Sugar Creek Township (part 1 of 3)

Sugar-Creek Township

Philadelphia, named in commemoration of the city of brotherly love, is located four miles west of Greenfield, on the National road. The P., C. and St. L. R. R. runs by it. It contains a two-story public school building, one sawmill, a flouring mill, post-office, express office, daily mail, druggist, grocer, merchants, mechanics, physicians, and other necessaries to a village of her dimensions. Philadelphia was laid out by the records fail to show whom, on the nth day of April, 1838, being about six months prior to the laying out of New Palestine. The original plat consists of one hundred and two lots and six out-lots. The first and only addition was made by Clark, on the second day of April, 1864, and consisted of nineteen lots, located south of the old plat. Among the first business men of this place were: Charles Atherton, Sen., general merchant and post-master; Allen McCane, Joseph Marshall, G. W. Willett, Samuel McConaha, J. B. Sting, J. B. Conover and O. S. Meek. First physicians. Dr. Hodson McCallister & Son, J. H. Hazen, W. H. Dye, G. T. Rennick and H. B. Tilson. We will not consume space in ijivinij a full list of the business throuirh her entire history, but will now come up to the present, and furnish for this date a

Business Directory Of Philadelphia

Remarks : Prior to the construction of the old Indiana Central R. R., there was a vast amount of travel and moving to the west in wagons, on the National road, and for a number of j^ears the Dayton and Indianapolis stage passed east and west daily through this little burg, at which time the chief business of the place, like others of its kind along this main line of travel, was inn or tavern keeping. Relics of these old buildings, where the westward bound, wearv traveler was nightly found, still remain, tottering, but tellina" monuments of an earlier stao'e of ci\ilization.

Gem post-office was established in 1878, on the P., C. and St. L. R. R., in the central northern part of the township, and Andrew Stutsman was the first postmaster. The first store at this place was kept by Nicholas Stutsman, sevens-ears prior to the establishment of the post-office. There never was a plat made of the place, consequenth' no additions. It has a general store, kept by J. Townsend ; a boot an(;l shoe shop, by Joseph Coon ; a blacksmith shop, by Isaac Stutsman ; a steam saw-mill, by Nicholas Stutsman : a daily mail, James Townsend, P. M.

About the 3'ear 1835, the Methodists organized a class at Philadelphia. Among the first members were Owen Griffith, wife and two daughters ; William Brown, wife and daughter; Mrs. Willett ; Charles Atherton, Sr., and wife ; Jonathan Hornida}' and wife, Thomas J. Smith and wife, and Joseph Grey and lady. The first ministers were J. B. Burch, Rev. Edwards and Landy Havens.

The society worshiped in school-houses and private dwellings until the year 1853, when the present church building was finished. It was dedicated in June of the same year by Bishop Ames. The house is in good repair, and capable of seating three hundred persons. Present minister, H. Woolpert.

In connection with this church, a Sunday-school was organized in the year 1850, which has continued to grow in numbers and usefulness till thev now have an interestin"; and prosperous school, with an average attendance of eight}'. S. Burke, present superintendent.

Palestine, was organized in the spring of 185 1, with the following members : J. D. Faut, Christina Faut, A. KirkholT, Mariah Kirkhoft', Conrad Gundrum and wife, John Lange and lady, John Manche and wife, Henry and Elizabeth Fink, and Jacob Lange and wife. The first ministers we're Philip Deor, Rev. Wilke, and L. Heis. In 1852, the organization erected a house, at a cost of a thousand dollars. The first trustees were J. D. Faut, Conrad Gundrum, A. Kirkhoft^ John Manche, and Henrv Fink. The present trustees are Conrad Gundrum, A. Kirkhoft', J. Lantz, Jacob Kratz, and Charles Reasoner. Present minister, Rev. John Ficken. To this church belong some of the staid, sturdy German farmers and substantial men of the township.

New Palestine, was organized September 4, 1870, on the following platform : " We, the undersigned, members of the body of Christ, agree to congregate ourselves together for the worship of the true God, and the edifying of each other in love ; to be governed by the word of the Lord,

The above organization was effected in the schoolhouse at Palestine, under the pastorate of Elder W. R. Low. Being denied the privilege of longer worshiping in the school-house, the organization met in the railroad depot. In 1871, the society erected a house, large and substantial, at a cost of $1,550, exclusive of ground, which was donated by H. P. Anderson. The building was dedicated on the 25th day of November, 1871, by Elder W. R. Jewel, of Danville, Indiana, and a thorough organization was effected by electing George B. Richardson, M. H. Hittle, John P. Armstrong, J. M. Pitcher,, and H. P. Anderson, deacons. Elder W. T. Hough was the successor of W. R. Low, followed by Lockhart, John A. Navitz, W. H. Bovyles and Robert Blount. There has never been a re-election of officers from the date of the organization till the present, though some have died, and others moved away. The church is in good condition, with a membership of over sixt}'. The said John A. Navitz, during his labors with the organization, in the winter of 1876-77, held a very interesting, largely attended debate with a Soul Sleeper preacher, by the name of Sanford.

The lirst German church in Sugar-creek township, known as the Albright German Church, was organized in the year 1S36, in a block-house three miles west of

Palestine, and consisted wholly of Germans who had recently arrived from the principality of Hamhin-g, Germany. Most of them were hnancially poor, but spiritually rich ; and in setting about to supply the wants of the body, they would fain supply the soul with food also, and hence delayed not in associating themselves together as one grand Godly family, made up of about twenty-five private families. Their spiritual wants were first supplied by a priestly patriarch named Kiebler, followed by Rev. Mr. Muth, a preacher of the United Brethren.

Contemporary with the organization existed the German School Society, whose duties were to suppl}- the children with facilities for securing a secular education, and a knowledge of the catechism. In 1841, the first German Lutheran minister. Rev. J. G. Kuntz, came to Indianapolis, took charge of the German church at that place, and preached for the new society, first once every four weeks, then tri-weekly. The society becoming more numerous and wealthy, at the special instance and request of their pastor, said Kuntz, they extended a call to Rev. A. Brandt to come and live among them to preach and teach, which call he accepted. Brandt was Ibllowed by Revs. Hermeon and A. Scheurmann. In 1853, said Kuntz was returned, and a new church was built in the central western part of the township, on the land previoush" owned b}' the school society, on which was situated two block houses, a dwelling and school-house. This society was known as the German Evangelical Lutheran Zion's congregation. The building was a frame, 35x50 feet, constructed by a young man named Kaiser, at a cost of $1 ,200. It was dedicated on the 27th of November, 1859, by Rev. Frick. Rev. Kuntz was connected with this church, as pastor and schoolmaster, for more than thirty years. The writer had the pleasure of calling on him in the schoolroom, assisted by his daughter, in 1874. "^^^^^ room was a small log structure, located on the south side of the road, in the north-east corner of the north-west quarter of section twenty-four, near said Zions church. The house was full was organized in 1830, in a school-house near where the present public school building stands. Among the prime movers and first members of this organization were David and Catharine McNamee, George H. and Mary Robison, Thomas Swift and wife, Lewis and Phoebe Burk, Joseph and Elizabeth Conner, John and Sophia Ashcraft, Joseph and Elizabeth Munger, Adam Hawk and wife, Whitfield True and wife, Dr. B. F. True and wife, Henry and Nancy Gates, Benjamin Freeman and wife, Benjamin and Mary Ann McNamee, William Leachman and wife, Dr. J. M, and Mary Ely, Hiram Chambers and wife, John Jones and wife, H. Hough and wife, Jane McVey and Eliza Jones. The first trustees of this society, were Thomas McVey, Dr. J. M. Ely and David McNamee. The present building was erected in the summer of 1856, and dedicated in September of the same year, by Thomas Eddy.

The ministers who have presided here, from time to time, are as follows: James Conner, J. L. Smith, J. W. T. McMatlin ; Revs. Wright, Wray, Rosecrans and Ransdell ; Patrick Carlin, Robert R. Roberts, John C. Sharp, Jesse Miller, F. M. Turk, Augustus Lewis, B. F. Morgan and George W. Winchester. Present preacher, W. B. Clancy.

The house is in good repair, well painted ; size, 35x45 feet ; seating capacity, 400. The society owns a parsonage, paid for and in good repair. Present membership, 126 ; cost of house, $1,800, ance, seventy-five ; present superintendent, A. P. Hogle ; secretary, Charles Ballard ; librarians, Minnie Rodders and Laura Ballard ; treasurer, Jennie Buchell.

The citizens of New Palestine, in harmony with the progressive spirit of the times and country, nearly two -decades since organized the musical talent of the place into a brass band, well furnished, equipped, and supplied with ii wagon, at a total cost for instruments, uniforms and wagon, of $1,150; in addition to which liberality, they for instruction and music, $400 ; for incidentals, perhaps $50, making a total expenditure to the boys and their friends of $1 ,6oo. The charter members, not included in the present membership, were Walter Waterson, James Arthur, Henry G. Mickle, Albert H. Dix, Charles Haynes, Thomas J. Elliott, and J. M. Freeman. The present members are : Smith T. JVic/ioh,'^ John H. Garvcr, George W. Nichols, William F. Anderson, John Westlake, Fred Freagel, William Gundrum, John Carson, Marshall Waterson and Harry Garvcr. This band is in good working order, and is equaled in the county in its efficiency and ability to charm and hold spell-bound its audiences by the Greenfield band only, whose leader has been their main instructor, and it is surpassed by none, notwithstanding the acknowledged ability and recognized efficiency of the other good bands of the countv. It has been our <:ood pleasure to hear this band discourse on different occasions to enrapt audiences such euphonious, harmonious music as seldom wings its way to the ear of mortal man ; and should they so direct their steps as to have the good fortune to enter the celestial city, they will doubtless be chosen to augment that innumerable company which surrounds the throne, with golden instruments and harps in their hands, ever singing, blowing, playing and rejoicing, as only angels can do.

a native of the "Buckeye State," dates liis earthly career from the 30th day of September, 1827. At the tender age of six, he mov^ed with his father, David McNamee, and settled in Sugar-creek township, two and one-half miles north of Palestine, where he still resides on the old homestead which his father entered. At this early Mr. McNamee says he knew of but one log cabin between the Brookville and National road. A few scattering cabins were to be found on the bluffs of Sugar Creek and Buck Creek, and wild game of various kinds existed in abundance. At the age of twentv-two, Mr. McNameejoined his destiny with Marv Ann Irons, September 9^ 1849. The fruits of this union have been eight children^ four of whom are living. Catharine, the eldest, is the wife of Prof. Morgan Carawa\-, principal of the Fortville graded schools. The second, James W., and his wife reside in Fremont county, Iowa. Tiie remaining twodaughters, Emma and Mollie, are living with their parents^ Mr. McNamee and his amiable wife have been consistent members of the M. E. Church for thirtv-two years.

