Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical, Part 49

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed. cn
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, F. A. Battey & co.
Number of Pages: 814

USA > Indiana > Brown County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 49
USA > Indiana > Monroe County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 49
USA > Indiana > Morgan County > Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical > Part 49

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The territory now composing the county of Monroe was not obtained from the Indians wholly at one time. The old Indian boundary which extends from near Gosport in a southeasterly direction, leaving the county at Section 26, Benton Township, divides two important Indian cessions. The territory of Monroe County south of that boundary was part of Harrison's Purchase, obtained from the Indians by the treaty of Fort Wayne, September 30, 1809 ; and all of Monroe County above that boundary was part of the New Purchase, obtained from the Indians by the treaty at St. Mary's, Ohio, October 2 to 6, 1818. As Monroe County was organized before the last-named treaty was effected, it will be seen that all of the present county north of the Indian boundary was not at first a part of the county. The exact boundary of the county when first formed will be seen from the act creating the county, quoted entire a few pages in advance.

THE SURVEY AND FIRST ENTRIES OF LAND.

The survey of all the lands of Monroe County lying south of the old Indian boundary occurred in the autumn of 1812, Arthur Henrie and William Harris being the surveyors. All of the county north of the Indian boundary was surveyed in 1819 by Thomas Brown and J. Hedges. Although that portion south of the old boundary was surveyed in 1812, the land was not thrown into market until 1816, at which many entries were made, the following being a complete list for that year: In Town- ship 7 north, Range 2 west : William Bigger, Richard Beam, John Kutch, Isaac Withers, John M. Sadler, Archibald Wood, William King, John Storm, Elzy Woodward and Henry Speed. In Township 7 north, Range 1 west : Henry Burkhart, Thomas Grimes, William Anderson, Bartlett Woodward, Adam Darling, Robert Fields, Roult & Brenton, William Bigger, Fetters & Hughes, George Buskirk, George Paul, John Musser, Michael Buskirk, John Vanderoot, Michael Harvey, Jacob Mumma, Jonathan Lindley, John Durham, Samuel Caldwell, John White, William Carl and William Craig. Township 8 north, Range 2 west: Arthur Patterson, Wright & Morgan, Jacob Cutler, William Wright, David Sears, James Parks, James Matlock, John Cutler, John Allen, Jonathan Rains, John Carr, John W. Lec, James Borland, Michael Wood, David Matlock, John Collins, Joseph Berry, William Wilson, William Newcomb, John Harvey, Jonathan Nichols, Solomon Green, Levin Lawrence, Adam Bower, John Briscoe, Jesse Tarkington, Thomas McCrang, Josiah Jackson, John Johnson and Joseph Richard- son. Township 9 north, Range 1 west : John Ketchum, Henry

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

Wampler, Thomas Smith, James Matlock, William Julien, William J. Adair, John Kell, C. and F. Bullett, John Owens, Daniel Stout, Samuel Caldwell, Roderick Rollins, Joseph Taylor, David Raymond, Jacob Ben- derback, Eleazer Dagget, James Borland, Gideon Frisbee, John Lee, William Matlock, Samuel Camphreys, Thomas Graham, Abraham Ap- pler, Chris Esling, George Ritchey, George Hedrick, David Rogers, Henry Rogers, John Thompson, Wheeler Mallett, Samuel Scott, Nich- olas Fleener, William Jackson, John Jackson and Thomas Heady. Township 9 north, Range 2 west: Joseph Evans, Asa Osborn, Lewis Noel, Jonathan Gilbert, George Cutler, George Sharp, James Goodwin, Joseph Harris, Ambrose Carlton, John Simons, John Gordon, John McCormick, William Thornton, Abel Bigelow, David Johnson, John Fullen William Baker, David Sears, Samuel Zunicks, William Oliver, Thomas Hodges and Benjamin Johnson. Township 10 north, Range 2 west : John Fullen about all of Section 4, Abner Evans, Archibald Wood, Jonathan Gilbert, C. & F. Bullett, Fettus & Hughes, John Mc- Cormick, Julius Woodward, William Milliken, William Kelso, John Bigger, Samuel Jennings, nearly all of whom entered several hundred acres each. No entry was made before September, 1816, and during the remainder of that year entries were only made west of the meridian line and south of the old Indian boundary. These entries were all in the present townships of Clear Creek, Indian Creek, Van Buren, Richland. Bloomington and Bean Blossom. Several tracts were purchased by speculators, but the greater number passed to actual residents or to those who became actual residents.

