USA > Indiana > Hamilton County > History of Hamilton County, Indiana : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 1
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ric 977.201 H18he 1499169
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02299 9277
O Quiglie N.
168%. HISTORY
OF
HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA,
WITH
Illustrations and Biographical Sketches OF
SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS.
TO WHICH ARE APPENDED
Maps of its Several Townships.
CHICAGO:
KINGMAN BROTHERS.
1880.
10
1499169
PREFACE.
T prepare a work which shall embrace within its province the essential features that go to make up a satisfactory local history, is a labor of no small magnitude, notwithstanding its apparent insignificance, viewed from a home standpoint The difficulty arises not so much from a want of materials as from a superabundance of them in a crude state, tindigested and unarranged. To select and combine, modify and re-model, displace and re-adjust, what is essential to the purpose in view, rejecting that which is illy adapted to, or wholly incompatible with, the plan. requires patience, judgment, skill-qualifications seldom found in judicious combination. Here we have facts and incidents withont number, some of which. while per- tinent to the purpose of a work embodying more minute detail. do not come within the range of the plan proposed Some branches are presented to the editor in complete array, scarcely requiring the molding process of his hand. while other branches are full to excess in detail, but require great Inhor and accurate discrimination in their collocation and blending
In the preparation of matter for the " Period of Discovery. ' we have had frequent occasion to consult authorities difficult of access and volumi- nous as difficult In this department we have derived much valuable information, scarcely otherwise attainable, from the laborious researches of M. PIERRE MARGRY, member of the Society of History in France, whose familiarity with the department of the Marine in the Archives of Paris, enables him to trace out and compare all the sources of fact and incident connected with the voyages and explorations of the early French adventurers, who visited and traversed the continent of North America with unerring exactness. Scarcely second to this work, however, is the series of colonial doe- nments appertaining to the history of New York collected by Mr. Broadhead. from the French. Dutch. h :glish and American Archives, as the agent of the State, and of the Historical Society of New York
Beyond these, the works of Mr Parkman. " Jesuits in America." " Pioneers of France in the New World," " Old Regime in Canada and Conspir- ney of Pontiac ." " Encyclopedia Britannica." last edition ; " Magazine of American History; " " Western Annals," by Albach ; Dillon's " History of Indi- ana :' Sheldon 4 " History of Michigan , " Bancroft's " History of the I'nited States," centennial edition ; Chambers' " Encyclopedia; " Coklen's " His- tory of the Five Nations :" Schooleraft s " Indians of North America ; " Thatcher's " Indian Biography :" Drake's "North American Indians ; " Bur- nett 4 " Notes on the Northwestern Territory . " Vietor's " American Conspiracies," " American Archives." and " American State Papers ;" "Statesman's Manual, " Butler's " History of Kentucky :" Collins' " History of Kentucky : " Foster's "Pre-Historie Races ;" MeLean's " Mound Builders ; " Bald- win 4 "Ancient America : " "Geological Reports of Indiana" -- all of which have been consulted to a gre tter or less extent for purposes of comparison and attestation.
In the report of immediate county history. the pages of the public records, and archives, and newspapers. have been carefully scanned as the surest means of securing perfect accuracy of statement concerning county affairs. As the result of these laborious investigations, we feel justified in stating that the Inhor will be found not to have been in vain, notwithstanding. in some intances. there might seem to be excess of detail, particularly with reference to the " New Court House." and the " Road System " of the county, wherein we have endeavored to make the statements unequivocal mul complete.
The editor does not presmine that in this work he has exhausted the material at hand nor that he has committed no error ; for, when it is consid- ered that the work has been prepared with all the rapidity consistent with reasonable accuracy of statement, entire freedom from fault will scarcely be experteil. It is his belief, however, that few essential facts will be found to have been misstated or overdrawn.
It was the desire to have made personal mention of the names of the numerona persons from whom we have obtained much of the valuable infor- mention emlxxlied in our especially local history ; but, from infrequent opportunities to consult with them personally and interchange the civilities incident to an author's career, the editor finds himself umble todo so satisfactorily. To the county offleials, and to those having charge of the corpor ation records ; to Mr. A. F. SHIRTS, from whose " Iteminiscences" we have quoted extensively ; to Judge COLBURN-in short, to the many whose names and whose relation to the facts obtained. we place ourselves under special personal obligation. With these statements. then, we submit the result of our inhors to the candid consideration of a generous public.
