White River Township

White River Township

BRIS situated in the northern part of the und when fist organized con tained within its boundaries all that part of the county lying north of the Patoka River. Its present boundaries are: (® North by White River (from which it 2 takes its name), on the east by Washington Township, south by Patoka and Montgomery Townships and on the west by the White and Wabash Rivers, contains within its boundurice a portion of the following Congressional Town ship: Township 1 Range 10; Township 1 North, Range 10; Town- V snip 1sonth, Range 11; Township 1 North, Range 11, und Township 1 South, Range 12 West. 'This township contains fine farming land, nnd though veryanneh broken in the plans, the soil of clay and is ich, strong and productive, and is well adapted to gm, red clover and tho small euius, and never fail to produce w fuir crop. 'The lund on the river hottons is not excelled anywhere for corn, and is kept very rich by wlll deposits from high overflows In the nat few yonr the overflows on most of the do tom lude have beon o grent, numerous and lasting that the labor required o erop on them has not leen so remunerativo na prior. Take the township the farmers uro prosperous, happy and. contented. Vegetables of all kinds do well im this and genial soil. Tho township is well watered drained by the Wabash, White and Patoka Rivers, sad. mumorous small streams tributary to the sume 'Stock water ia plentiful everywh "There nre vono perennial springs ore, ants depend mainly upon wells and cistern» for water for drinking und culinary purposes. In the past thi region had w very heavy growth of timber of valuable varieties, such as the different oak, white and yellow poplar, black walnut, white ash, red beech, sugar or hard maple, linden, black and sweet gum, syenmore, alm, dogwood and other varieties that were, and are, of grent itanta have levelod and depleted the grand old forest, | until only here and thore we find n small grove in its | primitive beauty, but, in their stend, we see happy homes, productive farms and blooming orchards, Yet enough timber remains to meet all prudent local wants. There are somo stone quarries in the township, but that are worked for speculative purposes, but merely to supply immediate local demand. Tho same can be said of coal mining. While numerous conl croppivg eun be ween along the hills and bluffs, aro developed or worked for commercial speculation or domestic consumption, wood. being the main staple for all domestic purposes. Fruit culture is looked after in {hin township with the usual caro and attention be: on that branch of mabandry, in all the rural districts throughout the and, supplying suficient fruits for hone consumption, with a little to sparo for other | markets. 'The usual varieties, apples, ponches, pears, | cherries, plums, grapes, strawberries, pooneherrio, | currants, et, nre the staple fruits. 'This your (1884), | owing to the hard winter, penches are n failure. Evergreon troes - oodar, pines, furs - and olmo, sugar and ack locust are used extensively us ornmuents in deeorating lawn and beautifying homes | White River Township is divided into bottom and upland, two-thirds of the former to one-third of the latter, bottoms extend along the White and Patoka Rivers. They are in width from one to four miles between the rivers uud the blufe. In many places these very rugged, while at others. they slope gracefully into the bottom lands. Tho uplands ure rolling and very productivo. White River Township has two commercial enters and two voting places: - Patoka, and Hazleton,

It is fairly supplied with wagon roads leading in different directions through the hilly and along the bottoms. The Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad enters it on Section 25, and passing in a northeasterly direction leaves the township on Section 16. White River has three stations - Patoka, Miller and Hazleton - on this road. This rond, in addition to Patoka and White

Rivers, furnish to the agriculturist and manufacturer excellent facilities for the shipment of their wares and products. There are seven saw-mills in operation here At this time; five stationary, that get their logs from other townships and counties flouted to them on the rivers, and two portable mills that are back from the vers, using up the saw timber that is too remote from the stationary mills to be made profitable to kaul the logs thither, Owing to the close proximity of the rivers in and around this township, and the water standing a considerable time in low places after each freshet, there re more or less m

About 1818 or 1814 there was some kind of a pesti lence called then and known now as the black plague, which swept the people before it with a fatality equal to the cholera or yellow fever, and greatly depleted the population of Columbia (now Patoka), and it is thought. by some contributed largely to its defeat for the county seat of Gibson County. In the earlier days of this township, bears, panthers, wolves and wild cats were numerous in this section, making it dangerous to domestic animals, and even for man to be out, day or night, without bis ride, knife and hatchet for self. defense, Elk, deer and wild turkeys were also plentiful und contributed largely to the table comforts of the settlers, and the skins of the former to the wardrobes of the men and shoes or moccasins to the families of the settler. Fish were also plentiful, as they are now, and added their sweet morsels to the family platter.

"This locality seems to be plenüfully supplied with pipe or potter's clay, which will some day add largely to the world of erocks, jugs, jars arid fire brick; it makes the best of pipe for tiling. This deposit now offers profitable employment to many hands, and reasonable returns to capital invested, if properly manufactured.

'This township had the honor of furnishing a number of soldiers at the famous battle of Tippecanoe, among 'whom were Maj. David Robb, Daniel Hazleton, Joseph James Robb, John Reel, Thomas L. West, George Egbert, Thomas Sullivan, James Tweedle, William Tyeedle, Mr. Maxident, Isaac Tweedle, A. Bennett, William Johnson and others whose names are mentioned in the chapter on Patriotism. A couple of anecdotes connected with two of these soldiers and the above battle will go to illustrate the humor and character of

David Robb's company, under command of Gen. Harrison, rode into camp near where the Indians were view of having a council with the Indians in the morning, when some young warriors, not knowing what was up, rushed out with bows and arrows to attack the whites, when the command was given * Stop them young Indians."