AN ACT FOR THE FORMATION OF MONROE COUNTY OUT OF THE COUNTY OF ORANGE:

SECTION 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, That from and after the 10th day of April next, all that part of the county of Orange inclosed in the following bounds shall form and constitute a new county: Beginning on the line of Orange and Jackson Counties where the line dividing Townships 6 and 7 crosses the same ; thence west with the last mentioned line to the line dividing Ranges 2 and 3 west of the Second Principal Meridian; thence north with said range line to the Indian boundary ; thence southeastwardly with said boundary to the line of Orange and Jackson Counties ; thenc+ south with the same to the beginning-to be known and designated by the name and style of the county of Monroe. And the said county of Monroe shall enjoy all the rights, privileges and jurisdictions which to separate counties do or may properly belong or appertain.

SEC. 2. John Penicks and Jonathan Jones, of Orange County; Daniel Connor, of Daviess County ; David Fouts, of Washington County, and Samuel Burcham, of Jackson County, be, and they are hereby appointed Commissioners for the purpose of fixing the permanent seat of justice in Monroe County, agreeably to an act of Assembly entitled " An act fixing the seat of justice in all new counties hereafter laid off." The Commis- sioners above named shall convene at the house of Abner Blair, of said new county, on the first Monday of April next, and then proceed to discharge the duties assigned them by law.

SEC. 3. It shall be the duty of the Sheriff of said new county to notify the above- named Commissioners, either in person or by writing, of their said appointments and of the time and place at which they are required by this act to meet, at least six days pre- vious to the day appointed for their meeting, and the said Sheriff shall be allowed a reasonable compensation for his services out of the first money in the treasury of the said county of Monroe to be paid as the county claims usually are.

SEC. 4. The Board of County Commissioners of said new county shall, within twelve months after the permanent seat of justice shall have been established, proceed to erect the necessary public buildings thereon.

SEC. 5. Until suitable accommodations can be had (in the opinion of the Circuit Court) at the seat of justice for said county, all the courts which by law become necessary to be held at the county seat shall be holden at the house of Abner Blair aforesaid, or at

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

any other place in the same neighborhood to which the Circuit Court may, for the purpose of getting better accommodations, think proper to adjourn, after which time the said courts shall be adjourned to the seat of justice established as aforesaid.

SEC 6. The agent to be appointed for the county of Monroe shall reserve in his hands ten per centum out of the net proceeds of the sales of lots, which may be made at the seat of justice of said county for the use of a county library, which sum or sums of money so reserved shall be paid by said agent or his successor in office over to such per- son or persons as may be authorized to receive the same, in such manner and with such installments as may be directed by law. This act to take effect from and after its publi- cation in print.

Approved January 14, 1818.

In accordance with the provisions of this enactment, the machinery of the county was immediately put in running order. An election was ordered held under the supervision of the Sheriff, John W. Lee, appointed by the Governor, for the necessary county officers. Bartlett Woodward, Michael Buskirk and James Parks were elected County Commissioners ; William Lowe, County Clerk and Auditor; Chesley Bailey, Recorder ; Joseph Berry and Lewis Noel, Associate Judges. The details of this election cannot be given, as the tally-sheets were not preserved. The election took place early in 1818. The house of Abner Blair was the first court house, but Bloomington was immediately laid out and a log court house built. The Commissioners appointed by the Legislature to locate the county seat met, deliberated, and finally submitted the follow- ing report to the first County Board :

TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR THE COUNTY OF MONROE :

We, the undersigned Commissioners, appointed by an act of the last General Assembly, for fixing the pemanent seat of justice in and for said county, having met agreeable to the above recited act, and after being duly sworn, proceeded to business as the law directs in such cases, to receive donations from persons offering lands to fix the county seat on, and after examining the same and taking into contemplation the future as well as the present weight of population, together with additions and divisions that may take place hereafter, do agree that the southwest quarter of Section 33, in Range 1 west, Township 9 north, is the most eligible and convenient place for the permanent seat of justice for said county, and have accordingly purchased the same of D. Rogers, at $1,200; also have purchased 150 acres out of the northeast quarter of Section 32, of Robertson Graham, for $900, in the same range and township above mentioned, the said Robertson reserving the balance of the above described quarter section of land to himself in the northeast corner of said quarter section of land, beginning at the northeast corner and running south twenty poles, thence west eighty poles, thence north twenty poles, containing ten acres.

Given under our hands and seals this 11th day of April, 1818.

DAVID FOUTS, SAMUEL BURCHAM, JONATHAN JONES, JOHN PERNICKS,

Locating Com- missioners.

THE BOARD DOING COUNTY BUSINESS.

The first meeting of the Commissioners of Monroe County was held at the house of Abner Blair on the 10th of April, 1818. The Commis- sioners were Bartlett Woodward. Michael Buskirk and James Parks, the time which each was to serve being determined by the comparative num- ber of votes polled for them. Mr. Woodward received the highest num- ber of votes, and was to serve three years ; Mr. Buskirk the next highest, and was to serve two years ; and Mr. Parks, the lowest, and was to serve one year. The first official act was the appointment of William Lowe County Clerk, pro tempore, and the second was the appointment of Capt. James Bigger as Lister or Assessor of the county for the year 1818, his

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

bond being fixed at $1,500. Roderick Rawlings was then appointed County Treasurer, and required to give bond in the sum of $20,000. On the second day of this first session, the board adopted a temporary county seal, which was simply a scrawl inclosing the words, " Temporary seal of Monroe County." William Millikan was appointed Superintend- ent of the sixteenth section in Township 10 north, Range 2 west ; George Parks the same in Township 9 north, Range 2 west; William Newcomb the same in Township 8 north, Range 2 west; James Wright, the same in Township 7 north, Range 2 west ; John Storm, the same in Township 7 north, Range 1 west; William Matlock the same in Township 9 north, Range 1 west. Benjamin Parks was appointed County Agent, with bond at $20,000. By order of the board the county seat was to be known as Bloomington. The Commissioners who had been appointed by the General Assembly to fix the county seat of Monroe County were ordered paid as follows: David Fouts, $33; John Pernicks, $30; Jonathan Jones, $30; Samuel Burcham, $30. The first petition for a county road came from William Hardin and others, and was to extend from Bloomington to Scott's Ferry on Salt Creek, and thence to the Lawrence County line. William Jackson, John Scott and William Craig were appointed Viewers. This road was ordered built and was the first constructed wholly at the expense of the county. The town of Bloomington was then ordered laid off, the County Agent to have exclusive management. On the third day of this first session a double-log court house was ordered built for the temporary use of the county, an account of which will be found else- where. On this day the first grand jurors of Monroe County were selected as follows : Dudley Carl, William Chambers, David Chambers, John Scott, John Mercer, Thomas Grimes, John Berry, William New- comb, Jesse Tarkginton, Solomon Green, Jonathan Nichols, George Sharp, William Milliken, George Parks Sen., Coleman Puitt, Eli Lee, William Hardin and Henry Wampler. The Sheriff in attendance, John W. Lee, was ordered to notify the above men to meet for action at the house of Abner Blair. The traverse jury was then selected as fol- lows : William Matlock, George Birdrick, John Thompson, Samuel Scott, Thomas Clark, Jonathan Rains, John Storm Jr., John Couch, John Matlock, John Cutler, Joseph Peeshaw, David Sears, Elijah Morgan, James Wright and James Matlock. The first county road above referred to was reported on by the Viewers in May, 1818, and ordered built. Jonathan Rogers, Robert Russell and Samuel Scott were appointed Road Supervisors. The Sheriff, John W. Lee, was paid $18 for notifying the locating Commissioners of their appointments, and was also paid $7 for making the returns of the first election held in the county.

