It seems, however, that interest began to wane, and in a few years no further effort was made to continue the meetings.

Railroads, Interurbans, Etc

The Knightstown & Shelby ville railway was completed about 1848 and operated until about 1855. It crossed the southeast corner of Blue River township, following the south valley of Blue river. The old grades may still be seen at some places.

Prior to the construction of the Indiana Central railway, the Dayton coach made its weekly trips over the Centerville state road and, later, over the National road, between Indianapolis and Dayton. This was the first line established for the carrying of passengers.

The Bee Line, now known as the branch of the Big Four, passing through McCordsville and Fortville, was constructed in 1850. In 185 1 the Indiana Central railroad, now known as the Pennsylvania line, was constructed through this county. In 1867 work was begun on the "Junction" railway, now known as the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton. The work on this road was concluded in 1869. In 1881 the Indiana, Bloomington & Western was organized, but trains were not run over the road until the latter part of 1882 or early in was completed in 1900 between Indianapolis and Greenfield. The first car ran out of Greenfield on June 13, 1900, and the road began carrying passengers regularly on June 17, 1900. At first the line had difficulty getting into the city of Indianapolis. All cars stopped at Central avenue, in Irvington, and passengers changed to the city cars. After a few months, however, arrangements were made by which the cars of the traction line ran into the city.

The contract for the construction of the Indianapolis-Rushville line was let in 1901. As originally planned, the road was to be double tracked and was graded with this object in view. The company became financially embarrassed, however, and the work was delayed. Finally one track was laid. The road went into a receiver's hands and the first cars were not run until February, 1906.

The Honey Bee line, or the Indianapolis, Newcastle & Eastern Traction Company, running through Maxwell, was begun in 1906. In 1907, work on the road was halted because of financial difficulties. The company's affairs went into a receiver's hands and the road was not completed for traffic for two or three years. Cars began running in June, 1909.

The Tidewater pipe line was laid across Brandywine and Blue River townships in 1910. Oil is carried through this line from the oil fields of Illinois to Jersey City. The line enters the county a short distance east of Finly, and pursues an easterly direction across the corner of the county. In 191 5 a large pumping station was erected in Brandywine township, a halfmile north of Fountaintown.

During recent years the people of the county have had the advantage of traveling in every direction by railroad, while the trolley cars are passing over the traction lines in either direction at every hour.

Aside from the convenience of transportation thus offered, these corporations pay a large sum of money into the county treasury annually, as taxes. In fact, very few people have any idea of the amount of revenue derived from this source. Following are the amounts of taxes paid by these corporations in the year 191 5 :

General Development. I49 Proposed Railway

There is no subject upon which so much has been said in the history of the county and so little done, as upon the subject of a railroad running north and south through the city of Greenfield. The agitation for a north and south line was begun about the time of the Civil War, or very soon thereafter, and has remained a subject of discussion at short intervals from that time to the present. The first agitation that caused people to believe that such a railway would actually be built was begun during the summer of 1871. The proposed line was the Columbus, Nashville & Greenfield Railway. The agitation waned with the summer and the project was soon forgotten.

The next railroad, and one that received a great deal more serious consideration, was the Chicago, Greenfield & Cincinnati railroad. At a special session of the board of county commissioners of Hancock county in 1889, petitions were presented by several townships in the county asking for appropriations by the townships of the amounts indicated below to aid in the construction of this railroad through the respective townships. The petitions also asked that elections be ordered by the board in the respective townships to give the voters an opportunity of determining whether the said amounts should be donated. On that day the board granted the prayers of the petitioners and elections were ordered in the following townships, to be held on November 16, 1889: Blue River, $15,000; Brandy wine, $10,000; Center, $43,000; Green, $12,000; Vernon, $17,000.

In all of the townships except Center and Blue River, the majority of the votes were cast against making the appropriation. The result of the election was as follows:

I50 Hancock County, Indiana

The Chicago, Greenfield & Cincinnati Railroad Company was a corporation organized under the laws of the state of Indiana. Its purpose was to build a railroad from Noblesville to Rushville, thus connecting with lines leading to Chicago and Cincinnati. The proposed road was to cross the Pennsylvania line at Greenfield, and the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railroad at Fountaintown. Local people were interested in the project. Morgan Chandler was president and Charles Downing was secretary of the company. The special election, however, determined the fate of the railroad.

In September, 1897, the Greenfield & Maxwell Railroad Company was incorporated. The directors of the new company were, Ephraim Marsh, S. R. Wells, W. J. Alford (of Anderson), George Cooper, Jerome Black, J. H. Moulden, H. B.. Thayer.

General Development. I5I

The purpose of the company, as indicated by its name, was to build a railroad from Maxwell to Greenfield. On November 12, 1897, a petition, signed by ninety taxpayers of Center township, was filed with the county commissioners, praying for an election to be held in Center township to vote a subsidy of forty-seven thousand five hundred dollars to the Greenfield & Maxwell Railroad Company as an aid in the construction of the line. The board ordered an election to be held on January 18, 1898. This movement aroused a great deal of opposition in the township. The subsidy was asked for on the theory that the new railroad would have a tendency to lower freight rates and give greater accommodation to the traveling public of the county. The opposition to the road argued that these things were, from a practical standpoint, minor matters ; that the road was a private venture, and that the subsidy simply meant the payment of that much money into the hands of the promoters. In the election six hundred and nineteen votes were cast in favor of the appropriation and nine hundred and twenty-one against it, thus defeating the movement by a majority of three hundred and two votes.

Black Diamond

The work of locating the Black Diamond system began on April 30, 1895. The road, as planned, was to extend from Port Royal, South Carolina, to Chicago. By the spring of 1898, it was reported by Albert E. Boone, general manager of the system, that the survey from Port Royal, South Carolina, to the city of Greenfield had been completed and paid for. A mass meeting of the citizens of Hancock county was called at the court house on May 11, 1898. The call was given by the general manager of the system, in which he informed the people that four routes had been suggested from Greenfield to Chicago. They were as follows :

The route to be selected was to depend upon the interest manifested at the meeting to be held on May II. The name of the branch of the road going through Greenfield was to be the Indianapolis, Vevay & Tidewater railway. Colonel Boone gave notice that he himself would come to Greenfield on May 10. for the purpose of meeting any delegations that might want any information concerning the proposed railway.

I52 Hancock County, Indiana

The mass meeting was held as advertised. A large number of the citizens of the county were present. Among those from a distance were, J. V. Carter, editor of Vevay Democrat; Mayor J. R. Simpson, Paoli, Indiana ; Colonel Tutt, of Knoxville, and Albert E. Boone, general manager of the Black Diamond system. The promoters asked the citizens in the townships through which the proposed road was to run to appropriate seven thousand dollars to defray the expense of the preliminary survey. At the conclusion of the meeting Mayor Duncan was instructed to appoint a committee of the business men of Greenfield to consult with the citizens of the townships through which the proposed road was to pass, to get their views as to whether they were in favor of building the road and assisting in defraying the expenses of the survey, profiles, etc.

From this time, all of the local newspapers between Port Royal, South Carolina, and Chicago were filled with the doings of the promoter of the system. Items from one paper were copied in the others, so that the proposed work was continually before the people. News of what was being done at any point traveled along the entire line through the chain of county papers.

On August 25, 1898, a petition, signed by a number of taxpayers of Blue River township, was filed with the county commissioners, asking for an election to be held in Blue River township to vote an appropriation of $17,941.10 as an aid in the construction of the Indianapolis, Vevay & Tidewater railway. A similar petition was filed on the same day by citizens of Center township, asking for an appropriation of $76,426.

The board of county commissioners ordered an election in these townships on September 27, 1898. The following was the result of the election:

These appropriations were to be made on condition that the road be finished and that no part of the appropriation be due and payable until the line should be completely finished and trains operated thereon.

General Development. 1 53

The promoters seemed to be quite hopeful, as is indicated by the following letter written by Colonel Boone to the editor of the Greenfield Republican :

"From the telegram to the Enquirer, Cincinnati, Ohio, I see the subsidy carried at Greenfield (Center township), but failed in Blue River township. I am deeply grateful, as well as satisfied. It guarantees for the Black Diamond a footing amongst a class of people that will protect the franchise from any and all attempts to secure unjust awards at court in case of litigation. I shall now prepare my plans to make Greenfield the pivot point of line to Vevay, to Chicago and to connect with an outer belt for Indianapolis.