James Robb, a brother of Capt. Robb, raised his gun to shoot, when the captain threw up the muzzle of James' gua and told him not to shoot, when James indigoantly replied: - "T cannot talk Indian, and how can T stop them unless I shoot?" It would have been as well, perhaps, to have begun the battle then and there, who had, for some reason, perhaps because be was not | handsome, been nicknamed "Ugly Hute Magary," | slipped into the hotel and told them "he was feeling front of a luxurious repast, left a little colored girl to wait on bim, and went about their work in completing the festal diner for Gen. Harrison. Hute went to

In order to illustrate further the character and quickness at repartee of this favorite of the early days - for no doubt " Uguly Hute Margary" was to some extent ut least a favorite in his day - we will relate another little cident regarding him. Ho was at one time nnexpectedly thrown into company where there was a very handsome Indy. ^ Hute" was so fascinated by her loveliness that he told her "she was the most beautiful woman ever saw." She said, "I am sorry I cannot. say as much for you." He drily replied, " Yon could, if you cared no more for telling a lie than I did." We are indebted to Mrs. Sally Cptright for the above ance dotes and other reminiscences which entitle her to a special mention. She is a native of Georgia, born in 1800; came to this county in 1804 and to Columbia about 1812, and is now eighty years old. Her father and two uncles (the Twepdles) were in the Indian war and participated in the Tippecanoe battle.

In 1861 Mrs. Jane Gazaway, now of Princeton, whose | husband and son were in the army fer the Union, raised some cotton here in Gibson County, and Mrs. Sally | Cutright took sufficient of the same cotton to make four | dresses. two for herself and. two for Mrs. Gazaway, carded it on band-cards, spun, colored and wove it. | The writer hereof saw several specimens or pieces of | the goods, which were a good quality of domestic ging- cross arid with the patiotis colors, white | and blue." She is yet living on the lot or plat of ground in Patoka where she settled with her father about 1812.

'The first grist mill built in White River Township was of round logs, built by Keen Fields on military donation No. 11, and was a "horse power" with one run of buhrs or atone. The rule in those days was that each customer furnished their own power and did their own bolting. The first style of bolt was a box shaped in- 'vention with a straight handle and bottom made of wire, and was called a "'sarch." The grist after ground was put into thie sarch, which was pushed by hard back and forth along the top of an open trough, a log hollowed out, which held the flour as it was sifted from sarch. 'They called this four, and the good housewife made it into bread and biscuits that were a great luxury in those days of pestled meal and hominy.

We are unable to locate definitely the first church and cemetery built and laid ont in this township, but Smithfield, afterwards called Columbia (now Patoka) is believed to be the place. The preaching was usually dove at private houses until the Columbiaites built a round log school house, when that was used for church pur: poses by the Old School, nicknamed "Porty-gallon Baptists." Thomas H. Martin was the first expounder of the Baptist faith and wielder of the sword of Gideon here, so far as we can learn. He entertained the good people of Columbia first at private houses and then in the new" log school house.

'The fist settlers here were John Severns, Sr., nd his family. He located on the Patoka at a place afterwards known as Severna' Ferry, 1789 or 1790. About a year after his son-in-law, Robert Falls, moved from Kentucky and located near by. When Mr. Severns came he brought apple and peach seed, which he planted and cultivated, and prior to the year 1800 had apple and | peach trees in bearing, This was the first orchard south of White River, in Indiana (For further mention of Mr. Beverns, see chapter on Pioneers).

Gervas Hazleton was, perhaps, the third white setder in the township, settling on military donation No. Township 1 North, Range 10 West on the White River, where be afterwards had a ferry. The ferry | charges at first were very high; we cannot give the fig- | ures. Not much is known of this veteran, nor his father who came with him. David and Daniel were his sons. They, like most of the old patriarchs, are sleeping in unknown and unmarked graves.

Keen Fields was, perhaps, the next white settler. He | 'came to the township in 1799, and settled on military donation No. 11, and built a log cabin for a dwelling for himself and family. He was a native of Tennessee; | moved to Kentucky and lived there some time, and from | there he moved up the Mississippi River to where St. | Louis now-is, located snd remained until driven away by fever and ague, when he moved to Indiana Territory. |

He wasthe father of ten children, eight boys and two girls, named as follows: - Elizabeth, Abraham, Benjamin Y. Joseph, Stephen L., Thomas, Cynthia, Reuben, Ezekiel and Keen, all of whom are now dead except Keen, the youngest child. His wife's maiden name was Annie Lewis. Abraham Fields, the eldest son of Keen Fields, 'came to the township with his father in 1799 at the age of six years, and lived with his parents until 1816, when "he married Miss Grace Rainey, and settled on military donation No. 10, adjoining bis father's land. The child- of this union were Keen W., Nancy A., Cynthia A., Benjamin B, Joseph J. and Stephen L. Fields, all of 'whom are yet living except Joseph J. Abraham Fields in his day was honored with the ofice of trustee of 'White River Township. Benjamin R. Fields, tbe fourth child and second son of Abraham Fields, now owns aná lives on the farm settled by his father, and is a 'worthy descendant of this honorable pionee

Major David Robb came to the township in 1800 and settled on military donation No. 81, Township 1 North, Range 10 West, and improved it. He first lived in a "eamp," the back of an immense walnut log and side of poles, covered with poles and bark, the frout open to admit the heat and light of large log Sres, until the fall of 1800, when he built a cabin by the assistance of his 'brothers, James and Henry, and John Hyneman, who were up {rom Louisville, Ky. Major Robb built, in the year 1814, a water mill, frst on a small scale and after- 'wards built a larger one with two run of stone, called a merchant mill. This was in connection with a saw-mill a stream that ran through his land and emptied into White River, called Beards Run, then Mill Creek and now Robb Creek. In 1819 he built quite a large brick house of brick manufactured on the ground, and although the house has been torn down and rebuilt, the ld brick still remains in the building. This property | belongs to some of his heirs, or rather to Dr. West, who 'married twice into the majors family. Major Robb 'was a man of large enterprise and great energy. His

| family often children. Archillis, the eldest son, is said to be the first white boy or child born in the township. Major David Robb was a mah and citizen who was deservedly and highly respected. He was register of the and office, and honorably represented his constituency im the state sénate. He lived a useful life, respected by all, and monmed and missed by all when dead. A | more extended sketch of him is given in chapter on pioneers. James Robb, a brother of Major Robb, came to this township in 1801, and settled on military donation No. 56. He improved a farm and lived in a log cabin until 1808. In the spring of that year he built a two-story wed log house, the first two-story house built in the county. the timber in the building was cut with a 'whip saw. The joists were dressed and beaded and the flooring matehed, or plowed and groved, as it was then called. His son David now lives inf the same house where he was horn in 1815, sixty-nine years ago. James Robb was a snecessful hunter, and killed many bufalo, elk, deer, bear and wild turkeys for his own and other tables. While James Robb was cutting timber oue day is farm, an old Spaniard from Vincennes was passalong a path through the woods where Robb was jest felling a tree, and it caught him im its branches, licting injuries from which he died. James Robb was in the Indian wars, was seriously womded at Tippecanoe. He carried the lead in his body to the grave. He reared a large family, several of whom are yet living.

