USA > Indiana > Greene County > Early history of Greene County, Indiana : as taken from the official records, and compiled from authentic recollection, by pioneer settlers including brief sketches of pioneer families. > Part 3
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While on the subject of old settlers who came here boys, there settled here about the time the county was organized, a boy by the name of James H. Hall, who is now about sixty-one years of age. He is a son of . Samuel C. Hall. During his en- tire life, since arriving of sufficient age, he has at all times been ready to serve his country, and especially in times of war. He served in the Mexican war one year, in the regu- lar army five years, and in the late "unpleasantness" three years; mak- ing nine years service in the army.
William Mason settled here over fifty years ago, when he was a boy, and after arriving at manhood, took a leading part in the business of the county. We will have occasion to speak of him again. Abram Mason was probably born near Bloomfield. among the very first. John Ander- son, who resides in Bloomfield, came here while a boy, nearly fifty years ago.
This year the levy of taxes on real estate was 934 cents on each one hundred acres of first rate land, and 623 cts. on each one hundred acres of second rate land.
The Treasurer's report shows :
Receipts in county orders. $545 913 Cash. 16 46
Total receipts. $562 373
Expenditures for county pur-
poses. $354 98}
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The Early History of Greene County.
During the year 1826, John Crook, Elisha P. Cushman, Leonard Wines and Samuel Daugherty appeared as additional members of the Board of Justices, some of the old members having gone out.
The first order made this year by the Board of Justices, was for the payment of 932 cents for whisky used "for the sale of town lots in Bloom- field." That was just one year's tax on one hundred acres of first rate land. Up to this time we had not learned that it was necessary to make people drunk in order to induce them to. invest in Bloomfield lots. But as it did not cost much, perhaps that was the best plan that presented itself.
James Green and William M. Nor- ris commenced business in Bloomfield this year.
The Treasurer made no report, but afterwards made a report covering the time."
During this year there appears to have been a sort of mania for divor- ces, and a large number of cases, considering the population, were commenced ; but nearly all of them were continued from time to time, until the parties, wearied by the "laws delays," were reconciled.
Colonel Levi Fellows and Robert Smith commenced their judicial ca- reers as associate judges. We have no recollection of Judge Smith, but Colonel Fellows was one of the earli- est settlers, and one of our best edu- cated and most useful citizens. He settled at the place known as "Fel- lows' Mill," now owned by Abel Fau- cett, and resided there until a few years ago, when he moved to Terrc Haute, and has since died.
During the October term of the Circuit Court of this year, Hugh L. Livingstone was admitted to practice. He afterwards moved to Bloomfield, and made that town his home. Ma- jor Livingstone was a man of supe- rior literary attainments, as well as a man of wonderful brilliancy of intel- lect. He graduated at West Point,
served a year in the U. S. Navy, and then turned his attention to the study of law. George G. Dunn once said to him, "that when he first came to Inaiana, he was the most promising young man in the State." He served several terms in the Legislature, from Lawrence county, early in life. In his profession he took front rank at the very out set of his practice. In middle and after life, he was not a close student, but his comprehensive intellect and ·quick perception eu- abled him to grasp at a moment the points in a casc. He could grasp in a moment, what it would take other lawyers days to learn by study. He excelled as a criminal lawyer. His speeches before a jury were replete with cloquence, beauty and . force. In his private relations with the peo- ple, he was remarkable for his urban- ity of manners, his generosity toward all classes of people, and especially his liberality and kindness to the poor. Many old citizens remember him, and will remember a scar on his face, that extended near his mouth, giving a somewhat singular, thoughi not unpleasant, expression to his face. This scar was caused by a shot re- ceived in a duel with a brother cadet, by the name of Henry, at West Point. Mr. Henry was severly wounded in the engagement, and went to Europe for treatment, before he entirely re- covered. The Major, manifesting his usual generosity, contributed a part of the money to pay Mr. Henry's expense to Europe. After the duel they became lasting friends. IIe died in 1856, and was buried in the Bloomfield cemetery. In the course of these chapters, we will have occa- sion to mention him again.
