Mount Hope Village

Mount Hope Village

The first settler within the limits of the present town of Mount Hope was the Hon. Thomas P. Burnett. As early as 1836, Mr. Burnett had entered the east half of the northeast and southeast quarters of Section 19, Township 6, Range 4 west. Other entries had added much to the originial purchase, and, in 1840, Mr. Burnett erected a double log cabin and began the task of improving his new farm. The spot chosen by him was enthusiastically spoken of as " one of the most lovely on the Military Road," that great' thoroughfare of the Southwest. The place occu- pied a high ridge and contained a judicious distribution of timbered and prairie land. Here Mr. Burnett indulged his taste for agriculture and horticulture until the wilderness began to " blossom as a rose." " Orchard, garden and lawns," were arranged with great taste and beauty, while the thorough management that characterized every detail of this beautiful place was shown even in the neatly trimmed shrubs and trees. The stock, cattle and horses, were of the best improved breeds, while the latest and best agricultural implements were always to be found upon this model farm. From the midst of this scene of beauty, and while engaged in planning the erection of a spacious stone mansion, the proprietor was suddenly called away in 1>^46. The log house is still standing occupied by others.

The next settler was Mr. Ira D. Brunson, who settled upon his present farm in 1841, and the year following Mr. Whitesides located upon the military road and opened a stopping-place that was favorably known to travelers in that section for many years.

Mount Hope was originally an integral part of Patch Grove, and it was not until 1865, that it was erected into its present town limits, when, at an adjourned meeting, held in January of that year, the division was made that placed Mount Hope among the towns of the county. Thj present village was commenced in 1856. William Whitesides, Thomas Taylor and William Harlocker were the founders, the two first-named gentlemen giving 20 acres, and the last named 12 acres of land, for the purpose of making a town. This land was donated to the Trustees of the Brunson Institute, in order that, through the sale of lots, enough money could be raised to «rect an educational institution bearing the above name. Subscriptions were also taken, and work immediately begun upon the foundation. The land on which the building site had been originally selected was found to be mortgaged when considerable advancement had been made. But, upon this discovery, a new site was chosen and work went on slowly.

The first house in the village was erected by W. H. Gilliard, in 1856. Mr. Gilliard also -erected a blacksmith-shop the same year. The first trading done in thenew burg was by Jonathan Heberlin, who opened a small stock in his house during the fall of 1857. Soon afterward, another trading establishment was started by Herman Clark. The village progressed but slowly «ntil war times ; the only houses previous to that date being the residences of Mr. Gilliard, Heberlin, Dr. Clark and Bluford Stone.

During the years of the war, the basement story of the institute had been built, and, in the jears just succeeding the great struggle, the remainder of the building was erected. Hardly had it been completed when in some unaccountable manner it took fire and burned down, at once dashing the hopes of its projectors to the ground. The building had been insured by the ladies' society for $1,800. Such part of the money as was left after paying debts and expenses was afterward given by the Trustees to the district to assist in erecting a high school building, which was done, and Mount Hope now rejoices in a most excellent school. Merchants had grad- come in ; Humphrey & Whitesides being among the first. A. B. Linn followed soon after. About 1867, Oswald, Nathan & Co., commenced business and continued for some time. In May this year the town was platted and laid out.

A peculiar and distinguishing trait in this village is the. strict adherence to temperance principles, which has marked its policy from the start, there having never been a saloon opened within its borders. Upon the retirement of Oswald, Nathan & Co., their store building was sold to the society of Odd Fellows, who occupy the upper hall as a place of meeting. The store is occupied at present by Mr. R. G. Humphrey as a general merchandise store. Besides Mr. Humphrey's, there are two other stores run by Mr. A. B. Linn and Mr. J. B. Fox. Besides these business establishments, the village contains one steam saw-mill, two blacksmith-shops, one shoemaker and one carriage-maker. One physician. Dr. Sloat, attends to the health of the community. The town contains six school districts with five schoolhouses.

The first town meeting was held at the schoolhouse in the village, April 4, 1865, at which time the first town oSicers were elected. The first meeting of the Town Board was held April 1-3, 1865. Below is given a complete roster of the town ofiicers from that date up to the present:

1867 - Supervisors, Ezra Abraham, Chairman ; S. Braudt, L. A. Townsend ; Clerk, Charles Seward ; Treasurer, Theodore Taylor ; Assessor, J. A. Kingsley ; Justices, Johnson Casler and

1877 - Supervisors, E. Abraham, Chairman ; John McKichan, R. Cooley ; Clerk, A. H. Mumford ; Treasurer, B. L. Loomis ; Assessor, William Chisholm ; Justices of the Peace, R. G. Humphrey, B. L. Loomis ; Constable, James Clark.

1878 - Supervisors, E. Abraham, Chairman ; J. McKichan, R. M. Day ; Clerk, William E- Sloat ; Treasurer, B. L. I/oomis ; Assessor, William Chisholm ; Justices of the Peace, I. W. Brunson, J. A. Walsh ; Constables, R. Cooley, A. B. Linn, Charles Crow, W. L. Taylor.

1880 - W. A. Gilliard, Chairman; J. McKichan, George Whitesides ; Clerk, W. L. Taylor ; Treasurer, B. L. Loomis ; Assessor. William Mulrooney ; Justices of the Peace, I. W. Brunson, J. Scanlan ; Constables, Ora Loomis, D. B. Brunson.