Abraham Spain was a native of Dinwiddie Xa, boru Feb. 23, 1770. He married Elizabeth Allen. She was born in the same county, July 1778. - They removed in 1813 to Rutherford County, N. C., and in 1815 came to Knox County, in this state, aud in 1819

'They settled on the farm on which Zacharia Hite now resides. Archibald Spain was the son of Abraham and Elizabeth Spain. He was born in the year 1798

Virginia, and came here is parents. He married Sarah Garwoad, who was bom in Virginia, Sept. 23, 1797. She subsequently removel with her parents to Gilson County, and died here March 19, 1872. husband died two previous, in 1870. Archibald Spain and wife had bom to them ten children who arrived at maturity, amoug whom is William A. one of the prominent and substantial farmers of White River Township. William A. was born near the place where he now resides, May 28, 1828 He married Miss Jemima Me- Fstridge, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Key) Me- Fetriige. This mariage took place Feb. 15, 1849. "They have been blessed with a family of twelve chil-

Asheraft, whose great grandfather's name was Jeremiah Asheraft. He a Pamesylvanian and from there went at a carly day to Grayson Comty, Ky., where he bought three sons, viz., Jacob, John and Daniel, way back to Pennsylvania he was killed by the Indians. Daniel Ashcraft was the of B. K. He was a soldier in the border wars during the Im ubles, was twice wounded and his wife once in encounters with the Indiaus. He was born March 13, 1768, and died June 5, 1812. He married Sarah Dye, Oct. 18, 1798. She was boru March 21, 1775, and died Sept. 17, 1845. * One of the sons of Daniel 'was Jediah, the father of B. K. Asheroft. He was born Dee. 12, 1794. He married Anna Wilson, in Grayson County, Ky, Feb. 10, 1820. She was born Oct. 19, 1797. They had four sons and five dangliters, and were early residents of this county. Several descendants of | the old pioneer are yet living here. There are many other oll settlers of this township deserving prominent mention, but space will not permit sto do therefore, we will submit their names without extended comment: Among them were John Severns, Daniel Hazleton, David Hazleton, Gervas Hazleton, Keen Fields, Abraham Fields, David Robb, James Robb, | Joseph Milburn, Soh Ma, David Millan, Robert

Millman, William Milbarn, Robert Moseley, Abral Brauer, Patrick Payne, Charles Rontt, the Gordons, John Adams, Joseph Adams, Samnel Adams, James Cros, and James Crow, Jr., Andrew Cunning! William Price, Eli Hawkins, Jonathan Gulick (was th first assessor of the township), Johu W. Grim, Simon sud Thomas Key, Thomas H. Marti Annstead Bennett, William' Hardy, Frederick Bru wer, Jobn Hyndman, William French, James Sproule, Robert and William Philips, Robert an Stephen Falls, C. end Joseph Hudspeth, Jolin Robi son, James Favis, James Skidmore, Andrew Harvey, William Maxident, Stephen Lewis, Edmund Hogan with their families.

the Patoka. The second was on White point where the town of Hazleton is located, and called the Hazleton ferry. It was in operation prior to 1800 when James Robb came to the township. Betsey Hazleton, a girl who weighed about 200 Ibs., attended the ferry when James Bobb and family crossed into White River Township. She demanded pay before they got aboard, which was somewhat nettling to the honor und dignity of the proud Kentuckian, who gral his pockets and exhibited to her handfalls of silver with the remark, "We are able to pay our ferrinze.

for a substitute for change, one dollar silver pieces were ent in four parts, for quarters, and they again divi tel for twelve and a half pieces, a1 some parties, wit's a dollars into

The first bridge across the Patoku River in this tows ship was built by Thomas Neely and Edward Ho about 1813. It was a toll bridge, built of I

County, Indiana

and Joseph Adams were the first merchants in White River Township. They located in Colum an early day, and fell victims of the "cold plague" in 1813 0r1814. After which, their brother Samuel Adams carried on the business, In 1817 David Robb established. 'carpenter and blacksmith shop at his place, and the next year built a small distillery, which he operated for afew years. There were other distilleries in the neighborhood among the farmers, as it was then the custom to make apple and peach brandy. These were beverages very much appreciated by the pioneers.

This town is three miles north of Princeton, the county seat, twenty-one miles south of Vincennes, aud thirty-one miles north of Evansville, situated on Sections 24 and 25, Township 1 South, Range 10 West, and on the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad, and the banks of the Patoka River, from which it derives its namo. Patoka is an Indian name and signifies "log on the bottom," and was applied to the river on account of so loge having settled to the bottom, which stuck fast in the slimy mul. This town was first called Smithfield, then Columbia, and was platted and recorded as such in October, 1813. We cannot fix the date when Columbia began to assume village proportions. It is undoubtedly the oldest town or hamlet in inty, and that quite a collection of families had built homes and lived here long before it was laid ont and recorded. It was for years a stage station between * Stringtown " (now Evansville) and Vincennes, until the Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad made stagin over this route a thing that was. The old log building which was erected for i hotel and stage station is still standing, sud having been weather-boarded and otherwise repaired, it presents quite a respectable appearance, and, with its verandà or porch extending along the entire front, is suggestive of old time hospitality aud comfort to the cramped and stage-weary traveler, the stif and saddle-chaffed equestrian and the tired and foot-sore pedestrian. There being another Columbin in the state, the post-office here was given the name of" Patoka," and the town assnmed the name of the office. Patoka River, though not properly a navigable stream, has had its day of steamboating. During high 'water boats of small tonnage occasionally ran up as far as the town of Patokn, and two small boats, Staver and Maud, built on the river at and above Patoka, one for the stave trade, the other for handling flats and barges, operated above Patoka for some time, but they are not operating here now, one having been sunk plowing the waters of the Wabash and White Rivers. 'Thomas H. Martin is believed to be the first hotel keeper, as well as the first spiritual adviser im this ancient village, which is not incorporated, but running on the broad tread or what the " wise ones" suppose to be the more economical plan. She has at this time about 800 inhabitants and has seen better days. Die tilleries first made her prosperous, and then crooked whisky sheared her golden locks, nipped her prestine vigor, made her prematurely gray and hurled her on the down grade of the stream of time, from which she is not likely soon to recover; and also disgraced and bankrupted several of her own citizens and made criminals of other residents of the county, only a few of whom were made to feel the power of the law which they had violated. Whisky has ever been one of the staples"of this town; two saloons here now, and the time was when merchants and hotels all kept it on sale. A business men here to-day says that on looking over his grandfather's old bills of purchase he found the average about thus: - One barrel of molasses, two barrels of whisky, showing a double demand for the © necessary tanglefoot " over luxurious treacle. Patoka has three churches - Baptist, Presbyterian and Methodist - over which the following gentlemen preside as expounders of their faith: - Baptist, W. A. Oliphant, of Fort Branch; Presbyterian, W. B. Crawl Methodist, Gideon Heavenridge. The school facili are excellent, having a gradel system. The school building is a two story and substantial frame structure with six large, comfortable rooms, five for the different grades and one for general school exercises and school entertainments. The management of these schools as been under th» supervision of competent instructors, and are in a prosperous condition.