"I cannot let this occasion pass without thanking you for the noble stand you took when the Black Diamond needed loyalty and support. You can assure your people that every pledge made in the petition will be carried out to the letter, and the shops shall be no small affair. They will be large enough for the business of two hundred and fifty-four miles of road - Vevay, via Greenfield, to Hammond, Indiana. We will take out a new charter in the name of the Chicago, Greenfield & Tidewater Railway Company, building from Greenfield (south of Pan-Handle) to Vevay, as the 'Ohio River division,' and from Greenfield (north of Pan-Handle) to Hammond, as the 'Lake Michigan division'.

"All the franchise south of Greenfield will be perfected in the name of the Indianapolis, Vevay & Tidewater, and same then transferred to the Chicago, Greenfield & Tidewater Railway Company. The change is made because the road will not go to Indianapolis, and then, as we must build from Maxwell to Vevay to earn the subsidy, the change must necessarily be made.

"I enjoy the hope that I have made clear my appreciation. With kind regards to all friends of the Black Diamond cause in Hancock county, Indiana, I am with respect. Albert E. Boone/''

"P. S. - A debt of gratitude you will forever owe to Charles Tutt, of Knoxville, Tennessee, for his faithfulness to your city. I rejoice that the name of Tutt will never perish, for it will be amongst the files that the coming of the Black Diamond to Greenfield was due solely to the work of Charles Tutt and the friends he secured in your county. The first engine upon your line shall be called 'Colonel Tutt.' Boone."

"N. B. - Whilst the name Vevay will be stricken out for the insertion of Greenfield, yet we will compensate Vevay by making a change of name of the Springfield, Ohio River & South Atlantic to that of Vincennes, Vevay & Tidewater. Boone/'

It did not become necessary, however, to take out a new charter in the name of the Chicago, Greenfield & Tidewater Railway Company, nor did it ever become necessary to change the name of any other branch of the system to compensate Vevay for the loss of her name in the line to Chicago. Though the promoters continued to give out information concerning the progress of the work at different points along the line, the optimism of the people of Hancock county received a rude shock when the following item was published in the local papers within less than a year after the appreciative letter of Colonel Boone had appeared in the same columns :

"J. V. Dill, liveryman of Greenfield, sold the effects of the Black Diamond railway to pay the expense of livery hire of the representatives of the Black Diamond system," etc.

Since that time we have had rumors of the construction of a belt road to include a number of county seats in the counties adjoining Marion, but as yet this road has not passed the stage that was reached by all the others.

The only company that has ever succeeded in operating a line for the regular transportation of passengers north and south from Greenfield has been the Greenfield Auto Traction Company, incorporated July n, 1910, and operated under the management of W. C. Welborn, an attorney of the Hancock bar. This company operated an auto traction line between Greenfield and Maxwell, and for a time between Fountaintown and Pendleton. The line was discontinued in January, 19 13.

The Grange

About 1870, or perhaps a little later, the Grange movement swept over Hancock county, and within two or three years twenty-one local lodges were organized. In March, 1874, representatives of the various Granges met at Greenfield and effected a county organization. The following officers were elected : President, B. F. Reeves, Warrington ; vice-president, J. T. Dawson, Philadelphia ; secretary, I. A. Curry, Greenfield ; treasurer, E. S. Bottsford, Philadelphia; business agent, Alpheus Tyner, Morristown; gate keeper, Thomas Bentley, Greenfield; executive committee, Smith McCord, R. J. Moore, William Frost.

Arrangements were also made for the establishment of a Grange store at Greenfield, of which Alpheus Tyner was to have charge. At the meeting of the Hancock county council on the first Saturday of March, 1874, the following resolution was adopted in recommendation of Mr. Tyner : "Resolved, that in the election of Alpheus Tyner as purchasing agent of the Patrons of Husbandry of Hancock county, we recommend him as a man of integrity and ability and entitled to your confidence and respect."

At this time the Grange of Hancock county had a membership of over one thousand and five hundred. The organization took an interest in general and economic matters, such as the development of farms, the beautifying of the county, the school system, taxation and, finally, politics.

At a regular meeting of the county council at the Grange hall in Greenfield, on April 4, 1874, the advisability of nominating a county ticket was considered. It was at this meeting, too, that the council expressed its disapproval of the frequent changes in the use of text books and adopted a resolution in relation thereto. Other matters were presented, but there was a special interest in this meeting, because the question as to whether the Grange should enter the political arena was to be determined. The notice that the advisability of nominating a county ticket was to be considered, in itself brought a large attendance. Soon after the meeting opened, Mr. Furry, of Sugar Creek township, offered the following resolution : without delay, issue an address, accompanied by a call for a mass convention of those actually engaged in agricultural pursuits (not to nominate a ticket), but for a free consultation on all matters of interest to them. Such convention may organize and perform all rules necessary to a nominating convention at a future day."

J. H. White submitted the following as an amendment to the above resolution : "That the committee take into consideration the propriety of calling such convention, and report at the next regular meeting of this council."

The amendment, however, was not entirely satisfactory to a number, and William Lewis, of Jackson township, submitted the following as a substitute :

"Resolved, that this council instruct each Grange to elect one delegate for each twenty members or fraction thereof, to meet at the court house in Greenfield, three weeks from today at 10 o'clock a. m., to make their nominating ticket."

The voting began, in the course of which Mr. Lewis's substitute was first lost. Then Mr. White's amendment was lost, and finally the original resolution was defeated. This left the matter of a county ticket undecided. The council adjourned, to meet again on April 18, 1874. Nothing was done at the second meeting, and the matter does not seem to have come up again until at a special meeting of the county council held at Greenfield on July 18, 1874. At thismeeting George Furry introduced the following resolution:

"Believing the time has fully come when the agricultural and industrial interests of the county (judging from the past) cannot reasonably expect redress and protection from either of the present existing parties : therefore,

"Resolved, by the Hancock County Council, Patrons of Husbandry, this July 18, 1874, that there be an election called of the agricultural and industrial classes in the several townships in said county, on the last Saturday in July, between the hours of one and four o'clock P. M., for the purpose of electing delegates to a county convention - one delegate for each one hundred votes polled at the last general election, and one for each fractional part thereof; said delegates to meet in the town of Greenfield in said county on the first Saturday in August next, at one o'clock A. M., then and there to proceed to nominate a county ticket of competent, faithful, temperate and honest men, irrespective of their connection with any political, religious or social order - men who will unflinchingly stand by in sympathy with the industrial interests of the county, strictly adhering to the principles which should

The report of the vote of the council on this resolution was as follows : Yeas - T. E. Bentley, R. P. Andis, William Lewis, Aaron Foster, A. J. Lee, A. L. Ogg, Burd Lacy, J. S. Merrill, George Furry, George L. Judkins, L. D. Milburn, E. T. Chandler, Aquilla Grist. Nays - I. A. Curry, T. J. Dawson, Smith McCord, William Frost, T. B. Miller, J. H. White, R. J. Moore, James Finnell, John E. Dye.

George L. Judkins moved to reconsider the vote adopting this resolution. His motion was seconded, and entertained by the president, who submitted it to the council, whereupon there was a bolt from the room to prevent its passage. Capt. Adams L. Ogg asked for a call of the house, which, after being made, showed that a quorum was lacking. The council then adjourned, to meet in regular session on the first Saturday in August, 1874. Under the rules of the council the motion to reconsider stood for action at the next regular meeting.

"The Hancock County Council, Patrons of Husbandry, have called upon the voters of the agricultural and industrial classes generally, to assemble at their respective townships on Saturday, July 25, 1874, to organize an independent party, and to name there all things calculated to release us from the burdens of extravagant and bad government.

Pursuant to the above notice, a number of men assembled at the court house, on July 25, but the convention lacked unity and coherence. The leaders in the convention seemed to be Capt. Adams L. Ogg, George Furry and Thomas E. Bentley. Although the motion had carried on July 18, 1874, in favor of an independent county ticket, it caused much dissatisfaction in the Grange. On August 29, another reform or independent convention was held at Greenfield, at which both a county central committee was appointed and a county ticket nominated. The names of the committeemen as well as of the candidates have been set out in the chapter on politics.

