Zionsville Town (part 3 of 3)

Under this law school houses were rapidly constructed all over the state, the great majority of such houses being built of hewed logs with puncheon floors and capacious fireplaces and chimneys. The seats were without backs; the writing desk:or table was made of puncheons resting upon wooden pins driven into the walls and extending along two or three sides of the room. The teacher's whips were laid upon two long pins above the teacher's desk. The public schools under the old constitution depended entirely upon the income from the congressional fund, no tuition tax being provided for by law. From eight to twelve weeks usually exhausted the publie money. In a majority of cases the term was extended several weeks by subscription upon the part of the patrons of the district. The early teachers were generally Yankee, Irish, or Scotch, with an occasional Quaker from North Carolina. For a long time there were no public examinations to determine the fitness of teachers other than the local school directora and the patrons at large. An indispensible requisite was the ability and disposition to make a vigorous use of the beech and hazel rods that lay above the teacher's desk. Add to this the ability to do "the sum" {in Pike's Arithmetic through "Tare and Tret," to spell ees the old Elementary and to read loud and rapidly and he was fully equipped for his manifold duties! Most of the teachers uniformly " skipped the fractions" in arithmetic. It is related that one or two of the earlier teachers in the county attempted to teach the spherical shape of the earth, and even asserted that it was as cold at the south pole as at the north pole! For these ignorant and blasphemous teachings more than one pioneer teacher was promptly dismissed. Their notions of geography were not orthodox, for how could the earth have "four corners" if these things were true? But a better class of teachers soon came into the new county from New England, the Middle States and Kentucky. Many men who have since led their profession in our state, came into the state as pioneer teachers from 1835 to 1850. The county seminaries, designed as stepping-stones from the district school to the State University, were being rapidly established in the different county seats of the state, and about 1840 the old Boone County Seminary was begun on the east side of Lebanon. The building was finished in 1843, and that autumn the first school within it was taught by Stephen Neal, Esq., who is still a resident of Lebanon. Mr. Neal was succeeded in 1844 by John M. Patton, late cashier of the Thorntown national bank. The county seminary continued to flourish during a period of ten years, until the adoption of the new constitution in 1852, when, like most of the seminaries in the state, it was sold at public sale. It brought the county school fund the sum of $900, and was converted into a hotel or boarding house, for which it is still used, known as the Pleasant Grove, or Bray House.

Among other early teachers of Boone County we may mention a Mr. Schenck, a German, who taught the second school in Perry Township in 1837; Mr. W. L. McCormick, who first taught in the county in 1842, teaching a public school in an old log house a mile and a half east of New Brunswick, in Harrison Township. Since that time Mr. McCormick batt with the exception of one or two winters, taught every year, keeping pace with the rapid advancement of the school system. For many yeats he has kept his place as the oldest teacher in the county. Among the early teachers at Thorntown were numbered Rufus A. Lockwood, afterward famous as a brilliant and eccentric lawyer, the winner of the famous Mariposa gold mine suit in California, and who went down in the Atlantic with the ill-fated Central America, and Rev. Bird, a Presbyterian minister, who established a school at Thorntown about 1840, which attracted many pupils; Andrew J. Boone, Joseph Sample, Isaac and Robert Carmack, Rev. Philander Anderson, David Burns and others became widely known over the county as teachers within the two decades from. 1840 to 1850. In 1855 the Thorntown Academy was established under the charge of the Northwest M. E. Conference. Among its principals may be cited Rev. Tarr, Hon. O. H. Smith, Republican candidate for Superintendent, in 1878; Prof. J. C. Ridpath, the historian and litetateur; Prof. Sims, now Chancellor of Syracuse University, New York; Profs. Osborn, Rouse and others who have been widely known as educational workers. This school flourished for about seventeen years, at the end of which time it was sold and converted into a public high school. In 1860 the Presbyterian Church began the erection of an 'academy in Lebanon. The first school was taught in the new building in 1862, under the charge of Prof. Naylor. The school continued to prosper for some ten years when it was sold to the town and converted into a public high school, for which purpose it is still used. Upon the 'conversion of the academy into a public school the three district schools, which had long been maintained in Lebanon, were abolished. The meagerness of the county school records afford but few statistics of the steady progress of the public schools; but each year the enumeration and enrollment increased and the facilities of every kind were extended. But two or three isolated school ma'ams had been known in the county previous to the breaking out of the civil war; and it seemed to have been a matter of general astonishment when the necessary employment of women proved that in many cases, at least, the school ma'am colild surpass the schoolmaster in the efficiency of her work and the beneficence of her influence. For the year 1886-87 there are employed in the schools of Boone County fifty-four female and 106 male teachers.