'The manufacturing interests of Patoka are represented by two stam saw-mills, with a combined capacity of from 85,099 to 45,099 fect of lumber per day; ill, eapasity 8,03) to 4,000 feet two flouring-mills, one stoam, the other water, with a combined capacity of 100 barrels per day, and thres blacksmith shops, and three wagon and carriage repairshops. The steam flouring-mill has attachments for making the "patent process" four. The watsr mill bis a combination of bubre and rollers, being ths" gradual reduction process" of making flour, and is stil to bo the bos: system yo: discovered. We subjoin a roster of the leading business of Patoka aud the mams of the parties engaged thersin: - Dry goods, groceries, clothing, wagons, agricultural implements, Stewart & Danks and W. B. Pickerel; dry goods and clothing, Parrett & Casey; grozaries, drags, hwuess and farm implements, W. C. 4 C. Fisher; groceries an] hardware, Coleman & Milburn: drugs and station- Soars Bros; stoves aal tinware, C. E. Cook; telephon> ofice, news dealer and job printer, S. D.

Indiana. Ant

A. F. & A. M. Columbia Lodge, No. 450, was organized in 1870, and worked under a dispensution until May 27, 1873, when they received their charter. The charter members were: - John Grant, W. M.; W. 3. Wai J. W. Harris, Kingston, B. D.; A. Israel Stangh, C. Polerer, J. D. Fisher, I. D.

Hazleton is a village of abont 500 inhubitan the south bank of White River aud the E. & P. R. B. ou Military Donation No. 82, and location No. 7, containing 32 acres; but since that time additions liave been made to it so that it contains 142 aeres. [t was lad ont im 1856 by Gervas Hazleton, from whom it takes its namie. 'The second settlement in the county made here, ax well as the second ferry - it was also a noted stage stand itr tho early days--and Hazleton's home was a place where the traveler was always welcomed und entertained, It was surveyed and platted by one Lucius French. This town, like its neighbor, Patoku, was badly erippled b several destructive fires whi honses and other were a distillery storehouse for grain, bel never been rebuilt, therefore the town is dependent on The loss of that imthe val severely felt. water navigation a part of each year. Her facilities are excellent, and with the river days flat and keel boats were the mode of transportin:: produce down the rivers, anil keel boats to bring hack groceries, dry goods and other merchandise de hy the people. Imagine men shoving a keel loaded with merchandise, from New Orleans, Li, to Gibson County, Ind., and you will hy 'when Gibson County was in her infan ng who have heard Ke ai and their inventions. Their occupation war go The first steamboat, Cleopatria, perhaps, parsed mp White River abont 1884. She mado fast at the ferry landing where Hazleton now stands. The first town after it was Inid ont a frame for a store, built in 1856 by T. B, Full Abraham Westfall. John Brecllove was the first Ma smith amd built the first shop. Following ix the Ins ness roster of Hazleton: - Drags, and notions, W. Sa Sisson & Co. and A. B. Depriest; general merch ightley & West, Theodore Wheein enre stcambonte

The Fields Family

Are among the old settlers of Gibson County. They are descended from English and Irish ancestry. They settled in Kentucky soon after the clese of the Revolutionary War. Keen Fields, the grandfather of the present family, was a native of Kentucky, and emigrated to Indiana while it was yet under territorial orm of government. He made his first home «n a militia tract enst aud adjoining the fann of Mrs. Nancy A. Richards (whose maiden name was Fields) in White 'Township. He there opened up a farm and made it his permanent place of abode, until his death, which 'occurred in 1816, He married Auna West, who servived him a number of years. Dy that union there were ten children, eight sons and two daughters. On yet survives. The youngest son to und yet in his boybocd when the fainily lended here. He followed, for the grenter portion of hiv life, the peaceful occupation of a farmer. He also built Hnt boats mud teamed, from Evansville to Terre Haute und was before the days of railroads hemestend April 12, 1870. Ho marred Grace daughter of William and Esther Reincy, who ere of Ireland, William Reiney was borê in Dubli in 1776. He married Esther Robinson, who was bern Ireland in 1777. The marriage teok place in 1708 in South Carolina. Me, Reiney in Missouri Jan. 15, 1646 his wife died in South Carolina Nov. 9, 1900. They emigrated to America and settled in South Caroling, where Mis. Grace Fields was born July 31, 1797. She died March 31, 1862." By that union there ten children - six sons and four daughters, ive of whom have survived the parents and are yet living. Keen W. Fields, one of the surviving sons, is a substantial former and resident of Shelby County, Cynthia is the wife of L. H. Turner and is also a resident of the above named county. Benjamin R., a resident of this county, Stephen L., of Toledo, Cumberland County, TL, and Mrs. Nancy A. Richards, the subject cf tise | sketch, are the names of the survivors of the family of Abrabam Fields. Mrs. Nancy A. Richerds was born on the old lcmestead in White River Township, Gibson County, Ind., Jan, 12, 1828. Sbe remained at home until her marriage to William Martin, which happy event occurred Aug. 5, 1840. Mr. Martin was a | mine of Kentucky: He died Feb 1471852, leaving his widow and three children. One only yet survive | whose name is Jane. She is the wife of James L. | Erwin. They have four children, whose names are | Nannie A., Anna Maud, Nicks A. B. and Edna Florence Erwin. On the 4th of May, 1864 Mre. Martin, married Mr. Nicks A. Richards. » He was a native of Tennessee, born near the city of Nashville March 16, 1829. The family emigrated soon after birth to Richland County, where Mr. Richards v reared. He came to Gibson County in 1862, where he remained until his death, which sad event occurred July 19, 1874. This union was productivo of great happiness, us Mr. Richards was a kind, indulgent husband, possessing an affectionate nature and domestic habits. He was a strong believerin thereigious tenets 'of the Baptist Church, altbough nota member of that religious organization. He died universally regretted. The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Richards adors another page of this work. We also invite the reader's atten- | tion to an elegant view of their old homestead.