SUBSEQUENT ACTS OF THE COUNTY BOARD.

Bloomington was immediately laid off, and the lots were offered for sale at public auction. A full report of these sales will be found in the chapter on the town. The proceeds from the sale of lots were the principal source of revenue for a number of years. The board from the first were forced to issue orders at a discount, which were afterward ordered received for county dues. Wild-cat bank issues were the only paper money then, and almost every early report of the Treasurer shows

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

an entry to his credit of certain per centum of depreciation on the bank bills in his possession. The holder of a bank bill in those days was not sure that the next morning would not find his bill greatly de- preciated in value, if not absolutely worthless. What a contrast with the excellent stable paper currency of the present.

Capt. James Bigger, County Lister, was ordered paid $32 for his services. A tax of 372 cents was levied on each horse; 50 cents on each 100 acres of first-class land; 432 cents on each 100 acres of second-class land ; and 25 cents on each 100 acres of third-class land. In February, 1819, the board fixed store license at $7.50 in Blooming- ton, and at $5 in the country. They also, curiously enough, fixed the charges of tavern keepers as follows : 25 cents for breakfast; 25 cents for dinner ; 182 cents for supper ; lodging 64 cents ; corn or oats, per gallon, 12} cents ; horse at fodder or hay, 25 cents ; one-half pint of whisky, 122 cents ; one-half pint of brandy, 182 cents ; one-half pint of rum or French brandy, 37} cents ; one-half pint of wine, 37} cents. We may now smile at the folly of our fathers ; but, after all, are we any wiser or better ? The following standard weights and measures were also ordered obtained : A foot measure; a yard; a dry bushel of 1,075.2 cubic inches ; a dry half bushel ; a wine gallon of 231 cubic inches ; one set of avordupois weights ; a quart; a pint, and a half pint. Lewis Noel became Lister in 1820. In August, 1820, Benjamin Parks, County Agent, reported that the total sales and rents of the town lots and other donated lands amounted to the surprising sum of $27,874.58}, with which figures he was charged. He was credited with notes worth $18,360.54 ; with cash paid over, $9,383.73 ; with discounts on bad cur- rency, $98.80; balance on hand, $32.51}. This exhibits the rapid growth of Bloomington.

In August, 1820, Addison Smith succeeded Benjamin Parks as County Agent. Late in 1820, James Borland succeeded Roderick Rawlins as County Treasurer. Addison Smith was the Census Enumera- tor in 1820. He was also the Lister for 1821, and C. J. Hand in 1823. Jesse Moore was Lister in 1819.

POPULATION OF MONROE COUNTY.

In 1820. 2,679 ; in 1830, 6,577; in 1840, 10,143; in 1850, 11,- 286; in 1860, 12,847; in 1870, 14,168 ; in 1880, 15,875.

THE FIRST CIRCUIT COURT OF MONROE COUNTY.

The first term of this court was held on the first Monday in June, 1818, at the house of Abner Blair, by Hon. Thomas H. Blake, President Judge, and Joseph Berry and Lewis Noel, Associate Judges. The first act of the court was the issuance of a writ of ad quod damnum for the benefit of Robert Hamilton to ascertain what damage would be caused by his erection of a grist and saw mill and a dam on his land-on Section 24. Township 8 north, Range 2 west, on Clear Creek. The Sheriff, John W. Lee, was directed to summon twelve fit persons to ascertain the damage. They reported that the land of James Speed would be damaged to the amount of $158. Nothing farther seems to have been done until the September term, at which time the first case came to trial. It was David Teague vs. Leonard Nicholson, trespass on the case for words