Until a few years ago there was still in use, near the Harrison and Perry Township line, an old-time log school house, known popularly as "Cornbread College." In fact, it still stands, and is used as a wood house for No. 9, Harrison Township. 'This was the last of the old-time log school houses with its two logs cut out for windows, its puncheon floor and monster chimney. From hewed log to frame, and from frame to brick has been the transition. There are now in Boone County 135 school buildings, of which thirty-six are frame and ninety-nine brick. The total value of buildings and furnishings exceeds $200,000. ,

Of the town school buildings, that of Jamestown was erected in 1873, at a cost of $12,000. It is « very spacious and well-located building. Tlfat of Zionsville was erected soon afterwards and isa handsome edifice, and its site, upon an eminence at the west side of town, is unsurpassed in the state. In 1885 the Thorntown High School was erected, at a cost of about $15,000. It is probably the best school building possessed by a town of the size of Thorntown in the state. Lt is commodious in its arrangement and beautiful in its proportions and its finish. Within the past year the city of Lebanon has built a neat ward school building, and it is the expectation that a new high school building that will honor the county seat will be erected in the near future. Certain it is, that no railway or other enterprise can ever bring to a town the prosperity and development that such a school must insure.

There were enumerated in Boone County in the year of 1886, a school population of 7,980, of which number 5,098 were males and 4,862 females. Of this number about 7,700 are enrolled as pupils in the public schools, with an average daily attendance of about 5,000. The total school revenues of the county for the years 1885-86 were $99,882.15, of which $65,732.81 was special school revenue.

The length of the schools have, within the past few years, varied widely in the different townships, ranging from eight months in Sugar Creek to four months in Perry.

A uniform course of study, divided into five grades, is followed in all the schools of the county, and notwithstanding the many drawbacks of irregular attendance, insufficient supply of text-books, indifference of parents, etc., rapid progress is making toward such a system of classification and work as will secure, it is hoped, the best ultimate results, and enable pupils moving from one school to another to pursue their studies without the loss of time or change of work.

The common schools are the people's colleges, and looking back over the progress of the half century past, and then to the unlimited possibilities of the future, it is easy to believe that the fondest dreams of their founders will be more than realized.

Poem By John Lowe

But sixty years and more have past, Since those early scenes were met; Though slow in youth the years have past, In age soon each year is met.

Honest hands by toiling hardened, Honest hearts that knew no fears, Oh, I love to hear the story Of the grand old pioneers. Zionsville, February 9, 1887.

By Samuel Harden

The following are the names of the company who left Eagle Village for California, March 15, 1852: Marion Patterson, James Duzan, George Harden, Henry French, James N. Lee, Isaac Cotton and Samuel Harden.

'Yes, let us gather 'round the fire once again; For we must be nearing our journey's end; The plains are past, the mountains are in view, The slope beyond where sky and water blend.

How like life the overland journey seems The plains the morning, ere the noon begins; The mountains gained, snow-capped we find Morning past, the evening tide appears.

Comrades, our journey o'er the plains is nearly done, The golden shore lies just beyond; Oug fire is burning low - another day begun; We "tiay reach there ere night comes on. Lebanon, May, 1887.

