Washington Township

Washington Township

Within the borders of this township was made the first settlement in Clinton County. As early as the year 1826, while what is now Clinton and Boone Counties were united under the name of "Washington Territory,' a man, by the name of William Clark, fixed his home on the farm now belonging to the heirs of Mr. Hall. The prospects presented to Mr. O. w-re gloomy and uninviting - the Indian with his stealthy tread, the hiss of serpents, and the dismal howling of wild beasts, added to the dreariness of the deep solitude. Surrounded as we are to-day, it is difficult to imagine the hardships undergone by the early settler. The motive which prompted him to leave the home of comparative comfort and plenty, for one of hardships and want, is, perhaps, illustrative of the restless spirit of man - the constant longing for "something new." While, at times, this spirit of restlessness is to be highly condemned, at others it is equally commendable. Guided by this spirit, the name of William Clark will go down in history as the leader in the march of civilization in Clinton County.

For several months Clark was the only white man in the present limits of Washington Township. However, early in the year 1827, David Kilgore, with his family, settled on the farm belonging to Moses Harshman. Mrs. Kilgore is still living. As Mr. Clark was unmarried at the time of his settlement, to Mrs. K. is due the honor of heing the first white woman in Clinton County.

el Thompson farm; . 5 i e Joseph Hill, on what is noy 5 e farm; and John Kilmore, who resided but à short time 1 ship. The latter was of a roaming disposition, r time in a place. Hence, his name occurs asap township.

In de year 1828, there was added to t 2 wellto-do men: Judge John Ross, who M e Jefferson; David Young, on the farm owned by Dis 2 à Olinger, in Jefferson, 0 the lot. now occupied by the ee Mr. A. Baker; and. Samuel "Tnompson, on. the well-improve f'the year 1829, Abner Bakerand Aaron H. Southai lal in. Jeffers ae is still a resident of the township, while | Both these gentlemen have been | settled in Wr a Mr. Southard resides in Frankfort. t industrious, enterprising citizens. Have ever a terest in the affairs of the county, aiding in every wor to advance her interests. As a reward for their industry, they aceumulated much valuable property. Pu Others of 1825 were Benjamin Abbott, who settled on the by his son Take 24 ohn Campbell, on the farm which still bears the same name; Messrs. Dorsey, Denman and Watts in Jefferson Josiah Cooper, on the farm the present property of Joseph Fickle ; William Miller, on the Charles Eberhart farm ; John Starkey, on the

James Stinson, on the land belonging to John Timmons; John Benson, on the Joseph Fickle farm, and Captain Bracken, on what is now the Braden farm. E :

Among those who came in 1830, we name Stephen Allen, Heverland, John Jackson, the MeNutts, John Blair, Major Brown, Mr. Stackard, Benjamin Heart, William Wilson, Jesse Byan and ship, Jacob Anderson, Henry Harshman, Joseph Heavilon, Joseph D. Suit and John J. Cooper. In 1829, the population had increased to such an extent, that the demand for the establishment of a trading post, where the pioneer might obtain some of the necessaries of life, began to be generally felt. To this demand Abner Baker was the first to respond. In the Spring of 1829, he purchased for $5.00 the lot now owned by George Gish. With a gentleman by the name of Murden he contracted for for the þuilding of a store room. This was to be completed, ready for occupancy, for the sum of $10.00, with the exception of the door, which Mr. Baker brought with him - this being a coverlet given him by his mother. Into this house was brought the first stock of goods ever know in Clinton County. It being the only store in the county, quite an extensive trade was carried on both with the white men and Indians. A few years later, as the population and the trade increased, a second store house was built. This was erected at a cost of $19.00, and is still standing. E The first post office was established in ,and was kept under the same roof where George Gish now acts as Postmaster. At this time a daily mail run from Indianapolis to La Fayette.

with a mail daily. There being much travel at this time between Indianapolis and La Fayette, and this thoroughfare passing directly through this town-

1 f travelers soon becam: m 2 for the accommodation 0 E. ship, iw k. to engage in this business was Judge Ross. Tho e elOlinger. Sogreat was the travel, that these two houses was Samu : ccommodation, Charles Hand engaged ig; meeting in the township was held at John Hi terians - James Thompson preaching. Ja lenomination, and still living in Dayton, Tine. the next. minister. The same year, 1829, John dist Episcopal E m: = Charlas 4

, nited Brethren were the next in the township, 1 was built in Jefferson, in 1835, by the Unit Brethren; the seeond was by the Presbyterians ; third, by the Christiansor New Lights ; and the fourth by the Methodists,

The first school in the township was taught by John Devlin, of Crawfordsville, in the Winter oF 1529-30, a log cabin that had been built fora Récorder'á office. Jeremiah Smith and a Miss nings may be mentioned as pioneer teachers. | |

PAbout 1832, John P. Cruthers came from Oxford and located j Jefferson, with the design of establishing a college. Mr. Cruthe being an energetie man, and being assisted by the citizens, who we highly pleased with the prospeet of an educational institution in thei midst, a two-story frame building was soon erected, and the advantages of a first-class education offered to the 'Sons and daughters 3 Clinton and adjoining counties. The leaders in the enterprise failed to remember that the assistance of each member of the fami) those early times was required to obtain a living. The time money necessary for a collegiate course could not be spared. H the school run but a short time, when, for want of proper suppo it was abandoned. = x The township was organized Saturday, May 15, 1830. The missioners, at the same time, authorized an election to be held at the | house of John Ross, in Jefferson. John Benson was appointed A spector for that year. Before the organization of the townshi while the county was yet a territory, Zabiua Babcock s Justice of the Peace. After the organization, Abner Ba chosen to fill this office. The business of Justice in those e: was very extensive. Mr. Baker informs us that in one day on docket thirty-two cases. : d

The first regular grist-mill in the township, and likewise in the county, was built by Jacob Anderson, in 1834, on wha the Heavilon estate, and known as the " Spring Mill."

The first marriage in the township was that of Aaron H. South ard to Rebecca Hood, in 1829. 'The marriage ceremony was | formed by Rev. James Thompson. This was before the organi of the county, and the marriage license was obtained at La Y Tippecanoe Couaty. ° the only village in the township, was laid out July 9, 1830, Kilgore. For many years it was the leading business point of county, and came near being the county seat. 3 With the location of tbe county seat at Frankfort, her sun b rapidly to sink toward the western horizon. 3 Her business men, at present, are as follows: A. J. McC general store ; Geo. W. Gish, general merchant; J. Cory, blacksn Jessie Ryan, blacksmith. Physicians are Hill and McNutt. Churches, four - Methodist, United Brethren, Christian