Zionsville Town (part 1 of 3)

Zionsville Town

This is comparatively a new place, dating back only to 1852, on the completion of the Indianapolis, Cincinnati & Lafayette Railroad. It was laid out on the land of the late 'Elijah Cross, just below and west of where Big and Little Eagle Creeks unite. It was named after the late William 'Zion, of Lebanon. It is fourteen miles from Indianapolis and about the same distance from Lebanon, and one mile from the south line of Boone County, on the Indianapolis, Cincinnati & Lafayette Railroad. Among the first merchants were John Vaughn, John Smith, Daugherty & Nichols, B. M. Gregory; followed soon after by William Yoh, Smith & White, W. H. Neuhouse, B. F. Coldwolader, B. W. Harden, shoe dealer; J. M. Bradly, drugs; C. H. Tingle and J. M. Biggers, groceries; Croplen & Mills, undertakers; M. oh Anderson, wagon maker; Perrell & Perrell, drugs; attorneys - Jesse Smith, H. D. Sterrett, M. M. Riggins, John A. Pock and C. N. Beamer (the last two now practicing); physicians - Drs. S. W. Rodman, Samuel Hardy, Jones, N. Crosby, M. 8. Anderson, Jeremiah Larimore, F. Long, G. W. Duzan, 12 4 ie Cotton ; shoemakers - (have been) A.W. Larimore, H. Davenport, John Tull, B. W. Harden, John Martz; dentist - J. OHurst. The first hotel was kept by John Miller. John Holmes built an extensive grist-mill here in 1854; it was afterwards converted into a distillery, and operated as such a short time, when it went down. Among the postmasters have been 8. W. Rodman, P. Anderson, Mary May, William Thompson, James W. Blake, W. F. Morgan, G. F. Essex, William McGuire, R. Beard. Monument dealer - Frank Alford; harness makers - A. W. Hopkins, William Harden ; bankers - P. Anderson, S. H. Hardy, Mark Simpson, Alford. The old Dye mill was built here at an early day, but is now no more. M.S. Davenport operated a tan-yard here soon after the town was started. An excellent school house was built here about the year 1860; it is one of the finest in the county, pleasantly located on the hill west, overlooking the town. Zionsville contains many handsome residences and business houses, and is the center of a good country, consequently has a fine trade in all the various departments. The Zionsville Times, now published by Col. Galt, is one of the best papers in the county, recently enlarged to an eight-page paper, wide-awake in its make up, has a good circulation and is ably edited. Zionsville is the home of Mrs. Polly Cross, the first bride in Boone County, in 1834. To the writer Zionsville and vicinity has a peculiar interest. There he learned to swim and fish in the classic waters of Eagle; first went to mill and learned to wait his "turn ;" and, more than all, there is an interest attached around the beautiful little cemetery, just south. Here my parents, two sisters and a brother " quietly sleep, their toils forever done."

Zionsville is also the home of B. M. Gregory, Manson Head, Joseph B. Pitzer, Martin Conrad, Dr. W. D. Starkey, Dr. H. T. Cotton, M.S. Davenport, Nathaniel Swaim and Dr. G. W. Dazan, all more or less public men and well known throughout the county.

Following will be found a sketch of Zionsville, written for the Patriot, of Lebanon, dated December 18, 1886, which will doubtless be read with interest by the people of Boone County :

" Zionsville ranks third in the county as to population and commercial enterprise, and is situated in the southeastern corner of the county, one and a half miles from the Marion County line and one mile from the Hamilton County line. The original plat of the town was laid out in the year 1852 by William Zion and Elijah Cross, and consisted in nine blocks containing eighty-one lots. The name " Zionsville" was given to the town in honor of William Zion, who was the principal founder. The first dwelling house mini the original plat was built by John Miller, on lot number two, block number eight, and was occupied by himself and family as a boarding-house or hotel. The same building still does service as a dwelling house, but has been removed to the west end of the same lot, immediately north, across the street from the Christian Church. The first store was conducted by Vaughn & Wiley in a two-story frame building situated on the same lot where the M. S. Anderson wagon works are now located. From the time these first buildings were erected the town has steadily increased in enterprise and population until it has become one among the best business points in the county and has accumulated a population of about eleven hundred persons. There are but few towns of the size in the state that can boast of better school buildings and school facilities and none that have naturally a more beautiful location for school buildings or town either. There are four churches in the town, Methodist, Presbyterian, Christian and Christian Union, all of which support ministers, and all are as well attended as churches usually are in towns of this size. There are six secret orders'in the town: Odd Fellows, Masons, Knights of Honor, Secret League, Horse Thief Detective Association and Grand Army Post. All of these orders are in flourishing condition both numerically and financially. The town supports two banks, two cornet bands, a town hall, with seating capacity of six hundred, one of the best weekly newspapers published in the state in a town of the same size, one large flouring mill, one sawmill, wagon works, the Blue Grass Dairy farm, owned and managed by J. M. Byers, and many other things which can not be mentioned in deaitl. The town is well supplied with shade-trees, and the streets and sidewalks are generally in good repair. Take all in all Zionsville ranks above the average as to its beautiful location, business enterprise and the social and moral character of its inhabitants."

The above town is situated in Worth Township, on the Indianapolis, Cincinnati & Lafayette Railroad, seven miles southeast of Lebanon and about the same distance northwest of Zionsville, surrounded by one of the best agricultural districts in the county. It is the center oi a large local trade and where the township elections are held, aud in fact all the elections when held in the county. It has been for years the central point for Worth Township. Whitestown was laid out in the year 1851, or about the time the railroad was built. The first plat was on the land of Abram Nese. The first merchant was Harrison Spencer, followed soon after by Henry' Lucus and William Laughner. The first grist mill built here was by Isaac Dye and Alfred Osburn, which was in a few years burned down; rebuilt by Henry Lucus. The present mill was built by J. W. Bowser, who operated it successfully for years and built up for it a good reputation at home and abroad. He sold it in October, 1886, to Riley & Vaughn. It has all the new milling facilities for making the best flour in the state. It is valued at $12,000. Among those doing business in an early day at Whitestown in the various capacities we might mention the following merchants: W. J.Givens, Daniel Echman, Ceaser Echman, F. M. Moody, Neese & Keefe, J. T. Ross, Dr. I. T. Ross, Dr. Starkey, Dr. Larimore, J. S. Hardy, who is now practicing. Postmasters, Henry Lucus, Dr. Ross, Henry Walters, S. M. Trout. The present one is J. O. Barb. Hotel, G. W. H. Roberts. The school house here is an excellent one of brick, and fully up to the times in every respect, as well as the churches and other buildings. The annual business transactions here amount to thousands of dollars, including the railroad business, which alone is very large.

This thriving town, so beautifully located on a high piece of ground near the junction of Brown's Wonder and Sugar Creek, was laid out in the year 1835, by James Snow. It is near the Clinton County line and also near the line dividing the townships of Clinton and Washington, being, however, in the latter, on the road leading from Lebanon to Frankfort, about nine miles from the former and seven from the latter. The town contains many handsome residences, three churches, school house, ete., and is the center of a fine local trade. This is the home of Dr. Jesse Reagan, Dr. Walker, Nathan Garrett, all well known and valuable citizens. Below will be found a sketch of Mechanicsburg, written for the Lebanon Patriot in December, 1886, which will account for this short, imperfect sketch :

"Mechanicsburg is situated on the banks of Sugar Creek, midway between Lebanon and Frankfort, and has a population of about 200. It has been called "The Burg" longer than the oldest inhabitant can recollect. The place is well known throughout the country, as its flouring mill, at one time owned by George Ryan, was patronized by farmers from far and near, not only of this, but by those of the adjoining county, Clinton.

"AR. Garrett has a complete stock of groceries, dry goods, glass and queensware, boots, shoes and notions. John R. Beach keeps groceries, dry goods, ready-made clothing, boots, shoes and notions. E. E. Armstrong deals in drugs, patent medicines, school books, stationery, paints, oils, cigars, tobacco and notions. Dr. J. S. Reagan has been practicing medicine here for thirty years, has accumulated considerable property, and was elected to the office of county clerk at the last election. Dr. D. R. Walker has been practicing medicine here about ten years, has nice residence property and a farm onehalf mile north of town. Dr. C. D. Umberhine is a young man, a graduate of Rush Medical College, and has been practicing medicine for the past two years in partnership with Dr. Reagan. Dr. U. built a substantial house the past summer and has come to stay. The blacksmiths are Frank Moore and W. H. Brown, both good workmen who have plenty to do the year round, William Keller is the justice of the peace and works at shoemaking during odd spells. J.S. Moore has a wagon shop, keeps the postoffice, and is probably the only Republican postmaster now in the county. Frank Mills, familiarly known as " Handle," carries the mail to and from Lebanon, hauls goods for the merchants and does errands for everybody. Hart Lodge No. 413, I. O. O. F., is the only secret order in the town. It has a membership of about 24, owns its hall and seems to be in a fairly good condition. The religious denominations are the United Brethren in Christ, Methodist Episcopal, and Christian. The pastor of the United Brethren Church is Rey. Perry Cooper; of the Methodist Episcopal, Rev. Jesse Hill; and of the Christian, Rev. Howe, of Irvington. All the churches are in good condition."