At this day and age of the world a county without an agricultural society would be like a wagon without wheels. So the citizens thought thirty-five years ago, and about that time (1853) took steps looking to an organization. Most of the time since there has been more or less interest manifest in this direction. There have been times when the life of such an organization might have been debatable; but if such a time ever did exist, it has passed away forever, if one might judge from visiting the fair of 1886. It is now a hearty, live, big, well-conducted society. The past few years - say since 1868 - the society have added to their grounds, half mile north of the city, from time to time, ample space and erected suitable buildings to make it one of the most desirable in the state. The Lebanon fair is now a "household word" in the county, the pride of all classes of people - the farmer, the mechanic, the merchant and all - a fixed institution that we could illy do without. The rapid progress we have made as a county, in the way of products and stock improvements has sprung partially from an impetus given by this society, brought about by that laudable strife, "Who shall best produce?" Among those active in the first organization, we find H. G. Hazlerige, A.J. Boone, Levi Lane, William Zion, L. C. Daugherty, John Higgins, Thomas R. Cobb, J. M. Ball, Samuel S. Heath, Jesse Neff, Adolphus Wysong, T. J. Cason, William C. Kise and Jacob Kernodle.

The stockholders of the Boone County Steck Agricultural Society met in annual session in the Circuit Court room on Saturday last. The meeting was called to order by President "J. M. Ball, when, on motion of S. L. Cason, John Higgins was elected chairman. Treasurer B. F. Coombs submitted the following report of receipts and expenditures for the year 1886:

Receipts

The secretary submitted verbal report of insurance now on the society's buildings, and the president made report of purchase of grounds, improvements, etc.

The certificate of the secretary of the State Board of Agriculture was submitted, showing that our society had been properly represented at the annual meeting of that board, and that the secretary had made all necessary reports to the state board. This concluded the forenoon session.

The railroad fare of John Higgins to attend the meeting of the State Board of Agriculture was ordered paid by the society. On motion, the directors were authorized to appoint the committee on revision of premium list for 1887, after which the stockholders' meeting adjourned.

The board of directors-elect met immediately upon the adjournment of the stockholders' meeting, and, on motion, appointed the following committee on revision of premium list: J. M. Ball, John Higgins, James Nealis and R. C. McCann. The board selected as an executive committee, Benjamin Booher, William Brenton and 8. 8S. Heath."

County Poor Farm

Somewhere in the Bible we find: "The poor ye always have with you." This was true then, it is true now, and will doubtless continue to the end of time. Since this is a settled fact, how important it is that there has been for years an asylum forthe poorand indigent throughout our country. Boone County has not been behind other parts of the state in making a move in this direction, for as early as 1854 a move was made in selecting a piece of ground one and one-half miles southeast of Lebanon, and soon thereafter built suitable and commodious buildings thereon for the accommodation and care of this unfortunate class of people. And at this writing (1887) the county has as well ordered a home for the poor as her sister counties. The farm is now in charge of W. H. Shoemaker, and has been for several years, to the general satisfacti' n of the people of the county. Previous to Mr. Shoemake, taking the farm, it was in charge of Washington Howard. There are at this writing, 1886, about sixty inmates.

Probate Court

The Probate Court was first held at the house of David Hoover, November 4, 1830. It was held there until 1833, when it was held at the house of A. H. Longly, at Lebanon. The following persons have served as judges: Wm. Rodman, Cornelius Westfall, Samuel McLean, Joseph S. Buckels, Wm.

The Common Pleas Court

Was organized in 1852. The following have served as judges: L. C. Daugherty, John Coburn, Chas. A. Ray, Solomon Blair, Thos. J. Cason and T. H. Palmer, who held the office until 1873, when the court was abolished and all the business transferred to the Circuit Court. The following attorneys have practiced as prosecutors before this court from 1852 to 1873: A. V. Austin, Michael D. White, Henry Shannon, O. 8. Hamilton, C. C. Galvin, D. H. Hamilton, John Morgan, John C. Budkin, W. W. Wollen, Samuel W. Doyle, James V. Kent, G. H. Goodwin. Some of the above were non-residents of the county, at which time Boone was attached to other adjoining counties for judicial purposes.