SEPTEMHER, 1880.
T. B. HELM, Author and Editor.
CONTENTS.
PERIOD OF DISCOVERY.
CHAPTER I-Pre-Columbian Voyages-Voyages of Columbus and PAGE
his Successors, [2
ABORIGINAL PERIOD.
CHAPTER [-Who were our Aborigines-Indian Classification- Algonquins, Miamis, Delawares, Shawanoes, IInrons, Iroquois, Wyandots. 16
CHAPTER IL-INDIAN TREATIES-Affecting Titles here,
19
CHAPTER HUI-CONSPIRACY OF PONTIAC-Conspiracy of Nicholas. the Iron-Indian Opposition to English Control-Influence of Pontiac-Ilis Successes and Reverses-Ultimate Failure, 19
CHAPTER IV-Expedition of Gen. Harmar -- [Iis defeat-Its Conse- quences-St. Clair's Expedition and Defeat-Disasters Attending Wayne's Expedition and Victory-Indiana Demoralized-Treaty for Peace, 20
CHAPTER V-Expedition against the Mississinewa Towna-Battle and Destruction of the Towns-Delaware Mission-Col. Russel's Expedition-Burning the Delaware Towns-Incidents, 22
CHAPTER VI-Personal Sketches of Noted Todians-Tamenend,
White-Eyes, Capt. Pipe, Buckongahelas, Capt. Kill- Buck.
23
PRE-HISTORIC PERIOD.
CHAPTER I-ARCILEOLOGY-Pre-Historie Remains-Their Charac- ter-Where Situated and Their Use-The Mound-Builders- Who Were They ?- What Bernme of Them ? 25 .
CHAPTER II-Archaeological Remains in Hamilton County-Tho Straw-Town Fortifications-Accompaniments-Burial Place-Sit- uation-Relics-General Indications, 27
CHAPTER ILI-GEOLOGY OF HAMILTON COUNTY-Lending Feat- ures-l'eculiar Formations-Glacial Action-Its Reaults-The Soil, etc., 28
CHAPTER IV-PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY-Something of the Botany of Hamilton County-Hydrology, Including Drainage, . 29
PIONEER PERIOD.
CHAPTER I-Pioneer Notes-Reminiscences. of Early Settlement- Indian Sketches-Incidents, 33
CHAPTER II-Early Land Surveys-The First System-Colonial
System-U. S. System, etc.,
35
PERIOD OF LAW AND ORDER.
CHAPTER [-Organic Act-Process of Organization-County Bonrd Officers-Early Proceedings-Itema, . 36 CHAPTER II-Locating the County Scat-Report of the Commis- sionera-Action of the County Board-Bond of the Donors, eto., 38
CHAPTER III-EARLY PUBLIC BUILDINGS-The First Jail-Publio raar. Square-Temporary Court House, . 39 CHAPTER IV-Same Continued -Brick Court House-Contract- Subscriptions, etc., 40 CHAPTER V-Same Continued-County Semionry-The Fund- llow Created-Purpose-How Appropriated, 41 CHAPTER VI-Same Continued-County Asylum-Early Manage- ment of the Poor-Overseers-" Farming out Paupera"-Asylum, 43 CHAPTER VII-Same Continued-New Jail Ordered-Dimensions- . Pian-A more Modera Building Contemplated-Proposals-Plan -C'ost, etc., 44
CHAPTER VIII-Same Continued-Model Court House-Its History
Detaila-Plan-Cost,
45
CHAPTER IX-EARLY COUNTY LEGISLATION-Board of Justices- Miscellaneous Proceedings-County Business under the New Sys- tem-Results, 48
CHAPTER X-TOWNSHIP BOUNDARIES-Original and Subsequent Boundaries -- Oficera Appointed-Present Boundaries, 49
CHAPTER XI-ROAD SYSTEM-Old State Roads-County Ilonds- Gravel Roada-Bridges-Cost, etc.,
CHAPTER XI-RAILROADS-Peru & Indianapolis, Anderson, Leb- anon & St. Louis, Peru, Indianapolis & Chicago-Rends Contem- plated-Iloutca, 56
CAAPTER XIII-AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY-Early Movements-State and Local Legislation-County Fairs-Present Status of Agricult- ure, 58
CHAPTER XIV-REVIEW OF FINANCES-Abstract of Early Reports -Ilates of Taxation-Taxables Half a Century Ago-School Funda, etc., 59
CHAPTER XV-UUDER-GROUND RAILROAD-Its Operations-His-
tory and Incidents,
61
CHAPTER XVI-MISCELLANEOUS-Old Sottlera-Officers-Relics- Brief Itema-Proposition to move County Sent-Names and Loca. tions of Towne, 61
MILITARY HISTORY,
62
*
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES.