The Stewart Family

Are among the early settlers of Gibson County. They are of Scotch origin. The ancestors emigrated from Scotland to America and settled in Virginia prior to the Revolutionary War, in which memorable contest some of them took an active port. Thomas Stewart, the great grandfather, was born near Lynchburg, Va., April 9, 1708. He married Terzah Morrison, Jan. 30, 1794. She was born in the same locality in Vir. ginin, Aug. 80, 1759. By that union there were three children, viz.: - Willinm, and Sammel Ayres Stewart. William came West with his brother to Gibson County in 1818, and settled im Patoka, and from there went North to the lead mines nt Galena, Il, and. there died. Nancy married a man by the nume of Lacky, removed to Kentucky, where she remained until her death, Samuel Ayres Stewart, the father and grandfather of the present family, was born in Virginia Dec. 10, 1797, and there grew to manhood. On arriving hein company with his brother came West | to seek their fortunes, landing here in 1818, They were attracted to Gibson County through their acquaintance with parties who were then former neighbors, and who had preceded them here. Here Mr. Stewart engaged until his death. He died prematurely: young from an attack of jme May 24, 1849, fifty. | second your. ¢ in Gibson County he was unusually active in matters porta to the welfare of the locality us well as im securing Me competency aud happi Me was of n naturally religions tu carly age attached himself to the Methodist copal Church. His zeal und earnestness in. the canse: of religion pointed him ont us worthy to preach and | expound the gospel according to the tenet adopted church, and he was accordi preach in 1830. On the Ath of October, 1884, he was ordained a dencon by Bishop Roberts at Mt. Carmel, and on the 10th of October, 1847, he was regularly ordained an elder in Evansville by Bishop Wangh. He 'was un earnest, forcible speaker, and his sermons were clear, sound and diseriminate, both in the presentment | and sustaining of the doctrine and precepts of Chris-

political matters Le was quiet, though firm in his convictions of what he decmed to be right. He was unutterably opposed to the institution of slavery and lefthis native state in order to escape ite baneful influences. He held during his life a number of ofices of honor and trust, among which was that of associate judge, to which position he was elected in 1897. In

1845 he was appointed by Governor James Whitcomb probate judge, to fill the unexpired term of Judge Freuch, and ia August of the same year, was elected to the same position for the fall term. He was also col lector for the county taxes of the year 188%, All uf these positions he filled with credit to hinselfand honor to those who reposed full confidence in him. On the 20th of January, 1824, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda, daughter of Robert Howe, She was born in Kentucky, March 3, 1806, and died April 5, 1874. Of this union there were eleven children, five of whom are yet living. Their names are Thomas, Tirzah, wife of B. C. Ashcraft, Joha Wo, Mary fe of B. Taylor, and' Nathaniel F. Stewart, was member Company A Eightieth Regiment Imfuntry three years, from Aug. 10, 1802, to clove of wur. 'Thomas, the eldest of the family, was bon: in Gibson uly 29, 1828, Here he was reared and ted education in the subscription schools entry ago.

On the 29th of September, 1858, he was united in marriage to Miss Susan L., danglter of James and Elizabeth (Payen) Hudelston. She was bora in Gibson , Nov. 30, 1890, Her parents emigrated from mercial College, from which he hin d on Ang. M, 1974. His father engaged eral merchandise, 'conimercial chosi father, wh wed 1519, when the inn of Stewart K Davis wns formed, which till He ber of the Methodist Episcopal, Church and order. At the death of J.T. Lamb 196, he appointed postas toka, which position he sil ctis St December, 1877, he was united in ma

Samuel A. Stewart, his grandfather, was a member of Liberty Lodge, No. 95, Liberty, Va. and demited from same in 1820 to identify himself with the lodge at. Princeton, Ind.

William D. Daniels

'The ancestry of the Dan traction. They came to Am War of Independence. Members of the family took part in that conflict. They settled on the senbourd, 'where Joseph Daniel, the grandfather of the prevent family, was born. He was by profession a seafaring man. During the War of 1812 held the position of sailing master on the sloop of war Hornet, and participated in the capture of the English brig Peacock. Cooper in his Naval History says "that a great share of that skill and manner in which the Hornet was handled in the engagement by her wailing master." Joseph Daniels was subsequently lost nt sen. He married Sally White, and she with her family were residents of New York state, where she had removed prior to Mr Daniel's ill-fated voyage. There were six sons and one daughtor, the offspring of Joseph and Sally Daniels. Of the sons was Stephen, the father of William D. He was born in Ontario County, in 1707. He emigeated to Ohio in 1822, und in denth, in 1858. He was a bridge builder and railroad contractor, and in that calling, was well known throughout the state of Ohio. He married Sophia Warren, n native of Boston, Muss. She was the daughter of William Warren, direct descendant of Gen, Warron, the hero of the battle of Bunker Hill, Whose tragie death is well known to all students of history. William Warren, the maternal married Hannah Dickerson. Her father wns one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, nnd subsequently a member of the Continental

Congress. As will be seen by the foregoing, the Daniels family are from the old New England stock, In their 'veins courses the blood of the sturdy patriotic men who 'made independence possible and secured the inestimable boon of liberty and free government to the people of this country. Mrs. Daniels still survives her I band, although past four score years of age. She i resident of Brazil, Ind, William Danforth Daniele the fourth in the family of seven children. He was bora in the old town of Marietta, Obio, Sept. 11, 1884. In his youth he enjoyed excellent educational advantages in the schools of Marietta, which were even in that early day superior to many others in the state. In 1887, while yet a boy, he came West to White River 'Township, in Gibson County, and settled in the village of Patoka, and there he has remained to the present. Ho engaged in the lumber business, and extended it into the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ilinois and Indiana. It is needless to any that ho has by the exercise of energy and enterprise made the business profitable.