Circuit Court

The first term was held at the house of John Galvin, in Jamestown, Apri! 19, 18382. The next term was held at the house of Cornelius Westfall, in Thorntown, October, 1832. In 1833 it was held at the house of A. H. Longly, in Lebanon, and in 1834 it was held in the log court house. The following have served as judges of the Circuit Court: B. F. Morris, W. W. Wick, F. M. Finch, W. J. Peasly, Isaac Naylor, W.P. Bryant, John M. Cowan, Thos. F. Davidson, T. H. Palmer and Thos. J. Terhune. The following have served as associate judges until 1852, when that office was discontinued : Wm. Kenworthy, Samuel Cason, Jacob Johns, Samuel Dooley and Nash L. Pitzer.

State Senators

The following persons have served in the state senate: Lewis Jesup, Hamilton, Clinton and Boone; Lewis Masters, Hamilton, Clinton and Boone; Bickwell Cole, who resided in Hamilton County and represented that county and Boone jointly ; Jacob Angle represented Hamilton and Boone counties, Mark A. Duzan resided in Boone, represented Boone and Hamilton counties, W. W. Conner, of Hamilton County, represented Boone, Hamilton and Tipton counties, W. Garver represented Boone, Hamilton and Tipton counties, Newton Jackson represented Boone, Hamilton and Tipton counties, John Green represented Boone, Hamilton and Tipton counties, Solomon Blair resided in Hendricks County and represented Hendricks and Boone counties, Thos. J. Cason represented Hendricks and Boone counties, Thos. M. Hamilton represented Boone and Clinton counties, A. J. Boone resided in Boone County and represented Boone and Clinton counties, Jas. V. Kent resided in Clinton County and represented Boone and Clinton counties, H. M. Marvin also represented Boone and Clinton counties, D. C. Bryant resided in Clinton County and represented Boone and Clinton counties,

County Sheriffs County Recorders

The following persons have served as recorders: James McCann, Thos. P. Miller, Sanford Peters, John Thomas, FM. Davis, John W. Kise, Wm. F..Morgan, Sidney Pitzer. Reese Garrett, D. W. Campbell, and F. M. Moody, elected November, 1886.

County Surveyors

The following persons have served as County Surveyors: Wm. Doolin, A. H. Longley, Jos. E. Hooker, H. Lapham, J. M. Burns, Jas. Mulligan, Henry Taylor, Wm. E. Ensminger, Gaines Brock, T. W. Huckstep, C. F. S. Neal, M. F. Orear, and A. K. Warren, elected November, 1886.

County Treasurers

The following have served as County Treasurers: ae be McLaughlin, John G. Nesbit, John C. Daily, A. H. Shepperd, David Kenworthy, F. M. Busby, John H. Dooly, S. 8. Daily, W. D. Hudson, Geo. Norwood, Geo. Essex, Eli Smith, and J. H. Harrison, elected November, 1886. Prior to 1842 the sheriff collected the tax, hence no treasurer is reported. Before that time "coon skins" were legal tender.

County Coroners

The following have served as County Coroners: George Walker, R. Beard, Henry Deever, Michael Witt, J. R. Lawrence, Wm. McLean, Adam Hendricks, Jas. Jackson, M. F. Jones, Geo. Coombs, Milroy Lane, Henry Hicks, J. A. Thompson, J. M. Adkins, Ratliff Baird, R. A. Williamson, E. Ww. Hilligoss, J. L. Garrison, Dr. Coons, and Thos. E. Bounel, elected November, 1886.

County Clerks

The following have served as County Clerks: David Hoover, 8. S. Brown, John Crisman, Levi Lane, W. C. Kise, S. A. Lee, A'. O. Miller, Jesse Neff, L. M. Cox, George Hauser, Israel Curry, and Dr. Jesse Reagan, elected November, 1886, who has not yet taken his office (1887).