CHAPTER [-Introduction-Noblesville Township-City of Nobles- ville-Original and Subsequent Plats-Business in 1860, etc., 82 CHAPTER II-Churches-Baptist, Christian, Methodist-Early Re- view of Presbyterian, 83 .
CHAPTER III-PUBLIC SCHOOLS-Sominnry-Graded Schools -
Cost of Buildings, etc.,
85
CHAPTER IV-NEWSPAPERS-" The Newspapor"-" Littlo West- orn"-" Noblesville Nows"-" Hoosier Patriot"-" Tho True Whig"-" White River Clipper "-" Hamilton County Registor" -"Noblesville Commercial"-"Noblesville Ledger"-"Noblesville Republican," 86
vi
CONTENTS.
PAGE
CHAPTER V-BENEVOLENT ORDERS-Masonic- Hamilton Lodge. 32 -Under Dispensation - Charter - Stricken from the Roll -Ke- vived-Under Dispensation Again-Chartered as Hamilton Lodge. No. 57-Noblesville Chapter No. 14. . 87
CHAPTER VI-Benevolent Orders Continued-1 O. O. F .- Nobles- ville Lodge. No. 125-Early History-First Officers and Members -Its Work-Encampment. No. 44-1ts Organization-Member- ship-Daughters of Rebecca, 88
CHAPTER VII-Benevolent Ordera Continued-Knights of llonor Lodge 842-Organization-Charter Members-First Officers --- Last Officers-Members, 89
CHAPTER VIII-SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS, cte .- Hamilton County Mediral Society-The Profession-Lecture Association-Hook and Ladder Fire Compaoy-Rod and Gun ('lub-Bands, 90
CHAPTER IX-CITIZEN'S BANK OF NOBLESVILLE. 90
CHAPTER X-MILLS, MANUFACTURES AND MACHINES-EvaDA & Soll's Stemm Grist Mill-Smock Hayworth & Co.'s Grist Mili -W'heer, Fisher & Co.'s Saw Mill-Flax Mill-Planing Mill- Stave Factory and Planing Mill-lleading Factory-Elevators- Buggy and Wagon Works-W. Ilare & Son-J. G. Ileylman, 91.
CHAPTER XI- MISCELLANEOUS-Post Office und Postmastera- Attorney-Old and New Bar-Court Itema-Park Spring-Anal- ysis and Traditiona-An Old Landmark, 93
TOWNSHIPS.
Adams, 103
Clay, 108
Delaware, 113
Fall Creek, 118
Jackson, 121
White River, 121
Washington, 134
Wayne,
140
...