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

spoken, damages being laid lat $,000. The attorney for the plaintiff was Addison Smith, and for the defendant John F. Ross. Before suit was begun, the defendant stated that if the plaintiff would desist from farther prosecution he would pay all costs thus far; which proposition was accepted by the plaintiff, and the defendant was discharged. At this term the court convened at the new log court house in Bloomington. The following men constituted the first grand jury: Jonathan Nichols, William Anderson, Edward Armstrong, John Treat, David McHollen, Thomas B. Clark, Abner Blair, Julius Dugger, John Tullen, James Ellege, John Storm, Joseph Cox, Joseph Baugh and Joseph Gilbert. They were sworn, sent out, and soon returned with the following "true bills :" State of Indiana vs. James Green, larceny (stealing a rifled gun owned by John W. Lee). John Law was the Prosecuting Attorney. The defendant pleaded " not guilty " to the charge, and the following first petit jury was impaneled to try the case : Joseph Perisho, John M. Sadler, Isaiah Wright, James Thompson, George Parks Sr., Absalom Morgan, John Wakefield, Solomon David Scott, Jonathan Gilbert,

Granville Ward and John The evidence was heard and the jury was sent out. They returned the following verdict: "We of the jury do find the traverser guilty." The defendant's counsel moved an arrest of judgment, which was granted until the next day, upon which occasion the following reasons for an arrest of judgment were filed : "1. It does not appear upon the record that the jurors sworn to try said cause were good and lawful men. 2. It is bad for uncertainty, as it does not appear that Clear Creek Township is within Monroe County, so as to preclude intendment. 3. It is informal in its conclusion, as it does not conclude in a manner directed by the constitution. 4. The verdict is against law and evidence." The court overruled the motion and rendered judgment as follows: The defendant to pay to John W. Lee $30, to pay a fine of $30, to pay costs of prosecution, and to stand com- mitted until sentence be complied with.

On the second day of the September term, the grand jury returned a bill against Seth Goodwin for assault and battery upon Jacob Leabo. The case was continued until the March (1819) term of the court, at which time Leabo himself was fined $9.50 for an assault. The March term of the court was held by the Hon. Gen. Washington Johnston, President Judge of the First Judicial Circuit, and Joseph Berry and . Lewis Noel, Associates. George R. C. Sullivan was Prosecuting Attor- ney. Seth Goodwin was fined 64 cents for his assault on Leabo. At this term also came the action of debt, David Teauge vs. William Baker. Teauge had hired to Baker for $205 to build a mill-dam, mill, etc., but had failed, as alleged by the plaintiff, to pay all that was due. Suit was dropped, a compromise being effected. The next case was G. W. Harden vs. William Harden on a debt of $487.50 with interest, which amount was recovered by the plaintiff. At the June term, 1819, the Hon. Jonathan Doty, President Judge, held court, assisted by the above- named Associates.

THE FIRST PROBATE COURT OF MONROE COUNTY. The first court of this character was held at Bloomington on the 31st.

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

day of August, 1818, by Joseph Berry and Lewis Noel, Associate Judges. The first act was as follows : On motion of Eli Lee, it was "ordered that William Dorsey, infant son of Joseph Dorsey (deceased) and Sarah Dor- sey, born January 24, 1811, be bound unto Eli Lee and Sarah Lee until he arrives at the age of twenty one years, to learn the art of agriculture ; whereupon the said Eli Lee and Sarah Lee, together with William their security, entered into bond in the penal sum of $500, conditioned that the said Eli Lee and Sarah Lee learn (teach) him, the said William Dorsey, reading, writing, and arithmetic as far as the rule of three; and also to find him in wholesome diet, washing, lodging and clothing, and to deal with him in all cases as an apprentice ought to be dealt with, and to find him upon his becoming of age the sum of $10 and a good suit of clothes. At this time also, Dorcas Dorsey, infant daughter of Joseph Dorsey, deceased, was bound out to George Hedrick. This was the only business performed at the first session of the court. In vacation, letters of administration were granted to David Chambers upon the estate of James Sheffield, deceased.