"Resolved, that the man receiving the nomination for representative in said convention shall unhesitatingly pledge himself to a speedy repeal of the late salary grab of the last Legislature, and pledge himself, so far as he may be able, to reduce to a fair and reasonable basis, the salaries and fees of all state, county and school officers, to abolish the office of county school superintendent and many other offices that are useless burdens to the people.

"Resolved, that, in view of the fact that the county officers elected this year are by law liable to receive the salaries and fees as prescribed by the present law, therefore the said convention shall not tender to any man the nomination for either of the county offices, who will not pledge himself that if elected to any office he will faithfully perform the duty of such office for the following named reduced salary :

"Resolved, that in case the above named officers should be elected by said independent convention, they shall faithfully collect all fees subject to the several offices under the present law, and all such money over and above the above named salaries shall be given in charge of the county commissioners as a county fund, subject to their disposal for the actual benefit of the county.

"Resolved, that we favor the election of a district prosecutor, who has the ability within himself to conduct the interests of the state in criminal courts without employing assistance, except in very extreme and complicated cases, and then only a reasonable and stated fee."

Up to this time, the Grange had flourished in the county. Farmers took a general interest in it, and good seems to have been accomplished. Its advent into politics, however, was its undoing. The ties of party were stronger than the ties of the order, and within the next year or two it lost rapidly in numbers and influence. Within three or four years it became practically extinct. We hear of it again on January 9, 1879, when the following notice was inserted in the local papers, showing that an effort had been made to revive it, and that new officers had been elected and installed: only been meeting occasionally. It has been rejuvenated and the members have resolved to hold regular meetings. With this purpose the following officers have been elected and installed for the ensuing year: Worshipful master, David S. Gooding; overseer, Alfred Potts; secretary, William Fries; assistant steward, H. C. Willett; chaplain, E. R. Gant; secretary, R. D. Cooper ; gate keeper, A. Little ; treasurer, Hiram Rhue ; trustees, R. D. Cooper, W. Collyer and J. W. Comstock, and committee on relief, William Sears, A. Little and Eli R. Gant."

A good social spirit was fostered among the members of the Grange. Picnics and other gatherings were held from time to time, of which we have at least one detailed report. This is a "write up" in the Hancock Democrat of a county picnic, held on June 20, 1874. Each lodge was invited to "come clad in regalia and bring full baskets." The Democrat may not have looked with favor upon the entrance of the Grange into politics. Such a step at least could not be helpful to the Democracy of the county, but following is the report of the picnic :

"By far the largest number of people, men, women and children, we have seen in Greenfield for many a day was on the occasion of the Grangers' picnic on Saturday last. The people came in early from all parts of the county, and at 10 o'clock a procession was formed by Capt. A. L. Ogg and numerous assistants, and marched (headed by the Greenfield Cornet Band) to O'Donnell's beautiful grove, west of town, to enjoy together, in a good old-fashioned way, a festive day, free from the cares and strifes of life, to hear enumerated their many and grievous wrongs, and the best manner of their redress; to listen to eloquent dissertations of best means of freeing labor from the bondage of capital, and to have demonstrated to them the great advantage the manufacturer has over the consumer. The procession was a fine display of the bone and sinew, nearly every Grange in the county being represented, all wearing the modest regalia of the order, while above them waved their banners, bearing appropriate mottoes, such as 'We have no litigation in the Grange,' 'Love, friendship and charity,' 'We oppose the salary grab,' 'We buy direct from manufacturers,' 'We are opposed to monopoly,' and 'United we stand.'

. "The meeting was in all respects a grand success, and the horny-handed sons of toil are entitled to great credit for the very orderly and gentlemanly manner in which they conducted themselves during the entire day. All their baskets were well filled with the substantials of life, and all left well satisfied with the day's pleasure."

During the latter eighties this movement swept over the state, and lodges were organized in all parts of the county. Meetings were usually held in the school houses, and the farmers of the community "joined." The "joining" seems to have been the most of it. Its purpose and organization were similar to the Grange, but very little seems to have been accomplished by the order. The initiation of new members afforded much amusement. Stories are still extant of what "happened" on those occasions. The mere mention of the " F. M. B. A.'s" always brings a smile to the faces of those who were familiar with its mysteries.

Foreign insurance companies had operated for many years in the county. But in the latter seventies there was a feeling current among people that they themselves could protect their property cheaper than it was protected by the old-line companies. On June 12, 1876, a number of farmers associated themselves together for this purpose. William Marsh was elected president of the company; B. F. Luse, vice-president; Samuel B. Hill, secretary and treasurer. One director was also appointed from each township. On November 4, 1878, this association was incorporated under the name of "Farmers' Insurance Association of Hancock County." Its object, as stated in the articles of incorporation, was "to insure property, buildings and personal property in buildings, against loss or damage by fire or lightning." As to membership in the company, the article of incorporation provided, "any person owning some property in Hancock county, by paying an initiation fee of five dollars, may become a lifetime member," subject to withdrawal or forfeiture. Money was to be raised by assessment after loss. The incorporators of the company were, Joseph Barrett, Elihu Coffin, Jr., William Fries, George Kinder, Henry S. Wales, George W. Reeves, John F. Candell, Isaiah A. Curry, N. D. Coffin, James Parnell, Henry Loudenback, J. F. Coffin, John Hunt, Lewis C. Jessup, John R. Cowden, William Brooks, John H. White, John T. Duncan, Jacob Slifer, Wellington Collyer, Joseph L. Binford, Jonathan Jessup, Daniel R. Loudenback, Jesse Cook, Robert W. Davis, James H. Anderson, Richard Frost, John H. Hagans, Levi Jessup, T. E. Bentley, Samuel B. Hill, Charles H. Fort, B. F. Luse.

Since the organization of the company, the following men have served as president: William Marsh, S. S. Boots, John H. White, Thomas Mints, William Elsbury.

lowing- men have also acted as secretary and treasurer : Samuel B. Hill, who served until about 1886 or 1887. He was followed by John E. Dye, who served five or six years. Dr. Dye was followed by A. V. B. Sample, who served a year or two, until he was elected clerk of the Hancock circuit court. Mr. Sample was then followed by Mr. Dye, who served another year. Mr. Dye was followed by Benton L. Barrett, in 1896, who served until 1914. At present I. H. Day is secretary and treasurer of the company.

The books of the company have been destroyed a time or two and it is difficult to get exact historical information. The following- table, however, made from the assessment sheets and notices sent to members at the dates indicated, give a fair idea of the amount of business that the company has transacted during the past ten years :

The report made by the secretary and treasurer on Saturday, October 9, 191 5, showed the total receipts for the fiscal year ending October 7, 191 5, $14,199.17; disbursements, $5,541.31; balance on hands, $8,657.86. The present officers are : William Elsbury, president ; R. B. Binford, vice-president ; I. H. Day, secretary and treasurer.

Detective Companies

The first effort to organize a detective company in the county was made in the fall of 1876. On September 8, 1876, articles of incorporation for the "Police Association of Hancock and Shelby Counties," were filed with the board of commissioners of Hancock county. These articles had been drawn under an old law enacted in 1852. The board of commissioners refused to take any action on the articles for the reason that the law under which they were drawn had been repealed.

On January 30, 1877, other articles of incorporation were drawn, in which the corporation was named as "The Hancock and Shelby Police Force." These articles were drawn under a law enacted in 1865 and were recorded in the Miscellaneous Record in the office of the county recorder in Hancock county. The object of the association, as stated in the articles of incorporation, was "the apprehension of horse thieves and other felons and for the mutual protection and indemnity against the acts of such horse thieves and other felons." The association was to continue for a term of two years. Its members were practically all from the southern part of Hancock and the northern part of Shelby counties.

From all that can be learned at this time, this association did not accomplish very much. Within another decade, however, there was a general organization of the county for the purpose as stated in the articles above.

Under the Voluntary Association act, the Buck Creek Township Horse Thief Detective Company was organized in 1888 and since that time the following companies have been incorporated under this or later acts :

The purpose of all of these companies, as stated in the articles of association, is "to detect and apprehend horse thieves and other felons and for mutual protection and indemnity against the acts of such horse thieves and felons." The earlier companies were incorporated for a period of fifty years, but later the law was changed and the companies organized since that time, or that have re-organized since that time, are now incorporated on a perpetual basis. The primary purpose of the organization of these companies is the apprehension of horse thieves and other felons. In this the companies have been very successful. All of the local companies are units in the state organization, and the combined efforts of all units have made the property which they seek to protect, practically safe. There are very few farmers or others in the county owning horses but who are members of the local horse thief detective companies.