He was twice married. His first wife was Miss Sarah Fullerton, a native of this county. She died in 1872. By that marriage there were five children. In 1878 he married his present wife, who was Miss Kate Blanche, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Payen) One child, a daughter, is the offspring of the latter marriage. Politically he isa Republican. James W, Daniels, his brother, was a brave and gallant soldier during the Inte war. He was a member of the Fourth Ohio Cavalry. He died at Little Rock, Ark., Jan. 80, 1884.

Was born in Monroe County, Ind., Feb. 18, 1851. He received a good education in the common and graded schools of the state. At the age of twenty he commenced the study of medicine in the office and under the direction of Dr. J. W. Runcie, and after reading the standard text books he entered the Evansville Medical College at Evansville, Ind., and took the regalar course 'and graduated from that institation, Feb. 27, 1876, with the degree of M.D. He commenced the practice of hi profession the same year, and six months later came to the village of Patoka, where he has continued it with success up to the present. He is a member of the Gibson County Medical Society, and was its vice-president in 1869. By close attention to the practice and always faithfully trying to excel in his chosen profession, he has built up a large and lucrative business, He was one year in partnership with Dr. Howard, a well-known physician of Gibson County. In December, 1878, he 'opened a drug store in Patoka in connection with hie brother, W. S. Sears, which business is still continued by the firm. They have a large and well-selected stock of pure drugs, chemicals and everything kept in a firstclass drug store. In 1878 he was united in marriage to Mise Teresa, daughter of James G. and Nancy A. Higginboton, an estimable young lady and matron of Gibson County. In politics Dr. Sears is Republican.

MISTORY OF GIBSON COUNTY, INDIANA. 191 WASHINGTON: TOWNSHIP. 8 named in honor of George Washing- | and James Robb were appointed special commissioners.

ton, the first president of the United ted iu the northeastern part of the county. The surface is divided into bottom and uplands, and in some places it is much broken: originally densely timbered. The streams 'and water courses are still well wooded with oak, hickory, ash, walnut, «year more, poplar, black w

The weil is quite productivo, and in some parts, especially in the fertile bottoms, yields bountifully to the hand of labor. The township is well supplied with stre imi which furnish an abundance of water for stock purposes. The surface water is drained by White and Patoka Rivers, Yellow, En Pond, Sand Branch aud other tributaries. The Patoka River flows in a northern and westerly direction und drains th southern part of the township, and White River flows in a southwesterly direction and drains the extreme northern portions of the township. Washington ix shape, and is bounded on the north by Pike

Joseph Decker, Jacob Decker and Luke Decker, brothers, enne to the territory now embraced in Washington Township about or before 1400, and established. a ferry neross the White River at a point where Buena Vista now stands, known as Deckers ferry. This ferry and the' Severns' ferry across the Patoka were 'he first in the county, and were in operation long before this was « county, under the authority of Knox County.

At the May term of court, 1813, the first in the county, on petition of Joseph Decker, the commissioners ordered a road to be opened fifteen feet wide from Decker's ferry on the White River to Severns' ferry on the Patoka River, and Abraham Decker, Robert Falls

'Nathaniel West was, perhaps, the next settler in this town, about 1800. His wife's maiden name was Betsey Lewis, und their children were: - Sustn, Nancy, Betsey, Polly, Ruth and Thomas. Mr. West ili mation 121 and improved a farm. Thom L. West was a soldier and was wounded at the Inttle of 'Tippecatioe. He was shot through the shoulder and month, cutting his tongue in a way us to cripple his articulation for life, Miss Nancy West, the second dangpler of Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel West, married Mr. James Check. 'Thin is sid to ly the first wurringe enterprising citizen, having the confidence of the peo: ple and those in authority, ax noted by the fact of h holding different offices of trust in the towns

Robert Falls was an carly settler. He camo in 1803 to this township and built the first mill operated horse-power, in 1809 or 1810. It was located o tary donation No. 107. Mr. am day were in the p eir cabin house for church purposes and the feasting of preachers. On a certain occasion several Baptist ministers went to feast and hold services nt Mr. Fully'. During service and before the meal somo young chap at the prompting of James Robb, son of Maj. Davi Robb, slipped the bread and baked has from the Du ovens about the fire and handed them out xt the top of. the chimney to some other boys, when they all retired to out-of-the-way place and devoured them to the great disappointment of the men of God and deep chargin of Mrs. Falls. The above prank resulted iy some litigation, but we are not informed how the boys came out. Mr. Fall lived « useful and quiet life, taking but little part in public affairs.

W. G. Collins and his wife, Naney Robb, eldest daughter of James Robb, are living quietly in their advanced old age on military donotion No. 112, where they have lived for many years, she being blind and he

1801. Jesse und John Dougherty, brothers, came to the township in 1804. John Hyneman came to this township to settle in 1902. He was in the com the fall of 1800, and helped Ma}. David Robb build his cabin. Mrs. Betsey Milburn (nee Kirk) came to this township in 1804 with her husband, who died, and she afterward married John Hyneman, This union was blessed with an iseue in 1408, Robert Hyneman, born on Section 80, the first born of the township, who still living, at the advanced age of seventy-six years, in Hazleton, this county. Robert Hyneman is blind, bat is able to go about the town without a guide, und i quito neti

Thomas Garaner, » native of South Caroling, v 'an early settler of thie township. He located on donation 106 and improved it. He tanght school some time and perhaps was the first teucher in the township. William Gardner, the only living son of Thomas Gard- born ir South Carolina, came to this township with his father and is now eighty yeurs old. His wife in two yours older than he, and weighs between 200 and 300 md looks quite fresh nnd vigorous, and ean go about with the assistance of n Jamen Crow set- in this township at an curly day on military donation FIS, and was the first sheriff of Gibson County. Many of his descendants still reside in the county and ivan, nati settlers. He was in the battle of Tippecanoe. Jobn Stookey and John I. Neely were also among the pioofficial positions nnd is recollected by many of the pi neers, who spenk of him as having been an oficer of integrity and a genial, whole-souled man. He was noted for his hospitality and kindness of heart.

