USA > Indiana > Grant County > Centennial history of Grant County, Indiana, 1812 to 1912 : compiled from records of the Grant county historical society, archives of the county, data of personal interviews, and other authentic sources of local information > Part 41
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Modern brick houses have replaced the frame buildings of thirty years ago. There are at present twelve school buildings in the township out- side of the corporation of Marion. In the year 1909 and 1910, 485 pupils were enrolled. The change in method of instruction has advanced with the times. The latest methods have been employed and all neces- sary improvements furnished, and 303 pupils have been graduated from the township since the examinations began. Thirty-two completed the course last year. Oscar C. Bradford. who is the grandson of a pioneer, is the present trustee.
The religious side of life was not neglected by the Washington town- ship pioneers. Their homes were always open for religious services. Samnel Bramley preached in many of the carly homes, the cabin of Jesse Marsh being the one most Frequently used for meetings. Asa I. Neal and a man named Scott preached at John Hummels.
Other occasional preachers were Gabriel Williams, George Evans and two men named Felion and Hanley. George Coun entered the land on which Bethlehem church now stands and built a cabin perhaps 20x30 feet. This large room was used for both residence and meeting house. Ile had benches made which could be carried inside when meetings were held. Conn was a Methodist Protestant and an enthusiastic Christian lle had great concern for the salvation of his neighbor. His house was nicknamed "Conn's Ark, " meaning a house to save all the people that came into it. It is said that if all the church members in Washington township today were as zealous for the salvation of their neighbor as was George Conn, there would not be a single person within her borders who did not know our Lord and Master.
In August. 1840, on the farm of James Hicks, an old-fashioned camp meeting was held which lasted about eight days. The people split out rails and built a sort of pens and covered them with rough boards They slept in them during the meetings and prepared their meals before log fires in the woods. The preachers received no pay for their services. but lived among the families who camped on the grounds. These camp meetings were afterwards held on different farms, as no churches had yet been erected. The plain old-fashioned gospel, "Salvation through
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the blood of Christ," was preached with vigor and understanding. Many regarded these places as holy grounds. The same spirit that filled the hearts of the people at Pentecost seemed to hover over these meetings and many an early settler looked back to them as the time and place that they began leading the new life, which they ever afterwards lived.
There are few living today who know anything about the primitive religious meetings of the first years of pioneer life. Everything con- nected with them was strictly primitive. While they would not meet the demands of the times in which we live, we must concede that there was much connected with them that would utterly put to shame much that is called religions worship in this more refined and cultured age.
The primitive worship was the homage of the heart. Professing people Were true to humanity and their sincerity was not doubted.
In connection with these meetings many amusing incidents occurred. At one time when Samuel Bundy was preaching at John Endsley's cabin (the house was full ) two deer crossed the creek. Endsley pushed back the door, got the gun and killed one of them, dressed it and had a part of it served for dinner. Bundy spoke highly of the venison as they sat at the table. "Yes, " said Endsley, "} killed it while you were preaching."
At an ont-of-door meeting on Maurice Howard's farm, a swarm of bees came along just as an old gentleman by the name of Briggs began to shout. The bees came down and settled on a sapling within the limits of the camp grounds. Briggs claimed the bees on the grounds that it was his shouting that brought them down.
The first church built in the township was Sugar Grove. This was built in 1850 by the United Brethren and Wesleyan Methodist. It was a log structure and located in the center of the township. The Bond, Brad- ford, Gaines, Hamaker, Woohan, Howard, Sears and Woodard families were among the first supporters.
Bethlehem (Methodist Protestant) was built one mile south in 1852. George Conn, George Hobaugh, V. D. Hobaugh, James Hicks, Wesley Allen, Samuel MeNary and their families were the leading members. Ezra Conn was one of the first preachers. A neat frame church now ocenpies the same spot where the old log structure was built.
In 1853 Fletcher ( Methodist Episcopal) was built on the farm of Benjamin Marsh in the southeast part of the township. The services on dedication were held in 1854 by O. V. Lemon. The first trustees were Dow Marsh, Andrew Riggle and Jonathan Bevard. The first pastor was Reverend Robinson. Conspicuous among the charter members were Jesse Marsh and wife. Benjamin Marsh was class leader for many years. A pretty church with modern appointments now ornaments the spot where the old church formerly stood.