At the March term, 1819, Lory Loving was granted letters of admin- istration on the estate and last will and testament of John Loving, de- ceased. At this term. David Chambers, administrater of the estate of John Henson, deceased, returned the following inventory of the sales of such estate: One kettle, 50 cents; one kettle, $3; one kettle, $3; one pot, $2.75; one pot, $2.62}; fire dogs, $2; one shovel, 62} cents; one plow (spelled plough), $4.40 ; leather, $1; leather, $1; one steel trap, $3; one plate, $1.25; three hoes, 50 cents; one basket, 31} cents; one churn, 64 cents ; one cutting knife, $1.664; smith tools, $5.87} ; one curry comb, 54 cents ; one ladle, 12} cents; one reeler, 21 cents; one pair of steelyards, $2.364; two chairs, 62} cents ; three pair of cards; 50 cents ; sheep shears, 52 cents; tobacco, $2.82; one keg, 46 cents ; one barrel, 75 cents ; one note, $20.25; one note, $2.25; one hackle, $4; one reed and gears, $1.182 ; one reed and gears, 50 cents ; total, This list is given here to show what personal property our grandparents possessed. It will not bear close inspection under the crit- ical and aristocratic eye of the present generation, but it is an honest record that speaks in volumes of the self-denial of early times.

" Let not ambition mock their useful toil- Their homely joys and destiny obscure- Nor grandeur hear with a disdainful smile, The short and simple annals of the poor."

ERECTION OF TOWNSHIPS.

At the first session of the Commissioners, the following townships were laid off: Bloomington Township-Beginning at the corner of Sec- tions 18 and 19, where they intersect the line dividing Ranges 1 and 2 west ; thence north on said range line to the boundary line ; thence south- east with said line to where the Jackson line intersects the same ; thence south of the Jackson line to the middle of fractional Township 8; thence through the middle of Township 8 to the place of beginning. Beanblos- som Township-Beginning on the line dividing Ranges 1 and 2 west, at the corner of Sections 13 and 14, where they intersect the same; thence

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HISTORY OF MONROE COUNTY.

north on said line to the boundary line; thence northwest on the bound- ary line to the northwest corner of Monroe County ; thence south on Daviess County line to the middle of Township 8; thence through the middle of said town to the place of beginning. Indian Creek Township -Beginning at the corner of Beanblossom and Bloomington Townships, on the line dividing Ranges 1 and 2 west ; then south on said line to the Lawrence County line; thence west on said line to where it intersects the county line of Daviess ; thence north on said line to the corner of Bean- blossom Township ; thence on the line of the last-mentioned township to the place of beginning. Clear Creek Township-Beginning at the cor- ner of the townships interlocked on the line dividing Ranges 1 and 2 west ; thence south on said line to the county line of Lawrence ; thence east on said line to where it intersects the Jackson County line ; thence north on said line to the corner of Bloomington Township ; thence on the last-mentioned line to the place of beginning. Granville Ward was ap- pointed Inspector of Elections in Bloomington Township; John Cutler, ' same in Beanblossom Township; James Trotter, same in Indian Creek ; and John Storm, same in Clear Creek. Elections were ordered held in the above townships on the 9th of May for two Justices of the Peace in each, the elections to be held at the following places : Bloomington Town- ship, at the house of David Rogers; Beanblossom Township, at the house of Coleman Peets ; Indian Creek, at the house of John Berry ; Clear Creek, at the house of Thomas Graham.

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Counties of Morgan, Monroe, and Brown, Indiana. Historical and biographical, Part 49

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed. cn Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago, F. A. Battey & co. Number of Pages: 814

Author: Blanchard, Charles, fl. 1882-1900, ed. cn
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago, F. A. Battey & co.
Number of Pages: 814