Natural Gas

Prior to the fall of 1886 gas had been found at Muncie, Noblesville and Tipton. This indicated the existence of an extensive field immediately to our north and naturally aroused discussion as to the probability of finding gas in Hancock county. Montgomery Marsh was one of the chief agitators who aroused interest in the gas question. An effort was made during the fall of 1886 to raise funds with which to drill a well. By January 1, 1887, eight hundred dollars had been subscribed. The Greenfield Gas and Oil Company was incorporated and a contract was let for drilling the first well to M. H. Porter. The work began in April, 1887, under the immediate supervision of a Mr. Yeagley, driller. As reported in the local papers, the first evidence of gas was found on Monday, April 28, 1887. Before reaching Trenton rock it burned to a height of twelve feet. Trenton rock was reached at a depth of nine hundred and eighty feet. After drilling into Trenton rock to a depth of four feet the flow of gas was so strong that it became difficult to get water down to mix with the broken rock to bring it up. It was let down in a pump and the drilling was continued to a depth of thirteen feet into Trenton rock, when, as reported in the local papers, "the drill was raised up and the rope went spinning around at lightning speed, and then a great volume of gas and rock accompanied with a roaring noise came to the surface. The derrick was crowded with people and Driller Yeagley shouted, 'All go!' - and they did. They left the derrick by all possible means of escape, some of them bursting out through the boards one inch thick."

The work was a success. The well was a "gusher." It burned to a great height and the reflection of its light could be seen on the skies for a distance of twelve or fifteen miles in all directions from Greenfield. Of course, it created a great deal of excitement all over the county. It was mentioned in the newspapers of all the surrounding county seats. Although it was in fact a great discovery for Greenfield, the whole affair was not without its humorous side. The following item appeared in the Shelbyzille Times :

To this the Hancock Democrat replied: "We regret exceedingly that we cannot return the compliment. The 'gusher' will be taken care of and the wishes of the citizens of Greenfield fully accommodated, and in addition we might loan our neighbor a sufficient amount of the wasted article to supply the wants of his thrifty city."

Such items appeared frequently in the local papers and added spice to the good fortunes of the people in different communities. But the first well at Greenfield was not only an object of interest to local people. Special excursions were run over the Pennsylvania line and people came in numbers to see it.

The log of this well showed the following strata of earth through the first seven hundred and thirty-five feet, as reported in the local papers:

Trenton rock was reached at a depth of nine hundred and eighty feet. This well was located north of Fifth street and west of State street, a short distance northwest of where Dr. W. A. Justice now lives.

Before gas was found in the first well a second company was organized and subscriptions were taken for a second well. With the success of the first well drilling began in all parts of the county and a number of gas companies were organized in rural communities for the purpose of drilling wells for private use. Other companies were organized for the purpose of piping the gas to Greenfield and surrounding cities and selling it to consumers. Below

Wells were also drilled by other corporations, including the Southern Indiana Gas Company and the Consumers' Gas Trust Company. Some of the above companies put down but one well for private use, while others drilled a number of wells. In 1890, three years after the drilling of the first well, the tax duplicate showed the following wells in the county, with their general location : Westland, one ; Charlottesville, one ; Warrington, one ; Wilkinson, one ; Willow Branch, one ; Maxwell, one ; Swamp Creek, one ; Milner's Corner, one; Eden, one; Shelbyville Pipe Line, ten; Barrett's Corner, one ; Mingle's Corner, one ; Fortville, three ; McCordsville, one ; Greenfield Gas Company, four ; Kirkville, one ; Martindale Syndicate, two ; Nail Works, Greenfield, one; People's Gas Company, Greenfield, three. Total, thirty-six.

New wells continued to be drilled in the county during the following years, while the flow of gas in the older wells ceased. It would be difficult., if not impossible, at this time even to estimate the number of wells that have been drilled for gas since 1887. There is hardly a section,' however, that has not had one or more wells drilled upon it, except in Sugar Creek and Buck- Creek townships. Gas was found in such small quantities in these townships that it was unprofitable.

The pressure of the first wells, as reported by the state geologist, ran from two hundred and fifty pounds to three hundred and twenty-five pounds. During the following years the pressure was reported by the state geologist, as follows: 1893, 250 pounds; 1895, 210 pounds; 1896, 185 pounds; 1897, 150 to 200 pounds, depending upon condition and age of wells.

For several years after this there was a general decrease in the pressure of the wells from eighteen to twenty pounds annually. The pressure now is very low and pumping stations have been installed to force the gas into Greenfield and into the surrounding cities within the gas belt. It is used for cooking and in special heaters during the cool weather of the spring and fall. The pressure is no longer sufficient to furnish heat during the cold winter months.

When gas was first discovered there was a general feeling that the supply would never be exhausted. The pressure was strong enough to blow the top off of a stove and it was used extravagantly and wastefully. It has been humorously remarked that when the house became too warm doors and windows were thrown open instead of turning off the gas. Hence the people of this day are lacking in the fuel that might still have been abundant had it not been used so wastefully. The discovery of gas, of course, had a great influence on the people of the county. Greenfield, especially, entered upon a great boom. Glass factories, stove foundries, nail factories, and other concerns came to the city and stayed for a period of years while the gas pressure remained strong. Wilkinson and Shirley, too, profited in a similar manner by the discovery of gas.

Farmers' Institutes

The county fairs were helpful in setting before the people the best of all products that the county produced. The fairs, however, exhibited only results, throwing little light on scientific methods that produced these results. It was the realization of just this need, the need of more accurate and scientific knowledge among the great mass of farmers, that gave rise to farmers' institutes.

The first meeting of the farmers' institute of Hancock county was held at the Masonic hall at Greenfield on January 20-21, 1890. Marion Steele acted as president of the meeting. Following is the program of the two days :

Monday Tuesday

The meeting of the agricultural people of the county gave them an opportunity of expressing themselves upon a number of matters of interest to them, and before adjournment they adopted the following series of resolutions :

"Resolved, that we recognize the necessity and value of organization among farmers, and heartily advise all farmers that attend, to increase the intelligence, improve the methods, and heighten the success of agricultural classes.

"2. That we favor a permanent association for institute work in this county and believe that the continuance of the Hancock County Agricultural and Horticultural Society, broadening its scope so far as may be necessary for this purpose, would be the most feasible plan of organization.

"3. That we endorse the act of the last general assembly in making an appropriation for farmers' institutes, and favor a further appropriation to continue the wrork.

"5. That we favor a reduction of salaries of public officers to correspond with present conditions, and recommend the passage of laws that will effect such a reduction and convert all fees into the public treasury.

"6. That we are opposed to trusts and combines to control prices regardless of the laws of supply and demand and respectfully urge legislation looking to their suppression and control by law.

"7. That we recommend the publication of these resolutions in our county papers and request the secretary to send copies of the same to our representatives in the state Legislature.

"8. That we extend our thanks to the chairman and local management and to the speakers and musicians who have donated their time and ( f forts in behalf of the institute, and to the railroad companies for reducing rates to this meeting. "Will B. Walker,

Since the meeting of 1890 sessions of the institute have been held each year just before or immediately after holidays. Upon at least two occasions summer sessions have also been held. The programs given from year to vear have included every phase of farm life. Grains, stock, cattle, sheep, hogs, fruits, in fact everything that pertains to farm life, has been discussed by experts or by people who have given thought to such subjects. The insti- tutes from year to year have also given the farmers an opportunity to make their wishes known, touching upon any question that might he hefore the public. As will be observed from the resolutions, etc., inserted herein, our people have expressed themselves upon current questions and a review of these expressions ought to be a source of pride to the county.

In 1897, when the compulsory education law was before the general assembly, the farmers' institute at Greenfield adopted resolutions asking the Legislature to enact such a law.

At their meeting on January ]6-i7, 1900, when the rural free delivery question was before the people they expressed themselves in favor of this measure. At the same meeting they encouraged the organization of township institutes and expressed themselves in favor of better roads. All of these matters were embodied in the following resolutions :

"Resolved, that the farmers of Hancock county, in institute assembled, do hereby express themselves in favor of the establishment of rural mail routes in Hancock county whenever and wherever practicable and we consider the establishment of such mail routes practicable at this time.