The above-named lodge was organized under a dispensation of the G. M., in Januarv, 1869. ^^ which authority F. M. Hook was appointed worshipful master ; J. P. Armstrong, senior warden, and C. H. Shellhouse, junior warden of said body. The tirst stated communication of this lodge occurred January 30, 1869, at which meeting the grand master appointed the rest of the officers necessary to perfect the organization, viz. : E. P. Scott, treasurer; B. Westlake, secretary ; B. F. Stutsman, senior deacon ; C. Bennett, junior deacon ; J. P. Vernon, tylor. These, with the three appointed in the dispensation, constituted the officers of said lodge No. 404. On the 25th day of May following, a charter was received from the grand lodge. The order now being firmly established, peace and harmony prevailing, the close of the year 1869 found the lodge with bright prospects betbre it. The present officers are J. P. Armstrong, W. M. ; Eli Stout, S. W. : T. P. Vernon, junior warden : J. C. Vansickle, treasurer: E. P. Scott, secretary'; W. A. Eaton, S. D. ; A. P. Hogle, J. D. ; O. P. Hobbs, tylor. This lodge has had several public installments, and public addresses by John V. R. Miller, W. H. Bowles, and other bright lights. Among those the death of whom the lodge has been called upon to mourn are F. M. Hook, its tirst master : B. Westlake, the first secretary ; and more recently, Prot". Aaron Pope, the latter of whom, though young in Masonry, was twice master of the lodge. Gone, all gone ! but not forgotten. Though the lodge mourns its loss, the members rejoice in a consolation of meeting them in that celestial lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the universe presides, and the tylor admits none but the true and tried. [We are indebted to J. P. Armstrong for the above facts.]

The first German who entered land in Hancock county was Carl Julius Leopold Albert Von Bonge. lie was born November 24, 1798, in Liegnitz, Silesia, Prussia, Germany. Having received a classic education, he adopted the profession of law. Owing to political difficulties with the Prussian government, he was compelled to leave his native countrv. He therefore selected, fled to, and adopted the United States, " the land of the free and the home of the brave." He first setded in Zanesville, Ohio, then for a time resided in Cincinnati, when in the year 1828, in companv with his young wife, he emigrated to Hancock county, to what is now called the German settlement, and entered a quarter section of land. Albert Lange, a schoolmate and colleague in his profession, who also fled the countrv from the same cause, came over at the same time, and entered a quarter section adjoining tluit of Mr.

Bonge. For a number of years they cleared up, fenced, and made a home in the swamps. Mr. Lange sold his 160 acres eight years after, and settled in Terre Haute, where he was mayor of the city for a time, and auditor of Vigo county for a number of 3-ears. He was three times the nominee of the republican party for auditor of state, to which position he was elected in i860, and filled the place of trust with credit to himself and honor to the people. Indeed, Mr. L. was a prominent citizen of the state until his death. Mr. B. sold his quarter .section also about twelve years after entering. He tl.en settled over the line in Cumberland, Marion county, where he resided and engaged in the mercantile business. Here he lived, a useful citizen, to a good old age, and died only a few years since ; and his pioneer wife, the first German woman that ever located in this prosperous German settlement, is still living. She was born in 1813, at Heil Bron, in the kinirdom of Wurtemburfj, Germanv, and was married to said Carl Julius Leopold Albert \on Bonge in the year 183 1, at Dayton, Ohio.

By the location and influence of Mr. Bonge and Mr. Lange, a German doctor, by the name of Ronenberg, who came from Buckeburg, Schaumburg-Lippe, Germanv, established himself near them. Through the influence of these three worthy, prominent men, numerous others were induced to follow. Among the first were Geo. Nolener, John Schreiber, Mr. Wolframm, Chas. Oswold, Mr. Linbricht, Anthon}' Wishmeier, Benj. Rothe, Jacob Schramm, Andrew Finck, Christian Schildmeier, Wm. Reasoner, Charles Brewer, Ludwig Richmann, Wilhelm Rushaubt, Anthony Kirkhoft', x\nthony Meier, Daniel Faut and John Grene. These were a few of the pioneers who settled here from 1830 to 1840, followed by many of their relatives, friends and acquaintances, each of whom cast in his might to make the German settlement what it is to-day - the garden spot of Hancock county. As before stated, they have their churches and schools, and are taught honesty, industry and frugality. Let the young from the ;ib()\i' liistorx Icai'ii llir lesson lliat " il Is an ill wind that blows nobody i^^ood ;'' that a kite rises against the icrial current, and not with il. ""I'lie han^iiiL,^ ol" John Brown was tlie han^inj^ of slavery ; religions persecution in Kn^iand planted the pilgrim lathers on Plymouth Rock, and |iolitical dillerences in ]*russia, Germany, drove Carl Julius Leoi-)old Albert Von lionire and the lion. Albert Laniije to America, to form the nucknis around which should cluster tlu' pi-rsecuted and poor, the youno' and old ol' their native countrymen, to aid in convertin<^ tlu> marsh into tlu' meadow, the forest into fields, and the deej'), tanu;-|ed wildwood into beds of rosins and broad acres ol Lfolden jji'ain. J^onj/ li\e tlu-ir memorw

'I'he subject of this skelcii, a nali\i' of llancock county, was born May 31, 1H43, and was the third son of Reuben IJarnard, a prominent citizen, fariuiT and stock-raiser ol .Su_i;"ar-cr(.>ek township.

lie was married May llu- 2()lh, iSOy, to Amanda (iibson, of Marlon county, Indiana, since which time \\v has been activel\' engaged in farming ami stock raising, and has been \erv successful. I lis thrift and inchistrv ha\c> gained lor hiui the admii'alion ot the .

Mr. liarnaril has bin-n three limes elected trustee of the township, and as olu'U eleiled secn^tary of the county board ol education, and jierhaps has dont' as much to raise

Mr. Barnard is a young man, of nervo-biliotis temperament, medium height, dark complected, strong and vigorous, with black hair, a piercing eye, and an active mind.

The subject of this sketch was born in Shelby county, about five miles south of Palestine, on September i6, 1844. His father was in moderate circumstances, and unable to give his son a collegiate education ; but might have given him an opportunity to attend the public schools of the district, had he fully appreciated the importance of an education. Hence young Mr. P. was compelled to live in comparative ignorance until large enough to labor with his own hands, and thereby obtain means to purchase books and enter school of his own accord. But being allowed to attend school in the winter only, when the weather was too bad to work on the farm, his education reached no farther than the elementary principles of the fundamental branches.

At the age of twenty, Mr. P. was married to Miss Nancy J. Murnan, of his native neighborhood. Here, on a rented farm, he began his efforts for an independent living. His wife lived but little more than a year, leaving her husband the care of an infant child, which lived but three months after its mother's death. Mr. P. being now left alone in the world, and feeling unsatisfied with his preparation for life's duties, he resolved at once to prepare himself for teaching. Though his education was so very limited, yet, by close application at leisure hours, and without attending school, in a little more than a year he was enabled to obtain license, and began teaching. He first held forth at Fairvievv school-house, in the fall of 1867, in which, as in subsequent terms, he was very successful. In JanuarN', 1871, he was again married. This time to Miss Louisa W. Vernon, of Shelby count}'. In

1873, he moved to Palestine, and was engaged in the employ of Eaton & Gates for three years, and in that of Schreiber & Brother for two years, with the exception of two winters devoted to his. favorite pursuit. In the fall of 1877, he was elected principal of the McCordsville graded schools, which position he filled with entire satisfaction to all parties interested. While residing here he was elected county superintendent, to fill the unexpired term occasioned by the death of W. P. Smith. This position he held to the date of his death, being twice re-elected and twenty-seven months in office. During all of this time Mr. P. was in harmon}- with the progressive educational spirit of the age, faithfully and conscientiously carrving out the advanced movements of his predecessors and inaugurating others as necessity and the spirit of the times demanded.

Mr. P. was a 3-oung man of great energy, enterprise, and considerable originality, and was the proprietor and chief founder of the Home and School Visiter. Mr. P. from the age of sixteen to the date of his death was a faithful member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and for ten years was a de\ oted Mason. He was twice master of the lodc^e at Palestine, took the chapter degrees at McCordsville in the summer of 1879, and the council degrees in May, 1881. He died at his residence in Greenlield, Thursday, July 21, 1881, aged thirty-seven years, and his remains peacefully repose in the New cemetery in this citv.

a nati\'e of the "Buckeye State," dates his earthly career to 1827, October 12. At the early age of two, in company with his parents, he came to Marion count}', Indiana, wiiere they remained until the fall of 1855, when, at the age of twenty-eight, he came to Palestine, sugar-creek township, and engaged in merchandising with Burk, Esp}' & Co., at which business he continued for about nine 3'ears, being a member during this time of different firms. In 1864, Mr. F. moved out on his farm, adjoining the town on the east, where he has resided ever since, and has been eiiiji'aijed in farminij, stock-raisinij, merchandising and stock-trading. ISIr. Freeman has been constanth' in the goods trade since entering the countv - though unable, from a pressure of business, to give it his personal attention - but has devoted the major part of his time to farming and stock trading, being one of the most extensive stock dealers in the count}^ and the owner of over eight hundred acres of first-class land.