Eagle. Village

Eagle Village, one of the oldest towns in Boone County, was laid out in 1831. It is located on the Michigan Road, in the southeast part of Eagle Township, about one mile east of Zionsville. Until 1852, when the Indianapolis, Cincinnati & Lafayette Railroad was built, the village was a place of some importance. From the year 1850, when it was at its zenith, it gradually went down, until now there are but few houses left. Many of the buildings were removed from there to Zionsville in 1852, when the latter place was laid out. Among the early merchants and business men of Eagle Village, most of whom are now deceased, we find the following: Daniel and James M. Larimore, Reuben Price, J. F. Daugherty, John Harden, Addison Nicholas, J. B. Pitzer, John P. Welch, Oel Thayer, T. P. Miller and Fielding Utterback, all of whom sold goods from 1835 until 1851. Among the physicians who practiced here from time to time, were H. G. Larimore, S. W. Rodman, Jeremiah Larimore, J. M. Gaston, Nathan Crosby and Dr. Johnson. H.G. Larimore died in Fayette County, Ind., in 1874, aged near ninety years. S. W. Rodman lives in Washington Territory. J. M. Gaston, who did not remain long in Eagle Village, lives in Indianapolis. Dr. Johnson's whereabouts are unknown. Jeremiah Larimore died in Indianapolis about the year 1880. He is buried at Mount's Run, in this county. Nathan Crosby, quite an old man, lives in Zionsville. He came from the East to Eagle Village in 1849. Of the early merchants we give the following: Daniel Larimore came from Fayette County, Ind., in 183-, was engaged in business only a few years when he died. He died in 1839, and is buried at Eagle Village. J. M., his son, succeeded him, and was engaged in active business until March, 1849, when he died of consumption. He was a fine-looking man, was never married, and is buried by the side of his father. He was the first Odd Fellow in Boone County. J. F. Daugherty came in 1836, and was in business a number of years. He finally moved to Zionsville, where he sold goods a number of years. He now resides in Indianapolis. John Harden engaged in business in 1842. He died in Ohio, February, 1877, and is buried at Zionsville, Boone County. Fielding Utterback was engaged in business several years. He was elected county sheriff in 1845. He went West and died there ten or fifteen years ago. Oel Thayer came to Boone County in 1839; was first a merchant in Clarkstown, then in Eagle Village. He finally removed ta Lebanon, where he died February 4, 1877. John Welch engaged in business with J. B. Pitzer (his brother-in-law), in 1846. He died in September, 1850, and is buried on Eagle Creek, six miles southwest of Zionsville. J. B. Pitzer was in business several years. He was elected county auditor in 1863. He resides in Zionsville, and is seventy-four years old. er. Miller was born in Tennessee. He came with his father to Eagle

Creek in 1829. He-was engaged several years at Eagle Village as merchant, postmaster and justice of the peace. He was the second Odd Fellow in the county. He resides in Indianapolis, aged seventy-five years. James McCoy, Jesse Essex, William Gouge, William Lakin and John Gates were early blacksmiths. McCoy was married five times and then said he was on his first legs. He lived to be ninety-five years old. Mr. Gouge was a local preacher, and lived to be quite old. Mr. Essex died a little past middie life. He was the son of Jesse Essex, Sr., and the father of George Essex, of Lebanon. James Handly 'was the tailor; he moved West, and the last account of him he was still living. Andrew Hopkins was about the first saddler. He was born in Ohio, married a daughter of Austin Davenport, and died at Lafayette, Ind., in 1852, in middle life. William Farlan, an attorney, was born in New York. He resided in Eagle Village many years, where he taught school in early times. He went to Wisconsin, where he died about 1865, aged seventy years. Jesse Essex was the first tanner, followed by William Manteeth and M. S. Davenport. The carpenters of that time were Starling C. Rose, Luther M. Oliphant, Isaac L. Davenport and Thomas Oliphant. The shoemakers were Henry Breedlove, A. W. Larimore, Henry Davenport and Mr. Danforth. James Armstrong and Henry Gardner made saleratus here at an early day. 'The ashery," as we called it, was started by J. M. Larimore and Mr. Bishop in 1846. Mrs. Polly Larimore kept the tavern many years after her husband died. T. P. Miller also kept the " Pavilion." The " Eagle Village Hotel" was kept by Mrs. Larmac, Joseph Larimore, George Craft and Mr. Hurd. It went down about the year 1852, with Joseph Larimore at the helm. The Odd Fellows organized a lodge here about the year 1846 or 1847, with the following as first members: J. M. Larimore, T. P. Miller, J. F. Daugherty, Joseph Larimore, James Handly, Oel Thayer, [. L. Davenport, Jacob Tipton, T. W. Oliphant and L. Oliphant. Among the early preachers were James McCoy, Jacob Myers,

Robert H. Calvert, Madison Hume, Mr. Wells, William Gouge and George Dye. A man by the name of Wesley George, from Indianapolis, started a tin shop, but did not stay long. The following have served as postmasters: dl evel Miller, Fielding Utterback, J. F. Daugherty, Nathan Crosby. A temperance society was organized here about the year 1845; flourished for several years, and about the year 1853 went down with the general crash of the village. Adjoining on the east is the cemetery, where lie buried many old citizens, among whom are Daniel Larimore, J. M. Larimore, William Miller, Mrs. Polly Larimore, Peter Gregory, and Patrick H. Sullivan, the first settler in the county and who helped to select the present site of Lebanon as the place for the county seat. He died about the year 1879, when he must have been eighty-five years of age.

Dover By Levi Denny

The above town was first laid out in 1850, by Aries Pauly. It was first known as " Crackaway." It is situated in Jefferson Township, eight miles west of Lebanon, in a fine part of the county. In 1860 a postoffice was established here and named Cason, in remembrance of Thomas J. Cason, of Lebanon. It has been for years the center or voting place for the township. The first merchant was Wesley Adkins, who started a store in 1860. The first postmaster was Wm. Goldsburgh ; present one, J oseph §. Miller. In 1851 James Stephenson built a sawmill here. The following doctors have practiced here: Drs. Clair, Oxly, C. Smith, Hamilton, John S. Smith, Finch, Crafton, and W. H. Ware, who is now in practice and who is a clever gentleman and doctor as well. The first wood shop was by J. L. Pyles; first blacksmith, Wm. Goldsbureh. The following are the names of the present merchants and mechanics: McDaniel & Bro., general merchants; Lewis

Denny, blacksmith; Henry J. Frazier, carpenter ; Hezekiah Kerfart, shoemaker. Three churches, one school house and fourteen families, in al! about fifty inhabitants. Robt. Denny, carpenter; Lee Miles, workingman. Following will be found a sketch written for the Patriot and published in that paper December, 1886, by W. H. Ware:

" Perhaps hear we begin with the history of our pleasant little village it would be prudent to inform the many readers of the Patriot what part of the county it is situated in. Our town is located near the center of Jefferson Township, on the Noblesville gravel road, and the Thorntown and Jamestown road, surrounded by forests and the most fertile lands of proud old Boone. The early history of Dover does not appear of very ancient date, it being first honored with the name about the year 1854, when some poetic genius suggested the spirited title of "Crackaway," by which title it was known far and near during a period of several years. At this date the little hamlet consisted of three families and a schoo] house within the limits of our now busy town. We will first mention the name of Mr. Aris Pauly, now a resident of Danville, Illinois; his residence was the same in which the Denney heirs now live, with the [exception of some more substantial and modern improvements. Next in order of enrollment comes Mr. James Stevenson, now a resident of Horse Shoe, Col., who lived in a house of meager dimensions on the site where the Presbyterian Church now stands. He owneda sawmill which was situated a short distance north of where the new school house stands. He sold his mill some time in the year 1855 to a man by the name of Whit Dalzell and moved to the wilds of the Rockies. The third inhabitant spoken of was Mrs. Hall, who lived in an old log building situated on the south side of the Noblesville road, about fifteen rods west of where the Baptist Church now stands, her husband having died some years previous to this date. The school house was a small structure situated a little north of the cross roads. There were no business houses, those pio- neers all earning their living by the sweat of the brow, but in the year 1859 William and John Goldsburreugh purchased the saw mill of Mr. Dalzell and erected a dwelling and a log blacksmith shop near the crossing. Then the neighborhood of Crackaway began to show signs of a village in the near future, for in a few months the long-looked-for postoffice came and with it a commission for William Goldsburrough as postmaster, and the U.S. check bore the name of Dover. Then the name of Crackaway passed into oblivion. Progress was slow for a season, but in 1862 'one Wesley Adtkins, now deceased, built a 10x12 storeroom near the blacksmith shop and supplied the villagers and weary travelers with groceries and an occasional dose of " Old Kaintuck," and in the following spring Jacob Pyles moved from Lebanon and opened a wagon and repair shop, in a log building, on the corner where McDaniel & Bro.'s magnificent storeroom now stands. Prosperity crowned his efforts and he now lives on his farm adjoining town. He is the only one of the oldest settlers living in the county. There were but few changes or improvements made until the year 1865, when Fielding Denny bought the Pauly farm which had passed through several hands prior to this, and also bought a small tract on the 'northwest corner of John Darrough's land. This he sold out in small lots to parties who began to build and improve the town. In 1866 Dr. Israel Kirk located here; he was the first resident physician. In the following spring John Hall built a tile factory and continued in the manufacture of that much needed article for three or four years. In 1866 a Mr. Chaney bought the stock of groceries from Mr. Adtkins and moved into a more pretentious building and increased the stock of merchandise, but in 1868 he sold his stock of goods and moved away. The first church was built by the Baptist and Methodist denominations, but in a few months the former bought out the interest of the latter. Fielding Denny donated the lots for the church and cemetery. During the same year Dr. Kirk moved to Darlington and Dr. W. A. Ware located in his place and is still here practicing his profession. In 1871 the Presbyterians built an elegant frame structure for worshiping in, and in 1873 the Reformers, or Campbellites, through the instrumentality of Thomas McDaniel, erected quite a respectable church of a rather more modern style than either of the other two. At present all three of the churches are in a prosperous condition. There have been various changes in the past few years, which we fail to note on account of space."