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Anderson, Ambrose, 133
Baker, N. 11., 99
Boyd. Thomas E , Facing 93
Benson, Julius 1 .. , 139
Christian, JatDes R.,
- Clark, 11. W., 101
Celborn. Jonathan Facing 101
Carson, Hon. Jamen R., 128
Castor, William 11., 142
Castor, Samuel B., 112
Davis, Theodore P., 96 Davenport, I. E., 107
Demoret, John, 117
Essington, Marion W.,
97
Fisher, James K., 100
Fryberger, Andrew J., 99
Gray, Joseph R.,
Betwecen 92, 93
> Garver, Ilon. William,
94
Hawkins, Frank A.,
Between 92, 93
Ilousholder, Francia M., 96
Husecy, John, 110
Hussey, William,
111
Harden, John, 111
Hodgin, Henry H., 138
JeRAUp, A. T., 111
Kane, Thomas J.,
95
Kinzer, William, 117
+. Lindley, Thomas J.,
Moore, Ilenry, 107
McShane. James G., 112
Mallery, C. F., 144
Mallery, Curtis HI., . 145
Neal, William, 128
Nobelsville Ledger, Between 96, 97
l'ettijohn Family. 98
Phillips, Elijah S., 106
Pickett, William, 128
Paaswater. l'eter, 143
Passwater, Eli, 143
116
Stafford, Joel,
Facing 93
120
Suomer. Elliott, .
127
Tucker, Albert R., .
Warford, F. M., 127
Walton, Asher G., 120
Whitesell, P. P., 141
Wright. Jesse W.,
145
Wainright & Hall (Ad. Card), 102
LIST OF OFFICIALS.
County Officers from 1823 to 1880, 79
Trustees of the several townships from 1859 to 1850, 80
Schators and Representatives, 81
Gevernora of Indiana, 81
Miscellaneous,
81
PATRONS' DIRECTORY.
List of Patrons, etc.,
140
ILLUSTRATIONS.
NOBLESVILLE CITY.
Court House,
Facing 44
ITigh School, 45
Grav, J. R., Residence, Between 92, 93
Hawkins, Frank A., Residence, = 92, 93
Soldiers' Monument,
62, 63
NOBLESVILLE TOWNSHIP.
Hawkins, Frank A., Farm Residence,
.
Illyes. P. P., Property,
Between 92, 93 . Facing 92
ADAMS TOWNSHIP.
Cox, Isaiah, Residence,
Facing 107
Davis, William A., Residence,
103
Kercheval, Lewis S., Residence, .
=
167
Underwood, Lewis, Residence,
Between 106, 107
CLAY TOWNSHIP.
Carey, Lemuel, Residence, Between 108, 109
Carey, Sylvanus, Residenec, 108, 109
Doane, Eli, Residence, 108, 109
Elliott, O. C., Residence, 108, 109 =
Hussey, Thomas, Residence,
= 108, 109
Hinshaw, Jeho S., Residonce, 108, 109
Jeffries, John, Residence, = 108, 109
Stultz, Edward, Residence, = 108, 109
139
Stanton, Isane W., Residence,
Facing 112
- Graham, JIon. Robert, Graham, William B., .
97
10]
PAOK
Rooker, Iloo. William W.,
Stehuman. Jareb.
129
vii
DELAWARE TOWNSHIP.
Carey, T. E., Residence,
Between, 108, 109
Castetter, M. J., Residence,
= 116, 117
Davis, Theodore P.
Eller, Absalom, (deceased), Residence,
44
116, 117
Demoret, John, and Wife,
Harrison, Jahn, Residence,
Facing 116
Kinzer, William, Residence,
=
111
Edwards, John D., and Wife,
=
134
Kinzer, Levi, Residence,
=
117
Fisher, James K.,
100
Graham, W. B.,
97
Graham, Robert,
:
96
Garver, William,
96
Gray, J. R., and Wife,
Gray, II. D.
Carson, James R., Residence,
Facing 129
Hiyer, P. P., Residence,
=
121
Hussey, John,
110
Sumner, Elliott, Residence,
125
Housholder, F. M.,
# 96
Hawkins, Frank A., and Wife,
Between 92, 93
Illyes, George,
96, 97
Iliyes, P. P., and Wife,
Facing 121
Jessup, A. T., Kanc, Thous J.,
Between 96, 97
Anderson, Ambrose, Residence,
Between 132, 133
Coy, John, Residence, .
Facing 132
Cornelius, George, Residence.
141
Lynch, Marion A., Residence,
Between 132, 133
MeCliotick, J. W., Residence,
132, 133
Stehman, Jacob, Residence,
132, 133
Smock, Finley, Residence,
132, 133
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
Dove, S C., Residence,
Facing 135
Edwards, John D., Residence,
134
Wheeler, M. V., Residence,
135
WAYNE TOWNSHIP.