County Commissioners

The following have served as County Commissioners: Frederick Lowe, J. M. Hurt, Jas. Van Eaton,\Stephen Crane, W. M. Buroughs, Noah Chitwood, Wm. Thompson, Solomon

The following have practiced at the Boone County Bar as Prosecuting Attorneys from first to the present time. During part of the time the county has been connected with several other counties, and only a portion of the following ever lived in the county ; but for the past few years Boone has been a district of itself, and the prosecutors have been residents of the county: Milton Gregg, William Herod, William Quarles, Joseph E. Hocker, William J. Prisley, Hugh O'Neal, W. J. Brown, A. A. Hammond, Josiah Mattock, W. B. Beach, J. Lander, A. J. Boone, William Wallace, D. S. Gooding, Isaac Naylor, D. W. Vorhees, O. 8. Hamilton, Henry Shannon, T. N. Rice, R. W. Harrison, Samuel F. Wood, B. F. Pierce, G, H. Goodwin, W. B. Walls, Henry C. Wills, Wm. R. Moore, Frank Charlton, Bart. S. Higgins, C. M. Winecup, elected November, 1886; has not at this writing taken his office ('87).

Court Houses

The first court house built in Lebanon was a hewed log structure. It stood immediately north of the public square and just west of the jail. It was built in 1835.

The second one was of brick, built the year 1839 or 1840. It stood where the present house now stands. It was a twostory structure and served well its day, when it was taken down in 1855, as it was not considered safe longer to occupy it. It cost some four thousand dollars. After it was taken down, the records were taken to a building on the northwest corner of Main and Lebanon streets, where they were mostly destroyed by fire November 26, 1856. In the meantime the present house was commenced in 1855 and finished 1857. It is yet standing and speaks for itself. It cost near forty thousand dollars, and for the time and will be for years ample for the county business. The next one we will let some one else write about in the " sweet by and by."

By Stephen Neal

The following is a list of resident lawyers at Lebanon from the year 1843 to 1852: Jacob Angle, Joseph E. Hocker, Silas Wright, A. J. Boone, Stephen Neal, T. J. Cason, J. C. Hague, L. C. Dougherty and W. B. Beach. Of these, Jacob Angle emigrated to the state of L[llinois in 1856, and died about fifteen years past; Joseph E. Hocker moved to the state of Kansas in the year 1858, and died about two years past at Seneca, Kan.; S. Wright moved to the southern part of Indiana in the year 1845; A. J. Boone departed this life at his home near Lebanon, July 12, 1875; L. C. Dougherty continued to reside in Lebanon until he died, about October 29, 1876; William B. Beach is now a resident of Providence, R. L; J. C. Hague is now residing on his farm near Thorntown; Stephen Neal and T. J. Cason both are yet residents in the city of Lebanon.

During said period of time, from 1843 to 1852, a few other attorneys were located in Lebanon for a short time. During those years, Hiram Brown, William Quarles, Hugh O'Neal, A. A. Hammond and Jacob Landis, of Indianapolis, were regular attendants of the circuit courts of this county.

From the year 1852 to 1886, the resident lawyers at Lebanon have been, T. J. Cason, A. J. Boone, R. W. Harrison, T. H. Lockhart, J. W. Clements, T. J. Terhune, C. M. Zion, O.

P. Mahan, B. S. Higgins, C. S. Wesner, J. A. Abbott, I. M. Kelsey, M. C. Wills, C. M. Wynkoop, J. S. Pierce, Stephen Neal, D. M. Burns, J. O. Pedigo and S. A. Falkner. All of these except Messrs. Boone and Clements are still residents of Lebanon. During said period several other attorneys have been located in the city and practiced law for short periods. Stephen Neal is the oldest attorney in the county, having had nearly a half century's experience in the legal profession.

Below will be found a brief history of the different orders in the county, when located, names, etc. We would be glad to give a more full account if we had it, but have been unable to get the secretaries to write up the orders. We take even this from the Lebanon Patriot, dated December 18, 1886.