In the year 1827, George Ander- son perfected his naturalization as a citizen of the United States. He had emigrated in 1821, and came directly to the west. This year Norman W. Pierce was appointed Treasurer, and John Lemons, Assessor for the coun - ty. It appears that Mr. Lemons ex- hibited some reluctance about accept-
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The Early History of Greene County.
ing this office, but the office sought | dent of the Board of Trustees. The him diligently. He finally accepted the office on condition that his fees should not be less than thirty-five dollars for assessing the whole coun- tv. The county jail was completed and its cost determined. It cost 8201 25.
After three years of trial, the sys- tem of Board of Justices proved to be cumbersom and expensive, and the Legislature returned to the old sys- tem of County Commissioners.
The first Commissioners under the new law were Jonathan Lindley, Benson Jones and John Crook. They appeared and were sworn in by John Storm, a Justice.
During this year Moses Ritter, an old settler of the county, moved to Bloomfield and entered into the mer- cantile business. We believe he first settled in Plummer township. Many of our citizens remember him. He lived in our midst many years, and filled many offices of trust. It is said that "an honest man is the noblest work of God;" he entirely filled that measure.
During the year there was consid- erable revenue collected from fines. A very large proportion of the fines were reported for "scrimishing"-an offense that we have not heard of in our day.
The expenses of the county this year amounted to $573 52.
In a very early day the attention of our early settlers was directed to the importance of furnishing them- selves and their families with some ineans of education, and a public li- brary was one of the earliest means adopted. The laws of the State re- quired this library to be purchased from time to time as the finances of the county would admit. It was in this that the Trustees were first elec- ted in our county. The first Trus- tees were Thomas Bradford, James Warnick, Thomas Plummer, Ruel Leonard, Jonathan Lindley, Norman W. Pierce and William Freeland. William Freeland was elected Presi-
records kept by the library trustees, are remarkable for their neatness. These trustees held their positions until the close of 1830, when they were succeeded by Levi Fellows, Pe- ter Hill, Moses Ritter, P. C. Van- Slyke, Jolın Vanvorst, John Inman and James Boyd. For the first trus- tees, W. D. Lester was Treasurer, and for the second, James Patterson was Treasurer.
It is a little wonderful to find so old a record, so nicely written, so accu- rately kept, and so free from inter- lincation. There is one singular or- der recorded by the Board. It was, "that the Board adjourn sic & die." They often adjourned for long peri- ods, but after this order they met again seemingly in good health and as live as ever.
Among the early settlers who died within a few years after they settled in the county, were John Slinkard, Robert Harrison, John Smith, Sam - uel Morrison, Robert Anderson, Ed- mund Gillum, Joseph Ingersoll, Solo- mon Dixson, John Stokely, John Arthur, Abel Westfall, John Burch- am, Frank Robeson, Seth Fields, George Wilkey, Samuch Hughes, Augustus Passmore, Mark Dugger, (grandfather of our present Sheriff,) Will. Anderson and Stephen O. Aton.
There is one serious difficulty in writing up the history of early times in Greene county, that we have found no remedy for, and that is, there are no election returns of early times pre- served. We are unable to tell who were elected to Congress or the State Legislature. Solomon Dixson, as heretofore stated, is said to have been the first representative in the Legislature. Soon after, Eli Dixson represented the county for several sessions. Both these men have been dead for many years. Eli was the father of William Dixson, who died a few years ago, and John H. Dixson, who now resides east of Worthington, a little over a mile.
By the way, John H. Dixson, al-
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The Early History of Greene County.
though a comparatively young man, must be one of our oldest settlers. If we are not mistaken, he came to this county before 1820, while he was a sucking babe. This would make him a very old settler, if not a very old man. John is a brick. Clever, genial and hospitable. A visitor at his house always feels welcome. We heard an anecdote of him not long since, which might be given as an- other instance of the saying, that "the ruling passion is strong in death." John was very sick, and he thought his time had come. But be- fore stepping into the dark and tur- bid waters of the river of death, he concluded it was best to make provis- ions for the future comfort of the partner of his life. She had helped him make their property, and he de- sired that she should be bountifully provided for. He sent for a Notary to write his will, and in it he made unusually liberal provisions for his expectant widow. After the will had been carefully prepared, the Notary said, "John, had you not better put a provision in your will that your wife shall hold this property during the time she remains your widow ?" John meditated for a moment only, and said, "yes, you may put that in, and put it in, also, that if she gets married, she shall have that property and five hundred dollars more, be- cause it will take that much to get up a good wedding."