Castor, Samuel B., Residence,
Between 142. 143
Castor, William Il., Residence,
Facing 142
Mallory, C. F., Residence,
Between 142, 143
Mallery, Curtis H., Residence,
Facing 141 Facing 144
Sohl, Alfred J., Residence,
Between, 142, 143
Whitsell, P. P.,
Facing 141
Wright, Jesse W.,
=
145
Facing 35
Nablesville Township,
=
82
Adams Towaship,
102
Clay Township. Delaware Township,
103
Fall Creek Township,
=
118
Benson, J. L., .
Facing 97
Christian, J. R.,
Facing 100
Washington Township.
Between 134, 135
97 Wayne Township,
. Facing 140
=
100
Phillips. Elijah S,
100
l'ickett. William, and Wife.
Facing 128
Passwater, l'eter, and Wife,
=
144
Passwater. Eli, and Wife,
1.
144
Rooker, William W.,
Between 96, 97
Stafford. Joel.
= 132, 133 92, 93
Tucker, Albert R ..
Facing 97
Underwood. Family Group.
Between 106, 107
Whitesell, P. P ..
Facing 97
Warford, F. M ..
97
MAPS.
Hamilton County,
9
Strawtown Fort and Meund.
29
PORTRAITS.
Baker, N. H., .
Facing 100
- Bovd, Thomas E.,
Between 92, 93
Jackson Township,
= 120
White River Township,
" 130
Clark, H. W.,
:
PAGE.
Colburn, Jonathan, PAOF.
101
Davenport, H. E.,
=
97
Essington, M. W.,
Between 96, 97 Facing 100
Kinzer, Jacob, Residence,
115
Fryherger, A. J.,
100
Metsker, J. B., Residence,
=
115
Wise, John M., Residence,
112
JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
Between 92, 93 = 32, 93
Hussey, William,
Faciog 100
Pickett, William, Residence,
128
Hodgin, Henry H.,
Facing 100
Walton, Aaber G., Residence,
124
Waltz, Henry, Residence, .
126
WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP.
Facing, 96
Lindley, Thomas J, and Wife,
Between 96, 97 +
Lynch, Marion A., and Wife.
" 132, 131
Moore, H ..
. Facing 97
Miles, Oscar.
Between 96, 97
McShane. James G.,
96, 97
Neal. William.
Facing 96
Pettijolin, C. S. W ..
Stehman. Jacob,
+
Passwater, Eli, Residence,
.
Map of Survey of Hamilton County.
108
96
CONTENTS.
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DEMING
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7
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26
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321
34
35
36
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7
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GREENFIELD
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20
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MATTSVILLE
P.O.
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118
HISTORY OF HAMILTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
INTRODUCTION.
A MONG the development of this last half of the nineteenth century fox have impressed themselves with greater distinctness open society than that which manifeste a recognition of the essential worth to the world of local, as egyweil to general, history. This important field, until within the past few years, was seldom or never cultivated. Recently, however, the demands of the times have opened the avenues to this rich mine of nawrought material, and now invite the operator's transformation for the public good. In times past, rermurer was seldom had, in the preparation of general history. to the collection of local facts, except such as connected themselves intimately with the amais of the State or nation : hener, we have rarely seen much in them of' strictly hvad significance. Now, the case is different, and that which mest interests us is so arranged as to present in review the facts and incidents coming under our own observation, or connected with the past of our own neighborhood. township und einty. Of this class of material the history of the State or nation should, in the future, abound, thus adapting them to the wants of the individual reader. In the work which follows, therefore, it has been the purpose to prevent, as a prelude to the narration of what has taken place in the immediate vicinity of our own homes, a review, first, of the progress and incidents of discoveries which autodate the settlement of the American Continent, of the United States aud of the State of Indiana, so far as the same relate to the territory under consideration, by means of which review the reader may. without difficulty. trace the progress of events through the periods of discovery and settlement, down to the time their county became a separate and independent jurisdiction. Following this, will be found a brief account of the aboriginal tribes, who, sub- sequent to the date of discovery and prior to the date of permanent settlement by the white people, traversed our forest wilds and floated the light came along the channel of the ereeks and rivers that still course through the townships of our county until their waters mingle with the waters of the great Southern Gulf'-something also of their mamers, customs, exploits and migrations, with so much of detail as may be necessary to fix their identity as the antecedents of present settlers. Incident to the transition from savage to civilized life in this county, will be found a revital of the events that characterize the struggle for mastery between the Indians and the white rare ; the displacement of the native race by the representatives of civilization in the territory northwest of the Ohio. These coincident narratives embrace the military transactions induced by the coming together of the aggresive and the protective elements concerned in the issue between barbarism and humanity, and refer mainly to the salient points of campaigns and the issues of battles, with the ultimate consequences thereof.