Northfield was laid out in the year 1834. Jesse Lane was the proprietor. It is situated in Umiuu Township, on the Michigan road. Big Eagle crosses the Michigan road just north, and Findly Creek on the south. It at one time was a place of considerable business, and at one time a piece of ground was purchased with a view of building a court-house. But the prospect of the county seat being located there vanished. But Northfield lived, notwithstanding. Among the first settlers and business men were as follows: Hiram McQuidy built the first horse mill or corn cracker. Mr. A. Sanburn was the first postmaster. First merchants were Mr. Long, Chance Cole, Jacob Tipton. Doctors were Knowlton, McLeod, Presly and Samuel Hardy. First blacksmith was Mr. Robinson. First school teacher Mr. Bray. First justices of the peace was Mr. Sanburn and Riley B. Hogshier. 'The first church was built by the Methodists. A church called Adventists' was built here in 1886, and dedicated in December of that year by Rev. Covert, of Howard County. It is a very good frame building ; cost $800. Northfield now and for the past forty-five years had a postoffice, and is now the voting place of Union Township. Election day several years ago was looked forward to with interest, when it was understood that sundry disputes were to be settled, and an occasional fight was no unusual sight. Among the early families of the place were: George Shirts, Hiram McQuidy, Mr. Sanburn, Jacob Tipton and Mr. Robin- son. The first tavern was kept by Hiram McQuidy. The town contains a good brick school house and M. E. Church. Northfield was once the home of Jonathan H. Rose, also that of Jacob Tipton. The present postmaster is Henry Nicholas. Among the early citizens of Union Township now living within its borders are: Mrs. Nicholas, Mrs. Koontz, Washington Hutton, Mr. Alexander, Mrs. Sedgewick, Andrew Harvey, Squire Duly, Samuel Davis, John J. Ross and Jesse Lane.

This once thriving little town was situated on the Michigan road, just north of where Little Eagle crosses the same. It kept this name for years, when it was changed to that of Hamilton, about the year 1838 or 1839. It was first named after Walter Clark, who came from Ohio. It was laid out on the land of Jacob Hoover, in or about the year 1833. The. following were its first citizens: Frederick Lowe, who built the first house and kept public house, Elias Bishop, John Lowe, George Lowe, the Duzans, Jacob Hoover. The first blacksmith was Critchfield. The first doctors were W. N. Duzan, George Selders, George W. Duzan. The first merchants were Jacob Hoover, John Duzan, Oel Thayer, Zachariah Owsley. Zachariah Turpin kept a grocery and something for the inner man occasionally. The first tanner was James Sheets. The first carding machine was built by Jacob Hoover and Moses Lyons as early as 1887, and has been kept up ever since; is now owned by Paul D. Liebhardt, with a saw mill attached. Andrew Hopkins, Clinton Osburn and Allen Brock were the saddlers and harness makers in an early day. The town has all gone down, there are only a few dilap- 'dated houses remaining that mark the site of the once flourishing town of Clarkstown.

Fayette is located in Whitelick, in Perry Township, and in the southern part of it near the Hendricks County line and on section ten. The town is well located on an elevated, well drained piece of land. The town contains two stores, school house and. several good private residences. Fayette was laid out on the land originally owned by Edmond Shurly and Mr. Turner. The present merchants are Mr. McDaniel and Shurly, Drs. W. E. Everts and Jourden. Drug store by Josephus Dodson. Former merchants were Charles J. Lumpkins and Thos. Fitch. Dr. Jorden's family kept the drug store here. Fayette is the voting place of Perry Township, and is the center of considerable trade, not only of Boone County, but that also of Hendricks County. The postoffice is now kept by Dr. W. E. Everts, who has been here several years and has a fine practice. The town contains some three hundred inhabitants, of sober, industrious habits. The settlement here on Whitelick dates back in the thirties. The town, however, is not quite that old.

New Brunswick

The above town is in the southwest part of Harrison Township, and about seven miles southwest of Lebanon, in a rich, fertile part of the county, containing several good rasideneee Christian Church, brick school house, postoffice, store, doctors, etc. Among the first merchants here were Samuel Vest & Son, Dr. Horner, Mr. Sexton, Aaron Frazee, Colonel Letcher, Franklin Walters & Son, D. M. Watts. I. W. Smith is the present merchant and postmaster. The doctors who have practiced here from time to time are Dr. Horner, George and William Kane, W. E. Everets, James Leach and Dr. T. N. Bunnell. The last two are now practicing here. W. H. Crose, the old veteran wagonmaker is here, and has been for many years. Blacksmiths have been here as follows: Wash Dale, O. C. Willson and Joseph Chitewood; the last named is now located here. The first postmaster was Nelson Watts. The town was laid out in 1850, on the lands of Joseph and Nathaniel Wainwright.

The above village is situated rather in the north part of Harrison Township, and five miles south of Lebanon. It was laid out on section twenty-six, by G. O. P. Crawford. The following have sold goods here from time to time: W. H. Campbell, Henry Tomlinson, J. E. Pernell, Henry Ulin, William Higgins, John Bartlett and Theodore Dickerson. The following doctors have practiced here: Henry Tomlinson, Melvin Leachman, E. W. S. Hilligoss, and James Turner, who is now located here, a young man of promise. Postmaster, John Bartlett, who is now keeping it. The office was discontinued for several years, but was restored in November, 1886. The blacksmiths have been William Edwards, John Troutman and Edwards, the last two now located here. The village contains a good brick school house, Protestant Methodist Church and several good dwelling houses. The postoffice was formerly kept by J. P. Pinnell before it was discontinued, and he was perhaps the first one here.

Hazlerigg Station

This town is located on the Indianapolis, Cincinnati & Lafayette Railroad, six miles northwest of Lebanon, in the southeast corner of Washington Township. It was laid out on the land originally owned by the late H. G. Hazlerigg, and named in honor of him. It has been a stopping and shipping point of some note for the last twenty years. The town contains a store, kept by S. Klepfer, a blacksmith shop, postoffice, and several dwelling houses. Over the store of Mr. Klepfer is a public hall, used for general purposes, such as lectures, meetings of a religious character, etc. Hazlerigg is located in a fine part of the county; its nearness to the county seat and Thorntown will in all probability keep it from becoming a town of large proportions, but it will no doubt increase to some extent and will be a place of considerable local trade. The people here could illy do without a postoffice and other conveniences now afforded at Hazlerigg Station. The population of the town is eighteen persons, all told, big and little.

Ward

The above village is located in the northeast part of Jackson Township, in section twenty. It was laid out in 1883 and named after Congressman Thomas Ward, who was instrumental in getting a postoffice established there. It is situated in a fine productive country, about seven miles southwest of Lebanon, and five miles northeast of Jamestown. 'The first merchant was John B. Bennington, succeeded by Greenville Dodd, and he by the present merchant, Thomas Burris. The first postmaster was J. C. Bennington, succeeded by G. Dodd, and he by Thomas Burris, who is now postmaster. There is a Christian Church, a brick school house, and two or three residences. About the year 1870 George Jackson built a steam saw mill here which is now in operation.

Advance

This town is located in the northeast part of Jackson Township and on the Midland Railroad, nine miles southwest of Lebanon and five miles north of Jamestown. The place is comparatively new, springing up when the above railroad was proposed. The people here have waited long and patiently for the completion of it, and the outlook to-day, March, 1887, is encouraging. When this railroad is finished here it will give the town and surrounding country an outlet which is very much needed. The town contains several stores, shops, mechanics, doctors, churches, school house, ete. The pepulation is near one hundred, all told. We hope before long to hear that the above railroad isa fixed fact. Advance contains several good residences; also a postoffice, which is a great convenience to the people of northeast Jackson and surrounding country.