In 1854 Liberty Temple ( Wesleyan Methodist) was erected on the farm of Enoch Marsh, a local preacher in the Wesleyan church. This church was built almost exclusively by him. llis ambition was to build a church for the worship of God as well as to preach the gospel. This church was abandoned some years ago and the farm house of lesse 3]. Ballard built where the church stood. The grove set around this church is still there, lending shade and beautifying the spot.
Range Line (Disciples) was built in the northwestern part of the township in 1856. The first trustees were John Lobdell, William Martin and Timothy Green. The Lobdell, Himmell, Busick and Melick fam- ilies are among the pioneer names that worshiped here. Ebenezer Thomp- son was the first minister.
Fairview ( Wesleyan Methodist ) in the central part of the township was built in 1862 and dedicated in the same year. Services on dedication
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were conducted by Reverend Matlock of New York. The first trustees were Christopher Sears, Casper Bradford, Noah S. Bradford and George Camblin. One of the leading members of this church was Aunt Polly Bond. Her husband, Moses Bond, died in 1851 and for more than fifty years she remained loyal to his name, bearing the burdens and responsi- bilities of the home with unflinching courage. Her name was a house- hold word in almost every home in Washington for more than a half a century. She was the mother of Joseph and Benjamin Bond, who were well and favorably known all over Grant county.
Salem (United Brethren), built on the Davidson Culbertson farm in the southeastern part, was erected and dedicated in 1857 by Bishop Edwards of Dayton, Ohio. Samuel Woolman and Dennis Dailey took an active part in the creetion of this church. Calvin B. MeRae, David Hillsamer, David O'Ferrell and John Y. Parlott were the first trustees.
Morris Chapel ( Methodist Episcopal), in the northwestern part, was erected in 1864 under the pastorate of T. J. Eddings. The dedicatory services were in charge of Rev. Thomas Stabler, assisted by Rev. A. Greeman. Among the early members were Frank Hehu, Abraham Bish, Gasper Bradford, Sr., William Ellis and their fannties. The first trus- tees were J. C. Stallings, Lewis Smith, William Brunner, C. W. Bow- man, and Moses T. Bradford.
The German Baptist or Dunkard church was built on the east line of the township in 1874. The oversight of this church was in the handy of the elders, John M. Baker and Jacob Tinkle. It was a one-story structure built of brick with a floor laid on the joists of the upper ceiling. making a large room or attic above. On the 20th day of May. 1877. this church was partially destroyed by a cyclone.
A union Sunday school had been organized by the good people of the vicinity. A1 4 o'clock in the afternoon on the date mentioned, when perhaps one hundred and fifty persons were engaged in the study of the lesson, a threatening cloud accompanied by lightning flashes and rolling thunder made its appearance. This was met by another cloud from another direction. Soon they met and assumed a whirling motion. The storm came first in the shape of hail, which caused a disturbance among the teams hitched about.
Several men went out to quiet the teams, which with the hail naturally and fortunately attracted most of the children and others to the windows. By this time the furious wind had pushed in the west gable wall and unroofed the building. Half the upper floor gave away and came down with a crash. The east gable was blown outward, scattering mortar and brick on men and boys who happened to be outside. Only two of the score of persons caught under the debris were killed. They were John Jackson and Eddie Mills, two exemplary young men of the neighborhood. My mother, the last Mrs. John A. Howard, was among the seriously injured and the last person removed from the wreck. 1 remember this event as the most horrifying experience of my childhood days.
Union Chapel, in the northeastern part of the township, was built in 1876 and dedicated in the same year by Rev. .. W. Holt of Dayton, Ohio. This church was created by the United Brethren and Quakers. but the United Brethren had the deed to the property. The first trustees were 6. B. Porter. Isaac Bradford, Daniel Shank and William R. Jackson. Prominent among the charter members were Daniel Previston. Jefferson llamaker and F. A. Bradford. The Wersners. Crevistons. Valentines and Gaines were among the first worshipers. The old church was re modeled a couple of years ago and all modern improvements added. Its decorated interior, with its art windows, is in keeping with the elegant
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homes which grace this part of the township. Rev. Cyrus Smith was the first pastor of this church.