"Resolved, that we will make better roads so that it will be a pleasure to travel on them in attending these institutes, and that we respectfully request the citizens of Greenfield to take as much interest in them as they do in any day of any political campaign, and that they hang out the old flag of our country and let it wave during the entire session."

The attendance at this institute, as reported at the time, was as follows : First forenoon, 225; first afternoon, 350; evening, 340; second forenoon, 375 ; second afternoon, 450.

The encouragement given by the county institute to the organization of township institutes was not without results. In 1901 a township institute was held at Fortville, and in 1902 at Wilkinson. Since then they have been conducted in other townships also.

Although the farmers had previously expressed themselves in favor of better roads, a more definite resolution was adopted in 1903, suggesting a method of procuring better roads. The sentiment of the farmers upon the liquor traffic found expression in their resolutions. At this institute it was decided to combine the sessions of the ladies and gentlemen. Since this time the ladies and gentlemen have prepared the programs of the institute jointly and joint sessions have been held. The following resolutions were adopted at the institute of 1903 :

I70 Hancock County, Indiana

"Resolved, that we favor a law that will permit the citizens of each road district to elect their own road supervisors, and we also favor a law that will require the citizens to work the roads where the supervisor orders.

"Resolved, that the supreme court of the United States having declared that a greater amount of crime and misery is traceable to the use of ardent spirits than to any other cause, we hereby declare our hostility to the liquor traffic and favor its abolition in order that the expense of government may be curtailed and taxes thereby decreased, that the earning power of both capital and labor may be enhanced and that the purity of the home and the sobriety of the people be preserved.

"Resolved, that, owing to the inconveniences of holding separate sessions composed of ladies and gentlemen, we recommend that future sessions of the institute be held jointly, and we also recommend that lady directors be appointed to assist in preparing a program."

On July 11, 1905, a summer session of the institute was held at the court house in Greenfield, and in 1906 another summer session was held at the Goble fruit farm. Quite a large number of the farmers attended these sessions, especially the session at the Goble fruit farm, which was given very largely to the study of horticulture.

Following the passage of the Nicholson bill in 1908, the farmers of the county took occasion to commend the Legislature for its action on this bill. They also pledged themselves to the support of a measure which would make liquor packages in interstate commerce subject to the laws of the state into which they were being sent. These resolutions were as follow :

"Resolved, that we commend the General Assembly of the state of Indiana for its action in supporting the preliminary steps in the great movement of temperance by passing the Nicholson law, the Moore law, and the Search and Seizure law, and as farmers of this section of Indiana, we stand ever ready to advance morality, common decency, and the protection of our homes and families from the arch enemy, alcohol ; be it

"Resolved, that this institute stands pledged to the support of the Littlefield-Carmack interstate commerce bill, providing for the submission of interstate liquor packages to the laws of the state to which they ' have been consigned."

The session of the farmers' institute in 1909 was held while the Legislature had under consideration the repeal of the county local option law. Our people were opposed to the repeal of this law and so expressed themselves in the following resolutions :

General Development. I7I

Indiana, for the sake of sterling manhood of the fathers, and in defense of the never-dying love of the devoted mother, and for the preservation of our sons and daughters, that we are opposed to any institution or business that degrades the home or human race; therefore we demand that the county local option law be permitted to remain on the statute books until it is given a trial."

On September i, 1909, a farmers' excursion went to Purdue. Many of the farmers of the county took advantage of this opportunity to see what the great agricultural college of the state was really doing.

"First, that we are proud of our calling and propose to do all in our power to place it upon a still higher plane of usefulness and influence in the years that shall pass away.

"Second, we point with pride to the rapid improvement of the farmer and his family, intellectually, socially, and morally in the past few years, much of which is due to the just and fair remuneration he has received for his daily toil.

"Third, that being citizens and taxpayers, we have a right to a vital interest in all matters of government that affect either the material or moral welfare of the whole population of the country.

"Fourth, that as husbands and fathers who love our families and our homes as we love our lives, we are steadfastly and forever opposed to any custom, law, institution, or business whose tendency and effect is to debase and degrade the children of men, and as the abolition of the saloons in Hancock county has removed from our midst one of the greatest evil influences that lead men astray, we are unalterably opposed to the repeal of the county local option law and demand its rigid and impartial enforcement.

"Fifth, whereas there is an increasing tendency for the creation of new offices and commissions, and of office seekers, after elected, to want salaries increased ;

"Resolved, that we do not favor the increase of offices and commissions and are opposed to the increase of salaries until good men refuse to fill and accept offices at the present salaries.

"Sixth, as our further influence as agriculturists depends upon the kind of farms we have and the kind of men and women who farm them, be it

"Resolved, that as farmers we use our best efforts in the care, convenience and beautifying of our country homes, and the care and influence in the educational and moral training of our children by encouraging our rural schools and churches.

"That we realize the great good our state university at Purdue is doing toward education, which better prepares the younger generation to meet the future needs of our country," etc.

In 1910, township farmers' institutes were held at Shirley, Eden, Fortville. New Palestine and Charlottesville. The most of these township institutes have been maintained since that time. In 1913 a "Purdue Short Course" was given at Fortville. In 1914 arrangements were made for bringing a similar train from Purdue to Greenfield with exhibits of grains, live stock, etc., and lecturers who discussed the exhibits as well as other topics. In January, 19 15, a resolution was adopted in favor of the appointment of a county agent as provided for by the act of 191 5.

One cannot follow the history of the Hancock county farmers' institutes during the past twenty-five years without feeling that the agricultural people of this county have given expression to ideals that were pure and lofty. In every endeavor they have been progressive ; in all the resolutions adopted there is not a single reactionary note. Every position that has been taken on questions presented makes for purer homes and better living in the county.

The following are the men who have acted as president of the farmers' institute and the dates of their election as far as it has been possible to make the list complete. A number of the men served two or more years : Marion Steele, 1890; J. F. Coffin, 1892; D. H. Goble, 1896; Alonzo Tyner, 1898; George Walker, 1900; Vard Finnell, 1902; Vard Finnell, 1903; E. C. Martindale, 1904; E. C. Martindale, 1905; George Walker. 1906; Joshua H. Barrett, 1907; Richard Hagans, 1909; Thad Snow, George Walker, 1910; John H. Souder, 191 1 ; Walter K. Boyd, 1913; Ward Parnell, 1914.

Since 191 1 Isaac H. Day has been elected president of the board composed of the presidents of the township institutes. All funds appropriated by law for the use of the farmers' institutes have been drawn in his name.

Storms, Cyclones, Etc

Hancock county cannot be said to lie within a storm region, yet on several occasions within the last forty years a few destructive cyclones have passed over the county. On June 5, 1880, such a storm passed over Sugar Creek and Brandy wine townships. On July 1, 1880, another cyclone passed over Jackson and Brown townships, carrying away fences and doing much damage to the crops. On May 12, 1886, a destructive cyclone passed over Wilkinson.

On May 27, 1888, another storm passed over the northern part of Sugar Creek township and through Center and Jackson townships. The barn of Chris Reasner, of Sugar Creek, was blown down. The roof of the Ellis school house, east of Greenfield, was taken off and left hanging in the top of a tree near by. Cultivators standing in the fields south of Gem were blown as far as forty feet from where they had been left, and many gas well derricks around Greenfield were blown down. Many other buildings in the path of the storm were also seriously damaged.

The most destructive cyclone that has ever passed over the county probably came on June 25, 1902. It will never be forgotten by those who lived within its course. The portion of the county receiving the greatest damage extended from McCordsville eastward and south. All crops, including com, wheat and oats, within its track, were completely destroyed. Much of the straw was whipped into the ground and covered with dirt by the rain that followed. Much of the corn was broken off level with the ground and the rest of it lay flat. There were few buildings of any kind within its range that were not seriously damaged and by far the greater number were practically destroyed. Orchards and forest trees were broken down, while the rails from fences were carried for long distances through the air. A funeral was being held at Cleveland, at which A. V. B. Sample, former clerk of the Hancock circuit court and a prominent teacher during his earlier life, was killed. This storm worked a great hardship upon tenants, whose crops in many instances were completely destroyed and who had nothing left with which to pay their rent.