Royalton is like the whisky was said to be by the Indian: " Very little to itsage." It nestles among the hills of Fishbeck and Eagle Creek, and near the Marion County line on the south, in Eagle Township, southeast of Lebanon. Among the first merchants were John Rodman, Dr. Horn, John W. Vaughn. The early doctors were Dr. Horn, Dr. Ross, Dr. | Graham. First hotel kept by John Smock; first blacksmith shop by Thomas Smock; first postmasters were Dr. Horn,: John McCabe, J. W. Vaughn; first shoemakers, Jeremiah Washburn and Daniel Thompson. Samuel Jones was the first to sell whisky in Royalton. Mr. Strowmire is the principal merchant of Royalton at this time. There is a postoffice kept here ; also trades of the various kinds going on. It was near here that the famous Forman murder occurred sixty-eight years ago in Marion County.

Communication From Hon. William B. Beach

Dear Sirs: As requested, I write you my early impressions of Boone County. As I am neither historian, novelist, or poet, you must be content if "I a plain, unvarnished tale relate,' concerning men and things as 1 now remember them.

In the spring of 1845 I received my license to practice' law. My uncle, Judge William J. Peaslee, with whom I had studied, advised me to locate in the "State of Boone." He was then presiding justice in that circuit. Taking his advice, the next Monday morning I took a seat in'his buggy and in the evening of the same day I was landed in Lebanon, at the hotel Joseph Fish. That night the judge was eloquent in his praises of the future Boone County. It was to be the foremost county of the state in agriculture. Its swamps were to be drained and thus rendered the best producing lands in all the state. Its broad acres were pictured as covered with fine stock, horses, cattle, etc., etc., feeding upon richest pastures, her fields pouring out their bountiful harvests of wheat, corn, oats, etc. I said but little in reply to his fancy sketch, as [ then regarded it, for instead of the future, my mind would go back to those abominable, yes, frightful corduroy bridges, floating in interminable seas of mud and water, over which we had passed from Royalton to Lebanon, with scarcely an intermission of a rod, while both of us were fighting with might

Morning came, and as we dressed preparatory for breakfast, I could but note the sad condition of our apparel. Mud and blood gave evidence that the conflict had been no mere skirmish. Breakfast over, the judge bade me good-bye and returned to Indianapolis, first giving me a few words of encouragement; probably he thought he saw evidence in my countenance of a wilting tendency. I went at once to the " weightier matters of the law," my finances. I found $2.50 the amount of available assets, and already one night's lodging due the landlord. What could be done? The more I pondered the more I was puzzled ; it was as deep and dark as Boone County mud. I began io think my good uncle had been mocking me and was now "laughing at my calamity." But that could hardly be, as I felt he wished me success, and probably he was only applying the old doctrine, "root hog or die."

There is, I believe, a "silver lining" to every cloud; Saturday night brought to me that best of good Samaritans, Dr. James McWorkman. I settled with the landlord and took up my abode with the doctor in a small house just opposite the Methodist church. I need not tell to the good people of Boone County that he was a specimen of God's noblest work. Many of them will long remember his genial face and manly form, and many of God's unfortunate ones, in both Indiana and Missouri, will bless the day when Dr. McWarkman was elected superintendent of the Institution for the Blind in both those states. And scarcely with less gratitude will they cherish the memory of his noble and devoted wife, who was matron in both institutions. Both rest from their labors in honored graves. I took an office in the northeast room of the court house, put out my shingle and waited. After the delay usual to young attorneys, I received my first fee and began to feel quite well established in business.

At this time there were but three other members of the bar; Jacob Angle, Joseph E. Hocker and Stephen Neal. The latter, however, gave but little atiention to the law, being mostly engaged in farming. Angle and Hocker were substantial lawyers and valued citizens; both "went west"? many years ago. Subsequently, Lorenzo C. Dougherty located in Lebanon and soon after became my partner. He attained high standing in the profession and was honored by the citizens of the county, first as representative and afterwards as senator. He died in the height of his usefulness. A. J. Boone was a few years later admitied, and like Dougherty, attained high rank at the bar. It was my good fortune to know him intimately, and all who did will testify to his high standard of integrity. He, too, died in early manhood. Others also might be mentioned, O. S. Hamilton, T. J. Cason.

The year following my location at Lebanon, feeling that there was a better future in store for Boone County, 1 began to feel permanently located. I had made many valued friends, whose memory I shall cherish while reason holds her throne. Some I have already named. William Zion, many years a foremost merchant, Chauncey King, hotel keeper and merchant, Abner Shephard, hotel keeper and tailor, Westley Martin, my partner in the first carding machines at Lebanon, propelled with bull power at first, subsequently with steam. Levi Lane, "honest Levi," as we were wont to call him, long the accomplished and accommodating clerk of the court, his brother Josiah, also a merchant, and still another brother Addison, merchant and preacher. He stood by me in the most momentous moment of my life; he officiated on the occasion of my marriage. Joseph T. McLaughlin, the faithful guardian of the county fands, William Staton, once sheriff of the county and my colleague in the legislature of 1851-2, Father McCann, for years county recorder, whose life was a continuing benediction and whose memory will for years be cherished by all who knew him. His son, Robert McCann, still one of the most valued citizens of the county. Robert

Newell, my partner in a brief mercantile career and as true a specimen of honest manhood as it was ever my good fortune to know. He is now acitizen of Missouri. His son, Olney Newell, I need but name, as he was until a recent date a citizen of Lebanon, and well known as a gifted writer and genial gentleman. He is now a citizen of Denver, Col., and assistant editor of the Colorado Live Stock Record. There are many others whom I might mention, but your space will not permit.

In the fall of 1845, I was invited to a corn husking at Uncle Jake Kernodle's. At the time I had but a slight acqueintance with him. Ofcourse I attended. A good, jolly parts it was. Red ears meant something to take - Uncle Jake had 1, and that which was good, for he made it himself - apple brandy, peach brandy, whisky and cider. But Uncle Jake was not the man to permit a too free use of the cup whick cheers and inebriates, and I do not remember that even one ({ the party became mellow. I should say, with Bobby Burrs:

The husking over, a bountiful supper was spread and dispatched, and then on light fantastic toe we chased the glowing hours with flying feet till early morn. On this occasion I met his daughter, Sarah M. Kernodle. She became my wife in the following August. Forty years have past and well has she earned the proudest title due to womanhood, faithful and affectionate wife and mother. She died November 22, A. D. 1886. Jacob Kernodle settled in Boone County in 1836 and remained a citizen of the county, and on the same farm, until his death in His was the model farm of the county for many years, and until his death. Located one mile east of the court-house, and having ample room in both house and barn, where man and beast found good cheer in abundance. He always had plenty of company, especially when the courts were in session. His farm consisted of 300 acres of excellent land, cultivated with great care in meadow grain, orchards of apples and peaches. Coming to the county at an early day, when mechanical facilities were poor, he was forced to do all such work himself, or go a long way for it. The result was he became miller, carpenter, wagonmaker, shoemaker and blacksmith. His great crop of apples and peaches must go to waste or be made into cider and brandy. He became a distiller, and his peach and apple brandy gained a wide celebrity. No farm in the county was better supplied with every kind of farm utensils, nor was there one where they were put to a better use. Nothing went to waste. Of course he prospered and became one of Boone County's most independent citizens. His large family of four sons and seven daughters were comfortably provided for as they married, and all became prosperous and respected citizens of the county. The only one of the daughters remaining, so far as I am informed, is Margaret, wife of Captain James Bragg, of Lebanon. Captain Bragg, though not enjoying the best of health, has earned a competency for the evening of his years, and also that which is more abiding than worldly possessions, the respect and confidence of all who know him. He faithfully and ably served his country from nearly the beginning of the rebellion until the return of peace. Let me close this recital by saying, I long since forgave Judge Peaslee for locating me in the State of Boone, and I rejoice to know that his picture of the future of Boone County, which he gave me on that memorable night, has become a reality, and that she stands to-day in the foremost rank of rich and enterprising counties in the state - a monument to the wisdom, intelligence and liberality of her citizens in draining their swamps, building gravel roads and railroads. By the way, let me claim a modest share of credit for your railroads. At the solicitation of your lamented Colonel Harvey G. Hazelrigg, I made several speeches in the county, urging the citizens and the county to take stock in the Indianapolis & Lafayette Railroad. The county took, I think, $25,000. This was the beginning. I hope I may again, ere life is spent, revisit my old and dearly-loved home in Boone County. 1 know I shall find my many dear friends, to some of whom I owe much for honors bestowed. Their names are still found in the Lebanon papers, which I see and read with pleasure. Three cheers for old Boone.