Hanfield ( Methodist Protestant ) is located one-half mile north of the village of Manfield. This church was dedicated in July, 1886, by Rev. Hugh Stackhouse. The organization was the result of a revival held in Hanfield schoolhouse in 1885 by Charles A. and Laura Alice Love. John Wigger has been class leader since the church was organized.
Highland Avenue ( Methodist Episcopal ) and Christy Street ( United Brethren ) church are both in Washington township, but will perhaps be taken in with the history of Marion.
There are at present nine live churches in Washington township, each having a creditable membership. They stand as monuments to which her publie-spirited and enterprising citizens point with no little pride.
David Bruner established the first trading post in the township in 1840, on the Bradley farm. About 1834 Benjamin Marks engaged in blacksmithing on the Casper Bradford farm. A postoffice was main- tained for a few years near Thompson's sawmill on the Huntington road.
In 1880, when the narrow-gauge railroad was built through the town- ship, the village of Hanfield sprung up and a postoffice was established. Several names were mentioned for the new town ; among the others were Hancock and Garfield. This was campaign year and the people of each of the two leading parties wanted it named in honor of their favorite candidate.
At the suggestion of the writer's father it was named Hanfield, the name taking a part of each candidate's name. The Clover Leaf Railroad and the M., B. & E. traction line both pass through this place.
Much of the village of Landessville is on the Washington township side of the range line, including some of the business rooms.
The Big Four Railroad and the Union Traction line passes through the western part of the township. Street car stations are at every road crossing of both traction lines, which affords a convenience to the citizens not known to the early settlers.
It would seem that the organizers of Washington township were pa- triotie, as they named it in memory of the illustrious patriot and states- man, George Washington. This spirit has been fostered and kept alive by her people. They have shared in all moral and political reforms that have come before the public mind since its organization.
Probably the first election held in the township was in the cabin of James Ilieks, in 1834. Some, however, claim that there was an election held at the house of Benjamin Marks in 1833. Jesse Barnett was the first justice of the peace. Jacob Jackson, John Martin, James Barnett and George Conn were carly trustees. George Hobaugh served as treas- urer and V. D. Hobaugh as clerk. Charles Hunnel was supervisor.
Hon. A. J. Harlan, in naming the men in Grant county who were most actively engaged in the memorable campaign of 1810, names the following Washington township men. On the Whig side were Jesse Marsh and sons, Samuel N. Woohan, James Hicks, Maurice Howard, Samuel MeNary, George Hobaugh, Dennis and William Dailey, Reddeu Chance, Isaac Bradford, William R. Jackson, Reason Malott, John Hlen- drix, Christopher Sears and George Conn. The Democracy was repre- sented in the persons of Riley Marshall, Benjamin Marks, James and Frank Thompson, John Endsley, Nelson Turner, Henry Tinkle, John, Charles and William Hummel.
Washington has had her share of office holders in Grant county, both elective and appointive. Her first settler, Reason Malott, was on the first board of county commissioners, and since that time her citizens have
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been honored at different times by being elected to different county offices. Three Washington township men have been postmaster of the city of Marion. The citizenship of the township has included soldiers of all the wars of the nineteenth century.
In the war of 1812 were Dennis and William Dailey, Maurice Howard, George Conn, George Hobangh, Samuel Pulley, Levi Carter and Jesse Romine. In the Mexican war were George Streib. David Marshall and Benjamin and Arch Moore. When the old flag was fired upon at Fort . Sumter and Abraham Lincoln called for seventy-five thousand volunteers, some of the Washington township boys were among the first to respond. They were sworn into the service of the United States and marched at once to old Virginia, where Confederate soldiers were armed and forti- fying. The Twelfth Indiana Volunteers were the first Enion soldiers that entered Winchester. In this regiment were these Washington township boys, one of their number being the father of the writer of this history.
From the very beginning of the war Washington township had soldiers in the field and four of them took part in the last battle fought. This was the battle of Palmetto Beach, Texas. The Thirty-fourth Indiana took part in this tight, but all our boys had been mustered out a few days Ixfore this battle, excepting John W. Allen. Benjamin Hicks. Dillon M. Cox and Charles Westfall. These men were present when the last gun was fired and saw the last bombshell burst.