Since that time contagious diseases have frequently appeared in the county. In fact hardly a school year has passed without the appearance of some one or other of such diseases. During the winter of 1881-82, however, smallpox was quite prevalent in the county, as well as in the state.

On February 1, 1882, the county board of health of Hancock county adopted the following rules governing vaccination, which had been adopted by the state board of health on January 1, 1882:

1. After January 1, 1882, no person until after they have been successfully vaccinated shall be admitted into any public or private school or institution of learning within this state, either in the capacity of teacher or pupil, and nil persons admitted therein shall present to the principal thereof the

2. It shall be the duty of all unvaccinated persons within this state to be successfully vaccinated within sixty days from January I, 1882. And all unvaccinated persons coming into this state shall be required to be vaccinated within sixty days after coming into the state.

3. All children born within this state shall be successfully vaccinated within twelve months after birth. All vaccinations shall be with reliable bovine virus.

"After March 3, 1882, all who attend the schools in any capacity will be required to furnish a certificate of successful vaccination from a reputable physician. School boards and township trustees are required to suspend all pupils after March 3, 1882, who have not complied with the rules of the health boards in reference to vaccination."

These rules created more or less excitement in the county, and at least a few of our citizens gave expression to their feelings through the columns of the local papers. The following is an illustration from Green township :

"Editor Democrat : I wish to say a few words to the doctors of Greenfield about vaccination to save them from ruin and destruction; that will be their fate as sure as they attempt to enforce this law, as law they call it. Our forefathers fought for freedom and independence, and why not we? As we do not propose to be ruled by a king, as they would like to be called, especially Dr. Howard, who is the foreman of the ring. There are five hundred men ready now to come forward and show them that the giant powder was not exhausted at New Palestine. As this vaccination is just to put in the doctors' pockets a little more money, we want them to know we mean business, sink or swim. As almost half of this county have to work for the pittance of fifty cents a day it is about all they can do to keep starvation from their doors when they have families to support. But still, you have got to pay Mr. Doctor fifty cents a piece for vaccination. And now, Mr. Editor, to make a long story short, we will say the first man that is fined they had better say their prayers for there is always a stopping place. Please print and save trouble."

"We noticed in the last number of the Democrat that there is a prospect of a war to be waged against the M. D.'s of Greenfield if they attempt to discharge their duties as prescribed by the state board of health and enacted by the Legislature of the state of Indiana. How could such an army of men, five hundred strong, be mustered into service from such a township as Green, which only contains about three hundred voters? Rise up, my little man, and put your John Hancock to your communication. Let us see your height. 'Are you so tall that you can stand like some steeple high, that while your feet are on the ground your hands could touch the sky?'

"Notwithstanding the terrific threat made by one of Green township's patriots last week in regard to vaccination, the giant powder has not been used as yet, no blood has been spilled for the sake of freedom or independence, nor has any poor soul as yet shuffled off this mortal coil at the hands of this liberty-loving people. But, on the contrary, the people through this part of Green township have cheerfully complied, like law-abiding citizens, with the requirements of the state board of health. When they go to beating up for volunteers they need not come to Eden."

In 1902 a serious epidemic of smallpox broke out at Greenfield. A pesthouse was erected south of the city and east of State street, where a number of patients were treated by Dr. J. P. Black.

Early in the spring of 19 14 smallpox in a light form broke out in different localities of the county. An order was issued by County Health Commissioner Dr. Joseph L. Allen requiring all school children to be vaccinated. There was again some opposition to the order, but by far the greater number of people complied therewith. The disease was so general in the county, however, that but few schools finished their regular terms, and in several townships they dismissed on different dates because of the absence of the pupils.

Society For The Prevention Of Tuberculosis

The Hancock County Society for the Prevention of Tuberculosis was organized December 12, 1912, with the following officers: President, Joseph L. Allen; vice-president, Lucy H. Binford; secretary, Percy M. Gordon; treasurer, J. L. Smith; vice-presidents, Martha J. Elliott. Carthage, rural route No. 21; Edgar Hope, Greenfield, rural route No. 4; J. A. Fort, Willow; Mrs. J. P. Black, Greenfield; A. E. Curry, Greenfield, rural route No. 5 ; Cynthia Peacock, Charlottesville ; Gertrude Ashcraft, Greenfield, rural route No. 4; J. W. Ray, Fortville.

Walter Hatfield, Miss Tillie New and Miss Selma Stephens have been elected to fill the vacancies caused by the death of James L. Smith, and the removal of Madames Gordon and Black, respectively, from the county. The membership consists of thirty-two life members, one hundred annual contributing members, three hundred honorary members and ten advisory members.

The first work of the society was the selling of Red Cross Christmas seals, which netted fifty-three dollars and forty-nine cents. The society collected two hundred and seventy-seven dollars for the relief of flood sufferers in Indiana in 19 13. It has had three patients in the state sanitarium at Rockville, Indiana.

The present officers are : President, Joseph L. Allen ; vice-president, Lucy H. Binford ; secretary, Tillie New; treasurer, Walter Hatfield.

A federation of the country clubs was effected in March, 1914, with the following officers: President, Mrs. Iduna M. Barrett, Greenfield; vice-president, Miss Edith J. Hunt, Charlottesville; secretary, Miss Hazel Parnell, Greenfield, rural route No. 3 ; treasurer, Mrs. Harry Porter, Morristown.

The object of the federation, as stated in the constitution, is the ''consideration of questions pertaining to social, educational or literary matters and methods for the best culture and advancement of the county."

The charter members of the organization were as follow : County Literary Club (Blue River and Brandywine townships), 1903; Western Grove Woman's Club (Blue River township), 1910; Thursday Circle (Charlottesville), 191 1 ; Klover Reading Klub (Brandywine township), 1912; Four Corners Society (Blue River township), 1912; Westland Ladies' Sunshine Club (Blue River township), 1913.

The Priscilla Club, organized in 1912 (Blue River township), united with the federation in the spring of 19 15. There are several other country clubs that do not belong to the county federation.

Following is a synopsis of the life of each newspaper published in the" county since the date of its organization, as far as it has been possible to make the list complete. The Home and School Visitor and The Independent Medical Investigator are discussed elsewhere.

The Coon Skin was a Democratic sheet published at Greenfield by Joseph Chapman. John Hardin Scott, now eighty-six years of age, has a clear recollection of the paper in the political campaign of 1844. The publication of the Coon Skin was suspended not later than the outbreak of the Mexican War when Chapman enlisted.

The Greenfield Reveille, published January i, 1845, by Jonathan H. Hunt as publisher, and James H. Hunt as editor and proprietor. It was a Whig organ, published weekly.

The Investigator, published at Greenfield in 1847 by Mitchell Vaughn; later by R. A. Riley. Riley was prominent in the county Democratic convention in 1845, and it is probable that the Investigator was a Democratic newspaper.

The Greenfield Spectator, published September 1, 1848, by John Myers; John D. Doughty, editor. The policy of the paper was expressed in prominent letters across the top of its front page, "Neutral in politics, devoted to literature, science, arts, agriculture, miscellany, markets, general intelligence, etc., etc." A large part of this paper was given to stories and poetry.

The Family Friend. - When the old court house was offered for sale in 1854 the county auditor was ordered by the county commissioners to advertise the sale thereof in the Family Friend. Mrs. Permelia Thayer has a clear recollection of the paper. It seems to have been similar to the Greenfield Spectator.

American Patriot was published in March, 1854, by J. P. Hinshaw. It was a four-page sheet, "independent in all things, neutral in none." It was devoted to "pure literature, morals, temperance in all things, agriculture, commercial and general intelligence." Its publication was suspended after a year or two.

The Greenfield Sentinel, a weekly newspaper published in 1855 by Thomas D. Walpole, and was later edited for a time by William Mitchell. Democratic.

The Hancock Democrat, published in 1859 by a stock company composed of Noble Warrum, D. S. Gooding, William R. West and George Y. Atkison. Judge Gooding was editor-in-chief for several years, and William Mitchell, local editor. Before the close of the Civil War William Mitchell assumed full control of the paper. John F. Mitchell took charge in 1876. John F. Mitchell, Jr., entered the firm in 1907. Has always been a Democratic newspaper except during the Civil War, when it became the county organ of the Union party. Now published by the William Mitchell Printing Company.