Mr. F. was married in 1855 to Marv Ann, daughter of John Maple, of Rush countw The fruits of tliis union are four children, three bo}-s and one girl, all of whom are unmarried, except James A. Mr. F. has been a consistent member of the M. E. Church for more than fort^- years. Ever since the organization of the republican party, in 1856, Mr. F. has been a staunch member thereot". Not from polic\', but tVo.n principle, though ne\-er in office nor aspiring in that direction, prefering the quiet seclusion ot" rural ]rarsuits. In person, ?*Ir. F. is tall, strong and portly, of a sa>io-iii')io-)icrz'o-bilioits temperament, has light complexion, light hair, blue eyes, and a dignified bearing, nearly six feet in height, and two hundred pounds in weight.

a native of Johnson county, Indiana, removed with her parents to Sugar-creek township about the year i860, when but a mere child. Here she has remained ever since. Her parents dying some few 3'ears ago, together with her elder sister, made her pathway rather a rough one for a w'hile, but it is smoother now. Though her opportunities for an education were limited, being confined mainly to the public schools of the township, yet, by industry and close application, she has prepared herself for teaching, and has had some eight years' experience in the public schools of the county, but is now giving her attention mainly to literary work ; from a small beginning in the county papers over a nom dc -pliunc, then in numerous sensational works, Frank Lesley^ Chhnncv Corner^ and JVezu York Ledger, and not until more recently has she appeared over her own signature in the Indianapolis your Hill and Herald, Chicago 1)2 ter Ocean, New York Sun, and other metropolitan papers.

The writer is well acquainted with the subject of this sketch, having been associated with her in the first normal school of the county and as superintendent of the Greenfield graded schools, and also had the honor of licensing her to teach in the public schools, and can freely credit her with manifesting the will to rise under adverse circumstances.

After the death of her father, E. S. Bottsford, Esq., she was appointed administratrix of the estate, and has taken the responsibilities of the head of the family.

Chapter Xix

Name and Organization. - This township, which bears the name of the final resting place of the mortal remains of the first President of the United States, was organized in 1836, and was taken from the north part of Buck-creek. In 1838, four sections were struck off from the south-east corner to form a part of Union township, but in 1853 were replaced, since which time she has maintained her present size and boundaries.

Local io}i^ /jji'.iid'.rn'es, S/zr, etc. - \"ernon townsnip is located in the north-western part of the county. It is bounded on the north by Hamilton and Madison counties, on the east by Green township, on the south by Center and Buck-creek, and on the west by Marion county. In extent it is seven miles in length and live miles in width, with four sections out of the north-west corner, and is, therefore, composed of thirt}'-one sections. It is one of the two townships in the county with an irregular outline. Its greatest length is east and west. It lies in township seventeen north, and is in ranges five and six east, two tiers of sections on the west being in range live and the remainder in range six east. The range line runs one mile east of McCordsville, one-third of a mile west of Woodberrv, and forms the east line of 11. Caldwell's and John Mc- Cord's farms.

Surface^ Soil., IJr(iiiia<j^\\ and Prodv.clioiis. - Tlie surtace is exceedingh' level throughout almost the entire township, and especially in the western part; indeed, it is the only township in the county in which we have been unable to lind a few hills. Along Flat Fork, and for a short distance back therefrom, the surface is slightly undulating, and section nine, in which Fortville is located, and through which Flat Fork passes out of the county, is considerably rolling and somewhat hilly.

The soil is of black or brown loam, deep, rich and exhaustless in resources, with the exception of three or four sections, ^vhich have more or less a clay soil.

Prior to the use of tile, a considerable number of small wooden ditches and a few open ditches were sunk in the township. Since the location of a tile factory within her borders, a number of tile ditches have been put in by her more enterprising citizens. But she is still in need of vastly more. Indeed, in comparison with other townships as to drainage, she is behind ; and we would suggest the construction, by her liberal citizens, of a few broad, deep outlets under the new ditch law, approved April 8, i88i, which provides not only for the construction of a ditch.

but the keeping in repair, and, in short, is simple and complete in itself, and superior to any other drainage law ever placed upon our statute books, not excepting the act providing for the draining and reclaiming of wet lands, approved March 9, 1875. In drawing these comparisons between the townships in surface and drainage, we speak not from guess-work or hearsay, but actual observation. The writer has a number of times been on ever}^ public road, in many of the residences, and all of the schoolhouses in the county, and know whereof we speak.

The chief productions are wheat, corn, hogs, cattle, flaxseed, potatoes, fruits, flax straw, lumber, horses, oats, and the products of the hennery and dairy. In 1880, Vernon township produced on 2,644 ''icres, 39,660 bushels of wheat ; on 3,727 acres, 77,200 bushels of corn ; on 332 acres, 9,960 bushels of oats ; on 509 acres, 763 tons of hay ; being the fewest acres and fewest bushels of wheat of any township in the county, and also the fewest bushels of corn.

Streams. - Sugar Creek, the largest stream in the township, passes through the south-east corner to the extent of about one mile, cutting ofl" a small portion of section thirty-five. Buck Creek rises in the central portion of the township, flows south by south-west, and passes out near the south-west corner of section thirty-two. Flat Fork, a very small stream, rises near the south-east corner of section twenty-seven, meanders north about two and one-half miles ; thence north-west, passing out of the township about three-fourths of a mile west of Fortville, near the south-west corner of section nine. It is ditched nearly the entire length, and has no banks.

J^/rsi Land Entry and First Settlers. - The first land entry in this township was made by George Crim, on the i6th day November, 1826, being the east half of the southwest quarter of section twenty-nine, in township seventeen north, and range six east. The second entry was made by Samuel Henr}^, in the same section, and in the same month and year.

Amono- the first settlers were John I5rooks. Joe Winn, Richard Stokes, Natlian Bhickburn, Micajah Shull, David Fisher, the Crosslc}- family, the John Robb famih', Tarleton Walker, William and Sarah McCord, George Pritchet, Jacob Smith, Hiram Duncan, John Caudel, George Chappel, George Jackson, Jehu Denney, and Arthur Morrison. There are doubtless others who are entitled to a place in the above list, but their names have escaped our observation. The reading of the above will call to the minds of our readers pleasant memories of earlier da3's and hallowed associations with these brave frontier men, almost all of whom have gone. Forever gone I but not forgotten. They have left "foot-prints on the sands of time ; foot-prints which, perhaps, another, - sailing o'er life's sturd}' main, seeing, shall take heart again."

A Fczv First T/i?'iigs. - The lirst preachers in the township were Rev. Wyman and Thomas Jenkins ; first doctors, J. W. Harvey and Hiram Duncan ; lirst merchant. Perry Fort ; first school-house, near McCordsville ; first road, Noblesville road ; first mill, at Fort\'ille ; first postmaster, Thomas Noel ; first postmaster at Woodbury, David Brown ; first postmaster at McCordsville, H. M. Thompson ; first pike, Noblesville road ; first land entr}', b}' George Crim-; first graded school, at McCordsville: first lodge. Masons ; first teachers, foreigners ; first railroad station, at Fortville : first marriage, David Caudel and wife, in 1836; first teacher, Thomas Sherman. The first election was in August, 1836 ; the ballots were thirteen in number, twelve democratic and one republican, all cast in a hat.

Mills ami JFactorics. - The first mill in Vernon township w^as a steam saw-mill, built in 1849, ^7 ^o^l & Co., at Fortville. In 1853, said Noel «& Co. erected a steam flouring mill in Fortville, and it was run for several years, when it met with the common fate of mills and factories in Hancock county, and returned to mother earth in dust and ashes.

steam flouring mill, which was successfully operated tor a number of years, when it met with a similar fate, and succumbed to the forked flames of the ferocious fire fiends In 1854, Hooker & Son built a steam grist and saw mill in Woodbury, which soon met with the like fate, being overcome with the warm embraces and enveloping sheets, of lier}' flames.

There is running at this time, in the suburbs of Fortville, a steam flouring mill and a saw-mill. There is also a steam saw-mill in operation at McCordsville.

Aaron Littleton operated a tile factory for a number of years, using the machinery formerly used by Eb. Steele in Buck-creek, in a tile factory in that township.

An extensive tile factory has been in operation for several 3'ears a short distance south of Fortville, which has supplied the township with almost all the tile she has ever used. There is also a planing mill, a flax factory and a stave factory located near this same town.

Andrew Hagen, ex-county treasurer, has an extensive flax-straw factory and grain elevator in Fortville. There is also a heading factory at F'ortville, and an extensive grain elevator at McCordsville, operated b}- T. J. Hanna. I^oads and Railroads. - The roads in this township^ like Buck-creek and other smaller sections of low, wet ground, were, until within the last few years, merel}' dirt and corduroy roads slightly impro\ed, and at times almost impassable. During the pike fever which swept over this^ county, this township, like others, was similarly affected, which resulted in the construction of about twenty-five miles of toll pike, nineteen of which are now tollable, in addition to a few miles which have been returned to the road district. It has a line runnin^f from Fortville to Greenfield, one from Eden to McCordsville, and one from

This township has one raih-oad extending diagonally ucross the township a distance of about seven miles, known as the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis R. R., or " Bee Line," for short, on which the companyhas three stations in the territory under consideration, viz. : Fortville, Woodbury and McCordsville. Telegraph lines also extend along the track of this company.