The boys who doned the uniform of blue in the sixties sacrificed comforts of home and the happiness and hopes of the future. They turned their backs on fortune and loved ones for principle. The best blood of the township enlisted and no braver boys over shouldered a musket. They honored the township with their splendid service in battle. Some of them never returned and those who did were broken in health, but they had fought for the flag they loved and were satisfied. They willingly offered their services and their lives if need be to their country. In the language of Kipling, they said in their hearts:
" What if the best of our wages be An empty sleeve-a stiff set kice -- A crutch for the rest of life-Who cares ? So long as the one flag floats and dares."
The mothers, wives and sisters who made up the army in the rear were no less patriotie than those who went to the front. The best they had to give was on their country's altar. Their best love was sacrificed and the anxiety and suspense they suffered can never be written.
Washington township's sons sleep on nearly every battlefield from Gettysburg to the Gulf. They are scattered from the Everglades of Maryland to the plains of Texas. They fell in the thickest of the fight, some of them sleep in unknown graves. Unknown to all save the loving Father who has never allowed a sparrow to fall without his kindly notice. Ile knows them all by name-He saw their heroism, their loyalty and their devotion to the old Hag. lle saw them when they fell and He knows where they sleep.
Washington township shared in the war with Spain. Some of her sons were members of the One Hundred and Sixtieth Indiana Volunteers. Every one who enlisted was tinctured with the blood of a pioneer.
Whenever duty has called the people of the township, both men and women, have proven that in their veins ruus blood of the same kind that warmed the hearts of their ancestors at Valley Forge, Lexington and Bunker Hill. The same blood that coursed through the veins of the fathers in the War of 1812. The spirit of '76 still lives if it has occasion
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to be stirred. The same spirit that animated our father of the American Revolution-an intense Americanism is alive today. Washington town- ship has always been proud of her home, her country and her tlag. May the country and the flag always be proud of Washington township.
During the boom oil and gas several producing wells were drilled in different parts of Washington. Very little of either is being pumped out at the present time.
Two or three splendid stone quarries are located in the southwestern part. Gravel used for building pikes is found in different localities.
Dr. William Lomax, a pioneer physician of Grant county, is authority for the statement that Washington township is the healthiest township in the county, owing to its natural drainage.
The citizens of Washington have been prosperous. Her list of heavy taxpayers has always been long. This township has long been noted for substantial homes. Riley Marshall built the first brick house in the township in 1838. Moses Bradford later bought the Marshall farm and this house was ocenpied by him.
Washington township has always kept abreast of the times in all lines of improvements, both publie and private. The changes that have been made are nothing short of marvelous. From the one room cabin to the palatial homes of frame and briek with all modern conveniences. From log stables covered often with wild grass to immense barns filled with, the best of feed for the stock, which is of the best quality. The farms are fenced with the best fencing on the market.
Wind pumps and gas and gasoline engines have succeeded the old well sweeps and the hand pumps. The best improved harvesters have taken the place of reaper books and cradles. The hand loom, the spin- ning wheel and fax-break have entirely disappeared.
The farmers have their neighbors and the world at their own doors through the . telephones and free mail delivery. They have electric ears near their homes. They have advanced from bridle paths and Indian trails to macadam and gravel roads. From oxcart to automobile.
We are forced to inquire, "Who will own the first aeroplane? What will the next generation enjoy ?" Into their hands are committed the keeping of the principles for which their fathers have fought. May they ever he true to their sacred trust.
XXXVII. SIMS TOWNSHIP IN HISTORY
By Mrs. Margaret Newkirk
Friday, May 5, 1911, was Sims Township day in the Historical Society, and Miss Marguerite Plackard and Fred Fry, of Swayzee, furnished the musical features. When the conscientious historian begins to chronicle the events of the past he finds there are many traditions seemingly founded on fact that are not easily verified among the citizens of the time. It was Samuel Johnson who said that not to know what happened before a man was born is to remain always a child, and the historian of Sims found that the men who made history in that locality went the way of all the world without leaving inch record behind them. She inquired of many citizens in obtaining the facts set forth in the follow- ing sketch :
The writer wishes to extend thanks to those who so kindly helped. in many ways, to make this paper possible. Sims township consists of four tiers of sections off the east side of township 24, north range 6 east.