Recollections Of John Lowe

My father moved from Washington County, Indiana, in the early winter of 1826. He stopped in Marion County on Big Eagle about ten miles from Indianapolis until the 10th of March, when, with his family of eight children, he moved on his land in the thick forest with not a stick amiss save the cabin logs that then lay at the stumps from which they were cut. Through the kindness of friends we called neighbors (though some of them came ten miles), we had our cabin raised on the day we got there, having arrangements previously made. Mr. Austin Davenport, with his ox team, hauled the logs while the neighbors notched them up, covered with clap-boards and cut out a door, so we slept under the shelter of our own roof that night. We were unharmed, though serenaded by wolves, which was a nightly occurrence. Our cabin is up, but there is yet no floor, fire-place or door shutter, nor a foot of land cleared, and one-third of March gone. Six acres of land was measured off that would have to be cleared, under-grubbed and fenced. Father and two of us boys (aged eleven and thirteen years) found we would have to build some kind of a pen to protect our horses from the horse-flies. We raised a pen fourteen by twenty feet, high enough for the joists, then covered it with brush to-make it dark. That kept the flies off when in the stable, but when working they were very annoying. Deer was plenty, but there was no time to look after them. The creek, too, was full of fish, but they must also be let alone (only on Sundays we boys would take them in out of the wet). Turkeys would make their presence known by gobbling close by in the early morning. Father would take in one of them once ina while. By the 10th of June we had six acres of corn planted. The squirrels came as though it had been planted purposely for them, but we stoutly contested their claim, and when they were out of the way the raccoons entered their title. We contested their claim, too, and many of their skins went into the fur market at from five to twenty-five cents apiece. Coon skins and ginsang were the staple articles of trade with us in those days. In the winter of 1827 father got his leg so badly cut by the flying of an axe handle in the hands of Austin Davenport, that he was laid up all winter and spring till our crop was in the ground. With the help of our neighbors we had added another six acres to our farm. We helped to roll logs and raise cabins every week in the early spring. We had to keep a sharp lookout for rattlesnakes, for they were very plenty on Eagle Creek when first settled by the whites. Indians were very plenty when we first came to the territory afterwards organized into Boone County. Our house was on the trace leading from Thorntown to Billy Conner's, who was agent for the Miamis. We saw Indians nearly every day the first summer we lived on the old homestead, and it was interesting to see the ingenuity of these red men. When they wanted a sack to carry potatoes, turnips or corn, they would spread down a blanket and double the first side over two-thirds of the width, then the other side so as to lap over one third of the first lap, then gather the ends and tic a string tightly around each end. They would open the fold in the middle and fill the ends with whatever they wished to take with them. If they bought pumpkins they would, with their butcher knives, plug out the stem and blossom ends, double a small rope and put this through four pumpkins, two on each end, with a small stick to keep them from slipping. Throwing them across their ponies they would scamper. They always had handkerchiefs, shawls, calico, broadcloths, fancy moccasins or some beads to trade for our produce. The nearest mill was fourteen miles and no good roads. We would shell two sacks of corn, throw them across two horses, mount two boys and away to mill. Sometimes we would live for two days and a night on parched corn. 'Sometimes sve would throw corn into a mortar made by barning out a stump or the end of a block, and pound it into a kind of a coarse meal, sieve out the finest for bread, and use the rest fur hominy. Although we had hardships to undergo, we had a great deal of pleasure. The social relations among our friends was fine. A man only had to say he was going to roll logs such a day and the men and boys would be on hand. The women are worthy of great praise for the part they took. As a matter of course our fare was very plain, consisting of corn bread, hog meat, potatoes, turnip greens, with sometimes pumpkin pies. Often after a hard day's rolling logs, the young folks would have a dance; the women having a quilting, wool picking or some other attraction to bring them together. After a few years, when they began to raise a few sheep, the farmers would take their wool to the carding machine and have it made into rolls, then they would spin, scour and color such as was to be used for wearing apparel, but for blankets they wove in the grease as it was spun. Then the scouring was to be done. Some neighbors having a suitable floor in his house would have what they called a "blanket kicking." This was the work of the boys. Taking off their shoes and socks they would sit down in a ring with their feet together. The women would then throw down four or five blankets between their feet. Then warm water and soap were thrown on the blankets and the kicking commenced. The flow of soap-suds on the floor can be imagined. The boys would.sit on blocks four or five inches high and the girls on chairs at their backs to keep them in place. The girls for fun would sometimes kick the blocks from under the boys, letting them sit down in the soap-suds, but it was all taken in good part. When the blankets were finished the floor was cleaned, supper was set, and that disposed of. After that the fiddle was brought out and the dance commenced, lasting till twelve or one o'clock. These are some of the pas- times of early settlers. Those that were heads of families sixty years ago are gone, and those that were children are now old and but few in number. Many have died and others moved away, and in counting my playmates I find many of their names on tombstones. There are many incidents I might record that would be more amusing than interesting, but I will now try to give a short history of our family. My father, Frederick Lowe, was born in Gifford County, North Carolina, October 13, 1786. He was married to Patience Grist, in the spring of 1811; they lived in Roan County, in the same state, until] October, 1816, when, with his family of four children, he moved to Indiana and settled in Washington County, where he lived ten years. With an addition of four children he moved to what is now Boone County. He remained in this county until his death. In the meantime six other children were added to the family, four of whom died in infancy. Of the ten left seven are now living. Their names. are as follows: Sarah, who is now dead, was married to Jacob Hoover; John, the writer; George, who is now dead; Celia, who is now dead, was married to Jesse Essex; Polly, widow of James W. Blake; Charity, widow of Hiram Wolf; William Grist; Nancy, widow of Asa Cox: David G. and Benj. F. These constitute the ten that reached maturity. Father died March 20, 1866. Mother was born March 17, 1788, and died May 13, 1878. Sarah Hoover died in Kansas; Celia Essex died in Pulaski County, Indiana; George Lowe died in Stockwell, Tippecanoe County. Mother also died in Tippecanoe County, at the advanced age of ninety years and two months. The settlement in Boone County, commencing at the south line, was first Jacob Sheets, Exsq., his brother John, P. H. Sullivan, David Hoover, who was the first clerk of Boone County, Austin Davenport, the first sheriff, also first representative ; Jesse Davenport, John Johns, Robt. Johns, Henry Johns, their father, Jesse Lane and Edward Jackson. These were here when we came. In the fall of the same year John King settled adjoining our place. The county then began to be settled very fast, and improvements increased. In the winter of 1829-30 the legislature passed the law organizing the territory into what is now Boone County. My father was appointed agent of the new county, consequently I waz one of the boys to cut the brush off of the public square, and carry one end of the chain to lay out the lots in the original plat. Geo. L. Kinnard and Jas. P. Drake were the original proprietors, and donated every alternate lot, and bric! to a court-house for the county. There was some trouble about the location of the county seat. It was first located where Northfield now is, but being so far from the center, a protest entered and commissioners were appointed to locate the spot. The commissioners were John Harlin, of Clinton County, A. M. French, of Montgomery, P. H. Sullivan, of Boone, Bazil Brown, of Marion, and the fifth I have forgotten. They located the capital of Boone County, and called it ' Lebanon." The site was not very promising for a town, but through the energy of the people and the natural growth of the country, it has attained to its present condition, a little city of four thousand inhabitants. As the country became settled up by hardy frontiersmen, and the dense forest gave way to the woodman's ax, improvements in implements advanced. Our harvesting was first done by the sickle, then the cradle, next the McCormack horse-power, and now we have the various self-binders. The many social gatherings, such as husking parties, flax-pullings, chopping-frolics, log-rollings and house-raisings are things of the past. The flax and wool wheels have no place in our farm-house, and the loom is used only for rag carpets. Inthe loss of these social gatherings much of genuine friendship is lost. I believe that selfishness is growing and caste in society is on the increase. In writing this imperfect sketch I have lived over some of my juvenile days.

Then And Now

The writer of this sketch was born in Liberty, Union County, Ind., on March 29, 1837. While thinking of the past our mind runs back into the forties, and we remember of hearing grandfather and grandmother Dunbar tell of their trip to Boone County to see the country. They came on horseback to Jackson Township, which was at that time an almost unbroken wilderness. There were no roads and they rode through the woods the best they could and camped at night, using their saddles for pillows. They had to keep a fire burning to keep the wolves away. There were only two houses (both log) between Jamestown and Lebanon, one at the farm then owned by Strodder Wall, now owned by M. M. Henry, the other at the farm of Meiken Hurt, now owned by J. M. Martin. In February, 1837, grandfather entered the land we now live on with several other pieces. He gave my father this and the land now owned by Wash Emmert. Father made regular trips to Boone to pay his taxes. It required two weeks, and we children were always anxious for his return to hear him tell about the West. As we grew up we had an anxiety to see some of the world. In August, 1860, we packed our carpet bag, walked sixteen miles to the nearest station, and for the first time we boarded the cars for a ride. In due time we arrived at Crawfordsville, and for a week took in the sights of the mighty West in that vicinity. Again taking our carpet bag in hand, we started on foot for the long heard of land of ponds and frogs, with a few chills mixed in. We followed the state road to Fredericksburg, thence to Beek ville, and just one-half mile east of the latter place we struck the "promised land " O, Lord! we thought if this is Boone, we don't want any more of it. The farther we got into the country the harder it looked. From Shiloh church west it was almost a wilderness, or at least we thought so, but here and there we saw a cabin with a small clearing around it. As we passed along the children would perch upon the rude fence to get a good look at us, while the mother looked from the inside of the door. The hazel brush came up to the road on either side. As we were passing up the road west of Shiloh we were startled by some one saying: "Good morning, stranger, come out and get some blackberries to eat." He was a tall, raw boned man, with an ax on his shoulder. We sized him and thought it was no use torun. We soon found he was from old Union. His name was Shelley, and he did his part in building up the country in which he lived. After resting we trudged on and for the first time saw Jackson Township. We staid a week with uncle Geo. Sering on the farm that Shiloh church stands on, now owned by Bud Jones. Our uncle came out from Union County in 1849, and has lived in Boone nearly all the time since. We believe he has done as much hard work to build up the country as any other man. He and his wife are still living in Lebanon at the ripe age of seventy-five years.