Knights Of Pythias

" Lebanon Lodge K. of P. was organized April 16, 1874, with B. A. Smith, W. E. Crigler, Edward Reynolds, W. P. Johnson, W. H. Pennington, J. W. Kise, T. J. Powell, A. D. Morris, J. W. Garner, J. W. Small, P. L. Herod, Milroy Lane, J. W. Olive, J. H. Morgan, T. J. Shulse, J. W. Hammond, R. S. Camplin, Isaac Morris, F. M. Busby and W. A. Kenworthy as charter members. Ben. A. Smith was made first C. C., James W. Garner, V.C. Milroy Lane had the honor of being first Past Chancellor. The new lodge started off with plenty of work in each of the ranks, and seemed to prosper until about 1876, when financial trouble overtook it, and not until 1880 did it renew its former vigor. During the years 1880-1, owing to the close application of several of the brethren, including S. S. Dailey, Charles M. Harrison, I. T. Davis and others, the lodge had a new boom, and from that time to the present but few lodge meetings have been without work. In February, 1882, the lodge moved to its present location.

Recently they have secured a new home in Neal's new block, which is being fitted up at an expense of about $400. They expect to occupy this elegant room about January 6, 1887. The membership consists of 157, of whom all except sixteen are under thirty-five years of age. Ofso large a number but few lodges can boast of so many young men, which only adds life and vigor. No. 45 has made no failure in public entertainments, as the successful carrying on of the K. of P. fair, in the winter of 1884, and the Fourth of July enterprise of 1885, speak for themselves. The financial affairs of the lodge at the present time is managed by trustees S. 8. Dailey, I. T. Davis and C. F.S. Neal. Their last report shows ten shares of building and loan stock and other property and cash, makin all over $2,000. Ina charitable way, Lebanon Lodge No. 45, since its organization, has expended over $3,000.

Thorntown Lodge No. 124, was organized April 27, 1885, with about thirty-five charter members and has at the present time over 100, in good standing, all young, live, active and energetic fellows.

Fhebe And Accepted Masons

The Masonic Order is represented in Boone County by the following Lodges: Boone, No. 9, Lebanon; Thorntown, No. 113, Thorntown; Zion, No. 197, Zionsville; Hazelrigg, No. 200, Jamestown ; Celestial, No. 525, Whitestown; Rosston, No, 528, Rosston; Lebanon Chapter, No. 39; Boone Council, No. 45. Boone Lodge, No. 9, was first chartered as Thorntown Lodge, No. 9, and place of meeting was at Thorntown. The charter was granted May 29, 1845, to Harvey G. Hazelrigg, W.M.; Silas M. White, 8. W.; and Joseph D. Davis, J. W.; and was continued there until 1849, when the place of meeting was changed to Lebanon and name to Boone Lodge, No. 9. 'The first meeting of that lodge in Lebanon was in the second story of a frame building situated on what is now known as the Halfman corner, and continued there until William Zion built the two-story frame building on the Zion cor- ner, and in the upper story of this frame building was fitted up one of the handsomest lodge rooms in the state at that time. It was in fact a blue lodge, the walls being beautifully frescoed in blue, upon which were painted all the symbols of the order, and with its starry, decked ceiling and light in the east it truthfully represented a lodge of symbolic Masons. Here they remained until this building was destroyed by fire, in which most all the property of the lodge was lost. In the spring of 1866, with a membership of worthy citizens, at this time they determindd to build a lodge room, and accordingly made arrangements with Silas A. Lee and David Kenworthy, who were then proposing to build on the lot owned by them on South Lebanon street, to add a second story, which was done, and they have now one of the best arranged and furnished lodge rooms in the state. Dr. John L. Smith is believed to be the only surviving charter member of this lodge as instituted at Thorntown. James Coombs is the oldest continuous member of Boone Lodge, No. 9, being made a Mason January 5, 1855. Among its prominent members were Harvey G. Hazelrigg, Wm. Zion, R. G. Dormire, L. C. Daugherty, Alijah Robison, F. M. Busby, Chauncy King. Major Hazelrige was for nearly twenty years Worshipful Master of the lodge and retired only when he refused to serve any longer. In 1862 he was elected Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge. In 1863 and 1864 he was elected Deputy Grand Master, and in 1865, '66 and '67 was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge. He was also at one time Eminent Grand Commander of the Knights Templar of the state. In the work of the order he was very proficient, and few ever excelled him. His knowledge of the Masonic law was such that his decisions were quoted in other jurisdictions as authority and he occupied a very prominent position in the order. This lodge has experienced a revival and now has a membership of about 140, composed of active and prominent citizens. Thorntown Lodge was chartered May 30, 1851, and now has a membership of about seventy. Zion Lodge was chartered May 28,