Our readers will pardon us for using a slang word here, and saying "bully" for John. It turned out that John was not required, at that time, to cross the dark and turbid waters. Years have passed away. since, and John's better-half has gone before him, leaving him a hale, stout man. If, in the events of providence, John's heart should be again turned toward connubial bliss, his spouse may rest assured that John is all right on the property question.
CHAPTER VI.
ARLY in the history of Greene county, there settled in and around Bloomfield, others whose names have not yet been mentioned. Isaac Workman and his sons, John, Noah, Richard and Jeremiah; Joseph Burcham and sons, David, Andrew, John and Solomon ; Roland Bennett and his son, John K. Bennett ; Josiah Shields and his family ; Jacob Turley, Andrew Allen, Henry Kelsey, Geo. Milam, John Milam, Anthony Milam, Jesse Franklin, John P. Gallion, Wm. Bannister, Asa Osbon (father of Geo. W. Osbon), John S. Moor, Major George Sarver (a soldier of the war of 1812), Jonathan McCollough (a soldier of 1812), Kelly Heaton and his sons, William and David; James Roach and his sons, Joshua Roach, James M. Roach, John Roach and Henry Roach; Ayres Goad and his sons, Littleton Goad, Henry Goad and Payton Goad, and many others whose names we have not received.
Several of James Roach's sons were probably grown when they came to the county. The old gentleman, " Uncle Jimmy " as he was generally called, was a very singular man. We don't suppose he ever had a personal enemy. In early times, when he was quite old, he often went to Bloom- field and remained several days on a spree. He always had money, and there were very few boys if any in town then to whom he did not give money, and treat to ginger-bread. .In that day ginger-bread was regard- ed as the highest gift that could be given to a boy. He was as honest as "old honesty" himself, and not a business man in town but was willing to leave him alone in his house through the day or all night, whether intoxicated or sober. When under the influence of liquor he was always quiet, and talked a great deal to him- self. He used to repeat, time after time, these words, "who wants to make a fuss about nothing? Peace belongs to every body." Whether
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The Early History of Greene County.
intoxicated or sober, he always had ( about the place where William Ser. plenty of friends. The town boys, who usually play tricks on persons who were drinking, never molested him, nor would they allow any one else to molest or play tricks on him. Men and boys were always ready to espouse his cause, and when necessa- ry, take care of him,
James Harrah, who has resided for many years right at old Burlington, is a very old settler in the county, his father having settled on the west side of the river, while "Jim," as we usually call him, was a boy. He can remember nearly all about early times. He has filled several offices in the county, among which are Treasurer of county and real estate appraiser.
Stephen H. Lockwood was a very old settler. One who knew him dur- ing the many years in which he was an exemplary christian and quiet gentleman, would hardly believe he had ever "sowed wild oats." But in early years, it is said he was a little wild. On one occasion, when he was young, some men attempted to get a a friend of his into a fight. Mr. Lockwood, thinking the fellow was not doing the fair thing, "slied his coat," rushed into the crowd, and told them that if there was any fight- ing to be done, he was their man- that he was the "man that had swal- lowed the whale." After that he was generally called "Jonah," which name followed him during his life .- Mr. Lockwood departed this life in April, 1874, and his death was much deplored by numerous friends.
Up to the beginning of 1828, there had not been built any frame or brick houses in Bloomfield. Some few of the log houses had brick chimneys .- Wolves, panthers, deer and other wild animals, were found in great abundance.
Among the first brick chimneys ever built, was one built by Joseph A. Wright-but we do not know in what year it was built. It was built for Thomas Warnick, on the lot and
gent's house now stands. Joseph A. Wright afterwards became one of the most popular Governors of Indiana. We do not know how it was before his day, but since that time no Gov- ernor has ever extended the hospi- talities of his house so generally to all classes of citizens as he did. In his political campaigns, he always took a pride in referring to his early life as a bricklayer. In all his speeches that he made at Bloomfield he called special attention to his chimney.