One day we went south to where Advance now stands. There was not even a house - nothing but a rail pen inhabited by a man and woman. We thought the place ought to havea name, so we put up a board with the name Osceola on it, and it was known by that name until the postoffice was established. We passed on to Raccoon, then east to the farm of John M. Shelley, who came from Union in 1859. His farm was like the rest and he lived in a little cabin. On east to the town ship line it was the same, the only signs of civilization we saw was an old church. It stood a little to the northeast of the farm owned by Geo. Bush. After spending a few days there { went home; and, as a trip to Boone was then equal to a trip to California now, I had to answer a good many questions. That winter my father gave me forty acres of this half quarter if 1 would buy the other at five hundred dollars. The trade was made; that was easy enough, but I had no money. But where there is a will there is a way. In the winter I cut wood at forty cents a cord, and in the summer worked for _ thirteen dollars a month, and kept it up till the land was paid - for. Then I began to look around for a wife, for I always said I would not marry until I had a home for her, let it be ever so humble. To make a long story short, I found a wife. Her name was Mary J. Demoret, of Butler County, Ohio. We were married October 3, 1867; afterwards came to the farm we now live on. We will pass over eighteen years. Every man that has cleared a farm in Boone knows that it takes courage and hard work. To-day as I look over the same country I did twenty-seven years ago, a finer country and better improved would be hard to find. The log churches have been replaced by good frame ones; we see brick school houses every little way; but'we must hasten on. Here we are at J. M. Shelley's, our old friend and pioneer, but we look in vain for the cabin. In place of it we see three nice frame dwellings, occupied by himself and sons. With the cabin has disappeared the logs, brush and ponds, and a-finer farm you will not see on the Ladoga gravel road. Just above us you can see the farm of Wm. Mangers, an old Virginian. He came to Boone in 1857. As you pass along take a look at his farm ; call in and,see the old folks - you will always find the latch, string out. On we go; and what'sthis? Why, that is Ward, a new town only three years old. It has one store, postoffice, school house, church and saw mill. The church was built by the Disciples in 1882, through the perseverance of Elders Smith and Heckathorn, who never gave up the good work till they got the house finished, and now they number some sixty members. The store was put up by Elder Bennington, who also worked fur and got the postoffice established. I believe +4 was about the winter 1884. He staid one year and then sold ont to G. W. Dodd. In a few months he sold out to T. J. Burress, who now keeps the store and postoffice. Geo. Jackson, who is a native Boone County boy, runs the saw mill. Jas. H. Fink is principal of the school, which numbers about sixty-five scholars. Ward is on the Lebanon and Ladoga gravel road, seven miles southwest of Lebanon. The road was built in the year 1884. It is thirteen miles long and cost twenty-one thousand dollars. Land can not be bought for less than fifty or sixty dollars per acre.

Communication From George W. Gibson

In writing a reminiscence in relation to pioneer life in Boone County, it requires a person of beter memory and education than I am in possession of to do the subject justice. But having lived here longer than any voter in Jackson Township, and on account of my pioneer life, by request, I am induced to add something to the old settler's history (there being no correct rule for such writing and as many others that write on the same subject labor underthe same ill-convenience), if my homily is not as scholastic as others, or my aphorism is at fault. My parents were natives of North Carolina. My mother, at the age of sixteen years, made the journey on foot to Kentucky, having the idea that as the sun rises in the Oriental country and makes the journey to the Occidental lands, where it is hidden by the shades of night, the people learned to trayel~ in like direction until lost in obscurity by the shades of death. After wandering around in the mountainous regions and forming some acquaintances she met a man, and after traveling four miles up the rocky branch, over the mountains and down the ereek, in a lonely ravine hard by a spring that gushed from among the stones of a mountain which, with its sparkling, cooling looks, gave inducement to the wearied wanderers to quaff a portion and satiate their thirst, they rested. The sweet songs of the many-hued birds, and the breeze that played upon the boughs of the cedar and pine trees, awakened that feeling in them that was created in Adam when God said, "It is not good for man to be alone," and made woman for him. They sat down on a log far away from any inhabitants, and in old pioneer style talked business. They came to tue conclusion as neither of them were icumbered with worldly goods they had better form a co-partnership. While in that mood an old man came along, and in conversation with him they were put in the possession of the agreeable news that he was a justice of the peace, and he was asked if he could unite them in marriage. He replied that if they wished it he could, and the ceremony was soon said, when they went on their way rejoicing. After struggling together, barely having a competency ou which to subsist, and being the parents of five children, they held a consultation and decided that twelve years was long enough to sojourn in this out of the way mountainous country, where a wagon could get no nearer than five miles to their habitation, and where those who owned slaves were the only persons of worth or fit associates, They were firm in the faith that God directs the acts of men and kingdoms as well as the channels of the great waters. At that time no wagon roads were open to emigrants from their place of abode, so gathering up their worldly possessions and placing them in skin sacks, each secured to a horse on which was a pack-saddle, and being provided with a tent for camping out, father, mother and five children mounted the horses and drove before them twelve head of cattle. We journeyed 350 miles over hills and mountains, through valleys and swamps, and through a wilderness the greater part of the distance, grazing our animals, we subsisting on game. It took us four weeks to make the trip, being frequently lost from the trace. Reader, I opine that the use of a small amount of superfluity, not pertinent to the epistle, will not be amiss. The augmentation is to show that there can be no new faculties made in a person - only a change can be wrought.

When I made my debut in the Hoosier State I was a comely looking lad of about four years of age, and of light weight. I had an old mare called " High-flyer." The leather sack of pot-ware was lashed to her and I was the monitor on the sack. My raiment consisted of copperas colored muslin pants, tow-linen shirt, butternut wammus, and a striped cotton bonnet. The first few days of the trip everything went off lovely, until the day we were passing over the Rough-and- Tough Mountain, when Highflyer cast her pedestals into a hornet's nest and, having no hair where the hair ought to grow, could not switch off her tormentors. Here trouble began, for she sought relief in a thicket, and rid herself of hornets, pot-ware, leather bag and pack-saddle, putting the monitor's head in juxtaposition with a stone, and from the demoralization and injury or some othe: cause, it has never since been just right. My father only skirmished on the picket, having a brother of mine not' three years old, who was imported on the rear department of the horse that he rode. My mother did not fare so well, having an infant three months old, which she carried in her arms the whole distance, and in the trouble had to cast anchor with him, but coming in contact with a soft spot of earth prevented serious damage from being done. That evening we bagged a fine wild turkey, which as a viand was quite recuperating. We roosted high that night. Next morning we pursued our journey with great anticipations.

I am almost persuaded to desist writing any more for fear my rough manuscript, being void of excellency, will be a mara-natha to the reader.

While on the trace there was a circumstance which gave me much uneasiness about how I was to meet emergencies, and the pressure on my young miyd marred my peace during the remainder of the journey. The occurrence took place on Indiana soil hard by Blue River. The night that we were on bivouac to keep our cattle and horses from straying away, change of country, atmosphere and water, and being the monitor of the pot-ware, had brought about an unhealthy condition in my internal department. Every mother knew how to administer to the ills of her children, for there were no regular physicians where we lived, and after depositing the litter in the tent she thought the immersion of my copperas in Blue River would result beneficially, so she gave them many dips and hung them on a spice brush near unto the camp-fire to have them dry and healthy next morning. The recollection yet torments me. When I madea dive in the morning for my pants, I found that purification had been entirely effectual, for the camp-fire had consumed them. I wept, and refused to be comforted; but I had a long tow linen undergarment, wammus and bonnet, and made the remainder of the journey with as much comfort as could be expected under the circumstances. The next pair of pants that I was heir to was after we were domiciled in Indiana. Father killed a deer, dressed its skin, and mother made me a pair from the skin. Shawnee prairie was the intended place for our future home, but after pitching our tent here we came to the conclusion that we would remain, thinking the winters were too cold in a prairie country where there was no fuel.

In 1828 John Gibson entered the land where Jamestown is now situated, which was entirely in the' wilderness. We lived in atent until a small log cabin was erected. The sheepskin certificate of entry was signed by President Jackson. Not a nail was used in putting up and finishing the edifice. In the midst of a dense, untamed forest, nu neighbors were near, the chief inhabitants being wolves, bears, panthers, raccoons and tribes of the Miami and Pottawattami Indians. Quite a number of wigwams were on the land where Jamestown now stands. Eel River took its name from the tribe that occupied the lands along the creek; Straps-brauck from a chief by the name of Strap, Raccoon from the Raccoon tribe. While referring to Indians in this narrative, it brings up incidents very vivid to the mind of the author of the many sleepless nights and fearful days that were worn away in expectation of loosing a scalp by it being snatched off by those savage

Indians. My fear of Indians was greater at that time than it was when serving an enlistment in the regular army forty years ago in the Rocky Mountain country, having many engagements and my comrades at various times being scalped in plain view and no way of giving them succor.

