Union Township

Union Township

This township is the smallest in the county. It is six and one-half miles from north to south, and three miles from east to west, containing nineteen and one-half square miles. It derived its name from the fact that it joins Delaware and Henry county on the east. Although the smallest in the county, its history is interesting, \yithin its borders are the famous Indian mounds. The Bellefontaine, and the Cincinnati and Chicago Railroads, the White river, and the hydraulic canal pass through this township. Chesterfield is the place of voting. Among the first settlers were Allen Makepeace, Frederick Bronenburg, Sr., Daniel Noland, Amasa Makepeace, William Diltz, John Suman, Brasleton Noland, Henry and Jacob Shimer, Dr. Godwin, William Johns, John Richardson, and George Makepeace. Among the first merchants were Allen Makepeace, Jacob Shimer, and George Makepeace. The first postmaster was Amasa Makepeace. The first physicians were Dr. Godwin, Samuel Weddiugton and G. W. Beninggall. The first blacksmith was John Rozell. The first shoemaker was Solomon Sawyer. The first grist mill was built at Chester- field by Amasa Makepeace, in the year 1827. A tan yard was started at Chesterfield about the same time by Russell & Brother, and was afterward owned by Amasa Makepeace ; next by Mr. Williams, and in 1869 was discontinued. In 1848, the school house in Chesterfield was built. It is a frame two stories in hight, and at that time was a very creditable house. The lower story has been used for a schoolroom, and the upper one for a Masonic hall. It is now old and dilapidated, and is not considered safe to meet in it. Among the first justices were Amasa Makepeace and Lewis Shroyer. The present ones are George Carpenter and William T. Trueblood. On the completion of the Bellefontaine railroad, in 1852, an impetus was given to Chesterfield ; a depot was established ; a warehouse was erected, and a large amount of wheat shipped from here. Soon after B. Noland built the grist mill near the railroad, and J, B. Anderson built the steam saw mill, both of which did a large business. The latter was moved away in 1870. Union township has at present two grist mills, one saw mill, eight miles oi railroad, two churches, one Masonic Lodge, one Grange Lodge, and five school houses, which cost six hundred dollars each. The number of school children in 1858 was two hundred and 14, and in 1874 it was two hundred and eighty-eight. The population in 1850 was six hundred and twenty-three; in 1860 it was eight hundred and fifty -eight; in 1870 it was eight hundred and fifty-one. It has a small swamp prairie extending south from Chesterfield, and containing several hundred acres. It is being redeemed, and soon will be the best land in the township. About one-third of this township lies north of the river, and the other two-thirds south. Within this township were committed two of the most diabolical murders that have ever occurred in the county, of which a separate account will be given in another part of this work. The general surface of the township is level, with the exception of the bluffs of White river. It is well adapted to the raising of wheat, and the prairie spoken of above is one of the best corn-raising regions in the county. There is yet in the southern part a large body of excellent timber.

On the call of townships, the following responded : Anderson, Boone, Fall Creek, Green, Jackson, Lafayette, Monroe, Pipe Creek Richland and Stony Creek.

Second Day

The next was a Bible lesson, conducted by Dr. Ward Cook; after which the reports of townships were called, and thirteen reports were read from the Secretary's desk.

No. of townships reported, 13 ; No. of schools, 55; No. of officers and teachers enrolled, 611 ; average attendance of the same, 426; No. of scholars enrolled, 3,711; average attendance, 2,776. Total, 4,322,. Amount expended by the schools for books, papers, etc , $802.10.

Wednesday, Oct 30, 1872

Discussion opened by Eev. M. A. Teague, who opposed to some extent the " Lesson Leaves " now used in the county, while J. T. Smith favored their adoption.

11 o'clock - This time was set apart for the transaction of miscellaneous business, when Bro. Smith read and answered a lew questions from the drawer.

Afternoon Session

3:00 - Superintendent's Exercises. - Wm. Baker, Superintendent of the Fortville Sunday Schools, clearly and in an interesting way reviewed the four lessons for the month as arranged in the Berian Series.

3:30 - Discussion : "How to cultivate reverence in the Sabbath Schools." Opened by M. A. Teague. Next in order was infant class lesson, conducted by W. M. Grimes, after which the Secretary made the following report for the year ending October 30th, 1872.

Reports have been received from but few townships up to noon to-day - seven in all - as follows: Adams, Boone, Fall Creek, Green, Lafayette, Union and Stony Creek.

Evening Session

7:00 P. M. - Devotional Exercises : Singing and prayer. An excellent address was delivered at this hour by G. S. Jenkins, on " Duty of Parents to Children," after which the Convention united in singing " Keep on Praying." The Finance Committee reported a collection of $10.56. The following claims were presented and allowed:

Convention united in singing "O, Tell the Joyful Story." After benediction the Convention adjourned to meet at Elwood April, 1873, in semi-annual Convention.

The Fifth Annual Meeting Of The Sunday School Union

Address of welcome by J. F. Pierce. Responded to by J. W. Lovett, of Anderson, in a very appropriate speech ; after which the President delivered the annual address. * * *

Devotional exercises by Rev. J. F. Pierse of Middletown. After which a very interesting discourse was delivered by Rev. .Joseph Franklin of Anderson on the motto " Let us Work," and also on the progress of the Sunday School work.