Civilization being in the ascendent, the physical geography and the geology of the country, thus determined by the arbitrament of arms as the side of prace, became important considerations touching the properity of the future. In this connection, therefore, a reasonable space has been appropriated to the presentation of such facts as the most recent and careful developments of wiener have brought forth, with their bearing upon the arra under review. Here, then, where the evidences of nature's economy are numerous, the discus- sion of them becomes an interesting feature of local as well as general history, und the attentive reader will findl himself' andy repaid by a careful perusal of what has been written for his edification. In intimate connection with the department just considered, is an examination of the prehistorie remains so numerouly found along the margin of White River, and of a class so well defined that few, if any, better or more extensive have been brought to the
attention of observers in other portions of the State. The study of archaeology, in connection with paleontology. has recently developed a most absorbing interest among the devotees of science; hence, to this fact are we indebted for many of the most valuable discoveries that have, step by step, brought to ne a more intelligent comprehension of the question, " Who and what were the Mound- Builders?" L'util within the last quarter of a century, little progress had been made in nnearthing and investigating the evidences thus found to be remaining to ns of the present day, that, in the very remote past, this euntry was inhabited and traversed by a rare of intelligent human beings, of whose existence and character we have no historie information other than those the- morial remains which just now excite the wonder and speculation of the think - ing world. That any who may read these results of our labors in this field will not appreciate or give even a passing thought to what we have written. is exported; but, if anything is found therein calculated to elicit inquiry and pro- mote investigation, the purposes of this work will have been, in a measure, sub- served. However this may be, our laders will not be lost upon the coming generations, for it has been the aim not so much to speculate and advance pdansible theories as to present an intelligible statement of farts with rational deductions, Following this, when the problem of successful settlement has ben demonstrated, and the propriety of organization made manifest, the reader's attention will be directed to an examination of the successive stops taken by our pioneer fathers in bringing order out of chaos-in combining, for the purposes of Law and order, the heterogeneous elements of society. This department ombres the legislative enactment authorizing the county organization, with amondatory provisions necessary to complete the organic structure. I'mder this head, alen, may be found other porins of organic life emanating hom the machinery of the structure itself, with a carefully prepared digest of the pro- readings incident to the development and growth of the body politie-the pro- gressive transitions from the embryonic to the mature state of our local jurisdiction.
Then, in the appropriate place, the separate or divisional history of the county by townships or settlements is given. In this department will appear the dates of settlement, the leading characters in the process of transition from the inorganic to the organic state, who have left their impress on society after the succession ; the notation of facts and incidents which have combined to mark the stages of succession; the early improvements of landed and other interests; the creation of churches and schoolhouses, with the names of per- sons instrumental in bringing them forthe ; in short, every essential feature necessary to make that department complete and reliable. Finally, the depart- ment of" Incidental Miscellany " presents a brief digest of information, valun- ble for reference, which under any other arrangement would be lost, Iwing simply statements of fact not requiring elaboration, but without which the history would not be complete. What has been written, therefore, is the reunit of great labor and diligent research among the records and files in the archives of this county. Such other avenues to reliable information an came within the range of investigation have been traversed with whatever of success the source afforded. Accuracy of detail in the presentation of farts eliminated from the masses of crude material, has been the object of the editor in every step taken, his sole aim being to perpetuate in form only that which was in its time strictly true, without embellishment. As such, this work is now pre- sented for the consideration of an appreciating public.
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