Educational . - The first schools in this township were or pay schools, taught by itinerant schoolmasters, and occasionally by a resident, for about three months during the winter season. The non-resident teachers usually taught by the term, or quarter, and boarded among the patrons, each of whom agreed to furnish him with board and lodging his proportionate length of time. Among the first school-houses, all of which at this earl}' date were mere pole cabins, were : One on Robbs's farm, one-half mile south of McCordsville ; one two miles east of McCordsville, and one in Fortville. There was no public school mone}^ at this time, except a small interest income from the congressional township school fund. There was no special school tax, and hence the state did not build the houses nor furnish fuel. Wood, like board, was usually furnished by the patrons, in proportion to the number of scholars subscribed. Teachers usually agreed only to give instruction in spelling, reading, writing, and arithmetic, to the single rule of three.

This township, in the vote on the free school question in 1848-9, like her sister townships, was decidedly opposed to the inauguration of the proposed system. Her vote in 1848 stood : "- Free school," forty ; " no school," seventyfour. In 1849 her vote stood: "Free school," seventeen ; " no school," one hundred and two ; being a majority of eighty-five in favor of the old system, and, next to Buck-creek, the smallest vote in the county in favor of the constitutional amjiulnicmt pro\'Jding for a state system. In which tuiticjn should be free and equally open to all.

Since that time, however, Vernon has brought lierself up in harmony with the progressive spirit of the times on the subject of education, and other intellectual and moral enterprises for the advancement and amelioration of mankind. The following will show the numbers and names of the public school-houses in Vernon, and the present instructors :

This township has nine school-houses - seven framesand one brick - valued at, including ground, furniture and out-buildings, $12,000. Her maps, charts, globes and other school apparatus are valued at $400. Total value of school property in the township, including Fortville, $12,400. These buildings are mostly cheap frames ot* one room and no suitable out-buildings. Fortville and McCordsville each have commodious, substantial twostory bricks, well supplied \\\\\\ furniture, creditable alike to the people and trustees, under whose supervision they were erected. There has been a gradual increase in the scholastic population since 1853, the first enumeration. The returns for 1853 gave the township 469; enumeration for i86d, (>T^(i\ for 1870, 712 ; for 1881, 751 ; two hundred and twenty-si.x of which, in 1881, were reported for Fortville.

Vernon Toavnship

names of the trustees in Vernon township, from the time of the election in 1859, ^^ which time the hxw was so changed that one trustee performed the duties previously devolving upon three trustees and a clerk, together with additional duties, so -that the law may be worthy of historical notice :

Remarks : Brinegar and Stanley each held the office two years ; Thomas, three years ; Hagen ten and Jackson four years. Hagen filled the office longer than any other man in the township. The financial interests of the township are now entrusted to Samuel Arnett.

Churches. - This township is reasonably well supplied with churches: The M. E., Christian and Catholic in Fortville ; one M. E. in McCordsville ; one Baptist in the eastern part of the township ; one Dunkard society in the south-east part, and one M. E. at Woodbury, a special account of each ot which we will give you further on.

Remarks : It must be borne in mind that the territory embodied in Vernon was not so large in 1850 as in subsequent periods. From 1850 to 1853, Union township included within her borders the south-east corner of Vernon. Union reports for 1850, 522 inhabitants ; hence a fair and proportionate estimate for the inhabitants in the territor}- now embodied in Vernon in 1850 would be 1,038. In our reports above of the population, we have included in Vernon township both Fortville and McCordsville. McCordsville in 1870 had 168 inhabitants ; Fortville in 1870 had 387. We have no official reports of the number of these two places for anv other dates.

Polls (iiid Vofrs. - A Yoter in Indiana, at this date, is any native born, or naturalized foreign born male citizen,, of sound mind, twenty-one years of age, there being now no distinction as to color, the only bar being sex, non-naturalization, disfranchisement and non- compos ^noitls. The poll in Indiana is any legal voter under fifty ; hence, the distinction between polls and voters is marked and considerable, the latter being much the more numerous. The polls for Vernon township in 1840 were 96; 1850, 121; i860, 254 ; 1870, 232 ; 1880, 582. Her vote in i860, 309 ; 1870, 412 ; in 1880 her vote stood democratic, 318; republican, 254 ; independent, 10; democratic majorit}', sixtyfour. We do dot give the vote prior to 1853, tor the reason that before that time voters could cast their ballots at any precinct in the county, and any reports prior to that time would not be a fair showing for the townships. This township has two voting precincts : First, at Fortville ; second, at McCordsville.

Value of Real and Personal Property. - This township reports 19,936 acres of land, valued at $446,460, exclusive of Fortville ; improvements on the same, valued at $68,840, being an average of about $26 per acre. Value of lots, $4,720; value of improvements, $10,800; value of personal, $150,835 ; value of telegraph, $730 ; railroads, $104,- 115 ; total value of propert}^ in Vernon township, exclusive of Fortville, $786,800. Fortville reports 120 acres of land, valued at $1,920; improvements on same, $3,725; value of lots, $17,180 ; value of improvements, $39,640 ; personal property, $47,425; telegraph, $30; railroad, $12,850. Total value of taxable property in Fortville, $122,820.

The levy is J^i.20 on each $I03 worth of taxable property. Of the total amount of taxes paid in the township, as reported above, Fortville pays $2,212.05. ^^ this amount, the following men, in 1882, will pay $50 or upwards : yusticcs oj' the Peace. - Vernon township, though rather young in y-ears, can compare favorably with older townships in her arrav of ex-justices, as the following list of names, accompanied bv date of election, will show :

Among the ex-justices of Union township during her existence from 1838 to 1853, which, as we have previously remarked, included four sections now constituting the south-east corner of Vernon, were :

James W. McCord and Cicero Vanlaningham are the present acting justices of the township. From 1828 to 183 1, during the time that Vernon township belonged to Sugar-creek, her petty strifes were settled by George Leachman ; and from 1831 to 1836, during which time Vernon was embodied in Buck-creek, Morgan Brinegar, (3wen Jarrett and W3'att Denney were invested with legal authority to hear and try all causes over which such subjudges have jurisdiction. Esquires Brinegar and Denney, who are reported as the first justices in Buck-creek on page 122, always resided in the territory now embodied in Vernon township. Most of the above are still with us, active, prominent citizens, well-known in the township, and not entire strangers to most of our readers. John S. Apple, William Caldwell, Smith McCord, Emil Lenz and J. B. Galbreath were each twice clothed with judicial power. Jesse Cook gave such general satisfaction to liti- «rants and others interested, that he was three times hon- ored with the votes of his constituents. Others of the above have been solicited longer to preside, but declined in favor of private life, preferring contentment in home duties to the labor and emoluments of office, remembering, perhaps, the injunction of Shakspeare -

'- We must not make a scare-crow of the Law, Setthig it to fear the Birds of Prey, And let it keep one shape, till Custom maketh Their Perch, and not their terror."

Ex-Coiintx Officers. - Vernon has contributed her mite in forming the various corps of county officials to serve the people as their agents and ser\'ants in local matters. Among those who were called in their day to serve the people, we note John Myer, auditor, and William P. Brokaw, commissioner. Among the living we call to mind Elias McCord, Reason Perry, and David Caudell, commissioners ; Smith McCord, representative ; Andrew Ilagen, treasurer; and S. T. Yance}', senator.

Sanford Cummins, a young man about thirty years of age, committed suicide in the fall of 1878, in his uncle's store in McCordsville. Mr. C, a young man of excellent parentage, had previously been a trusted clerk in the store, and had the confidence of his employer and the respect and esteem of the customers and all who knew him ; but having contracted the habit of tippling and its accompanying evils, he lost respect for himself, and, for some reason, his position in the store ; and, while under the influence of intoxicants and reason dethroned, he was caught one e\'enin<»' in the store abstracting mone\' from the vault. Being arrested, he begged time to shave himself before being taken to the county jail, Avhich request was granted. After lathering his face, with razor in hand, he stepped to a mirror and, with one monstrous stroke, severed the trachea and the carotid artery, and fell a lifeless form. The cause of this sudden terminus to a promising life, as assigned by himself a short time prior, was whisky and its resultant evils. Let the young take warning, Shakespeare says :

RccafitnIatio)i. - Vernon township, organized in 1836 with an irregular outline, contains thirty-one sections, one incorporated town, and two villages ; has three border counties, three border townships, one railroad, five pikes, one mill stream, two smaller streams, three railroad stations, seven frame school-houses, two two-story graded school buildings, hfteen teachers; $12,000 invested in school-houses, $400 in apparatus ; 771 school children ; has had six ex-trustees since 1859, five of whom are living; has five Christian denominations, six church buildings, seven lodges, three political parties, 2,306 population, 582 voters, two voting precincts, nineteen miles of tollable pike, a number of miles of non tollable pike, forty-three persons who pay over $50 taxes each ; has had seven ex-county officers, five of whom are living ; has a host of living ex-justices, two extensive grain elevators, one flax mill, one steam flouring mill, two steam circular saw mills, one planing mill, one tile factory, one heading and stave factory, 20,064 ^^^res of land, $527,570 invested in land and improvements, $106,270 worth of lots and improvements, $163,680 worth of personal property, $720 worth of telegraph property, $117,265 worth of railroad property, two express offices, two telegraph offices, three postoffices, nine physicians, a republican trustee, a democratic assessor, merchants, druggists, grocers, mechanics, saloonists, an increasing valuatioji, a decreasing population, a fertile soil, industrious citizens, two attorneys, two acting justices, a number of notaries, 187 male dogs, five (?) female doo-s, and a democratic majority of sixty-four.