The Convention was called to order by the President. Devotional exercises, singing " Sweeping Through the Gates" and prayer by the Rev. J. F. Rhoades of Perkinsville.

Next in order was Sunday School lesson, conducted by Rev. J. F. Pierse, assisted by J. F. Rhoades, John Huston and Wm. V. Shanklin ; after which the Convention sung " We Shall Meet Them Again."

Disscussion. - Progress of the Sunday School in the United States, opened by A. E. Edwards of Anderson, in a very interesting speech of half an hour ; followed by J. C. Mahan.

Song - *' Bright Forevermore," followed with speeches b^ J. T. Smith, J. F. Collier and H. D. Thompson. J. T. Smith proceeded to review the lessons of the last quarter, which was done in a very able and interesting manner.

Discussion. - " What has the Sunday School accomplished," opened by J. C. Mahan of Anderson, followed by H. D. Thompson, Jac. Schwinn and J. F. Collier.

Next in order was Infant Class Lesson, conducted by Mrs. Boher of New Castle, to a class of twenty-five. This was a very interesting exercise and listened to with great attention.

A collection was made amounting to $9.35. Convention then sung " I love to tell the Story." Then came question drawer which was answered by J. T. Smith, occupying about fifteen minutes.

Resolution of thanks was tendered the citizens of Markleville for the hospitable manner in which the members had been entertained during this Convention.

On motion of J. F. Rhoades the next semi-annual meeting be held at Perkinsville in April, 1874, which was carried, and the following appointed a Committee on Programme : Jac. Schwinn, J. T. Smith and Warren Cole. Convention sung " Over in the Promised Land."

This session was held principally for speaking and the following availed themselves of the opportunity : B. Carver, G. W. Sears, J. W. Hardman, Mrs. J. F. Rhoades, Ralph Williams, A. J. Delph and Samuel Harden.

To the Madison County S. S. Union. Number of townships reported, eight, viz : Anderson, Adams, Boone, Duck Creek, Jackson, Monroe, Pipe Creek and Richland.

School Union Tuesday Afternoon

The annual Convention of the Sundaj' School Union of Madison county convened at Asbury Chapel, Richland township, September 29, 1874, at 2 p. m. President Shanklin in the chair. In the absence of the Secretarj', Mr. Barney Carver was chosen Secretary pro tem.

Devotional exercises were conducted by Mr. John Matthis. That soul-stirring song entitled " All hail the power of Jesus' Name,'' was sung with so much earnestness that it told at once the interest manifested in the meeting. The address of welcome by Rev. R. H. Smith was in every way appropriate to the occasion, and it no doubt made the many who were from abroad feel that they were thrice welcome to the hospitality and the homes of the good people of Richland. The President's annual address, by W. V. Shanklin, was good and well received. That earnest worker, Howell D. Thompson, being present, was loudly called for, and promptly responded in his usual telling manner.

The Convention was called to order at precisely the time appointed. Rev. R. H. Smith offered a fervent invocation. In the absence of Rev. Wm. Van Slyke, Dr. Wn. Suman addressed the Convention in a few chosen remarks, and was followed by an address by H. C. Jordan. His remarks were to the point, and no doubt did much good for the cause. Adjourned until Wednesday morning at nine o'clock.

The Morning Session

was fully attended, with an increasing interest. Several new delegates and visitors arrived, while the community at large, generally speaking, were there. The President called the meeting to order and announced that Elder E. H. CHflford would conduct the devotional exercises. After reading a selection he offered a fervant invocation. Mr. H. C. Jordan gave a very interesting Bible Class lesson to supply the vacancy caused by Mr. Jonathan Noble's absence. After this Mr. Grimes came forward and said he was glad to meet so many Sunday School workers. Many of those who had met in convention last year had departed from earth and gone to the great Sunday School above. He welcomed those present as laborers in God's vineyard. A year of toil and labor was before them, but by God's aid they would succeed.

Call of Townships. - The reports show quite an increase over last year's labors. Yet while so much good has been done this year, a very great deal remains yet to be accomplished. The Committee on Nominations consisted of Messrs. Dr. Suman, W. M. Grimes and J. Schwinn.

Now the people seemed to enjoy the full fruition of their hopes. The weather being favorable the preparations were complete for a good old fashioned basket dinner. A noticeable feature in this performance was the partiality of Mr. Grimes for " pumpkin pie." Should you be at a loss to know how to get him to the country, just whisper " pumpkin " to him, and I assure you he will answer the summons with all desirable alacrity.

Fourth Session

Devotional exercises conducted by Elder W. S. Tingley. Music, " Morning Light is Breaking." Short addresses by Messrs. Smith and Grimes. Cornelius Quick, of Frankton, delivered an address. Review of the quarter's lessons, by Dr. William Suman, of Frankton.

The question drawer was found to be full. Mr. Grimes, in his usual witty, humerous, yet perfect manner, promptly answered all the questions.