Constitution and Union, published in January, 1861, by Lee O. Harris. Publication suspended after about two months. Issued in the cause of preserving the National Union.

I78 Hancock County, Indiana

The Jeffersonian. published in June, 1878, by R. G. Strickland. Democratic. Bought in 1890 by Gus Morton and Charles Teel. Bought by Eugene Lewis in 1892 and name changed to The Greenfield Herald. Purchased in 1893 by S. S. Boots and shortly thereafter taken over by the Herald Publishing Company. Publication suspended about 1906.

Greenfield Republican, a Republican newspaper, published in 1880 by Robison & Cooper. Later owned by Nixon, Henry Marsh and Robert Lynn. Purchased by W. S. Montgomery in May, 1888. Sold by Mr. Montgomery to Newton R. Spencer in February, 19 10. Now published by Spencer Publishing Company.

The Tooth Pick, published for "forty days and forty nights" in 1885 by Marry G. Strickland, Noble Warrum, Jr., and R. E. Bragg. Humorous sheet. Printed on paper of various colors. Pony delivery. Daily. Published at Jeffersonian office.

The Tribune, daily, published at Greenfield by Howard Branham about 1888. Later by Charles Pauley and Austin Boots. At first independent in politics. Later had Democratic tendencies. Purchased by W. S. Montgomery, proprietor of the Greenfield Republican and Daily Republican. Tribune and Daily Republican merged under name of The Tribune about 1895.

Daily Democrat. - Daily Democratic paper, published by William Mitchell Printing Company during the political campaign of 1900. John flufford, editor.

Evening Star. - Non-partisan. Published in August, 1906. by Eugene Boyden. Purchased by Ben Strickland and Newton R. Spencer, December 1, 1906, who soon afterward sold a third interest to Eugene E. Davis. Published at the Globe plant.

field Daily Reporter in February, 1909. Took over The Tribune in February, 1910, and has since published both as The Greenfield Daily Reporter. Now published by Spencer Publishing Company.

Fortville Journal, published in September, 1883. Burned in December, 1883. Reestablished in 1884. Owned and published by Green & Williams, W. S. Rader, W. S. Nagle. Name changed to Fortville Sun in February,

1887. Other owners, Cal Gault, Lon Graf fort and John C. Jenkins. Was the organ of the Farmers' Alliance in the campaign of 1882; S. B. Prater, editor. Destroyed by fire in 1893. Reestablished in 1894. Publication suspended in 1895. Local news.

Fortville Tribune, established in fall of 1893 by Robert Maranville. Other owners, Ora Pogue and George Simmons. Purchased in April, 1909, by Gus E. Stuart, the present editor and proprietor. Local news.

Nezv Palestine Courier, weekly; published by a company of persons in 1885. William Parish took charge in November, 1895. Discontinued in April, 1897. Local news.

Wilkinson Herald, first published at Wilkinson about 1897 by Dr. B. H. Cook. Moved to Shirley about 1899 and sold to Frank Martindale and name changed to Shirley-Wilkinson News. Local news.

Shirley-Wilkinson News, first published at Shirley about 1899 by Martindale and later by his son. Sold to one McClain who changed the name to Shirley Gazette. Local news.

Shirley Gazette, first published at Shirley about 1901 by McClain. Later owned by one Gordon and C. B. Shields. Name changed to Shirley Nezvs about 1905. Local news.

The following newspapers are now published in the county : The Hancock Democrat, Greenfield Republican, Greenfield Daily Reporter, FortziUc Tribune and Shirley News.

Aerial Navigation

One day in the summer of 1859 or i860, as to which of these years it was my memory does not now exactly serve me, the citizens of our then little town had their curiosity somewhat aroused by the discovery of a number of quarter-size printed posters tacked up in several of the most public places in town, announcing that on a certain evening in the following week this man, John Alley, would deliver a lecture at the court house on the subject of aerial navigation. At the appointed time it was my good fortune to be present with a considerable number of other of our citizens, and to hear advanced what we then regarded with amusement as the vagaries of an eccentric, if not an unbalanced, mind. His ideas in relation to the construction and operation of a flying machine were not well matured, but were vague and inconclusive, and the lecture did not meet the expectations which the contents of the posters announcing the same had excited in the minds of his audience.

His ability as a poet and prophet was better evidenced by the contents of the posters than by the lecture. These poster's were so much out of the ordinary and of such interest to me that I have never forgotten the principal features they contained, and they were very vividly recalled to my mind by the successful operation of the flying machines which I witnessed at the exhibition at the Speedway, near Indianapolis, a few days since, and in which I witnessed so complete a fulfillment of the prophecy contained in them that I feel impelled to give it the publicity which I think it deserves by asking a place for it in the columns of the Star, and so to do what I may toward the perpetuation of the memory of one who has hitherto been "to dumb forgetfulness a prey," although entitled to rank as a true prophet of modern times. The top line of the posters read as follows : "Fly, fly, cleave the sky; if a man can't, pray tell me why !" Then the date, the subject of the lecture and the name of the lecturer was given, and then came the closing prophetic poem, as follows :

"The time long looked for is at hand, When man, grown tired of sea and land, On artificial wings shall fly And navigate the liquid sky. Not in balloon made fast to boat, And only with the winds to float, But. mounted on a flying car, He'll steer his course through trackless air, Cross counter winds, confront to breeze, And over mountains, lakes and seas, Survey all nations with delight, Outride the eagle in his flight, And teach the world from freedom's home To every land where man may roam, The light of science, revelation, Man's high eternal destination."

This backwoods seer, "to fortune and to fame unknown," a few short years after the delivery of the lecture mentioned, in 1863, without having created more than a ripple of amusement in the minds of his unsophisticated neighbors, by this, in the light of the present day, most remarkable prophecy, "died without the sight" of its fulfillment and, freed from the limitations of his poor unprepossessing physical habitation he passed into the life invisible "unhonored and unsung."

Sugar Creek township is six miles square and is located in the southwest corner of the county. It was laid out as one of the three original townships on April 7, 1828, and included the entire western portion of the county. Various changes have been made in its boundary lines, all of which may be followed by referring to the chapter on county government.

Twelve sections, or a strip two miles wide off of the western side of the civil township, lie in congressional township 15 north, range 5 east; the remaining portion of the civil township, consisting of twenty-four sections, lies in congressional township 15 north, range 6 east.

The township is drained principally by Sugar creek, which enters the township just west of the northeast corner thereof, and flows in a southwesterly direction, crossing its southern boundary just below New Palestine. Little Sugar creek crosses the extreme southeast corner and Buck creek flows through the northwestern part of the township. Several large open drains have been constructed, all of which flow into one or other of the above mentioned creeks. With the exception of a narrow strip bordering Sugar creek, the township is level or gently rolling. The soil is fertile and the township is admirably adapted to heavy farming.

The first land entry was made by George Worthington, who entered about two hundred and forty acres, including the present site of Philadelphia and the land lying to the north and west thereof. The first entry in the southern part of the township was made by Jacob Murnan, who located just below New Palestine in 1823. Among the family names that are still familiar in the county are the following, taken from the tract book showing who entered land in Sugar Creek township: Arthur Carr, John Eastes, William Sanders, August Langenberger, Thomas Schreiber, Anton Wishmeier, Reuben Barnard, Owen Griffith, Robert Carr, Henry Hawk, Christopher Black. Abraham Hudson, Ludwick Richmann, Michael Murnan, William McCance, Rachel Collyer, Gerret Snodgrass, Henry Wright, Ouiller Shockley, Darius Cunningham, Jacob Murnan, Robert Snodgrass, Matthius Luse, Samuel P. Seward, Charles Fish, Albert Lange, Jacob Schramm, John C. W. Racener, Jacob Huff, George Worthington, William Pierson, Ovid Pierson, Morris Pierson, John Dance, Hervey Bates, Jonathan Dunbar, Amos Dickerson, Henry Racener, Jonathan Evans, James Hinchman, Joseph Conner, William

The Brookville state road was constructed through what is now the southern part of the township before the county was organized. In 1835 the National road was constructed across the northern part of it. These two roads caused the first people to locate in the northern and southern parts of the township, and, of course, the first business houses, including the groceries, taverns, etc., were located along them. James Parker and Peter N. Newland, and, later, J. Ross and Hugh Kelly, opened taverns along the National road. John Delaney operated a tavern along the Brookville state road many years before the Civil War, on the site of the William Nichols homestead, or where Henry Lantz now lives, about one mile west of New Palestine. It is said that Mrs. Delaney was known as a good cook for many miles along the old state road.