Chapter Xx

once called Walpole, in honor of Thomas D. Walpole, but now Fortville, /. r.. Fort's Town, was laid out b}' Cephus Fort, on the 12th da}' of P'ebruar}-, 1849. ^^ '^^ located on the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis R. R., north by north-west of Greenfield thirteen miles. It is on the banks of Flat Fork, within a mile of the Madison and Hamilton county lines. It is pleasantly located, in a rich grain growing district. The original plat consisted of forty-one lots. The ffrst addition was made by Shull, on the 20th of February, 1855, and consisted of live lots, located on the north-east of the original plat. The second addition was laid out by Noel, on the i6th day of December, 1856, and consisted of fifteen lots and several large lots, located north-east of the old plat, betw^een the railroad and Staats street. The third addition was made b}' Vanvelzer, on the 17th of December, 1856, and consisted of tw'elve lots, located south-west of the old plat, and on the north side of the raih"oad. The fourth addition was hud out by James Merrill, the records fail to show when, and consisted of fourteen numbered lots, located southeast of the old town. The fifth addition was made by Garrison Asbury, on the 19th day of August, 1872, and consisted of nine lots, located on the south side of the railroad, south-west of the old plat. The sixth addition was laid out by Record & Voorhes, on the 17th of February, 1873, and consisted of twenty-six blocks, designated b}' the twenty-six letters of the English alphabet, containing 356 lots, located south of the railroad, and east of MerrilTs addition and the old plat. The land from which it was carved was entered by Alfred Shortridge, on the 5th of January, 1835, being the south-east quarter of section nine, township seventeen north, and range six east. Staats made, perhaps, the first addition to the town, on the north of the old plat, but as we fail to find the proper records of the same, we are unable to give further reliable information relative thereto. Crouch also made an addition of which there is no record.

Fortville is a thriving business point, convenient to Indianapolis, on the Bee Line ; is a good market, has a population of 500, with a grain elevator, mills, factories, merchants, grocers, druggists, physicians, mechanics, a two-story brick school-house, U. S. express and daily mail, and other conveniences seldom possessed by a town of its size.

Business cDid J^iisiiicss yT/r//. - The first business of this place was very limited, and of a simple nature, and consisted mainl}^ in bartering the few products of the pioneer frontier men for staple groceries and medicines, dry goods being mainly manufactured by themselves. Among those who first did business in this place were Perry Fort, Noel & Co., Joseph Chitvvood and the firm of Tague & Chandler. Thomas R. Noel, the first and present postmaster, has served almost continuously since the establishment of the office. Andrew Hagen was postmaster for a time, duriniT Buchanan's administration. Noel has also been

Source changes here: from History of Hancock County, Indiana; Its People, Industries and Institutions, by Richman, George J, published 1916; 38,460 words in this source stream.

Blue River

dary of said county, and that all the lands lying west of the said line to the best boundary of said county shall be known and designated by the name and title of Sugar Creek township, No ist. And that all the lands lying west of the lines dividing thirty-four and thirty-five in Township Sixteen and Range Seven, thence running north to the north boundary of said County shall be known and designated by the name and title of Brandywine Township, No. 2nd. And that all the lands lying east of the aforesaid line to the east

County Government

It was soon found advisable to make further divisions of these townships. At the May term, 1831, several divisions were made. Blue River township was reduced in size and given its present boundary. The remaining part of the original Blue River township was organized and became known as Jackson township. Brandywine township was reduced to a district six miles east and west by five miles north and south, located where it is now except that the northern boundary was one mile further north than it is now.

Center township was organized and bounded as follows : Commencing one mile south of the township line dividing 15 and 16 at the line dividing 2 and 3 ; thence north to the said township line ; thence east one mile ; thence north one mile; thence west two miles west of the range line dividing 6 and 7 ; thence south two miles ; thence east to the place of beginning.

Harrison township was organized and bounded as follows : Commencing one mile north of the township line dividing 15 and 16 and one mile west of the range line dividing 7 and 8; thence due north to the north line of said county ; thence west on said line one mile west of the range line dividing 6 and 7; thence south, within one mile of the line dividing 16 and 15, thence east to the place of beginning.

Susas Creek Greek

From the above tabulated statement it appears that from 1908 to the present (August, 191 5), Hancock county has spent for road improvements the sum of $373,470.00. This also represents only the face of the bonds that were issued for the construction of the roads and does not include any interest that is being paid thereon.

When the first settlers came into the county the nearest grist-mill was on Whitewater, where Connersville now stands, or near there. Cincinnati was the point from which groceries and other supplies were purchased. They were brought to Indianapolis and to other points in wagons. Whatever the settlers had to sell, such as grain, hogs and cattle, was also commonly taken to Cincinnati. Many droves of hogs and cattle and flocks of sheep were driven to Cincinnati over the National road. Anthony Fort, of Charlottesville, at one time drove a flock of turkeys to market there. In fact, flocks of turkeys were frequently driven through from central Indiana. Drivers are said to have had little trouble with them except that when evening came they always flew into the trees to roost, regardless of the wishes of their driver.

The Indiana Gazetteer, published in 1833, gives the following report of Hancock county: "The face of the county is generally low or rolling; the soil is chiefly a rich loam mixed with a sand and covered with a heavy growth of beech, buckeye, ash, walnut, poplar, cherry and different kinds of oak; with an undergrowth of spice, pawpaw, hazel and thorn. The staple products of the county are wheat, corn, oats, pork, beef, flour and poultry. The county is advantageously situated for mills; the streams passing through it afford a number of excellent sites for water-mills ; it is also well supplied with springs of purest water."

That the eyes of the settlers were open to the advantages of mill sites, is evident from the number of mills that were built within eight 3'ears after the organization of the county. Following are a few of them and the dates at which they were established. These mills were propelled by water :

All of these mills were small concerns. Some of them were hominy mills, or "corn crackers," as they were commonly called, yet they made it possible for the people of the county to obtain flour and meal without having to make a long wagon journey for it.

These were days when people lived in rude log houses, with puncheon floors and oiled-paper windows; when furniture was crude and often homemade; when clothing was homespun; when the logs crackled in the fireplace and the kettle swung from the crane. They were days, too, when crops were planted and cultivated with a hoe; when the harvest was gathered with the reap hook, the scythe and the cradle; when log-rollings flourished, and when the smoke in the "clearings" was never lost from sight. Game was plentiful. The howl of the wolf broke the stillness of the night and the bear and the panther were at home in the forest.

Each township had its board of three township trustees, and each schooi district its boara of three district trustees. Highways were few and went at all angles through the woods. Everywhere there were swamps, swamps, swamps. Yet the soil, that "rich loam mixed with, sand," was productive. The streams were furnishing water power for the mills, and the springs were supplying purest water. Grocers and merchants were establishing themselves in the county, and all these things were adding something to the comfort of the people, whose number was increasing daily.

For the purpose of raising revenue for the county, all persons wishing to engage in the sale of merchandise, groceries or liquor had to pay a license fee. The record of these fees makes it possible now to learn the distribution of the groceries, etc. Below are given the names of the owners and the dates on which their first license fees were paid to the county treasurer. Some of these men made application to sell merchandise or groceries for such periods as three months and six months. Ordinarily, however, the license fee was paid for a period of one year. Some of the names appear on the record many times, since the license fee was paid annually.

Groceries And Merchants General Development

Location. Business. Hancock, Merchandise and Grocery Greenfield, Merchandise and Grocery Hancock, Merchandise and Grocery Sugar Creek, Merchandise, Grocery Sugar Creek, Merchandise, Grocery Brown Township, Merchandise and

Grocery Hancock, Merchandise and Grocery Charlottesville, Grocery and Liquor Hancock, Grocery and Liquor Hancock, Grocery and Liquor Greenfield, Grocery and Liquor Greenfield, Grocery and Liquor Sugar Creek, Grocery and Liquor Sugar Creek, Grocery and Liquor Hancock, Gracery and Liquor Hancock, Grocery and Liquor Hancock, Merchandise and Grocery Hancock, Grocery and Liquor Hancock, Merchandise and Grocery Hancock, Merchandise and Grocery Hancock, Merchandise and Grocery Hancock, Merchandise and Grocery Hancock, Merchandise and Grocery Hancock, Merchandise and Grocery Hancock, Grocery and Liquor Hancock, Merchandise and Grocery Hancock, Grocery and Liquor Greenfield, Grocery and Liquor Greenfield, Merchandise and Grocery Greenfield, Merchandise and Grocery Greenfield, Merchandise and Grocery Hancock, Merchandise Hancock, Grocery and Liquor Hancock, Grocery and Liquor Greenfield, Grocery and Liquor Greenfield, Grocery and Liquor

General Development

These stores must not be pictured as large, commodious, well-lighted rooms. Some of the above applicants had but a few articles to sell at their residences. The real storerooms were small and, of course, lacked the variety that we observe in our groceries of this day. Though this is true, it is apparent that the necessities of life could be purchased at a number of places along the National road, which was the great highway of travel. The statement also shows that a few stores were located on the Brookville road in Sugar Creek township and at least one or two on the Knightstown-Pendleton state road. In this connection it is also interesting to observe the market prices of that time. The following are the Greenfield prices, taken from the Greenfield Reveille, April, 1845 :

On May 7, 1833, Daniel Bohn (father of our neighbor and fellow citizen, Daniel Bohn) left his home in Adams county, Pennsylvania, and started on horseback through the states of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, for the pur- pose of finding a new home for himself and his family. On this journey he traveled over the old Centerville state road, which passed through Greenfield. On June 30, 1833, he again arrived at his home in Pennsylvania. During the journey he kept a diary in which he noted, among other things, the taverns at which he stopped and the expenses of his lodging. None of the taverns were in Hancock county, yet the bills presented to him give a fair idea of what tavern prices were at that time. A few of the entries are taken from this diary:

The bills included the cost of supper and breakfast, the night's lodging, and the care of his horse. Meals were ordinarily furnished at 15 cents. Board, including three meals daily, and bed, $1.25 per week.