The Committee on Eesolutions presented a resolution on the death of E. N. Clark, which was unanimously adopted. A motion that when the Convention did adjourn, that it do so to meet at Alexandria on the last Tuesday and Wednesday, of September, 1875, was unanimously adopted.

Vice Presidents

Among the many visitors present, we noticed Mr. and Mrs. D. C Chipman and daughter, Mr. Jos. T. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. W. MGrimes, Howell D. Thompson, Dr. E. H. Menefee, E. H. Clifford, Eld. Tingley, W. V. Shanklin, Mr. B. Carver, Mr. Palmer Thurston. Miss Nannie Thurston, Robert H. Cree, N. O'Bryant, Rev. Peck J, Schwinn, Evan Schwinn, Dr. Wm. Suman and daughter Josie, Cornelius Quick, Dr. J. Dillon, Miss Allie Shoemaker, Peter Suman, Miss Saunders, Mr. H. C. Jordon and Mr. Osborn.

The Indian Mounds

Are situated in an open piece of woods in Union township, midway between Anderson and Chesterfield, north and in sight of the wagon road, and one-half mile north of the Bellefontaine railroad, on tne land of Fredrick Branenburg. These mounds are annually visited by pleasure seekers from different parts of the State. Many picnics and celebrations are held here. It is a beautiful place in May. An hour can be profitably passed here, seeing and reflecting. The query naturally comes up. When and by whom were these mounds built? The author does not propose answering either of these. One thing, however, is apparent : it has been many hundred years since this vast work was done; for we find large trees, three and four feet in diameter, which have flourished, fallen and decayed upon the wall. It is said that the Indians who inhabited the county at the time of its settlement by the whiles knew nothing of their origin. The largest of these mounds (for there are three) we will undertake a description of: It is of circular form, three hundred and forty yards in circumference. The wall is fifteen feet high, with an open gap or space at the south, twenty feet wide, which seems to be a doorway, or place of ingress and egress. The interior of this wall is not scooped out, as one might suppose. There is, however, a deep trench extending along on the inside of the wall, leaving the center beautifully rounded up, being a little higher than the outer wall itself. It must originally have been very uniform in its finish, as it still has this appearance. The trench above alluded to must have been at one time quite deep, for the annual dropping of leaves, decayed vegetation, washing, etc., must have filled it up materially. A few years ago a few persons made an opening in the center of this mound, for the purpose of making some discovery, as the supposition had long existed that the remains of some ancient race lay buried here. The result of this undertaking seems to have confirmed the above supposition.

In addition to what we have ventured to say, we will quote from a description given in an early history of Indiana. It will perhaps give the reader as good an idea as anything we may say in regard to this matter, for we can at best but conjecture ; and for fear of saying too much, we will say but little. The author from whom we quote does not speak of these particular mounds, but what he says will apply to all throughout the State. He says : " Mounds, similar to those in Ohio and other Western States, are found in considerable numbers in this State ; but there are none that have attracted much attention, except three in the neighborhood of Vincennes. These at a distance resemble immense hay stacks, and on being approached, each appears to cover about an acre of ground, and to rise gradually to a point, probably from eighty to one hundred feet high,

''It i^ impossible to conceive, at the present day, for what object tht.'ie immense piles were erected. Their situation is not such as to lead us to suppose that they were constructed for any purpose connected with war or defense, and as they were built without the aid of iron tools, it would not be surprising if, among a sparse population, their erection required the labor of many years.

" Human bones have been found in such as have been opened, and in some of them are strata of earth composing the mound which differ from each other and from the earth in the immediate vicinity. The different layers of earth were about a foot in thickness, and between them charcoal and ashes were found, in which human bones lay in a horizontal position.

" From these facts it has been conjectured that when the monuments were erected, it was customary to burn the dead, and then cover the bones with earth, and that probably from time to time this process was repeated, until the mound was finished. Religious ceremonies and superstitious rites may also have been connected with these works. They are most frequent in the vicinity of alluvial bottoms, and where even in early times, the abundance of game and other advan- tages would accommodate the most population. There are none of these works which can not claim a great antiquity, for the trees on them do not differ iu any respect, as regards age, from those in the venerable forests around. While these memorials of an age long past are so distinct, the large establishment of the Jesuits, Quiteanon, and the various military works of the State, formerly so important for defense against Indian hostilities, scarcely show any remains of what they ouce were.

"On the bottom of Big Flat Rock, in the northwest corner of Decatur county, is a mound about eighty feet in diameter and eight feet high, originally covered with trees, like the other forests around. An excavation was made into it a few years since. First, there was a mixture of earth, sand and gravel for one foot ; then dark earth, charcoal, lime and burnt pebbles were cemented together, so as to be penetrated with difficulty ; then a bed of loose sand and gravel, mixed with charcoal ; then were found the bones of a human being, in a reclining position, with a flat stone over the breast and another under the skull. Most of the bones were nearly decomposed, but some of them, and the teeth, were quite sound. From the size of such of the bones of the skeleton as remain, it must have once been of gigantic size.

"A short distance from this mound is a much smaller one, which contains a great many skeletons. The mounds and other monuments that remain were constructed so long since that even tradition does not pretend to give any certain information respecting the people who made them."