In thinking of Governor Wright, our recollection is called to a conver- versation between him and Adam Stropes. Mr. Stropes was one of our earliest settlers, and for many years took an active part in the business of the county. He was a man of great courage, and was always ready for any daring undertaking, whether it consisted in arresting some despera- do, or going down in a well to rescue ! some unfortunate person who had either fallen in, or had been over- come with poisonous gassess after go- ing in. He had been a soldier in the war of 1812, and was severely wound- ed at the battle of "Horse Shoe." He was also a Lieutenant in the Mex- ican war. For many years he fol- lowed teaming, and hauled many loads to and from Louisville, Ken- tucky. He had been acquainted with Governor Wright while the Governor was working at his trade in Bloomington. At the time they met Mr. Stropes was keeping a hotel in Bloomfield, and the Governor was canvassing the State as a candidate for Governor, for his second term. While Mr. Stropes was hitching up the Governor's horse, they very na- turally were talking of the olden times. The Governor said, " Well, Adam, you didn't think, when you used to see me laying brick at Bloom- lington, that I would ever be Gover- nor of the State, did you ?" "No, Jo," answered Mr. Stropes, in his quaint, eccentric style ; "we can't always tell from the looks of a toad
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The Early History of Greene County.
how far he will jump." In speaking ofthe hospitality of Governor Wright, we do not wish it to be understood that we think a Governor should extend hospitalities to the people to the same extent that he did. It would not be right ; because if he did, in these days, since our State has become so large in population, he would soon be in the condition that Thomas Jefferson was in, after he retired to Monticel- lo, from being President. He would soon be "literally eaten out of house and home."
In the early days, the Board of County Commissioners, were in one respect like early school teachers .- Early school teachers would board around with their patrons. The Board would meet just wherever they could, at the county seat, there being no place provided for that purpose .- In 1828, their first meeting was at the residence of W. D. Lester, and there was no change in the board, since the year before.
ranges three and four. This year, from some cause, the Commissioners extended the time for the Treasurer to make his report.
The Treasurer's fees for this year amounted to $16 36.
In the year 1829, James Warnick was elected Commissioner, in the place of John Crook. The other Com- missioners were continued. John Crook was appointed Assessor. The other officers were continued in office. The fee for assessing the county was $45, which was regarded as rather high then. John Inman and Robert Inman commenced merchandising at Bloomfield, and continued for many years. William N. Norris procured license to keep grocery. The first public well was dug. Beech Creck and Jackson townships were organ- ized, the line between them being somewhere near the middle of the present Center township. Hance ¡ Stalcup, who had been surveyor for many years, was appointed by the Commissioners to procure the field notes for the original survey of the county. He procured them, and ad- vanced twenty-four dollars to pay for them, and some years afterwards re- ceived a county order for the same.
The officers for the last year were continued in office, and Ephraim Owen was appointed county Agent. During this year, Willis D. Lester was authorized to keep store, and Samuel Brooks authorized to keep tavern. Isaac Anderson had a ferry During this year and the year be- fore, several new comers settled at and near Bloomfield, among whom were Andrew Downing, Alexander Downing, Thomas Patterson, James Boyd, George Boyd, Arthur Hicks, a preacher, and his son, William C. Hicks, who now lives in the county, and is also a preacher. William C. Hicks, in times of meetings, has al- ways kept an extensive hotel, at which every body is welcome, "with- out money and without price." established across White river, west of Bloomfield. Thomas Stalcup and James Parsley had a ferry established across Eel river, just above its mouth, but that ferry was not continued many years. John Kelly had a ferry established. Eel River, Smith and Dixson townships were established .- Eel River township was established as it has since continued. Smith em- braced the present Jefferson, Smith and Wright, and the place of holding elections was at Frederick Dayhoff's. Owing, perhaps, to the influx of emigration to the Bloomfield settle- ment, (in those days they called what we now call a neighborhood a settle- ment,) the people were looking hope- fully to their county seat, at some early day, being a great commercial emporium. It was then believed that Elias Dayhoff was the first inspector of elections. Dixson township em- braced the present Fairplay, Grant and Stockton, and the place of hold- ing elections was at Fairplay. Mar- tin Wines was the first inspector of elections. Richland was extended on the east, to the range line, dividing White river would be a great com-
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The Early History of Greene County.