-
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and is bounded on the north by Richland township, on the east by Frank- lin, on the south by Green and on the west by Howard county. It was named Sims in honor of Joseph Sims, the father in-law of Jacob Pouce, who was the first white man to take a home in this township, in 1845. Among the first settlers were G. W. Ammon, Jesse Elliott and Henry Olinger, who came in 1846. The year 1847 found David Pence, Joseph Buroker, John Brandon and Adolphus Long. In the year '18 came George Miller, Harrison Thompson and Lewis Pence. It had now been demonstrated that people could live in this part of the country, and the years of '49 and '50 were banner years for migration to these parts ; we find John Olinger, John Green, Ephraim Frazee, Eliza Lyons, Wil- Ham Baker, Francis Smith, Samuel Grindle, John Burns, Oliver Lilliard, James Burton and Nathaniel Harris. In 1851 Jacob and William Frier- mood, Steven Jones and Joseph Heavilin located in this locality. Shortly after this came Solomon Barngrover, Thomas Read, Pernel Peters. The township was surveyed and laid out in sections in 1545 and organized in 1848. Owing to its being nearly level it was somewhat later in vetting settled than some other parts of Graut county-the carly settlers choos- ing rather to settle near the streams, thereby seenring drainage-a difli- cult matter in the early history of Sims.
This tract was a part of the Indian reserve, and in the early years of Sims, the "Noble Red Man" was a frequent visitor to these parts, in search for deer, wild turkeys and such other game as could be found. and to barter with the settlers. There are yet living men and women who well remember some of the friendly Indians, with their leaders, Chiefs Mishingomesia and Waconeonaw. The surface of this township is uniforndy level, with here and there a modern elevation rising a few feet above the general level. A fine rich soil is found in Sims, which is of more value to the farmer than a variety of hill and date that lend more beauty to the landscape.
A system of drainage has enabled the farmers to change the land from slough to farm. The noble forest that entirely covered this section of the county has almost entirely disappeared. The woodman's ax has laid them low. The forest trees consisted of gray ash, hickory, walnut, beech, burr oak, lynn, swamp ash and sugar maple. There being no untill- able land, every foot being productive, the farmer did not value the timber so highly and it was cleared away that crops of corn and wheat might be grown. A certain amount of opposition is a great help to man. Hard- ship is the native soil of manhood and self-reliance; and these noble pioneers realized that they must take hold of the work of clearing away the forest trees, draining the soil, making roads, rearing the dwellings, and all that go to make up a life of sacrifice and toil -if they would win. and win they did.
The home would quite often be a temporary affair at first, until the busy season was past, then father and the oldest boys would help rear a more pretentious dwelling. In recalling an incident of this kind, Enoch Barngrover and his sister, Mrs. Isaac Gentis, tell of their first home in Sims township being a room fourteen by sixteen, built of poles and covered with lyun bark. A rail pen was built as an addition to this to serve for a bedroom. Bedsteads were not always available and a sort of shelf was made against the wall that could be let down at night and fastened up against the wall through the day, when not in use. Later, they had the "four-poster" with the "trundle bed" for the children. thus economizing space-many sleeping in the same room. More convenience and poetry than sanitation.
Oxen were used for plowing, as they would work all day, and the owner would put a bell on each and turn them out to get their living
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in the woods at night. They were patient and slow, and were useful in hauling the grain to some distant mill. Making ox-yokes and how's required considerable skill, and the pioneer who could rightly shape them had a thriving trade, as not every man could make them just right. Making the roads in this newly settled section was no small part of the work. A blazing of the trees, chopping off a small piere of bark along the route, cutting down the smaller trees, so that a team of horses or yoke of oxen could wind in and out and around the larger trees and thus travel through the woods until a road could be cleared. Not straight roads, by any means, and it took a much longer time to reach a destination than could be easily understood by the present generation. A trip with the ox team from Mier to Wabash would take four days, two days to go and two to return. These trips had to be made to get salt, soda and other articles of household necessity.
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