The great amount of travel westward over the old Centerville state road and, later, over the National road, caused a great many taverns or eating houses to be established along this line. The Brookville road, although it led from Cincinnati, was in bad condition for travel. People from that point ordinarily came to Richmond or Cambridge City, and then traveled westward over trie National road. There were days in which fifty or more teams followed each other westward in one train. Many of the travelers camped along the road, while others drove into the large stable yards and slept in their wagons.

The taverns were among the largest and most commodious houses of that day. In connection with the tavern the keeper ordinarily had a stable with a large yard in which the wagons and horses were kept. In fact this was a legal requirement. For the protection of travelers, an act, approved February 12, 1825, provided that no license to keep a tavern should be granted to any person unless twenty-four citizens (later the number was reduced to twelve) should certify that the applicant was of good moral character, that it would be to the benefit of travelers and conducive to the public good if such tavern should be opened, and that they believed it to be the bona fide intention of the applicant to keep a tavern for the accommodation of travelers. The applicant had to prove to the satisfaction of the board of county commissioners that he was a bona fide owner or tenant, for one year, or more years, of a good house with at least three apartments, and a stable convenient to said house, with at least four good stalls. The applicant had to show further that he was the owner of at least two- beds and bedding over and above what was needed for his family, and that he had all other necessary furniture, etc. He also had to give security for his faithful observance of all requirements of the statute. Drovers also went along the road with droves of hogs, sheep, cattle, etc., for market at Indianapolis or Cincinnati. Many tavern keepers, and in fact others, were prepared to care for such droves and flocks by having pens and lots fenced near the tavern. A portion of the tract of land lying between the National road and the railroad just west of Philadelphia and east of Sugar creek was used for this purpose for many years by Charles Atherton, one of the very early pioneers of the county.

Taverns could always be identified by signs that were hung up. Ordinarily the word ''Tavern," painted on a large board, announced this fact. Others displayed a brightly polished brass plate with a design of some kind engraved upon it. Travelers always understood that this signified a tavern. The location of the Guymon House in Greenfield, for instance, was advertised in the local papers for many years after the Civil War, "At the Sign of the Eagle."

A few taverns were established along the Centerville road before the organization of the county. Among them were Samuel B. Jackson, whose house was. located near the the present site of the terminal car barns at Greenfield, and Jeremiah Meek, whose house stood on the north side of the old state road, about where the county jail now stands. There were, no doubt, others who made it a business to keep travelers, but of whom we have no record at this time.

After the organization of the county a fee was collected from all tavern keepers. This license fee was $5.00 during the greater part of the time. The first license granted by the board of county commissioners of Hancock county was issued to John Branden at the August term, 1829. The following is the record :

"On the application of John Branden, Esq., by a recommendation of twelve or more of his fellow citizens within the town of Greenfield and its vicinity for a license to open a public house within the town of Greenfield in said county of Hancock, Indiana.

"Therefore, it is ordered by the board that said John Branden be licensed as such for and during the term of one year from the date of said license. -

And the said Branden now produces a certificate from under the hand of the treasurer of said county of him having paid $5.00 - ^etc, as a tax on said license."

"On the application of Samuel C. Duncan for a license to open a tavern, at his tavern in Brandywine Township and County of Hancock, therefore it is ordered and considered by the board that the said Samuel C. Duncan be licensed as such for and during the term of one year from the date thereof, by his paying a tax on the same of $5.00, and filing his bond with approved security according to law in such case made and provided. Whereupon he presents Nathan Crawford as his security which is approved by the court."

"On the application of John Branden for a license to open a house of entertainment in the town of Greenfield for and during the term of one vear from the date thereof. Therefore it is ordered by the Board that the said John Branden be licensed as such for and during the term of one year as aforesaid by his paying a tax on the same of $5.00 to the Treasurer of said County and filing his bond according to law, in such case made and provided. Security approved of by Board - William Ryse."

For a decade or more, beginning with 1829, taverns were established and located as follows, as shown by the record of the county commissioners :

General Development. 1 29

Taverns along the National road were advertised in the Greenfield papers. The following taken from the Greenfield Spectator, September, 1848, calls attention not only to the hotel, but to the wagon yard, accommodations for drovers, etc. :

"The undersigned would respectfully inform his friends and the traveling public that he has leased for a term of years the above house, formerly kept by J. Ross, six miles west of Greenfield, where he will at all times be prepared to accommodate those who may favor him with their custom in a style inferior to none.

"In connection with the above house, there is a large wagon yard; also, rooms for movers, drovers, etc. His bills will be in accordance with the times. "Hugh J. Kelly. "

Tax Levies

The first tax levy was made by the board of county commissioners at their May term, 1828. It was not levied upon the value of the property. It was a specific tax, not an ad valorem tax. Thus a tax of thirty-seven and a half cents was levied on each horse, eighteen and three-fourths cents on each work ox, twenty-five cents on each silver or pinchbeck watch. The amount of the tax was fixed regardless of the value of the property. One horse might be worth as much as two others, but the tax was the same on all. During the first years the assessors did not have to fix the valuation of property. Their only duty was to collect the number of items of a man's property and the tax was so much per. The following is the entry in the commissioners' record, which established the tax rate in the year 1828 : for the year 1828, on the persons and property of Hancock County, for polls, fifty cents, for a horse, thirty-seven and a half cents, for a work ox, eighteen and three-fourths cents, for silver and pinchbeck watches, twenty-five cents, for gold watch, one dollar, and for land, half the rates of state taxes."

"It is ordered by the Board that there be assessed on Town Lots one half cent on each dollar, on work oxen, twenty-five cents on each ox, fifty cents on each horse over five years old, on each watch fifty cents, brass clocks each, one dollar, on every hundred acres of first rate land, forty cents, second rate, thirty cents, third rate, twenty cents, for road purposes equal to the county aforesaid."

"Ordered that the rates of taxation on property for the year 1835 shall be as follows to-wit: - On land one half the amount of the State tax; on polls, fifty cents each ; horses over ten dollars in value, on pleasure carriages, watches, fifty cents each."

"Ordered that the rates of taxation on property for the year 1836 shall be as follows to-wit : - On land one half the amount of the state tax, on polls fifty cents each ; on horses over ten dollars in value, on pleasure carriages, and watches fifty cents each ; on work oxen three years of age fifty cents per yoke; on each tavern license five dollars, on each grocery license in the town of Greenfield fifteen dollars on all such as are taken at this term, those taken out at subsequent terms in the town of Greenfield twenty- five dollars; in all other parts of the county ten dollars on such as are granted this term and such as are subsequently granted, fifteen dollars; license to vend wooden clocks, ten dollars; license to vend foreign merchandise, ten dollars."

At a special meeting of the board on June 13, 1836, another levy was made, which was on an entirely different basis, being levied on the value of the property. Under this levy it became necessary not only to learn how many horses, oxen, wagons, etc., a man possessed, but to assess that property at a certain value and then determine the amount of taxes from the value of the property. The entry made by the board at this special session is as follows :

"Ordered that for the purpose of raising a county revenue there be a tax levying of twenty cents on each hundred dollars of valuation and one

General Development. I3I

The method of taxation was hereby changed from a specific to an ad valorem basis and has remained upon that basis to the present. Similar entries were made for the years 1837 and 1838.

As the county grew, more money was required to transact its business, and it is interesting to observe how the levy became more inclusive from year to year. The levies made in 1839 and 1840 are very similar. The levy of 1840 is given because of its greater clearness. Following is the entry:

"Ordered that for the purpose of aiding in raising a revenue for county purposes, there shall be assessed on each license to retail spirituous liquors in Greenfield the sum of twenty-five dollars and in all other parts of the county the sum of fifteen dollars ; on each license to -vend foreign merchandise and foreign domestic groceries five dollars for any amount not exceeding one thousand, and two dollars and fifty cents for each additional one thousand dollars; provided, however, that no license on merchandise shall exceed in all the sum of twenty dollars ; on each license to vend wooden clocks the sum of fifty dollars ; on each traveling caravan, managerie, or other collection of animals, or show of wax figures, or circus exhibition to the people for money, thirty dollars for each day's exhibition; on each one hundred dollars valuation of taxables fifteen cents for state revenue, and fifty cents on each poll for state revenue, on each one hundred dollars valuation of taxables thirty cents for county revenue, and seventy-five cents on each poll for county revenue, and on each .one hundred dollars of valuation of taxables five cents for road purposes."

The license fee established in the entry above remained in force, and similar rates were maintained for a number of years. The county treasurer collected taxes. He did not, however, depend on people coming to his office to pay them, but published notices that he would be in the different townships at stated times to receive taxes. The following notice, taken from an issue of the Greenfield Spectator, September, 1848, is illustrative of this early custom :

"Is hereby given that the undersigned will attend at the usual place of holding elections in each township in Hancock county on the following days for the purpose of receiving taxes for the year, 1848, to-wit :" (Here follow dates and the notice is signed, "J. Huntington, T. H. C") cial business it was to collect the taxes that had not been paid to the county treasurer. The report of Joseph Chapman, collector of revenue of the county for the year 183 1, shows that he collected $328.78. There was a delinquent list of $24.38 that year. This left a balance of $304.40. The collector received a commission of six per cent, for making collection. His commission for the year 183 1 amounted to $18.27, leaving a balance to pay to the county treasurer of $286.13.

The amounts collected annually were, of course, very small compared with the amounts collected now. The total tax realized on the levy for 1829, including poll tax, license fees, etc., amounted to $703.17; for 1833, $787,883/2 ; and for 1835, the last year under the old system $925.28. For the next year under the ad valorem system, $1,665.74 was collected; evidently the change from the specific to the ad valorem system was a wise one for the purpose of raising money.