mercial thoroughfare. Railroads had [ many years after this. This year, not then been thought of in Indiana. the-first man sent from our county to States' prison for larceny, was sent five years, for stealing a horse. With a view to these bright anticipa- tions, Peter C. VanSlyke had dona- ted an additional five acres, lying on the bank of White river, about one mile south-west of Bloomfield. Dur- ing this year, Ruel Learned, Cornelius Bogard and Isaac Anderson, were appointed to view this donation, for the purpose of ascertaining a good landing. This donation was called Van Bayou, and the name was after- wards changed to Bluff Port, and the place was afterwards laid out in lots and sold at auction, but the purchas- ers neither paid their bids nor re- ceived deeds for the lots. The land was many years afterwards sold to the adjacent owner.
In May, of this year, the Treasurer made his report, covering two years and two months. The tax collected amounted each year to five hundred dollars, but there was some revenue collected from sales of lots and from fines, which run it up to a little over $500 per year. During this period, there was collected, from all sources, in cash, only $61 01, which was all paid out, except $2 76.
At the June term of the Circuit Court, Samuel R. Cavins, who lived in Jackson township, formerly a part of Burlingame township, appeared as associate Judge, to fill the vacancy caused by the retiring of Judge Smith. At this term, John Inman, who had emigrated to the United States, in 1827, declared his intention of be- coming a citizen. Affey Herrington divorced her husband, Ezekiel Her- rington, this being the first divorce granted in the county in favor of the wife. Those who have read the for- mer chapters of this book, will prob- ably remember that this same Her- rington was the first man in the coun- ty to divorce his wife, and now in turn, he is the first to be divoreed .- These divorces were four years apart. If we are not mistaken, this man was in the divorce business to a consider- able extent, and figured in several,
The first Probate Judge ever elee- ted in the county, was W. D. Lester. He was among the very first settlers in the county, having come here be- forc he was grown. He was elected first in 1829, and held the office dur- ing the greater part of the time that there was such an office, having held it about twenty years. He is yet liv- ing, and is the oldest man right at Bloomfield. He is universally hon- ored and respected by his neighbors and acquaintances.
In 1830 the Commissioners were same as year before. Cornelius Bo- gard was Sheriff, having been elected the year before. He was one of the earliest settlers, and took an active part in the county business for many years. He was a man universally esteemed. He has been dead several years. His two sons, Thomas and William, are living in the county .- Thomas Bogard, his oldest son, must be about fifty years of age, and has probably resided in the county all his life. He is well known all over the county. Just in the same neighbor- hood where they first settled, are several other old settlers. Isaac Benham, son of Joel Benham, was probably born in that neighborhood fifty years ago. Unele David Led- gerwood, down there, is a very old settler, and although he has several children that are getting along in years, Uncle David is not old in heart or feeling, it we can judge from his jolly good nature that is always cropping out when he is about. Per- haps his being a widower, may make him appear younger-it will some- times.
Having digressed a little, we. will return to our history. George Ba- ber, the old Sheriff, was appointed Assessor for the east side of the river, and collector for the county. John L. Buskirk was appointed Assessor for the west side of the river. During
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The Early History of Greene County.
the latter part of the year, Samuel ( covered up with chunks. It was e vi- Simons appeared as Commissioner, dently a practical joke perpetrated on the old gentleman. and took the place of Stephen Stone. Mr. Simons served many years as Commissioner, He was a very early CHAPTER VII. settler, and one of the best citizens. He is yet living, but not in the coun- N the year 1831, all the officers of the year before were contin- ued in office except for Assessor. James M. Buckner was Assessor for the west side of the river, and John S. Owen for the east side. ty. He is the father of Captain John S. Simons, who was killed at Spottsyl- vania, and of Price Simons, who now lives in the county. The other offi- cers were same as the year before .- Washington and Stockton townships were organized.
The receipts from taxes, fines, li- censes, etc., amounted to $644 463, of which only $60 was in cash. The amount paid out was $591 65, but much of this was on old orders. The county expense for this year, for the first ten months, was $260 623.
During this year, John Law, for- merly Prosecutor, appeared as Presi- dent Judge, and E. M. Huntington as Prosecuting Attorney. Mr. Hunt- ington afterward became Judge of our Circuit Court, and while yet a young man, was appointed District Judge of the Federal Court, which office he held during life.
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