I was then bordering on five years old and my raiment consisted of a tow linen shirt, dressed buckskin pants, one large pewter button at waist, home made hog skin moccasins, butternut wammus, and the only thing that was bought to make me a full dress was an imported seal skin cap. I was as well dressed as any of the inhabitants.

Nearly all the pioneers were Kentuckians and Virginians, who had settled where water could be had without digging wells, coming from a country where there could be no wells dug on account of the rocks. They knew nothing of wells, and pumps did not come in use here for many years after a portion of the country was peopled.

There seems to be a mistake made by those who have given a treatise heretofore, for the person's names given as the oldest settlers are not those that came here first. The Davises, Calhouns, Mallets, Hughes, Scammerhorns, Turners, Smiths, Walterases, Johnses, Lewises, Penningtons, Coveys, Trotters, Taulbees, Youngs and several families of the Gibsons were those that made the first settlement in this immediate neighborhood. At that time, and for several years after, there was not a church, school house, mill of any kind, wagon shop, or any improvement of that kind nearer than Danville, in Hendricks County. My father soon started a tannery in a large trough for sole leather, and dressed skins for uppers, and with a leather whang made the moccasins. Without going into detail for years, what we used was gotten like unto the pro- duction and utilization of leather. Being a neophyte in writing history, and not in possession of a neologist, what I might iudite would be monotonous, therefore, I leave the subject of what we wore and how procured. .

At that time there were scarcely any cereals produced. Crawfordsville, sixteen miles distant, then contained about fifty souls, who dwelt in cabins. This was the nearest point at which a grist mill and bread stuff could be found. I hope that the ladies of to-day will not think it incredible when I tell them that it was a common thing in that day for a married woman to go several miles into the woods (for neither stables nor pastures had an existence), hunt a horse, bring him in, lash a pack-saddle on him, mount him, travel the trace to Crawfordsville and return the same day with a half barrel of meal. Many a trip have I made with my mother to Crawfordsville for meal, each having a horse, and at times having to wait for our turn, we would be out until midnight in the dense forest, while thunder and lightning, the wat-whoop of the savages, the howling of wolves and screaming of catamounts, panthers and other wild animals was anything but agreeable. Few to-day would like to go through the ordeal, but many have, in times of yore, traveled the same trace. I can not, on paper, dissemble all their acts, but from what is written the reader can judge other acts. Our nearest postoffice was Danville, Hendricks County. It then took thirty days to get news from Washington City ; twenty-five cents was the postage on a letter. The territory that now composes Boone County belonged to Hendricks, and all our county business was transacted there until an act of the legislature to organize Boone County was passed in 1829. In 1830 the county was organized, and in 1832 Jamestown was laid off by James Mat- Jock and John Gibson. The first inn was run by John Gibson; Jacob Tipton was the first blacksmith ; Sayres & Burk engaged first in the dry goods business ; Ephraim Rudisille, eight years later, was the first physician, and was also a Lutheran preacher. By the sale of lots and other means my father bought the first wagon he ever owned. We then had a State toad, town and mail route, and procured the establishment of a postoffice here. Samuel Hughs and Jacob Tipton were both wanting the honor of being appointed postmaster. They agreed that the legal voters interested should decide by a vote who should be the one. A vote was taken, which resulted in atie. I, then being quite a big, good-looking boy, beginning to notice, they agreed that they would impose the onerous task on me to settle the matter. Tipton, with evil intent, put about my person a beautiful six-pence handkerchief of many colors, which was enticing, and I voted for him. Perhaps it was the first vote sold in Boone County, but there was no trouble made about it, and very little has been made since for selling votes, for I verily believe that when the votes of the parties are nearly evenly balanced yotes are bought yet.

The following Sabbath, a mile distant, over the way, on the creek, was a small cabin that had been evacuated by a family, who, for fear Black Hawk and his warriors would pounce upon them and relieve them of that portion of their normal inheritance where the hair took root, had skedaddled for old Virginia. The divine who was to preach talked on the subject of "Simon Peter, feed my sheep." The chorus of the hymn that was sung was "Fare you well, my dear brothers; fare you well, my dear sisters - though I go, I will come again," and then there was shaking of hands. It is easy to tell what were their tenets of faith. I was very anxious for the time to arrive, and when it came around, I had soap used on me, my new tow-linen shirt, cottonade pants, with buckskin suspenders and a straw hat, all of which were made at home - not any store goods to complete my dress, except my handkerchief of many bright colors, for which I sold my vote. When I hid one half of it in my cottonades and left the other portion floating in the breeze, I came to the conclusion that I was dressed to my e.tire satisfaction and had a better outfit than any boy in the country, and I looked in the mirror and found it so, At the proper time, off I went to the first meet- ing house that I ever was at, with all the boys following, to behold that lovely annex beyond what was common to the dress in those days. The dignity in my strut excelled and cast a penumbraical shadow on all former displays. Going into the church, I walked directly to the center, elevating my important self upon the log seat, taking my hat off, standing erect in order to make a display, so every person could see my handsome rig. I remained in that position until the preacher arose to take his text, and he said aloud: "The young man standing on the seat will please sit down, then the people's attention will be directed to what the preacher says, and not to him." The ordeal wilted me.

Perhaps it will not be out of place to treat of the knowledge that some of our officials had at that time of jurisprudence, and what I may say is without malice to any and with the most cordial feelings to all. About fifty-four years ago, at a gathering of the people here, two men had a fight, and the old justice of the peace, being prepared for the emergency, had brought his docket with him. There being no constable, he made the arrest. He preached the doctrine, what is to be will come to pass, so he aided in making the violation of law. a terror to evil-doers. Near by was a rail pen, which was utilized as a pound after the milk cow had been brought in at night, to have her safe until morning. There was where he held court. It was the first court I was ever in, and, after hearing the evidence, he found them guilty and assessed a fine of fifty cents against each, and ruled that they should remain in his custody until satisfaction be rendered. Then sallied forth to the lady, who was a physician at times, engaged in the sale of ginger-cakes and matheglem. This beverage was a decoction of wild honey and rain water, made in the old cedar churn, and she carried the churn, full of the fluid, with one arm, and the cakes in her apron with the other, to get to the place of rendezvous. The price of a cake and a gourd full of the drink was a fourpence-hapenny, and the old lady had heard that two of her neighbors were in. duress, which awakened a feeling of sympathy. She told the old man she would graciously give him one of her cakes and a gourd of matheglem if he would release those men. It being the time of day that men's bread-baskets need filling to prevent contraction, he agreed, and quaffed the filling, then stretched forth his arm and said, " By the authority invested in me by the great state of Indiana, I remit the fine and give you liberty." Tearing the leaves out of the docket, all was over.

Many years ago a practicing physician, a justice of the peace in Jamestown, was an important witness for one of the parties in the first case brought in his court, and the attorney convinced him that it was legal to give his evidence to himself. He therefore arose, facing his chair, gave the evidence, sat down and decided the case on his own evidence. The attorney for the other party declared it was not necessary to elect men and pay them to go to the metropolis to enact laws, for it could be done more expeditiously and cheaper at home. The 'squire afterwards was nominated and made the race for representative to the State Legislature. He was a brother of a man who was elected to congress from one of the most important districts in the state, and made the race for Governor afterward. Another 'squire was a theologaster, who having a note for the payment of money due him, sued in his court, took judgment for the amount in favor of himself, taxed cost on case, issued an execution and had the money collected; in a few years made the race for representative. About the same date an aspiring young man who afterward soldiered with me during the Mexican War, wearing a grego as I did, was elected constable, and having to make a levy on a steer thought it would not be legal unless he laid his hand upon him; therefore he took off his coat, shoes and socks and ran down the animal to make the matter lawful. He, in after years, was elected and filled with good capacity one of the most important offices in Boone County, serving with honor as colonel of one of the regiments during the late rebellion. If ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise. Imperfections are often hidden from others eyes. A 'squire and preacher who was among the first that settled here, not very able in ethics but skilled with his gun - a good old man and the grandfather of a gentleman who was asking the nomination from the Democratic party in 1886 to make the race for representative - concluded, as meat was getting low in the trough, he would take his gun and dog, go into the woods and secure a wild hog. He was dressed fashionably for this country, wearing a coon-skin cap, hogskin moccasins, no socks, wammus, flax-shirt, and having only one large pewter button at the waist which was to do the substantial business of keeping the pants in their proper place. The dog was also an annex to that button by being looped to it by a long leather whang. After scanning the woods for about two miles distant, he hove in close proximity to a gang of hogs. He shot and wounded one, ran to it in order to dispatch it with his butcher-knife. The other hogs rallied and were in the act of taking him in.. Trees being plenty he utilized one for safety, but his ascension was not very high for a time, for his dog was hanging to his pewter button with hogs cutting at his narrative, so that he did not make much progress in getting up there. Things were becoming ugly, and for quite a while the 'squire could not decide the case, whether he would be able to eat the hog or the hogs eat contracted from fright that the great effort the dog was making to get released, he snaked the pants off of the man in the fork of the tree, making for a log of a fallen tree, which he reached in safety, climbing up to where the hogs could not molest him. Imagine the dog over there tied to those pants, the 'squire up in a tree surrounded by wild hogs which would devour him if he came down without his leather trousers. It being a very cold, snowy day in mid winter it soon caused the old gentleman to catch an opportunity to make a drive for a warmer climate, and it soon was favorable. He leaped from the tree as nimble as a catamount, made good time reaching home, did not check up but ran against the door, breaking it open and landing in the middle of the floor in the presence of wife, family and two neighbor women who were visiting there. Being nearly exhausted and out of wind his voice was warbling like that of the nightingale when charming the forest with her tale. The good wife could not comprehend what he said, but being a lady of large conception she soon clothed him as Jeff Davis was when taken a prisoner, until his wardrobe was replenished.