Amos Dickerson, John Delaney and Jonathan Evans opened small groceries along the Brookville road in 1831, 1833 an<^ J838, respectively. John Eastes opened a little grocery along the National road in the western part of the township in 1832, and in 1838 Atherton & Avery established the first grocery within the present site of Philadelphia. In 1838 the first towns were also platted - Philadelphia on April 8, 1838, by Charles Atherton, and New- Palestine on October 1, 1838, by Jonathan Evans.

Grist- and saw-mill, erected on Sugar creek by Stephen Bellus, about 1828, two miles north of New Palestine. This mill stood near the north end of what is known as the Pitcher farm. It was later owned by Amos Dickerson, Myron Brown, Uriah Emmons, George Kingery and Lewis Burk. It stood until about 1872. A saw-mill was erected by Black & Brother, on Sugar creek, one mile south of Philadelphia. This mill was operated until about the close of the Civil War, or possibly a few years later. A saw-mill was established in 1850 by James Smith on Little Sugar creek, about forty rods east of the west line of the west half of the southwest quarter of section 34, township 15, range 6, immediately east of the present residence of Ralph G. Logan. A saw-mill was erected on Sugar creek by Lewis Burk. about 1850. at possibly a little later. It stood one-half mile north and one-half mile east of New Palestine. It was later owned by David Ulrey, John Kingery, Henry Ashcraft, James Boyce and James Murnan. The interest of all these persons in and to the mill and the mill race was purchased by John M. Pitcher during the latter eighties. The amount of water in the creek was becoming too small during the dry seasons to be relied upon for power and Mr. Pitcher placed his threshing engine in the mill and operated the mill with steam power until in the early nineties. He delighted in running the mill at evenings; lanterns were hung about the place and the saw could be heard until nine and ten o'clock at night. It became a very attractive place to the children of the neighborhood, who congregated there to play or watch the men at their work. Just a few rods northwest of the mill was a very fine spring. Mr. Pitcher excavated at this spring and put in a layer of cement. From the cement an iron pipe about two inches in diameter was brought up, and the water from the spring came up the pipe. The spring was visited by numbers of people who came into that community. It has been covered since the mill has been abandoned.

A saw-mill, erected in 1850 by Kelly & Brother, one mile west of Philadelphia, was operated for a number of years, and one erected by James B. Conover in 1856, a short distance west of Sugar creek on the National road, was operated about three years. A saw-mill erected by Matthews & Reed about 1856, stood in the north central part of the township and was operated about five years. A grist- and saw-mill was erected by Thomas Tuttle in 1857, on his farm about two miles southwest of New Palestine in the vicinity of Swamp school house.

A saw-mill, erected by Gemmer & Vogel about 1850, stood about onehalf mile northeast of New Palestine in what is now the barn yard on the Anton F. G. Richman farm. The Gemmer farm and mill were later taken over by Thomas D. Walpole. Other owners were Charles Wright and John M. Pitcher. William Gordon finally bought the mill and removed it. A grist-mill was erected at New Palestine in 1856 by Henry Gates and William Ball. Later owners of the mill were Scott & Davis, Joseph Conner, Charles F. Richman, Adam T. Hogle, Benjamin F. Wilson, Elbert Helms, Hayden Pierson, William T. Eaton and Fralich & Waltz. The mill burned about 1886, while owned by B. F. Wilson, but was rebuilt. The present owner is John Waltz. A grist-mill, built about 1882 or 1883, at Philadelphia, by a man named Mints, was operated six or eight years, and a grain elevator, built at Philadelphia by Hudson Smith and others about 1883, was operated six or eight years.

Black, was operated for ten or fifteen years. A saw-mill, erected at Gem in 1871, by the Stutsmans, burned in 1879, but was rebuilt and operated until 1902. Chris Fink, the last owner of the mill,, sold it to James Webb, who removed it to a point northeast of Maxwell. A saw-mill was erected at New Palestine in 1878, by Fred Gessler. The mill was operated a number of years by Mr. Gessler, when George Waters bought it and ran it until four or five years ago. A grist-mill was erected at Philadelphia about 1882 by some Henry county parties, who operated it for several years.

A planing-mill and bent-wood factory was erected at New Palestine by Drake Brothers about 1889. It was purchased a few years later and very much enlarged by James Madison, who now owns and operates it.

At present there are two mills in the township - the planing-mill owned by James Madison and the grist-mill owned by John Waltz, both at New Palestine. About ten years ago a grain elevator was built at Gem, which has been operated for several years by Fred Thomas.

Tan Yards

John E. Baity established a tan yard on the McNamee farm just south of school No. 4, in 1845. In 1847 Alexander Ogle built a small tannery near Philadelphia. Early in the fifties Thomas Swift operated a small tannery at New Palestine.

Tile Factories And Brick Yards

The first tile factory in the township was built by Jacob Schramm, at the northwest corner of section 18, township 15, range 6, about 1863. It first manufactured what were known as horseshoe tile, which were open on one side. After four or five years Mr. Schramm began the manufacture of flatbottomed tile. Work was suspended at the factory during the seventies.

William Roesner established a tile factory on the south side of the National road, just west of Gem, about 1865. It was bought by Fred Wicker in 1875, but resold to Roesner in 1882, who operated it until seven or eight years ago.

Shellhouse, Spurry & Armstrong built a factory on the south side of the Brookville road, one mile east of New Palestine, in 1869. Benjamin F. Freeman, Edward P. Scott, William Reasoner and others had an interest in this factory at different times. No tile has been manufactured there since about 1882-3.

Anton F. G. Richman established a brick yard in 1880 on the north side of the railroad and on the west side of the road just one-half mile east of the overhead bridge at New Palestine.

The Civil War Period Blacksmith Shops

With the establishment of the towns of New Palestine and Philadelphia, blacksmith shops were located there. Reuben Barnard, father of Ex-County Treasurer William C. Barnard, however, built a shop in 1832 on his farm on the county line, about one mile east of the southwest corner of the county.

The first school houses in the township were pole cabins, covered with clapboards and supplied with "cat and clay" chimneys and puncheon floors. They were not public buildings, but were constructed by the citizens as they settled in different sections. One of these school houses was located on the north side of the National road just east of Philadelphia. Another was located in section 5 on the south side of the National road, where the National road crosses the east line of that section. It was known as the Brown school house. About 1890 this school was moved one-half mile west, and located on the north side of the National road. In 1902 it was moved to Gem, where the building now stands, between the National road and the railroad, in section 6.

Another building was located in the east central part of section 8, possibly forty rods west of the east line of section 8. It was known as the Mills school. The McNamee school was located in the southeast corner of section 7. The Morford school, which has since become known as the Caraway school, was located in the southeast corner of section 16. "Number 6," as the school has long been known, was located in the southeast corner of section 28. It has been known as the Brandenburg school and as the Gates school. Near the center of section 26, township 15, range 5, was located the Hickman school, or, as it has since been known, the Tuttle school, and Swamp school house. The first school at New Palestine was located in the northeast part of town, in the back part of what is still known as the "old school yard," on which Huber's blacksmith shop is now located.

All of these houses were built on the same plan. Some of them had two, others had three windows. The lights were eight by eight. The door was so low that a large man had to stoop to enter.

Some of the first teachers in the township were George Robinson, Daniel Valentine, Richard Lindsey, Reuben Barnard and Eliza Barnard. The names of the later teachers will be found in the list of teachers given in another chapter.

neighborhood of the Hickman school.. They seemed to be progressive and at once set about soliciting donations from the patrons of the school for a more modern school house. They succeeded in getting enough subscriptions to erect a frame building. This was the first frame school house in Sugar Creek township, and the first school was held therein in 1855. An interesting little incident occurred in this connection : Among the citizens of the neighborhood was a mulatto named Lafe Cambridge; he had subscribed and paid his money toward the construction of the building. When he sent his children, however, objections were raised becaused they were colored and the children were not permitted to attend.