'The first sermon. preached in this township were by Joseph Milburn, a Baptist, and resident of White River at the residences of James Robb, Abraham. and Robert Falls. The first church erected in Washington Township was built on the northeast cormer of military donation seventy-seven, belonging to Hezekia Bennett. The building was a log cabin with- 'out any floor, and the sleepers made to serve as seats for the congregation. The name of the minister who presided at this temple was Rev. Hanks. The faith of the people who worshipped here was of the Bap-

A little incident connected with this congregation will perhaps not be out of place here. Hezekia and Armstead Bennett, members of the church, had been indulging overmuch in " high lonesomes " and were brought to task for their over indulgence. Armstend was penitent and promised to reform, and was forgiven and retained in the fold, but Hezckia, being " muleish," stiffened his neck and would neither apologize nor make any promises, which created considerable excitement and confusion, and noise sufficient to awaken Sister Mollie Cheek, the sleeping member, as she was called, when she, learning the situation, exclaimed, " bim ont! 'Tura him out! He alwill keep getting drunk." This turned the tide against Hezekia and he was dropped from the " ark of safety.

'The first resident physician of this township was Dr. Joseph Davidson, Drs. L. Shuler and MeNamee, from Vincennes, practiced some in this township. Richard Garner was the first man who carried on blacksmithing here. The first justices were ns follows: William Phillips, Jonathan oficial capacity of William Phillips, the first justice: Jack Chambers, a local preacher, rendered serview to the people of the township as spiritual adviser, for which he was to be paid in skins and other peltey, etch subscriber agreeing to pay so many skins. His parishioners, as he thought, were slow to pay him, and he brought suit before Esquire Phillips ou his subscription list against all and had vervice on euch mod every delinquent to appear and answer to the demands of the plaintiff, Jack Chambers. Pursuant to notice, court had convened, the parties, defendants were present, the plai faction by means of judgment on his subscription paper, when one Mulholland, who was acting as agent 'or attorney for the defendants, walked into court loaded down with the stipulated furs or skins, and, to the surprise of the holy man, made tender of them in full satisfaction of the plaintiffs claim. The case ended in a general guffaw and plensantness prevailed, all being satisfied with the practical joke.

'The first death we have any account of in this township was a man by the name of McCoy. He died on a keel-boat and was buried on Military Donation No. 5, where cemetery is located, southeast of where Buena Vista now stands. The priority of the first graveyard in this township lics between this one and one located on the old Robert Falls laud, Military Dona. tion 107. The first postofüce in this township was established: in 1869, at Buena Vista and was called "West Buena Vista." Jobn Cunningham was postmaster. Other offices were located in the township, route between Hazleton in White River Township and Petersburg in Pike County, but all are now abandoned. not a postoffice remaining in the townshi

Tn 1816, or thereabouts, John Claypole owned and kept a store of a general character at a point on White River where Buena Vista now is, at Decker's Ferry:

'at an early day, settled on Military Donation No. 93, and in 1826 brought " Packlett," an English blooded horse, into the township. He was said to be a descendant from the English stallion rode by Lord Packingham at the battle of New Orleans. In 1840 Samuel Cunningham introduced on his fann, Donation 66, the first Durham long hom ever brought to the township. "This township fumished one man, Loga way, in the Mexican War. Until 1824, the territory of what is now Washington Township belonged to and formed a part of White River Township. At the August term, 1824, of the board of county commissioners, they Inid off the boundaries of Washington Township and organized the same by ordering au election to be held at the house of Patrick Woods, the second Monday of September, 1824, and appointing John De- Priest inspector thereof. John DePriest was re- 'appointed inspector in 1825, At this time the townthan now, and Jacob Skel-

River Tow making the line between the two townships follow the road leading from Severns' Bridge m the Patoka River to Rob's Ferry on the White

River, There was also nt this term am election ordered on the 224 day of May at the h Ennis, f the election of two justices of the peace. Johu Ennis

The manufacturing in this township is not extensive. Lucian Dunning established a wagon factory in INTO 'on military donation No, 88, at his residence, for the manufacture of the "Imitation Studebaker" wagon, where he now manufactures plows, wagons, carriages and all kinds of wheeled vehicles, and does all kinds of repairing in wood and iron. stem power is ei horse. Me has one run of balirs for grinding rye and 'com attached to his machinery. There is some stone this township. There is one quarry near the Patoka River, where stone have been taken ont and flat bonted down the river from Kirksville, now known us Wheeling. This place at one time was quite a business center, having a large fouring mill, stores, blacksmith shop, postoffice, ete. 16 is situated in Section 19, on the north- 'east branch of the Patoka River, This town is too far from the E. £ T. H. B. R. to be benefited by it, and still so close as to be injured by it, Ita flouring was burned down, and from its loss and milrond fluences, the town has gone to decay, nothing rem ing but a few time-worn and shattered buildings. There st present a small store, tobacco and whisky being the main staples or articles of commerce. There nre considerable number of logs rafted from this point. Bursa Vista is in the north part of this township id county, situated on the east bank of White River, on military donation No. 2. [t was laid ont in 1848, id prospered for six years, having four business houses t carried a good stock, two packing houses, saw mill. hotel, one blacksinith shop, wagon shop, two doctors, one saloon; one church and school house. When the E. AT. H. R. R. was built, Hazleton, a station that road, drew the busines from it, and left it to dwindle on the sand h River. 'There is a small business, one store,