lonely cabin four miles from any neighbors. Their estate consisted principally in a numerous offspring, and among the number were two young ladies aged eighteen and twenty. In autumn their time was employed digging ginseng, procuring beeswax and getting their products ready for the market. Their facility was two bovines of the male kind in a naturat state, having a bodily make up similar to the bison of the western plains, except the lack of horns. Those girls would go into the woods, hunt the animals, put halters on their heads to guide them, ride them home, throw a sack of one hundred pounds of beeswax and 'sang onto them, mount and ride them to the store, alight, hitch the transportation train to a tree, take their exchange, each enter the store with a load and trade it to the merchant for coloring materials and cotton yarn to be manufactured into a web of cloth to clothe the family, proceed home and turn loose their steeds in nature's great pasture until wanted for use again.

In 1832 the Black Hawk war was to be right here in a very short time. The many accounts given of the success of the savages produced a big scare among the settlers, for as there was a greater amount of F. F. V.'s. and Kentucky blood in their system than patriotism and bravery, caused many to give away what they had and save themselves by flight to the mountains of their native state. One man gave eighty acres of good land for an old horse to carry his pack, he and his wife walking. Another gave a good cow fora new wool hat, and many others did likewise with their property, making the trip, women, children and all that were able to walk, back to the old country, for they verily believed that all who remained here would be murdered by the Indians. After the war was over the most of them returned, and many of their children are living here yet. Fifty-six yearsago I havea vivid recollection ofa family that domiciled near the creek, and in the most frigid winter weather, when there was ice on the creek, I have known their boys to be out skating on the ice one mile from fire, with but little clothing to keep them warm and entirely barefooted.

The first church that I have any recollection of being erected here was built by the Regular Baptists, and was used by their flock exclusively. Shortly after the house was completed a Methodist minister, in passing through the country, applied to those of the church that had taken the bishopric of the Apostles for the use of the house in which to deliver one sermon. After a consultation, they informed him that the heresies that he might preach would so adulterate the walls that the people who were the chosen of God never could do any good by preaching in it, therefore they refused to let him have their house.

When talent becomes universal this country will be a good place to stay in; but it is not born in all. The first three distillers who engaged in the business of making what is known aow as sod corn whisky, at an early day were all in the manufacture about the same time, and leading members of churches would go to meeting on Sunday, and put on their sanctimonious harness, take a seat near the sanctum sanctorum, and their reverential appearance excelled that of the meek old Patriarch Moses; but during the sickly season - and that was all the year with some - they would take a few bushels of meal to the distiller and exchange the meal, one bushel for one gallon of whisky, take it home, put roots and barks into it, and have all the family to exercise their imbibation functions in order to drive off the noxious and pestilential vapors that might engender disease in the system. More persons, according to the number that used alcoholic drinks excessively at that time, died from the effects than at this time. It was a good remedy for snake bites, and an overdose got up many fights.

Over half a century ago we were very much in dread of the many large and poisonous snakes that were here, but it would be too tedious to give a detail of the persons that suffered from their bites. The largest were the yellow rattlesnakes, many of them measuring six feet, and when killed and cut open, inside of them one had a fawn, another a rabbit and another a grown grey squirrel. A species of the black racer were still longer than the former, and would follow cows that were giving milk and suck them, and the owners of the cows had to watch them with a gun and kill the snakes to keep from being robbed of the milk.

I will of necessity have to epitomize my essay and pass by what transpired in many years and let others tell it or remain in oblivion. In the presidential campaign of 1844 the issue between the parties was annexation and war with Mexico and those who opposed that policy. I then had arrived at years of majority and was entitled to give my first vote. I was zealous in the support of the annexation party, and made a firm pledge if war was the result to be one that would go and help fight the Mexicans, to sustain what we thought was for the best interests of our country. James K. Polk was elected, and in 1846 a call was made for soldiers to go over to Mexico, as a war was in progress between the two powers. In my juvenile days and up to the time I arrived at the age of twenty-one years I had been energetic and industrious and had accumulated one thousand dollars, quite a fortune in early times. I had taken the money and gone to Cincinnati and invested in dry goods - just had set up in business with bright prospects ; but those persons who were opposed to annexation began:to chide me by saying, " He will not go to Mexico to fight the Greasers," and many other opprobious epithets, mingled with reproach, were heaped upon me. Then my Kentucky blood became warmed up, developing my patriotism, and I sold my goods on one year's time, only taking seven dollars in purse (and the debt is on time yet, for the man to whom I sold failed and never paid any part of it). I have expunged the obligation, as I have been in the habit of doing all my business, at given periods wiping out all that was not settled, for fear the settlement would be too big in the great judgmen day. Walking through mud to Indianapolis, T enlisted in the United States Army to serve as a cavalry soldier for five years or during the war. The company being organized at Fort Leavenworth, that being the time the Mor- mous were emigrating to Utah, and a number of the men volunteering to go to Mexico, there was not a sufficient number of Mormon men left to guard their families across the plains through the many dangerous tribes of Indians that then occupied the country, and I was one of the detail to do that service. It was the most dangerous and hardest soldiering that I did during the war, for we had many engagements with the Indians, but in due time got rid of the emigrants. I say to their credit that a better class of people than the women were for charity, virtue and good behavior I have not found since. Capturing Santa Fe and the most of New Mexico, after several engagements, Gen. Fremont crossed the Rocky Mountains, went south, subduing the Mexicans and Indians in all the region of country known as the Eastern Slope of the Rocky Mountains; crossed the Rio Grande at El Paso, marched to the city of Chihuahua, conquering the people of that state, thence westward through the states of Sonora and Durango to Lower California.

At that place, after being in many engagements from the commencement of the war, on the 26th of June, 1848, we received the news of peace being concluded between the two countries. If I were writing relative to those states, perhaps I could givea description that would be interesting, also, of the customs of the people. Orders with the news of peace were that we march back to Santa Fe and there be discharged. After being mustered out of the service, I lost no time in traveling home, being on the road all the time until a short time before the presidential election of 1848. Having received an injury to my breast that caused hemorrhage of the left lung, and other diseases contracted while in that country which caused me to be confined to bed nearly an entire year, I have never enjoyed good health one month since without being unable to go about. For my meritorious service | was commissioned captain, but have never been able to find any utility in the commission. A pension was granted me shortly after the close of the war, the number of it a frac- tion over 8,000, and that included all that had been pensioned from the commencement of the government. I am, perhaps, the oldest pensioner in Boone County, unless there is some person of the war of 1812 drawing a pension. After recovering somewhat from my broken down condition, I was a cosmopolite for several years, very dubious what course to pursue and ductile, not keeping a vade mecum, therefore could not give a correct history of affairs.

They of toil and danger were not afraid, While helping build up the Santa Fe trade; But those large wagons and Santa Fe teams, And all those mule and ox drivers it seems,

By the introduction of the iron horse are displaced. A small number of those old veterans still live, But congress a pension to them would not give; Its no falta de corage esta sombre,

Traveling from here five miles each way along Eel River there is not one persen remaining of the first settlers. Only one near relative here now. Grandfather and mother Gibson died at about the age of ninety-five years, after living together as man and wife seventy-five years. Grandmother, on my mother's side, died shortly after coming out here. Both my parents are dead and are all at rest with many others in the cemetery on the old homestead, donated fora place of rest by the veteran pioneer who entered the land.

the old settlers acquired any education, there being no facilities for schools in those early times. Many, like myself, graduated in one of the best institutions of the country, in which to gain a thorough education. The great Northwestern Institute, where hundreds of the most useful persons in the country graduated, using their functions with practical sense, looking over the broad surface of the earth at the mountains, rivers, continents and manner of people,and then guided their views to the aborial region, contemplating the firmament with all the luminaries, imbibing ideas from nature's pure fountain which are correct and utilizing them in a way that will give a development of correct principles. Onnisoi it quimalopence.