The returns for 1832 showed 524 polls, 485 horses, 172 oxen, 27 watches and one clock. The report for 1835 showed 684 polls, 709 horses. 130 oxen, 15 silver watches, one gold watch, three pinchbeck watches, and two brass clocks.

In 1840 the county had been organized twelve years. It had been twenty-two years since the first settlers made their homes within its borders. The magnitude of what had been accomplished by these early people can be appreciated, in a measure at least, by a reference to the United States census report of 1840, in which the statistics of the county are included. We had at that time, as shown by the report: Horses and mules, 2,743; cattle, 5,745; sheep, 5,789; swine, 28,306; wheat, 28,531 bushels; dairy products, valued at $283,232; oats, 66,392 bushels; rye, 2,130 bushels; buckwheat, 1,641 bushels; corn, 86,095 bushels; potatoes, 11,090 bushels; hay, 1,612 tons.

Several crops were grown in the early history of the county that are no longer produced. Thus, in 1840, 1,614 bushels of buckwheat were reported; in i860, 6,841 bushels, while in 1870 only 544 bushels were reported. The last report was made upon this crop in 1890, showing that 551 bushels were produced. After 1890 buckwheat disappeared from the reports from Hancock county.

Maple sugar was reported for a number of years. In 1840, 39,080 pounds are reported; in 1850, 38,213 pounds; in i860, 5,564 pounds. A decade later 557 pounds were produced, while in 1880 only 90 pounds were produced. In 1890 one-half of this amount was reported.

Hemp and flax were important in the early crops of the county. Six and one-fourth tons were reported in 1840. In 1850, 4,926 pounds of flax straw were reported and 317 bushels of seed. The culture of flax declined for a time during and immediately after the Civil War. In the latter part of the seventies it increased again and in 1880 the United States census reports 2,067 tons of straw and 57,972 bushels of seed. It was so extensively grown in the county at that time that reference was frequently made to the crop by the local correspondents. Thus, on May 1, 1879, the correspondent from Woodbury wrote : "Farmers are about done sowing flax and there has been an immense crop sown in our township this year."

On May 15, 1879, the Warrington correspondent wrote: "The farmers are getting alarmed about their flax crop. They say if it does not rain pretty soon the flax will be a failure."

The culture of flax was encouraged by oil crushers who bought the seed and used it to make oil. The oil crushers furnished the seed to the farms and agreed to purchase the crop when made. During the later seventies and the early eighties independent firms sprung up over the country and a war was made on prices. Flax culture thereafter soon became a matter of history in Hancock county.

It is interesting to observe also the importance of the tobacco crop in the earlier development of the county. In 1840, 10,304 pounds were reported, and 69,432 pounds in i860. Since the Civil War the tobacco crop has been very light in the county. In 1880, 3,110 pounds were reported, but later reports show less than 800 pounds.

We have only one census report in which skins and furs are reported from Hancock county. That is from the report of 1840, in which their value is placed at $809.

In the census report of 1840 Hancock county is also credited with one distillery, which gave employment to three men and produced 10,000 gallons annually.

We must bear in mind that in these early days the spinning wheel and the distaff were found in practically all of the homes. The value of homemade goods was reported in 1840 at $19,239. The value of the garden products, on the other hand, for the entire county was reported at only $50.

The census report shows that the nursery and florist's stock was estimated at a value of $1,150; that this gave employment to three men and that the capital invested therein was estimated at $3,300. The nursery stock was owned by Isaac Barrett just north of Charlottesville. A few years later this stock was moved, or another nursery was started by Joshua Meek on a farm just across Brandywine, northeast of Greenfield.

The value of the wagons and carriages manufactured in the county during that year was reported at $664. Five men were employed in the wagon and carriage-making business and the capital invested therein was estimated to be $500. The owner of the wagon-making establishment at Greenfield in 1845 was H. McClenen.

Nine grist-mills and eleven saw-mills were reported and the value of their products per annum was $7,500. The value of hats and caps manufactured in the county was estimated at $1,600. Two persons were employed in the business and the capital invested therein was placed at $2,000. There were two tanneries in the county that tanned during the year 350 sides of sole leather and 400 sides of upper leather. Four men were employed and $6,050 was invested in the business.

The population of the county was reported in 1840 as 7,535 persons; of these, 1,494 were engaged in agriculture and nine in commerce. There were seven common schools in the county, attended by 156 pupils. There were 330 persons in the county over twenty years of age unable to read or write.

The farmers' annual register, issued in 1845, shows that the county had four attorneys, viz : David M. C. Lane, D. S. Gooding, J. R. Williams and Thomas D. Walpole ; five physicians, B. F. Duncan, Simon Alters, Robert E. Barnett, Hiram Comstock and N. P. Howard. The principal merchants reported in the county were : John Templin & Company, H. T. Hart & Company, at Greenfield, and Jonathan Evans at New Palestine. Three postoffices are reported : Greenfield, William Sebastian, postmaster ; Philadelphia, Charles Atherton, postmaster; Charlottesville, Henry Kinder, postmaster. The register also reports that the National road passed through the county, and that the Dayton and Indianapolis stage passed east and west through Greenfield. The Greenfield Reveille was published at Greenfield in 1845.

"Wheat, corn and grass, of which a considerable surplus, as well as of hogs, cattle and horses, are raised for exportation. The estimated value of the surplus is $75,000.

"There are in the county twenty stores, eighteen mills propelled by water ; five lawyers, fourteen physicians, thirteen preachers, and the usual propor-

General Development. 1 3.5

As shown by the United States census report of 1850, just above onefourth of the forest in the county had been cut away. At first thought it would seem that the county was being pretty well cleared. A large portion of the soil had been prepared for cultivation, yet only one acre out of every four of the broad, prairie-like fields over which we now look had been cleared for cultivation. Practically three-fourths of the fields that now fall within our view were still covered with timber. The cash value of the farms of the county were estimated at $1,405,948. The value of the live stock in the county was estimated at $238,524. The population had grown to 9,594, of which 104 were colored persons. The school attendance had increased to 2,413. The days of the large district schools were here or were approaching. A few of the old records still left in the county giving the reports of teachers made in 1854, show attendance of from fifty to sixty pupils in the different parts of the county. Charlottesville, Philadelphia, New Palestine, Nashville and Warrington had all been laid out and contained a few houses, possibly a store or two and a blacksmith shop. Fortville, which had just been laid out, was known as "Walpole." Cleveland was known as "Portland," and Eden went by the name of "Lewisburg." Greenfield in 1850, as reported in the Indiana Gazetteer for that year, contained sixty dwellings, with a population of about 300. The greater number of houses were along Main street, with a few on the "back street" (North street). Greenfield was incorporated as a town in 1850 and did not become a city until more than twenty-six years afterward.

Several state roads had been built in various directions across the county but they were all dirt roads, as was also the National road. The Plank road, of which we hear so much, was not constructed until 1852. There was only one railroad in the county, the Knightstown-Shelbyville railway. The Bee Line, now known as the Big Four, which passes through McCordsville and Fortville, was not built until 185 1, and the Indiana Central, now known as the Pennsylvania Line, was not built until 1852.

It is not the intention to give a detailed discussion of statistics.. The accompanying tabulated statement made from the United States census reports will give an opportunity, however, for the study of the increase and decline of the principal crops and products that have made our development possible.

County Bible Society

This society was organized as an auxiliary of the American Bible Society in 1837, by Rev. Richmond, who was also its first president. At the opening of the Civil War, David S. Gooding was the president of the society. He was followed by George Barnett, F. M. Gilchrist, G. W. Dove, and others. Prior to the presidency of David S. Gooding, Joseph Mathews, John Rardin and H. B. Wilson were at the head of the society. The purpose for which it was organized was the distribution of Bibles among especially the poorer classes. The society remained active until in the early nineties. At that time quite a large distribution of Bibles was made and rather a large amount of money was handled in the county in this work.

County Fairs

The agricultural possibilities of the county were recognized at an early day and efforts were made to develop them. In 1835 the following entry was made in the record of the board of county commissioners of Hancock county :

"Ordered that the sheriff cause to be put up in each township three notices that there will be held at the court house in Greenfield, on the third Saturday of June, 1835, a meeting of the citizens of the county for the purpose of organizing a county agricultural society."

The first agricultural association of which we have any definite history was organized in the county in 1856, for the purpose of holding county fairs. Andrew T. Hart was elected president of the group of persons who associated themselves together for this purpose. The first county fair was held at Greenfield during the summer or fall of 1856, at the east end of town, north of the National road. After the first year, the fair was moved to the south side of the railroad, east of Brandywine creek, on land belonging to Samuel Milroy. The promoters continued to hold their fair on this land until i860, without having any very definite business organization. They seem to have had very little capital stock and did not own the ground on which the fairs were held. In i860, they organized a joint stock company and elected the following officers: Robert E. Barnett, president; John Hinchman and John P. Banks, vice-presidents; James L. Mason, secretary; John H. White, treasurer.

At that time Henry Newby, Samuel Heavenridge and Joshua Meek were appointed to select grounds for the fair. The committee made a favorable report upon eight acres of land, owned by Samuel Milroy, which was bought, and on which the fairs continued to be held until about 1879. Judging from newspaper reports, the fairs must have been conducted pretty much on the plan of those with which we are familiar. Stock, grains, fruits and all sorts of products were exhibited, for the best of which premiums were offered. Then there were also side shows, balloon ascensions, and, in fact, almost everything that can be offered as an attraction upon fair grounds.

The year 1867 seems to have offered a very successful fair. Almost a double number of tickets was reported sold and one thousand entries were reported in the different classes. The local paper contains the following little note concerning this fair: "Those fond of sight seeing can be accommodated in almost any line from a double horse to a hoe-down by the sable sons of Africa." A balloon ascension was advertised for the last day of the fair.