Hon. John

Among the very old settlers of what is now known as Gibson County was the Hargrove family. William Hargrove, the old pioneer, was of Datch descent, born in South Carolina. From there the family went to Kentucky, and in November, 1808, came to the Territory of Indiana, and settled on the tract of land now 'owned and occupied by Robert Mitchell. During the Indian wars in 1811, he raised u volunteer company of soldiers, aud led them as captain in the battle of Tippecanoe, He married Sallie Jasper. Of that union was Jolin Hargrove, the subject of this sketch. He was born in Pulaski County, Ky., Nov. 29, 1798. He was in his tenth year when his fanily came to the territory. At that time there were but two settlements between the Patoka and Ohio Rivers, Here in thig county Jobn Margrovo grew to manhood, and passed the greater portion of his life. In 1819 he settled on 160 acres of land n Lost Creek, in Warrick County, and remained there the fall of 1821, when he removal back to Gibson County, and in the spring of 1822 he moved back to hi faru on Lost Creek, and remained there until 1880, then came back to Gibson County, and here remained the rest of his life, and died in October, 1874. Ho was A shrewd business man, and possessed unusual foresight, and predicted oy in the direction of lands, which in the end made him of the wealthy men of the county. He took an active and conspicuous part in the public affairs of the county, and was for many years the leading represen-

* of the Democratic party, in whose principles 'most eurneatly believed und advocated. During his and he filled many offces of honor and trust, and in all merited the confidence and esteem of his constituency, who recognized in him a faithful and honest servant of the people. In the county he was for five years one of the associate justices, and also assessor of the county in 1899.

In August, 1891, be was elected to represent Gibson County in the state legislature, and was re-elected in 1882, 798 and '84. He served altogether eight sessions in the legislature, In 1896 he was elected Sergeant at Arias of the House. In 1887 he was commissioned by Gov. Noble as probate judge, to fill a vacancy. At the end of that term he was elected, and altogether served three full terms as probate judge. In 1888 he was elected to represent the counties of Gibson, Pike 'and Dubois in the state senate, and subsequently was re-elected and served six full terms in that body. He was recorder and clerk of the county for one term. On the 31st of December, 1818, he was united in marriage to Isiphina Latham, She was born in Virginia in 1798, Her parents moved from Virginia to Kentucky in 1805, and in 1807 came to tho Territory of Indiana. She died March M, 1877. By the union of John and Isiphina Hargrove there were five sons and seven daughters, Of these one son and four daughters are yet living. Samuel, the only surviving son, is a farmer and resident of Pike County. He married Miss Mary, daughter of John. and Samb Ewing, in 1966, and has two children, named and John Ewing Hargrove. During the late war Mr. Hargrove was a member of company " Eightieth Indiana Infantry. He enlisted for three years, and served until the close of the war. Politically, he is a Democrat, and represented his party in the state legislature. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the G. A. B.

Source changes here: from History of Gibson County, Indiana : Her People, Industries and Institutions, with Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families, by Stormont, Gil R, published 1914; 606 words in this source stream.

White River Township

This township is in the northern portion nf tlie county, and when first organized contained all that part of the county north of the Patoka river. The present boundaries of the township are ; C)n the north by White river, on the east by Washington township, on the south by Patoka and Montgomery townships and on the west by the Wabash and White rivers. The land, although broken in places, is very suitable for agriculture, all varieties of grain being raised in full quantities. The Wabash, White and Patoka rivers both drain and water the land throughout. Heavy timber originally covered the township, but agriculture has compelled the clearing of nearly all of it.

The advantage of river operation caused several grist-mills and sawmills to be built here in early times. T!ie logs were floated to these mills from other parts of the township and county, and the lumber afterward loaded on flat boats and shipped down to Southern ports. Other mills were in the interior of the township The water in these rivers was at times very sluggish, and consequently frequent malarial trouble occurred among the settlers. In 1813 and 1814 there was a pestilence known as the "black plague," which resulted disastrously for the people of this portion of the county. It was equal to the cholera in its fatality. Wild game was plentiful in this portion and bears, panthers, wolves, wild cats, elk, deer and wild turkey were all hunted by the frontiersmen. Fish in the streams was a source of much of the meat supply. Potter's clay was found and was a source of great profit in early times.

The first grist-mill constructed in ^\'hite River township was of round logs and was built by Keen Fields. It was run by horse power and was provided with one set of buhrs. Each customer furnished his own power during those days and provided his own bolt. The first style of bolt was a box-shaped invention, with straight handle and wire bottom, and was termed a "sarch." The ground grist was placed in this sarch and was pushed by hand back and forth across the top of an open trough, a hollowed log. which held the flour after being sifted out.

The town of Smithfiekl, now i'atoka, proljably had the first church and cemetery. The "Forty-Gallon Baptists" held meetings here in log houses. John Severns, Sr., was one of the first settlers in this township, and was followed by such men as Gervas Hazelton, Keen Fields, Major David Robb, James Robb, Abraham Spain, B. K. Ashcraft, Joseph Milburn, John Milburn, David Milburn, Robert and William Milburn, Robert Mosely, Abraham Bruner, Patrick Payne, Charles Routt, the Gordons, John Adams, Joseph Adams, Samuel Adams, James Crow, Sr. and Jr., Andrew Cunningham, William Price, Eli Hawkins, Jonathan Gulick, John W. Grisam, Simon and Thomas Key, Thomas H. Martin, Armstead Bennett, William Hardy, Frederick Bruner, John Hyndman, William French, James Sproule, Robert and William Philips, Robert and Stephen Falls, C. and Joseph Hudspeth, John Robinson, James Favis, James Skidmore, Andrew Harvey, William Maxident, Stephen Lewis, Edmund Hogan.

Severns' ferry on the Patoka river was the first in the township. The second was on White river, where Hazelton is now located, and was called the Hazelton ferry. The first bridge in White River township was built in 1813 by Edward Hogan and Thomas Neely. It was a toll bridge, built of logs.

Azariah Ayres was the first blacksmith; John and Joseph Adams were the first merchants. Distilleries were scattered around on most of the farms. It was an universal custom among the settlers to manufacture apple and peach brandy.