1846, and has at present about fifty members. The lodge has lately had the misfortune to lose. by fire, their finely furnished lodge room, but they are now making preparations to build a room of their own. Hazelrigg I..Jge was chartered May 26, 1857, and now has a membership of aboui fifty. Celestial Lodge was chartered May 23, 1876, and now has a membership of about twenty-five. Rosston Lodge was chartered May 23, 1875, and has a membership of about thirty-five. Of Royal Arch Masons there is but one chapter in Boone County, and that is at Lebanon. It has a membership of about sixtyfive, composed of prominent and influential citizens of the county. They meet in the hall of Boone Lodge No. 9, and have lately purchased an elegant outfit for its purposes. There is also but one council of Cryptic Masonry in the county, and it is located at Lebanon. Several residents of this county are also Knights Templar and Scottish Rite Masons. According to an ancient and well-established rule of the order ladies 'can not become Masons, (although there is no objection to their becoming wives of Masons) and for the good of the brethren, their wives, mothers and daughters, the beautiful order of the Eastern Star was organized, and of this there is a

Source changes here: from History of Boone County, Indiana : With Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Old Families, by Crist, L. M. (Leander Mead), published 1914; 521 words in this source stream.

Zionsville Town

Zionsville is located in Eagle township in the southeast part of Boone county, on the banks of Eagle creek, just below the junction of Big and Little Eagle creeks. It was organized and laid out in 1852, on the completion of the Indianapolis, Cincinnati and LaFayette railroad now known as the Big Four and belonging to the New York system. It was named in honor of William Zion of Lebanon. It is about half way between Indianapolis and Lebanon.

rolling and easily and naturally drained and developed into productive farms. Zionsville soon became an extensive trading center. Beautiful dwellings, extensive business rooms, excellent school buildings and churches evidence the energy and thrift of her citizens. The census of 1910 gives the population to be eight hundred and forty and the third town in size of the county. There are few towns of its size that can boast of better school buildings and facilities and none have more beautiful locations for such. There are four churches in the town, Methodist, Presbyterian, Christian and Christian Union, all of which support ministers and are alive in the work. In addition to these, the enterprising citizens have established Zion Park and maintain it from year to year by ten days of program each August with the best of talent for religious and intellectual instruction. Zionsville is above the average of towns of its size for its beautiful location, business enterprise and the social and moral character of its inhabitants.

As Zionsville was an afterthought, not coming until after the location of the railroad, it does not figure in the early settlement of the county. Eagle village on the Michigan road claims that credit. This was the first town established in the county by white men. It was noted in the early day for its energy and push. It was the first hotel center of the county and led off in many enterprises. The building of the railroad was its death knell. The laying out and building of Zionsville on the railroad so close was more than it could endure. Its most enterprising men moved to the new city and took their business with them and soon the town was gone. The fact that Eagle Village flocked to the new city gave it a great boom, and it soon became very lively and pushed forward rapidly, so that its friends thought it would become the metropolis of the county. It pushed forward for a few years until. Lebanon got out of the mud and other towns along the railway line began to wake up and move into life.

Zionsville at this juncture settled down to business and became one of our steady growth substantial towns. It soon became a center of trade for a considerable area of rich country and business of all lines was established to supply the demand. Mills, shops, stores and industries of all kinds necessary to meet the wants of the people were established and are maintained to this day. Zionsville is a live town with energetic business men, up-to-date schools, spiritual churches, beautiful residences and a hopeful outlook for the future.