The following officers were elected in 1874: Wesley Addison, president; N. P. Howard, vice-president and general superintendent; William Mitchell, secretary; John J. Wralker, treasurer; Burd Lacey, director eastern district ; John H. White, director middle district ; John Steele, director western district; John Hinchman, county at large; Joseph Baldwin, county at large. The men above named took an active interest in the management of the fair for a number of years.

During its later years, the fair seems to have been less successful financially than it was during its earlier years. A fire destroyed Floral hall in 1 87 1. It was never rebuilt, and the last fair was held in 1879.

In 1883, an effort was made to reorganize the association by issuing one hundred and fifty shares of stock, at twenty-five dollars each, and distributing these shares in certain proportions among the people of the different townships. No person was to have more than four shares. The effort at this time failed. On December 5, 1885, there was a meeting of people interested in the promotion of another fair, and the following directors were elected : Blue River, Frank Tyner; Brandy wine, Coleman Pope: Brown, Dr. R. D. Hanna; Buck Creek, George Parker; Vernon, Harvey Caldwell; Greenfield, J. Ward Walker, Eph Marsh and H. B. Thayer; Center, Marion Steele; Green, Dr. William A. Justice; Jackson, K. T. White; Sugar Creek, Anton Schildmeier, Jr. The following officers were also elected : J. Ward Walker, president; K. T. White, vice-president; Charles Downing, secretary; Nelson Bradley, treasurer; Charles G. Offutt, legal advisor. The association was organized as a joint stock company with a capital stock of twelve thousand five hundred dollars.

as the fair ground. The race track was prepared during 1886, and the first fair opened on August 24, 1886. Fairs continued to be held on this ground for fifteen years or more, when the association also became financially embarrassed. On February 23, 1903, William A. Hough was appointed receiver to wind up its affairs. He afterward sold the ground to George T. Randall. Mr. Randall platted the ground and it is now known as "Randall Place" in Greenfield.

In the early files of the Hancock Democrat notices are found showing that township Sunday school conventions were held in different parts of the county. We find no record of a county convention, however, until on July 21, 1868. Pursuant to a call that had been theretofore given, a convention was held at Greenfield, at which all of the townships were represented. On that day an organization was effected, which became known as the "Sabbath School Union." The following were the first officers elected: President, A. K. Branham ; vice-presidents : Blue River, Elihu Coffin, Jr. ; Brown, Dr. William Trees; Brandy wine, John P. Banks; Buck Creek, Ephraim Thomas; Center, M. C. Foley; Green, R. J. Ramsey; Jackson, James M. Clark; Sugar Creek, T. E. Smock ; Vernon, Levi Thomas ; secretary, Jonathan Tague ; corresponding secretary, E. I. Judkins ; executive committee, Dr. C. F. Lockwood, M. L. Paullus and Thomas Kane.

A program had been made out for that day, touching upon the various phases of Sunday school work and dwelling upon the necessity and advantage of closer organization. Since this time county conventions have been held practically every year and during some years more than one convention has been held. The early conventions were generally held at Greenfield. On April 27, 1872, the Hancock Sabbath School Society convention was held at the Methodist Episcopal church at Greenfield. In 1873, a Sabbath school union convention was held for a period of three days, April 25, 26 and 27. Conventions were also held at different places, including Philadelphia, Fortville, New Palestine, Charlottesville, and likely other points. In later years the county conventions were practically all held again at Greenfield, township conventions being held in the separate townships.

The Indiana Gazetteer, 1850, reported in Hancock county thirteen preachers and twelve churches. Some of these churches possibly supported Sunday schools, but the great growth of Sunday schools from that date to the present can probably be shown best by the report of a survey of the county in 19 14, and published in The Azvakener in July, 1914:

I4O Hancock County, Indiana

Among the officers and workers in the Hancock County Sunday School Association none have been more faithful than Mrs. Robert H. Archey, who has been secretary of the association for the past twenty years, or since May, 1895. The presidents of the association during that time have been Charles Ratliff, Rev. L. A. Wells, of the Friends church, at Greenfield; Edward W. Felt, George J. Richman, W. C. Goble, Dr. B. S. Binford, Milo Goodpasture, Charles. Cook and Henry Hawkins, the latter being president at this time.

The home department of the association was organized at Mt. Comfort in May, 1895. Miss Emma Parnell was the first home department superintendent.

Old Settlers' Meetings

As the people who first settled in the county grew older, and especially as those who had spent their younger years in the unbroken forests grew to old age, there was a desire to live over again the experiences of the older days. The local papers announced meetings of the old settlers in various parts of the state, and on July 18, 1874, a meeting of the citizens was held at Warrington for the purpose of arranging for an old settlers' meeting in that vicinity. On that day the following officers were elected: President, John Vandyne; vice-president, Benjamin F. Reeves; secretary, A. J. Reeves; A. C. Tharpe and T. H. Armstrong, marshals; committee on arrangements, Nathan Overman, W. Marsh, R. Blakely, Thomas Walker, George Mingle, J. N. Martindale, E. H. Barrett, William Bridges, A. W. Hammer, John Vandyne, S. McCray, Asa Perkey, E. Burns, James Warrum, James Stanley, W. G. Cauld-

General Development. I4I

Arrangements were made to hold a meeting at Holiday's grove, onefourth mile north of Warrington, on August 21, 1874. Quite a large assembly of people was present on that occasion, but we have fuller details of meetings that were held at later dates.

Old settlers' meetings continued to be held in that neighborhood from time to time for a number of years. One of the largest was held on September 2.2, 1883, at Copeland's grove, north of Warrington. A gentleman named Roach, from Anderson, addressed the people, giving a history of the manners and customs of the county fifty years ago. He reviewed the price of corn, stock, labor, the manner of cooking, log rolling, flax raising, manufacturers, and the good qualities of the old pumpkin pies and chicken potpies. He also reviewed, for the enlightenment of the younger generation, the old way of sparking and marrying.

A feature of this meeting was an exhibition of relics. The following were reported in the Hancock Democrat of that time : Sarah Newkirk, table fork, sixty-five years old ; apron, seventy years old ; song book, made by a relative, seventy-four years old ; another book, ninety years old ; J. D. Newkirk, sickle, fifty years old ; C. C. Butler, Bible, one hundred and twenty-three years old; Philip Cronk, sword used by relative in War of 1812; Matt F. Cook, cotton dress home-manufactured, sixty-five years old ; Matt's first vest, sixty-two years old; Margaret Garriott, Bible and Testament; H. C. Garriott, first cap, forty years old ; William M. Hays, first pair of pants, forty years old ; Hattie McDaniel, sugar tongs, one hundred years old; Elizabeth Bundy, sugar bowl, seventy-two years old; Sarah Newkirk, reticule, seventy-five years old.

A similar meeting was held at Fortville in the same year, and for a number of years many of our people attended old settlers' meetings at Oaklandon, in Marion county.

During the week of the county fair, 1879, a number of citizens of the county appointed a committee to make arrangements for an old settlers' meeting to be held at Greenfield in 1880. Nelson Bradley, Stephen T. Dickinson and Washington Duncan were placed on this committee. The meeting was set for August 17, 1880, at Boyd's grove, just north of the city of Greenfield. A number of chairs were provided, and a large stand was erected for the speakers. On the back of the stand was a large oil painting by John Keifer, representing the habitation of an old settler. It was a log cabin. In the door stood the wife ; at the left, a rosy-faced girl, feeding the fowls ; on the right sat father, planning for the future ; near him stood the son, watching a dusky Indian nearby. A coon skin was stretched on the side of the house near the chimney ; a barrel lay on the ground in front of the house, labeled "hard cider," and in a tree in the background sat a wise old owl. Near the picture on the back of the stage was a large American flag.

The addresses delivered on these occasions Avere, of course, full of reminiscences of pioneer days. Quite a number of old settlers were invited to speak, and a few of the speeches of this particular day are included herein. They must always be interesting for the pioneer spirit which they will reflect.

By Rev. William Nichols,, Of New Palestine

"Ladies and Gentlemen : At old settlers' meetings it is fitting and proper to call up the past and rehearse memories and events past and gone. I was born in territorial government, long before it became the state of Indiana. My birthplace is in the Whitewater valley, near Metamora. As minister I have lived in three or four counties and traveled over all the middle and eastern part of the state. I could go back in the history of our country and relate the many trials of the past and the building up of the present. I have seen grand movements arise from a wilderness and poverty. We all began there. I see many here today who can recall to memory all this. You can tell incidents startling and true! So can I, but I will content myself by relating a little incident, which, although harmless, impressed me deeply; many have probably experienced similar ones. When four years old, I was terribly afraid of Indians. A large party of them came to father's house to trade. On seeing them, my fear was so great that I slipped away and concealed myself in a hollow stump. As I crawled into the hollow, a grand-looking old fellow espied me and, knowing my design, he came after me ; taking me up, he carried me to the front, by the side of all the Indians. I thought I was gone. He meant no harm and wished only to scare me.

"We have all felt hardships; have seen enterprises of the republic start from the bottom, yes, from the forest. Look over the history of the world ; of every republic that has been established ; yet, will any compare with ours ? Being free, the old settlers went to work with energy ; into the wilderness they penetrated ; cleared the way for progress and a good republic.

"Young people of today know little of the trials we endured to secure an education. A log hut, windows made by cutting out a log and pasting oiled paper over the hole, was our school house. There we learned to read, write, spell and cipher, and from such places the best men and statesmen of America have risen. Presidents and other high officers there began their upward career.

General Development. 1 43

"I see many old ladies present. No one deserves to be reverenced more. They have heard the prowling of the wolf and savage and never faltered. Many a mother and sister present can remember when clothing made of deer skin was the best. Well do I remember what pleasure it gave me to don my first pair of pantaloons made of deer skin. My first coat was of deer skin and, had it not been for the moths and I had I known we would ever thus meet, I could have kept it and worn it today. Thanking you, I will give way to others."